I’ll Quit as The Empress

The Congress finally ended after time showed past midnight, just before dawn. But it’s just a temporary break. And considering that the meeting would continue tomorrow, the Prime Minister and Duke Metis had to stay overnight in the Imperial Palace’s annex.

Duke Metis’ aide had already been waiting for him by the time he arrived at his residence with a displeased face.

“What?” Sagan hissed. The aide quietly approached him and whispered something. And he was lost in thought for a moment, sitting on a long sofa and bit his hookah. A thick smoke spread like his dizzy mind.

“The retired-Sir Phillip is here …….”

The news from his aide was noteworthy. Philip was the most reliable Imperial doctor in Empire and even on the continent. In particular, he was also a mentor who had close ties with the Imperial family.

So, if the doctor who had retired under the excuse of old age and raised his students returned to the Imperial palace, something very important had to happen.

“Does this mean that there’s a problem with the Emperor’s health in the middle of his absence without my knowledge?” Sagan squinted his eyes. It must be not an ordinary pain that he needed to call Philip.

Fabian’s figure, who looked very tired when he appeared at the National Congress today, appeared in his mind. Sagan had seen Fabian since he was a little boy. And he felt that Fabian’s impatience today was a bit different from usual.

“Tell the Empress Dowager to visit the palace tomorrow. Go right now.”

“But it’s already very late…..”

“It doesn’t matter. I don’t even know how much time we have left.”

If the Emperor’s health were in the red zone, the Imperial family would be thrown into chaos without a successor. Judging from Fabian’s temperament, even if he died immediately, he wouldn’t depend on his mother, the Empress Dowager. So the only way was for Sagan to hurry up.

“Stella….. tell the Empress to bring her niece as well”, Sagan said.

“Yes, Duke.”

The situation was very troublesome right now, but the conclusion was simple. If Fabian’s health condition got worse, the sooner Sagan had to push Metis’s daughter to become an Empress and gave birth to a successor. Only then would he be able to maintain Metis’ glory in the future.

“One more thing, bring a man who is skilled in secret missions,” he added.

“What? But who…….”

“Anybody!” screamed Sagan. No matter what, Sagan couldn’t keep up with Fabian when it came to spying. He had tried several times but failed every time. But the situation would be different if the target had been known.

“Watch Sir Philip’s every move and report it to me. Who is he trying to heal? … we need to investigate.”

“Yes, I will keep it in mind.” stated his aide.

Sagan vented his frustration, exhaling his hookah smoke. If it was confirmed that there was a problem with Fabian’s health, he had to hurry.

“That’s why I told you that the Empress’ matter must be resolved immediately.”

It was a late regret now. But Sagan didn’t know. In many ways, his ambition was already out of date.

Fabian, who had just returned to his residence, looked hesitant for a moment. He wanted to make sure with his own eyes if Evelyn and Adrian had arrived safely, but the time was already late.

“Your Majesty, you must eat first,” Serus exclaimed in a worried voice. No matter how strong Fabian was, his schedule had been too packed in the last few days. Moreover, he had to lead another congress meeting after dawn. So Serus intended for Fabian to take a breath and get some rest.

“Evelyn and the child…..”

“As I’ve already said, they’re safe and well. Sir Philip visited them a little while ago.”

“A little while ago?” Fabian looked up, rejoicing when he heard that part.

“Yes. He has to check him at the fixed-time …..”

“Then he should be awake by now.”

“Since he has finished his treatment …… he should.”

Fabian had been hesitating since earlier because he was worried that he would wake up the two tired people, but now he didn’t have to.

He quickly washed his face, then wiped it dry and looked at the mirror on the wall, fixing his disheveled hair, “What do you think?” he asked.

Serus looked puzzled, asking back, “Huh, what…? You mean this?”

“How do I look now?”

Serus couldn’t tell as he faced the most difficult question in the world, wondering what Fabian’s intention was.

“Your Majesty is always perfect.”

Fabian knitted his eyebrows slightly at Serus. But he decided to accept it as a positive answer and moved his steps.

“Where are you going, Your Majesty?”

“I’m going to see Evelyn and the child for a while because they’re awake.”

Serus knew very well that there was no point in stopping Fabian here.

“Hmm. The Chamber of Secrets”

Fabian had learned all the secrets about the Imperial family after he ascended the throne and became the Emperor. One of them was the secret chamber, which was located under the Emperor’s bedroom. But Fabian, who never had a lover to hide, soon forgot the existence of that hidden room.

“I never thought that room would be useful.” Fabian stood in front of a huge bookcase, speaking in a low voice, which sounded more like self-talk.

“You said there’s a hidden staircase…….” His shining black eye glanced ahead. “How does it work?”

“Uh, the thing is…….” Serus took the paper from his pocket. Then Fabian quickly snatched it.

“It’s so complicated.”

“Because it’s a secret place.”

Ignoring Serus, who tried to explain patiently, Fabian scrambled the books on the shelf in different directions. After that, Fabian pressed the ring with the Emperor’s seal in the gap after a locking device appeared before his eyes.

‘Connected’

The device that detected the seal was released, and the sound of the turning-giant-cogwheel was heard.

A moment later, a bookcase opened like a door, revealing a narrow, spiraling staircase downwards. It was very small and only enough for one person to go down.

“I’ll lead the way… … .” offered Serus.

“I’m fine. I’ll go alone.”

Before Serus could answer, Fabian immediately grabbed the railing and climbed down the narrow stairs. After circling the helix twice, he finally was able to reach the Chamber of Secret.

For Fabian, this was his first visit to this place after looking at it once after he was crowned. From generation to generation, this secret room had been managed by the Emperor’s royal courtier, making everything looked clean and tidy.

“I see you, Your Majesty.” Evelyn’s maid, Nora, came in a rush and showed some courtesy. She must have noticed the sound of the secret staircase.

“What about Evelyn?”

“She’s taking a rest after Sir Philip’s treatment a little while ago.”

There were two ways to reach the Chamber of Secret. The first was the way Fabian used, but it could be used only by the Emperor. And the second was through a small, shabby room in the inner palace.

They were both created to hide Emperor’s mistress, so this room was built in such a way as to avoid other people’s eyes.

“What did Sir Philip say.”

“There was no special opinion. Fortunately, the Prince on the journey…….” Nora paused for a moment and looked at Fabian. Officially, Adrian was the Prince of the Felice kingdom. But she didn’t know how to name him now because he had already been identified as Fabian’s son.

“What about Adrian?” Fabian seemed to notice her concern and soon corrected his title.

“Yes, Adrian said he’s okay because he wasn’t too tired on the long journey.” Nora also caught Fabian’s point wisely. “They’re both in the inner bedroom.”

“I’ll go.”

Nora bent her knees again at Fabian’s wording. Anyway, Evelyn had to know from the sound of the stairs that Fabian was coming. So Nora didn’t need to tell them anymore.

Fabian walked a little faster along the red carpet on the floor. Many noble paintings were hanging on the walls. The vases were everywhere and filled with fresh flowers. At first sight, this place reminded Fabian of the Empress’ palace’s quiet and elegant atmosphere.

Soon, Fabian stood at the door, decorating with antique patterns on it. Something that Fabian rarely did after he became Emperor was to turn the knob and knock on the door before he opened and stepped in.

“I see you, Your Majesty.” Evelyn calmly gave her example to Fabian as if she knew he was coming.

“Yes.” Fabian felt that this was a nice place for two people to stay after getting a glimpse of their bedroom. Even Evelyn, who had changed into a clean dress, seemed comfortable with the environment and looked quite pleased.

“… Jimoo?”

A small voice was heard from behind Evelyn. When Fabian and she looked back at the same time, Adrian, who had just woken up from his sleep, was rubbing his eyes with his tiny hands.

“Oh, I’ve barely put you to sleep. I’ll call Nora.”

“It’s okay. Let him be.”

Fabian personally sat at the end of the bed with Adrian. Even though he was still sleepy and couldn’t open his eyes properly, Adrian immediately moved to him. And he was so adorable, seeing his chubby butt bounced every time he walked.

“Jimoo… I’m… sleepy…….”

Fabian smiled unconsciously when he saw Adrian, who was tired, still approaching him instead of sleeping.

“It’s time for you to sleep now,” Fabian said shortly. Then came his shocking reply.

“Bung Bung…”

Fabian turned his head towards Evelyn, glancing at her as if to ask her permission. But her blue eyes showed a definite answer, saying ‘No’.

He sighed, feeling a little disappointed, “I’ll do that later if you go to bed now.”

“Tomorrow…”?

Adrian asked him a difficult question as there was no playing-with-a-child on the Emperor’s schedule.

“Jimoo, tomorrow?” Adrian’s innocent round eyes stared at him. And Fabian only could nod slowly when he saw the dark eyes that were similar to him. It was a gentle face that Fabian had never shown to anyone. Even Evelyn, who was looking from the side, was impressed.

“You have to sleep now. Only then can you be strong like a black hawk.”

“Yes… … .” Adrian closed his eyes gradually when Fabian’s big hand patted his small back.

Soon Adrian breathed out and went back to sleep. Fabian closed his eyes for a moment and looked at the sleeping child. He didn’t know if Adrian really looked like him or not, but he thought his cute mouth and long eyelashes were exactly like Evelyn.

“We look pretty much the same, but why I didn’t notice you?” Fabian spoke low to himself, making Evelyn smiled a little bit bitter.

“The child is sleeping. Shall we move to?”

“Yes, that’s better.”

The secret chamber had the same size and structure as the Emperor’s bedroom. The two of them left the Adrian’s room and moved into the living room, which was right next to it.

Nora left them alone and went straight to the bedroom to look after Adrian, who was already asleep.

“Aren’t you tired of the journey?” Fabian opened the talk first.

“Yes, Sir Serus has helped us a lot. Here too….. It’s much easier to stay here than I thought.” Like Evelyn said, this place was as comfortable as her Empress’ residence in the past.

“It wasn’t until a little while ago that the congress was finished.” Fatigue was clearly visible in Fabian’s voice. “As soon as dawn comes, we’re preparing to continue the congress again.”

Evelyn tried to convey words of comfort, but in the end, she swallowed it down. Because he would be hurt by her hasty kindness.

Fabian breathed, “The purpose is to distract the nobles’ attention, especially Duke Metis. But I don’t know how long it will last. “

“Do Your Majesty has any plans?”

Fabian nodded at her cautious question, “Stay in this state as long as possible. Without anyone knowing.”

This was the best for everyone for now.

“But, this secret can’t be kept forever,” Evelyn muttered. She wasn’t wrong. There’s no eternal secret in this world, especially in this place.

“If that happens, then I personally will admit Adrian as Imperial’s heir.”

Evelyn bit her lips hard before speaking again, “Will the noblemen stay still? I’m not the Empress right now.”

“Yeah, Duke Metis will bite it. It looks like a tasty meal in his eyes.” There’s a bitter smile in Fabian’s when he voiced it. “After you left, the Duke Metis steadily tried to push his daughter into the Empress’ seat.”

“I know a little about that.”

The Empress Dowager was also Metis’ daughter, and even when Evelyn became Empress, Lady Metis was her strongest rival.

“Even with Adrian’s presence and the fact that you’re already back, he won’t give up that easily.”

“Yes…he won’t”

Their divorce was arranged by the Vatican and decreed by the Emperor’s edict. It was a final decision that couldn’t be contested even if the two wanted to annul it.

“I plan to summon senate elders on this matter very soon.”

Evelyn looked puzzled.

“I will trample those who oppose my decision. I will ask for help from the elders to loosen imperial law and justify it.” More than ever, a firm determination radiated from his black eyes.

Only

“Then, what should I do?” Evelyn didn’t want to avoid reality, either.

“I wish you will stand tall confidently and, if possible, stay strong under any circumstances.”

It was a sentence that had multiple meanings.

“Adrian is my only descendant. That child is the child you conceived when you were my Empress. And no one dispute the fact. I will make it that way.”

Evelyn nodded. It felt hard to endure because she was sure that the nobles would slander Adrian as an illegitimate child.

“Yes. As Adrian’s mother, I will never be shaken.”

Now, her resentment in the past has already been blurred. They had a firm determination. To protect their child, they were the only comrades of each other.