The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 6
If the child Cedric had brought back were a common orphan picked up from the streets, the Empress likely wouldn’t have worried much. Even if she was the daughter of another noble family, she could have intervened to resolve the situation.
But unfortunately, this was Milaira’s daughter. There was a natural hesitation to get involved.
‘It’s not impossible, but…’
While it wouldn’t be right to hate the young girl just because she despised her mother, it was true that the thought made her uncomfortable. It was impossible to avoid getting involved in all messy situations.
Moreover, the fact that her own nephew, whom she had practically raised, was concerned about such a child didn’t sit well with her.
As if understanding these feelings, Cedric bowed his head respectfully.
“I’m sorry. I understand your concerns.”
“Ced…”
“This isn’t some misguided sympathy. I will take full responsibility.”
The Empress couldn’t help but smile at his mature attitude. While Cedric had likely learned about responsibility, it seemed he hadn’t fully grasped its weight yet.
“Since you say that, I won’t stop you from looking after the girl or inviting her to spend time with you.”
Just as she was about to say they would need to send Artizea back in the morning, there was a knock at the living room door. The Empress and Cedric turned to look.
After granting entry, a palace servant entered and bowed respectfully. The Empress asked with a surprised face.
“What is it?”
“His Majesty the Emperor has granted an audience with Lord Evron.”
Cedric jumped up from the sofa as if he had been waiting for this moment. The Empress stared at him in surprise.
“Did you request an audience at this hour?”
“Yes. I didn’t think Marchioness Rosan would let it slide.”
The Empress narrowed her eyes. If she wasn’t going to use her power to coerce the situation, then having the Emperor mediate would be the most peaceful way to resolve the issue. After all, if the Emperor forced Milaira, it would be considered an ‘internal family matter,’ meaning it wouldn’t escalate to a political issue or a social squabble.
It was surprising that Cedric had realized this and taken action so quickly.
“Do you think you can persuade Gregor?”
“I’ll give it my best shot.”
Cedric took a deep breath and tidied up his clothes. He then bowed his head to the Empress and apologized.
“I’ll be stepping away for a moment. I apologize for bothering you at such a late hour, especially after you graciously granted my request.”
“It’s nothing.”
The Empress felt a hint of bitterness at his impeccable attitude. She felt disappointed that he hadn’t asked for her help, as it seemed like the child she had nurtured was leaving the nest without her knowledge.
Cedric followed the servant directly to the Emperor’s quarters. At the main entrance of the Empress’s palace, Viscountess Pescher was still blocking Milaira, so they opted for a side door to avoid being seen.
Emperor Gregor was already dressed in his nightwear, reading something in the study connected to his bedroom when Cedric arrived.
“Welcome.”
His warm, friendly smile was just what Cedric thought of a close relative, though Cedric couldn’t tell what was truly on his mind.
For a thirteen-year-old like him, that was enough.
Cedric bowed slightly, maintaining politeness without being overly formal.
“Thank you for allowing me this audience at such a late hour, Your Majesty.”
“It’s not that late, but you should be in bed, Cedric. If you don’t sleep well, you won’t grow tall.”
The Emperor said, chuckling like a kindly uncle.
“Though I suppose you don’t have to worry about that. You seem to grow taller every time I see you. So, what’s the urgent matter?”
He asked with a hint of curiosity. Instead of clenching his fists, Cedric relaxed his fingers to ease his tension.
He had served Emperor Gregor as if he was a father before, so it wasn’t too difficult to face him without the usual distance.
“It’s about young Lady Rosan.”
Despite having likely heard the report already, the Emperor looked at Cedric as if he didn’t quite understand. Cedric lowered his head and continued.
“Please give me Artizea Rosan.”
His lips trembled slightly as he spoke those words. No one in the world would comprehend the depth of his resolve contained in that statement.
The Emperor studied Cedric silently for a moment, then chuckled softly, stroking his chin.
“That sounds quite awkward. If my memory serves me right, that child is only eight years old. She’s far too young to be brought into your household.”
“I’m not talking about a mere betrothal. I want to be her guardian.”
Cedric said, though he himself didn’t truly believe it was possible. At thirteen, he was far too young to be anyone’s protector or guardian.
So he added.
“If that’s not possible, then a betrothal would suffice—on the condition that the young lady is raised in Evron.”
“…….”
The smile faded from the Emperor’s face, replaced by an expression of disbelief.
“You are only thirteen, Ced.”
“I believe there are enough precedents. Keeping the young lady under her mother’s care is…”
Cedric hesitated but ultimately spoke his honest feelings.
“It’s pitiful.”
“…….”
As a thirteen-year-old, he couldn’t engage in political negotiations or come up with conditions or reasons persuasive enough for the Emperor.
So he decided to lay everything bare. It was better to show his true self than to hide and risk being seen through, creating suspicion in the Emperor’s eyes.
Negotiations needed to happen, but it was better to conduct them honestly, like a child. After all, it involved children, and the Emperor wouldn’t complicate things too much.
The Emperor’s first words mirrored those of the Empress.
“If this is out of pity, then it’s foolish. What do you know about Marquis Rosan’s family?”
“I know that Marchioness Rosan not only neglects and starves her daughter but also allows the servants to mistreat her in the palace.”
Emperor Gregor’s expression slightly soured at that revelation as if he didn’t know about it. But he quickly replied, trying to reassure Cedric.
“I will look into it.”
“Though I may be young, I understand that it would be difficult for a mother to discipline her daughter. It might be better to separate them entirely. Moreover…”
“Moreover?”
“Lady Artizea is young but bright and lovely. I want to take care of her.”
Cedric spoke earnestly.
Right now, he could give her a proper childhood. He wanted to embrace her, nurture her, and show her what true happiness without shadows meant—what it was like to live a life without needing to overcome burdens.
Whether she would choose him again as she grew up into adulthood was uncertain, but that was alright. He wanted to do this solely for her.
Emperor Gregor looked at him for a long moment.
“I don’t quite understand.”
He murmured as he sensed the deep emotions in Cedric, feelings that one wouldn’t typically have at his age. He could understand if it were the fever of first love, but this didn’t feel like that at all. Eight years old was not an age for a thirteen-year-old to fall in love.
However, the idea of a betrothal was worth considering. As Cedric was raised in the Empress’s palace, Grand Duchy Evron would inevitably grow closer to the Empress and Duchy Orca. A betrothal with Marquisate Rosan could serve as a means to alleviate any tension.
Considering that Marquisate Rosan was politically insignificant, this could also weaken Grand Duchy Evron’s position.
‘Not a bad idea at all.’
The Emperor thought to himself as he looked at Cedric.
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