Long Live the Emperor, Minus Me (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 18

Cheongryeong still held his cup to his lips as he listened to her words. Baekryeon continued speaking haltingly, as if sorting out her thoughts.

“As you said… perhaps there’s no longer any need for this. Maybe it would be fine to simply hold an ordinary banquet. But… I lack the talent for such things…”

What exactly was an “ordinary banquet”? Baekryeon had never once relaxed at someone else’s banquet. She had never shown a disheveled appearance from drunkenness. She had never made a mistake.

Lee Baekryeon had always needed to be perfect—first as a branch-family heir, then as clan head, and later as the trusted minister of a general constantly watched and checked from all sides. For decades, she had lived a life where even the tiniest flaw was unacceptable.

Thus, she no longer remembered how to act imperfectly.

“…Have you no intention of learning how to do so from now on?”

From now on, wouldn’t you consider living less perfectly—loosening your shoulders a bit, living more comfortably? There’s no one left who doubts you. Everyone will bow their heads and submit to you.

Baekryeon smiled quietly. What Cheongryeong had voiced was barely half of what she’d wanted to say, yet Baekryeon understood every unspoken word he’d left unsaid.

The time they’d shared made that possible.

“Your Majesty.”

“I’m listening.”

“One can learn the method. But putting it into practice is another matter entirely… I cannot stop this.”

“I see.”

Cheongryeong let out a sigh-laced voice, yet it remained gentle.

“Then there’s nothing for it.”

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