7. The Announcement Party is a Battlefield (3)
“—she’s what, from Lacie? That small, unheard of, kingdom—anyone know of such a place?”
“In any event, that kingdom is rarely highlighted. I’m sure that kingdom’s status isn’t good.”
“In the first place, she was supposed to be a gift for the previous emperor, right? Then why would His Majesty Gaizel…”
As various words flew, their contempt grew increasingly audible to Tistye’s ears. But Tistye couldn’t deny any of them.
Everything they said is true… I was merely a prisoner… as such, I shouldn’t have become the Empress…
Ever since the day she arrived there in a palanquin, she had been criticized—
‘Why let a princess who comes from such a small kingdom like Lacie become the empress?’
Tistye herself was wondering.
Her vision began to distort.
The tight dress and the heat of the hall made her uncomfortable.
However, even if she wanted to escape, she couldn’t move due to the crowd.
I can’t fall like this.
It was while Tistye resolutely tried to keep up her front—
“—oi, what are you doing?”
The low and cold voice of Gaizel froze everyone.
Only Tistye smiled, staring at him as if his existence was a ray of light.
“Y-Your Majesty the Emperor, you see, I’m just having a small talk with Her Majesty…”
“Who gave you permission to do that?”
“Huh, um…”
“—and the group of women over there—”
His metallic, navy blue, eyes turned towards the group of women. His relentlessly sharp glare became even more so, as if polished.
Tistye herself had never been on the receiving end of such a terrible gaze.
“Just now, what did you say?”
“…”
“Didn’t you hear me? I asked, what did you say?”
The women glanced at each other—no one dared to answer.
Seeing it, Gaizel reached for the long sword on his waist.
A tense atmosphere spread in an instant.
“I see, so your ears are bad, huh? Which mean you don’t need them anymore.”
“Y, Your Majesty?”
“I shall cut them for you—kneel.”
Since he was the emperor, no one was brave enough to stop him.
The women were repeatedly apologizing as they gathered into one place.
But Gaizel’s anger didn’t subside—and it was painfully transmitted to Tistye.
[“Who gave you the right to speak ill of Tistye!? She was pushed into a marriage she never intended for, and had to come here all by herself!! Who dares to think anyone would wish to be in such a position!?”]
…Your Majesty…
[“Still, Tistye remained by my side. Even though she was alone. It must be very excruciating for her, I know, but still, I can’t help but be happy because of said fact! …Damn it! How infuriating! How could I have failed to protect her from these people!?”]
Watching Gaizel gritting his teeth, Tistye steadily grabbed his arm.
Gaizel was surprised, and inadvertently let go of his sword’s hilt.
“Your Majesty, they didn’t say anything bad about me.”
“Ho?”
“Everyone was talking about my hometown, Lacie, right?”
The women nodded.
Gaizel stared at them for a while, unconvinced, before eventually taking a short breath and held Tistye’s hand.
“This time, I shall forgive all of you—but there will be no next time.”
Gaizel left with Tistye, leaving that crowd behind.
A rRelieved atmosphere could be felt from behind.
Tistye crossed the hall with Gaizel.
When the front door was opened, two people walked along the long corridor.
Gaizel walked forward with large strides and soon spat out.
“Why would you cover them?”
“What do you mean?”
“What happened before. You should just get mad.”
“That’s…”
Tistye smiled at Gaizel whom was waiting for her answer.
“Your Majesty has already gotten angry in my stead, so it’s alright.”
Of course, the previous situation itself was bleak.
But the moment she found out Gaizel was truly angry, for a split second, joy was all she felt.
At first, Gaizel seemed to be upset by the answer.
“…You’re too soft.”
“Even if so, Your Majesty is kind to me, so it’s enough, already.”
Hearing that, Gaizel seemed to have forgotten what he was about to say next.
He exhaled, as if giving up, stopped, and turned around to stand before Tistye.
What happened, I wonder?
As Tistye looked up, Gaizel suddenly placed his hands on her shoulders.
When she was about to resist, Gaizel bent leaned forward and his face approached her.
Eh?! Your Majesty, why so suddenly—!?
It was Tistye who hurriedly closed her eyes—but after a long wait, no kiss happened.
…?
Eventually, she noticed the sensation of hair brushing her neck, and she forced her terrified eyelids to open.
Gaizel was leaning with his forehead on her neck.
[“I, I can’t… when she said that, my hands moved on their own! Other than that, I just can’t do it, it’s just not something that someone would do in a corridor! But when she says something like that, I can’t remain a well-behaved man… or, rather, how am I supposed to put up with that!?”]
“Y, Your Majesty, if we don’t return soon, wouldn’t everyone be troubled!?”
Tistye desperately tried to persuade him before his thought went in a disturbing direction.
Gaizel finally stood up reluctantly, sighing deeply.
His eyebrows are furrowing deeper than usual…
“After finishing up the rest of my work, I’ll return. You should return to the main residence first.”
“Yes. Do your best.”
“…I needn’t be told that.”
[“I don’t want to go… I want to return home together with her right this very moment…”]
At the last, sad, voice of his heart, Tistye suddenly smiled.
***T/N:
[“Who gave you the right to speak ill of Tistye!? She was pushed into a marriage she never intended for, and had to come here all by herself!! Who dares to think anyone would wish to be in such a position!?”]
This.
THIS AMOUNT OF CONSIDERATION. THIS AMOUNT OF EMPATHY. HE ISN’T ANGRY FOR HIS OWN SAKE (aka the usual “WHO DARE SPEAK ILL OF MY BELOVED WIFE, I LOVE HER, YOU DARE CHASTISE MY PREFERENCE IN WOMAN!?”)–HE’S ACTUALLY ANGRY FOR HER, OUT OF HIS GENUINE CONCERN FOR HER, OUT OF ACTUALLY PUTTING HIMSELF IN HER SHOES–*Translator clutches her thumping chest.
–BEST CHAPTER YET. I DON’T EVEN CARE IF OUR KISS SCENE IS BOICOTTED YET AGAIN. OKAY I DO MIND, BUT ONLY A LITTLE, SHEESH.
I gotta say, the Translator notes at the end of each chapter make every story you translate at least 10 times better it gives that feeling of actually enjoying the story with someone else even if I’m actually just reading with my cat on my lap.
Hopefully those ladies have learned their lesson.
It’s official now… Gaizel is the best ML ever!
I want to put him in a pot and bring it home so I can cherish it. lol
Also, as always, thanks for the new chapter <3
Dear Gaizel,
My son I have seen what you have done for your wife, Tistye, and I say what you did was excellent. You got mad for her because people bad mouthed her without considering her situation. I know you are worried about her truly that is why you act like that but can you try saying what you feel about her directly. You ought to learn how to put your feelings into words so people can understand you and you can come to a mutual understanding with them not all people can read minds my child. You are making your mother worried. And most importantly if you want to kiss her you have to do it properly! Ask for her permission and once she agrees….GO! Claim that lips of hers!!!!! Do not hesitate!!!! Well, then that would be all and remember not to make this mother of yours worry. I wish to see my grandchildren soon so work hard!!!
Your NEET mother,
Gabe
P. S.
I need to buy a new Good ML points counter because you broke the last one.
DAMN THIS SOUNDS LIKE AN ACTUAL LETTER WROTE BY A MOM!!!! SUCH PENMANSHIP!!!
Hahahaha!!!!!! If I was his real mom I would probably not write to him but call everyday and egg him to treat his wife good and give me a grandson. Hahaha!!!!!
ehem, Gaizel’s mom, please device a plot where your son can spend more time with his wifey. For example that Randi guy……..
translator thank you for giving me the opportunity to see a ml who isnt trash for the first time in a bit. I love him, we need to wrap him in blankets and protect his considerate fluffy lil soul.
I agree !!
Thank you 🙂
I love reading your comments so much, it’s just what we want to say ..??
This novel is so cute! ? .. Tistye is cute! even though i kinda hate it when the FL interfere with the ML actions (aka acting like a white lotus), but I LOVE HER! ?
The ML is adorable, Aiya!! ?
Thanks for picking such sweet stories! ?
Dear Gaizel,
My son I have seen what you have done for your wife, Tistye, and I say what you did was excellent. You got mad for her because people bad mouthed her without considering her situation. I know you are worried about her truly that is why you act like that but can you try saying what you feel about her directly. You ought to learn how to put your feelings into words so people can understand you and you can come to a mutual understanding with them not all people can read minds my child. You are making your mother worried. And most importantly if you want to kiss her you have to do it properly! Ask for her permission and once she agrees….GO! Claim that lips of hers!!!!! Do not hesitate!!!! Well, then that would be all and remember not to make this mother of yours worry. I wish to see my grandchildren soon so work hard!!!
Your NEET mother,
Gabe
P. S.
I need to buy a new Good ML points counter because you broke the last one.
ohhh, so nice, he is so cute 🙂 he should be more bold…. 😉