Chapter 156 -

Lucretius’ green eyes looked shocked. He was half-joking. He just wanted Bina to realize how hard he was trying for her, but her answer was unexpected.

She continued, “The truth is... I feel unsure of myself. After Beatrice was born, my body changed... And I know you were joking about me admiring the male singer, but I seriously felt worried when you were watching that female singer. On top of that...”

Lucretius could guess what Bina was thinking. The issue of emperor requiring more wives and concubines was a sensitive subject. He reassured her that he didn’t want any other woman, and he didn’t plan on taking more wives, but the situation could change at any time if he changed his mind.

If he did, Bina would have no one in this world. No family other than Beatrice.

It was no wonder why Bina was worried.

Lucretius smiled broadly to reassure his wife.

“You obviously have nothing to worry about.”

“Why?”

Bina didn’t seem to believe him.

However, the husband and the wife thought alike. Lucretius thought seriously.

‘How is it that she gets even prettier as she gets older and after having a baby? How is that possible?’

He kissed her lips soundly and whispered, “Because you are so adorable, and I just fell in love with you now all over again. It’s scary how I keep falling in love with you every day.”

Bina giggled and hugged her husband. “Oh, but I am curious.”

“About what?”

“Your singing. You have a nice voice, so you must sing well too, right? Didn’t you say you learn things fast?”

He did tell her that before, and it was true. However, singing was one exception. Lucretius wasn’t really serious about singing on the stage.

‘And if I would really do it, I would have kept it a secret until I was ready.’

It did sound cool to sing for her as a surprise gift, but only if he could sing.

“Hmm... To be honest, singing isn’t one of the things I am good at. I must admit... My singing is pretty bad.”

“Really?!” Bina said, genuinely shocked.

“I’m embarrassed to say it, but it’s true.”

“Oh my, I never thought I would see the day when you admit you are not good at something.”

“...”

Obviously, his wife thought he was a conceited and overconfident ass.

Lucretius replied, “Well, it’s the truth. I got a few lessons from the greatest singer at the time and he told me never to sing in public. My mother agreed with him after hearing me sing.”

“... Wow.”

Bina looked at Lucretius curiously. Her eyes looked intent and Lucretius sighed. He knew what she would ask of him.

“Bina...”

“Please... Can’t you sing for me now?”

“...”

He looked up at the ceiling trying to look away, but Bina wouldn’t let him. She grabbed his cheeks to face her and laid her head on his lap.

She then looked up at him adorably.

“...”

He could never refuse her anything when she was like this. Lucretius finally opened his mouth.

“—”

He started to sing the serenade that was showcased earlier during the show. It was a love song, but...

Bina paled as she listened.

‘Oh my god...’

She covered her mouth in shock.

‘His singing teacher was right...’

She was the one who asked him to sing, so she couldn’t laugh at him. Bina tried her best not to laugh and she was almost successful.

Almost.

As soon as he finished, she burst into laughter.

“Hahahaha! It, it’s true! Hahaha!”

Lucretius looked down at Bina in annoyance. She needed to be punished and he knew exactly what to do.

He started to tickle her sensitive back.

“!!!”

Bina started to scream and giggle at the same time.

“Gyaa! S, sorry! I’m sorry! Gyaa! For...forgive me...!”

Lucretius wasn’t quite done yet though.

***

In the middle of the night, a man entered the back gate to the Lonensian castle. The place was guarded, but the man seemed to know the layout very well. He could avoid the guards from detecting him and was about to reach out for the backdoor when it opened suddenly.

It was the owner of the place, Duchess Lonensia.

She sighed deeply. “Where have you been, Rob?”

The man, who had been sneaking around like a common thief, took off his hood.

The place was dark except for the lantern the duchess was holding, and when she saw the familiar face, she sighed again.

“Aren’t you going to answer your mother?”

Roberto smiled smoothly. “It’s not like I’m leaving the kingdom again. I just went out for a while, mother, so please just relax.”

It was true that he was staying home much longer than expected.

‘He usually doesn’t stay longer than three months. He used to disappear all the time.’

This was why Norma was anxious. Roberto often left home for days or even almost a year. He had been like this since he was fifteen years old.

She asked with a smile, “I suppose you’re right. I am just worried because it is time for you to get married soon.”

The duchess wanted to know how her son felt about marriage. Roberto had a fiancé at one point in the past, but things didn’t work out. Ever since then, Norma hasn’t been able to find him a bride.

She continued, “Your age is ripe for marriage. As long as you stop disappearing, you will become the most eligible bachelor in the kingdom.”

Roberto laughed. “Mother, you are the only one who thinks I’m good. What family would allow their daughter to marry someone like me?”

“Rob...!”

“It would be faster to just make that woman from North Santos my wife...”

The duchess’s face became rigid angrily. “Don’t even say that!”

“...”

“A lowly nobleman’s daughter... I will never allow it!”

Roberto grinned. “I’m just kidding, mother. I wouldn’t marry someone like her even if you force me to. She was just a one-night stand. Don’t get so angry.”

“Good.”

When Norma visibly relaxed, Roberto added, “I’m just telling you that I don’t want to marry anyone.”

“Rob!”

“Oh, I’m very tired, mother. I’ll get going to my bedroom.”

Roberto kissed his mother’s cheek. “Goodnight, mother.”

“You...!”

“I will hear your nagging tomorrow, so please forgive me for now. I am so sleepy I feel like I’m going to faint.”

She had no choice. Norma kissed her son’s cheek lightly and let him go.

She sighed in frustration. Why couldn’t things work out the way she wanted? Why couldn’t her niece and her son just do as she bid?

Unfortunately for Norma, things were about to get much worse the next day.

***

The next morning, Duchess Lonensia got an invitation from the empress.

When she arrived at the reception room, she didn’t get to see her niece. Instead, other maids greeted her and offered her tea. Norma assumed this was because it was Yulia’s day off.

Norma played with her fan and didn’t touch the snacks offered to her.

After a little while, an announcement was made outside the door.

“The empress has arrived.”

The duchess stood up and bowed. “Greetings to your highness the empress. I am honored to receive your invitation.”

It was a textbook greeting, but her tone was arrogant. It was obvious that the duchess considered herself above the empress.

Bina thought secretly.

‘I’m not sure if she is doing this on purpose or subconsciously, but... I will make her regret underestimating me.’

Bina smiled brightly.

“Welcome, Duchess.”

The meeting finally began.