Chapter 11: Ending the concubine system
I took a deep breath as I got into the carriage. The young man in front of me is now smiling at me. In the end, I was forced to accompany Duke Magnus on his journey to the Mist region. This matter must be resolved immediately before the South King's coronation event.
"It seems Her Majesty doesn't like servants."
"How can you think that I don't like you?"
"I see Your Majesty has already sighed a few times. May I know the reason why Her Majesty accompanied the journey to the Mist Region?"
I can't tell the Duke that I don't trust him in this matter.
"I just want to know firsthand the condition of my people there. How about you? Do you mind if I go accompany you?"
Duke Magnus looked at me in awe. He then graced his face with a smile.
"Of course I'm very happy after hearing that."
The two of us went into the Mist region in disguise. Because it was only one wagon train going there. Only me, the duke, the coachman, and one bodyguard left. Emmanuel and Karol forbade me to visit the area. They say if the area is hell on earth. Many robbers and criminals do not hesitate to kill new people. The road to get there was not easy. There are many rocks along the way. This horse carriage goes into the forest. The atmosphere looks very gloomy. On the way to the Western Kingdom. The group also passed through the forest. But the atmosphere is not like the forest that is here. While remembering the journey to the Western Kingdom, I then realized my true purpose for visiting the Duke's residence. Now it was just the two of us in the carriage. This is a good time to say it.
"On my way home. There's a group of robbers. We were all lucky that Karol came to follow. He told me that you asked him to come."
"That is indeed true Your Majesty."
"Do you know who wants to harm me?"
"I only received a letter in case someone wanted to kill Your Majesty."
I then grabbed the tip of my chin. It seems the Duke didn't lie to me. But I sensed that he was hiding something from me.
"From now on we all have to be more vigilant. The enemy can do it at any time."
"What does Your Majesty's words mean if any courtier is involved in the conspiracy?"
"Try to think. I had an accident on my way home. Who else knows my schedule except the palace people?"
The Duke's face turned pale. This looks like a concern.
"I want to thank you for saving my life."
A smile floated on his lips. Even though the Duke wasn't there to save me but Karol was able to arrive on time on his orders.
"How about your lover?"
The Duke then furrowed his brows. I then continued what I said so he wouldn't misunderstand.
"Yesterday I was mean to her. Is her face okay?"
"Her face is only bruised even though she's still in the room from the trauma."
I feel guilty for being rude. But why doesn't the Duke hate me? Haven't I hurt the woman he loves so much?
"You must be mad at me because I hurt your lover."
Duke shook his head. I was surprised to find that his answer felt like he couldn't believe what he had just seen.
"Even though that woman is my lover. She was already being disrespectful to Her Majesty. She should be punished."
I saw Duke say it seriously. He is a man who does not put personal interests first. The duke had a lover before marrying the empress. Don't know who is the third party.
"How about we get a divorce?"
I submitted a divorce proposal. I have considered this decision well. Marriage without love will hurt both partners. Even though this world is different from mine. Political marriage is used as a tool to strengthen the kingdom. But I am not a person from this world.
"Your Majesty wants to ask for a divorce from the servant? Have I done anything wrong?"
"The reason I asked for a divorce is because you have a lover. Don't you want to live together with the woman you love?"
"Even though our marriage is for political purposes. We've been married for over ten years. I can't live life without Her Majesty by my side."
"Don't you have a lover? You can live with him."
"But Your Majesty is my wife. A lover is different from a wife." The duke said it in a loud voice. That sentence I never expected so far.
"Don't you feel sad all this time I have several concubines?"
"This is all my fault. If at that time I immediately ended my relationship with her, Your Majesty would not be looking for a concubine."
Is this an expression of a husband's remorse?
"What if I don't love you anymore?
Duke then looked at my face the expression of sadness was very visible. I feel sorry for him but I am not the owner of this body. I will live my life the way I want. The empress in front of him would now be gone if the duke found out. He must be very sad.
"As long as Her Majesty doesn't ask for a divorce. I will accept it."
My head suddenly became dizzy. A few days ago Emmanuel had said the same thing. Royal rulers having concubines were common. How about an empress?
"I want to end the concubine system in the Northern Kingdom."
"Wouldn't it be an international problem? The concubine system has existed since ancient times."
"But now it's different. I am a woman no woman has many husbands."
The duke then looked at me then lowered his head. His hands gripped tightly.
"Which man will be Your Majesty's husband? Please allow me to be a companion. I promise to immediately end my relationship with that woman."
"Do you love me?"
I wonder why the Duke insists on not wanting a divorce. Duke just kept quiet and bit his lower lip.
"I don't want to live with a young man who doesn't love me."
Not long after I said it. The horse carriage arrived at the border of the Mist region. The duke then gave orders to the coachman to find an inn. Thirty minutes later we stopped in front of the inn. A simple building with wooden walls. Duke then rented two rooms. One room for bodyguard and coachman. I turned to the Duke who just smiled. If only book two rooms. So tonight I have to share a room with Duke.
"Why don't we book three rooms?" I asked Duke He then brought his face closer than said to in a low voice.
"This is a very dangerous place. It would be safer if I was always by His Majesty's side."
I then turned around. In my heart, I said that being in the same room with the Duke was more dangerous than meeting the enemy.