Translator: thursdays PR: scarcecrow

Your Majesty!

Cayena had never expected the emperor to give her that sort of authority. She immediately knelt on the floor.

Please take back your words. How can I govern in Your Majestys stead when you are ruling the empire so well?

That was what she had stated, but in her heart, she thought otherwise.

This is an opportunity.

Cayena never thought the emperor would move like this. She had to seize this opportunity, but she couldnt accept the power as if she had been waiting for it.

She lowered her head even further.

I, who have only been thinking about marriage thus far, dont deserve that right. This girl will be satisfied with just a dowry and a title.

Then the chancellor, who had been dumbstruck, quickly leaped in to help.

Shes right, Your Majesty. There has been no precedent for authority to be transferred to anyone other than a formal successor. Please, reconsider.

Chancellor Debussy was one of Rezefs official supporters. How flustered would he be because of this unexpected variable? The chancellor was a transparent man, and mockery nearly spilled out.

Did I not say it was temporary?

The strength behind the emperors voice was so powerful that it was hard to believe he had spat out blood a short moment ago. Even if its teeth fell out, a tiger remained a tiger.

Chancellor Debussy hurriedly opened his mouth, looking embarrassed.

Of course Your Majesty said it was temporary, but

The princess is my child. She is an imperial descendent with greater legitimacy than anyone else. Am I wrong?

The chancellors face turned gray at Emperor Estebans words.

If the precedent is a problem, the solution is simple. I will simply recognize the princess as the heir to the throne. He asked the chancellor, who was trying to bend his will, Is that what you want?

The chancellor did not reply. The emperor looked at him like he was pathetic, then turned to Luden.

From this moment, I appoint the princess as my proxy until my official successor is chosen.

We heed your word.

Everyone bowed their heads. Cayena bit down a smile so that no one would see.

I will fulfill Your Majestys expectations.

On their way out the emperors chambers, Chancellor Debussy called to Cayena.

Your Highness.

Cayena looked back at him. The chancellors expression did not look well.

I think you might be uncomfortable with a regents authority.

Knight Commander Jed also stopped walking at those words.

Cayena answered, Why would I be uncomfortable? His Majesty has honored my accomplishments and me by appointing me to this position.

Chancellor Debussy narrowed his eyes and pretended to give her advice.

But as Your Highness said, how can a young woman deal with the rough work of politics while His Majesty remains alive? He added apologetically, I am worried that there will be troubles for Your Highness.

Cayena quietly stared at Chancellor Debussy, who plainly looked down on her while pretending to care.

It was funny. He was looking down on her, but he was also attempting to keep her in check.

It seems like the chancellor wants me to be troubled.

It was ridiculous to discuss troubles with the imperial princess who had nearly been abducted twice. The tide was completely on Cayenas side. Even the temple was keeping an eye out for her, who kept getting involved in incidents.

If he made any mistake here, it would be over for him. The chancellor knew it too, and he denied it quickly with a stiff expression.

You misunderstand me, Your Highness. How could I imply something like that?

Of course. Youre right. Since the chancellor has always managed the palace safely thus far, how could I suffer from any troubling incidents?

She was saying that if a problem arose in the imperial palace, it would be the chancellors responsibility.

The chancellor had looked down on Cayena because she was young. But rather than being scared, Cayena subtly threatened him. He finally realized that the princess was a formidable foe. He couldnt fight her head-on, so he changed his tune.

I am deeply moved to see Your Highness who has grown up to be the representative of the empire.

Cayena smiled a little and curtsied, holding the hem of her dress.

Then, please continue to watch over me in the future.

He couldnt win no matter what he said. The chancellor shut his mouth.

Pfft Cough.

Meanwhile, Commander Jed, who had been standing beside them, involuntarily burst into laughter and covered it up with a cough.

Hmph!

Needless to say, the chancellors face turned red. Disregarding both noises, Cayena brightly told them,

Today, please inform your respective departments about the news. We will shortly start working together in full.

Commander Jed bowed his head, and the chancellor clenched his fists in rage.

Cayena walked out the door first. Outside, Raphael and Olivia were waiting for her.

The two were standing far apart from each other, and Cayenas heart was weighed down.

She felt guilty, as if she had stolen Olivias lover.

I know that there isnt any sort of relationship between them yet. I know that, but

It would have been nice if she hadnt known that the two were originally together.

Cayena felt remorseful. Furthermore, she was someone who wouldnt live for long.

Raphael noticed that Cayena was hesitant to approach him. Without revealing his emotions, he asked, How is His Majesty?

Though he did spit out blood, he should be fine if he rests.

Soon, the chancellor and the knight commander also came out. They were startled, not having expected Raphael.

Ahem!

The chancellor faked a cough and left, looking uncomfortable.

Cayena said to Raphael, You should leave now. Ill see you off.

Raphael nodded and extended his hand. Cayena paused for a moment, then grabbed it. Raphael watched how her hand fit more naturally into his than it had before.

Right now, he was satisfied.

They slowly descended the spiral staircase. The two of them, wearing bright clothes in this gold-lit castle, looked like a scene from a ball.

Raphael noticed that Cayenas hands had turned cold again.

Your hands are cold.

By comparison, Raphaels hands were quite warm.

You shouldnt keep your hands cold, Your Highness.

Saying that, Raphael boldly gripped Cayenas hand. Cayena pondered over what to say.

Duke, youre a kind person.

Its nothing.

Cayena was a little embarrassed. It wasnt so unusual that others would notice, but their position was definitely intimate.

At that moment, Raphael spoke as if he knew what Cayena was thinking.

Wouldnt it be more notable if you suddenly kept your distance?

Certainly, that was true. Until now, Cayena had acted like his lover, hanging off his arms as she wished.

You should pretend that youre being intimate with me to take advantage.

There was no way Cayena wouldnt know that. But it was important to note that Raphael was not someone who would act like this in the first place.

I know that too, but I feel the duke has ulterior motives.

Raphael smiled a little.

The two walked leisurely toward the castle entrance. The commotion that had been raging just a moment ago felt far away, like it had been a lie.

Cayena realized that she was being healed by these peaceful moments.

The emperor appointed me as his temporary proxy for state affairs, Cayena relayed.

Raphael expected the emperor to kept his promise. He wasnt surprised that the emperor had followed his conditions.

Congratulations.

Cayena thought his reaction was strange.

This isnt something to go over just with a congratulations.

Even if it was Raphael, who didnt show much emotion, it was odd that he did not react to the news that she had become the emperors proxy.

It was, in effect, the same as being appointed the heir. This event would greatly shake the tides of power.

What is it?

Cayena intuited that she was missing something, but she didnt reveal this thought to the person beside her.

Youll likely be busy again for a while, Raphael said.

Most likely.

Even though Ill miss you, I will wait quietly.

At his words, Cayena looked around at their surroundings. Her heart was pounding.

Youre not being quiet right now.

I dont know the standards for being quiet very well.

Was he always this aggressive? Cayenas head throbbed.