I Promise, I'll Leave! But, With No Regrets!!

Chapter 05

♦Chapter 05: The Grand Feast♦

"A ball...?"

Just then, a warm breeze shortly passed through the open casements.

The curtains fluttered along the papers that were about to get tossed in mid air, because of the wind. But before that happened, I, who was in front of those documents, quickly pushed it upon the table in order to avoid it from being blown away.

"Is everything okay?", my conversation partner asked with a worried face.

"Please rest assured. The papers are safe, Your Majesty.", I answered formally.

Then, I smiled at the woman that had a pouting response after hearing my reply.

"There is no need to be that stiff in front of me, Lady Melissa.", Natasha persisted.

"I dare not act in an unmannerly way in front of Your Majesty, the Empress."

"But I already gave you permission for that, didn't I? Moreover, I believe it is more impolite of you if you keep refusing the Empress' offer.", she stated.

I was lost of words, knowing that she had a point.

After that, she merely kept staring at me with a face saying, 'Go on. I won't get mad at you.~' as if she was luring me into her trap.

Now, what should I do with this?.....

As I kept that in my mind, I was drowned by hesitations until Natasha let out a sigh.

"Well... Is it really a bad idea?", she uttered with a down expression while forcing herself to bring out her positive personality.

However, I just couldn't accept her offer that easily. And the reason was because I was a pseudo Queen Consort.

From the start, I claimed this position through a mere contract with several agreements and conditions that would benefit either the Emperor or me. Thus, I felt unworthy of being granted of such honor.

And another reason was...........

"My Apologies, Your Majesty...", I sincerely apologized.

"I..... see...", she awkwardly replied while keeping her smile.

Thereafter, an uncomfortable silence lingered for a while in the room.

Perhaps, I am to be blamed for this occurrence. I was being too selfish for including my personal matters in consideration to Natasha's pure yearning.

Nonetheless, anyone would do the same, wouldn't they? No one would act genuinely friendly to the person that is loved-

By the person that they love.

Yes. I've done it.

I, who was the one to propose the loveless contract marriage, was also the one that broke the most required condition for our agreement.

'I don't love Your Majesty.'

Now, those words no longer made any sense.

I will admit it clearly.

I fell for him.

I love him.

Frankly, I am yet to be certain if this emotion is what they call love. However, I can't keep my gaze away from the Emperor whenever he comes into my sight.

Noah..... Every inch of him has always been so radiant.

So radiant that I wish for him to be in my possession. But-