I Possessed The Immoral Empress

“A ball, indeed, Marquess Belian is truly…”

Rooney, about to say ‘thoughtless,’ caught a glimpse of Ermedeline’s expression and swallowed her words.

“Well, it’s a new house, so it makes sense to invite people over, I guess.”

“But to send invitations even to His Imperial Majesty, what is she thinking?”

Pride.

Ermedeline, still not fully recovered from the wounds of rejection, instantly recognized Valliere’s intention.

Hadn’t she herself thought about taking the entrance exam just to prove herself to Kyungsoo?

In fact, leaving the palace under such complex circumstances could somehow be seen as a stroke of luck for Valliere.

Ermedeline would have certainly taken the pension in a lump sum and fled abroad if she were in Valliere’s shoes, but Valliere was about to mess things up again because of her pride, which no longer surprised Ermedeline.

‘I’m jealous. I want to leave too.’

“Maybe she’s just trying to show some respect to her ex-lover.”

Ermedeline said something completely different from what she felt, accompanied by a bitter smile.

“My friends say that most of the nobles have sent RSVPs. Even Prince Leopold is said to be attending.”

“Really?”

Ermedeline no longer had much interest in Valliere’s self-destructive actions, but the news that Leopold would attend was concerning.

“Yes. Last time at the palace, there was some talk because he danced only with Empress Valliere and Marquess Belian. Although, he did dance with Princess Rubian afterward, which sparked some rumors…”

Rooney, sharing the gossip she’d heard, noticed Ermedeline’s fixed gaze and trailed off.

“What is it? Did I say something wrong?”

“No, I just didn’t know you knew about these stories so well.”

“Oh, that… the maids talk and pass stories around. So, I pick things up here and there.”

“I see. I was just looking because you seemed so delighted talking about it. It’s cute.”

Indeed, love is fun not only when you’re in it but also when hearing about others’.

Ermedeline, who found Rooney’s enthusiasm for gossip charming like a typical teenage girl, gently patted her head.

“Then sometimes share those stories with me too. It gets boring just staying in the palace!”

“Really?”

Rooney was surprised, thinking Ermedeline wouldn’t be interested in such rumors.

“Yeah. I like hearing about other people’s love lives too.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Of course, we shouldn’t share anything too serious that shouldn’t spread, but sharing harmless rumors can be fun, right?”

In her past life, Ermedeline wasn’t particularly keen on gossip.

She had longed for analyzing cryptic texts from crushes or interpreting meaningful glances, but she never had the time or friends to share these experiences.

So, she read novels.

She especially loved romance novels that blended narrative and romance just right, providing both thrill and sweetness.

However, the world she had reincarnated into was far from sweet; a moment’s carelessness could be deadly.

Moreover, there were no romance novels here to provide vicarious satisfaction.

While generic novels were available in bookstores, they were mostly familiar plots to Ermedeline, a romance novel aficionado.

Indeed, until now, Ermedeline had tried to act the part of a dignified empress—blocking out rumors and keeping her mouth shut to avoid any scandals. But now, faced with assassination threats just for founding an orphanage, what was the point of maintaining such a facade?

All she truly wished for was a moment to forget all her worries and indulge in carefree chatter.

Of course, she also needed to keep informed about Leopold.

“Should I share the stories with Your Majesty the Empress too?”

“Yes, but only those that are not too serious.”

“Okay. So…”

Rooney’s hazel eyes began to sparkle with excitement now that she had someone to share gossip with.

“Did you hear about the incident where Marquess Belian grabbed Princess Rubian’s hair?”

“Yes, I’m aware.”

“After that incident, everyone has been keeping an eye on Leopold and the prince and Marquess Belian. And recently, the flashy pearl necklace that Marquess has been wearing…”

“The necklace?”

“Yes. She’s been alternating it with that emerald necklace she started wearing recently.”

Ermedeline remembered seeing something shining around Valliere’s neck whenever she passed by.

“Ah, that…”

“Yes, that necklace was a gift from Prince Leopold.”

“Prince Leopold?”

“Yes. That’s why everyone is curious about his true intentions. And now both Prince Leopold and Princess Rubian have confirmed their attendance at Marquess Belian’s ball.”

“Huh?”

Unlike others, Ermedeline wasn’t particularly interested in where Leopold’s affections lay, knowing the depth of his longing and sincerity in his flawless gaze.

But why then would he give a necklace to his half-brother’s mistress?

‘He flaunted that emerald necklace before, and now he’s given her a pearl one?’

“Apparently, Prince Leopold also paid for the renovation of the mansion Marquess Belian is moving into.”

“What?”

“Despite acting so indifferently at the ball, he generously paid for it, so everyone’s paying attention to this upcoming ball.”

“That does make him seem rather complicated.”

“Indeed. And…”

Rooney, about to say more, glanced around the empty drawing room and lowered her voice.

“There’s also a rumor that he’s a natural flirt, much like the late emperor.”

“Huh?”

That was definitely something Ermedeline could assert was not true.

A man risking his life for a former lover and challenging imperial authority could hardly be a flirt.

But Ermedeline wasn’t in a position to clear his name.

Her own reputation was already burdensome enough.

“Should I attend the ball?”

“What?”

“I mean, everyone’s focusing on it so much, I’m curious too. Just to stop by for a little while…”

“Kyaa! Are you really going to attend?”

Rooney’s enthusiasm bounced with excitement at Ermedeline’s possible attendance at the ball.

“It might draw too much attention, though…”

“With the love triangle drama between Marquess Belian, Prince Leopold, and Princess Rubian, I doubt many will pay attention to Her Majesty,” Rooney speculated.

“Is that so?”

Ermedeline’s intention for attending was not really to observe the rumored love triangle. Instead, she wanted to seize a chance to speak with Leopold amid the chaos.

“Definitely!”

“Still, it’s better not to make any official response. I want to enter quietly and leave just as quietly.”

“Yes, yes. That’s fine by me!”

Rooney nearly sang out loud with glee, unable to contain her excitement.

‘It’s just the right age for her to enjoy these things.’

***

However, Felio, who was unaware of the delicate and intriguing nature of such relationships, was vehemently opposed.

“Why would you go there? Have you forgotten that even the palace is no longer safe?”

His concern was primarily for security reasons. Even in the supposedly safe confines of the palace and during the completion ceremony of the orphanage, Felio had been unable to prevent assassination attempts on Ermedeline. Although Ermedeline was somewhat prepared, knowing the number of attempts from the original story, and aware that the situation had escalated beyond the original narrative, Felio felt differently. He would prefer to hide her away where no one could find her if he could.

“That’s the point. Nowhere feels safe anymore, not even the palace. I feel secure only if Prince Leopold or Priest Arvian are with me.”

“Whether it’s me or Priest Arvian…”

Felio mentioned Arvian reluctantly, casting a displeased glance in his direction.

“I will, of course, do my utmost to protect Her Majesty, but it would still be best to avoid going out…”

“Your Grace. There’s really no place that’s safe anyway. And I need to meet Prince Leopold.”

“What?”

Felio was taken aback by Ermedeline’s sudden mention of Leopold.

“I’ve been thinking it’s necessary to meet him at least once, given how things have turned out. It would be good to visit him unofficially and have a brief talk…”

Having been treated as an assassin by Leopold, Felio naturally did not hold any fond feelings for him, and his expression quickly soured.

“What would you discuss with Prince Leopold?”

Ermedeline gulped down her saliva as she observed the dangerous glint in Felio’s eyes.

His expression was so fraught that it seemed it might explode at any touch.

Ermedeline took a quiet deep breath inside. She could have dismissed his concerns with a mind-your-own-business retort, but somehow she felt compelled to be truthful with Felio. She didn’t want to foster any misunderstandings about her having a private conversation with Leopold.

Thus, she mixed truth and tact in her response to his question.

“It’s an unpredictable world, isn’t it? I wanted to ask for his help with Ferdant.”

“Yes?”

Ermedeline, after ensuring the doors to the drawing room were closed, whispered in a low voice.

“It’s uncertain who will emerge victorious, but Prince Leopold seems more likely to take care of Ferdant than His Majesty the Emperor.”

Felio, fully aware of the volatile political situation in the capital, offered no reaction to her words.

He wanted to reassure her, to promise that he would protect not only her but her son as well, but he knew that aligning with the most likely victor was the most logical decision.

“But would Prince Leopold agree to such a request without expecting something in return?”

Ermedeline sighed, marking the transition from truth to the necessary fabrication.

“He will have conditions he cannot refuse.”

“What conditions?”

“Nothing related to treason, I swear on my life and honor.”

“And those are…?”

“I can’t disclose the details. Just know there are such conditions and trust me.”

Ermedeline looked up at Felio with a determined gaze. His further objections were silenced by her firm expression, knowing from experience that once she had made up her mind, there was no turning back.

Thus, it was decided that the Empress would attend a party hosted by a disgraced mistress, though not officially.

Ermedeline dreaded yet longed for that day. While the primary reason for her visit was indeed about Ferdant, it was not what troubled her the most. Closing her eyes, she could still see those desperate, pitiable golden eyes. Knowing the depth of his genuine love, the man who was willing to sacrifice everything for it moved her deeply.

If he truly succeeded in his rebellion and became the Emperor, it might increase her chances of survival. Yet, Ermedeline believed he deserved to know the truth.

She couldn’t confess to being a soul transplanted into this world, but she felt compelled to tell him that the woman he loved no longer existed here in the same way.

Her words would undoubtedly wound him, leaving scars as profound as the one he was risking his life to heal by walking into a deathtrap out of love.

Perhaps hastening his rebellion by making him yearn for her more could indeed help save her life.

But she could not do that.

Because revealing the truth was not entirely for his sake.

Ermedeline felt burdened by the thought of someone risking their life for a cause based on a nonexistent premise. Being the target of such a reckless gamble was something she decidedly refused.

Too many had already become entangled with her in ways different from the original story, and it troubled her.

With her heart growing heavier by the day, Ermedeline did not want to carry the burden of Leopold as well.