Chapter 321 (1/2)
“That’s not the way you deal with that problem, Earl. If you refuse to accept the refugees because the situation is rather disturbing, how would other kingdoms view our empire? I think that we have to show the generosity of our empire as the big power in a situation like this.”
“But Your Highness, some kingdoms, including the kingdom of Lisa, are protesting more strongly. What if they rebel against us…”
“Do you underestimate the power of our empire? Don’t you know that’s why the emperor has kept them at bay since his days as the crown prince?”
Rublis watched her waging a fierce debate with the earl without yielding an inch.
He once felt jealous of her sharp intelligence that shone like a jewel. He felt envious of her when the late emperor and his masters, who never appreciated his hard efforts, unusually praised her performance so much. So, he was jealous of her without realizing that they intended to train me and her further.
But he didn’t feel jealous or envious of her now because he knew how much sweat and toil she put into developing her brilliant intelligence, graceful posture and perfect manners.
Now he knew that she was not an emotionless doll, nor a puppet made by the nobles. Although he could not deny that she was made for the emperor, he also admitted the fact that she loved him as a man now.
When he saw her hair decorated with the jewelry tiara, a smile came to his lips in spite of himself. He could not understand the situation well, but he was very pleased with his current situation.
***
“Well, Your Majesty?”
“What’s the matter?”
“What I mean is…”
“What’s going on, Empress? Do you have any bad news? ”
Rublis raised his eyebrows as she hesitated to say something. What the hell was going on?
The longer she hesitated, the more he was worried.
In the end, he let the servants and maids out of the room and asked softly, “Tia, what’s the matter with you? You’re very nervous now. Tell me what’s going on.”
“Well, do you remember what you told me the other day?”
“Um?”
“Whew! You told me that when I make food, I should serve you first…Do you still remember it?”
“Of course I do. But why are you suddenly bringing it up? Ah…”
Suddenly something came to my mind. Only then did I feel relaxed and smiled at her.
With her face blushing as she was at a loss about what to do, she looked so lovely.
Touching her cheeks softly, he said with a smile, “No way! Have you made…?”
“…”
“Where is the dish? I’m very curious about it.”
“… Well, I’ve brought it here, but I’m nervous…”
“That’s fine. Just show it to me. ”
Rublis looked at the small cake she presented hesitantly.
White cream and various sliced fruit on it, he instantly gave it a passing grade.
Putting it into his mouth with her expectant gaze, he hardened his face subtly. But he made a forced smile when his eyes met her trembling golden eyes.
“It’s delicious.”
“Are you sure, Your Majesty?”
“Of course. It’s very sweet and it melts softly in my mouth…I really like it. ”
“Oh, I’m glad to hear that. What a relief!”
As if pressured by her bright smile, he quickly emptied the cake plate and lifted her in no time.
He embraced her small body, then walked into the bedroom, holding her who was screaming with her arms around his neck. Then he lay her on the bed and showered her with kisses.
She opened her eyes wide, surprised by his sudden kiss, but closed them in no time. Although he put his tongue into her mouth roughly, she readily opened her lips without any resistance. She was so lovely.
Feeling his heart was full, he looked down at her. Her silver eyelashes trembled at his lovely touch. Opening her golden eyes again, she said, “Your Majesty.”
“Um?”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“The cake you had was too sweet, right? You probably didn’t like it, but you ate it all…”
“How did you know that?”
At that moment, her cheeks blushed. As she murmured something, he put his ears close to her mouth. Her voice, whispering something hardly inaudible, was a little excited, unlike her usual, always calm voice.