Chapter 200 (1/2)
Chapter 200: Chapter 200
“I’m very happy about your decision, Your Majesty,” I said, expressing gratitude by bowing to him. Then, I turned to the noble faction who were desperate to oppose his decision, and said clearly, smiling brightly at them, “I remember that everyone here said that Earl Lanier acted alone to poison me, so I don’t understand why you are so opposed. Do any of you have something to do with Lanier’s crime?”
“Lady Monique, watch your language!”
“Then why are you so opposed? If you are not involved in the incident, you will be found innocent whoever is in charge of the investigation, right?”
“… ”
They had no more reason to oppose.
The noble faction was undermined because of the ongoing investigation into Earl Lanier, while the pro-emperor faction plunged into chaos due to my abrupt request for the investigation.
Was it because of that? The lengthy meeting that lasted all afternoon finally ended when the emperor wrapped it up with a sigh.
When I was about to leave the place, rubbing my temple, I saw the two dukes and Marquis Enesil approaching me.
I smiled bitterly at them who were hesitating with mixed feelings. What are they going to say to me now?
“Do you have anything to say to me?”
“… ”
“If you don’t, let me leave now. Ah, Duke Verita, can I send someone to the government to receive some materials about the investigation?”
“Sure, no problem.”
“Thank you.” I politely bowed to the three and turned.
I felt vindicated but empty when the emperor accepted my request for the right to investigate the Lanier case. As soon as I went back home, I headed to the in-house office. I sat blankly in front of my desk for a long time, staring into the air. What happened at the meeting kept conjuring up in my mind. The pro-emperor faction was confused by my sudden change, while the noble faction was dumbfounded…and the emperor’s deeply subdued eyes were looking at me.
“Whew!”
With a sigh, I opened the drawer and noticed a small box deep inside. I slowly reached out and took it out.
When I opened the lid, the crest of a golden lion embroidered on the white cloth caught my eye. When I was looking down at the handkerchief for a long time, the door was suddenly flung open.
My eyes popped out. Why did he suddenly come here?
“Your Majesty?”
“Aristia.”
Only then did the butler and royal knights try to say something, then quickly closed the door.
When I saw him gasping for breath, I sighed in spite of myself. He must have come running here to outpace them.
“Your Majesty, how did you personally visit this place?”
“Because I have something to tell you.”
“Is it because of what happened today?”
“Exactly.”
“Your Majesty, you already know my decision. I’ve already made up my mind.”
When I answered with a firm voice, he walked a few steps towards me and said, “Can’t you change your mind?”
“You know. Today, I spoke as the representative of the Monique family. So, I can’t retract what I said.”
“You said you would like to request the breakoff, but I didn’t say I would approve it.”
“Oh, please don’t say that, Your Majesty.”
When I replied with a sigh,he walked one step closer to me and said, “I came to ask you one thing for the last time.”
“…Please go ahead.”
“Do you really hate me enough to persistently refuse your engagement to me, which was determined when you were born, and mention the breakoff at the official meeting?”
“… Your Majesty.”
“When I saw your attitude toward me on the day when the state funeral for the late emperor took place, I thought I could have some hope in our relationship, but was it just my illusion? Don’t you have any room for accepting me?”
His voice was distressed and his blue eyes were trembling.
I lowered my head because I had nothing to say. Although he sounded me out in various ways, this was the first time he asked me bluntly.
But what can I say? I couldn’t tell him about my painful memories in the past, and as a result I couldn’t love anybody now.
“Aristia.”
“… Sorry, Your Majesty. I have nothing else to say I’m sorry. ”