[Remaining targets: 1]
I couldn't help but be astonished. I had even imagined that the perverted author could fill an entire army with them. And yet… only three? I was secretly pleased that my expectations weren't met. In a way, I'd wanted to be let down.
One of the men the Empress was speaking to was a half-giant with dark skin, black hair, towering height, and a massive build. It was easy to guess he was from the kingdom of Talrion; a realm where everyone, women included, underwent military training—and it clearly showed in their enormous physiques.
Maybe I should find a fiancé from Talrion and move there. If they have women warriors, the absurd societal rules imposed on women might be more flexible.
The other man had raven hair and lightly tanned skin. His height and build were impressive, but everything else about him was ordinary. His posture suggested he might be a soldier under the Empress's command. For some reason, he looked vaguely familiar, but I didn't dwell on it.
When we reached the Empress, the Prince stepped forward before me and extended his hand. "I pay my respects to the Sun of the Empire." The Empress responded with a pleased smile, allowing a small kiss to land on her gloved hand.
Of course, in this society, one cannot touch a lady's hand without gloves. What if touching her hand somehow made her pregnant? That would be terrible!
I tried to restrain my expressions so my thoughts wouldn't be revealed. With deliberate grace, I gathered my skirts and curtsied. "I pay my respects to the Blessed Empress, the Sun of the Empire."
According to Arianthé's memories, she had met the Empress only once during her first visit to the empire two months ago. I, on the other hand, was seeing her for the first time—and truly, despite her age, she was still breathtaking. As a woman, I could feel her allure even affecting me.
Still, according to Arianthé's recollection, the Emperor had been obsessed with his concubines, completely neglecting the woman at his side.
What an ungrateful man. How could he ignore her while playing with his concubines? He must be blind.
"It seems our guest has recovered. I heard you were unable to leave your room due to illness," she said, her voice warm and sincere. Her charm and authority made it clear that whatever she said should be obeyed, and even daring to oppose her would feel like utter arrogance.
Reluctantly, I offered words to please her. Upsetting the Empress would bring me nothing but a headache. "Thanks to Your Majesty's gracious hospitality."
It was true that the Empress had sent doctors and medicine for Arianthé. After all, she was a powerful symbol that needed protection to maintain peace.
[Princess Arianthé had lived under the shadow of a hidden curse; her body as fragile as fine crystal, her spirit as delicate as a rose petal kissed by morning dew. Illness was not unfamiliar to her, but this collapse was unlike any other. Silent sorrow rose from the depths of her heart, wrapping her in invisible wounds...]
Now, with three pairs of eyes watching me, I could do nothing but force a smile while the bright pink letters overflowing with crying cats and handkerchiefs, and writing an epic with enthusiasm as if there were no tomorrow.
"I'm glad. Now that you've recovered, we can meet more often and enjoy tea together."
Please, don't trouble yourself. The mere thought of meeting you gives me a headache.
"I hope you will guide this inexperienced girl with your great wisdom."
I felt the Empress's green eyes judging me, lingering on my dress— which, next to her opulent dress, might as well have been a nightgown—and my bare neck, devoid of jewelry.
Moreover, the other two were watching my every move. Cassius's eyes were politely veiled, while the half-giant's eyes shone with unmistakable interest.
[Your soulmate candidate, the Talrion Prince, is very interested in you.]
I sighed inwardly. How exhausting…
The Empress then did something I had hoped she wouldn't: she introduced the half-giant to me. It was fitting that she, as the highest-ranking person in the room, did this—but who cared? Just don't.
"Princess, let me introduce you to the Talrion Prince. Ah, you met briefly as children, so you're not strangers—but it's been many years, so it's good to renew your acquaintance." As the Empress meddled in yet another matter, she enthusiastically introduced the eager giant to me. When our eyes met, a notification-like cat's purr startled me.
[Talrion Prince likes you~~~!]
Wait… what?
"I worried you might feel bored without a friend. Fortunately, Prince Kael has some matters to attend to, so he'll be our guest for some time." The Empress covered her mouth with her hand and chuckled softly. I stared at her like an utter fool, completely shocked.
I was just standing there, breathing, and what—are you saying he likes me? Has he hit puberty recently? But he's old enough to have passed that… Maybe it's hormones.
Was this the power of a cliché romance novel? It never failed to leave my mouth agape. But then, why had Cassius survived unscathed? Please stay like that, Cassius… I didn't know whether to rejoice or despair, flitting my gaze between Prince Kael and the innocently smiling Empress.
The blows weren't over yet.
"There will even be a spring festival soon. I wanted to introduce you to society there, since you never had an official debut in your own kingdom. A young lady's excitement should not be crushed. Hahaha. You can start preparing your dress and choosing a partner now." She spoke as if it were a trivial matter, yet I gawked in disbelief.
"Very… thoughtful of you, Your Majesty." I swallowed every curse on the tip of my tongue beneath my smile.
If I'm not mistaken… these two sly foxes are trying to lock me into Prince Kael. Someone tell me I'm wrong.
I forced myself not to raise an eyebrow. Was the Empress planning to arrange an engagement among heirs of warring regions within her lands, thereby increasing her influence? It made no sense. And the pink notification flashing before my eyes did nothing to ease the situation.
[Talrion Prince likes you~~~! Meow~~]
[Calculating your soulmate compatibility with the Talrion Prince~! Compatibility 30%~]
Damn, meow?! Seriously? When will it stop?!
"Now, unfortunately, Prince Cassius must accompany me. I will send the Princess an invitation for tea as soon as possible. You may enjoy your reunion at leisure~"
"Ah… of course." I sounded like an idiot. Watching the Empress loop her arm into Prince Cassius's and smiling brightly, I gave no reaction. For some reason, I felt that the compliments from the younger prince pleased the Empress far more than they should.
Behind them, the silent black-haired man who hadn't lifted his head or joined the conversation all this time followed. I had almost forgotten he existed. I couldn't shake a strange feeling of familiarity. I stared after them like a bewildered fish until they left.
Then the half-giant thumped his chest and greeted me.
"You grace this place with your presence, my lady."
[Hearts are beating for love~!]
At that moment, I only wished, just like Arianthé, to lock myself in my room and bury myself in my bed.
Ah... So troublesome.