While riding on the horse, everything became hazy for Latille.
Did I really bid farewell to Haizens
?
Was it a dream? I felt like I would be able to see Haizens once more if I went back, and we’d laugh and pretend none of this had happened.
When they arrived in the village at the end of the border, people were talking about Haizens’ marriage.
‘Lady Aini is the best! She’s always been famous for her personality.’
‘She’s smart, and she’s never been involved in any scandals unlike other nobles.’
‘She’s going to be a good empress.’
‘Her family is powerful too, so there’s no room for problems.’
Latille had only realised that Haizens was really married when she heard the women talk about them in excitement. The people of Carrisen received the marriage positively.
That night, Latille repeatedly cried.
‘Haizens, you son of a bitch. You traitor, give back my prayers!’
--------
Mean while, there was also a man who could hardly sleep.
‘I most definitely remember asking to see you again.’
It was Prince Klein.
<figure>
Klein took a sip of alcohol while squeezing the glass instead of holding it, causing it to shatter in his hands. He wiped off the blood and removed the glass pieces from his hand and ordered the servant to clean up while feigning composure; but when the servants left, he grabbed the blanket and sank his teeth into them.
‘Damn!’
The more I thought about it, the more I hurt my pride. She drunkenly hugged me by the waist, and I consoled her despite her tear stained face and runny nose. She approached me first; she said she loved me and asked me to stay then disappeared. Is it my turn to chase you when we meet again?
Klein rubbed his temples. In a way, it’s no big deal; he met a strange woman, and he just has a filthy temper. What made him upset even more was that had attended the reception after the wedding just see the woman.
I can’t contain my embarrassment. To think I would have even thought of seriously asking you about your unrequited love for me. Since you were a princess, we would’ve been able to get married, but I couldn’t do that without making sure.
Klein groaned and called for a servant. As soon as they came, he ground his teeth and repeated the same question for the seventeenth time.
‘Is it really true that the delegation leader from the Tarium Empire has returned?’
‘Yes, in the morning. She simply greeted his Majesty the Emperor and went back immediately.’
The attendant responded in irritation from constantly repeating the same answer. As Klein exhaled and panted intensely, he lay back in bed.
‘What’s done is done, forget it. She’s the one who loves me, anyway. If she wants to end things this way, it’s her loss. I don’t care.’
♔♔♔
Since Latille was the delegation leader, she had to control her emotions. No matter how pitiful Haizens looked, she still had to leave Carrisen, and carry out her duties.
I felt pretty exhausted since then, so I didn’t find it in me to take care of my wounds.
As soon as she rested against her pillow, she fell asleep and started to feel better. Upon seeing the familiar beauty of her motherland, Tarium, she instantly felt relieved.
I still felt pain whenever I thought about Haizens
,
but I wanted to go back home. Wouldn’t these feelings soon subside with my family and governess’ help?
‘I sure hope these feelings go away, otherwise it’d be a waste of my time.’
However, what was waiting for Latille was not the was not the warmth of a loving family but shocking news.
‘Huh? Did Brother say he was going to step down from the crown prince’s seat?’
As soon as I heard this news, I completely forgot about Haizens.
Latille stared at her father blankly upon hearing the incredible news.
I can’t believe it. What do you mean? Lean refuses to be crown prince?
‘Sorry for making you hear such news even though you just came back, Latille.’
The emperor smiled awkwardly. It was time for Latille to offer her report on Carrisen as his daughter and delegation leader. He felt sorry for announcing the shocking news before hearing the report.
‘How did it go in Carrisen?’
‘I kept my promise.’
‘His foot, did you step on it hard?’
‘Yes, and Haizens’ marriage went smoothly, but that doesn’t matter. What do you mean Lean is stepping down from the crown prince’s seat?’
There were only two legitimate children of the Empress, Prince Lean and Latille but if he steps down from his position then…
‘No way, will Tratala take his place?’
Latille asked nervously. The empress’ first son that topped the list. If the empress didn’t have any sons, either the daughter or a concubine’s son would succeed the throne. She knew it a concubine’s son would be more likely to take the position of the crown prince.
My half-brother, Tratala was the second son of a concubine and was praised for his intellect. I hate to admit it but if the crown prince’s seat was available, the nobles would most likely favour him.
‘I can’t believe you called your brother by his name, Latille.’
The emperor frowned, but Latille frowned even more.
I can’t help it.
Latille loved her father, but she can’t respond to such an idea positively. She was on bad terms with Tratala like most half-siblings in the imperial family.
There was no such occasion that would condone these feelings; I just loathed his very existence.
Tratala’s mother was a concubine favoured by the emperor, and her presence upset Latille’s mother, which is why she hated Tratala and explains why he also despised her. He hated seeing his mother grovel at the empress’ feet, so he naturally felt angry towards Lean and Latille. Seeing Tratala rise to the crown prince’s seat? For Latille, it was a nightmare.
‘I don’t want Tratala to become crown prince.’
She expressed her concerns firmly, ready to be scolded by her father, but he didn’t. His lips curved into a smile.
‘Why aren’t you getting angry?’
She observed her father. Although the emperor adored Tratala’s mother, concubine Anakcha, Latille and Lean were considered to be his most favoured children, the empress’ children; even so, not once did he smile at her or fall for her.
Why did you laugh without scolding me?
Surprised at his unexpected reaction, the emperor pointed at her.
‘It’s you, Latille.’
Latille blinked in confusion.
‘You will become the crown princess.’
Latille froze in shock after the emperor repeated what he said. Noticing her obvious apprehension, he asked calmly.
‘Why, are you not confident? If not, do tell me in advance.’
He was clearly trying to provoke her. Latille knew this but as soon as she heard him, she shouted in the heat of the moment.
‘I can do it! I will do it! I will become the crown princess.’
There was no hint of hesitation that could be found in her voice. Only after answering, Latille seriously pondered, ‘Can I do it?’, but she immediately found the answer.
What can’t you do? If Haizens can do it, so can I. In the past, I loved Haizens and dreamed of ruling by his side, but that’s impossible now. Even before meeting Haizens, I didn’t want to become an empress regnant since I respected my brother; but since he voluntarily stepped down, I will aim for something new. And becoming empress is nothing short of something worth aiming for.
As soon as I realised that there was a possibility of becoming empress regnant, I could feel a sense of excitement.
‘I should still aim to become empress regnant even if I was born a princess.’
Anticipating that response, the emperor burst out laughing.
‘I knew you’d say that.’
His eyes were full of affection for his daughter; but the emperor, who momentarily looked at Latille in satisfaction, suddenly revealed a stern expression.
‘Nonetheless, the weight that comes with such a position is quite heavy, Latille. You’ll have to undergo all kinds of education from now on.’
‘I understand.’
With hopeful eyes, she clasped his hands tightly.
I wasn’t lying when I said I could do it; I really could, Father.
Latille laughed in contentment, but then she suddenly frowned.
‘Why did Lean suddenly retire from his position?’
I almost forgot about him for a moment since I was overcome with joy. This was the most important issue. The emperor sighed with a woeful expression.
‘Do you want to know?’
‘Yes?’
***
I later learned that it was Brother who strongly recommended me as a crown princess candidate.
When Lean stepped down from his position as crown prince, the emperor named Latille as his successor. It was great for her, and many of the nobles that supported Prince Lean agreed with the emperor’s decision. The fact that the two of them shared the same mother made it easier since it meant that it didn’t matter which of the two siblings would ascend to the throne. However, the opposition forces were just as strong as the supporters.
‘What are you talking about. The position should go to Prince Tratala.’
‘Of course! Princess Latrasille didn’t formally complete her royal studies until she came of age but now she’s serving as the crown princess?!’
‘It’s not because I have a grudge against Princess Latrasille, but Your Majesty, in this case, Prince Tratala has the right to take the crown.’
‘Agreed, Prince Tratala is surprisingly intelligent, and his teachers swear by his intellect. He will strengthen the Tarium Empire for sure.’
Some ministers, relatives of the concubine, Anakcha, and those who used to follow the prince, presented their opinions and challenged the emperor. Latille clenched her teeth when she heard of it through the commander of the guards, Sernut.
‘Those bastards! I’m self-taught.’
What does it matter, anyway? My father, who is now the emperor, is healthy and young, so why not start learning again from now on? There’s plenty of time. Moreover, I do admit that Tratala is quite intelligent but at the same time, he was an idealist.
She found more than half of his political agendas unfeasible and unrealistic.
‘What a bunch of manchildren.’
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The more she thought about it, the angrier she felt and the more she slammed her fist against her desk. When Lean was the crown prince, Tratala’s supporters couldn’t say a word no matter how much they opposed the emperor’s decision.
‘It’s going to be alright. You’ll be able to surpass them, can’t you?’
Sernut smiled softly, soothing Latille.
‘Of course, I can. I won’t let anyone come in my way.’
Latille pursed her lips and nodded in determination.