emperor chapter 1

Chapter 1 – Divorce Me

Possessing a character in a novel? I thought it was ridiculous. But now that it’s happening to me, my mind is blank. I racked my brain, confused about what had happened, but the panic was short-lived. I calmly assessed the situation. Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, the environment wasn’t harsh, so I had no trouble adapting. It was all quite normal, except for the suspiciously large number of gifts and letters pouring in. The gifts were wedding presents, and the letters were full of congratulations. The timing of my possession happened to be right before the wedding. I couldn’t avoid the marriage; there were just too many unspeakable circumstances. If I opened my mouth carelessly, I’d be suspected of being suspicious without gaining anything. And so things progressed smoothly to the wedding night.

My reflection appeared in the mirror near the bed. A beautiful woman with light blonde hair and brown eyes. Her fair, smooth skin and delicate features were quite lovely, I thought, but there was something more important. I was naked. I was sure I had been with the maids just a moment ago. The maid, having finished her work expertly, had already left the room. Before I could panic or be surprised, I covered myself with the cloth on the bed. It was difficult to move wrapped in the blanket, but at least no one could see me.

The place I’ve been transported to is a book called His Majesty’s Obsession. My name is Miniel. A saint named by God, the Holy Empress, and also the Empress bound in a political marriage to the Emperor. The Holy Empress is treated with the same level of authority as the Emperor and also has the power to hear God’s voice.

“If only there wasn’t a death flag…”

The voice that came from my mouth wasn’t my own. It was a beautiful voice, one that wouldn’t be disliked, but no one would seriously listen to Miniel’s voice. Because the novel I possessed was none other than…

“You’re here already.”

“…!”

Just as I was about to lose myself in thought, a tall, handsome man with black hair and blue eyes entered the bedroom. In the Darensia Empire, there was only one person who could enter the bedchamber with Miniel. None other than Lowellhide Viscatel Darensia. Lowell was the young emperor of the empire. In this world, being in one’s twenties wasn’t considered particularly young, but it was young to be an emperor. The previous emperor had died after eating poisoned food. 

Because Lowell was the only one to succeed him, he had performed the role of emperor from a young age. He lacked nothing. Even when he entered into a political marriage with the Holy Empress due to traditional customs, Lowell accepted it readily. It wasn’t that he liked it, but rather that he didn’t dislike it. To him, Miniel was nothing. Taking her as his wife was no different from scribbling a signature on a document.

Lowell ran a hand through his disheveled hair and shed his cumbersome clothes layer by layer. His cold, low voice reached me as I remained still, wrapped in the blanket.

“Let’s get this over with.”

Lowell’s words, identical to the ones I had read in the novel, completed the puzzle, clarifying the situation. I am Lowell’s spouse, bound by political marriage. His dry gaze, devoid of any emotion, was surprisingly directed at me, his wife, Miniel.

“I would prefer it if you undressed yourself. If you don’t mind ruining your clothes, I can do it.”

“I’m already… I’m already undressed…!”

Unintentionally, I used formal language, just as the original Miniel had. There wasn’t much of an age difference between us, and he didn’t seem like the type to care about such trivial matters, but it was better to be cautious. Since I was covered by the blanket, Lowell didn’t know my state. Realizing I was already prepared, he quickened his undressing.

Once he removed his cloak, sash, drapes, and clothes, his exposed torso was tantalizingly firm.

Gulp. I swallowed unconsciously. Perhaps he sensed my sudden stiffness, as he paused his hand, moving towards his lower garments, and spoke in a slightly less cold tone.

“No need to be nervous. Just leave your body to me, and I’ll take care of the rest.”

Take care of… what? It didn’t sound like he was going to tuck me in, sing a lullaby, and ensure a peaceful sleep. A successful first night with Lowell? That absolutely couldn’t happen.

“Lowell.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’m sick.”

“Before I’ve even touched you?”

Perplexity laced Lowell’s melodious voice. He approached me, reached out, and placed his hand on my forehead. I felt the warmth of his hand, so he probably realized I wasn’t feverish.

“If it’s serious, I need to call a healer right away, so tell me where and how it hurts.”

“Well… I’m the Holy Empress.”

“Indeed. I’m aware.”

“An ordinary healer’s power won’t be enough. And no one should touch me, the Holy Empress, so casually.”

“Shouldn’t I be excluded from that as well, Miniel?”

Though I meant it figuratively, Lowell pointedly took it literally.

“Alright. I’ll exclude you, Lowell.”

“Should I be grateful?”

“No. There’s no need. But I really can’t tonight.”

“Well, whatever.”

Despite saying he understood, Lowell didn’t leave the room. Instead, he lay down next to me in bed. Moreover, he lay facing away from me. I glanced at him, and he was simply lying there, without even a sheet covering him, his upper body completely bare.

Perhaps my gaze on his back bothered him, as Lowell quickly addressed my unspoken question.