Chapter 121
Cecile couldnt tell for the life of her why melancholic beauty was a necessity, but she gave up trying to comprehend his logic and continued reading. And when addressing you, I should address you as my night canary because your anguished cries can be heard throughout the night, as youre subjected to the empresss unsatisfied secret desires Hey! Are you insane! Cecile sprang to her feet, crumpled the paper, and hurled it at Richard.
Why are you so upset? Isnt this the most suitable setting for a handsome slave boy? Richard asked, catching the paper wad with a look of puzzlement. Besides, arent you supposed to play up the image of a wild and uncontrollable villainess? Thats what I heard from the emperor. If so, you should at least do this much.
Is is that how it is?Cecile was almost led astray by Richards fallacious logic before she snapped to her senses. There should be other roles to pick! She shook her head, reminding herself not to be fooled.
Why? I thought this to be a rather fitting setting for you too.
This stupid mage! What do you take me as! Cecile grabbed Richard and shook him by the collar. Since its not your business, you think you can just get away with whatever? Is that it? Why in the world would I need all this! I dont harbor any secret desires! Theres absolutely none I tell you! And, what the heck ismy night canary! Dont cry at night and just go to sleep!
Well, why dont you concoct a better story for why the empress is keeping a handsome boy by her side all day long then! Richard quipped.
Cant we just say Im keeping you out of pity? Cecile implored.
A lazy setting like that is no good. We need something that tickles the primitive imagination of people. Humans are inherently captivated by trashiness.
I said thats not necessary! Just how far was this batty mage bent on warping her image? Admittedly, she would have to act like a crazy villainess in Estians absence, but that didnt mean she had to stoop to this level! She would much rather play fast and loose with the crown jewels! Amid shaking Richard, Cecile spotted an item out of the corner of her eye that startled her into halting. Hang on. Why is a whip here?
I thought it might be needed. You know,role-wise. I took the liberty of bringing the one used for Girgantia.
* * *
Is somebody talking about me? Why are my ears itching so much? Girgantia muttered to himself, scratching at his ears. He was enjoying a meal of fried chicken in his newly assigned room in the imperial palace. Next to him sat Tania, who was cupping her chin and frowning. Why do you have such a foul expression? Youre not even bothering to eat your chicken. If you dont want any more then Ill
Freeze. Put your hands down, Tania growled.
The dragon clicked his tongue. Girgantia had attempted to sneak a chicken leg from her plate, thinking that Tania was too preoccupied to notice. He grumbled under his breath, but returned the piece back to where hed swiped it from.
Tania ignored the dragons mutterings, as she stared down at the letter in her hand. In all the chaos resulting from Girgantias appearance, Tania had forgotten about the letter from her mother. The message was shortit warned Tania to return home or face death. She had ignored her mothers call, but had yet to receive any word from her parents. The silence made her anxious. It was the same type of nervousness as when her homework was incomplete but she hadnt yet been found out.
Why hasnt she come? Theres no way mom wouldve let me off. What in tarnation couldve happened?Tania hadnt received any word of incidents from back home. Was the lack of contact related to her mothers personal circumstances? Surely her mother wouldnt burn Tanias name off the family tree, would she? Impossible. Tania was their only daughter, after all. Still, on second thought if it was her mother, then it wasnt an impossibility.
Amid her brooding, Tania suddenly felt something was amiss. By the way, wheres my whip? She wondered aloud, as she glanced around the room.
How should I know. Didnt you put it away? Girgantia shrugged.
* * *
Will you put that whip away, gosh darn it! Cecile yelled exasperatedly.
What are you talking about? Go on, give it a swing already. You need to break it in, Richard said, teleporting the whip into Ceciles hand. Oh! Would it be more fitting if I loosen some of my buttons? Or should I just take off my top? I think itd be a great idea to wear a collar around my neck too!
What the heck are you trying to pose as? Cecile rubbed her temples. A headache was forming from seeing Richard enthusiastically losing himself in his delusions.
Come now, take a swing! Dont be afraid of new challenges! Richard cried out. He was acting like a passionate physical education teacher.
I said Im not doing it! Cecile retorted. Enough! Would you please put on your clothes properly? Do it this instant! Irene will be arriving soon. What will she think if she sees this?
Shall I take off my pants too? Richard continued, ignoring Ceciles pleas.
Will you please listen! In her frustration, Cecile lashed the air with the whip, but her lack of skill and strength resulted in her being dragged by the momentum of the whip and tumbling forward. Aaagh!
It was at that specific moment that the door flung open, and her attendants ran in. Your Majesty, are you alri Goodness!
The scene unfolding before the attendants was that of the empress straddling a young boy, whip in one hand while gripping the collar of his shirt in the other. The innocent expression on the young boys face as he lay under the empress in a state of half undress, coupled with his tears, was enough to elicit sympathy from everyone. While everyone looked on in horror, in that moment Cecile made a silent vowshe would absolutely ask His Majesty to murder Richard when he returned.