Lately, it’s become even harder to fight off drowsiness.
As I considered taking a short nap and headed toward the bedchamber, I saw Nigel rushing toward me from a distance.
Sometimes, when Kasallin felt particularly heavy, he would attend imperial meetings in her place. Today was one of those days.
“Your Majesty, the Empress!”
“What’s the matter, Sir Nigel? Did something special happen at today’s meeting?”
“Princess Rillen sent an apology letter along with a request to resume diplomatic relations. The conditions were quite bold, and His Majesty the Emperor has permitted the Khan Kingdom’s delegation to enter.”
Kasallin was taken aback.
“His Majesty accepted the apology? What were the conditions?”
“It’s quite astonishing. They offered to cede part of the eastern Danber region, designated as royal land, to our empire.”
Kasallin immediately grasped Princess Rillen’s intentions.
The Danber region in the east was a place Shallen particularly cherished.
As soon as Shallen ascended the throne, he designated it as royal land. For years, Danber symbolized Shallen’s royal authority.
For Princess Rillen to offer such a place alongside a request to resume diplomatic ties implied a deeper meaning.
‘King Shallen, unfit as a monarch, should be ousted swiftly to establish a new royal house, so I hope the Rennel Empire will support me.’
Princess Rillen. Kasallin knew she was someone who, once resolved, would push forward relentlessly, but to go this far?
It seemed she was truly determined to enter a full confrontation with Shallen.
“This is good news for us. We couldn’t remain estranged from the neighboring Khan Kingdom forever. The arrival of their delegation should ease the people’s anxieties.”
Her sleepiness gone, Kasallin turned toward her study, thinking about what needed to be done.
First, preparations for a banquet to welcome the delegation would be necessary…
“The delegation will likely arrive around His Majesty’s birthday. We could hold a banquet to coincide with it.”
Nigel added as he followed her. Kasallin, striding across the corridor, stopped abruptly on the marble floor.
Her stunned expression turned toward Nigel.
“Sir Nigel, what did you just say?”
“Pardon?”
“His Majesty’s birthday…?”
“Oh, did Your Majesty forget? It’s just ten days away.”
[This is the timeline separator]Arriving at the study in a flurry, Kasallin flipped open the “Records of Empresses’ Duties.”
As expected, in the Rennel Empire, the Emperor’s birthday held immense significance.
One of the Empress’s primary duties was overseeing imperial events.
According to the records, past empresses designated public holidays and planned banquets at least a month in advance.
“I forgot amidst the chaos…”
Of course, such preparations weren’t strictly mandatory.
Parnes would surely say, “No need to make a fuss, don’t feel burdened.”
But it was his first birthday since their marriage. She wanted to prepare it with care.
“The banquet can be planned carefully from now, but what about a gift…?”
Come to think of it, she had received much from him but had never given anything in return.
Parnes was the Emperor and hegemon of the western continent. Born with everything, he would gain even more in the future.
What could he possibly want now?
“Well, perhaps jewels…? Oh, but he probably has more than enough of those. I’m not sure, haha…”
Logia’s response wasn’t very helpful.
“Warm care, affection, and steadfast trust—are those not the greatest gifts?”
Sir Nigel’s answer. She hadn’t expected much, but asking was a mistake.
Time passed mercilessly. With only a week left until his birthday, Kasallin grew anxious.
Just as she felt pressed to prepare something, a savior appeared.
The person who understood the man named Parnes best: Ludwig.
“There’s exactly one thing His Majesty doesn’t yet possess.”
“What is it?”
Ludwig smiled, the faint wrinkles around his eyes deepening charmingly.
“Wouldn’t it be dull if I gave you the answer?”
“Duke.”
“I’ll give you a hint about something His Majesty might desire.”
When Ludwig teased, Kasallin felt a stubborn resolve rise. She crossed her arms, urging him to speak.
“You can only find it at the festival in the capital, Granzer.”
“The festival?”
“And Your Majesty the Empress cannot find it alone. His Majesty the Emperor must be with you.”
“So, it’s something we can only obtain at the festival together?”
What could it be?
Unable to grasp the riddle-like words, Kasallin was puzzled.
Above all, was it acceptable for the Emperor and Empress to attend a public festival?
Reading the trace of doubt on her face, Ludwig responded.
“It’s quite common in the Rennel Empire for the Emperor and Empress to go incognito. The Dowager Empress often slipped out to breathe freely from the strict palace life.”
“I see. I thought being an empress meant living like a hothouse flower, confined to the palace forever.”
“Not at all. Escorts follow discreetly for safety, though there are some restrictions.”
Something only discoverable at the festival with His Majesty. Kasallin fell into thought.
Would he, buried in state affairs all day, welcome the idea of a festival?
In such a busy time, would he refuse, saying there’s no time for leisurely outings?
Doubts gripped Kasallin. Ludwig gently opened the door to the Emperor’s study.
“His Majesty is inside. Make the suggestion. He’ll surely be delighted.”
[This is the timeline separator]Wandering minstrels played lutes, weaving lively melodies.
Colorful lights flickered at regular intervals, and merchants called out to passersby amidst the bustling crowd.
Stepping from the carriage, Kasallin was captivated by the unique, exotic scene.
“Is this your first time at a festival?”
Parnes, standing beside her, looked down with a faint smile and asked.
Kasallin shrugged and nodded.
Parnes pulled his hooded robe lower, took her hand, and led her into the heart of the festival.
“It’ll be crowded everywhere. Be careful not to let go of my hand.”
Guided slowly by his hand, Kasallin gazed up at his face.
Lights shifting from green to scarlet cast fleeting glows on his sculpted features.
Though it wasn’t summer, warmth rose between their clasped hands.
“I didn’t expect you to so readily agree to my festival suggestion.”
“I didn’t expect you to suggest it either. Had I known you were interested, I’d have brought you sooner.”
Navigating skillfully through the endless stream of people, Kasallin shook her head slightly.
“It’s not that I’m interested, but I thought Your Majesty might enjoy it. Or perhaps you don’t like such crowded places…?”
Parnes stopped, fixing his gaze on her, his face flushed by the lights.
As Kasallin looked up, he awkwardly covered half his face with one hand, averting his eyes.
“No, I quite like it. This sort of thing.”
“That’s a relief. I was worried Your Majesty might…”
Mid-sentence, he let out a small cough.
Kasallin realized she had been calling him “Your Majesty” and quickly closed her mouth.
A few passersby glanced curiously.
“Oh, I didn’t think about eavesdropping ears.”
“You can call me by name.”
“May I dare?”
“Of course. We’re married.”
He resumed walking slowly, facing forward.
The sharp scent of spices floated in the air, mingling with the chaotic chatter of voices. Amidst it, Kasallin softly called out.
“…Parnen?”
A slight strength tightened in his clasped hand.
“Parnes isn’t a common name, so I thought a nickname only I know might be nice. If you don’t like it…”
“No, it’s good. Kasallin.”
His gentle gaze quietly met hers. Kasallin flushed lightly and lowered her eyes.
The two strolled the lively streets, losing track of time.
They watched a traveling troupe’s performance, listened to music, and even had their fortunes told for fun. It was quite enjoyable. It felt like being an ordinary couple.
Even so, Kasallin didn’t neglect searching for the mysterious item Ludwig hinted at.
But no matter how she looked, nothing Parnes might want stood out.
Wondering if Ludwig had played a trick, her anxiety grew.
“You two look like newlyweds, not long married. And from quite a noble family, aren’t you?”
Male lead is a clingy little husband
One-line summary: The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
Introduction:
One day, Lu Yuner’s soul transmigrates into a female-dominant world. She enters the Imperial Academy and takes up the position of a doctoral instructor, teaching classes and grading schoolwork.
One day, she encounters the young prince Su Qingwan secretly skipping class from the male academy.
As a result, Su Qingwan is punished.
From then on, Su Qingwan sees Lu Yuner as a “thorn in his side”.
But before long, this “thorn” becomes the person he cherishes most, and he goes to great lengths to win Lu Yuner’s affection.
Mini scene 1:
One day, the sun is high in the sky but Su Qingwan still hasn’t gotten up for class.
Servant Xiaoyuan: “Young prince, it’s time for class. You’ll be late otherwise.”
Su Qingwan says arrogantly: “I’m not going. I am the esteemed prince, my status is so noble, why should I suffer this hardship? Besides, isn’t learning all this just to please women? Hmph, they’re not worthy!”
Mini scene 2:
After Su Qingwan falls for someone, he completely changes. He no longer skips class and diligently learns how to be a good husband and father. But he discovers that Sister Yuner is always surrounded by admirers.
Drunk and overcome with jealousy one day, he clings to Lu Yuner, crying beautifully like a pear blossom in the rain.
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan likes Sister Yuner.”
Lu Yuner: “Young prince, you’re drunk.”
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan isn’t drunk. Qingwan likes Sister Yuner, likes you so much, likes you to bits…” Before he can finish, Lu Yuner’s eyes flash with emotion and she leans in closer.
[Reading Guide]
1. The female lead is gentle, gracious, humble and polite but not weak. The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
2. 1v1, a bit torturous in the beginning but definitely sweet later on.
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