I Possessed The Immoral Empress

The evening in the palace garden for the ball was gradually coming to an end.

While the young nobles and heirs were thoroughly enjoying the social event, which had started well past their bedtime, the older, tired aristocrats were discreetly watching for the moment when Henry would leave.

Valliere, with her pregnant body, was beginning to feel the fatigue of the crowd.

‘I dislike this. I’m the one hosting this event. I must stay until the end and fulfill my duties as the host!’

To perfectly conclude the ball that began flawlessly, Valliere was pushing herself, but at that moment, she felt dizzy, and her vision started to darken.

‘Ah, pregnancy fatigue. What a mess after how many hours.’

Thinking that sitting for a while might help, she barely managed to hold onto her senses, took a seat, and tried to catch her breath. 

However, this time, her chest started to ache.

‘Please, give me a break. Don’t you have any sense? This useless body. Today must be flawless until the very end.’

Though Valliere attempted to get up again, she couldn’t muster the strength in her body.

In that moment, suddenly, a surge of something welled up inside her.

“Ah-ahhhhhhhh!”

Witnessing Valliere expelling a dark substance, nearby attendants screamed in horror.

‘What? Did I just vomit?’

As Valliere raised her head, she was met with countless shocked gazes.

However, amidst those gazes, there was no one reaching out to offer help to Valliere.

Even Henry stood at a distance, seemingly giving orders to an attendant rather than expressing concern.

It wasn’t a worry for her pain, but rather an awkward expression on Henry’s face, as if troubled by an unexpected inconvenience.

That was the sight Valliere saw last before losing consciousness.

“It has been thoroughly purified. It isn’t an infectious disease, but it seems her body underwent considerable stress during the purification process.”

“Are the symptoms different from those of an infectious disease?”

“Yes. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to be. It appears to be a digestive system-related illness.”

At the words of Louise, a veteran priestess, Henry sighed with relief.

“I see. That’s a great relief.”

“Yes. It’s not a rare illness, so with proper rest, she should recover soon. But as for the child in her belly…”

Louise trailed off, looking at Valliere lying unconscious with a sympathetic gaze.

“It’s a pity for the child. I’ll take care of informing others. You may leave now.”

“Yes.”

With a deep sigh, Henry sat beside Valliere. 

As he gently brushed her forehead, he could sense a slight fever, but it didn’t feel significantly high.

It felt like seeing her sleeping face after a long time.

Back when they shared the same bed every day, he used to intentionally wait until Valliere fell asleep before he stared at her face for a long time.

Whether it was the faint freckles on her cheeks, a blurry mark on the tip of her nose, her long, chestnut eyelashes, or her prominent forehead, everything was exactly as it used to be when he loved her.

However, now, even seeing her in pain, he didn’t feel the immense fear or sadness as he used to.

‘You’re the most endearing person when you’re asleep.’

Once she woke up, he knew he’d say and do things that would instantly freeze his own heart.

Losing the child, he couldn’t even fathom what reaction she might have.

He used to know her actions so well in the past, but now, he has no idea.

Henry was too exhausted.

The vanishing dream of a family he secretly wished for, the efforts to tally accounts while dancing with women he felt nothing for, all of it had worn him out.

He didn’t have the energy left to face Valliere’s unpredictable reaction.

“She absolutely needs stability. So, until further notice from me, ensure she doesn’t leave the residence.”

“Yes, understood.”

The guards responded to Henry’s command with impassive faces.

“She needs stability, absolutely. For the sake of health, we must ensure her stability.”

The guards themselves had no particular thoughts about Henry’s orders, but Henry still offered unnecessary justifications.

“Oh, and let them be the ones to deliver news about the child.”

Leaving Valliere’s quarters, Henry even delegated the promised task to the maids.

News about Valliere’s condition spread rapidly through the maids’ acquaintances.

The people who heard the news expressed a sense of retribution, while the nobles eyeing the position of the next empress were pleased that there was no need for them to intervene.

“In the end, that matter has become a hindrance.”

Rooney spoke in a hushed voice, cautiously glancing at Ermedeline.

“I see. We’re paying the price in some way or another.”

“It’s chaotic out there. She didn’t care when the maids were dying, and even killed a commoner, they said it was divine punishment.”

“… “

Ermedeline, in response to Rooney’s words, merely offered a bitter smile without saying anything.

“And on top of that, why did His Majesty quarantine the Marchioness? It’s not even an infectious disease…”

Ermedeline felt conflicted upon hearing about Valliere’s news.

While she had clearly abandoned the thought of trying to win over Valliere at this point, as a fellow woman, she couldn’t help but feel that her suffering was not entirely deserved.

Although unable to step into the world and experience life fully, the child who, if given a chance, could have become family. 

While she herself had never had a family from the start, didn’t Valliere also lack a family in her previous life? 

Surely, she must have longed for their embrace.

Amidst these thoughts, finally becoming family but then losing it—the pain must be beyond imagination.

“I need to go.”

“What? There? You won’t hear good things.”

“Of course not. How could a mother show proper manners after losing a child?”

“But still, just let it be. Even His Majesty left her alone.”

“That’s exactly why I should go.”

Henry had only arranged for Valliere’s confinement because he didn’t want to see her, but he didn’t prohibit visitors from seeing her.

The guards recognized Ermedeline and promptly opened the door for her. 

As she stepped inside, she saw Valliere, huddled in a corner with half of her beautiful face marred by how much she had cried.

The sight was so heart-wrenching that it instantly swept away any lingering resentment or bitterness.

“How are you feeling?”

“How do I look?”

Valliere chuckled softly and asked in a subdued voice.

“You don’t seem to be doing well. Well, that’s only natural after losing a family…”

“Family? Who?”

“Well, the one who was in your belly…”

“I’ve never even seen their face. What family? Yes, I lost my family. If only the child had been born, it could have been a family with Henry. It was the only tool for me to make Henry my family…”

“The only way? You call your child the only tool right now?”

Ermedeline had thought Valliere’s sadness stemmed from losing the child, but it seemed Valliere had a different reason for her sorrow. 

Hoping her assumption wasn’t true, Ermedeline cautiously asked.

“Get out! It’s all because of you! If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have to endure this! Henry wouldn’t have ignored me like this! Everything went wrong because of you!”

“What?”

“If it weren’t for you, I would have been the main character, the empress! It’s all twisted because of you!”

“I understand you’re upset, but your words are a bit too much.”

“Too much? Oh, could it be that you’re the one who cursed me? Did something to the child in my belly? You witch!”

Ermedeline knew Valliere might not be in her right mind due to grief, but her reaction was excessive.

“Are you in your right mind right now?”

“In my right mind? Because of you, I’ve been ruined to the point of being burned at the stake, and you’re asking if I’m in my right mind? Why are you still the empress because of your witchcraft! Get out! Disappear from my sight immediately! Vanish right now! Go somewhere, even into a pit of fire like in the original story!”

As Valliere’s voice escalated, Ermedeline glanced back at the reception room door and fortunately found it securely closed. 

However, fearing the conversation might reveal secrets, Ermedeline decided to leave.

“I think you spoke too harshly due to inner turmoil…”

“Don’t pretend to be noble. You caused the epidemic and ended it, right? But you’re still the villain! A witch. A demon who’ll burn and die in flames. I’ll be eagerly awaiting that day.”

The chillingly calm face that smiled just moments ago seemed more menacing than when Valliere raised her voice earlier. 

Valliere’s wrinkled face exhibited a profound hatred.

At that moment, Ermedeline understood distinctly. 

Her remarks were not mere impulsive outbursts but came entirely from the heart.

Choosing not to argue further, Ermedeline silently departed from Valliere’s quarters, feeling there was no need to add weight to the loneliness that Valliere had created for herself in her self-imposed isolation.

All the events scheduled for the social season were canceled one after another.

The loss of a child, who was the heir to the royal bloodline, had affected everyone in the palace.

Despite everyone watching Henry’s every move, he himself appeared utterly nonchalant, continuing his duties as if nothing had changed.

It was true that Henry felt disappointment and sorrow after losing the child. 

There was a momentary expansion of hope when he briefly entertained the thought of having a real family. 

However, knowing how fleeting the concept of family was from his childhood experiences, his expectations were not particularly high. 

Consequently, the disappointment was short-lived.

Moreover, thanks to the decision to confine Valliere, Henry didn’t have to witness her reaction, which was a relief in its own way.

Though somewhat ruthless in handling the situation, it was necessary to focus solely on the task at hand, especially when Leopold was in the country, as there were other unimportant matters that couldn’t afford to distract him.

Meanwhile, Valliere was confined to her chamber, gradually withering away both physically and spiritually.

Ermedeline was the only visitor, and even the Countess Elion, who used to follow Valliere around constantly, severed all ties after hearing about Valliere’s confinement.

Even Henry, the father of the child, did not visit.

Having lost the child and with a body aching all over, Valliere had nowhere to turn.

‘You’re the child’s father. Is it okay to leave me like this?’

‘Why? Why? You’ve imprisoned me! What did I do wrong?’

‘At least you should come to check on my condition!’

Alone and trying to console herself with the gifts she received from her conferment ceremony, Valliere noticed a box among them, a gift from Leopold, which caught her eye.

Within the box was an emerald pendant that radiated an unusually bright light. Valliere picked it up and held it in her palm.

‘He’s certainly wealthy to give such a gift. He was so affectionate even during the ball. Maybe this option would be better?’

Just as hatred towards Henry sparked an absurd idea, someone visited Valliere.

The woman, introducing herself as the Countess of Brienta, appeared middle-aged with grayish-brown hair and cold gray eyes.

“I’ve come to offer some solace.”

Someone appearing out of nowhere to console her made Valliere naturally cautious at first.

“Brienta? I haven’t heard that name before.”

“Well, that’s understandable. I live near the border, so I rarely have reason to visit the central region.”

“How did someone from such a remote place end up here?”

“I had personal business in the capital. While attending to that, I heard some sad news. That’s why I came here.”

As Brienta gestured, the attendants accompanying her brought a small box.

“What’s this?”

“Please open it.”

As the box was opened, a fragrant scent filled the room.

“These are specially imported fragrances and lotions from abroad. I thought they might be helpful for revitalizing oneself, given the strain you’ve been under due to the recent events.”

While fragrances were not absent in her surroundings, what Brienta had brought exuded a different, sweet aroma that was distinct.

The scent brought to mind the long-missed purple perfume by Chan*, a fragrance Valliere cherished.

“I don’t quite fit the current scene, indeed. I’ll make good use of it. Thank you.”

To the one who gifted her with the dearly missed scent, Valliere immediately opened up her heart. 

In truth, obtaining her trust, amidst her grief and despair over the lost future with the child, might not have been too challenging, even without the perfume.

The Countess Brienta listened attentively and responded gracefully to Valliere’s lamentations, offering agreeable comments at times and subtly inserting her opinions into the conversation.

From her concise speech to her dignified demeanor, Valliere felt as if she were confiding in her late mother, letting out thoughts she wished she could have kept to herself.