I Will Try to Save My Dad - Chapter 161

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 161

The Empress, Regina, was consumed by ulterior motives.
The Emperor’s betrothal? How absurd.
‘So he’s the Emperor’s son.’
After reading the newspaper, Regina mused that Berry Quartz Trabel’s betrothed must be that dark-haired boy who frequently appeared in her photographs.
‘Theon Phil Voltman.’
That child who so often graced Berry’s knight’s photographs—was he truly His Majesty’s son?
A handsome boy indeed.
Even the maid who had departed to investigate the backgrounds of dark-haired male guests spoke with favorable warmth when uttering Theon’s name.
Though she had tempered her words, ever mindful of the Empress’s displeasure.
‘Such charm in drawing people. If he becomes Crown Prince, it will prove advantageous for building influence.’
I could already envision the narrowed eyes of the imperial concubines. For women unable to bear children, all that remained was vigilance to preserve their station.
Yet such concerns held no weight for Regina.
Nothing served her purpose. She already possessed power. So long as the kingdom endured, she would never lose her strength.
‘So Berry is announcing her betrothal to the boy who will become Crown Prince.’
Regina’s eyes gleamed. She longed to meet Berry at once, but the only member of the Trabel Family remaining in the Imperial Palace was that man—Berry’s cousin.
‘And she brought only a single maid. Will they even dress her properly?’
Since Reytan Quartz Trabel managed a clothing enterprise, the dresses would surely be adequate.
‘But her hair? That child would suit a style adorned with jeweled ornaments. And cosmetics—she must use what befits her age. I even purchased that pale crimson dye some time ago, thinking of her. It would look exquisite on her lips. And furthermore….’
My concern persisted. I simply could not entrust Berry’s preparation to that maid’s hands alone. I needed to involve myself directly for peace of mind.

“You are displeased with the hairstyle.”
“My apologies, Your Majesty. I shall correct it at once—.”
“Later. I am fatigued now, so leave it as it is. Ensure it remains ready for use whenever needed.”
“Then I shall organize only the vanity.”
“Leave everything else as it stands.”

Regina gazed at the small vial of pale crimson dye resting upon her vanity, smiling inwardly.
I was prepared to adorn Berry whenever she returned. All that remained was to await the child’s return to the Imperial Palace.
‘She is late.’
Yet even after noon passed, no word of her arrival came.

“Your Majesty, shall I prepare the cosmetics—.”
“I am still fatigued.”

At Regina’s words, the Maid glanced nervously and withdrew. Within the Imperial Palace, there was an absolute order from the Empress not to speak of ‘that matter’.
It was a sensitive subject. Everyone assumed the Empress was in a foul mood, so they all watched her more carefully than usual.

“Berry Quartz Trabel has entered the Imperial Palace.”
“Is that so? I wish to take a walk. Let us go.”

Thus, whether Regina paid attention to Berry Quartz Trabel’s movements or issued the incomprehensible command to bring Berry and dress her perfectly, she devoted herself fully to the task.
Thanks to that, the Empress was spending an extraordinarily blissful time.
“Mother…?”
“Yes.”
How could she be so adorable?
Watching Berry, who had finished preparing for the banquet, Regina marveled inwardly.
‘Is this Reytan Quartz Trabel’s taste?’
A soft pink dress. The delicate embroidery and white lace created an impression of both sophistication and loveliness simultaneously.
The red dye applied to her lips and the apples of her cheeks matched exactly what she had imagined and anticipated. It conveyed profound charm.
“Call me Mother.”
Unfortunately, Regina was clumsy at expressing her affection. In her life, there had been no one upon whom she had lavished such care.
After holding back a brief smile, her expression hardened once more, and Berry hesitantly opened her mouth.
“M-Mother?”
“…”
Ah.
Regina steadied herself against the nearby table with her hand, barely preventing herself from collapsing.
At nearly the same moment, Berry grasped her arm. Those round, beautiful green eyes close to her face shone with concern for Regina.
“Empress, are you well? If you are unwell, I have a good remedy for you.”
Berry spoke. The fragrance of the perfume Regina had prepared mingled with Berry’s natural scent, stimulating her senses. It was a subtle, sweet aroma.
“Berry Quartz Trabel.”
I want to embrace her tightly and cherish her. Desperately.
But that would be improper toward a lady. Regina clenched the hand gripping the table, suppressing her impulse.
Then she made a vow to Berry.
“I shall treasure you.”
Her face was terribly rigid.

***

‘What was that about?’
I had left the Empress Palace and was walking toward the Banquet Hall under the escort of Jeffrey and Roxie, a maid.
Behind me, two maids appointed by the Empress and ten knights followed at a distance.
“Berry.”
Jeffrey leaned close and whispered to me.
“I didn’t want to pry, but I’m dying of curiosity. Did the Empress trouble you?”
“Huh?”
“Your expression doesn’t look good. I sensed she had some goodwill toward you, which is why she didn’t follow you all the way out.”
I whispered back to Jeffrey.
“Goodwill? I don’t think that was it.”
The maid’s silenced demeanor, the unfriendly attitude of the attendant, and the Empress’s stiff expression.
“It seemed like she was warning me.”
The way she said “mother” suggested she had caught wind of something involving Theon. Perhaps she summoned me to clarify the hierarchy. To make it absolutely clear that the Empress held the higher position.

“I shall cherish you.”

The meaning was unclear, but those words could have been a threat as well. Did she mean that as someone of higher rank in the Imperial Palace, she would cherish me, a subordinate, through various teachings?
“Ugh. I should have followed her all the way into the Empress Palace. The knights blocked the door and I retreated too easily. Next time, I’ll show them my claws.”
“Jeffrey. Code 2, code 2.”
“Just in case, I’ll remain nearby during the banquet and rush out if any problems arise.”
It was as I was quietly stopping Jeffrey that Roxie, who had drawn close behind me just like Jeffrey, interjected into the conversation.
That startled me.
I spoke to Roxie without showing my surprise.
“Personal attendants can’t be brought into the Banquet Hall. Roxie.”
“Yes. I’ll find my way in.”
“No. You can go back to the lodgings.”
I suspected Roxie might be a mercenary hired by Zena Chaser. For someone who had only lived as a maid, she carried the scent of Father and Theon.
She had definitely wielded a sword before.
Roxie continued calmly.
“You mustn’t let your guard down. While it doesn’t seem they tampered with the dress’s seams, they may have set up other devices to humiliate you.”
“What? I want to come in too.”
Jeffrey’s ears perked up as he growled in a whisper.
I whispered to stop both of them from their combative stance.
“Neither of you needs to come in. Theon will be sitting beside me anyway, so what’s there to worry about?”
Theon was already inside the building where the banquet was being held.
Sir Shylo had informed Jeffrey—apparently Theon, having finished his preparations early, was taking some time to meet briefly with the Emperor.
“Hey, Berry!”
As I was stepping toward the brightly lit Banquet Hall building, someone urgently called my name and walked toward me.
It was Calips.
“What’s up? I’ve been looking for you forever! You, that knight…!”
“Oh. Calips, that’s impressive.”
I complimented Calips standing before me. Though not quite as elaborately dressed as I had been dragged to the Empress Palace, Calips was certainly more refined than usual.
“But why are you alone?”
He stood without the escort knights he always carried with him. Calips stared at me silently, then furrowed his brow, bit his lower lip, stomped his foot, and his entire body convulsed with a soundless scream.
“…What’s wrong with him?”
“When someone is extremely angry, they might resort to such behavior.”
Jeffrey muttered while watching Calips, and Roxie offered an explanation.
Startled by this unfamiliar side of Calips, I walked toward him.
“Calips, what’s the matter?”
“…Yeah.”
“Uh.”
Calips straightened himself, breathing heavily through his nose and mouth as he regained his composure. Then he spoke to me.
“I was planning to verify the facts first. Even if Grandfather didn’t respond to my telegram, and the Igselona Royal Family rejected all my meeting requests. I’m rational enough to have been top of my class at the Academy.”
“…I see.”
“But it seems that’s not the case.”
The look in Calips’s eyes as he gazed at me was serious.
“Seeing you dressed up so beautifully like this. That knight must be real.”
“No—”
“No. Don’t lie. If the Family forms a marriage alliance with the Royal House, the Trabel Estate gains enormous benefits. Grandfather sold you to the Igselona Royal Family, didn’t he?”
That’s not it.
I shook my head, but it didn’t seem to register with Calips.
Calips spoke.
“Let’s run away.”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————