Astelle was momentarily perplexed. She doubted whether she had heard correctly. However, Kaizen apologized again to Astelle, who stood there in a daze.
"I should have asked for your permission in advance, but I was rash. I am sorry. It will never happen again."
Astelle was taken aback, wondering if he was being sarcastic. But Kaizen's expression was serious, with not a hint of anger. He seemed sincere.
It was surprising, given his usual behavior, that Kaizen could admit his mistake so easily. Astelle had expected a major argument with Kaizen this morning. Just a day ago, Kaizen had been furious over Florin's secret letter. But now, Kaizen was looking at Astelle with a calm demeanor.
"I don't think I will be able to stay here because I have a lot of work to do for a while."
Astelle was surprised again. 'You've been sleeping here every night. Why the sudden change?'
Of course, the emperor doesn't have to sleep in the empress' palace every night. He has a bedroom in his own palace. They've been married for over a month, so even if they're apart for a while, it wouldn't seem strange to others.
Still, it was an abrupt change in behavior, especially considering their fight yesterday over the secret letter.
'Is he still angry?' she wondered. However, Kaizen still had a calm face, showing no sign of anger.
"All right, Your Majesty."
For Astelle, it was a relief that Kaizen wouldn't be staying here. Having the emperor sleep on the sofa made her uncomfortable.
But if this change happens right after the secret letter incident, others might find it suspicious. Astelle couldn't force the emperor to stay, even though he would comply.
A dark shadow appeared in Kaizen's red eyes as Astelle responded positively. Trying to reassure her, he added, "But... don't worry too much, I'll stop by in the evening."
'I'm not worried', she thought. Indeed, it was clear that rumors would spread if he stopped visiting completely. But if he visited at night, there would be less gossip.
"I'll be back in the evening," Kaizen said, turning to leave.
Astelle stood silently, watching his retreating back. This was reconciliation, but it was a rather uncomfortable one.
• 🍁 •
Since that day, Kaizen came to the empress' palace every evening, leaving before nightfall. Watching him play with Theor, he didn't seem angry and treated Astelle as usual. Astelle didn't mind because it didn't bother her, but she was a little worried about how others would perceive it.
"The courtiers of the imperial palace are talking about the two of you," Hannah mentioned, having overheard a rumor among the courtiers.
"What do they say?" Astelle asked.
Hannah looked at her with worried eyes. "They think you two had a fight."
It wasn't entirely wrong. Some of them might have heard about their quarrel in the imperial palace on the day Naen came to testify. From that day on, Kaizen slept in his own palace. Anyone who saw this might think they were still fighting.
"No worries. The courtiers here don't say such things, do they?" Astelle asked.
"The servants and maids of the empress' palace have been taught not to speak recklessly," Hannah reassured her.
"Then it's fine."
'You can't stop people from gossiping anyway. Just don't let Theor hear anything.'
"Your Majesty, Miss Naen has come."
