Chapter 432. Kapmen’s Friend (1)

Translator: Aura / Editor: Tiny Zebra

“Countess Jubel.”

Before dinner, I quietly asked Countess Jubel for a favor.

“Could you go check if Emperor Sovieshu is better?”

Sovieshu, who had fainted at the sight of Fairy Tear, was rushed to his room to be examined by the palace doctor. Based on the palace doctor’s diagnosis, all his vital signs were normal. However, two hours later, Sovieshu still hadn’t woken up.

“I suppose this situation must not be easy for Your Majesty.”

“Yes, it’s a little uncomfortable.”

While I would have preferred not to pay attention to him, I couldn’t due to his position…

In fact, if Sovieshu had not been my ex-husband, I would have been more attentive because a distinguished guest was unwell during a visit to our country.

But due to the fact that Sovieshu was now my ex-husband, I didn’t pay him the attention I should have. Both because I didn’t want to get involved with him, and because I worried that Heinley would be uncomfortable.

“Don’t stay too long. Just find out if he’s better and come back.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

While I waited for Countess Jubel to return, I caressed the petals of the flowers in a vase for no reason and walked barefoot on the soft carpet.

Countess Jubel returned shortly thereafter.

“He has already awakened, but he is still resting in his room . I couldn’t see him in person because he wasn’t allowing anyone in.”

“Is he better?”

“Marquis Karl told me he’ll be fine. There is no reason to worry.”

It’s a relief. Once I nodded, Countess Jubel continued with some unnecessary words of comfort.

In any case… It was hard to believe that the mere legend behind the jewel ‘Fairy Tear’ would have caused such a strong reaction in Sovieshu. Although he has lost his memory, did he hear that he sent me the jewel? Was it too much to find out that I gave his gift to Heinley?

***

The next day, Heinley had to leave for work very early, so I ate breakfast alone. While I ate, I pondered the matter seriously.

‘Should I send someone to check on Sovieshu?’

As Empress, I should check on the condition of our distinguished guest. But as his ex-wife, I should pay him no attention.

‘What should I do?’

Before I could come to a conclusion, an unexpected person came to visit me. It was Grand Duke Kapmen.

“What brings you here at this hour?”

Grand Duke Kapmen had never come to see me early in the morning even when he was under the effects of the love potion. It was strange.

“I came because I thought I should let you know about my friend.”

“What friend?”

“The one who hates nobles…”

Ah, I remember now.

“You mean the ice mage?”

“Yes, he has arrived in the capital. Your Majesty had asked me to inform you. He agreed to meet at a cafe nearby, in two hours…”

“So, you’re going out now to meet your friend?”

Grand Duke Kapmen paused and frowned.

“Yes. But, as I told you before, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Kapmen’s countenance distorted further. He still seemed hesitant about taking me to meet his friend.

My ladies-in-waiting, who had laughed hysterically at my mediocre acting skills, covered their mouths and giggled, probably because they were remembering my performance.

Except for Mastas, who wore a confident smile.

I preferred to go. It would also help to clear my mind.

“Countess Jubel.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll need the clothes I asked you to prepare in advance.”

After I found out about Grand Duke Kapmen’s friend, I ordered my ladies-in-waiting to get clothes that would make me look like a rich commoner.

Countess Jubel understood at once and hurried to my room.

Grand Duke Kapmen now placed both hands on his forehead with a look of nervousness.

I ignored him and issued some more orders.

“Mastas. While I get ready, let Heinley know I’ll be gone for a few hours. Laura. Explain the situation to Viscount Langdel and tell him that I want him to escort me. Rose. Prepare the carriage that I will use as a commoner.”

“Yes!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Understood.”

My ladies-in-waiting rushed to follow my orders. Grand Duke Kapmen ran his hands over his face, but his look of concern did not dissuade me. I returned to my room to change my clothes.

Finally, a little over an hour later, I left the Imperial Palace in a plain carriage, accompanied by Viscount Langdel, his knights, and Grand Duke Kapmen.

“Your Majesty.”

On the way, Grand Duke Kapmen earnestly advised me,

“As a reminder, my friend truly hates nobles. Even if he believes Your Majesty is not nobility, he could still make unpleasant remarks about nobles.”

“I understand.”

“If my friend makes unpleasant remarks—”

“I’ll hit him in the mouth with my fan.”

“…”

Grand Duke Kapmen looked at me with shock and covered his forehead with his hand.

When I thought, ‘it’s just a joke,’ he lowered his hand with an embarrassed expression and changed the subject.

“I told my friend about Your Majesty in a letter.”

“What did you tell him?”

“I told him that your name is ‘Navi’ and that you are the daughter of a wealthy merchant family.”

“Did you mention that I’m a mage?”

“Yes, I explained to my friend that Your Majesty couldn’t attend the academy because of Your Majesty’s pregnancy.”

I nodded and relaxed my facial muscles as I looked at myself in the mirror that I had brought.

“Your Majesty. You must not talk like a rascal.”

“All right.”

‘Why did the Grand Duke introduce me as ‘Navi’?’

As soon as I thought about it, Grand Duke Kapmen averted his gaze and cleared his throat.

“I’m sorry. It’s not important.”

“On the contrary, I’m sorry I can’t help but hear your thoughts.”

I chuckled, grateful for his consideration.

But what I was most grateful to him for was that he pretended not to know that I had deliberately rushed out to avoid dealing with Sovieshu.