# 56
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Finally I put down the napkin I was holding tightly and replied.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I met the princess at the season’s party held at Brillose Palace.”
“The princess talked a lot about you; she seemed to like the duchess very much.”
“The Princess was kind enough to think well of me during the ceremony. I am simply grateful.”
I answered politely, and the Emperor smoothly joined the conversation after taking a sip of water.
“Until then, have you not had much interaction?”
“No, Your Majesty. Other than our wedding and some official events in the capital, we have not had the opportunity to meet.”
More preciy, it was because Eloise isolated herf not only from the princess but from all the nobles.
“The princess mentioned that you introduced her to your personal dressmaker this time.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. It was another opportunity that came to me thanks to the princess’s positive impression. My seamstress was also very happy.”
After hearing my polite response, the Emperor narrowed his eyes jokingly.
“We're lucky the princess didn't throw a tantrum, but there's no need to be so modest.”
“Oh, no. The princess complimented my dress the other day, and out of gratitude, I offered to present it myf.”
The Emperor put down his cup, and added,
"Anyway, I'm glad that the princess seems to like you so much. It's rare for her to show affection; usually, she's more inclined to hate."
“Haha…”
“Isn’t that right, Empress? Even Duchess Brillose struggled to manage it properly, delaying the appointment of the Crown Prince.”
“Duchess Brillose is doing well, Your Majesty.”
Yes, like Pavlov's dog, practically.
I swallowed the words that reached the tip of my tongue and maintained a calm smile.
It seemed as if the Princess, despite receiving education from the Duchess, was causing a great deal of trouble everywhere. It was not difficult to discern the true meaning behind the Emperor's elegant words.
spoke the Emperor, who was staring at me intently.
“That reminds me, I would like the Duke and Duchess to accompany us to the South Palace for the Princess’s upcoming birthday celebration.”
"Sorry?"
I couldn't help but open my eyes in amazement. The Emperor continued speaking in a casual tone, as if anticipating my reaction.
“The Duchess of Brillose was originally supposed to accompany us, but something important happened. Since the trip was scheduled for a week, she said it would be difficult for her to be away for such a long time.”
The Emperor shook his head sadly.
“Since it is a royal event, the Empress and I will attend, but as you know, we still have a lot of work to do at the Southern Palace, meeting with the lords of the Southern Lands.”
He turned his gaze to Ian.
“So, can the Duke and Duchess help us?”
“Ah…”
I was taken aback by the unexpected request, and closed my eyes in amazement.
At the same time, I realized that this was the real reason why the Emperor and Empress had summoned us.
'Even though he phrased it as a request…'
It was actually an invitation to an official royal event for me and the Duke. The pretext was that the princess liked me.
It was not something we could refuse.
'Besides, this isn't really about me…'
I looked at Ian, who was sitting next to me. As expected, his expression was noticeably stiffer than it was earlier.
'Okay, the nice weather is over.'
I sighed inwardly and quietly put down my tools.
While the Emperor's words seemed directed at me, the real target was Ian.
If he had asked him directly, he would have undoubtedly refused, so he used me as a convenient excuse.
'So Ian can't refuse.'
There was a brief uncomfortable silence in the dining hall. After a moment, Ian spoke.
"If assistance is needed on the princess's journey to the Southern Palace, there are certainly other noble ladies who can help. There is no particular reason for her to be the Duchess."
“But who else but the Duchess could handle the Princess?”
“…If that is the case, invite the Duchess for three days. In the meantime, I will remain in the capital to carry out my duties...”
“Well, well, how can a husband send his wife to the south alone? This is too cruel, brother.”
Emperor Ian interrupted with a sly smile.
“That's not what I meant—”
"But it is. Just as rumors are starting to spread about how close you two are, what would it look like if the Duchess was sent south alone?"
“Isn't that right, Duchess?”
The Emperor subtly directed the question towards me, while Ian's gaze was fixed on me as well.
'Why are you doing this to me?'
I started sweating profuy, as I was sandwiched between the two brothers. I could not side with the Emperor, nor could I support Ian by opposing him.
“Anyway, I hope you can accompany us.”
Although the order was a request, it was essentially an imperial order that could not be refused. Ian's expression became stern.
“I appreciate Your Majesty’s invitation to join the Imperial Family on vacation, but...”
He put down the cutlery he was carrying.
“There are many eyes watching. For a duke who is no longer part of the imperial family, accompanying such an event would not look good in the eyes of other nobles...”
“Ian.”
Once again, the Emperor interrupted, his previously cheerful demeanor replaced with a serious look as he stared at him.
“Just because you've been given the title of Duke doesn't mean you're no longer part of the royal family.”
Ian pressed his lips together and fell silent. After holding his gaze for a moment, the Emperor smiled again and raised his cup.
"So, don't worry too much. The Princess is looking forward to the Duchess's company, isn't she?" He winked at me.
“Haha… Yes, Your Majesty,” I replied awkwardly, raising my glass with a nervous smile.
The Emperor took a sip of his drink carelessly before turning his gaze back to Ian.
“So, what's your answer?”
“...I'll think about it.”
“Okay, I will wait for a positive response.”
Looking at the smiling Emperor and Ian's dark expression, I thought to myf,
'This won't be easy...'
❖ ❖ ❖
The rest of the meal ended in an awkward atmosphere.
Despite the delicious main course made of beef, no one other than the Emperor enjoyed his meal.
Ian looked visibly upset, the Empress was busy making sure the Emperor wasn't upset by Ian's mood, and I, stuck between the three of them like the filling in a sandwich, could barely breathe.
After what seemed like ten hours but was actually only one, the servants quickly removed the dessert plates, and Ian immediately stood from his seat.
“Thank you for inviting us. We will leave now.”
“D-Duke…?”
I called out to him in a whisper, and looked between the Emperor and Ian, but he ignored me and grabbed the jacket he had placed on top of the chair. The Emperor, who was watching lazily, smiled widely.
“Well, my dear brother must have important duties to attend to, so you must go. But, Duchess?”
"…Yes?"
Ian stopped in his tracks when the Emperor directed his question towards me.
'Why am I always the one being held hostage...!'
She suppressed the urge to scream, and forced a trembling smile.
“Is there… something you need?”
"I have some things I'd like to discuss with you. It's been a while since we last spoke properly, hasn't it? Since the wedding."
matters, he says. Since when did the Emperor and Eloise used to have conversations?
The Empress felt nervous, and turned to Ian with a smile, “While they talk, how about you and I share a cup of tea before you leave?”
The pair's teamwork was flawless, almost intimidating.
With the Empress joining, Ian couldn't quite refuse. He sighed, gave up, and followed her out of the room.
“I'll see you soon, ma'am.”
Even when he left, he made sure to emphasize “soon,” a clear indication that I had to wrap things up quickly.
How accurate...