My Child's Father is The Emperor - Chapter 14.1
“Lord Castellan.”
“Please, speak.”
Alvin offered a professional smile.
“I wish to become the Empress.”
At Adele’s words, Alvin almost jumped from his seat.
‘How could this be!’
The 77 ways Alvin had quickly thought of to make Adele want to become the Empress were suddenly pushed aside.
Adele looked serious and thoughtful.
“It will be difficult for me to become the Empress, won’t it?”
Alvin spoke honestly.
“It won’t be easy.”
“That’s to be expected. After all, I am a commoner.”
Alvin pushed a plate with a sweet dessert towards Adele.
Suddenly finding Adele admirable, he felt like giving her another piece of chocolate.
“But it’s not impossible.”
“Is there a way for me to become the Empress?”
The 77 ways to make Adele want to be the Empress were quickly discarded.
Instead, 12 ways Alvin could think of for Adele to become the Empress came to mind.
“Do you know what I am good at?” he asked her.
“No.”
“Strategy.”
Alvin was skilled at finding solutions.
If he focused on the wrong point, he might dig in the wrong place, but when the task at hand was clear, he was better than anyone at getting things done.
That person to correct his focus was usually Ellipson.
“I will make you the Empress.”
“Is that possible?”
Alvin patted his chest.
“Just trust me, Madam Adele.”
He subtly changed the honorific from Miss Ernst to Madam Adele.
Doubt flashed Adele’s eyes as she looked at Count Alvin.
“Count Alvin, I thought you were against me becoming the Empress.”
Alvin felt a twinge of guilt.
“I haven’t opposed it.”
“But you said last time. You could help me seek asylum in another country. You told me not to waste my life on reckless endeavors.”
“That was humane advice considering how difficult it is for an ordinary person to suddenly become the Empress.”
Alvin cut off Adele’s words firmly.
“Look. Madam Adele, you also thought there was no way you could become the Empress, right?”
“Yes. Honestly, I did.”
“I can make it possible. However, I can’t force someone who doesn’t want to be the Empress into that role. That was the spirit of my advice.”
Alvin met Adele’s eyes.
“You will become the Empress. Trust me.”
“Thank you, Lord Castellan.”
Alvin sipped his tea. The tea tasted better with the feeling of a job well done.
“But what must I do to become the Empress?”
“There’s much to do. There’s a lot for you to learn as well. I’ll prepare and inform you step by step.”
Alvin set down his teacup.
“Oh, there is one thing you should be careful about.”
“What is it?”
“Do not give your heart to His Majesty.”
“Excuse me?”
Adele’s eyes widened.
“Just maintain the distance you have now.”
“Why is that?”
“That’s all I can say for now.”
Alvin stood up.
“It’s necessary for you to become the Empress. I’ll proceed with the next steps after speaking with His Majesty.”
Alvin bowed to Adele and left the room.
Alvin’s steps toward the Emperor’s office were light.
‘I saved 140,000 lives today.’
He felt a sense of accomplishment even though Adele had not yet become the Empress.
Because Alvin was a genius schemer.
He had never failed before.
* * *
Knock, knock.
Outside the office, Dawson announced.
-“Your Majesty, Count Alvin is here.”
“Let him in.”
As the door swung open, Count Alvin entered with a slightly more exaggerated gesture than usual.
“Your Imperial Majesty.”
He even gestured to Dawson to hold off on the chair as the door closed.
Once alone, Van looked at Alvin.
“What’s the matter? You seem in good spirits, Count.”
“Do you feel it? But it might not be good news just for me.”
Alvin chuckled.
“Madam Adele has decided to become the Empress.”
“What did you say?”
Vanhelm stood up abruptly.
“Yes. We’ll start the preparations quickly starting tomorrow.”
“Ha.”
Vanhelm rubbed his face in disbelief.
“Adele wants to be my Empress. To be by my side.”
“She did not say that. She. Never. Said. That. “
Before Vanhelm could unleash his fury, Alvin quickly added,
“You must keep your distance from Madam Adele.”
Vanhelm stared at Alvin.
“Absolutely not until the noble assembly is over.”
Vanhelm’s expression was ambiguous.
Alvin’s emperor-specific keen sense detected something.
“…Your Majesty?”
“We’ve decided to share a bedroom starting today.”
“What? That’s absolutely not allowed!”
Vanhelm frowned.
“It’s necessary for Leo’s emotional well-being.”
“Haah.”
Alvin wanted to pull his hair out.
“Your Majesty! We’re about to tread a gravel path, and you choose to remove a wheel from the carriage?”
“Scars left from childhood are irreversible.”
Vanhelm had a melancholy look in his eyes.
“Like mine.”
“Ugh.”
Seeing that expression made Alvin feel like he was the villain.
“Alright! I understand! Don’t make such an unfitting expression. It might work on Adele, but not on me!”
Alvin sighed.
“Well, if you manage to tread the gravel path with one less wheel, it might be more rewarding.”
Muttering about there being a way, Vanhelm’s face softened.
“I understand your intention. Please take good care of Adele.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As Alvin left, Vanhelm called Dawson.
“How’s the preparation for the separate palace?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. We’ve just finished arranging the necessary furniture.”
“Good. Once Adele and the prince have moved this afternoon, we’ll dine together.”
“I’ll make the arrangements.”
“Just a moment.”
Vanhelm called back Dawson who was about to leave.
“But did Adele really not mention me at all while talking with Count Castellan?”
Vanhelm wanted to believe that Alvin had lied.
“Er, that is, Your Majesty.”
Dawson felt sweat trickle down the back of his neck.
Since taking on the role of steward, this was his greatest crisis.
