The Emperor and the Knightess

If she wasn’t executed, Tory could imagine what kind of horrid and shameful life she would lead. Thinking of her future, Tory couldn’t be sure if she would not regret her decision to betray her life.

Lucius the First said to her, “If you wish to remain, my wife, I will make it happen somehow.”

“I would never dream of it. Please don’t even mention it.”

“If you leave, then this castle will no longer have a mistress.”

Tory flinched and asked in shock, “Did something happen to Lady Stra?”

Lucius the First smiled awkwardly and replied, “The truth is… she asked for a divorce.”

“…?!”

Tory became confused and speechless. Lucius the First was also shocked when he first heard this. Within the last few days, it seemed that he was going to lose one of his wives because his marriage was going to become invalid while the second wife wanted a divorce from him. Perhaps his original guess was right. Maybe he really was unlucky with women.

Tory said to the emperor, “There is a chance Lady Stra may be pregnant.”

“She isn’t. She was poisoned. You as well, Tory.”

Poisoned? Tory tried to remember if she has been feeling different and the answer was no. Hearing that there were another spy and conspirator in the castle… Oddly, this news made her head become much clearer. It was as if she woke from a long sleep.

Lucius the First continued, “It was Stra’s new maid and the cookie maker. Stra is innocent; it was her father who ordered it. I tried to do my best to investigate this situation without Stra learning about it, but it seems that she found out. Before coming here, Stra came to me crying with a signed divorce application form.”

Stra, who used to be a princess of her own kingdom, could not endure this situation. She told Lucius the First that she was responsible for her maid’s crime and therefore, she will take the burden for her family. Stra also stated that this was the only thing she could do for Tory.

This was unpleasant and unexpected. He has been contemplating what to do with the mid-continent colony when his wife asked him for a divorce. No man ever expected to hear such words from his wife, let alone the most beautiful man in the kingdom. He has never been unkind to his wives. Sure, their marriage was arranged for a political reason, but their relationship was amicable. The emperor never expected Stra to ask for a divorce.

Stra explained that she was doing this because it was the polite and responsible thing to do. Unlike in the north, a woman in the mid-continent region could ask for a divorce from her husband.

This was Stra’s own personal decision and it was going to cost her family dearly. Stra, however, didn’t care. She refused to change her mind. Tory gave up everything for her friendship with Stra. Stra felt that she must do the same thing. Lucius the First was so shocked that he couldn’t say anything. He just took the divorce papers from her and left.

It wasn’t that the emperor loved Stra. It was just that his pride was hurt. This was a selfish and complicated man. Their marriage was an arranged one, but Lucius the First made an effort to be kind to his wives. He couldn’t help feel a little disappointed and betrayed by Stra’s request.

What a selfish man he was.

Tory said to him, “Lady Stra is probably very emotional right now. She asked for a divorce out of impulse, but in time, I am sure she will regret it. Your highness, please do not divorce her.”

“Will you feel the same way about what you did? In time, will you regret reporting your family?”

Tory didn’t know how to answer this question. The emperor continued in a kind voice, “Don’t be like that, Tory. I like to think I am a good judge of character, and the Tory I know is a good person who knows what is right and wrong. You can’t claim that Stra made this decision out of emotions. I mean, we are all humans, which means we all have emotions. You did what was right even though you knew it was going to harm you. It was one of the bravest things I have ever seen.”

Lucius the First opened up his palm. It was time to make his offer. It was going to be up to Tory to accept it or refuse it, and the emperor hoped that she would say yes. Tory didn’t notice how his expression became expectant.

Only

“If you and Stra leave, this castle will be without a mistress for a long time. I thought about it and remembered that this isn’t the first time Acreia will suffer such a time. I lost my mother at an early age and I left Acreia for a long time to conquer the world. The only recent time this kingdom had an official royal mistress was when I married you, Stra, and Rebecca. So I thought about it. Will Acreia become ruined if it no longer has a mistress? No, it won’t. Do you know why?”

“Because there will be plenty of people who can take over the tasks.”

“Exactly. That is the right answer. Even if a landlord is absent, the land will continue to be maintained by his vassals. A store will continue to be run by the hired help even if the owner takes a break. Even the noble ladies… They do not actually do the work. They have maids for the housework, the nannies for their children, and cooks for the cooking.”

Tory has been listening dutifully when suddenly, she gasped. She usually looked down when the emperor talked to her, but she looked up at him with her eyes widened. Tory realized what this conversation was about.

The emperor was offering her a job!

He continued, “If the mistress is missing, one needs to hire someone to do the job. This is what I am offering you. I won’t lie to you; it is going to be very hard. You will have to live among those who detest what you did. They will not trust you. For you, remaining in Yapa alone will be very difficult to endure. Even if you refuse my offer, I will understand. In fact, I think you should refuse if you know what is good for you. So, what would you like to do?”

Lucius the First looked at her seriously. Tory knew he was right. She began as the emperor’s wife and now, she was the woman who betrayed her own family and whose marriage was no longer valid. So for her to remain in the castle… Tory could imagine how she would be treated. People will disrespect her and hate her, but…