PPCTD 7

chapter 7

【 That Indifference Makes Me Angry 】

In the Emperor’s office, Leto was deep in thought.

Livia’s death had been a shock to him as well. Their relationship, which had deteriorated to its worst point, ended just like that.

The faults Leto could never bring himself to reveal—he chose to bury them along with her coffin. It was the only way to protect his wife’s honor.

And it was at that very funeral… that a woman suddenly appeared.

At first, he had truly intended to kill her.

To dare deceive the imperial family—unforgivable. He had even planned to make an example of her through the High Temple.

But then—

“There’s no such thing as resurrection in this world.”

Things began to unfold in unexpected ways.

“You want me to prove I’m worth keeping alive, don’t you?”

It was as if she could read all his thoughts. It was infuriating… and yet intriguing.

So—

‘The Founding Festival in ten days.’

He decided to observe her for ten days, even while suspecting she might be connected to the High Priest.

Unexpected reports came in.

She stayed up all night studying etiquette. She had even brought order to the Empress’s palace.

He found it hard to believe, so he went to see for himself.

There she was—walking while completely absorbed in an etiquette book. Looking into her bright green eyes, a thought crossed his mind.

‘It would be a waste… to kill her.’

He wanted her to confess the truth and then send her back to her homeland. He could even use her testimony to pressure the High Priest.

But things didn’t go as planned.

“What a shame. If I were one of the High Priest’s people, you could’ve used this resurrection incident as leverage against the temple.”

It was as if she knew exactly what he was thinking. He was left speechless—and felt something strange.

He found himself hoping she wasn’t connected to the High Priest.

Wanting to trust a woman he barely knew.

An irrational, illogical impulse.

In short, it wasn’t like him at all.

So he simply said—

“Interesting.”

On the morning of the Founding Festival, he would be lying if he said he wasn’t surprised when he saw her.

It wasn’t just her elegant and refined attire.

There was a lively energy about her, a steady gaze that met his directly, and a strangely gentle smile.

Together, it felt like a painting.

“That outfit—”

He had almost said it suited her well.

Almost.

When she poured tea over Parham’s hand, it made no sense—unless she was acting under the High Priest’s orders.

He was furious.

No—beyond anger, he even felt betrayed.

So he pushed her harder.

But she didn’t back down.

“Then do you truly believe Baron Parham’s illness is a curse of the Goddess? If it’s just a skin disease, shouldn’t you be relieved?”

It was absurd.

How could she do this every time?

How could she speak as if she saw right through him?

Then something astonishing happened.

Parham’s rash improved.

She wasn’t one of the High Priest’s people.

Relief washed over him.

On the way to the annex palace, Leto reflected on the past ten days.

He had doubted her, wanted to trust her, built expectations alone, felt disappointed alone, and now relieved—alone.

‘I don’t understand. Why do I act like a fool whenever I’m around this woman?’

And the result of that foolishness—

A dark bruise on her wrist.

He felt both sorry and troubled. Any other noble lady would’ve burst into tears.

If she had blamed him, he was ready to comfort her—kind words, gifts, anything.

He wanted to rebuild their relationship.

But instead, she said casually—

“It’s fine. You apologized.”

Something in his head felt off.

She stirred his curiosity so much, yet gave him not even the smallest opening to understand her.

What was he supposed to do with that?

Just as a strange stubbornness began to form—

“Your Majesty, I am a very useful person.”

She grabbed his arm—then quickly let go.

Leto didn’t miss that moment and pulled her closer.

Useful?

Just maintaining her position as Empress would’ve been enough.

But perhaps out of mischief—

“Really? And what use might that be?”

He hadn’t expected an answer. He only wanted to see her flustered for once.

But what he got instead was—

“If you give me time, I’ll create medicine to cure Baron Parham.”

She was clearly tense.

Yet her brown eyes didn’t waver at all.

The courage to stake her life in a deal with the Emperor—

In that moment, Leto instinctively knew—

“If you can do that, giving you the Empress’s position fully wouldn’t even be a waste.”

He must never let this woman go.

Whether for her usefulness—

Or for the feelings that had just begun to form.

But once again, she surprised him to the very end.

“In one year, please divorce me.”

‘She’s throwing away the Empress’s position herself? And what’s with that confident look in her eyes?’

He had countless questions.

But he held them back.

Push too hard, and she might run away.

So instead, he asked—

“Then what should I call you now?”

“…Just call me Livia.”

Her expression clearly said: It’s only for a year—why ask something like that?

That blunt indifference…

“…makes me angry.”

Leto muttered.

“Your Majesty?”

Yuton, seated at the secretary’s desk, called out cautiously. Leto quickly pretended to look at documents.

“Yes. What is it?”

“What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing.”

“Your expressions keep changing. You were frowning, then spacing out…”

Leto tapped the documents with his fingers.

“State matters.”

“You haven’t turned a single page in an hour.”

“Should I govern carelessly, then?”

He snapped at Yuton. It was a familiar exchange between them—ruler and subject, but also old friends.

Yuton shrugged as if letting it slide.

“I have news to report. Good news.”

“Go on.”

“Baron Parham has canceled his relocation and will remain in the capital.”

“I thought so. That’s good.”

Leto replied calmly while turning a page. Parham was a loyal retainer—now free from the so-called “curse,” there was no reason for him to leave.

“And Your Majesty, I have a suggestion.”

“A suggestion?”

“How long do you intend to keep Her Majesty the Empress in the annex palace?”

Leto looked at him over the documents.

“If not the annex, then where? It’s law to leave the Empress’s palace vacant for a month after her death.”

“That law was made to prevent the Emperor from remarrying too quickly after the Empress’s death. This situation is… rather special.”

Leto set the documents down and crossed his arms.

“Sounds like people are starting to talk.”

“The annex palace is usually where future concubines stay temporarily. If the Empress remains there too long, it doesn’t look appropriate.”

Yuton had a point.

Publicly, the Empress had just “returned.” Naturally, people would be watching closely—especially given the rumors about the imperial couple.

“Then is there anywhere that does look appropriate?”

“At the very least, somewhere equal to—or better than—the Empress’s palace.”

“Where would you even find such a place?”

Yuton smiled brightly.

“Where else?”

Leto immediately understood what he meant.

“…Yuton, are you serious?”

This was troublesome.

Suddenly being told to move—and not just anywhere, but to the Emperor’s palace.

Still, I didn’t have much choice. I moved with Lady Mare.

The Emperor’s palace was far grander than the annex. Out of countless rooms, I was guided to the largest guest chamber.

Maids, knights, and attendants were already waiting—assigned by Leto.

They greeted me respectfully.

“Nice to meet you all. Lady Mare will oversee your management.”

The room quickly became busy with moving. Lady Mare supervised the maids organizing the wardrobe, looking unusually pleased.

“What’s making you so happy?”

“How could I not be? His Majesty has brought you into the Emperor’s palace.”

“It’s only temporary. I’ll move to the Empress’s palace soon.”

She smiled.

“Even so, people won’t see it that way. I was so worried you’d remain in the annex.”

I knew people had been gossiping about that. It didn’t bother me—but clearly it bothered her.

“After this, everyone will know how much His Majesty cherishes you.”

“Not a chance.”

I let out a small laugh.

He didn’t cherish me—he just made it easier to keep an eye on me.

Either way, I only needed to last one year.

I wasn’t worried about the divorce. Soon, Meryl would appear—and then Leto would want it too.

“Ah… it’s so big.”

I looked around the room. With nothing to do, I was bored. Lady Mare certainly wouldn’t let me help with organizing.

Just then, I saw Yuton passing by the open door.

“Sir Yuton.”

“Ah, Your Majesty. Has the move gone well?”

He smiled warmly. I stepped out into the corridor, where his assistants carried stacks of documents.

“Thanks to you. Where is His Majesty? And what are all those?”

“His Majesty is in a meeting with ministers. These are documents for later review.”

“That many?”

“This is actually on the lighter side.”

Does he really handle all that alone every day?

In truth, half of imperial duties belong to the Empress. That’s both her responsibility and her authority.

Previous emperors worked alongside their Empresses.

But not Leto.

Livia had been afraid of handling documents.

As for me—I’d processed enough paperwork to last a lifetime.

And I had been learning imperial duties from Lady Mare.

‘The Empress’s role… includes administration too, right?’

“Sir Yuton, would it be alright if I helped with the work?”

“…Your Majesty?”

“Oh—if that’s difficult, please forget I said anything.”

Maybe it was too sensitive. Taking over work he had always done alone.

“No! Not at all! It’s just… this is the first time Your Majesty has said such a thing, so I was surprised. And…”

He hesitated, then continued,

“It’s true that His Majesty’s workload is excessive. I’ve been worried about his health. If you could help, I’d be very grateful.”

Looking at the documents, his concern was understandable.

Honestly… it felt right to help.

We were married, after all.

“If there’s an empty office, please show me. As you can see, my room is a mess right now.”

“Of course. This way.”

I followed him. The office wasn’t far. It seemed unused for a while—cool, but clean and bright.

“There are two offices in the Emperor’s palace. One is used by His Majesty.”

“I see.”

“For your reference—His Majesty’s office is… here.”

Yuton politely pointed at the wall.

There was a connecting door.

…Next door?