The Evil Empress Adores Me

Dont get me wrong.

Pardon?

At the howling of the cool morning breeze, my eyes widened without me realizing it.

I didnt do it because I wanted to help, said the Duke.

Oh, then why ?

Remember this Charlize. No matter how young you may be, arent you the official maid of the Empress? You represent the Empresss will wherever you go so make an effort not to dishonor her.

Well, thats true.

I swallowed my saliva.

The Duke added words in an unfeeling voice.

If youre ignored by other maids, it would damage my sisters authority and her image as Empress.

Ah mumbled Charlize.

Thats why.

Oh, yes. I see.

Im at a loss for words.

The Duke, noticing my speechlessness, refrained from pressing the issue any further and instead looked at me with an expression that pitied me.

By the way, you walk very slowly, said the Duke out of the blue.

Sorry, Im sorry! I replied in a frantic voice.

Taken aback, I strengthen my legs again to catch up with the Duke.

The Duke continued to look at me with a pitiful gaze, before turning his head after I caught up with him.

Seriously.

People can have short legs!

The Duke and I walked side by side at a steady pace to the Empresss palace.

The Empress was in full swing with paperwork, on one corner of her desk, piles of paper neatly stacked, and clutter of paper on another corner.

However, at the sight of her brother, her eyes popped wide open in amazement.

Oh, my. Brother?

Long time no see, Rose.

The Dukes face was expressionless when I last looked at him but it was now replaced by a radiant smile on his face upon seeing his sister.

Putting aside her paperwork, she got up from her desk and approached the Duke in a calm manner.

Hows it been? Its been a while since youve visited the palace.

After being invited at the Emperors behest, didnt his Majesty, the Emperor choose to cancel the National Assembly without notice?

Ah Thats right.

Rather than being surprised, the Empress simply nodded in understanding, she was all too familiar with the Emperors spontaneous decisions.

The Duke shrugged his shoulders lightly.

So I thought while I had time to spare, I might as well come and see you again.

It was an abrupt decision by the Emperor. remarked the Empress in agreement, pausing for a moment before continuing.

Come to think of it, howd you come here with Charlize?

Well, this child

The Duke once again looked at me with sullen eyes.

Hold on, why do you keep looking at me like that? I thought to myself.

Have I done something wrong!

The Empress, noticing my discomfort, approached me and bent one knee, affectionately stroking my hair.

Didnt you mention Charlize, about going to the Crown Palace and the laundromat today?

Yes, right!

I see. You must have been struggling since morning.

At the empresss delicate touch, any sadness left in my heart melted.

As expected, the empress is the only one!

The empress gently smiled at me.

Lize, I want tea served for my brother. Would you kindly reserve a seat in the parlor?

Okay!

Inwardly, I felt the Dukes gaze just too much to bear, so I rushed out of the room the moment the Empress gave her request.

Since its tea for the empress, Im going to bring out the prettiest teacup and teapot!

And after a little while.

I took one last look down at the tea and refreshments I prepared before placing them on the trolley with an ambitious face.

Okay, perfect!

I clenched both my fists, raising them in the air in accomplishment.

With this much, I wont be criticized by the strict-looking Duke of Rochester, right?

I grabbed the handle of the trolley skillfully.

Custom-made just for me, the trolley moved smoothly and silently as I pushed.

Isnt the Empress just an angel who came down from heaven?

Looking at the trolley, I was immersed in my emotions as I recalled the time I received this gift from the Empress.

But then as I was about to enter parlor-

The conversation between the Empress and the Duke could be heard through a gap as the door was ajar.

The probationary maid and the maids were very, very arrogant, remarked the Duke.

Oh, thats what happened. replied the Empress.

Ugh, is this the story from the laundromat earlier?

I pricked up my ears without realizing it.

Im not trying to eavesdrop. Im just hearing it by chance! reasoned Charlize as she pulled herself closer to the door to listen in.

But, there is something right about what the maids said earlier, said the Duke.

Yes?

I was going to enter the room but something just compelled me to listen even more, my feet felt like they were even glued to the floor.

The maids were right about something, what could that be?

Ive been thinking about why you suddenly decided to take care of the Crown Prince yourself.

After a short pause, the Duke continued speaking calmly.

The timing between that little maid named Charlize being accepted into the Empress Palace and your decision to care for the Crown Prince is too similar to be a coincidence.

about that.

Besides, youre making it easy for that little maid to take care of the Crown Prince, right?

To that, the Empress did not answer.

In my eyes, it seems to me that the problem is that you adore the little maid too much.

Brother!

If Im mistaken, please give me a compelling reason.

The Empress opened her mouth as if to rebuke, but the Duke did not back down.

Of course, I understand. After all, shes a pretty cute kid.

In the deafening silence, only the Dukes voice was heard.

But the thing is. For making that choice

The Duke spoke to the Empress in a calm tone.

Are you positive that little maid doesnt affect you and your decisions at all?

I mean. I dont want to see you overdo it because of that maid.

Without realizing it, I lost the strength in my grip to hold on to the trolley.

The Empress is overdoing it because of me huh.

I see its possible.

Ive never thought of that before, whispered Charlize.

Honestly Rose, you yourself know that all too well, dont you? questioned the Duke.