As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover Chapter 224

[Side Story 2: Vacation – Part 1]

 

The empire regained its peace, and following the imperial wedding, many things changed. Luize, now the empress, gathered the hidden female knights and established the 7th Knight Order, Purple Twilight, under the empress’s command. Together with Edward, they discussed state affairs and promoted the construction of additional public libraries and academies accessible to commoners throughout the empire. They also provided support to talented individuals regardless of status or gender, enabling them to work in various fields. Both were extremely busy in their respective roles.

 

“…I can’t take this anymore,” Edward said seriously, closing the documents he was reviewing.

 

Maxion, who had been standing by his side, observed Edward’s expression. “It looks like documents from the eastern region. Did something happen there?”

 

“No, it’s very peaceful.”

 

“Then why…?”

 

Edward responded earnestly as Maxion looked at him curiously. “Maxion, don’t you think the Emperor’s Palace is too far from the Empress’s Palace?”

 

“Well, the imperial palace is vast, so there’s some walking involved, but I understand that Your Majesty occasionally uses teleportation to visit her.”

 

“Plus, Miss Luize is too busy.”

 

“Didn’t Your Majesty tell the empress to do whatever she wants?”

 

“…Then what about what I want?”

 

It had been a long time since Edward had expressed a desire unrelated to state affairs.

 

Maxion asked seriously. “Is there something you wish for?”

 

“Yes,” Edward replied without a hint of a smile. “A date.” He stood up from his seat. “I need to go on a date with Miss Luize.”

 

“…”

 

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

 

It had been half a year since the imperial wedding, and during a time when the newlyweds should have been enjoying their honeymoon phase, both were swamped with work.

 

* * *

Edward was the type to act immediately once he made up his mind.

 

“I’m taking a vacation. Three days should be good.”

 

When he mentioned this during a state meeting with his key ministers, the chancellor responded calmly.

 

“Your Majesty, I’m sorry, but you have too much work to be away for three days.”

 

“Isn’t that manageable?”

 

Before the imperial wedding, all the most urgent issues across the empire had been resolved. Barring any unforeseen events, there wouldn’t be any major issues for the time being. There was only one minor concern.

 

“Your Majesty has initiated several projects that are currently in progress…”

 

“That’s true.”

 

In short, Edward had started many initiatives. Although none were urgent, if reports began to pile up, it would make it difficult for those lower down the chain to handle their tasks. Moreover, neither he nor Luize was the type to handle matters superficially, so just considering their upcoming schedules, they would likely remain busy for years to come.

 

“That’s why I’ve come up with a good solution.”

 

“And what would that be?”

 

“From exactly ten days from now, the empress and I will take a three-day vacation.”

 

“…And how does that change anything?”

 

“It means I’m giving you ten days to handle any urgent reports. Since it’s not an official event, there’s no need to make special preparations, and the preparations for the upcoming banquet have already been completed, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

 

At his casual response, the chancellor swallowed nervously and spoke in a serious tone. “So you’re determined to go, no matter what.”

 

“I trust that all of you, who have been placed in these positions for your competence, will handle everything within the allotted time.”

 

“…”

 

The ministers exchanged anxious glances. Then, one of them quickly presented Edward with a document. “This is the report on the Founding Festival that you requested. We’ve incorporated your suggestions and are submitting it again.”

 

This prompted the other ministers to begin delegating tasks to him as well.

 

“The imperial citizens who fled from the eastern villages due to the floods have safely resettled in other villages. All relief supplies have been delivered. We anticipated the floods, so we responded quickly, and there were no casualties.”

 

“There are signs of plant growth in the northern wastelands. Detailed information is in the report…”

 

“Your Majesty, while leveling the ground for the construction of an academy on the outskirts of the capital, something unusual was discovered underground…”

 

“Enough.” Edward raised his hand to stop the ministers and spoke again. “Send everything to the office. I’ll take care of it all.”

 

For the next several days, Edward had to live in his office, handling the mountain of work that came flooding in. Naturally, Luize found herself in a similar situation, though with a slightly different atmosphere.

 

She spoke with determined resolve. “We must finish all urgent matters within ten days.”

 

“Does Your Majesty Empress also desperately need a vacation?”

 

“No. But this is something that needs to be done for everyone’s sake.”

 

“…Pardon?”

 

“Edward… I mean, His Majesty said something to me.”

 

The head maid, the chamberlain, and the ministers looked at Luize curiously.

 

She spoke with a serious expression. “If we don’t take a break, no one else will be able to take a vacation either, and they’ll be too worried about us.”

 

Everyone exchanged surprised looks.

 

“After hearing that, I realized something. We need to rest so that others can rest as well. So, I’ve decided to finish my work within ten days and take a vacation.”

 

Some people finally understood the grand vision of the imperial couple and expressed their admiration, while others were so moved that they were brought to tears.

 

After completing their reports, the ministers left the empress’s office, discussing among themselves.

 

“Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the empress take a proper break. Even during busy times, there must have been days when her schedule could have been adjusted.”

 

“Perhaps she’s planning to handle something else during those ten days that she can’t mention. After all, they’re the most remarkable couple in the history of the imperial family.”

 

“Ah, that’s true. We weren’t perceptive enough.”

 

Observing these ministers from a distance with a calm expression was Ellisian, the court painter formerly known as the artist Ardi.

 

Edward was an exceptionally capable and responsible emperor who cared deeply for his people, but there was one thing that could cloud his judgment.

 

His Majesty desperately needs time alone with her.

 

That was anything related to Luize.

 

* * *

Those who heard about the upcoming vacation were busy delivering work, and the emperor and empress, who habitually took on extra responsibilities, found themselves with even more to do. Ten days passed quickly.

 

“I’m closing the bedroom for three days.”

 

“What about meals…?”

 

“Inform Maxion. If there’s anything urgent, he can handle it immediately.”

 

“Yes!”

 

Slam. Edward closed the bedroom door. Inside, Luize was standing in her casual clothes.

 

“Miss Luize, are you ready to enjoy our first vacation alone?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Luize closed her eyes. Snap. When Edward snapped his fingers, the two of them disappeared from the room.

 

Soon, a refreshing breeze surrounded Edward and Luize. Luize opened her eyes to the scent of grass and smiled brightly with a delighted expression.

 

“Perils, it’s been so long.”

 

Their vacation spot was Perils, which had now regained its stability.

 

* * *

Since the imperial wedding, this was their first outing without any guards. Usually, Maxion would have followed them, but this time, Edward was adamant about spending time alone with Luize.

 

Both Edward and Luize were exceptionally strong in their respective fields of magic and swordsmanship, so there was little for Maxion to do when they were together. Especially in Perils, there was no safer companion than Luize. She had not only survived alone in the Perils Forest before it was stabilized but also easily rescued people. As a native, she knew the area better than anyone. If anything happened, Edward could quickly teleport them back to the imperial palace.

 

Maxion knew this, but it still unsettled him to send off the empire’s pillars without any protection. Just as he was about to insist more firmly on accompanying them, Ren, who had been rolling around on the floor like a ball, suddenly perked up its ears upon hearing their conversation.

 

“Ppiik, ppik, ppiiiik!” [Why are you trying to go on a trip without me?]

“I’m not going on a trip.”

 

Maxion responded with an awkward expression, but Ren ignored him and continued to wail, rolling on the floor.

 

“Ppippippippippi! Ppippippippippi!” [Take me too! Take Ren too!]

 

Watching this scene, the corners of Edward’s mouth curled smoothly.

 

“Hmm, I guess we have no choice.”