Case 57: To the emperor, my mother-in-law.

Let's talk about Beatrice de La Fayette as a person.

Of course, as I mentioned, she didn't have that much of a presence in the game, but that didn't mean that she had no personality whatsoever. In fact, that was only natural.

After all, this wasn't a game but a reality.

Realizing this, I diligently learned about important people so that I wouldn't be caught off guard later. For example, I began reading about the history of big families, their heads and heirs, their social standing, etc., even before I met Lyra for the first time.

All of them could be an element I needed to be aware of when making decisions, and perhaps the most notable one was Beatrice, the emperor of the nation. To list all the things that I had discovered about her... would be a hassle, but in short, aside from being unnecessarily attractive for a mother, she was quite volatile.

Her temperament was described as apathetic yet random at times, and no one really knew what was going on in her head. Based on her few dialogues and reactions to the different things Lyra did in the game, though, I could conclude that she was unexpectedly carefree.

So, I wasn't all that scared when summoned to the palace, but sitting before such an incredible person still made me a bit nervous. The atmosphere was too tense.

''First of all, Blaire de Dreux.''

In the absolute silence, Beatrice's voice proudly fell, and all the pressure was suddenly on the violet-haired lady.

''Y-Yes, Your Majesty!''

''You have committed a serious offense, and for that, don't expect to be let off lightly.''

The noblest's stern words seemed to have an immense effect on Blaire and her family; their faces turned ghastly ashen. I could almost see the impulse on the villainess's expression, but before that could turn into action, her two mothers quickly stopped her.

''Let this be an example for high society as a whole. No matter how noble and powerful you are, in Libre, no one is above the law... and the law is settled by the imperial family.'' The emperor nonchalantly continued. ''I will personally decide the punishment for the Dreuxs later, but know that it is not going to be light.''

''We humbly accept your will, Your Majesty.'' The head of Dreux bowed her head.

''If you could just act this way during the trip, hm? If you weren't a Dreux, Lady Blaire, you and your family wouldn't be sitting here with us right now.''

''I—''

''We are eternally grateful for your mercy, Your Majesty!''

Oh, wow. Beatrice was seriously mad, I see. I supposed she really treasured her daughter.

Aside from that, Blaire was indeed an idiot, but her parents weren't half-bad.

Firmly shut the troublemaker up and quickly accept Heaven's verdict without showing an ounce of dissatisfaction—exactly what I would do in a similar situation.

...But it also meant that they would probably lay low for the next few years or so. I was sure none of them would want to tarnish their reputation further. It was a net gain, I suppose.

''Rachael.''

''Yes, mother.''

After terrorizing a ducal family, Beatrice unceremoniously turned to her daughter. With a noticeably softer tone, she nodded,

''Good job not letting yourself be taken away. Keep up the good work, and congratulations on your relationship.''

As she said that, her gaze subtly moved to me, and for a moment... she seemed to be smiling. Not long after, Rachael also peeked at me, her mellowed eyes turning crescent.

''Thank you, mother.''

Even without further exchanges, there seemed to be a mutual understanding of something between those two. More alarmingly, I could sense that both of them had for me certain kinds of affection, and I... was weak against it.

I was weak against people showing me affection, saying that they liked me, and whatnot.

So, I could only nod shyly and pretend to focus on my dessert. That was my way of saying, 'all attention go away!'

...But of course, it wasn't that easy to remove the 'I am the one!' halo on my head after being shown that much interest by both the princess and the emperor.

In any case, after that fiasco, the dinner fell silent again. Occasionally, I happened to glance upon Blaire, who was nearly exploding from anger, with her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel, which greatly concerned me.

The emperor didn't care one bit, though. She instead began to inquire the other nobles about various subjects relating to the business trip. It was at this point that I realized she had called us all here mainly for this. A meeting of sorts, I suppose.

In that sense, perhaps my presence here was only secondary. A part of me was relieved; another part resented Beatrice for taking away my time with Lyra, but I was mostly fine with it. After all, even if I knew Rachael wouldn't be hurt easily, I still worried for her.

Once we were allowed to excuse ourselves, Rachael immediately took me to the balcony near her office. In the distance, a mesmerizing sea of light—proof of civilization—could be seen.

Did she realize that I liked scenery such as this?

''I'm glad that you're fine.''

''I know.''

A rather confident answer from the princess made me chuckle. More than anything, her warmth, which was like the sun, always reassured me during these cold nights. Really, how could anyone resist such a person?

''Rachael, let's hug.''

''Sure. Come here.''

For just a few moments, I let myself be comfortable inside her embrace. For just a few moments, I decided to forget all of my problems. For just a few moments, I would be the happiest girl in the world.

''...Cecilia.''

''Yes?''

''Are you crying?''

''Oh... no. It seems something has gotten into my eyes.''

Still worried for me, Rachael then silently took me inside. After the princess tentatively gave me a wet towel to clean my face up, she... knelt before me.

''Cecilia. I want to talk about your health.'' She softly said, holding my hands.

''...''

''I know this is not a comfortable topic for you, but we need to address it.''

''...Mhm.''

''Come with me. Her Majesties have something to tell you.''

Once again, my heart, which was nearing to stabilize, began to beat loudly again. In fact, it wasn't just an uncomfortable topic for me, but it was painful just to think about.

Yet... I didn't want to trouble my lover.

So, I could only follow along.

Soon, we arrived at the emperor's office. Before entering, Rachael kindly smiled at me and kissed my forehead as if to assure me that everything would be alright.

I wasn't sure if my 'reassuring smile' came out right afterward. Nonetheless, we went inside.

The emperor's office was nearly twice as decorated as Rachael's. Just by the looks of the furniture and present personal belongings, she definitely spent lots of time here.

''No need for formality. Just sit down.''

Beatrice's voice snapped me back. The emperor, now dressed thinner than before, was now sitting at her desk with the second empress fittingly in her arms.

Both of them looked at us with ambiguity in their eyes. A brief silence ensued, and it wasn't until Beatrice had had her fill of the wine that she addressed us.

No, she addressed me.

''Cecilia de Orleans.''

''Yes, Your Majesty.''

As I anticipated her next words, a strange sense of emptiness swole within me. Was it because I knew that I would end up disappointing these people regardless?

So, I waited with a guilty heart.

But... the words that came right after were a bit strange.

''Call me mother-in-law, not 'Your Majesty.'''

...Already?