DSO Chapter 9

The Lost Ring

The Imperial Palace had countless rules.

And not even the Emperor and Empress were exempt from them.

Well, that much was fine.

They weren’t as harsh as one might expect—more like advice for maintaining the dignity and mindset befitting the imperial family.

But among all those rules, one in particular tormented me the most…

I was required—at least on designated days—to dine with the Emperor.

Why such a rule existed, I had no idea, until I learned it was meant to publicly display the harmony between Emperor and Empress.

‘Seriously. Isn’t that just a window-dressing marriage?!’

Anyway, today was yet another uncomfortable meal with Jerome.

Then, out of the blue, he asked about my schedule.

“I heard Sir Leonard visited the Empress’s quarters.”

“…?”

How did he know that?

Startled, I couldn’t respond right away, and he repeated the question.

“No?”

“No, that’s right. He seemed concerned about the security of the Empress’s quarters and came to check in briefly.”

“For something like that, I hear you also had tea and a long chat.”

…Why does he know so many details?

Feeling vaguely uneasy, I opened my mouth.

“He was being considerate. It was just a light tea.”

In truth, he’d been hit in the head with my book.

So really, it was a situation beyond my control.

“Hmph.”

Jerome furrowed his brow slightly and set down his fork and knife.

Even the way he dabbed at his mouth with a napkin looked elegant.

There was an inborn nobility that lingered in every small movement.

Watching him in moments like this, I couldn’t help but think, Ah, he’s definitely the male lead.

“I was under the impression Sir Leonard was so absorbed in swordsmanship that he barely socialized with other nobles. Curious.”

Jerome stared at me for a moment, then asked,

“Were you two already acquainted?”

“No. We met for the first time in the garden.”

“The other day?”

“Yes. The day Your Majesty carried the Empress in your arms.”

I didn’t say it out of spite or anything.

It was just… a simple fact to explain the situation.

“…Did that bother you?”

“…?”

Bother me? Me?

Not at all.

But I could swear I saw the faintest smile flicker across Jerome’s otherwise impassive face.

What’s going on? Why does he look oddly pleased?

I shook my head firmly.

“Of course not. Like I’ve said before, I have no intention of interfering between you and the Empress.”

“You still say things you don’t mean, I see.”

He spoke as if he knew everything.

It was frustrating—this was genuinely how I felt, but he didn’t believe me.

“What on earth must I do for Your Majesty to believe I’m sincere?”

“Perhaps start by not harassing the Empress anymore?”

“I truly won’t, from now on.”

“Good. I hope that’s true.”

But from his tone, Jerome clearly didn’t believe me.

Ugh, this man. We’re back to the part of the original plot where he completely distrusts me again.

“Why… are you like this?” I finally asked, genuinely curious.

“What do you mean?”

“When I show even the slightest interest in the Empress, you get angry and interfere. But when I try to distance myself, you scold me for not fulfilling my duties.”

One moment it’s this, the next moment it’s that.

How am I supposed to follow your lead when the melody keeps changing?

“What do you want from me, exactly?”

Words I’d long kept bottled up.

No, words I’d wanted to say but never found the right moment for.

Why are you acting so strangely, male lead?

You’re just confusing everyone now.

“….”

Jerome’s gaze cooled.

His eyes flicked sideways.

I followed his line of sight—he was checking on the guards and kitchen staff.

Then he spoke in a chilly tone.

“I don’t know what you mean. As I’ve said many times before, all I want is for you to lose interest in the Empress.”

“I already told you. I will.”

“You’ve said that before, too. And what did you do afterward?”

He tilted his head and asked.

“You said you reflected, but then you continued tormenting the Empress. Is it so unbearable that she’s of common birth?”

He let out a sharp laugh and added,

“Or are you upset that I don’t give you attention?”

“Think whatever you want. But I’ll say it one last time—I won’t mistreat the Empress again. Just like Your Majesty wishes.”

“…Will you, really?”

His expression shifted subtly.

There was a strange amusement in his gaze, as if looking down on me from above.

And somehow, that amused look sent a chill down my spine.

It was at that moment—

“Your Majesty!”

The dining hall doors burst open, and a woman rushed inside.

Jerome blinked, surprised.

“The Empress?”

It was his beloved, Fay.

The Emperor and Empress’s shared meals were mandated by imperial law.

Even as Empress, she was not supposed to break that rule.

Fay knew this very well.

She was never the jealous type either, so this was unprecedented.

“What’s wrong?”

Jerome embraced her as she flung herself into his arms.

“Your Majesty, I… I’ve done something terrible.”

“What do you mean? Why are you crying like this?”

Crying?

Now that I looked closely, Fay’s face was streaked with tears.

Even when asked what was wrong, she only sobbed harder, unable to respond properly.

“Hic… I’ve made a terrible mistake.”

Jerome gently wiped her tears.

“What could it be?”

“I lost the precious gift Your Majesty gave me.”

“A gift? Which one?”

“The one you gave me when you first spoke your true feelings… the token of that day…”

“The pearl ring?”

“Yes, the pretty ring with that unique pearl in the center…”

A pearl ring…

Ah.

I knew what she meant.

It was that scene—the one where Jerome, torn over his feelings for Fay, finally confessed in a secluded place.

The gift he gave her that day.

His first present to her. A symbol of his love.

And now, it was lost.

I slowly set my fork down.

…Crap.

This was no time for a leisurely meal.

“When did it go missing?”

“I noticed it was gone this morning. I always put it on after finishing my morning grooming…”

She answered in a tearful voice as Jerome asked with concern.

“I’m so sorry… to lose Your Majesty’s precious gift…”

“No, it’s fine. It’s just a ring. I’ll get you a new one.”

He patted her back, trying to comfort her.

“Don’t cry.”

But her tears only flowed harder.

She just wouldn’t stop.

“I told you not to cry…”

“But that ring is so special to me, Your Majesty. Even if another ring is more beautiful or expensive…”

“That ring holds our memories…”

I lifted my glass and slowly sipped water, my throat tight.

The main couple was playing out a heartwarming romantic scene, but I didn’t feel warm at all.

The Empress’s lost ring.

It was a scene from the original novel.

And if I’m right…

That missing ring had something to do with me.

“Don’t worry. I’ll find it for you.”

“Please, Your Majesty. You must promise.”

“I promise.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Please find it. I wonder who stole it…”

As she said that, Fay glanced at me.

As if asking, Was it you?

Seriously?! How could you even suspect me?!

Not that I could defend myself… considering everything I’d done.

I set my glass down and replied calmly,

“Losing such a precious ring must be heartbreaking. But don’t worry—His Majesty will surely find it.”

At my composed tone, Fay’s gaze faltered slightly.

Then she smiled.

“Yes. I truly hope so, Your Majesty.”

＊ ＊ ＊

After the meal, I returned to the Empress’s quarters.

“It seems there was quite a stir at the Empress’s palace.”

The head lady-in-waiting, Countess Chloe, spoke up.

She already knew about the missing ring.

“Yes. I’m surprised you’ve heard so soon.”

“There are quite a few people in the Empress’s household who support you.”

“Ahh.”

Come to think of it, I did meet with my secret informants around the palace not long ago.

Since then, it seemed they had been redirected to Countess Chloe for coordination.

“You’re very fast, though. I only just heard about it from the Empress herself.”

“The palace has been in an uproar since early morning. They say the Empress cried her heart out…”

“I know. She was grieving so pitifully.”

Even Jerome’s comfort couldn’t stop her tears.

“They say it was a deeply meaningful gift…”

Countess Chloe hesitated.

“Who could have stolen it?”

“…Indeed.”

I was wondering the same.

Who would be bold enough to steal that?

“I hear His Majesty is furious. Whoever it was… they won’t escape severe punishment.”

Yes, this wouldn’t be overlooked, not like the torn dress incident.

Sigh.

I let out a long breath and asked Countess Chloe,

“Just in case… it wasn’t one of ours, was it?”

There was only one group I could think of reckless enough to pull something like this:

My informants.

They had been bold enough to slash her dress and tamper with her shoes. If they were determined, stealing a ring would be easy.

But Countess Chloe shook her head firmly.

“No, it wasn’t.”

Her resolute expression told me she’d already investigated.

“Thank goodness. If it had been one of ours again, it could’ve been disastrous.”

“Your Majesty personally warned each of them. I doubt anyone will act on their own without orders for now.”

I nodded.

“Yes. With things so tense, we should lay low.”

I gave her a few more instructions.

“They may try to investigate even the Empress’s quarters. Be extra careful—we don’t want any misunderstandings.”

“But… investigating the Empress’s quarters? That’s unacceptable.”

Countess Chloe’s expression hardened.

It was no small matter to violate the sanctity of the Empress’s residence.

“We just want to avoid needless suspicion. Please be especially cautious.”

I sighed and rubbed my shoulders.

“More than that, I’d like to be alone for a while…”

“Understood. Please call if you need anything.”

The ever-perceptive Countess Chloe withdrew with the other maids.

Once the room was silent, I approached the bed.

No way…

But I couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling I’d had since the news broke.

I drew back the ornate canopy and lifted the heavy bed covers and drapes.

Beneath the bed—dark and still.

There, glinting faintly in the shadows, was something that should not be there.

Something I desperately hoped not to find.

“…Ha.”

I exhaled deeply.

Then reached out and retrieved it.

A small ring looped around the tip of my finger.

Plain in design, with gemstones of varying sizes adorning it.

At the center, a peculiar pearl gleamed softly.

There was a small nick on the inside of the band.

Yes. It was unmistakably the Empress’s missing ring.

“…Now what?”

The ring shimmered delicately on my fingertip, seemingly unaware of my growing dread.