The Abandoned Empress

Staring at Entea who politely bowed to me, I was lost in thought. Would it be better to give additional instructions only to my family’s intelligence collectors or ask Entea for more?

Maybe it’s better to ask both of them. I might be in trouble if any of them were caught by the other side, but this kind of spying is done by both sides, so I didn’t have to avoid it.

“How many informants are planted in the Duke Jena family?”

“Around five.”

“Well, please increase them by three fold, no, five fold.”

“But in that case, there is a greater risk of them being caught… ”

“I’m not talking about planting them inside the duke’s mansion. Dispatch them not only to the duke’s merchant groups but also his vassals and estate. Don’t forget to plant a couple of moles around the duke’s daughter. No matter how trifling it is, try to collect as much information as possible.”

“Sure. Will do.”

Is this enough? Anyway, I left it to the vassals and intelligence collectors of my family to win the support of some nobles including Viscount Apinu and gather information about Jiun, so I didn’t have to give Entea any more assignments regarding that.

Suddenly, something came to my mind when I was about to wrap up my meeting with her.

“Do you have anything else?” Entea asked.

“Can I ask one thing? How many hairpins have you sold recently?”

“Well, the new hairpin is a steady seller because they can turn their hair up with just one hairpin because of the hot weather.”

“Hmm, really?”

For a moment, I recalled my recent memories. At that time, it was not so hot like now and I hadn’t invented the hairpin yet. So, I could imagine how Jiun would react comparing the situation before and after the hairpin were sold on the market.

“Perhaps sooner or later the merchant vessel groups controlled by the duke family might try to buy muslin. So, try to buy muslin as much as possible in advance. I believe you know what I mean even if I don’t say anymore.”

“Of course, my lady. I will take the necessary measures.”

“Good. Then, I think all is good. Anyway, for now, gathering information about Lady Jena is the most important. So, pay the most attention to it.”

“Sure.”

I think it was more than enough. I’d given the necessary instructions. As for my substitute for the crown prince’s bride, I can consult with Frincia. As I don’t have much information at this point, I can’t make a judgement about Jiun’s purpose or take the necessary measure as soon as I obtain additional information.

Did I talk too much to Entea? I felt empty all at once.

Suddenly, I had mixed feelings. Why am I doing this now? It looks like I’m trying to be the crown prince’s wife instead of getting away from him.

Of course, it wasn’t my original purpose, but it was obvious to anybody that I was now trying to keep her at bay for fear of losing my status as the crown prince’s fiancee.

Despite that, however, I couldn’t let Jiun have her way. I was so anxious that I couldn’t let her do whatever she wanted to do. What if she took away my happiness just like she did in the past?

“Whew!” I let out a sigh.

Well, that’s it. I’ve done everything I can do right now. For now, I just hope they can carry out the job as I instructed.

I felt I had better sit on this for a while until then. As there was nothing I could do right now, it would drive me crazy if I kept thinking about it.

When I stopped wrestling with complex thoughts and looked around, an unexpected scene caught my eye. Frincia and Ilya were talking with a man. Of course, it was common in any banquet hall, but the thing was not their meeting but their talking partner.

He was letting his long gray hair in a knot hang down to the floor.

Why is he in the banquet hall?

“Hey Entea, have Frincia and Lady Genoa met the High Priest before?”

“No, I haven’t heard of that. ”

“Really? Then let’s go there. ”

“Sure.”

I headed to them with Entea.

As I made my way through the people, who were squinting at me, I heard his mysterious voice scattering into the air.

“You’re as beautiful as a red rose and the dew on its petals, Lady Monique.”

“Oh, thank you, Your Eminence.”

“Oh, the lady here has fresh, dark green eyes like the shade of a forest in midsummer. The verdant green of summer symbolizes vibrant life. It’s because Vita’s blessing is with you.”

“…Thank you, Your Eminence.”

Unlike Frincia, who smiled softly, Lady Genoa, who was responding awkwardly, looked happy after seeing me and Entea. As she looked so happy, the High Priest who looked at us said with a faint smile, “Blessings of life be with you! It’s been a while, Lady Monique.”

“It’s been a long time, Your Eminence.”

“May have the name of this beautiful lady beside you?”

“Oh, I’m glad to see you, Your Eminence. I’m Entea Su Sharia, the successor to Viscount Sharia. ”

“You are the one who embraces the blue of the sky. I wish you the blessings of life. ”

“Thank you.”

Watching Entea greeting him without any agitation, the High Priest turned to me and said cheerfully, “It’s nice to meet you here. In fact, I’ve been looking for you.”

“Me?”

“That’s right. I think I might have to leave the empire for a while, so I’ve got something to tell you before I leave.”

“You’re leaving the empire?” Everyone including me was startled to hear that.

What the heck is he talking abou? I know it’s the fate of the High Priest to wander around the whole continent instead of settling down in any one place, but how can he leave the empire at a time when the emperor’s health is getting worse? Didn’t he come to the empire to check the emperor’s health from the beginning?

“That’s right. I won’t stay for long outside the empire, but I’ve got something urgent to do.”

“Is it urgent?”

“Well, I can’t tell you now. I guess what it is, but I am not sure of it yet. I am sorry I can’t answer your question as you have asked as the child of God’s prophecy.”

I wondered what was going on, but I could no longer ask anymore. His light green eyes were staring at me silently.

“Lady Monique?”

“Please go ahead, Your Eminence.”

“You may hear something soon. Don’t be too surprised. Just respond calmly. Vita’s protection will always be with you.”

“Pardon? Ah yes. Thank you, Your Eminence.”

‘What the heck is he talking about?’

Looking at me when I tilted my head, he smiled up at me gently.

Then he approached me, with his long grey hair rustling on the floor, and leaned forward, with his right hand on my waist. His pure white hair tickled the back of my hand, and his soft lips touched and fell off of it.

Those around us looked at him breathlessly. I was as surprised as them. No matter how much authority they lost because of their bad relationship with the imperial family, the High Priests numbered only six in the whole continent. And one of them showed due manners to me, a mere daughter of a marquis by bending over instead of bowing.

Was it because I was too surprised? I was just moving my lips because I couldn’t say anything. Not only I, but everyone was speechless.

Not caring at all, the High Priest straightened up and made a faint smile. His clear soft eyes were smiling at me brightly.

“Why are you so surprised, child of God’s prophecy?”

“Oh, Your Eminence, this is…”

“I just gave you blessings on behalf of Vita, our main God.” Only

“… ”

“Oh my! I should have blessed others here as well. I’ve made a mistake. Praise the beauty given by the Father of Life. I would like to give the blessing of Vita, the God of Life, to you, ladies.”

When he was done talking, a white light appeared on his hands. The scent of flowers was everywhere, and pink petals began to fall one by one. There erupted exclamations of amazement from the people looking at us.

While everyone was amazed, Frincia, who stood casually, said with a smile, “Oh, it’s very unusual that we receive your blessings. Thank you so much, Your Eminence.”

“You’re welcome, beautiful lady. This is nothing, compared with the happiness you gave to me.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“Then, I think I have to leave as I said goodbye to you all. See you again next time. ”

“Hope you have a pleasant trip, Your Eminence!”