Chapter 133
Iona’s cool response was unexpected.
The Empress was momentarily unable to react.
It seemed she had not anticipated that Iona would accept her command so readily.
Iona feigned ignorance of the other’s discomfiture, adopting a deliberately solemn expression.
“Your Majesty, the point you raised—I deeply share the concern. It’s true that His Majesty the Crown Prince has been overly harsh on Miss Florence even before solid evidence was found. It’s certainly a worrying matter.”
Had it not been so, it might have given Florence the chance to cover her tracks beforehand, but Iona expressed deep regret over the decision.
It was a thought well within the bounds of someone who prioritizes their lord’s safety above their own.
Iona continued to play the role of a loyal confidant.
“It’s also stirred up rumors doubting the relationship between His Highness the Crown Prince and myself. The very existence of such baseless speculation is preposterous...”
Iona trailed off, giving the Empress a long, meaningful look.
It was a clear demarcation between herself and the Crown Prince.
Iona then smiled faintly, as if to reassure her, “No matter how unfounded the stories are, we cannot completely ignore how it looks from the outside. Perhaps, as you suggest, this marriage presents a good opportunity to maintain a physical distance from His Highness.”
It was a neat summary.
Iona appeared to understand the Empress’ concerns well and seemed deeply sympathetic to the necessity of the ordered actions.
All the persuasive and threatening words the Empress had prepared became instantly obsolete.
A hint of bewilderment, which she couldn’t fully conceal, tinged the Empress’ voice.
“It’s a relief that we understand each other.”
With that, the Empress fell silent for a moment, seemingly organizing her thoughts.
Iona gave her space to adjust to the situation.
It wasn’t difficult to guess that the Empress had intended to steer the conversation in a more hostile direction.
She too would need some time to adapt to the reversed atmosphere.
It wasn’t long before the Empress spoke in a much calmer manner than before.
“So, I understand you will be heading to the Duchy immediately after the wedding. I heard you received a proposal at the royal ball; when exactly is the wedding planned?”
“Actually... we are considering forgoing the ceremony altogether.”
Iona responded with a slight look of discomfort to the Empress’ question.
The Empress, seemingly aware of the reason, asked back, “Is it because of the misfortune that befell the previous Count?”
“If we have to choose between celebrating a wedding and attending to the investigation, the latter certainly requires more attention. Besides, holding a wedding right after a funeral wouldn’t look right.”
“It might be better to proceed with a smaller ceremony anyway. It’s a marriage of significant meaning from many perspectives.”
The Empress appeared eager to publicly announce the union bridging the noble house and the royal family.
This was also one of the reasons why Iona had decided against holding the ceremony in the capital.
Regret tinged Iona’s voice, feigning helplessness, “I would very much like that too, but given that we’ve had to send Nils and Yvonne to the estate, if not all family members could attend, it would surely spark gossip about internal family issues... It seemed better to keep things quiet.”
The situation was already ripe with unwelcome attention, given that Iona had inherited the family title in place of the ‘real children’ of the previous Count.
Under these circumstances, having the wedding alone, without family, was not a wise choice, regardless of her personal disdain for those family members.
Despite Iona’s reasonable explanation, the Empress, unable to let go, picked on another aspect.
“Has the Duke agreed?”
“We haven’t discussed it thoroughly yet, but the Duke was also keen to return to the estate quickly. I believe he will be receptive to the idea.”
Iona recalled Leroy, who had shown great disappointment at the suggestion of skipping the ceremony, yet her eyes conveyed sincere conviction.
Finding no inconsistencies, the Empress leaned back into her chair, reluctantly agreeing.
“If the parties involved have decided thus, I have no place to argue.”
“However, it means we can move to the Duchy sooner. In fact, after hearing your concerned words, Your Majesty, I felt the need to hasten our departure.”
Iona’s response seemed to improve the Empress’ mood somewhat.
Satisfied with achieving her goal, the Empress ceased her probing and, showing a touch of generosity, said.
“Indeed, I am deeply moved by your loyalty and sincere concern for the Crown Prince. I must think about a proper reward for you. Is there anything you desire?”
Such a personage as the Empress would not emphasize giving something trivial.
Even if Iona made an excessive request now, it was likely to be granted without objection.
However, Iona judged that the favor offered by the Empress was more a test than a reward.
‘If I ask for something modest, I’ll be labeled as just another official; if I demand something grand, I’ll appear overly greedy.’
To wish for nothing at all would invite suspicions of ulterior motives.
None of these options suited Iona’s intentions.
After a moment of contemplation, Iona decided to give an answer that best matched her prior conduct.
“It was a decision made for His Highness the Crown Prince. It’s not a matter that warrants any other reward.”
The Empress did not interrupt and waited silently.
It felt as if she was watching to see what Iona would request next.
Iona continued carefully, “However… should a day come when His Highness truly becomes the sovereign you hope for, calling upon me to serve where needed would be joy enough for me.”
Iona knew such a day would never come.
And the Empress likely knew this too.
Precisely because of this, Iona’s response excessively pleased her counterpart.
She had asked for a reward, yet provided a reason why it need not be granted.
To the Empress, Iona must have appeared as an utterly steadfast knight.
Indeed, Iona’s dedication to Richard had been so blind that even such a statement would not be questioned for its sincerity.
The Empress, lost in thought for a moment, finally spoke after a beat.
“…It’s regrettable that I must send you away from the capital.”
“Your Majesty is too kind.”
“I’ll do as you wish. When I deem that the loyalty between the Crown Prince and you no longer functions negatively, I promise to call you back and reward you for today’s decision.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Iona bowed deeply, her face marked by gratitude.
Iona’s faithful act seemed to have truly pleased the Empress, as her demeanor noticeably softened thereafter.
From being seen as ‘a woman of low birth not suitable for her son’, she seemed to have risen to ‘one who knows her place’.
Iona even got to taste the finest tea leaves offered as a courtesy by the Empress, a rare commodity not seen outside the royal supply.
Thanks to the extended teatime, Iona rose from her seat much later than either she or the Empress had anticipated.
Fortunately or unfortunately, they shared a common link in Richard, and Iona managed to spend the time comfortably discussing him.
It might have been an afterthought that the Empress should treat Iona as a guest, for it was only after a lengthy conversation that seemed to dilute the prior impolite commands, that the Empress dismissed her.
With the Empress’ words suggesting it was time to leave, Iona rose as if she had been waiting for this moment.
“It was a pleasure to have this conversation.”
“Yes, it was a genuinely fruitful meeting after a long while. Ah, and about today’s matter…”
Before the Empress could finish speaking, Iona gave her the response she desired.
“Of course, I will keep it as our secret.”
The Empress smiled with satisfaction.
Knowing well enough what to expect without peering behind the veil, Iona turned to leave.
As she reached the door, guided by a maid to exit, a sudden call stopped her.
“Wait.”
It was the Empress’ voice.
Iona slowly turned around.
After a brief pause, the Empress asked an unexpected question.
“Dame Iona, how old are you this year?”
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