The Emperor and the Knightess

Chapter 85

The emperor was in his early 30’s, so it made sense that he had strong needs just like any other young healthy man. It wasn’t uncommon for Poliana to witness women visiting him often even during the war, but what confused Poliana was the fact that Lucius the First didn’t refuse any women at all lately.

Until now, the emperor has rarely refused the offered women’s entry to his room, but depending on his condition or mood, he only talked with them or drank with them most of the time. But now, on their way back to Acreia, he has taken all of the women to his bed without a question.

It was the emperor’s personal servant’s duty, not a knight’s, to deal with the emperor’s personal life. But as his guard, Poliana couldn’t help but worry about the emperor’s stamina. If he spent all his nights with a woman, wouldn’t that harm his health? Lucius the First was a very healthy young man, but Poliana couldn’t stop herself from worrying.

Poliana met Donau in the hallway. Sir Donau mentioned it to her, “It seems that his highness has been keeping himself very busy every night.” It was clear that it wasn’t just Poliana who was worried about their emperor’s change in habit.

Poliana then replied, “I agree. I wonder if he just has been very tense during the war, but now that he can relax, he has become more active in his nightly activity.”

Some men liked to take some women to bed to relax during a war, while other men needed to feel safe and relaxed to be able to enjoy a woman. Every man was different in his preference. At first, she wondered if it was because the emperor was trying to sire an heir but if this was the case, he wouldn’t have insisted on some women of mediocre nobility.

Poliana sighed and added, “I wish he would take in a wife soon. I would love to have an empress.”

“I know! A beautiful wise empress…”

“Kind and generous…”

“And then, we will have many princes and princesses…”

They were talking together when suddenly, they heard the guards talking about how the emperor sent tonight’s woman away. Poliana asked one of the guards, “What happened? Did she make a mistake?”

“The lady suggested that they should enjoy the hot spring together. You know how his highness was very sensitive about something like that.”

A man and woman bathing together naked… It was considered a significant event. It meant that they were becoming serious about each other, and it seemed Lucius the First was offended at this lady’s forward and seductive move.

The emperor was born a prince, he grew up to be an heir, became an emperor of a kingdom, and united the entire continent. He led an elegant and straightforward life, so although he enjoyed women who were enthusiastic in bed, he disliked women who strayed from the normal and usual bedroom etiquette.

Based on what they witnessed so far, they knew what kind of women their emperor preferred. Lucius the First didn’t have to say a word, even Poliana knew his taste very well.

“His highness’s type is a fragile and feminine lady.”

“Exactly. Long hair and slim body… A lady he could embrace easily…”

“Totally, someone who looks like she needs to be protected.”

Their discussion continued as the men began to talk about their types. The married ones bragged about their wives while the unmarried soldiers talked about their dream women. When Sir Donau was asked about it, he refused to give them an answer.

“I don’t have a type!”

“You don’t have to be embarrassed! Tell us!”

“That’s right, Sir Donau. We want to know!”

When all the knights insisted, Donau said he needed to think about it for a second. Poliana was curious as well. After a few minutes, Sir Donau finally answered, “I don’t care about the lady’s looks. I just want someone strong and wise. Someone who can protect herself.”

Donau’s face turned red as if embarrassed. The other men noticed it and began to tease him mercilessly. Meanwhile, Poliana thought she should let Sir Rabi know this fact when she got a chance.

Suddenly, Poliana found something she has been looking for. She walked away from the group and stared at something with a grin. When Sir Donau asked what she was looking at, she smiled and replied, “It’s the white-tailed lizard I have been dehydrating.”

When the knight heard her words, they all jumped towards her and begged her to give it to them. Sir Donau, afraid that Poliana might force him to eat it again against his will, flinched in disgust.

Thankfully, this time, it wasn’t for Sir Donau.

Poliana took the dried white-tailed lizard personally to the kitchen. She ordered the cook to make sure he uses it to make his highness’s stew for the next day. Everyone in the castle already knew Poliana was going to be their next master, so the cook nodded without hesitation. It was a well-known fact that the white-tailed lizard was great for men’s stamina. No one doubted Poliana’s good intention for the emperor.

Unfortunately for Lucius the First, his disgust for reptiles wasn’t well known. He made sure of it because he didn’t want his one weakness to be known to everyone.

The cook took special care to maintain the lizard shape as the stew was made. He was successful and he proudly placed the intact animal on top of the stew as a decoration. Thankfully, the emperor’s servant saw it and removed the lizard before Lucius the First ever saw it. If he did, the emperor would have refused to eat even a spoonful of the specially made stew.

Yesterday, Lucius the First was upset because the lady offered to him tried to seduce him into having a bath with her in the hot spring. A man and a woman washing together… It would have never ended with just a bath, and the emperor felt a little angry. Did that woman think he was a pervert? That he was desperate?

Only

‘The previous lord must’ve enjoyed such vulgar activity.’

It made sense, or else, why would anyone spend so much money and effort to make a channel that transported the hot spring water into the castle?

Lucius the First was unhappy. Every day and every night, he was served by different beauties and was offered the most extravagant meals and yet, he was still very displeased. Why? Only the emperor knew the answer to that question.

Lucius the First took a spoonful of his stew. It had a distinct and unfamiliar taste and he loved it.

“What a great stew.”

“Yes, your highness. It is made especially for you. It is supposed to be very good for health, so please finish your bowl. All of it.”

The servants who knew the secret to this stew didn’t say a word. It was better for him not to know the truth. Poliana exchanged some knowing glances with the servants and put her thumbs up for them.

Perfect, everything was going according to her plan.