Chapter 78
Chapter 78
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: The Day of Departure
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The day Asherad departed was a snowy one. The people of the Imperial Palace had gathered to see off the emperor as he set out on a long journey.
“Take care on your way.”
Asherad nodded at Callista’s words. Daphne stood quietly, watching as he mounted his horse.
They had already exchanged goodbyes the day before.
Asherad had held Daphne close, not just embracing her but whispering words of love. They had slept like ordinary lovers and greeted the morning that way.
So no farewell was needed.
She had thought it wasn’t necessary.
“Daphne.”
But the moment he called her name, Daphne felt herself turning into that dog she hated becoming again, her feet itching to run from him. Realizing it, she froze.
At that moment, Asherad urged his horse forward and approached her.
“Even if we said goodbye all night, you still have to give me a proper one today.”
With a slightly aggrieved tone, he frowned and chided her. Daphne managed an awkward smile in response.
Something had clearly changed. Holding back her fragile heart with effort, Daphne reached out and took the hand of the man astride his horse.
“Please return safely.”
Her cold lips pressed firmly against his warm hand. The stark contrast in temperatures seemed to freeze time for the man and woman.
The sight of the woman kissing his hand was reverent, like a devotee worshiping a god, and utterly beautiful.
The large hand cradled in her two smaller ones hid its ferocity, fidgeting meekly within her grasp.
The man watched the ecstatic scene, breathless. It was a wondrous sight, the very one he had always dreamed of.
How could he not be pleased by this kiss that wished for his safe return?
When Daphne lifted her head, she noticed Asherad’s ears were strangely red. As she leaned in to look closer, he called her name.
“Daphne.”
“…….”
“Do you love me?”
At his words, Daphne pressed her lips together and looked up at him. Seeing her flustered, speechless eyes, Asherad chuckled softly.
“I’ll hear it when I get back.”
“…….”
“Paint if you want to. Consult Yohannis for anything important.”
“…….”
“I’ll reply if you write letters.”
Daphne gave a faint smile and nodded, and Asherad chuckled again.
He gazed longingly at her lips with evident regret, then turned his horse forward and spurred it on. It was the quintessential image of a man bidding a reluctant farewell to his lover.
The Imperial Palace staff were used to it by now, but the nobles still seemed unaccustomed.
Asherad had taken Daphne as his lover but had always shied away from public displays of affection. Not only had he bestowed a title upon her, but to show such love...
Some glanced at Callista’s face. But Callista turned away with a more composed expression than expected and returned to her quarters.
They thought of Callista and Daphne as they watched them—willful Callista, who despised lowly women so much, and Daphne, whose gentle nature had captured the emperor’s heart despite everything.
What would become of them?
The gossips were already buzzing with interest.
* * *
But their predictions missed the mark spectacularly.
Daphne had thought Callista would harass her immediately too. Yet Callista took no action at all.
On the contrary, she avoided running into Daphne. A week after Asherad’s departure, Callista and Daphne minimized contact, not even exchanging greetings.
To the puzzled Daphne, Yohannis said,
“That woman will never harass you again, my lady.”
“Pardon?”
“She got severely punished by His Majesty for it.”
Daphne nodded. Unlike the hunting tournament before, it seemed Asherad had dealt with Callista before leaving. Daphne let out a sigh. With Asherad gone, everything felt tedious. She was frustrated not knowing why.
“Do you miss His Majesty?”
“…….”
Daphne offered an ambiguous smile. Yohannis looked at her curiously. She let out a small sigh. For some reason, his face kept coming to mind. Daphne dismissed it, convincing herself it was just the mind of a dog.
Yohannis spoke.
“You two looked happy together.”
“…….”
“His Majesty intended to make you empress when he returns—is that right?”
“Yes.”
Daphne nodded, and Yohannis chuckled.
“He kept delaying the empress ceremony, and now I see why.”
“Pardon?”
“Asherad, I mean. He deliberately put off the empress investiture.”
“…….”
“The masquerade incident and the poisoning attempt all got swept under the rug.”
“…….”
“Once an empress is installed, it’s hard to take another consort. It requires the approval of the highest-ranking woman in the imperial family without fail.”
Daphne nodded at Yohannis’s explanation. So that’s how it was, she thought, nodding again. He had been steadily paving the way to take her as his wife... Empress. The very thought felt strange.
Then Daphne flinched. She had forgotten, once more, that she wanted to run away. Asherad’s vision of their future had been that sweet.
“My lady Daphne, I must apologize in advance for something.”
“Yes?”
“I won’t be able to guard you like before or visit as often.”
Daphne’s eyes widened at his words. To her questioning gaze, Yohannis explained.
“With His Majesty away, my father has become regent. There’s no one else to handle family affairs, so I must go.”
“…….”
Daphne nodded regretfully. She hadn’t met Yohannis often, but his presence had been a real comfort.
He was Asherad’s friend, but to Daphne, a cool-headed advisor and warm confidant for her secrets.
Looking at the knight with his brown hair, Daphne asked,
“What happens when His Majesty returns?”
“I’m not sure.”
Yohannis answered honestly. An emptiness settled in her somehow. First Asherad, now Yohannis leaving too...
“No need to worry too much. Other knights will protect you as usual.”
“…….”
“I’ve also brought loyal knights who’ve served His Majesty since his crown prince days.”
“Yes......”
Daphne replied listlessly. Yohannis smiled at her downcast face. It looked just like a puppy’s.
“Don’t worry.”
“…….”
“We’re not parting ways entirely, my lady Daphne.”
“......”
“I’ll visit when I can.”
Daphne’s face brightened again. Yohannis spoke with an awkward expression.
“Aside from Asherad, I have no friends. Talking with you is... comfortable.”
“Aren’t you popular with others, Viscount?”
“Who knows. I’ve always been awkward with women...”
Daphne burst into laughter at Yohannis’s words. Well, with her low status, she was probably easier for him to talk to.
It wasn’t upsetting—rather amusing. It meant she was a ‘friend’ to Yohannis, on the same level as Asherad.
“One more time: the Empress Dowager can never harass you. Nor threaten your life.”
“......”
“But if anything happens, tell me.”
Yohannis emphasized. She hid her bitterness behind a smile. It felt reassuring and solid.
* * *
Two new knights were added to Daphne’s guard. Both were familiar faces—knights she had often seen at the Crown Prince’s Palace during her maid days.
Unlike before, they now greeted her politely and followed behind her.
“This way.”
“Yes?”
“You’ve taken a wrong turn.”
At the knight’s words, Daphne followed his guidance. Was this the right path? As she thought it felt unfamiliar, she finally sensed something was wrong.
This was a remote area. She had let her guard down because the knights seemed familiar! As she opened her mouth to scream, a voice rang out.
“Tsk tsk, figuring it out now does you no good.”
“......”
“No need to scream, girl.”
Daphne’s eyes widened. Count Rocania emerged from the shadows. She breathed a sigh of relief.
“That one’s my man.”
At the count’s gesture, the knight bowed politely.
“I apologize for startling you.”
He bowed once more to Count Rocania, then walked farther out to stand watch.
“It was a hassle planting that one by your side.”
Count Rocania laughed heartily. She hadn’t heard from him for a while. She had wondered why...
“How have you been? I was worried with no word.”
“There’s a reason I stayed silent. What if that emperor you adore so much sacrificed me because of you?”
Daphne’s heart sank at Count Rocania’s sarcasm. She was facing the reality she had forgotten.
“I understand. People are like that. With the emperor giving you everything, why wouldn’t you want to stay put? Why run away now?”
Asherad truly loved Daphne and changed his attitude, easing her breathing room. He trusted her, gave her everything, and showed affection openly.
Was he suggesting they escape now?
She wasn’t ready yet. Daphne stiffened without realizing it. Count Rocania watched her change with a cold smile.
“Pity, but foolish girl.”
“......”
“While I wasn’t contacting you, I uncovered some very interesting facts.”
“......”
“I’ll tell you the most important one.”
“......”
“You’re still being toyed with. The emperor treats you like a dog.”
This time, Daphne shook her head. No matter what, Asherad treated her as a person. He even said they’d marry. But what good was that?
Escape...
She had to escape...
“If that bastard changes his mind, you’ll be tormented again right away, tsk... Have you forgotten Fabian?”
Count Rocania looked at her pitifully. Daphne couldn’t meet his eyes.
“No, no, I’m not blaming you. If you choose to stay, I’ll just kill you and be done.”
“......”
“But out of pity, I’ll share some information.”
“......”
“Why did your mother die so quickly?”