I Will Live for Your Death (20 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 4
But Ilyd was smiling. The same warm and gentle smile as always spread across her face.
It would have been less terrifying if she had thrown things aside, raised her voice, and lashed out in anger. The expression, utterly incongruous with the situation, froze Lynette and all the attendants in place.
“It’s done. Bring them inside.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The attendants resumed their hurried steps, carrying in the luxuries once more. Ilyd silently followed the packed boxes toward the inner chambers of the Imperial Palace where Claudius awaited.
“His Imperial Majesty. Her Imperial Majesty the Empress has arrived.”
Though inside the study, Claudius was dressed casually. Beside him, as expected, stood Celina.
Had they spent the night together and remained side by side until now? Through the loose draping of their garments, their bare skin was plainly visible.
Though this was clearly meant to be a formal setting for reviewing and signing official documents, it seemed he’d tossed all sense of propriety into the trash. Ignoring it all, Ilyd walked straight toward Claudius and Celina.
He cast a quick glance at the entering Empress and let out a faint smile.
“Good morning, Empress.”
“An uncomfortable morning, Your Imperial Majesty.”
“What? Does this sight displease you?”
What could possibly go through the mind of someone asking such an obvious question? Was it confirmation for the sake of confirmation? Or did he simply wish to see her contorted in fury? Ilyd deliberately changed the subject and dove straight into her main point.
“I heard you’re preparing for war.”
“…So quickly. Has the news already reached even you, Empress?”
Keeping his eyes on the document he was reading indifferently, Claudius used his free hand to stroke Celina’s nape. At his touch, Celina shivered slightly and nestled deeper into his embrace.
Though their blatant display should have flushed her cheeks, Ilyd continued speaking without the slightest change in expression.
“Thanks to this, I had to rewrite the budget for the Empress’s Palace. Your generous imposition has left me no time to rest my hands.”
Lynette forced down the shivers crawling up her arms. A quick glance at Ilyd revealed a face still smiling, yet her words were edged with steel.
Though clearly mocking Claudius’s conduct, he merely chuckled, as if thoroughly amused by something.
“Therefore, I’ve come early to present the revised, reduced budget for the Empress’s Palace.”
Whether the Emperor laughed or not, Ilyd thrust the prepared documents right before Claudius’s nose.
Claudius looked up at Ilyd, who stood composed before him. As always, she was calm—and radiant.
“I’ll take a look.”
“And I have one more proposal.”
“Since the Empress herself came all the way here to speak of it, it must be important. Celina, would you mind stepping out for a moment?”
Despite Claudius’s gentle request, Celina pursed her lips and shook her head firmly, showing unwavering resolve to remain by the Emperor’s side no matter what.
Ilyd looked at Celina with a serene smile laced with a hint of kindness.
“No. This matter concerns Lady Celina directly, so I’d appreciate it if you stayed to hear it.”
The two, pressed so closely together, exchanged puzzled glances. One could only wonder what expression Claudius would wear in response.
“I propose formally appointing Lady Celina as Empress Consort.”
It was a statement no one had expected.
For a moment, time itself seemed to halt. Everyone in the room turned their eyes to Ilyd. The one who had just uttered such an astonishing declaration stood calmly, gazing evenly at the Emperor and his consort.
Claudius, who had been lounging carelessly, abruptly straightened up with a jolt. Celina beside him, still unable to process what she’d heard, blinked blankly in Ilyd’s direction.
“Empress, what on earth—”
“Surprising. I assumed Your Imperial Majesty would be most delighted to hear these words.”
Ilyd deliberately tilted her head slightly, showing the composure of one who had already seized the upper hand.
Claudius’s bewildered expression at this unexpected proposal was quite a sight.
“Your Majesty’s affection grows deeper by the day—it couldn’t be more fortunate. And what better opportunity to secure an heir? But keeping Lady Celina in the palace without any official title attracts far too many watchful eyes.”
As Ilyd spoke, Celina’s eyes began to sparkle with growing excitement. She suppressed her rising thrill and glanced furtively between the Empress and the Emperor.
The title of Empress Consort—something she’d only ever imagined or overheard—now seemed within reach.
Now, she could truly stand beside Claudius as his official consort.
Ilyd didn’t miss the smile escaping Celina’s lips. She drove in the final wedge, cloaked in feigned kindness.
“And if Lady Celina ascends to the position of Empress Consort, she’ll surely enjoy even greater privileges than she does now.”
It was an unmistakable invitation meant for Celina’s ears alone. By now, Celina would likely cling to Claudius’s leg.
No one would passively watch their status, privileges, and honor quietly slip away—certainly not the Celina Ilyd had observed thus far.
“Your Imperial Majesty!”
Celina pulled away from Claudius and knelt before Ilyd. It was the most respectful posture she’d ever shown toward the Empress.
“I—I, Empress Consort? I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude I don’t know where to turn. From now on, I shall serve Your Majesty even more faithfully—”
“I’ve given no such permission.”
Celina’s trembling body, which had been trembling with excitement and joy against the floor, froze instantly. Her previously servile eyes swiftly turned to resentment.
Claudius avoided meeting Celina’s accusing gaze and instead slowly stepped forward, fixing his eyes on Ilyd.
Their gazes clashed in midair. If glances had temperature, the air between them would have frozen with a sharp crack.
‘My guess was correct.’
Claudius’s eyes were filled with flustered embarrassment masked as composure. Ilyd suppressed the mocking smile tugging at her lips as she watched him waver helplessly.
She’d suspected why he particularly shielded Celina—but had never been certain.
Perhaps he truly loved her—or perhaps he was merely using her to provoke Ilyd.
Of course, he likely held some genuine feeling for Celina, but his current reaction clearly pointed to the latter.
He probably hoped Ilyd would erupt in rage, wail in despair, and ultimately collapse from exhaustion.
‘Does he plan to swoop in as my savior once I’ve crumbled completely and everyone has abandoned me?’
Ilyd’s neatly folded hands clenched unconsciously.
Now it was clear. Claudius had been hoping for Ilyd’s despair all along.
Of all the immature strategies—jealousy tactics, no less—from an Emperor, it was so childish it nearly made her laugh.
Ilyd stared straight into Claudius’s reddened eyes as he stepped forward.
She had absolutely no intention of crumbling the way he wanted.
Claudius glanced briefly at Celina, who remained kneeling with resentful eyes, then leaned close to Ilyd’s ear and whispered.
“It’s still too soon.”
“I think it’s perfectly appropriate. If Lady Celina becomes Empress Consort and conceives, her child would immediately become the Empire’s heir. What could possibly be better?”
“…Isn’t securing an heir the Empress’s duty?”
“I always keep it in mind. But under current circumstances, Lady Celina seems far more likely to succeed. Unless… is the title of Empress Consort too insignificant? Shall I relinquish my position as Empress?”
“There are rules even within the palace.”
“I never expected Your Imperial Majesty to invoke palace rules—especially after yesterday’s rather shameful display.”
“…Empress.”
“Oh, if it’s about the Empress’s seat, we can consider it after Lady Celina produces an heir. I’ll gladly step aside.”
Ilyd heard her own teeth grind faintly in her ear.
It had been a casual remark, but Claudius was clearly losing his composure. Amused by his increasingly interesting reaction, a faint smile spread across Ilyd’s lips.
Claudius’s voice came out slowly, each word broken and quiet.
“Empress. Do you truly… not care at all?”
“This is for the stability of the Astridian Empire. What is there to hesitate over?”
It was truly the demeanor of an Empress of a great nation.
She showed no jealousy toward the Emperor’s woman—only concern for the Imperial family’s security and succession.
Claudius bit his lip tightly, then looked down at Celina, who still knelt on the floor, silently weeping.
No matter how much Celina wished for it—or how much Ilyd proposed it—without the Emperor’s final approval, she could never become Empress Consort.
Claudius, who had remained silent until now, fixed his crimson eyes on her with icy coldness.
“Fine. Do as you please.”
It sounded less like permission and more like “Go ahead—see what happens.”
Without sparing a glance for anyone in the room, Claudius strode out. Behind him, Celina cried out a shrill, grateful thanks.
In truth, ignoring Ilyd’s proposal would have been far wiser. The funds flowing to “the Shadow” could have been discreetly handled.
But if Celina became Empress Consort, she’d officially fall under the Empress’s Palace, making it easy to monitor and restrict her every action and expense.
‘So you intend to track every source and movement of the funds.’
Claudius halted in the corridor. What truly unsettled him wasn’t the proposal itself—but Ilyd’s casual, indifferent tone while discussing it.
What wife in the world would calmly suggest her husband formally take a concubine? And with such unnerving composure, no less.
‘I’ll gladly step aside.’
Ilyd’s words echoed relentlessly in his mind. That effortless attitude—showing not a trace of attachment to the Empress’s seat. The quiet confidence that she could leave his side at any moment.
Bang!
Claudius slammed his fist into the wall beside him. The inner wall vibrated with a loud crash.
The face he wanted from Ilyd wasn’t this composed one.
He wanted her pouring out resentment and fury, glaring at him with eyes full of jealousy. He wanted her crumbling in despair, her face hollow and empty as she clung to him.
But Ilyd was far too strong to be broken by mere matters of his women.
**
“Your Imperial Majesty… just what are you thinking?”
The moment they entered the Empress’s study, Lynette shut the door and asked urgently. Her question, held in since the Imperial Palace, brimmed with frustration and anger.
“I’m going to appoint Celina as Empress Consort.”
“That will only worsen Your Majesty’s position. Nobles are already lining up to align with Viscount Diobe… If danger comes later, no one will stand for you.”
Not banishing her or handling it secretly—but formally welcoming her? Lynette felt like she’d swallowed yesterday’s meal all over again.
“Then what should I do… leave the palace?”
“Your Imperial Majesty, are you trying to make me unemployed?”
“You think I can’t even feed one servant?”
“Isn’t that something I should be saying…?”
A deep sigh finally escaped Lynette’s lips. She didn’t fail to understand Ilyd’s reasoning.
Rather than endure the humiliation of Claudius’s “Shadow,” she likely preferred bringing Celina into the light—placing her firmly underfoot.
Of course, judging by the Emperor’s moves, he might block Ilyd’s direct oversight of Celina. Lynette’s clenched hands tightened further.
“But to just let things be like this… it feels wrong.”
“Lynette.”
At Ilyd’s firm, low voice, Lynette snapped out of her dejected state.
Looking up again, Ilyd was exactly as Lynette had always known her to be—the Empress she admired.
“I never said I’d raise Celina to Empress.”
Ilyd mentally reviewed her carefully laid plans. Gripping the back of the chair before her, the decorative edges dug into her palms.
“For now, I have no intention of relinquishing this seat. What I said to His Imperial Majesty earlier was merely a bit of posturing.”
From the moment of the appointment ceremony, every coin flowing into the Empress Consort’s Palace would be meticulously recorded and monitored. The moment Celina became Empress Consort, that place would surely become a laundering and distribution channel for Claudius—or Viscount Diobe’s—funds.
Though Claudius had imposed restrictions, there were still things only the Empress could do from her position. It was far too early to step down quietly.
Until now, she’d survived by staying as quiet as possible—acting the part of a virtuous, wise Empress who mechanically fulfilled her duties without initiative. Thanks to that, Claudius’s surveillance had slackened, even slightly.
Now, Ilyd needed to build her own faction. She required people capable of standing against Claudius and the nobles surrounding him.
She recalled the letters hidden in her drawer. Nobles from the provinces and emerging wealthy merchants had responded positively to her discreet requests for cooperation.
‘…The time has come to repay the kindness once shown by Countess Melphiram…’
Ilyd’s mother—the Countess Melphiram—better known to the people as Keira Rowen Melphiram.
A woman deeply devoted to charity, who mingled freely with commoners. That very conduct had earned Melphiram great public favor—and noble resentment.
Even in death, she continued to move people. Without Keira’s earlier influence, Ilyd would now be even more isolated and helpless.
Yet, she lacked military strength. Though those who pledged support had private troops, they were too conspicuous. A covert force was desperately needed.
Ilyd steeled her resolve and sat at her desk. They would soon arrive in the capital. The rest would have to be left to fate. She forced strength into her chilled hands, her nails leaving a dull ache at her fingertips.
The festival would begin in just a few days.
When the male lead is punished by carrying the female lead’s child and having periods like a woman
“I’ve given birth to two children for you, yet you still think about him.
Was I nothing but his substitute to you from beginning to end?”
Synopsis:
Meng Huan, a scumbag who has dated countless girlfriends, transmigrates to a female-dominated country.
Day 1: Whether it’s female dominance or not doesn’t matter. The beauties here are passionate and amorous. Isn’t it easier to date them than in modern times?
Day 2: After a night, Meng Huan discovers the differences in the female-dominated world. Men here actually have chastity locks and menstrual cycles. This hinders his ability to perform, damn it!
Day 3: What’s wrong with sleeping around? I don’t want you to marry me. I’m meant to be a playboy. I don’t care about male virtues… What? You want to drown me in a pig cage? Marry, I’ll marry!
Day N: Meng Huan inexplicably vomits and receives the shocking news of his life… He’s pregnant.
_____
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