The Stand-In Empress’S Wedding Night [EN]: Chapter 94

94. A Wife Weak in Body and Mind

“Unfortunately, there was such an unsavory incident.”

Linelle replied, setting down his knife. Prince Tesler flinched and took a sip of water. Then, he erased his flustered expression and continued speaking smoothly.

“But Your Majesty, during the day when hunting, don’t the ladies move separately?”

“Indeed.”

“I’m not a knight in charge of guarding the surroundings, but I worry that the Empress might feel uncomfortable having someone attend her so closely, unless it’s a female knight.”

As Prince Tesler said, it was common to accompany at a certain distance, but I had heard that men and women were often separated during the day when hunting took place. At first glance, it sounded like he was speaking for my sake, but the prince seemed displeased with the strengthening of the guard around me. Ah, now that I think about it… I heard that we would be moving to the Southern Continent, staying overnight or for two nights at villas along the way, and sometimes camping in the forest. That much wouldn’t be too difficult for me. However, I’m a bit worried about the concubines. They have always slept in warm and comfortable places their entire lives, but they might face the ordeal of sleeping in the forest for the first time in their lives. Instantly, the figures of people to watch out for came to my mind: Princess Resilia and the Second Concubine, Melanie. Except for those two, I think the others would manage somehow. The haughty Catherine wouldn’t show much even if it was difficult, and Pessillini didn’t seem like the type to whine either. As for Rosie, she would probably be reading a book by the campfire, full of energy.

“Director Marcrom, whom you saw earlier, is blind, so there won’t be any problem even if he’s among the women.”

Linelle brought up Director Marcrom, neatly dismissing Prince Tesler’s opinion.

“Ah, is Director Marcrom in charge of guarding the Empress?”

For some reason, a slight look of relief flashed across Prince Tesler’s face.

“But he has a sense more sensitive to movements than those who can see. I sometimes doubt whether he’s really blind.”

Linelle chuckled. Prince Tesler nodded obediently, but his eyes seemed to be sneering, ‘What good is being sensitive to senses when you’ve lost your sight?’ Ironically, even after hearing that Director Marcrom, who was in charge of my guard, was blind, he didn’t ask to replace him with another guard or insist on a female knight. Rather, he seemed to be overlooking it because he didn’t properly know Director Marcrom’s skills. He’s definitely not interested in my safety. I glanced at the banquet hall door. It’s about time they came in, isn’t it? As if by appointment, everyone glanced at the banquet hall door once when the conversation was briefly interrupted. Prince Tesler seemed even more tense. Of course, he would be. Unless Princess Resilia or Sir Kent had agreed in advance, he would be anxious about how the two, who had heard from Director Marcrom that she was his mistress, would react. A few minutes later, the chamberlain opened the banquet hall door and announced Bonis’s arrival.

“Bring her in.”

Upon Linelle’s permission, Bonis carefully entered the banquet hall.

“Bonis!”

I acted as if I was seeing Bonis for the first time. It wasn’t difficult at all. It was the same for Bonis.

“I greet the Emperor and Empress of the Rafion Empire.”

Bonis bent her knees deeply and politely greeted Linelle and me. When I stood up from my chair, Linelle also rose, following me. I deliberately took Bonis’s hands and feigned joy, making an emotional expression. Linelle’s gaze was fixed on Bonis’s bandaged left hand. Seeing Bonis’s missing little finger in Prince Tesler’s presence made me even angrier.

“It’s been so long, Bonis! But you don’t look well. Have you been sick? What happened to your hand?”

I deliberately grabbed Bonis’s bandaged left hand and glanced at Prince Tesler.

“I was very lonely after Your Majesty the Empress went to the Rafion Empire. But I’m so happy to see you again like this! And the hand… there was an accident.”

Bonis spoke in an excited voice but gradually lowered her voice, perhaps conscious of Prince Tesler.

“Let’s sit down and continue talking.”

Linelle pulled out a chair for Bonis himself.

“I am honored, Your Majesty…”

The seat he offered Bonis was facing Prince Tesler and was the closest seat to me, who was sitting at the head of the table. I was worried that Bonis might be intimidated by Prince Tesler, but she was enduring it bravely. On the other hand, Prince Tesler seemed more anxious. The prince seemed extremely nervous about this situation, which was not going as he had expected.

“Strange. You two still seem awkward?”

Linelle watched Prince Tesler and Bonis closely before uttering as if joking.

“T-There’s no way that could be.”

Prince Tesler smiled awkwardly and looked at Bonis, who was sitting across from him. In contrast to the prince’s expression, Bonis erased the smile she had been giving me until just now and lowered her gaze expressionlessly.

“Did you perhaps fight?”

Linelle asked again.

“Yes?”

“Prince, when I was talking to you alone earlier, I’m sure you boasted that she was a mistress who acted like your tongue [a person who speaks on your behalf]?”

What did that crazy bastard say? I glared at Prince Tesler, who had spouted such a brazen lie.

“Ahaha, even if she’s a mistress, we can’t always be on good terms.”

Sweat was trickling down the side of Prince Tesler’s head.

“It seems you had a big fight this morning.”

Linelle chuckled lightly. Amidst the awkward atmosphere, food began to come out. I occasionally made eye contact with Bonis while eating. Each time, we exchanged warm glances. I had already told him in the lounge that Bonis was not Prince Tesler’s mistress. He didn’t question Prince Tesler about the truth, nor did he ask Bonis if she was really the prince’s mistress. If I were him, I would have immediately revealed Prince Tesler’s lie. But he pressured the prince in a different way.

“Ah, right. I’m thinking of sending Rosie to Prince Norton if only Rosie and Prince Norton are both willing.”

Linelle’s statement made not only me but also Bonis and Prince Tesler, who were eating, stop in unison. Bonis was bewildered because she didn’t know what he was talking about, and Prince Tesler wore a dumbfounded expression.

“Are you serious, Your Majesty?!”

I don’t know why he’s suddenly bringing up Rosie and Prince Norton, but I couldn’t help but raise my voice in surprise at his unconventional decision.

“There have been cases like this in previous generations. So there won’t be much of a problem.”

I would have to hear Rosie’s opinion separately, but if she had feelings for Prince Norton, it would be a really good thing.

“Prince Norton is the prince of the strongest Tevelo Empire in the Southern Continent and the younger brother of Prince Kalvin, who is the heir to the throne. And while there’s no way this would happen, if Prince Kalvin doesn’t have an heir or dies early, Prince Norton will inherit the next throne. There’s nothing wrong with the Rafion Empire showing favor to such a person.”

Linelle put down the fork he was holding and took my hand.

“If the person Prince Norton liked was the Empress, I would have started a war immediately.”

I almost burst out laughing at his thrilling nonsense.

“Besides, friendship with the Tevelo Empire is good for the countries of the Northern Continent as well.”

Prince Tesler nodded involuntarily at his opinion.

“So, Prince. How about it?”

“What… are you talking about?”

“The Shattonil Kingdom has maintained a close relationship with the Rafion Empire, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Therefore, for the sake of friendship with the Rafion Empire, could you also send your mistress to be my wife’s lady-in-waiting?”

Linelle’s voice sounded like a gentle invitation, but his eyes were as menacing as a beast. I admired him inwardly. Ah, so that’s why he suddenly brought up Rosie and Prince Norton! When did he start thinking about this? I was so worried about Bonis that I hadn’t thought of it at all.

Prince Tesler, who had just agreed with Linelle’s opinion, was in a difficult position. He must be thinking of an excuse. No matter how hard he racked his brains, Prince Tesler only had two choices. He could refuse the request of the Rafion Emperor, who was receiving a lot of military support, and become estranged, isolating himself, or he could obediently send Bonis to be my lady-in-waiting, gain his trust, and strengthen the alliance. Although it was not a difficult choice at all, the reason why Prince Tesler’s answer was delayed was simple: it was because Bonis was the only means to threaten me. I grabbed Bonis’s hand under the table. She had a very nervous expression. She seemed worried that the prince might stubbornly refuse.

“Shouldn’t we ask my mistress’s opinion?”

Prince Tesler looked at Bonis, who was sitting in front of him, and said to her. The result of racking his brains was just passing the buck to Bonis. What a cowardly bastard to the end. I snorted softly without realizing it.

“Ah, that’s right. Miss Bonis, would you become my wife’s lady-in-waiting?”

Linelle asked her politely.

“If you give me the opportunity to assist Her Majesty the Empress by her side, I will serve you with all my heart… It is an honor, Your Majesty.”

Bonis bowed her head and answered calmly. As a result, Bonis did not reveal that she was not Prince Tesler’s mistress, so there was no reason for the prince to harm her by making an issue of this. Linelle must have calculated even this part. Okay. I can bring Bonis without any major problems! I tried to calm down, forcibly pulling down the corners of my rising mouth.

“The prince wouldn’t interfere with the honor Bonis feels, would he?”

Prince Tesler shut his mouth tightly at Linelle’s serious tone. At the same time, Prince Tesler’s eyes, glancing at me, looked quite resentful.

“Of course, it’s a situation where the prince has to generously understand.”

“Your Majesty, it’s too sudden…”

Prince Tesler carefully raised a rebellion.

“I hope you understand. My empress has been weak in body and mind lately.”

I’ve become weak in body and mind? Did that happen? I rummaged through my memories at Linelle’s words, but nothing came to mind.

“What do you mean by that?”

Prince Tesler glanced at me and asked him back.

“Ah, didn’t I mention that earlier? As I said, about the servant who was murdered in the Empress’s palace garden.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Upon investigation, it turned out that the servant was working at the residence of Pessillini, one of my concubines.”

“Is that so?”

Prince Tesler’s eyes moved restlessly when Pessillini’s name came up. I was just as surprised. I never imagined Linelle would bring that up. He must have learned about it again through Raphael’s report.

“Why was a servant from a concubine’s residence murdered in the Empress’s palace garden…?”

Linelle leaned towards Prince Tesler and asked in a questioning tone.

“That’s what I’m saying. It’s a very strange thing.”

“Strange? As you know, these things often happen in the palace, don’t they? So it’s not a strange thing.”

“Then…”

“This is an ominous thing.”

Linelle lowered his voice and whispered. Prince Tesler’s neck shrank for a moment.

“It’s not that unusual for a servant to be found dead in the crowded and talkative imperial palace, but it’s strange because of the timing.”

“Are you perhaps… suspecting one of the honored guests?”

Prince Tesler asked him with a very nervous expression.

“Haha, I can’t suspect the honored guests. After all, the only honored guests staying in the Rafion Imperial Palace at that time were Prince Norton and you, weren’t they?”

“!”

Prince Tesler’s face turned blue as if someone was strangling his neck.

“So I have to suspect one of the honored guests from the two countries, but there’s no way that would happen, would there? Especially since you are from the Shattonil Kingdom, the Empress’s country.”

He, who was spinning the wine glass, laughed heartily. Prince Tesler drank the wine in one gulp as if drinking water.

“Oh my. Prince, drink slowly.”

“Yes, yes… Your Majesty.”

“Since such an unsavory incident happened in the Empress’s palace garden just before the Continental Hunting Competition, the Empress can’t help but feel uneasy. So I think she needs someone to rely on near the Empress.”

“I am deeply impressed by Your Majesty’s deep consideration.”

Prince Tesler flattered him as if he was about to clap his hands.

“What are you talking about? It’s a natural thing.”

Linelle wrapped his arm around my shoulder and replied smoothly. I raised my thumb under the table at his natural acting. He slightly lowered his gaze and discovered my towering thumb. Linelle twitched his cheek and immersed himself in acting again.

“If Miss Bonis becomes a conversational partner by the Empress’s side, the Empress, who is so weak in body and mind, will quickly recover and find stability again.”

He looked at Prince Tesler and drove another wedge. If he had the courage to refuse even though the Emperor of the Rafion Empire was talking about the situation like this, I was going to give Prince Tesler a thumbs up too.

“She’s not even a formal concubine, but a mistress… Is it difficult?”

If we interpret Linelle’s hidden meaning in those words, it was roughly like this: I, the Emperor of the Rafion Empire, am showing the generosity to willingly send my concubine to the prince of the Partsha Empire for the sake of the greater good, but a prince of the Shattonil Kingdom can’t even give up one mistress?

“That’s true, but it’s a matter that needs some thought…”

Prince Tesler replied weakly in a barely audible voice.

“Finish it now? That thought.”

The prince, who was immediately intimidated by Linelle’s sharp eyes, eventually raised a rebellion.

“…Yes, Your Majesty. I will do so.”

Although the answer was already decided, my heart was pounding with the thought that maybe. I made eye contact with Bonis. Bonis’s hardened face also began to soften little by little. The heavy stone that had been in my heart all along was now disappearing.

“Then, after the Hunting Competition, we will go through the procedures in the Shattonil Kingdom and send Bonis as Her Majesty the Empress’s lady-in-waiting.”

Prince Tesler said as if he was doing a favor.

“She’s not a concubine, so what procedures do we need to go through?”

“That’s true, but… we need to move Bonis’s luggage and give me time to say goodbye, don’t we?”

Prince Tesler was slightly agitated.

“Bonis’s belongings can be replaced with those of the Rafion Imperial Family. And we’ll be running into each other throughout the Hunting Competition, so do we really need to go all the way back to the Shattonil Kingdom to say goodbye?”

I looked at Linelle and spoke, but it was to the prince.

“Bonis, what do you think? Do you perhaps have any important items left in the kingdom?”

“No, Your Majesty the Empress.”

I could hear Prince Tesler’s rough snorting at her answer.

“It’s settled then. Miss Bonis, please take good care of the Empress in the future. But only during the day when I’m not around, so please keep that in mind.”

Linelle tapped my thigh under the table and said to Bonis.

“…Yes, Your Majesty. I will keep that in mind.”

Bonis was briefly flustered by his words, then quickly bowed her head and replied.

***

After the luncheon, Prince Tesler returned to the detached palace. Zelda suggested to Linelle that they have tea with Bonis, but he said he had work left and headed back to the office.

“Did you call for me, Your Majesty?”

Raphael entered the office after receiving his call.

“Find out what potion was in this.”

He placed a small potion bottle on his desk and ordered Raphael. It was the magic potion bottle found next to the rose flower vase in Zelda’s bedroom.