Even the second time, it was a eerie sight.
Rows of iron armor facing each other seemed like they could creak and move on their own any moment.
Before the two seasons ago, Liz had passed by this place on her way to the library to find the meaning of ‘Paradelio Hisclume’. Even though it was midday back then, she felt a creepy atmosphere and hastened her steps, let alone now, in the evening, and in the dead of winter. The space was so dimly lit, with only walls, floor, cylindrical pillars, and armors visible, that Liz felt like turning back if she didn’t have a specific reason to be here.
‘Where on earth is it?’
Staring anxiously at the dusky space, Liz tried to feel even the slightest presence. However, either her senses were dull or there was nothing to be felt.
‘Did I come too late?’
It was possible. She had delayed a considerable amount of time trying to convince Hertz of her impromptu actions at the banquet hall.
Just as she was about to consider going back, there was a sudden appearance behind one of the pillars at the end of the hall.
“I was worried you couldn’t read the message.”
It was Duke Montaner. As if he really was worried, a faint sense of relief lingered in his voice.
Liz asked, “Weren’t you worried that I might come alone?”
“Oh, I wasn’t worried at all. I know Her Majesty is wiser than anyone else.”
It was a meaningful statement. However, due to the lack of time, Liz didn’t respond and went straight to the point.
“Why did you call for me?”
Then the Duke said, “I’ll give you some money.”
Liz remained silent.
“As much as you need.”
In the darkness, the corners of the Duke’s mouth could be seen rising. It was a smile born out of confidence that things would go as he intended.
Since two seasons ago, Hertz had completely entrusted the internal affairs of the palace to Liz.
Managing the nobility and the aristocracy, organizing various events, expanding and maintaining facilities, appointing and managing internal affairs – a truly complex and diverse set of tasks were given. Dozens of reports piled up in front of Liz every day.
However, Liz didn’t have to worry about understanding and reviewing them.
Thanks to her, the final reports that came to her were neatly and clearly organized.
Moreover, because the context matched precisely from front to back, Liz only needed to glance through them and sign. It seemed that Hertz had instructed the palace management in advance to handle it this way.
Anyway, while working comfortably and joyfully like this, an uncomfortable event occurred.
It happened during the process of reviewing the budget for the upcoming national celebration. Because it was written in easy-to-understand terms, it was easy to notice something unusual.
The National Celebration I’ve seen so far was much more magnificent and colorful than the schedule written in the documents. The flowers and sculptures were enormous, and the variety of wine and dishes that filled the banquet hall surpassed common sense. Didn’t they even have fireworks two years ago?
Liz called the palace management to inquire about what had happened.
“Oh, that’s because it was covered by Duke Montaner.”
Damn it…
Even though he minimized the use of state funds and generously used his personal property, it was natural that the festival’s quality would improve, and people’s hearts would be captivated.
Well, since there’s a saying about putting new wine in new bottles and the emperor has changed, it should return to normal and proceed according to the budget. However, the nobles’ habit of noticing cuts like ghosts made her reluctant.
“Do I have to use the imperial private property for this too?”
At the moment of wondering if it was a waste.
“I will provide as much money as you need for this national celebration.”
The Duke’s proposal pricked her ears.
“As it is the first festival celebrating the emperor’s reign, the expectations of the imperial citizens will be high. We must not disappoint their expectations.”
He, who had served as regent for the past twenty years, accurately saw through Liz’s concerns. But…
Luck never rolled in for free. Moreover, the luck from Duke Montaner was even less likely to be a freebie.
“Perhaps, could you announce it as a joint host?”
When Liz mentioned the guessed trade condition, the Duke laughed heartily as if the corridor echoed.
“Not at all.”
Liz remained silent.
“A festival should be solely hosted by the imperial family. The honor resulting from it should be solely owned by the imperial family. It is unacceptable for someone else to interfere.”
He spoke with a compassionate expression.
“I am simply doing this out of my desire to be of help to Her Majesty and the future Crown Prince. So, please don’t worry about the concerns from earlier, Your Majesty.”
It was a trustworthy appearance to the extent that she could be deceived. With a slightly softened expression, Liz said,
“How long can you provide it?”
“I can provide it by today.”
“So quickly?”
Liz chuckled and asked cautiously,
After Being Cheated On, She Picked Up a Treasure (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: The husband I married on a whim had been secretly in love with me for a long time.
On the day when Jun Shao finally obtained the imperial decree for her marriage, Lan Qu, the person she had admired for six years, defied the decree and ran away.
Her gentleness and devotion, her promise of a lifetime together, were all disregarded by him. Instead, he dreamed of entering the palace to serve the Emperor’s sister as a sixth-rank attendant.
News of this incident spread throughout the capital, and the alleys in front of and behind the Lan mansion were crowded with people who came to watch the commotion.
Jun Shao should have been embarrassed and angry.
But someone stepped in to protect her dignity.
The figure was in a miserable state, yet still possessed an undeniable elegance and handsomeness.
The young lord struggled to climb the wall of the Lan mansion and shouted to her, “If he won’t marry you, I will!”
So, Jun Shao took advantage of the situation and married the person.
She thought the young lord did it to save the Lan family from the crime of defying the imperial decree, but never imagined that from beginning to end, what he coveted was her.
*
After the wedding, Jun Shao felt like she was living in a dream.
Her Wife-master was as beautiful as a fairy in a painting, skilled in the six arts, well-versed in poetry and literature, capable of being gentle and attentive, and also grand and dignified. Most importantly, she was the only one in his heart and eyes.
Jun Shao didn’t know how Lan Shiwu, as a illegitimate son without a father and blessed with beauty, had managed to preserve his purity, recklessly escape, and use his last ounce of strength to ruin his own reputation, all because of his love for her, just to stand before her.
She could only see him gazing at her with eyes full of love, and when she bestowed a name upon him, his eyes shone like stars.
“You have come to me like a weary bird perching on a branch. I shall call you A Qi.”
