The Second Life's

XLVI - The Heating

Rose glared at me.

Ah, he's hooked. How laughable. He acted as if what he was doing was not something I should offend right now. Idris did not see Rose's expression now. So, I pretended not to know about it and focused on Idris.

It was a pity that they were making out in the Imperial Palace. I'll bet if in the past they were always like this when I didn't visit here.

“What are you two doing in the room together?” ask me between meals.

“Uhuk-uhuk!” Idris choked on hearing my question. Just now that I wanted to give her some drinking water, Rose had already done it first. “Thank you, Rose.”

“Be careful ...,” scolded Rose then glanced at me sharply. “Why did Miss Charlotte ask like that? Is Miss jealous?”

“Hm ..., Idris .. wouldn't it be better if you made Miss Rose your Queen?” my proposal without any intention of letting go of Idris just like that. “If you want to retreat now, I give you a chance.”

Idris took off his spoon and fork and looked at me. “Charlotte, I was serious at the time of saying that I love you. Marrying you was my choice. Nothing can change my mind.”

See for yourself, right, Rose? This is how you make your rivals jealous and envious.

“But you and Miss Rose are in your room together. That's what I know from Jack ...,” I said looks sad. “Do I block your love?”

Idris glanced at Rose for a moment. The woman's face had already turned red from enduring the annoyance. It seems Idris was already aware that our conversation made his mistress dislike him. Idris smiled at me.

“We discussed this after dinner, Charlotte. This issue requires privacy and here is your waiter and Jack,”.

I'm nodding. “Alright, Idris. With pleasure.”

*

After lunch, Idris talked for a while with Rose. Looks like he told Rose to go home.

Or maybe even tell Rose to stay in the room while she talks to me.

I don't know either. Wearing magic in the dark magic area was a big mistake. I don't want to lure Concubine Sienna.

Idris and I drank tea together in the gazebo of the Empire's side garden. Chloe and Jack are waiting inside the Empire because Idris wants privacy right now. My trauma is still not gone, my hands are a bit shaky as I hold the teacup that the Imperial servant is serving.

My body remembers what happened in the past.

“Before I wanted to apologize, Charlotte,” said Idris breaking my daydreams that breech into the past. Exactly the moment where I saw Chloe and my other lady-in-waiting die in a place like this.

“Sorry? Why are you apologizing, Idris?”

“Because it's been wishing you,” replied Idris slowly. “At first it was just one hot night, but the more here I couldn't let go of Rose.”

One hot night? Just tell me you guys .. ah, I don't want to continue my words.

“I'm glad to know the truth I didn't know sooner even before we got into a marriage relationship,”. “Because I already know, then I can easily ..” Keep an eye on you and tie you up so as not to go into Rose Hindley's arms.

“Can easily what, Charlotte?”

I shook my head quickly. “No, forget it.” How could I have said that in front of Idris.

“I promise to release Rose as soon as I can. I don't want to keep you constantly hurt.” Idris grabbed my hand and held it tightly. “This time, I won't worry you. I will protect you as much as I can. You believe me, Charlotte?”

“Yes, Idris. I trust you.” But, lies.

There was a backlash from him, too.

“Go, Idris. Miss Hindley will need you,” I told Idris.

“Alright, we talk again. Okay?” Idris looked at me expectantly while standing up from the seat.

I nodded and stood up. “I'll go now. Tomorrow is a busy day. I have to rest to stay fit until our wedding day.”

“You're right. That day is getting closer. We have to take care of your health as well as mine,” Idris said. “Come, I'll get you to the train.”

“Good.”

“Rose, wait in my study. I want to drop Charlotte.”

Idris didn't want to wait for Rose's response, he immediately took me to leave the woman alone. Once inside the palace through the side door, Chloe and Jack were already welcoming us. The two of them followed all the way to the front of the Imperial Palace.

Max's getting ready for my carriage. As soon as Idris said goodbye, I approached him and whispered. It's top-secret.

“Try the tea check that is always given to the Emperor,” I whispered.

While whispering, I accidentally saw Rose. Good, he'll be getting pissed.

“I'm sorry, Idris. See you in a week,” said I who then climbed into the car.

“Be careful on the road,” said Idris with mixed feelings.

I also left the Imperial Palace with a happy heart.

The next day I was preoccupied with the invitation to drink tea given by the nobles. I went in and out of their house and drank various types of tea while talking about light and heavy things.

Most of them wanted to work with my father's business. Farming is a profitable thing. Especially after Dad donated a lot to the Flower Festival and news about my marriage to the next future Emperor Vanhoiren.

I think Idris is eating my bait now. The Emperor's health was no longer hopeful. I can't help much. The Emperor was already dying, but telling the truth that the Emperor was poisoned to Idris was not a bad thing.

After this, Idris will not have time to make out with Rose as he is busy taking care of our wedding and also taking care of the matters I added for him. Not to mention the matter about the Marchioness Franklin who disagreed if I became the next Queen candidate.

What would happen if the Marchioness Franklin knew that her own son trained me in swordsmanship? He would definitely faint from the shock of it.

“Is there anything good? You sound happy.” That's Lucas' voice.

“I'm happy to hear your voice after all this time I constantly meet people who are annoying,”.

“I'm happy too, Charlotte. Here I suffer for not being able to meet you and also not being able to get out of the palace as freely as I used to,” Lucas said. “Dad and my mom couldn't help but meet you and have tea together. You know right, a King can't rule alone?”

“I know, Lucas. If I had time, I would definitely have tea with your parents,” I said.

“No need to force yourself. You can't be exhausted. Focus on your marriage. But now ..., you have to sleep,” Lucas said. “I don't like it if you stay up late and don't sleep well.”

I smile. “Good, Lucas. Good night.”

“Goodnight, Sweetheart. Sweet dreams.”

“You too,” I said.