Hearing that from the Empress warmed my heart.

However.

I shook my head.

I cant, its a burden on her Majesty.

Lize!

Even so, the Dukes at the center of the aristocracy, the Duke attracts the attention of everyone including those who dont approve, I stated calmly.

The Empresss forehead wrinkled but she couldnt refute me.

If we do something wrong, we need to be given some space.

Space?

Yes, space to think and redo things. I think its better if her Majesty does not favor me too much and give me numerous privileges.

It doesnt matter at all. Youre still ten years old. To be thinking that way

Im sorry but I am a part of this.

With a bitter smile, I continued.

Your Majesty, youve chosen me as your candidate for this festival, turning down plenty of ladies from good families.

Thats, I mean

Its okay. Its her Majestys right to choose a candidate of her choice.

The Empress looked at me with sunken eyes.

But no more.

I dont want her Majesty to be misunderstood by others, all because of me.

I added my next words resolutely.

I want to be of help to her Majesty, not be a burden.

I thought about it over and over again. This is the best I can do.

Even before, the ladies from the tea party recognized me as The Empresss maidservant.

In a situation like that, what would happen if the Duke of Rochester adopted me?

People would be proven right in their judgment of me and the Empress.

If I was adopted, the Duke would also have to shoulder the same burden.

And

I took a deep breath, finishing on a high note.

I cant leave the crown prince alone.

There was silence.

The Empress ruminated on what I had to say, eventually giving me a quiet nod.

I see. The crown prince is precious to you

A heavy voice rang out.

Then Ill respect your wishes, Lize.

Thank you.

Just promise me.

The Empress placed her hand on my cheek, gently caressing it.

I wont be greedy, hogging you all to myself and I wont ask to be the most precious person in your life.

your Majesty, the Empress.

But whenever youre going through a rough time or having problems, lean on me and well discuss it.

The Empresss gaze was as endearing as ever.

Just as you want to be my strength, I want to be your strength as well.

.I will, thank you.

I gave an energetic nod.

The Empress smiled a bittersweet smile as she and I embraced tightly.

Somehow I felt like I was going to break into tears so I nuzzled myself into the Empresss arms, shedding tears.

The Empresss embrace is so comfortingit was heartfelt.

***

Time has passed since then. Today is the day of the harvest festival.

The Empress palace has been functioning non-stop since morning.

It wasnt just because the Empress would be performing the rite herself but being a candidate, I had to dress up too.

After I finished getting ready, I stood in front of the mirror.

Instead of a maid uniform, I wore a colorful dress commonly worn by candidates which included beautiful ornaments for my braided hair.

Well, this is the first time ever Ive worn such luxurious clothes.

I reallyIm really going to the harvest festival as the Empresss candidate.

I have to do well.

I fixed my mind on that alone.

The reason I became a candidate was because of the Empresss and Damians consideration.

Dont make a mistake.

I put on a determined face and checked my clothes for anything out of place.

Lize, are you having a snowball fight with the mirror?

Just then.

A voice that just couldnt contain their laughter was heard.

Oh, this voice!

I looked back in amazement.

It was the Empress.

Your Majesty!

Attired in a silver-white robe that symbolized the divine beast, the Empress was pure as a white rose.

I grabbed my chest.

Our Empress, she is the most beautiful person in the world today!

In retrospect, I think its the first time Ive seen you, Charlize, in anything else other than a maid uniform.

The Empress observed me closely, closing her eyes as she prepared to say something.

It was sincere.

really, youre so cute, you know?

Thank you.

Hehe. I giggled embarrassed.

Im no one special but when someone compliments me, I cant help but feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

The Empresss eyes sparkled as she clenched her fists and spoke to me with an eager look.

My hands are itching to give you a hug, whatever shall I do?

Hey, please bear with it for now I tittered nervously.

I actually want to be hugged by the Empress right now but.

Considering all the time and effort I went through to prepare, I couldnt do that.

What if my makeup or dress gets ruined?

Yes, Ill hold it in. We cant go ruin Charlizes cute appearance, now can we?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep