“That’s not possible. I’m simply savoring the taste.”
“If that’s the case, I’m relieved. By chance, which dish did you find most to your liking?”
“…The grilled lobster with cheese that came out earlier was quite pleasing. The tomato sauce complemented it very well too.”
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if the food had gone into my mouth or nose, so I just mentioned the main dish vaguely.
Fortunately, this time my tone didn’t seem to convey any displeasure, as Prince Raphael’s face lit up with a bright smile.
“Do you think so too, Lord Regent? I also like that dish the best. Especially the cheese that accompanied it…”
Prince Raphael continued his explanation in a cheerful voice.
Once again, I listened casually while showing appropriate reactions. Things like “Oh my, is that so?” or “No wonder, the taste and aroma were rather unfamiliar.”
‘This level of sociability, I can easily fake it.’
There was a definite advantage.
I didn’t need to pay attention to the conversation between the princess and Lord Joseph.
I could also focus on the meal to some extent.
Eventually, the plates were emptied and dessert was served.
It was an artistic dish with sorbet topped with delicate chocolate decorations sitting on crème anglaise.
“Oh my, how pretty.”
This time, I exclaimed in genuine admiration.
“What a beautiful dessert!”
The chocolate decoration sprinkled with gold dust was incredibly beautiful. A lion wearing a crown!
The craftsmanship was so impressive that it hardly mattered that the shape symbolized the Kalant imperial family.
How on earth do they make something like this?
“…?”
It was then that I became aware that the atmosphere around me was a bit strange.
Suddenly looking around, I saw that all the royal family members, led by Lord Joseph, were staring at me.
Not just Prince Raphael and Adeline, but even the Emperor, the Princess, and the Crown Prince.
What’s going on? Come to think of it, these odd glances seem to have started a while ago.
“…We did not know that the Daiern Regent would be so pleased with the imperial banquet.”
Saying he should have invited me earlier, the Emperor wore a strangely satisfied expression.
There seems to be a bit of a misunderstanding…
“From now on, the Daiern Regent shall attend Our banquets whenever he wishes. Yes, Raphael. You shall escort the Daiern Regent here starting tomorrow.”
Huh?
“I… will do so, Your Majesty.”
“Ho ho ho. Then from tomorrow on, We shall pay more attention to the banquet for the Daiern Regent.”
The Emperor, who had been looking at me with such disapproval earlier, has now completely changed his attitude, laughing heartily with wrinkles around his eyes in a satisfied expression.
His face looking at me is also full of kindness and gentle satisfaction.
Ah, now I understand.
“This is a joyous occasion. We have also heard that the Prince and the Daiern Regent are in a tender relationship. We shall gladly grant permission for the Prince and the Regent to court here and now. Ho ho ho ho.”
This must be it. Trying to subtly push for a marriage arrangement between the Prince and me using the Emperor’s authority.
It was maddening and infuriating.
Not giving me any time to properly grasp the situation and react, they’re trying to proceed with things as they please.
Do they think I can’t refuse like this? It was no laughing matter.
“There seems to be…”
Just as I was about to open my mouth to say there was some misunderstanding.
“Your Majesty of Kalant.”
Lord Joseph’s low voice instantly subdued the atmosphere in the banquet hall.
It was a magical command that immediately focused everyone’s attention.
“I apologize for interrupting during the conversation, but I heard that the Duchess will be leaving the imperial palace early tomorrow morning. Then, regrettably, wouldn’t it be difficult for her to attend future banquets?”
“Hmm…?”
I didn’t miss Emperor Godfrey’s face hardening.
It was a clear sign of displeasure. No matter that he was the ruler of Alperon, it was rude to interfere in imperial affairs.
“And I think it would be good to inform Your Majesty of Kalant in advance for future exchanges with Alperon.”
However, Lord Joseph’s face showed no concern.
With a pure and beautiful face drawn on his mask, he smiled with his eyes and continued speaking.
“Soon, as the ruler of Alperon, I intend to formally announce my engagement to the Duchess of Daiern.”
Clang, Princess Seraphina and Prince Raphael simultaneously dropped their dessert spoons.
Adeline squeezed her eyes shut and bit her lip.
“Wh-what is the meaning of this…!”
And the Emperor’s jaw dropped.
[This is the timeline separator]It was quite late when I returned to my quarters in the guest palace.
The banquet itself hadn’t gone on for long.
However, I needed time for a private audience with His Majesty for my purposes, so I deliberately stayed for an evening tea time with the Emperor before coming back.
There, something special…
‘Did happen.’
Still, I achieved my most important objective.
I secured a promise from the Emperor not to blame Daiern for the issue of Wilhelm York Baden’s insult to the imperial family.
Of course, the Emperor also received the gift I had prepared in the process. As for the rest…
“Do you have something to say, Lord Joseph?”
It might be better to talk about that later.
For now, it seems I need to deal with Lord Joseph, who has visited my quarters at this suspicious hour.
Lord Joseph, who had returned to his quarters before me, was standing in front of my door as if waiting for me to return.
“…”
A sinister light seemed to linger in his red eyes.
Perhaps it’s because of the dim, flickering light in the corridor at this late hour that makes it feel that way.
“Did your private audience with the Emperor go well?”
“Ah, that…”
It went well, but then again, it didn’t?
It was an ambiguous situation. And certainly, it’s something I should tell Lord Joseph about.
But it doesn’t have to be now. The conversation would be lengthy.
“I’ll tell you early tomorrow. As you can see, my current attire is quite embarrassing.”
“…”
At those words, Lord Joseph’s gaze slowly traced from my head to my toes.
Having just finished bathing, my hair was loose, and I was wearing only a thin nightgown with a shawl hastily thrown over it.
To be honest, it’s not a sight fit for a man I’m not even engaged to yet.
It’s only because it’s Lord Joseph that I’m even having a face-to-face conversation; otherwise, I wouldn’t have even opened the door.
“What does it matter?”
However, after confirming my appearance, Lord Joseph showed a beautiful smile that was so pure it was chilling.
“We’re going to be married soon anyway.”
“…”
I was tempted to nitpick here that we weren’t strictly going to be husband and wife.
But somehow, my nape felt stiff, and I found myself at a loss for words.
Ah, for some reason I couldn’t quite grasp, I had a feeling.
Lord Joseph is quite displeased right now. I’m not sure of the reason, though.
The problem is…
‘I don’t really want to talk right now either.’
Looking at his face, I felt my own irritation rising. Why? I don’t know.
That’s precisely why I don’t want to have a conversation with him right now.
“…No. Regardless of that, it would be better if I come to you early tomorrow. Loretta has already gone to bed, and I’m quite tired as well.”
If it were someone else, I might not care, but I’m particularly careful when dealing with Lord Joseph.
Excluding the children, he is currently the most important person to me.
‘So I don’t want to face him while harboring this unidentifiable displeasure.’
However…
“So, that’s all for tonight. I wish you a peaceful night.”
Just as I was about to close the door.
Lord Joseph pushed his foot into the doorway.
And before I could even realize why the door wasn’t closing, he slipped his fingers into the open gap.
“Please wait a moment. I’m not finished speaking yet.”
“Jos…”
…eph!
What dangerous behavior is this?
Reflexively, I let go of the doorknob. Lord Joseph didn’t miss that split second and entered the room.
It all happened as I was stepping back.
He even locked the door behind him and strode forward. His shadow, a head taller than me, loomed over me.
“What on earth…”
What kind of rude behavior is this?
Looking up at Lord Joseph, however, I couldn’t bring myself to raise my voice and demand an explanation as I felt my body hair stand on end.
‘His eyes look strange?’
Those red eyes that I often found chilling even normally.
But now, that description doesn’t do justice. Perhaps saying they were filled with murderous intent would be more fitting?
Yes, he’s like a completely different person.
It’s hard to imagine he’s the same man who occasionally made my heart flutter with his devilishly seductive and dangerous aura.
“I found out it wasn’t just a private audience with the Emperor. Prince Raphael and the Crown Princess were also present.”
What did the four of you talk about? That’s what Lord Joseph asked.
But for me, it was a completely incomprehensible situation.
Is this really something to be so aggressive about?
Top Celebrity Younger Brother Bears Her Child (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: Forced to live stream romance with a top celebrity in a female-dominant world.
Yan Jin transmigrated into a brothel, with a fellow transmigrated junior beside her.
Hearing the obscene words coming from outside, the unfortunate junior covered his ears tightly, his cheeks flushed red, and whispered to comfort her, “Don’t worry, I will definitely help you escape.”
“Don’t worry, I will definitely defend your chastity.” Yan Jin looked at the flawless and delicate features of the unfortunate junior and gently comforted, “Because we have transmigrated into a female-dominant world.”
※※※
Top celebrity Yu Shu suddenly fell into a coma during a concert.
Research scientist Yan Jin fainted in the lab after working overtime.
Two people with no connection were rushed to the same hospital.
Three days later, neither of them had woken up.
Suddenly, the entire nation discovered that a live streaming app had been forcibly installed on their phones.
Upon opening it, they heard the two discussing how to escape from the brothel.
The entire internet was in an uproar.
After the two successfully escaped from the brothel, Yu Shu’s fan group rushed to make a banner and sent it to the hospital overnight.
“Big sister bravely took action to defend the chastity of our idol!”
※※※
When Yu Shu was diagnosed with pregnancy, Yan Jin stared at his belly for a long time.
Covering his stomach, he muttered gloomily, “If you don’t like it, I’ll go get an abortion.”
“It’s not that I don’t like it.” Yan Jin hugged Yu Shu and said softly, “I just feel like I’m not human.”
Yu Shu comforted Yan Jin, “I was already an adult when we got together.”
Yan Jin hesitated, “But you won’t be of legal marriageable age even after giving birth to the child.”
At the same time, a flood of bullet comments appeared in the live streaming room that the two couldn’t see.
[Although it’s inappropriate, I also want a young and handsome boyfriend to have my child.]
①Male pregnancy (highlighted)
The female lead is five years older than the male lead, and the male lead is already an adult when he appears.
