The Abandoned Empress Will Not Return

to keep it in and she will eventually return to his original compliant empress. 

 

Kane scoffed and continued. 

 

“You always seem to spout lies.
You do not have the handkerchief you supposedly got back so you’re even blaming it on the maids.
Where the hell did the Empress’ dignity go?”

 

“…”

 

“What do you think of me? Do you think I am just a tool to satisfy the greed for power of the Marquis of Florence?”

 

When the Marquis of Florence was brought up, Rodelia’s body began to tremble like an aspen tree.
Her complexion turned pale and her hands became drenched in sweat. 

 

As expected, Rodelia is an easy woman. 

 

At her immediate reaction, Kane’s mouth formed a satisfied smile.

 

In a few days, she will be back to her cowering form.
The figure of a docile and perfect empress. 

 

“Tell me clearly.
Are you not desperately trying to keep the empress’ position in order to satisfy the greed of your father, the Marquis? 

 

Her dignified figure had long since disappeared.
Kane gave the trembling Rodelia a cold greeting. 

 

“I do not want to see you now.
Just get out.”

 

***

 

Hearing Rodelia and Kane’s conversation was purely coincidental.
As the rift between them became more and more distinct, Cerdian showed a smile that could not be hidden. 

 

It was true that his reason for provoking Kane at the noble meeting a while ago was to get this kind of reaction.
He didn’t know that the emotions he had touched would explode so quickly. 

 

“The Emperor of the empire must be so emotional.”

 

Tsk, clicking his tongue, Cerdian leaned against the wall of the audience chamber facing the stairs.
Soon, Rodelia would be leaving the audience chamber and walk over to where he was. 

 

After a while, the sound of the door opening was heard.
The sound of thin heels approached. 

 

With a stiff expression, Cerdian grabbed Rodelia and held her hand.
Tears were welling up in her eyes, and she looked at Cerdian, who was still holding on to her wrist, with a surprised expression. 

 

She didn’t say anything, instead, she raised her uncaught hand,  slowly wiped her tears away and forced the corners of her lips up. 

 

Did Cerdian hear the conversation?

 

Rodelia hoped that the man in front of her had not listened to her conversation with Kane.
She didn’t want him to see her miserable. 

 

However, contrary to her wishes, Cerdian knew everything.
He gazed at Rodelia’s eyes intently. 

 

“You heard…?”

 

Why are you shaking so much?

 

Cerdian slowly nodded at Rodelia’s quivering voice.
The expression on his face was still stiff. 

 

It was still pretty pleasant a while ago. 

 

Yet seeing this woman’s defeated face, why do I feel so…

 

“Awful.”

 

Cerdian remarked in displeasure. 

 

“Yes?”

 

“It’s nothing.
The Emperor must not be in a good mood right now due to the events of the hunting contest, so don’t be too upset.” 

 

Cerdian’s impression was deeply engraved on his lips that moved freely.
However, words of consolation leaked out involuntarily. 

 

He wondered if acting affectionate had become a habit. 

 

Why am I comforting this woman? And why is this woman…

 

“Why are you shaking like this?”

 

Looking closely, the things that were on Rodelia’s face weren’t the wounds or sorrows she had suffered from a loved one. 

 

The hand he was holding was still trembling and both her eyes wandered in the air as if they had lost focus.
It was pitiful to see her trying to hide her emotions and the tremors of her body. 

 

Rodelia’s efforts to hide it was a feeling that Cerdian knew very well. 

 

Indisputable dread and horror. 

 

Who in the world made this woman so terrified?

 

Did the emperor raise his hand at her? 

 

‘You dare.’

 

Cerdian turned Rodelia forward with a gentle hand. 

 

“Are you hurt?”

 

He tried to conceal his emotions as best he could but he couldn’t hide the anger in his voice in the slightest.
Cerdian grabbed Rodelia’s wrist and stared intently at her face. 

 

There’s no trace of being hit. 

 

As he continued to make eye contact, Rodelia used her strength to pull her wrist away. 

 

“No.”

 

Being by Cerdian’s side somehow calmed her down.
The fear that had gripped her body slowly disappeared. 

 

Rodelia calmed down a bit and noticed that he hadn’t heard the whole conversation. 

 

Then it was fine. 

 

With that subtle relief, Rodelia relaxed her brows that had been distorted. 

 

Living as a puppet for the Marquis of Florence was a fact she did not want anyone to find out, especially by this man. 

 

“I am okay.
Thank you for your concern, Grand Duke.”

 

Rodelia forced her lips up. 

 

Cerdian grimaced as he watched Rodelia’s expression change from moment to moment.
Why does he feel better now that he saw her getting better after she cried?

 

Looking into Rodelia’s dark green eyes, he slowly said. 

 

“I think you should rest today.”