Five days before my Empress's birthday.Numerous presents started arriving .

My Empress's family was already moneyed but after she became empress,she lived a more luxurious lifestyle. Of course, much of her wealth was spent on various welfare projects and state subsidies, and she didn't often buy things for her own pleasure.

My Empress is so humble and perfect

I'm sorry my Empress but I don't have enough will to get to your level.

Forgive this woman for she will enjoy all of the luxury in your life

Speaking of that,my Empress's mother sent an interesting gift;a semi-annual magazine called La Trang, which contained portraits of the most popular actors of the day.She sent me one that featured only male actors.Perhaps she thought that taking my own lover would settle my mind, and actors were a popular choice among nobles.

I could take in a side lover but if I think about it,that would cause too much trouble and that piece of shit will be pressured to fix things with my Empress

Like hell I'll let that bastard get encouraged to fix this mess

I have no plans on repairing this broken marriage

I have another marriage to work on

"She probably wants me to distract myself by taking on a lover of my own"

"How about considering it,your majesty?I mean,if the Emperor can take in a mistress,you should also be free to take in a lover"

"It would be a great distraction too"

"Maybe the Emperor will even be jealous and finally see your worth,your majesty "

"Yes,your majesty.Make the Emperor realize what he's missing out!"

"I'll consider it"

Well since they are the ones suggesting it,it wouldn't be bad if the word that I'm considering it got around.

I wonder what that garbage would think and the face he'll make when he finds out I'm considering to take in a lover

It would definitely be hilarious

But I won't actually do that

That place is reserved for someone else

Meanwhile,the other gifts were rare books, luxurious clothes,gems...and...a love potion

He actually still sent me this

He must think I'm pitiful and in denial

I guess wanting that bastard dead isn't enough hint for him

Well it's not like I'm gonna use it,I'll just give it back to him and scold him for giving me this.This is practically an insult to my pride so he needs to have a piece of my mind

So as I've said before,I went through all the gifts and enjoyed the gifts with my ladies-in-waiting.

Ofcourse I'm going to enjoy all this things while I'm here

But as I was looking through the gifts,I noticed that something that I really like wasn't there.Something that I really want even in my previous life.

"Countess Eliza,is this really all the jewels that have been gifted to me?"

"Yes,your majesty.Is there something wrong?Were you expecting anything in particular?"

"Well,it's not that.Its just that I...was hoping I could get butterfly ornaments"

Ofcourse that was a personal preference but my name 'Vanessa' actually means butterfly so I've always been fascinated with them

And plus,my Empress's name was derived from the butterfly so it only makes sense that she would be associated with the butterfly

"Oh,you were looking for butterfly jewelry.It would make sense since you majesty's name does mean butterfly"

"I'm sure you will receive one soon,your majesty.If you'd like,we can commission one with a craftsman"

"Yes, we'd be more than glad to get you one your majesty"

"That is alright.No need to trouble yourselves.I have received and own enough jewelry already.I couldn't ask for more"

As much as I want to get one,I still need to maintain my Empress's reputation so I can't be too greedy

I'd just have to depend on my luck on this one

*

*

*

It was two days before my Empress's birthday.

Most of the presents had already arrived, and by tomorrow morning I would leave for the royal villa.

I've packed enough for a week cause I know I'm gonna be there for a week

I also decided to bring a lot of book to distract myself from being alone with that bastard

As I was deciding which ones to take, I heard the sound of wings pattering in the air.

"Coo!"

Queen?

I rushed to the half-opened window and widened it even further.

It was Queen, but he couldn't easily enter the room like usual. His small head bobbed in and out of the window frame, and when I looked over I saw him carrying a large box tied with string.

"Queen!"

Surprised, I stretched out my hand, and Queen deposited the box and flew through the window. He fell onto my bed and panted for breath.

"Did you carry this all by yourself?"

Queen sprawl himself in the bed and I patted him

"You know,I didn't think Heinley was such a cruel master.He should have brought this over himself or sent someone to deliver it"

I pouted at him and he shaked his head to disagree

"Why are you shaking your head?Do you not like it when someone talks badly about your master?"

He nodded his head.

"What a good bird you are"

Queen had no energy to lift himself up, and settled in with a flop of his wings. I patted his rear, he was so startled that he jolted, but then he went limp as if he were feeling weak again. I sat beside Queen and put the box on my lap.

Inside was a large cake, and on the lid of the box was a letter. I opened it to read the contents.

"I think baking is another one of my talents. I'd appreciate a compliment or two "

Queen had risen and seated himself quietly next to me, and stole a glance in my direction. I placed one hand over Queen's shoulder, and dipped a finger from my other hand into the frosting and placed it between my lips. It had a simple, sweet taste of fresh cream without any greasiness.

"It's delicious."

Heinley is quite talented and him knowing how to bake is a plus point for me

I laughed, and Queen shook his tail and rubbed his head against my arm.

"Thank you for delivering this.I know it must have been heavy.Your master really is a nice person"

"!"

"Haha, why are you the one getting embarrassed?"

I placed the cake to one side, then placed Queen on my lap and kissed his forehead. He turned completely into stone. I found his reaction so amusing that I smothered him with more kisses here and there.

Afterwards, I took the cake to the table, cut a slice and placed it on a plate. I soon discovered that the cake wasn't the only gift.

"Ah..."

I let out an involuntary gasp. Embedded in the soft sponge were jewels of various sizes and color. I plucked one out and discovered it was a blue-colored diamond. I felt a poke, and turned and saw Queen blinking up at me with his large purple eyes, as if he was worried about my reaction. He looked so serious that I had to compose myself.

If I say this is too much,Queen will fly away crying,making Heinley go about crying.

I have to give him a pleasant answer to make him happy

"This is wonderful.The Western Kingdom sure are rich with gemstones.I love it Queen.Tell your master I really appreciate it.I wonder what other stones the Western Kingdom has?I look forward to finding out more"

I smiled at Queen and he jumped up and down happily on my lap

"Coo!Coo!"

It seems that made him happy

I'm glad

I don't want him flying away crying.

Sure it was funny but poor Queen.

I took Queen in my arms and snuggled my face up to him

He then started burning up and wiggled out of my arms

I let him go and he was all frantic

"Queen?Why are you panicking?"

He then suddenly flew away.

"Queen?!"

Dont tell me he's gonna go cry about it.

I was sure I didn't say anything unpleasant

Did I do something wrong?