Is it strange?

Yes. Because there are certain characteristics in that someone thats why I like this person. Theres no such thing as that.

I, I see.

Listening to Damian, I felt.

I felt a little down.

People like someone, not just because of their characteristics

Damian tilted his head slightly and looked at me.

His bright scarlet eyes conveyed how forthright he would be.

Arent you supposed to like someone just because of who they are?

Somehow I felt like Damians calm voice had touched the deepest part of my soul.

However I still couldnt fully understand so instead of answering, I tried hard to smile, hoping that my smile would look the same as usual.

The Empress had been uncomfortable all day today.

Her expression was so fierce that even the maids who usually followed the empress went to lengths to avoid the empress.

And the reason is.

Maid Hayden.

Yes, Your Majesty, she replied.

I think Charlize has been avoiding me lately Do you know the reason why?

The Empress looked at maid Hayden, her face still bearing a vexed expression.

Whenever I try to get close to Charlize, she runs away quickly.

The Empress once again pondered Charlizes actions so far.

When I ask her to eat a snack together, she says, Oh, Im sorry. I have something to clean up right now! and runs off again.

The Empress felt frustration well up within her.

Is the work at the Empresss palace too much that shes so busy these days?!

What? Thats not true. Its the same as usual.

Then why is Charlize so busy?

The Empress asked a question to maid Hayden in a rare sharp tone.

The maid blinked her eyes, flinching because of the question posed by the Empress.

Well, she seems to be taking the initiative and working hard these days.

Even after replacing the maids the other day, is it possible the new maids were mean to Charlize asked the Empress.

It could be possible. Rest assured, Ill look into it.

Maid Hayden spoke as if she were appeasing the empress.

However, from her standpoint, Charlizes actions were understandable.

Its not a bad thing to work hard, so I left her to it

A deep wrinkle formed on the maids forehead.

Its definitely a little weird.

Right. Whats wrong with her? She usually doesnt pass up a chance to be with the Empress pondered maid Hayden.

The Empress stood up from her chair, her rose-colored hair slightly covering her face. A hoarse voice came out.

Charlize, dont act like this..if somethings wrong you should tell me, I dont have the energy to look after you all the time.

The maid smiled awkwardly as the Empress turned to face her.

Silence enveloped between the two but was soon pierced by the Empresss sudden interjection.

I cant do this, said the Empress, it was clear to her that Charlize wouldnt talk about what bothered her, so she would ask Charlize directly at the right time.

Pardon? said maid Hayden.

The Empress raised her head.

Ill have to talk to Charlize.

Oh my god, thats a great idea.

Maid Hayden nodded enthusiastically.

It was because she knew it would be better than to have to watch the Empress go through mood swings twelve times a day.

That evening.

I returned to the Empress Palace a little later than usual.

It was because I had dinner with Damian.

Just because I didnt return sooner, the Empress wont throw a fit, right? said Charlize.

Although Damian complained for no reason while I was at the Crown palace, he didnt seem to dislike my long stay.

Empress isnt here, is she?

Surveying the surroundings, I retired quietly to my room.

My whole body felt heavy, exhausted from spending the whole day, cleaning just to take my mind off of the Empress.

After a quick bath and changing into my pajamas, I climbed onto the bed.

I held Pippi tightly in my arms and felt a little more secure.

I cant avoid the Empress like this forever

I looked down at Pippi with mixed feelings.

Come to think of it, the Empresss fingers were all covered in scars because she was making Pippi for me.

I was lost in thought until-

Knock, knock.

At the sudden sound of knocking, I lifted my head and looked towards the door.

Huh, Who could it be at this hour?

Who are you Huh?

I called out but there was no response.

Without much thought, I got up from bed and opened the door only to be startled by-

The person looking down at me with a determined face

Your Majesty! I exclaimed with eyes wide open.

It was the Empress! Shes here!

No, why are you here all of a sudden?

In a state of bewilderment, I posed a question to the Empress.

Um, did something happen?

When asked that question, the empresss face had a look of disappointment but also expressed sadness.

Why, can I come to you only if something happens?

Her hoarse voice rang in my ears.

Taken aback, I shook my head in a hurry.

No, its not like that!

I just came because I missed you, Lize.

Huh? Wh-what are you saying?

You came because you missed me?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep