Chapter 298 (1/2)
It was difficult for me to change my way of speaking to him overnight because I got used to it for so long. He looked at me when I was stuttering without knowing what to do, then laughed.
“Oh my… I was going to grumble about you a bit more, but I can’t. You are so cute. ”
“Your Majesty.”
“Okay, that’s enough. I think you can change it gradually. It’s going to be a great fun for me to watch you feeling awkward about it in the meantime. ”
My face blushed at that. I fanned my face with my hand, turning my eyes away from him who seemed to enjoy teasing me, then I tilted my head a bit because I felt a bit uncomfortable.
I felt strange about his look. He looked a bit pale, or maybe not.
“Your Majesty, are you sick? You don’t look good now…”
“Oh, I’m fine. I’m just a little tired. ”
I knitted my brows. Obviously, he was a bit surprised when I asked, and his voice, which sounded dynamic as a rule, was not spirited at all today.
‘I feel he isn’t in good shape today.’
He said with an embarrassed expression, watching me still looking at me suspiciously, “I’m serious. I think I worked too much because there was lots of work backed up.”
“… You have to take a rest. Why are you still staying in the palace?”
“I’m okay. I can manage it. Since the big conference just ended, there is so much work to do.”
“But you still need to rest. Nothing is more important than your health. So please put down the papers now. ”
When I spoke firmly, he said with a smile while pondering over something, “Let’s do it this way. While I’m taking a break, won’t you handle these documents for me? ”
“… What are you talking about? All these documents need your approval, right? ”
“Well, there is a precedent that when the emperor was away, the empress handled state affairs, so I think you are competent enough to do it. I see no problem at all.”
“But that was hundreds of years ago…”
I shut up while trying to balk at his suggestion when he chuckled at me. He asked me with an interesting expression, “Well, can I take what you just said as meaning that you don’t deny your role as the empress?”
“Well….”
I was embarrassed, but I felt it was unfair.
When did he treat me so casually? Not only yesterday, but also today, he spoke to me without changing his facial expression at all.
“What date is good for you? The sooner, the better for me.”
“… Your Majesty.”
“Call me, Rube.”
“Oh, Ru…” I suddenly stopped saying, while trying to call his nickname.
Oh, no, I’m not supposed to call him like that.
My head was again in the clouds. After calming down my confused mind, I took a deep breath, then opened my mouth slightly. Despite my serious concern about his condition, he was just beating around the bush while teasing me. What if he becomes sick? Besides, it’s only recently that the trial of the poisoning incident was wrapped up.
“Why do you keep wasting your time when you overworked? Please stop here and take a break.”
“Um? I’m going to feel sorry if you insist. The time I spend with you is the biggest break for me. How come you are pushing me out of here? Do you feel so uncomfortable about being around me? ”
“Oh, that’s not what I mean. I just feel you need a good rest…”
“Well, you came here, then just went away without seeing me yesterday. You came here only when I sent someone to bring you here today. I feel sad because only I want to spend time with you.”
He expressed regrets as if he was sour towards me. I broke into a smile with a sign when I saw him complaining.
I was a bit frustrated about him who didn’t appreciate my concern, but at the same time, I was thrilled to think that he really cared about me. Little did I think this kind of day would ever come to me, but it was a pleasure to learn about his various aspects I had never known before.
“Why are you laughing at me?”
“It’s nothing. Don’t feel sad, Your Majesty. I think I have made a mistake.”
“Um?”
“I should have left a message, but I didn’t. It was my fault. I never thought that you might feel sad. ”