The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 17
“Yes.”
The head steward answered flatly.
“Nonsense! That’s absurd! I’m clearly the victim here! Do you know how many times I’ve been hit by this woman? Why am I the one confined, and not her! This is an insult to the imperial family! It’s an attempt on the life of a royal!”
“It’s His Majesty the Emperor’s command.”
The head steward replied unblinkingly, with a calm demeanor.
Gritting his teeth, Second Prince Yuldian grabbed the steward by the collar.
“Stop talking nonsense and ask again! This is ridiculous!”
“…Second Prince Yuldian.”
When the head steward softly called him, Yuldian hesitated and then released his grip on the collar.
“I will convey your words to His Majesty. However, the message I’ve been given is to request your return to your palace.”
“…Damn it.”
“His Majesty is just and fair, so if there’s any injustice, it will be resolved quickly.”
“Just and fair, my foot! He only cares aboutOlder Brother and that goddamn bastard!”
Muttering fiercely, he glared at Roxelyn and then swiftly turned and disappeared.
“I will escort you.”
“I’ll come with you, my lady!”
“No, please visit the doctor. It’s embarrassing for my fiancé to be seen like this.”
Roxelyn spoke somewhat harshly and coldly as she turned away.
“Lead the way, please.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Roxelyn turned her back on Arma and followed the head steward.
***
The place they arrived at was a large, ornate office.
The world, adorned in gold, looked like a treasure trove filled with all kinds of rare items.
One side of the office had a collection of precious gems, and on the other, there were rare, stuffed animals on display.
And in the center, sitting on the office sofa, was a figure that captured the attention.
The once brilliant golden hair was now closer to a faded brown, and his eyes were a sky-blue color.
Despite being close to 50, excluding the wrinkles on his face, he didn’t look his age.
His disheveled hair and casual attire, almost lacking in formality.
If the clothes weren’t expensive, one might have mistaken this proud and noble Emperor for a frivolous man from the back alleys.
Yet, he was always smiling, making it hard to read his true thoughts, more so than anyone.
Roxelyn greeted the man, the master of the empire, with respect.
“It’s an honor to meet the splendid and noble sun of the empire.”
“Oh, to hear such a flattering greeting in the castle of the splendid and noble sun from a woman who has caused quite a stir seems a bit embarrassing.”
Roxelyn silently smiled broadly at his elegantly veiled criticism.
Thinking to herself, Roxelyn laughed as the Emperor looked at her meaningfully and rubbed his chin, then nodded slightly.
His voice was somewhat casual and light.
“Well, sit down for now.”
At the Emperor’s brief command, Roxelyn took a seat opposite him without a word.
“Lady Bellion, you seem to have had a change in demeanor, or is it my imagination?”
The Emperor looked her up and down, then sipped his tea and commented.
“There have been several matters, indeed.”
“Ah, I’ve heard. Quite unfortunate news.”
The Emperor spoke with an expression that didn’t seem at all sympathetic.
“So.”
Setting down his teacup, the Emperor looked up at Roxelyn.
“I’m curious what made the always cautious and severely wary lady do such a thing.”
She was indecisive, timid, and cowardly. Yet, what was she thinking now?
Roxelyn naturally translated the Emperor’s ‘elegant noble language’.
“I wish to break off my engagement with the Third Prince.”
Roxelyn spoke calmly as she picked up the teacup brought by the head steward.
For a moment, the Emperor, failing to comprehend her words, let out a confused laugh and asked again.
“…What?”
“I wish to break off my engagement with the Third Prince, Your Majesty.”
Roxelyn slowly and clearly repeated her statement.
