I Possessed The Immoral Empress

Don’t expect unsolicited help from others.

When showing kindness to others, don’t harbor expectations that they will definitely reciprocate.

These were the principles Ermedeline had established in her previous life while facing the world alone.

Some might say she lacked affection, or that she was too cold-hearted, but in the harsh world, surviving alone and protecting her heart made this way of thinking not a choice, but a necessity.

“You said you did her favor without expecting anything in return?”

Henry, who had failed at a discreet glance, openly scrutinized Ermedeline with suspicion in his clear eyes.

‘Oh dear, instead of greetings, I’m met with suspicion again.’

However, despite not expecting reciprocation, Ermedeline was growing weary of the endless suspicion.

“Yes. Surprisingly, I bestowed kindness without asking for anything in return. I’m just pitying a woman trapped alone in a room, constantly trembling with anxiety, not knowing when she’s going to get it, and I ended up behaving that way without even realizing it!”

Frustration made her words less polite.

“Pitiful? Pity?”

Ermedeline, uncertain if her tone had been too harsh, glanced at Henry, but it seemed that the word “pitiful” had left a mark in his mind.

“So, you can say such things. Hmph.”

Henry’s surprise was understandable.

The previous Ermedeline was not someone who could genuinely express sympathy towards others, even if it meant being insincere.

Henry didn’t believe that Ermedeline’s words came from pure sincerity, but he thought she had finally learned how to conduct herself like an Empress.

“Yes, you’re right. The Empress was a clever person.”

Henry muttered to himself and left Ermedeline, who was wearing an awkward expression.

Even if she spoke from her heart, the only response she received was, “The Empress was a clever person.”

Ermedeline felt a bit put off by Henry’s response but decided not to dwell on it.

‘What does it matter what someone I won’t see again thinks when we divorce?’

After leaving Ermedeline’s quarters, Henry headed straight to Valliere’s chambers. Although it was well into the evening, Valliere’s reception room was still filled with jewels displayed by merchants.

Even the recent dismissal of Countess Elion from her position as a lady-in-waiting to the Empress did little to change the situation.

Henry wanted to make a sarcastic remark about the absurdity of it all but reminded himself to be cautious during the early stages of Valliere’s pregnancy, as advised by the physician.

“Your Highness, how does this look? Do you think this would suit me well?”

Valliere had brought in a golden tiara adorned with transparent emeralds—a piece of jewelry that undeniably suited her well.

“Indeed. It would suit you nicely,” Henry replied.

Elated by Henry’s response, Valliere then picked up a necklace.

“What about this one?”

Valliere waited for Henry’s response with an eager expression, but Henry, with a stern look, scanned the room and the people inside the reception area. Valliere sensed that Henry’s expression hinted at unfavorable news.

“Why? What do you want to say? Is it because of the epidemic? Are you still upset about that?”

“Sit down.”

With an anxious look on his face, Henry gestured for Valliere to sit across from him.

“You haven’t visited the Empress since being released from your confinement, have you?”

“Yes?”

Valliere had thought they were going to discuss the epidemic, but suddenly, Henry brought up Ermedeline.

“I distinctly recall telling you to go and express your gratitude, didn’t I?”

“You did, indeed.”

“But why didn’t you go?”

“Well… I was busy preparing for the parade, getting ready for the court event, and I needed to pick out the right outfit to wear for the audience, so I was preoccupied.”

“Right. You were so preoccupied buying these trinkets that you couldn’t spare a word of gratitude… I see.”

Henry’s cold tone left Valliere feeling a pang of unease. The thought that he was coming to visit her when she was carrying his child, discussing another woman, seemed trivial.

“You didn’t even ask about the maids who fell ill, did you?”

“Yes?”

“The new maids who have been assigned recently are particularly well-behaved. It would be wise to choose your words and actions carefully, especially when it comes to expensive items.”

Henry glanced pointedly at an expensive crystal decanter on the table.

“Do you know what your reputation is like among those who work in the palace?”

“My reputation?”

“Yes, your reputation. They say you’re a self-centered egotist who only cares about yourself.”

“Who’s saying such things? When did I…”

Henry stared silently with his cold, piercing blue eyes, as Valliere, who had been about to retort heatedly, remembered their earlier conversation and quickly backed down.

“In truth, I’ve been feeling scared and anxious these days, wondering if I might fall ill as well. After being released from my duties and learning about my pregnancy, I’ve been preoccupied. I’ll be more cautious from now on.”

“Very well. You are going to be the mother of my child, aren’t you? So pay attention to your conduct.”

With that, Henry concluded his words and left Valliere’s chambers without looking back.

“Reputation? Reputation? How dare you call me an egotist, while you’re running around with that devilish woman?

Furious, Valliere momentarily gripped a glass in her hand but, remembering Henry’s warning, decided to set it down.

‘And why should I care about what those palace servants think? What does it matter how they perceive me?’

Valliere had treated household staff like machines, providing services, not considering them as human beings, even in her past life.

‘So what if I’m going to be the mother of his child? Why can’t he say I’ll be the future Empress? The ending of this novel is already predetermined! That devil of a woman will burn and die, and I’ll become the Empress!’

Although she had her first experience of loving someone and was even pregnant with his child, she couldn’t feel happiness. Instead, Henry’s increasingly cold attitude only intensified her unease.

‘What if the child is a girl? Will I get a second chance?’

‘What if I miscarry? They warned me to be careful during the early stages of pregnancy. Absolutely! No matter what happens, I mustn’t miscarry!’

“Ugh… uweaak!”

Suddenly, nausea struck.

The morning sickness that had started the day before kept coming and tormenting Valliere.

Finally, after emptying her stomach, a tired Valliere lay down on the bed. She heard the maid announcing that it was evening, but she had no appetite.

‘All this suffering and you’d better turn out to be a boy. That’s the only way you’ll be of any use to me.’

Despite her unease, Valliere indulged herself by buying and acquiring luxury items. The money that had come from the imperial family and the newfound generosity of her in-laws had all transformed into expensive jewels and glamorous dresses.

She decided not to care about the servants’ opinions or her reputation. After all, wasn’t she the one carrying the Emperor’s child?

The day after hearing Henry’s criticism, Valliere, dressed to impress, sought out Ermedeline. She thought the atmosphere in the Empress’s palace would naturally be gloomy and desolate.

In this novel, to be the victor, it is crucial to win the heart of the male protagonist, Henry. The fact that she was not just receiving his affection but also carrying the child of the male lead should naturally make her feel a sense of defeat, Valliere thought.

“Ahahaha! This idiot. He’s spouting nonsense again!”

“What? An idiot. Aren’t you the fool here? How does basic military science even help in real life?”

“Empress, look at this one. Is he a complete fool? How can you talk such nonsense every time you open your mouth?”

“Oh, calm down. While military science might not be a suitable basic subject, if there are children who aspire to be soldiers, selectively teaching them wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

From Ermedeline’s chambers, where she had anticipated an atmosphere of defeat and gloomy silence, came the sound of a rather noisy conversation.

Amid the boisterous noise, occasional swear words could be heard, but the high-spirited voices alone conveyed just how lively and cheerful the atmosphere inside was.

‘What’s going on… Why are they so cheerful?’

Slightly disconcerted by the unexpected atmosphere, Valliere entered Ermedeline’s reception room.

“Oh, you’re here.”

Ermedeline, who had been mediating a heated exchange between Bellest and Felio, recognized Valliere and offered a bright smile.

“Congratulations on your appointment!”

Valliere shuddered for a moment at Ermedeline’s smile, which seemed genuinely free of malice.

Ermedeline’s greeting caused everyone in the reception room to involuntarily lower their heads towards Valliere. However, their expressions were so noticeably sullen that it was clear to anyone that they harbored unfavorable feelings towards Valliere.

Consequently, Valliere, who was the recipient of these glances, could fully sense their emotions.

‘Felio, fine, but Bellest, Liena, Viella, and even Marchioness Grania? Why are they here?’

These were individuals who never visited her during her confinement, and every time she had attempted to persuade them to her side, they had responded with nothing but disdain.

Why were they here, happily mingling with that villainous witch? I’m the protagonist and I carry the Emperor’s child.

Seeing those who were cozying up to Ermedeline, Valliere was so consumed with anger that she momentarily forgot her purpose for being there.

‘Shouldn’t that devilish woman live a lonely life and eventually burn to death?’

Noticing Valliere’s impending explosion of anger, Countess Elion glanced at Viella and Marchioness Grania and fanned the flames of discord.

“You changed your mind so quickly. How quickly your feelings have shifted since you are so hateful that you incited the regicide incident.”

In response to Countess Elion’s words, Viella furrowed her brow openly and retorted in an annoyed tone, “I visited once at the request of the Marchioness, and you call it a change in feelings? Weren’t we originally the lades-in-waiting to the Empress? We are simply fulfilling our original roles.”

In response to Viella’s words, the six people, including Ermedeline, directed their icy gazes toward Countess Elion.

“I see. However, I am no longer a lady-in-waiting to Her Majesty the Empress, so I intend to fulfill my duty for the future of the Trivian Empire’s royal family.”

“Yes, that is certainly an appropriate conclusion befitting of you.”

Viella sarcastically mocked Countess Elion with her chilly voice.

Valliere interpreted that response as a dismissal of herself.

“What conclusion could a batty woman like you possibly come to?

“This!”

Startled by Valiere’s suddenly raised hand, Ermedeline jumped to her feet, but Felio was there first, grabbing her wrist.