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 weâd laugh and pretend none of this had happened.
When they arrived in the village at the end of the border, people were talking about Haizensâ marriage.
âLady Aini is the best! Sheâs always been famous for her personality.â
âSheâs smart, and sheâs never been involved in any scandals unlike other nobles.â
âSheâs going to be a good empress.â
âHer family is powerful too, so thereâs no room for problems.â
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.
âHaizens, you son of a bitch. You traitor, give back my prayers!â
--------
Mean while, there was also a man who could hardly sleep.
âI most definitely remember asking to see you again.â
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.
âDamn!â
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, itâs 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 canât 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 wouldâve been able to get married, but I couldnât 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.
âIs it really true that the delegation leader from the Tarium Empire has returned?â
âYes, in the morning. She simply greeted his Majesty the Emperor and went back immediately.â
The attendant responded in irritation from constantly repeating the same answer. As Klein exhaled and panted intensely, he lay back in bed.
âWhatâs done is done, forget it. Sheâs the one who loves me, anyway. If she wants to end things this way, itâs her loss. I donât care.â
âââ
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 didnât 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. Wouldnât these feelings soon subside with my family and governessâ help?
âI sure hope these feelings go away, otherwise itâd be a waste of my time.â
However, what was waiting for Latille was not the was not the warmth of a loving family but shocking news.
âHuh? Did Brother say he was going to step down from the crown princeâs seat?â
As soon as I heard this news, I completely forgot about Haizens.
Latille stared at her father blankly upon hearing the incredible news.
I canât believe it. What do you mean? Lean refuses to be crown prince?
âSorry for making you hear such news even though you just came back, Latille.â
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.
âHow did it go in Carrisen?â
âI kept my promise.â
âHis foot, did you step on it hard?â
âYes, and Haizensâ marriage went smoothly, but that doesnât matter. What do you mean Lean is stepping down from the crown princeâs seat?â
There were only two legitimate children of the Empress, Prince Lean and Latille but if he steps down from his position thenâŠ
âNo way, will Tratala take his place?â
Latille asked nervously. The empressâ first son that topped the list. If the empress didnât have any sons, either the daughter or a concubineâs son would succeed the throne. She knew it a concubineâs 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 princeâs seat was available, the nobles would most likely favour him.
âI canât believe you called your brother by his name, Latille.â
The emperor frowned, but Latille frowned even more.
I canât help it.
Latille loved her father, but she canât 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.
Tratalaâs mother was a concubine favoured by the emperor, and her presence upset Latilleâs mother, which is why she hated Tratala and explains why he also despised her. He hated seeing his mother grovel at the empressâ feet, so he naturally felt angry towards Lean and Latille. Seeing Tratala rise to the crown princeâs seat? For Latille, it was a nightmare.
âI donât want Tratala to become crown prince.â
She expressed her concerns firmly, ready to be scolded by her father, but he didnât. His lips curved into a smile.
âWhy arenât you getting angry?â
She observed her father. Although the emperor adored Tratalaâs mother, concubine Anakcha, Latille and Lean were considered to be his most favoured children, the empressâ 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.
âItâs you, Latille.â
Latille blinked in confusion.
âYou will become the crown princess.â
Latille froze in shock after the emperor repeated what he said. Noticing her obvious apprehension, he asked calmly.
âWhy, are you not confident? If not, do tell me in advance.â
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.
âI can do it! I will do it! I will become the crown princess.â
There was no hint of hesitation that could be found in her voice. Only after answering, Latille seriously pondered, âCan I do it?â, but she immediately found the answer.
What canât you do? If Haizens can do it, so can I. In the past, I loved Haizens and dreamed of ruling by his side, but thatâs impossible now. Even before meeting Haizens, I didnât 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.
âI should still aim to become empress regnant even if I was born a princess.â
Anticipating that response, the emperor burst out laughing.
âI knew youâd say that.â
His eyes were full of affection for his daughter; but the emperor, who momentarily looked at Latille in satisfaction, suddenly revealed a stern expression.
âNonetheless, the weight that comes with such a position is quite heavy, Latille. Youâll have to undergo all kinds of education from now on.â
âI understand.â
With hopeful eyes, she clasped his hands tightly.
I wasnât lying when I said I could do it; I really could, Father.
Latille laughed in contentment, but then she suddenly frowned.
âWhy did Lean suddenly retire from his position?â
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.
âDo you want to know?â
âYes?â
***
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 emperorâs decision. The fact that the two of them shared the same mother made it easier since it meant that it didnât matter which of the two siblings would ascend to the throne. However, the opposition forces were just as strong as the supporters.
âWhat are you talking about. The position should go to Prince Tratala.â
âOf course! Princess Latrasille didnât formally complete her royal studies until she came of age but now sheâs serving as the crown princess?!â
âItâs not because I have a grudge against Princess Latrasille, but Your Majesty, in this case, Prince Tratala has the right to take the crown.â
âAgreed, Prince Tratala is surprisingly intelligent, and his teachers swear by his intellect. He will strengthen the Tarium Empire for sure.â
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.
âThose bastards! Iâm self-taught.â
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? Thereâs 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.
âWhat a bunch of manchildren.â
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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, Tratalaâs supporters couldnât say a word no matter how much they opposed the emperorâs decision.
âItâs going to be alright. Youâll be able to surpass them, canât you?â
Sernut smiled softly, soothing Latille.
âOf course, I can. I wonât let anyone come in my way.â
Latille pursed her lips and nodded in determination.