Droit du Seigneur: His Lordship's Right of the First Night - Chapter 24
The Emperor’s leisurely gaze fell on her shocked face.
“You seem to be very close with your sister. I am thinking of my brother the same way you think of yours.”
“Your Majesty… please, please spare my sister!”
“I’m not threatening her life. I’m offering to save her. How about this? Until you complete the task I’ve given you, your sister will receive medical treatment in the nearby city. She’ll stay in the best room with a caregiver. If you succeed, I’ll ensure her continued treatment as well.”
“……!”
“I’ll also make sure the fact that you stood in as a proxy for the first night remains hidden. If my brother finds out you deceived him, it’s almost certain that neither you nor your family will survive.”
Her clear jade-colored eyes wavered greatly. The Emperor spoke in a relaxed tone, as if he already knew what her decision would be. Without waiting for her answer, he got into the carriage with his guard and disappeared.
“Hey, hey. Who were those people? Did they come from the castle?”
Cherinia, who had been hiding inside the house and watching, ran out and asked excitedly.
“Hmph, Cherinia couldn’t hear anything because they were too far away… They looked important. Did you do something wrong at the castle? Huh? Tell me!”
“…….”
“Ugh, so frustrating!”
Cherinia beat her chest in frustration, but Louise didn’t answer, focusing only on holding the returned Mildred tightly in her arms.
***
The image of Louise continued to haunt Richard. After an entire afternoon of meetings, he emerged into the corridor at sunset, thinking about her as he watched her climb the castle steps from the window. Should he really call a doctor?
The sweet and fragrant scent he associated with her had lingered in his mind for days, causing his subconscious to conjure illusions.
But when he turned his gaze back, Louise’s figure hadn’t disappeared. She was even closer now, and their eyes met.
He learned the truth shortly after.
“This is absurd. Two months?”
“That’s not long at all. You’ll see.”
Richard strongly protested upon learning that Louise had been summoned back by the Emperor’s order. He had wondered why the return to the capital had been suddenly delayed.
“It’s not about the length of time. Even if I had accepted the droit du seigneur, keeping her here and sharing a bed with her? You’re asking me to make her my mistress, a woman who has a husband!”
Leonhart remained unfazed, calmly looking at his brother.
“Although you approved the marriage document, the ceremony hasn’t been held yet. So she’s not technically married. And her supposed husband hasn’t consummated with her either, so by all rights, isn’t she your wife?”
Richard’s face reddened momentarily. He quickly regained his composure and spoke through gritted teeth.
“Stop. Someone might hear you.”
“Just do as I say. It’s not difficult to sleep with a woman you’ve already been with a few more times. Do you really want those rumors about your impotence and preference for men to continue?”
“…Does her husband agree to this?”
“Of course. Do you think I’d bring her here against their will?”
“Did you pay them?”
“There’s no need for you to know the details.”
Richard could guess that their financial situation was difficult since they had tried to pay the wedding tax through the droit du seigneur, but it was still hard to understand. It was unbelievable that Louise and her husband would willingly agree to have her stay in another man’s bedroom for two months.
“It seems you’re quite interested in that woman. Have you grown attached to her after one night?”
“…No.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve taken care of everything. So, what do you think, Richard? If you do as I say, I won’t interfere with your marriage anymore.”
“…….”
“Just spend two months with her, and I won’t force you into a political marriage. You’ll be free to marry whoever you want, whenever you want.”
“Are you serious?”
Leonhart seemed to believe that this would change Richard’s mind, but Richard had no intention of ever marrying anyone. However, the idea of being free from his brother’s pressure was appealing.
“I accept your offer.”
“Good decision.”
Leonhart nodded with a satisfied smile.
“I’ll be heading back to the capital. I’ll leave a few of my men here to ensure you follow my instructions.”
“Yes.”
As he was about to leave, Leonhart patted Richard’s shoulder, which was even broader than his own.
“Enjoy your time. The two months will coincide with the capital’s festival season. See you then, my one and only brother.”
