Chapter 187 (1/2)

Chapter 187: Chapter 187

“Lady Monique, I’m so glad you are well and safe.”

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I’m so sorry … ”

“Don’t blame yourself. It’s just that my time is up now. So, just focus on yourself.”

“… Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll do it.”

“Good…” said the emperor, getting his breath back.

“I know you are sick and tired of this story, but listen to me for the last time. So, are you still determined to be the successor of your family?”

“… ”

“It must be a very difficult choice. I didn’t say that because I am greedy. I still think the position most suitable for you is not the successor of your family, but the empress. I sincerely hope you can keep it in mind.”

“Your Majesty.”

“Sometimes, I was harsh on you, but I regarded you as my daughter. When you were a baby, I kept being worried about you. After I am gone, I feel you’re going to have great hardship… I should have held out until I resolved this matter, so I’m so sorry.”

Tears now dropped from my eyes. Wiping my tears, I said to him who I always respected, “If I may say, I also have always regarded you as my father. I will never forget your so many favors and benefits.”

“Really? Thank you. Can I ask you a favor for the last time?”

“Please go ahead.”

“Do you remember what I told you in the past? Even if you realize your dream…”

“Yes, I remember, Your Majesty. I will keep it. ”

“I’m asking you again.”

I pledged again to the emperor who slurred. Two years ago when I went to the palace to offer New Year greetings to the emperor, he told me he would like to ask me a favor. He asked if I could stay beside the lonely crown prince even as a friend when I became the successor of my family as I wanted.

When I shed tears, recalling my memories at the time, the emperor smiled faintly and said, “Finally, I give you a small gift. I hope it can be of help to protect you.”

“Pardon, Your Majesty? What do you mean…”

However, the emperor kept silent, with his eyes closed. He didn’t say anymore.

I rose from the seat. Now it was time to get out.

“… ”

I took one step then looked back, and again and again. My eyes were blurred as he gradually faded away from my eyes. I felt like I was about to cry anytime soon, so I took one last look at the emperor, then went out the room.

After a while, the chief chamberlain came back to the waiting room and said, “Duke Jena and his successor, please come in.”

The old man who got up from the seat suddenly stopped. Looking at the chamberlain, he asked, with his eyes glaring, “Are you saying that only I and my son can come? What about my daughter?”

“It is exactly what I said. Your daughter’s access is denied.”

“Why?”

“It’s the emperor’s order. If you don’t agree and make a disturbance, he said he would not allow you to see him.”

“Oh my…”

As if he was dumbfounded, the duke was moving his mouth up and down, then quickly turned around.

‘Is this the gift that the emperor has promised me?’

People in the waiting room began to whisper. Staring at me for a long time, the duke walked into the room, gnashing his teeth. A purple-haired middle-aged man followed him, with his mouth turned up a bit.

When the family of Duke Jenna except Jiun disappeared, everyone’s eyes turned toward her.

Although she tried to be indifferent, she was burning with anger. As she was humiliated in front of the great nobles in the waiting room, it was natural that she showed such a reaction. The fact that the emperor didn’t call her before his death meant that he didn’t recognize her as the crown prince’s bride candidate.