The Evil Empress Adores Me

Obviously, I did something wrong today.

Damian looked up at me with a pitiful expression.

Just more than anything, I dont want to see your angry face.

Lize, are you not going to calm down?

Its my fault for what happened today, acknowledged Damian as he continued speaking in a feeble voice.

As I was watching him

I was laughing on the inside at the silly position he was in.

So, to be honest I wasnt focusing so much on the punishment anymore but rather on Damian.

I can assuredly say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

And Damian, youre so cute!

Who knew a cold-hearted man, who could make the world come to a halt with his beauty alone, would look so gloomy while being punished!

Lize, are you okay now? asked Damian.

Nodding my head, I motioned for Damian to lower his hands.

Damian quickly drew closer.

As I watched Damian cling to me like an obedient puppy, I thought to myself.

As expected, the world revolves around good looks.

***

After lots of twists and turns today, Damian escorted me to the Empresss palace.

By the way, we should be using the same palace sooner or later.

What? Why propose that?

Think about it. Now that youre going to be my fiancee, isnt it odd to still be a maid at the Empresss palace?

Oh, is that so?

With that new perspective, I blinked my eyes.

I see.

I really am going to be Damians fiancee.

Goodbye, I..no.

I struggled to suppress the tingly feeling in my heart.

Damian.

The moment he heard my parting, Damian smiled broadly like a flower in full bloom.

See you tomorrow, Lize.

Looking back at Damian drawing further away, I bit my lips before asking.

I couldnt find the will to ask him in the end.

What will happen to Viscountess Antes?

..cant say it.

My conscience felt a throbbing sensation of pain as if being stabbed by thousands of needles.

With the way this is going, I would end up taking away the role of the heroine who was supposed to be with Damian.

But what made me feel more disillusioned with myself was-

I couldnt turn down Damians offer in the first place.

Haaa.

A sigh escaped my mouth.

I decided to be honest with myself at this point.

I.Im attracted to Damian.

Its not just because we were childhood friends, or because Damians the protagonist of this world.

I mean rationally-

No, l shouldnt feel so miserable.

I quickly shook my head.

Everythings fine, Im engaged out of necessity.

For now, lets do our best to make Damian the beloved crown prince.

And

Once Damian has a stable path of succession to the throne, Ill return this position to Sienna.

I made up my mind.

There was a slight twinge in my chest, but I pressed on, ignoring it.

***

As a general rule, as soon as an engagement is confirmed, I should have moved to the crown princes palace immediately, but-

Is he going to take Charlize already?! Thats not happening!

.the Empress was dead set against it, so I decided to remain at the Empresss palace for a while.

The main reason being, that there were no rooms available as of yet for me at the crown princes palace.

I planned to go there after the victory banquet where the engagement would be announced.

Well, its only three days away.

Meanwhile, I was in a situation where my feet were on fire.

It was to be expected, after all, I had never been to a party before.

Let alone the clothes, I didnt have any fine shoes or accessories like jewelry

Haaa, life isnt always a bowl of cherries.

I sighed deeply.

Fortunately, I saved up the salaries I received since working as a maid.

The salary of almost thirteen years was considerable, Im proud of myself.

No doubt, to buy a dress and the other accessories all at once, Ill have to spend a hefty sum

Okay, Ill buy a dress with this! But will I be able to find a dress I like before then?

I clenched my fists.

But then.

Charlize, would you come with me for a moment?

Senior maid Weber poked her head out the door, calling for me.

The Empress is looking for you.

The Empress? All of a sudden?

Never mind, I need to get her permission too before heading out.

I trailed behind Weber.

For some reason, the Empress greeted me not in her office but in the living room.

Hey, isnt the Empress supposed to be in full swing at work during this hour?

I tilted my head.

The Empress welcomed me with a smile.

Oh my, Charlize. Here already?.

Yes, I heard you wanted to see me.

Yes. Its about

The Empress stopped mid-sentence as she gestured for me to come in.