As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover

“Why ask something so obvious? I was planning to open it with you from the start.”

“…Right.” Maxion’s lips curled into a small smile.

“Hey, Maxion. Today feels really peaceful, doesn’t it? Even though we met a dragon and became comrades, it seems more peaceful than ever.”

“Yeah.”

“Things will get noisy when we return to the capital, won’t they?”

Maxion’s expression darkened at Luize’s question. “Probably. Luize, how about taking a break in the territory of Servenia for about half a year after the expedition ends? I’ll call you as soon as things are resolved in the capital.”

“No. I want to help too. And I prefer being with everyone, no matter where it is.”

“You’ll be facing your ex-husband.”

“Elliot promised he wouldn’t kill him. He might change his mind after regaining his memories, but… if he doesn’t die, I don’t want to stop him from paying for his crimes.”

Luize fiddled with the fries as if collecting her thoughts.

“I just don’t want the person I love to kill my ex-husband. It’s unsettling enough for someone I know to die, but if it’s Reiad, I think it’ll bother me even more. It’s just that feeling, so don’t worry. And…” Luize looked at him seriously. “If he truly committed a crime deserving death, then it’s something he has to face.”

Maxion nodded quietly. Once Luize made up her mind, she never looked back. She probably wouldn’t change her decision unless something big happened this time too. Her unwavering eyes reflected how firm her resolve was.

“…Right. What are you planning to do about meeting him when we return to the capital?”

“I made up an excuse because he seemed to need time to sort out his thoughts. By now, he must have accepted that our relationship is completely over. I’m going to meet him once to finish things properly.”

“…Okay. Call me whenever you need help.”

“Got it. Speaking of the capital, it seems they really sent the knights here to solve the problem. The barrier was set up by Ren, not related to black magic.”

“Since the high priestess and the paladins were trapped, they must have thought they had to do something. Whether we were trapped there with them or saved the temple people, it would benefit the emperor.”

“Even if High Priestess Raphaela and the Second Holy Knights side with us?”

“Publicly, they are knights sent by the emperor. Most of the temple and the people will think that the problem was solved thanks to the emperor’s wise decision.”

“…I see.” Luize nodded with a complex expression.

“Still, it’s true that our position is strengthened because of it. Recently, the support for Lord Edward has started to resurface. Although it’s still a minority.”

“Bloodshed is inevitable, isn’t it?”

“Probably.”

Luize nodded slowly with a serious face.

* * *

The imperial palace had been in chaos for days. It was because the treasure of the imperial family and the oldest plant in the imperial greenhouse had been damaged.

The head maid in charge of the historic greenhouse glared sharply at the maids, but the culprit remained unknown. She spoke to the nervous maids and attendants standing upright, staring at her.

“This is the ‘First Rose’ that the founding emperor received as a gift as a diplomatic symbol. To think someone would dare to steal it. It means they are willing to risk their lives and the fate of their family. They will never escape responsibility.” Outwardly, she appeared dignified and strict, but inside, she was very anxious.

The First Rose. It was a flower created as a diplomatic symbol for the founding Emperor. Now, there were many cultivated varieties, but the First Rose, which had grown in the imperial greenhouse, was the ancestor of all roses, with its lifespan spanning the history of the empire.

For the head maid in charge of the greenhouse, it was more important than any treasure. Not only was it damaged, but she had also received a message that the empress dowager would visit to inspect the site that morning.

The empress dowager, being shy and timid, usually avoided people and visited the greenhouse only when no attendants were present. This was the first time she had officially announced a visit. If the culprit wasn’t found quickly, she might have to take all the blame. Although her family supported the emperor, the matter was too serious to be easily overlooked.

At that moment, someone ran to the head maid. “The empress dowager is coming.”

“Understood. Everyone, return to your places. You won’t be able to leave until we find the culprit today.”

Soon, the empress dowager, dressed in a dark green indoor gown, entered the greenhouse.

“It is an honor to serve you. It has been a while since you visited.”

“I heard that Lady Isabelle is in trouble. Don’t worry. I am not here to blame you.”

“I apologize. I will definitely find the culprit and relieve your concern, Empress Dowager.”

“Where is the rose?”

“This way.”

Isabelle bowed deeply and led the empress dowager to the rose garden in the greenhouse.

Ellena von Bellord. Before becoming the empress, her name was Ellena von Dayelon, the only daughter of Baron Dayelon, a local noble family. Although Baron Dayelon was a local noble, the family had a long history since the founding of the empire.

Baron Dayelon was known for his strict adherence to old noble etiquette, and he was very strict. As a result, Ellena was thoroughly trained in etiquette and grew up in the family’s territory until she debuted in the social scene of the capital.

When she first debuted, she attracted attention as a woman with a pure appearance who practiced old-fashioned etiquette. Soon, however, she was overshadowed by the glamorous women of the capital and received no marriage proposals, so she quickly returned to the family’s territory. People speculated that her retreat to the family territory was due to her natural personality and her father’s influence. That was half right and half wrong.

The rumor that circulated briefly and then died down in the capital’s social scene was true. At the time, Ellena was indeed pregnant. And the truth of that rumor was revealed 14 years later.

The disgraceful death of the empress that shook the empire, Ellena, and the emergence of a new imperial heir. People thought Ellena’s quiet life for 14 years was due to her timid and shy nature. However, young Isabelle, who had just become a maid at that time, knew that Baron Dayelon was not the type to make his daughter live quietly in hiding for 14 years due to her personality.

The primary virtue of a maid was awareness. From the moment Isabelle first heard the story, she realized that everything had been meticulously planned. She immediately requested a transfer to the most peaceful greenhouse in the palace to avoid the impending bloodshed. That was a very wise choice.

“This is the place.” Isabelle pointed to the spot where the rose had disappeared as they reached their destination.

Ellena looked at the severed branch with a pitiful expression. “The branch was cut very cleanly. It seems a very good garden shear was used.”

Isabelle swallowed hard.

Ellena, still timid and weak, found it difficult to scold the servants. But the emperor, who grew up willful due to his parents’ meekness, was dangerous. If Ellena said the wrong thing, the life of a maid could be considered less valuable than a fly.

“It is such a serious crime to damage this rose.”

“Yes. I will definitely find the culprit, Empress Dowager. So…”

Ellena quickly reached out and plucked a rose.

Those watching gasped.

“Now I have committed the same crime.” She turned her gaze to Isabelle. “Let’s say I also took the previously missing rose, so don’t look for the culprit anymore. I haven’t visited often because I dislike meeting people, but I always remember everyone’s hard work. Everyone can make a mistake once. Just don’t repeat it.”

“Your Majesty and the rose thief are different. We need to catch the thief and set a strict example to prevent it from happening again.”

“Really?”

Ellena plucked another rose faster than before.

Isabelle’s face turned pale looking at that.