Even though there was quite a distance, she could hear the gasps and swooning of maids who were stealing glances at Seira. Was this why Lyle was jealous?
âYouâre the father of my child. So whatâs there to worry about?â
Medea was convinced that even if Seira had been a man, nothing would have happened between them. Although she liked handsome men and was pleased that her man was attractive, she was not interested in having an affair. Also, Lyle was an excellent husband.
ââ¦â¦ I heard that brother Luke had proposed to Lady Hestia.â
âD-did the young master even tell the Empress about that?â
As her voice seemed to rise, Medea put her finger into her fan. She recognized it immediately and lowered her voice.
âIt was a temporary offer, a spell cast by the atmosphere. Iâ¦â¦ I just happened to be the type he hadnât seen before, so it was a momentary fascination. â
âUhuhââ
Medea smiled and looked at Seira, who turned her gaze away with her cheeks dyed pink like a peach and pouted, looking annoyed. But Medea knew she wasnât actually feeling that way.
âIt looks like thereâs a possibility?â
Was it selfish to deprive her heroine, the Emperor, and wish her to be with her younger brother? Medea pondered.
But Luke wouldnât connect with anyone else in the world if it wasnât Seira.
Because the writer defined Lukeâs character, the second male lead, pitifully like that.
It was a different case from Lyle, who had already held Medea before having Seira in his heart.
Lukeâs heart flowed just like the original.
It was sooner than expected, though.
âLuke isnât such a frivolous fellow.â
As Medea spoke, Seira looked at her. She panicked, wondering if her words had offended his sister, but Medea was smiling.
âAs long as the young lady desires it, I wish the best for the two of them. Luke is an unwavering, persistent child with a one-track mindâ¦â¦.â
If you dump him, heâll be alone for the rest of his life. I donât intend to force you, but I hope you will take pity on him and give him a chance.
Medea grinned as she discreetly revealed her innermost thoughts. Being Empress meant each word could become pressure and intimidation.
She wanted Seira to like Luke on her own, voluntarily and without coercion. So she strived to speak as carefully as possible.
âOf course, if the miss doesnât like Luke, it canât be helped, butâ¦â¦ The heart cannot be altered, moved, and attached according to oneâs will.â
ââ¦â¦.â
Hesitant, Seiraâs face had now turned red. However, the expression on her face didnât simply look embarrassed, so Medea recognized her joy. She didnât know how Luke was doing, but it looked like he had tallied up quite a score.
âWell, I have no intention of getting married right nowâ¦â¦.â
âAhâ¦â¦. Iâm not here to tell you to decide anything. Iâm
just asking you to keep an eye on Luke because heâs sincere.â
âYesâ¦â¦. I understand.â
It was so cute to see her get so quietly shy. Medea almost inadvertently stroked her hair, but she managed to put her hand down.
Her maids were watching. Seiraâs face turned red.
âIâm sure Iâll be misunderstood,â
Medea thought as she looked at her ladies-in-waiting, who gave her sparkling eyes.
***
Going to the Empressâs Palace after work was now routine for Lyle. He wanted to check how much her stomach swelled today while holding Medeaâs tiny body in his arms. Her abdomen was still flat, but he was anticipating it to swell up.
âMedeaâ¦â¦.â
The thought of seeing his wife made Lyle accelerate his steps. Because it was earlier than usual, he thought he would surprise her and not announce his arrival.
âThe Empress is in the rose garden.â
âFor a walk? I already told you that you donât have to do anything like exercise.â
The people of the imperial palace were anxious when they saw Medea standing, scared she might fall. But on the other hand, she was wary of having trouble giving birth due to sitting too much and gaining weight.
âIf you needed to work out, I would have let you do itâ¦â [t1v: after translating this chapter for HOURS i finally realized during the final editing process he means something dirtyâ*facepalm* duhhh]
Deliberating over what he could say in front of the maids that would mortify Medea, Lyle walked to the rose garden.
There were six gardens in the palace, but the Rose Garden was the closest to the Empressâs sleeping quarters. A glass dome covered the rose garden grounds, and its temperature was maintained by magic, so it produced gorgeous flowers even during early winter.
Around the time of Lyleâs return, when Medea expected the Emperor would arrive, she usually went out to the nearby garden to welcome him upon arrival.
When he saw the Empressâ guards standing at the entrance to the garden, Lyle passed them and approached the gate. Her maids were gathered on one side of the park.
âWhat are you doing?â