Male Lead Is Obsessed With My Health - Chapter 18

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 18

The most prosperous empire of mankind—the Albrecht Empire.
This vast nation, which unified all the kingdoms of the Central Continent and was reborn as an empire, boasts as many famous figures as there are stars, and among them stands the most renowned.
Empress Azeni.
Not only did she possess a peerless beauty that had won the proposal of every powerful figure of her age, but also a wisdom that rivaled that of a sovereign.
She was the empress most beloved by the people of the empire throughout all its history.
‘After all, a mother-in-law who is awake and easy to communicate with is always popular.’
This fantasy in-law situation where there was hardly any real sister-in-law trouble to speak of. Isn’t it lovely?
I liked Empress Azeni too.
If one were to name the greatest reason why the Crown Prince’s character was so upright and proper, it was entirely thanks to her family education.
It was a shame that she died so soon.
“Welcome.”
Her dark hair flowed in soft waves, her everyday dress simple yet elegant, and her only hair ornament was a small crown.
Though her appearance was unadorned, nothing was lacking. The aura that Empress Azeni emanated was already overwhelming.
Wow. Sister, take me with you.
“Was the journey here tiring?”
“No!”
“Hehe. You’re full of energy. That’s good. Please, sit here.”
“Yes.”
“The view was particularly lovely today, so I invited you here. The handmaids told me you’ve had quite a busy day as well.”
In this wide-open room overlooking the Imperial Garden’s refreshing landscape, I felt the majesty of the imperial family.
This is what imperial extravagance looks like……
Right now, only Empress Azeni enjoys this view, but in a few generations, this place too will transform into a magnificent tourist attraction like Earth.
And here I am, looking at this extraordinary landscape and thinking such worldly thoughts. What a modern person I am. I really am a bit off.
“Hehe. Is it beautiful?”
“Yes. The view is truly incredible, I mean, extremely beautiful.”
“I’m glad it pleases you. The Empress holds this place very dear.”
As for gilding and all that—it wasn’t a matter of ordinary power and money to completely reshape a landscape just for the view from a single room. I could only admire it, again and again.
This is what money and power are?
It might be fun to have it just once.
A handmaid from the Empress Palace set before me freshly squeezed Orange Juice and desserts.
A warm Scone with rich caramel that had melted into it, a Creme Brulee, and Macarons that stood out in their colors.
‘Mmm. This looks delicious.’
Still, as a girl raised in Confucian propriety, I wouldn’t eat until the adult picked up her utensils first.
“Hehe.”
The Empress suddenly laughed at my hesitation.
“Oh, your worried expression is so cute, I laughed without thinking. The Empress doesn’t mind—please, eat as much as you like.”
“Yes.”
But just because she said to eat as much as I like didn’t mean I could actually do so—such are the rules of this world. Still, I would eat.
‘Ah, but I ate too much earlier and I’m already full.’
This was all the Crown Prince’s fault for feeding me various things.
“Is this the first time we’ve been alone like this? At our first meeting, you were so small. Oh, perhaps you don’t remember because you were so young then?”
Q. What should one do when an unfamiliar topic comes up in conversation?
A. Remain very, very quiet.
“You were cute then too, but you’ve grown even cuter now.”
Munch, munch.
Being called cute was true, so there was nothing particularly awkward about it. It just didn’t stir much feeling, since it was about my own face.
‘But why is she looking at me that way?’
I could chalk it up to curiosity, since I had been popular as a character second only to the heroine, but the nature of the Empress’s goodwill and fondness toward me remained a mystery, and that troubled me.
“You really do resemble that child so much.”
“Pardon?”
That child?
The Empress answered only with a smile. Something in that distant smile activated my instincts.
Could the Empress have some connection to my biological father?!
‘There was no such storyline in the novel!’
Caught off guard by this mysterious plot point, confusion swept over me.
“Is there anything you’d like to ask the Empress?”
“Um……”
I blinked and managed to speak.
“May I ask why you summoned me?”
“Well. Would it be confusing if I said it’s because I wanted to see you?”
“Pardon?”
What is she saying?
“Hehehehe.”
Seeing my bewilderment amused the Empress. Your Majesty, you do have rather devious tastes……
“What a cute reaction. Don’t worry. I called you to apologize on behalf of my incompetent son for the trouble he’s caused you.”
“An apology……?”
An odd word from someone of imperial status. Wasn’t the imperial family usually haughty and unapproachable?
Of course, Albrecht was different. They were the imperial family of K-romanized history, inheriting the spirit of the Joseon Dynasty.
An imperial house founded on the virtues of diligence, sincerity, humility, faith, and integrity.
“He came thinking he’d made a proper apology, but I’m sure he only caused more trouble in the end. Though he is my son, Fesion has inherited far too much of his father’s vigor. I wish he’d taken at least half from Terion and Sirua.”
Well. I don’t think you’re one to say that—you once picked up a sword yourself and went monster hunting, swearing you’d kill anyone who dared harm your subjects.
“Have you met Terion and Sirua before?”
“No.”
“Is that so? I’d like to introduce you sometime.”
I would politely decline, if I may.
“How is Mehn doing?”
She’s recently become my mother.
“Yes.”
I couldn’t say it outright, so I simply mumbled vaguely. Mehn has her own social standing to consider.
I had at least that much consideration as a child.
“I see. That’s good to hear.”
Did the Empress have dealings with Mehn? I tilted my head in thought, then realized it made sense—she was a representative of Duke Halbern after all.
“Have some of this too.”
Does this family have a hobby of turning people into pigs? Food Torture Round Two had begun, courtesy of the Empress herself.
The saving grace was that unlike Fesion, the Empress wouldn’t scold me if I couldn’t finish eating.
‘Hmm. Maybe it’s just my imagination.’
I’d thought so at first, but the more we talked, the more I felt it.
Why did the Empress seem to like me so much?
This overwhelming goodwill and favor was far too obvious to pretend I hadn’t noticed.
What is it? What did I do? That’s not it.
As my wariness began to rise against this inexplicable fondness—
“I heard you don’t get along well with the children. Are they perhaps bullying you?”
the Empress asked.
The unexpected question made me blink. Hmm.
“No. It’s just that I was born with a weak constitution, so I simply don’t fit in well with them.”
“I see.”
“Yes.”
Silence followed.
The Empress seemed to want to ask something more but closed her mouth.
“Whenever there is a problem, come to me for help.”
“Pardon?”
“Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“Hehe.”
Seeing my hesitant answer, the Empress smiled with satisfaction.
Even seeing that, I still couldn’t believe this situation. The Empress had become my backer.
What is happening?

* * *

I had answered yes almost by accident, but I never actually went running to the Empress for help whenever something came up.
‘The Empress isn’t a customer service center. You don’t file a complaint the moment an issue arises.’
The Gathering Circle.
A gathering where the Crown Prince’s childhood friends came together to play, exchange knowledge and learning, deepen their friendships, and hopefully become the fertile soil of this nation’s future—or so went the Empress’s ideal vision. But in reality, it was far from such a fairy tale.
‘It was more like “Love and War.”‘
An endless, invisible competition among them to claim the Crown Prince, rife with jealousy, envy, slander, and intrigue!
And then I appeared in such a situation.
“Hehehehe.”
By somehow becoming the sole focus of Crown Prince Fesion’s attention, my standing skyrocketed overnight.
With continued attention lavished on me whether I wanted it or not, the children’s attitudes toward me gradually began to shift.
They generally fell into three categories.
Group One: complete dismissal.
“Hmph!”
Even when our eyes met, they’d look away without greeting and huddle together in the distance, whispering among themselves.
These were mostly children from the great noble houses, who had little reason to bow to anyone.
Hm. Such consistent coldness—a bed-like consistency of indifference. Actually, I rather preferred it.
Group Two: playing it neutral, testing the waters.
“Oh, hello, Arelin.”
“You came again today.”
“Want some of this?”
They’d greet me, but with obvious eye-darting at their surroundings, and they’d hesitate before speaking, which was deeply suspicious.
These were children with no real intention of befriending me, but who tried to inch closer and gain attention because the Crown Prince only had eyes for me. Their naïve, shallow tactics were transparent.
I bore them no ill will, but I doubted such efforts would benefit them much……
And then there was the long-awaited Group Three.
“Arelin.”
“Arelin.”
Red alert.
My instincts, sharp with an ancestral database of warnings, sounded the alarm.
Twin troublemakers famous throughout the realm.
The little demons of Spelrom, one of the Five Great Ducal Houses, approached me.
Ciel Shu Spelrom.
Noel Shu Spelrom.
“Does Arelin really collapse if she runs?”
Sourced from the Crown Prince, no doubt.
Their eyes sparkled with interest as they looked at me as though they’d found a fascinating new toy.
I made a decision.
“Your Majesty, is there any way I could withdraw from the Gathering Circle?”
“No, you cannot.”
I was flatly refused.
But Your Majesty, didn’t you just say to ask for help whenever I have a problem?!

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