Chapter 139

"I know," the emperor replied.

Raven added, "She will be starting work as an aide the day after tomorrow."

"I also know that," Ridrian said, though his gaze never left me as if he would never see me again. He took hold of my hands. "Be careful."

"I will." Anyone who witnessed this fare well would think that two lovers were being torn apart for eternity.

I also felt sad, but like Raven said, I'll be back in the palace the day after tomorrow to work. I did worry about Ridrian, who wouldn't be able to sleep properly for the next couple of days. I felt sorry for him, as he truly seemed upset at this new arrangement we had.

"Your Majesty, whenever you're tired, you can call me," I informed him.

Ridrian smiled. "You're really going to come anytime?"

I smiled and nodded. "If you call me, I will come."

"You're sure?"

"Yes, of course."

"You promise?"

"Yes." I laughed. How many times could I confirm? I couldn't reject the Emperor's request, even if I wanted to. And considering how wild Ridrian got from the lack of sleep, it was safer for everyone if I came. And even if I didn't, Raven would force me to.

"Even five minutes is too far. I should have ordered that noble to vacate his mansion closer to the palace," Ridrian said.

"Your Majesty, that's tyranny," Raven said in shock.

The moment it was decided I was leaving the place, Ridrian had checked for the nearest empty mansion. Then he shocked everyone by saying he was going to take over some count's mansion. Thankfully, he found an empty mansion without having to oust anyone. If he had, it would have just added to the bad reputation he currently had.

Instead, he gifted me a small mansion that was five minutes from the palace's front gate. He said the empire would be sponsoring all the funds to cover the next ten years of living expenses and wages for any attendees. In actuality, the money was coming from the wealth taken from Count Claude and Count Russen when they were sentenced, so for now I had nothing to worry about. I instantly became one of the wealthiest people in the Empire, after starting off without a penny to my name. I was now an independent woman.

Ridrian assured me that it wasn't a gift. The wealth had been the Lesprey family's to begin with, so I shouldn't feel obligated to have to pay it back. I felt a little more relieved when he told me this.

"That Count is young so it wouldn't have been a big deal if he had to travel a little further." Ridrian continued to try and justify his thoughts about evicting an unsuspecting noble.

"Count Esran has bad legs. If you did this, Minister Ivan would complain that you're bullying innocent citizens," Raven tried to explain.

"As if I care." Ridrian was being incredibly stubborn. I decided to try and change the topic, or they would just go back and forth like this all day.

"Your Majesty, I'll be back the day after tomorrow. But I really must leave now."

Raven also spoke up to help me out. "Your Majesty, Viscount Lesprey has to go unpack. The carriages holding her belongings have probably arrived already and they are waiting for their master to come."

"I know." Ridrian hesitated, then gave me an awkward hug.

"Don't get hurt and don't be sick," Ridrian said as he held me tight. "If you do get hurt or sick, make sure to call Ravis. Actually, I have a better idea. Ravis, stop working today and go with Iona. Come back the day after with her."

I was shocked at the sudden order by Ridrian. And, just like that, another person had been added to my household.

***

I was seeing my house for the first time. I had heard that the mansion, that was bought under my name, was near the palace, but I had no idea what it looked like.

"Welcome, master!" I was at a loss for words when I saw the attendees that were standing by the entrance, greeting me. There were over twenty of them. Ridrian had said the mansion was small, with not many rooms. He fooled me! It was smaller, compared to a palace. But it was still enormous, for a home, and probably was not cheap.

"This mansion is so beautiful! Are you really living here?" Lina asked in wonder.

"His Majesty chose this house," Ravis explained. "It belonged to the Claude family. As their entire wealth was confiscated, the emperor put the mansion under his name. Now that he has given it to you, it is now under the Lesprey family name."

I felt a little apprehension. Count Claude had garnered all of his wealth by nefarious means, which means this mansion was built on blood money. I shouldn't have let the Emperor decide on where I was to live. I felt nervous to look around the house, because all I would think about is how people suffered to create this home. As I hesitated, the butler and the head of the maids approached to introduce themselves.

"Welcome, master. I am the butler, Roban, who will be in charge of your daily life and the mansion."

"Welcome, master. I am Jihanna, the head of the maids."

I really didn't think I needed so many attendants, but as they greeted me kindly, welcoming me to my new home, I felt pressured to appear pleased. I had to start acting like a noble and not a foolish girl. I straightened up my posture and put a stern face on.

"I'm the new owner of this mansion, Iona Lesprey. I hope that we can all live in harmony."

I was puzzled as to why they weren't acknowledging Ravis. Then I remembered that I had to introduce him as a guest.

"This is Ravis, the High Priest of the Theres Order. He'll be visiting for two days, so please serve him well."

"Yes, understood," Roban said, bowing. "Please accept our greetings, High Priest. May the glory of life be with you."

"Nice to meet you. May the glory of life be with you," Ravis replied.

"This is Miss Lina Foid, who served in the palace. She will be my personal maid." Lina stepped forward and did a small curtsy.

"I'll adjust the schedule," Jihanna said, with a slight hint of annoyance to her voice.

Then we were welcomed inside and shown where we could rest, while the rest of the servants brought in the belongings from the carriages.

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