I’m the Only One Who Can Guide the Tyrant to Sleep - Chapter 15

“His Majesty the Emperor! His Majesty is gravely ill!”

With a sudden thud, the ribbon in Floria’s hand fell to the floor.

She rushed out of the room without asking anything, followed by the maid who delivered the news.

‘The Emperor is gravely ill?’

Without even understanding the words, I quickly pulled myself together and followed suit.

Floria had often expressed concern for her father, the Emperor’s health. I was aware that there were issues with the Emperor’s health, but I didn’t know the details. The health of the imperial family was a closely guarded secret.

‘The situation seems quite serious.’

We hurried through the corridors, and before long, we arrived at the Imperial Palace.

The palace maid, who led us, once again opened the door hastily. No one stopped her.

I realized that the situation was rapidly deteriorating, and every moment was crucial. At last, we stood before a magnificent door adorned with golden accents.

“Her Highness the Princess has arrived.”

The palace maid managed to catch her breath as she spoke.

“And who is this?”

The doorkeeper’s gaze fell on me, and the palace maid’s eyes widened as if she hadn’t realized I was following.

“She’s my maid. Please let her come in.”

Floria held onto my hand tightly. She was trembling noticeably. The doorkeeper hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.

He opened the door while adding, “Since the urgent situation has passed, there is no need to worry excessively.”

Floria’s trembling seemed to ease a bit, as if she found some reassurance. The heavy door silently swung open, and without waiting for a response, Floria stepped forward. A large, canopied bed adorned the inner part of the room.

“I have brought Her Highness, the Princess at the instruction of Her Majesty the Empress.”

With her still holding onto my hand, I followed her closely.

There were several knights who appeared to be guards near the bed, creating an intense atmosphere in the room.

Among them, one person wearing gleaming armor gave a sharp salute. A female knight swiftly approached us and conducted a quick inspection.

Even in this urgent situation, there’s still the real threat of assassinations. The state of the court seemed more unsettled than I had initially thought.

We were easily granted access, as we had no weapons or anything on us, and finally, the curtains were drawn aside.

“…Your Majesty!”

Floria covered her mouth with both hands.

The Emperor lay on the bed, and at a glance, it was evident that his condition was far from good.

Despite being not much older than his years, his emaciated face made him look like an elderly man nearing death.

I, too, froze in shock.

‘Is he really in such a critical condition?’

The original story briefly flashed through my mind – after Caesar’s death, the Emperor also passed away, leading to a power struggle.

‘He must have died from an illness.’

“Floria, have you come?”

The woman in lavish attire sat beside the bed, exuding both beauty and authority.

Despite the urgency of the situation, she maintained her grace.

It was Floria’s mother, the Empress.

“Mother!”

“I greet Her Majesty the Empress.”

I bowed respectfully. A slight furrow appeared on her forehead. She must not be pleased with a mere handmaiden entering the Emperor’s chamber. Floria shielded me.

“I, I was just too surprised to come alone.”

“…Alright.”

The Empress pursed her lips and a small head emerged from behind her.

I didn’t know because it was covered, but Caesar was there. Well, it was natural because he was the crown prince.

If the Emperor were to pass away, he would be the one to inherit the throne. In fact, he was more suited for this position than anyone else.

‘Should I give my greetings?’

Before I knew it, Floria ran to bed and was talking to the Emperor, and the Empress spoke seriously with the person who appeared to be her doctor.

It was only Caesar and I who were staying on the sidelines, doing nothing. He subtly acknowledged me. I nodded slightly, too.

We started meeting in the garden every day, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to draw attention to it in this situation. I quietly stood my ground, and at that moment, the Empress called out.

“You there.”

‘Perhaps I should have said my greetings after all?’

Startled, I raised my head, but the Empress wasn’t addressing me. She was shouting beyond the curtains.

“Where is the maid who brought the Crown Prince?”

“That would be me, Your Majesty,” a timid-looking maid, appearing slightly frightened, raised her face as the curtains were drawn aside.

“Escort the Crown Prince back to his palace,” the Empress commanded.

“…Yes?”

“Didn’t you hear me? I said to take the Crown Prince back to the palace. The Emperor has collapsed, and he must have been shocked. Now that the immediate crisis has passed, help him rest in the palace.”

The Empress’s words seemed to imply concern for Caesar, but something felt off.

‘If she’s worried about someone being shocked over the Emperor’s collapse, what about Floria? She’s even younger, so why isn’t she being taken away?’

Furthermore, the Empress was glaring fiercely at Caesar. Her eyes held an emotion closer to irritation than worry.

I had a gut feeling. The Empress was trying to get rid of Caesar.

“What are you waiting for? Escort the Crown Prince out immediately.”