TCFA~04

~Chapter 4~

Hans, the head chamberlain, stood before the Emperor’s office.

Knock, knock.

“Your Majesty, it is Hans. I have brought the reports.”

As usual, there was no reply.

But having served the Emperor for years, Hans knew that silence meant permission.

The moment he stepped inside—

He froze.

‘Why does his gaze feel so murderous? It’s as if… he’s reverted to how he used to be.’

When he was younger—back when he was still a prince—Ern had been utterly devoid of warmth.

He had been so emotionally barren that even when those around him died—people, even animals—he never shed a single tear.

“Leave. If you don’t want to die.”

He pushed everyone away.

And if someone dared approach despite his warning, he would not hesitate to draw his sword.

Sometimes, there had even been something… chilling about him.

‘Now that I think about it… perhaps he pushed us away because of that curse. Back then, many believed those rumors.’

At that moment, Ern extended his hand.

“The report.”

His voice was low and curt.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

As Hans carefully handed over the documents, Ern suddenly asked—

“Has the Empress been acting strangely lately?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

“…I see.”

Watching the Emperor’s unusually serious expression, Hans suppressed a smile.

‘I thought something serious had happened—but it seems he’s had an issue with Her Majesty.’

Ern had begun to change after growing close to the Empress.

“Why are you smiling?”

“Nothing. It’s just good to see you working so diligently.”

It had been a passing remark.

But ever since then, Ern had never once neglected his duties.

‘If he returns to how he used to be, it would be disastrous… I can only hope Their Majesties remain on good terms.’

* * *

Izaya glanced at the clock.

It was nearly noon.

‘It’s about time to prepare for the move.’

Even though Ern had gotten angry, she still intended to change residences today.

‘Father will be returning soon.’

Calling for a maid, she gave her order.

“I will be moving to the Empress Palace immediately. Make the preparations.”

The maid looked startled for a moment but quickly bowed.

“Yes. I will report this to the head maid.”

At that, Izaya’s lips curled slightly.

‘Report to the head maid…’

Not long after—

The door burst open.

“Your Majesty! What is the meaning of this?! Moving your residence without consulting me!”

Melanie, the head maid, stormed in.

Izaya simply stared at her, unmoving.

“Your Majesty, please answ—”

Smack!

Izaya’s hand struck her cheek.

Her voice was ice-cold.

“How disgraceful.”

For a moment, Melanie couldn’t process it.

But the burning pain on her cheek told her it was real.

Clenching her fists, she protested—

“You struck me out of nowhere—what is the meaning of—!”

Smack!

Another slap landed before she could react.

Melanie stared in shock at the woman before her.

Pale, flawless skin.
Crimson lips and eyes like fresh blood.
Glossy black hair cascading like silk.

A beauty worthy of being called peerless.

The Empress—Izaya.

The same woman who had always obeyed her words.

‘I don’t know what’s gotten into her, but I can’t lose here.’

Melanie had always controlled Izaya as a proxy for Duke Lauchen.

“Make sure Izaya doesn’t develop any unnecessary thoughts.”

That had been his command.

“Shall I report today’s incident to His Grace?”

She expected fear.

After all, she had invoked the Duke—the one Izaya revered.

But Izaya’s response was unexpected.

“Go ahead. Though who knows when my father will return from his inspection.”

The usual Izaya had been gentle and obedient.

This sudden change was… frightening.

But Melanie had her own reasons not to back down.

‘The Duke showed kindness to me and my younger sibling. I must control the Empress.’

“Once His Grace returns, he will learn everything. Can you bear the consequences?”

Izaya’s eyes curved slightly.

“Do you think my father would be enraged over me slapping a mere maid?”

Melanie flinched, feeling as though she had been seen through.

“T-That’s not what I meant—I meant the matter of separate rooms—”

Smack!

“Don’t interrupt. I haven’t finished speaking.”

Now she was not only being struck—but dismissed entirely.

Melanie felt her anger boil.

“I have been caring for you in place of your father! If you continue like this—!”

Izaya raised her hand again.

“—!”

Melanie instinctively flinched, covering her face.

But instead of striking her, Izaya grabbed her chin.

“You? In my father’s place?”

There was madness flickering in those crimson eyes.

Melanie couldn’t say a word.

“Let this be your final warning. Know your place… or you might die.”

Letting go as if discarding something filthy, Izaya withdrew her hand.

Melanie trembled with humiliation, biting her lip.

Her mind burned with anger—but she knew better than to show it.

‘Fine. Just until the Duke returns.’

After a brief calculation, she lowered her head.

“…Understood.”

“Then go and take charge. If I find even the slightest inconvenience, you’ll be held responsible.”

“Yes… I will take my leave.”

“And bring me the account books.”

“…The account books? Of course—but may I ask why?”

“To make sure nothing gets left behind during the move.”

‘What is she planning?’

As Melanie tried to read her intentions—

“If you’re moving everything today, shouldn’t you hurry?”

“…Understood.”

As she turned to leave—

“Wait. I’ll come with you.”

“What? Why—”

“Is there a problem?”

Melanie flinched at the Empress’s smile.

“…No. Of course not.”

The moment she agreed, Izaya’s smile vanished.

‘I need to fully understand my situation. If I’m to find out why I failed…’

* * *

“Your Majesty, there is something we must discuss…”

Grehen Curtis, commander of the Imperial Guard, sighed softly.

“It seems he’s not listening to a word we say.”

Hans nodded slowly.

“…It appears so.”

The Emperor had been like this all morning—distracted by something unknown.

‘He never shares what’s on his mind…’

Just then—

“Head Chamberlain, I have something to report.”

Hans stepped out into the corridor.

“What is it?”

“Her Majesty the Empress is relocating her residence. I thought you should know.”

“…What?”

Bang!

At that very moment, the office door burst open.

Hans turned sharply—

“Your Majesty?!”

“I will end today’s affairs here.”

“What—wait, Your Majesty!”

“Where are you going?!”

Hans and Grehen called out desperately—

But Ern had already disappeared.

* * *

Meanwhile, Izaya sat in the lobby of the Empress Palace, letting out a quiet sigh.

‘I knew it… but it’s worse than I thought.’

“Head maid, where should this be moved?”

“Put that in storage.”

“What should I do?”

“Lora, you’re good at organizing—handle the clothes and bedding.”

“And me?”

“You can arrange the furniture.”

“Where should this frame go?”

“Hang it in the corridor.”

At first glance, everything seemed fine.

Melanie assigned tasks efficiently. Nothing was out of place.

But—

‘If Melanie weren’t here, everything would collapse.’

Through perfect control, she had made both the Empress and the maids dependent on her.

‘This… is the price of being a ‘good daughter’ all this time.’

From the very beginning, the problem had been Izaya herself.

From now on, she would correct it.

Restore order. Rebuild authority.

But if she tried to remove Melanie’s influence too suddenly, Duke Lauchen would react violently.

‘I’ll have to wait until he returns.’

The darkest place is always closest to the light.

So Izaya planned to act when Duke Lauchen was within the capital—

Gradually eroding his influence within the imperial palace,

Without him ever realizing it.