Chapter 64: The Empress Dowager’s Secret (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 64: The Empress Dowager’s Secret (2)
"Leon" was the nickname the Empress Dowager used for the Emperor.
Of course, Dantalion flew into a rage every time he heard it, but the Empress Dowager paid him no mind and called him by the nickname even in front of others.
Though Gloria hadn't been in social circles for long, even she knew the name of the newly enthroned Emperor.
Hearing that the daughter of House Winston—whom she had felt so much guilt toward—was making a fresh start herself left Gloria with a strange sensation.
I thought she would be suffering just as much as I am…
But for her partner to be His Majesty the Emperor? It was certainly possible given her status as a duke’s daughter, but it was still hard to believe.
"Are you very surprised? I suppose it’s natural, considering how much the young lady loved Cedric."
"Ah…"
"Still, isn't it a relief that she has found her own match as well?"
"Yes, it is…"
The back of Gloria’s throat stung.
During all this time, even when Cedric regained his memories and clung to her, Gloria had refused to accept his heart.
From the beginning, she hadn't resented him for losing his memories. It was an unavoidable accident; she felt that if he forgot her and Marianne, there was nothing to be done.
But the Duke’s daughter was different. She was innocent. Having married Cedric without even knowing of Gloria’s existence, she was a complete victim.
Gloria had constantly felt sorry for the woman who must have suffered because of her and Marianne. That was why she tried to push Cedric away, though escaping his forceful nature was a difficult task.
No, in truth, that was just an excuse. Perhaps she had simply been looking for an opportunity to be with Cedric all along.
The fact that she felt such joy at the Empress Dowager’s words proved it.
"So, do not worry and stay by Cedric’s side from now on. The Duke’s daughter will no longer resent you."
"Do you really think so?"
"Of course."
Gloria, who had grown calm, asked as if seeking permission. The Empress Dowager gave an immediate, affirmative answer.
I see. My actions are no longer a sin.
It felt like salvation. It was as if a heavy boulder pressing down on her chest had vanished. Gloria looked at the Empress Dowager and gave a bright smile.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Yes. I shall see you and Cedric together soon."
"I understand."
With a face much brighter than before, Gloria took Marianne’s hand and left the drawing room.
The Empress Dowager, who had been waving at the two, let her expression turn ice-cold the moment no one else remained in the room.
The atmosphere shifted in an instant. Her gaze dropped toward her own shadow.
"Grid."
[Gueooo…]
Something surged up from within the shadow. A growling sound emanated from the pitch-black mass. The beast-like entity repeated the same sound over and over.
"You’ve been doing nothing but failing lately."
[Gueoooo…]
Clicking her tongue in disapproval, the Empress Dowager looked down at the Ancient Demon she had contracted with, her brow furrowed in a grimace.
It had been a long time since she made the contract with that demon. It was a harvest obtained by sacrificing an entire village, so it had been useful for a while, but lately, it hadn't been performing well at all.
"Must I use a greater sacrifice?"
She could no longer be satisfied with ordinary demons. To possess something stronger, she had to sacrifice something of equal value.
While the Grids were numerous, they weren't particularly powerful because they were fueled by the sacrifices of commoners. The Empress Dowager was well aware of this fact.
"I want to use Imperial blood as a sacrifice, but it isn't easy."
The Empress Dowager had been trying to sacrifice Dantalion for quite some time. That was why she had tried so hard to have him killed on the battlefield, but his life was stubbornly persistent.
The other members of the Imperial Family were always wary of her, and there were too many eyes watching to use them as sacrifices. However, Dantalion, who had been left all alone, was the perfect prey for her.
"Furthermore, there are other children I’ve set my sights on."
The Empress Dowager wore an alluring smile as she thought of someone.
It was Marianne, who had been in this very drawing room just moments ago, and the other child was Claudia.
Cedric’s children were all born with innate talent. Unlike her own fake status, Marianne possessed truly immense divine power, and the same went for Claudia.
"That child looks weak and useless on the outside, but…"
She couldn't be certain since she hadn't touched the girl directly, but the Empress Dowager had felt a strange energy when she met Claudia.
It was something that wouldn't be easily noticed by anyone other than herself, whose five senses had been heightened by years of contracting with demons.
Who would have guessed that inside little Claudia resided enough mana to tempt even a demon? The girl herself likely didn't know.
"I’m having trouble deciding who to choose."
The Empress Dowager’s red lips curled upward as she let out a soft chuckle.
While she was laughing and contemplating which child to make her next sacrifice, someone entered the drawing room.
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
"You’ve come?"
It was Glen Roderick—the Empress Dowager’s younger brother and the current Marquis Roderick.
Originally, the Empress Dowager’s family was a lowly barony, but after she entered the Imperial Family as a consort, the family’s status rose several times. Now, her brother had inherited the title and held the rank of a Marquis.
"I heard you met with the Saintess and the Holy Mother."
"Yes, they were here with me just now."
The Empress Dowager replied in a bored tone to Glen’s remark. As she stroked her well-manicured nails, it seemed she had already lost interest in the two.
"What did you discuss?"
"I told her to marry Cedric."
"And did she agree?"
"Of course. There’s no way she wouldn't listen to me."
The Empress Dowager asked back confidently while tending to her nails. Glen nodded in response.
"The Temple will soon proclaim Marianne as the Saintess."
"Yes, you handle that part."
"It seems the Emperor will soon marry the Duke’s daughter."
"Hmm."
The Empress Dowager lowered her hand and frowned. As someone who had constantly sought Dantalion’s life, she wasn't pleased that he had ascended the throne.
"Actually, it’s better if that child enters the Imperial Palace of her own accord."
The Empress Dowager muttered with a smile, thinking of Claudia. Glen chimed in.
"Then I will see to it that the Council offers no objections."
"No, let them complain a little. It’s no fun if it goes too smoothly."
"Understood."
In any case, the current Emperor didn't seem like the type to bat an eye at such a commotion. However, Glen did not argue with the Empress Dowager’s words.
"Cedric Lionel is also expected to return soon."
"Yes, the timing is perfect."
With a beaming smile, the Empress Dowager stood up. As she walked forward, her personal maid approached and untied the heavy laces of the dress enveloping her body.
The dress fell to the floor with a rustle, revealing a pale, naked body clad only in a light chemise.
Standing naked before the mirror as if it were nothing, the Empress Dowager inspected her body meticulously.
"The Duke’s daughter and that child will also enter the palace. It will be quite entertaining when they run into Cedric frequently."
Unlike her usual self, the Empress Dowager wore a mischievous, almost boyish smirk as she let out a sinister laugh.
Soon, as she stroked her own thigh, her brow furrowed.
"I assume today’s portion of blood is prepared?"
"…Yes, Your Majesty."
The maid bowed her head and answered the Empress Dowager’s question. Trembling with tension, the maid shrank back.
"Glen, you may leave now."
"Yes, sister."
With a short reply, Glen turned and left the drawing room. No one was passing through the hallway, which had already been cleared of people.
"You’re certain it’s the fresh blood of a virgin?"
"That is what I was told."
When a corner of the drawing room was pushed, a small door appeared. The Empress Dowager stepped inside naturally.
Inside the pitch-black space sat a white bathtub, filled to the brim with crimson blood.
[Gueooo…]
Grid, reacting to the blood first, emerged from the Empress Dowager’s shadow. It let out a satisfied cry as it drank the blood from the tub.
"Seeing how much Grid likes it, it must be the blood of a virgin."
With a satisfied smile, the Empress Dowager slowly stepped into the bathtub. Soon, she let out a content sigh at the warmth.
*
"Hwaaaaam."
Waking up in the morning, I let out a massive yawn.
I felt like I had a nasty dream, but I couldn't remember it well.
As I tilted my head in confusion, a pale arm reached out and stroked my hair.
"Dia, did you sleep well?"
"Mmhmm."
"Now, let’s wash your face and… oh my."
"…?"
Veronica, who had been looking at my face, was startled. I stared at her in confusion, my mouth hanging open blankly.
Soon, Veronica spoke again.