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Join the Server“Because I want to complain about it while reading. It’s one of the few pleasures in this boring palace life.”
Wasn’t that obvious? Regina puffed out her chest and answered proudly. Fria stared at her in disbelief.
“You wanted to read it for that reason? I intend to read it without complaining.”
“You really must be a devoted fan. Then shall I wait while you read it and hand it over immediately afterward? If it enters our palace, the maids will take turns reading it, and it won’t be returned anytime soon.”
Like mistress, like maids. Regina was hardly the only person eagerly awaiting Madame S’s latest novel. Everyone was excited to see what outrageous behavior the male lead would commit this time.
“Really? Then I’ll read it quickly and return it.”
Fria brightened at Regina’s offer to give up her turn. Just as he was about to hurry off to complete the borrowing procedure, Regina stopped him.
“I can’t wait around every day without knowing when you’ll return it. Read it here in the library and hand it over directly.”
“Here?”
In response to Fria’s question, Regina pointed to a chair in one of the aisles between the shelves. The book wasn’t especially thick. If he concentrated, he could finish it in three or four hours.
As long as Judith didn’t return too quickly, he would even have time to pick out more books afterward.
“Very well. I’ll read it quickly, so please wait.”
Regina had already selected another book and begun reading. She waved her hand as if to say, Go ahead.
Fria sat down in the empty chair and opened the book with anticipation.
****
“So, you want to know what His Majesty likes?”
The chief chamberlain leisurely raised his teacup after hearing Judith’s question. He had heard the same inquiry dozens of times over the last few months.
Grand dukes seeking the emperor’s favor, ministers, and maids from every consort palace had all worn down the threshold of his office.
Because the late emperor had been bedridden, last year’s birthday celebration for the heir had been modest. The chamberlain had always regretted that, so he was determined to make this year’s birthday festival magnificent.
“Yes, Lord Chamberlain. I should have asked sooner, but I was moved to a new residence immediately after returning from leave, so I couldn’t come earlier.”
“There’s no need to prepare anything extravagant. His Majesty is a man of integrity who dislikes needless luxury. If a gift is given sincerely, he will be pleased with anything.”
Of course, sincerity was often measured in coin. Rumor had it that exotic animals, precious treasures, and fertile estates were all being prepared as gifts for the emperor.
“I know His Majesty would be happy with anything Lord Fria gives him. Still, wouldn’t it be better to choose something that suits his tastes? Please, Lord Chamberlain. Just a small hint.”
The emperor was completely smitten with Fria. He would probably be delighted even if Fria handed him a piece of straw. Still, for the dignity of Swallow Palace, it would be better to present something impressive.
“In that case, would you do me a favor in return?”
The chamberlain had actually been planning to summon Judith. Since she had come to him first, it saved him the effort of asking. Remembering the emperor’s request to investigate Fria’s past, he gave her a meaningful look.
“Lord Fria’s acquaintances? I know everything that happens within the palace, but he never really talks about his life before coming to the Empire.”
Judith answered confidently, completely unaware that Fria was currently forming a new friendship in the library.
“That’s exactly why I’m asking. What were his relationships with his siblings like? Did he have any close friends? Has he written letters to anyone?”
“He’s written several letters to Alphania, but they seem to be mostly addressed to his brothers.”
“Was there ever a recipient named Gir?”
“Gir?”
After thinking for a moment, Judith suddenly remembered.
“Oh! A few times, yes. Since it wasn’t one of his brothers’ names, I asked about it. Lord Fria said it was someone who raised him. Could it be the name of his nanny?”
“A nanny?”
The chamberlain pictured Prince Gir, the man he knew, overlaid with the image of a traditional nanny and shuddered.
The eccentric elder was the furthest thing imaginable from a nanny. He constantly became obsessed with bizarre research, forgot to eat, filled buildings with smoke, set things on fire, and once even managed to blow up a castle.
If a child cried, he would sooner return the child to its parents or dose it with a sleeping potion than comfort it.
“Well, it’s a man’s name here, but maybe in Alphania it can be a woman’s name.”
“I suppose that’s possible. Did Lord Fria ever mention any other men he was close to?”
“Other men? Why are you asking that? Are you suspecting Lord Fria of something?”
Judith immediately bristled, glaring at him.
“No, no. Nothing like that. I simply thought that if Their Majesties understood each other better, it might be beneficial.”
Caught off guard by Judith’s sharp question, the chamberlain hurriedly tried to explain.
“Did His Majesty ask about Lord Fria’s past?”
“No. I was merely curious.”
“Well, I suppose His Majesty is completely infatuated with Lord Fria. Naturally he’d want to know everything about him, even his past. But the past is the past, isn’t it?”
“Oh? Then are you saying there was a past?”
“Oh, please. There’s no past. And even if there were, it would already be over. I’ve never seen any suspicious letters, so you can stop worrying.”
Honestly, of all people to suspect! Judith glared at him even harder.
“Then that is reassuring. This old man spoke carelessly out of concern. You’re right. If Lord Fria cherishes His Majesty so deeply that he’s suffering from lovesickness, what importance could any past possibly have?”
“There is no past! Wait… what did you just say? Lovesickness? You mean His Majesty is the one suffering from it, right?”
Judith stared at him in shock.
So that was it. His Majesty was so obsessed with Lord Fria that he was even jealous of people from his past.
“No. Not His Majesty. Lord Fria is the one suffering from a sickness of the heart. As his closest attendant, you should know. He spent several days bedridden while living in the main palace. Now that they’ve been separated, I worry his condition may worsen.”
“Lord Fria was sick?”
Was that why he had lost weight and why his hair looked dull?
“Lord Fria could hardly bear to be apart from His Majesty. Outside of official duties, the emperor spent nearly all his time with him. He would even visit in the middle of work whenever he could, and as soon as state affairs ended, he went straight back to Lord Fria.”
“Or perhaps His Majesty simply wanted to see Lord Fria?”
Judith objected stubbornly. Somehow it felt wrong to accept the idea that Fria’s feelings were greater than the emperor’s.
“His Majesty was responding to Lord Fria’s feelings. I’m not making this up. Lord Fria wanted to know everything about the emperor’s childhood, so I showed him the imperial records and explained them. He also asked for portraits of His Majesty and took several with him. Didn’t he even request a locket so he could carry the emperor’s image with him at all times?”
“Then that locket…”
Judith murmured, remembering the locket that contained the emperor’s portrait.
“His Majesty is truly kind. Soon enough, he’ll understand Lord Fria’s feelings as well.”
“Lord Chamberlain, Lord Fria almost lost that locket yesterday. He found it again quickly, but…”
“Oh, thank goodness.”
The chamberlain let out a sigh of relief. The emperor might not care, but that tiny jewel-encrusted necklace was worth as much as a noble’s castle.
“Lord Fria nearly collapsed when he thought it was gone. He came rushing out of his room, pale as a sheet, desperately calling for me.”
Remembering how close Fria had come to vomiting the previous evening, Judith’s face also turned pale.
“It was a gift from His Majesty, but I thought his reaction was a little extreme. If that’s the reason…”
“Lord Fria must have been terribly frightened. The imperial physician said he needs rest and stability, so be sure to take good care of him. If anything happens, come and tell me immediately. Understood?”
Could Lord Fria really be suffering from lovesickness?
Still looking confused, Judith nodded.
****
Judith was standing at the entrance of the library when she spotted Fria and hurried toward him.
“Please give those to me, Lord Fria.”
She reached for the stack of books in his arms. There were only a few volumes, and Fria disliked the idea of making such a delicate girl carry them.
“They’re not heavy. I can manage.”
“Please give them to me anyway. It’s my job. People will criticize us if they see this. What kind of world is it where the consort carries books while the maid walks empty-handed?”
Unable to argue further, Fria handed over half the stack and studied Judith’s troubled expression.
“Judith, did things not go well at the main palace? I thought you were going to meet the chamberlain. Wasn’t he there?”
“He was.”
“So, what did he say His Majesty likes?”
Fria only asked to humor her efforts, but Judith’s expression darkened even further.
You’ve got to see this next! How to Avoid Regression will keep you on the edge of your seat. Start reading today!
Read : How to Avoid Regression
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