Timid and Shy - Chapter 40

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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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40.

The Emperor received the two of them not in his office or the formal audience chamber, but in his private reception room. He watched Robert and Sophia standing side by side before speaking.
“Sit. Yes. Even if the world has changed, to announce a betrothal without first presenting the betrothed herself—truly, how would you have me accept this, Ariel?”
Sophia spoke with perfect deference.
“If Your Majesty will permit me to suggest it, the matter will resolve itself. Prince Robert will come to his senses soon enough.”
At Sophia’s words, Robert glanced at her in surprise. The Emperor’s mouth twisted into a wry smile.
“Come to his senses? That sounds rather as though you’re announcing an immediate dissolution of the betrothal.”
“If Your Majesty wishes it, I am prepared to dissolve the engagement at once.”
The Emperor turned his gaze to Robert.
“She’s certainly a young noblewoman worthy of your choice. Refreshingly direct, though.”
Robert glanced at Sophia and spoke.
“As you can see, I sought Sophia’s assistance to avoid troublesome complications. She has promised her full cooperation.”
“Is Ariel satisfied with the arrangement?”
“I am receiving adequate compensation for my troubles. I am content.”
“And what if this leads to an actual marriage?”
“Prince Robert would lose considerably in such an outcome.”
Sophia was certain of this much: if they were to marry as things stood, she would emerge the victor from the bargain.
At Sophia’s confident declaration, the corners of the Emperor’s lips rose slightly.
“Indeed.”
The atmosphere between the Emperor and Sophia had grown warm and convivial. Robert watched quietly as the two conversed. He studied Sophia’s demeanor and expression with careful attention. She showed no sign of harboring any hidden agenda. Yet what struck him as remarkable was how she spoke to the Emperor—whom she was meeting for the first time—with such ease and confidence, unafraid.
‘Does the Emperor not frighten her? Does she not understand how much power the Emperor wields?’
Sophia sensed what the Emperor was truly wondering: whether Robert had chosen her as a way to withdraw entirely from the succession struggle.
Frederick’s engagement dissolution had been an opportunity for Robert. The Emperor suspected that Robert was squandering this golden chance, retreating as he always had.
Once the Emperor confirmed that Robert and Sophia’s betrothal was merely a temporary measure to evade Cressida’s interference, the tension dissolved.
Sophia had expected the Emperor to be lenient toward her—a woman without the power or intent to harm Robert or the Imperial Court.
And the Emperor proved as generous as she had anticipated. He questioned Robert and Sophia about the current state of affairs in Umbriel and Ariel.
What captured Sophia’s attention most—what made her listen intently and speak with careful deliberation—was the matter of elevating Baron Ariel to Frontier Baron.
“I understand there has long been talk of promoting Baron Ariel to Frontier Baron. But why must it happen now, of all times?”
Sophia replied.
“Yes, Your Majesty. It must be now. As the betrothed of Your Highness, there is now the justification for Ariel to rise to a rank befitting such a connection. Baron Ariel has deliberated carefully upon the matter of Frontier Baron, which you yourself raised alongside the founding of the Knight Order. I believe now is the most opportune moment—both in terms of justification and in Ariel’s readiness.”
“The reports mentioned that Baron Ariel’s spending has been remarkable. Was this all for the Frontier Baron promotion? I hear that only one-tenth of the budget remains.”
“There are two reasons, Your Majesty. First, we used the funds to clear accumulated debts caused by insufficient budget. Second, the costs of establishing the Knight Order required substantial expenditure. Infrastructure alone demanded considerable investment. But these matters had to be addressed first. Once Baron Ariel becomes a Frontier Baron, he cannot request further assistance from the Central Administration.”
Upon becoming a Frontier Baron, Ariel would need to manage his Territory entirely independently. To request additional funding or aid from the Capital would undermine the very authority that came with the title.
“I understand that officers and instructors have been selected from the current guards, and that several apprentice knights have been recruited and brought from the Capital. By the time the facilities are completed, these apprentices should be ready for promotion to full knights.”
“Ariel has certainly spared no effort in seizing this opportunity.”
Sophia’s voice turned bitter.
“Because of me… Ariel has faced a crisis unlike anything she had encountered before. My father even considered abandoning her. Both he and Ariel desperately need strength and position now.”
Praise flickered in the Emperor’s eyes.
“I have read the account of Titania carefully as well. By next month, I expect every imperial school will have a copy.”
“I am grateful for your kindness. Ariel will not disappoint the Empire or Your Majesty.”
Sophia stood before the Emperor less as Robert’s betrothed than as Ariel’s representative.
The Emperor nodded.
‘A brilliant daughter humiliated because of Wiscom—Baron Ariel has every reason to harbor resentment. Drastic measures would be justified.’
The Emperor glanced briefly at Robert. There was an unmistakable note of pride and satisfaction in his expression.
‘For a false betrothed without genuine affection, he regards Sophia rather fondly.’
The Emperor sensed that even if Robert did not yet harbor romantic feelings for Sophia, such feelings could emerge at any moment in the future.
Sophia’s emotions, by contrast, remained utterly opaque. Until now, she had appeared only as a dependable contractual partner and as Ariel’s representative. The Emperor found himself reassured by her composure.
If she harbored no feelings for Robert, that was fortunate. And if she did have feelings yet concealed them entirely, that would be even better.
Even if Robert developed feelings later, the Emperor sensed he could trust that Sophia would make a wise choice.
As the three continued their conversation, an attendant entered. Caliburn wore an awkward smile.
“The Empress has arrived, Your Majesty. She learned that Prince Robert and the young Noblewoman Ariel have come to the Imperial Palace and wishes to greet them.”
The Emperor sighed and turned to regard Sophia and Robert. Then he nodded toward Caliburn.
The door opened silently, and the Empress glided into the room. Her appearance was stately and beautiful. Sophia had never heard anyone speak of the Empress as beautiful; she had always thought of her only as a political force allied with Cressida.
Now, seeing in person those figures she had only heard of in rumors, Sophia found herself genuinely intrigued. Though the Empress appeared to be middle-aged, she was still a beautiful woman, carefully maintained.
‘Is it because she is Empress? Does beauty matter so little when one’s station is so high?’
Upon reflection, Sophia realized she had never heard anyone describe the Emperor’s appearance either. He was a lean, tired-looking man of middle years.
‘There would be little reason to speak of how he looks. He is the Emperor, after all.’
Sophia’s impressions of the Emperor and Empress were remarkably dry and impersonal—to her own surprise, even.
The Empress seemed not to notice Robert at all, her attention fixed solely on the Emperor and Sophia. Sophia curtsied respectfully to her.
“I am Sophia Ariel, daughter of Baron Ariel. Your Majesty, it is an honor to make your acquaintance.”
The Empress’s expression was stiff, though her tone remained gentle.
“You’ve traveled far from Ariel. Since you’ll soon join the Imperial family, speak freely. But still—to announce a betrothal without so much as seeing the young woman’s face! Your Majesty, surely you must scold her for this.”
The Emperor regarded Sophia with warm affection as he spoke.
“I’ve already administered a proper scolding. I think I shall have the young Lady Sophia return to the Palace tomorrow as well. It would be fitting for her to visit daily and receive further instruction.”
Though he spoke of chastising her, his tone was anything but harsh. The Emperor already seemed quite taken with Sophia.
The Empress, too, found merit in Robert marrying a country noblewoman from Ariel, and her smile came naturally.
“If that is Your Majesty’s wish, I shall withdraw my concern. What were you discussing before I arrived?”
“The young Lady Ariel mentioned she wished to see the gardens and greenhouse today. However, one can hardly see everything in a single afternoon.”
Sophia’s eyes sparkled as she spoke. It was an opportunity.
“I’ve heard the Imperial greenhouse is not only the largest in the empire but on the entire continent, and houses an extraordinary variety of plants. Thanks to His Highness Robert’s consideration, I’ve been given the chance to visit today.”
“Quite right. There are some two hundred people working in the greenhouse alone. It’s truly a magnificent place.”
“With the facilities management, plant cultivation, and research all combined, the number hardly seems excessive, especially as the collection continues to grow. Has there been any consideration given to selling plants propagated from the greenhouse?”
The Empress let out a dry laugh.
“Selling? The Imperial household is not a merchant house, child.”
Sophia bowed her head, embarrassed.
“I mention it only because I believe sale is the fastest method of distributing rare plants throughout the empire. If someone desires a precious specimen, purchasing it would surely be the most convenient way. I’ve heard that many plants from the Imperial greenhouse have spread into circulation, though most were smuggled out illegally.”
Unexpectedly, the Emperor leaned forward with keen interest.
“So you’re saying Imperial greenhouse specimens are already circulating in the markets through illicit channels?”
“Yes. Those smuggled from the Palace command high prices, precisely because they are rare. Naturally, counterfeits abound far more readily. If the Palace finds the management burden excessive, could you not entrust the operation to a reputable merchant house? Many people are defrauded by false specimens.”
“That is not an unreasonable thought.”
“I’m fully aware the Imperial court has many pressing concerns, and that commerce might be beneath the dignity of the throne. I merely speak as one who loves horticulture and wishes to acquire rare varieties and imported plants more readily.”
The Emperor spoke with generous accommodation.
“Even if the Imperial finances are sustained by taxation, there’s no harm in generating supplementary revenue. Return to the Palace tomorrow. I shall arrange a meeting with the Director of the Greenhouse.”
Sophia’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Would I not be interfering with the Director’s work?”
“As his superior, I can hardly call it interference.”
Sophia’s heart soared silently.
‘Well played. Now I can begin driving down those exorbitant plant prices.’
While the Emperor and Sophia found such easy rapport, Robert sat as if he were not there at all, his lips sealed.
Sophia stole a glance at him. This was the first time she had seen the Emperor, the Empress, and Robert together in one room.
The atmosphere among the three spoke volumes—they did not gather often.
‘The Emperor and Empress converse while Robert keeps himself as invisible as possible. And the Emperor makes no effort to draw him into the discussion.’
The Empress disliked how the Emperor had defended Sophia against her rebuke. As a thin smile twisted across her lips, Robert lowered his eyes and thought to himself.
‘She’s preparing to strike.’
The Empress turned to Sophia with a benevolent smile.
“I understand you have ties to House Wiscom? Is the Duchess of Wiscom your aunt, then?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“Then you must be staying with them at present?”
“No. I am currently staying at Pina’s Residence.”
“Why not remain with your relatives at House Wiscom? Pina’s Residence is in District 3, which is both dangerous and chaotic. Would it not be better to move to the Wiscom estate, young lady?”
“Due to certain matters from my debut with His Highness Robert, and a blackmail incident involving Philip, relations with House Wiscom have become strained. I fear I must continue to impose on Pina’s kindness. I am grateful for Your Majesty’s concern.”
The Empress smiled with bitter amusement.
“Ah, I had forgotten. I hear Isabel has done quite well for herself in society since then, though you seem to have had rather less success. But surely the Duke of Wiscom cannot now show coldness to you, his cousin and His Highness’s intended. After all, Wiscom and Ariel must eventually reconcile, given their family ties.”
Sophia’s face registered shock.
“Oh! Has His Highness Frederick become engaged to Isabel at last? I beg your pardon—of course, now that we shall be family, you were suggesting that Ariel and Wiscom ought to make peace. How shortsighted of me. I shall visit House Wiscom very soon.”
The Empress’s face darkened instantly. The Emperor smiled to himself with satisfaction.
‘She struck at the Empress’s weakness in one blow. Excellent.’

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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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