Those Who Received Her Love (2)

It was shortly after Leonard ascended the throne as Emperor.

“Why are you making me so miserable like this?”

A voice full of sorrow held anger as it suddenly entered his study. Leonard, who had been busy looking at documents, narrowed his eyes when he saw Kilianerisa, who had entered without warning.

“Why have you come suddenly?”

“Why do you speak like you don’t know anything? Do you really not understand why I’m like this?!”

Leonard, who had only recently been crowned as the Emperor, was going through demanding days one after another. Amidst the numerous complicated matters he had to handle, his wife screaming at him gave him a pounding headache.

“I’m your wife! But why do you always care for that woman? Don’t you see me, Your Majesty?”

When the highly raised voice echoed through the office once more, Leonard, feeling his head throbbing, furrowed his brow and asked.

“That woman?”

“Yes, the one Your Majesty is so fond of that you’re willing to die for her.”

Kilianerisa spoke with a suppressed tone as if holding something back. Leonard was taken aback. As he was trying to choose his words, she spoke up once more.

“I know. The day you promised to come to me, you didn’t show up. I wonder where you were and what you were doing?”

He had a vague idea of what she was talking about. It seemed to be related to the meeting they had arranged. Although she probably wouldn’t believe him, but at that time, he had intended to go to her residence. However, he had so much paperwork to handle, and it couldn’t be helped.

Only after midnight did he finally finish his paperwork. He contemplated whether he should still visit Kilianerisa. However, he concluded that it would be better not to go. She must have been tired of waiting for him until now, and he was too exhausted, wanting to rest as soon as possible.

Without realizing it, Leonard found himself heading to Lerian’s residence and getting into bed. Although it wasn’t his intention, he felt conflicted deep down.

Leonard did feel guilty for Kilianerisa, but seeing her burst into his office and create a scene made that guilt disappear. When you think about it, as an Empress, she should be understanding of such situation, shouldn’t she?

Leonard suppressed a bitter laugh and said, “That’s none of your concern.”

A seemingly casual remark brushed past his ears.

“I am your wife.”

Leonard casually glanced at her and muttered, “You being my wife is a fact that I already know without you having to come here and tell me. However, it seems you’ve forgotten that Lerian is also my wife.”

His gaze shifted sideways towards Kilianerisa. There was something resentful in her expression as she glared at him with a suppressed emotion. How much longer was she going to throw a tantrum like a child? Her glaring gaze was fixed on him, and following it, his frown deepened.

For a brief moment, silence hung in the air. As time passed, the emotions that Kilianerisa couldn’t control gradually subsided. All that was left was a sense of weariness. He didn’t want to waste time on such pointless conversations when there were piles of documents waiting for him on the desk.

“Let’s discuss this for another time.”

Leonard, who had momentarily averted his gaze, was about to return his attention back to his paperwork, when he was suddenly interrupted by Kilianerisa’s outburst.

“You can’t treat me like this! I am the Lady of Hameln! And yet, you pay more attention to a mere artist’s muse? In the first place, isn’t there a difference in statuses? I’m the Empress, and she’s…!”

“Can’t you stop?”

Kilianerisa, who was pouring out her emotions loudly in her high-pitched, youthful voice, momentarily hesitated. Leonard, who couldn’t remain silent any longer, seized the opportunity and began to express his suppressed anger.

“That’s none of your business. I will treat both of my wives fairly, as I have done so far. So, leave!”

Leonard had never shouted at Kilianerisa like this before, but he couldn’t stand by and listen to her continue insulting Lerian. In response to his strong reaction, Kilianerisa’s face showed signs of hurt, but it was short-lived. She soon let out a bitter laugh and muttered quietly.

“…You will regret saying that.”

Her crimson eyes, which lingered at the peak of the white of her eyes, glared at him fiercely. The intense resentment in her eyes made Leonard feel an inexplicable sense of unease. But that was only for a moment, and soon, she turned her back on him and left the office. Thanks to her departure, Leonard was able to quickly erase the momentary unease he had felt.

But he would soon realize that it was his mistake.

If Leonard were to choose the most enjoyable part of his daily routine, it would undoubtedly be the time he spent with Lerian. On that day, just like any other day, he finished his official duties and stood in front of her bedroom door.

“Ugh, heeuugh…”

His hand, which was resting on the door handle, paused for a moment when he heard a faint sobbing from inside. Then, a familiar voice was heard.

“Mama, just tell His Majesty. It’s been several days already!”

What is going on? His mind was in a daze.

“No, if His Majesty finds out, he will be sad. Oh, by the way, His Majesty will be here soon. I’m sorry, but could you help me freshen up again?”

It was a voice filled with softness. Leonard opened the door without further thought. Usually, the palace doors were not easy to open all at once for security reasons. However, the tightly closed door opened surprisingly easily, despite him not exerting much force. Leonard attributed it to his agitation.

As he surveyed the room after opening the door, Leonard’s face hardened. His gaze met Lerian’s, who had been crying, and the circumstances became clear. Her beautiful silvery hair was disheveled, and one of her cheeks looked swollen, as if she had been slapped.

Before his mind could fully process the situation, his anger began to boil. His hand, which held the door handle, tightened.