Side story 15 Part 1
* * *
Aristine slowly opened her eyes.
Her eyes were still heavy with sleep, so she blinked a few times to focus and instinctively reached for the space beside her.
“…?”
The warmth she expected to feel wasn’t there.
“Khan…?”
There was no response.
The space next to her was empty.
‘What the?’
Tarkan had clearly been lying next to her when she took an afternoon nap.
Ever since she got pregnant, their daily routine had become Tarkan giving her a massage, the two of them chat away softly until they drift off to sleep together.
Aristine had never once woken up alone.
‘Did something happen?’
Maybe some issue had come up regarding state affairs. Normally, Aristine would have been involved too but Tarkan had grown overprotective since she got pregnant.
And it wasn’t just Tarkan.
Everyone around Aristine, from her court ladies to other family members and even the generals, they all acted the same way. Even when it was the smallest of things, they tended to not bother her with them because they were afraid she might stress over them.
Of course, Aristine, who had already seen and experienced so much through the Monarch’s Sight since she was a child was not easily shocked.
If anything, she was indifferent.
Yet, they still acted that way.
‘Come to think of it, the palace has been oddly lively these past few days.’
It wasn’t noisy or rowdy. However, there was a certain liveliness in people’s eyes, actions and the way they were moving around.
‘If something’s going on then I should help too.’
With that thought, Aristine got out of bed and left the room.
As she stepped out, the Feria Quartet, who had been playing live music in the adjoining room, noticed her and bowed their heads.
‘I guess I’ll be seeing them every time I’m pregnant,’ Aristine chuckled as she recalled the days when she was carrying Actsion.
As her eyes swept through the surroundings, she noticed the beautiful and rare flowers and plants that decorated the entire area.
Aristine smiled, taking in the refreshing scent that seemed to clear up her mind.
Her husband was so cute when he acted like this. He was like a bird earnestly decorating his nest.
‘My husband’s chest alone is enough for prenatal stimulation though.’
With a wide grin on her face, Aristine headed toward the main palace.
* * *
The Main Palace, Aristine’s Office.
“Greetings to Your Majesty.”
Viscount Joaquin, who managed all administrative affairs as Aristine’s aide, quickly bowed his head when she entered.
“How are you feeling, Your Majesty?”
“Good.”
“Is that so? I heard you’re not eating well though…”
“It’s nothing to worry about.”
Aristine walked over to her desk and sat down.
“Is there anything special that I should know about?”
“I haven’t heard of any issues.”
“Really?”
“Yes, you don’t need to worry about state affairs. I’m sure you know what kind of person His Grace, Grand Duke Launelian is.”
“Hm, true. Elder brother is the type to get things done once he starts.”
“Even when Your Majesty was away on your trip, he nagged us every day, saying we better not make things difficult for his sister when she returns.”
“…Sorry.”
“Now, he’s making a fuss about how we better not bother his pregnant sister so…”
“…”
“I’d like to ask, ‘Is there really a need to check such trivial matters personally?’ but he’s checking everything.”
Viscount Joaquin’s eyes clouded over as he spoke.
“Really sorry.”
“No need to apologize.”
Viscount Joaquin immediately shook his head and smiled. However, Aristine could tell.
‘It’s one of those intricacies of socializing.’
After three years as Emperor, even someone who had been isolated like Aristine couldn’t help but pick up on certain subtleties.
“I’ll make sure you get a special bonus.”
“Haha! This is work for Your Esteemed and Honorable Imperial Majesty! How could I possibly accept extra compensation for serving our Emperor!”
Aristine laughed.
“Really? So you don’t need the bonus then? Alright, forg—.”
“I’m not saying that I need it and I’m definitely not asking for it, but!”
Viscount Joaquin quickly interjected.
“It would be against etiquette to refuse what has been bestowed unto me by Your Majesty.”
“…”
“It is only natural that I, Raymond Joaquin, lay down my life for Your Majesty and I am simply moved by Your Majesty’s imperial grace for bestowing me with honor even for such a natural thing.”
“Raymond Joaquin, you always have too much to say.”
“That is my charm, is it not?”
Viscount Joaquin grinned widely.
“If you couldn’t speak, perhaps.”
Aristine leaned back in her chair.
Despite his light-hearted demeanor, Viscount Joaquin was exceptionally skilled at his job. He was truly a rising powerhouse in the current political sphere.
Of course, that was to be expected.
‘Because just like Ritlen, he’s someone I won over after seeing his potential with the Monarch’s Sight.’
Not only was he excellent at administrative work, but he also had a keen understanding of the political landscape.
“It’s not just His Highness Launelian. You know how capable Marchioness Paellamien is too, Your Majesty,” Viscount Joaquin added.
“Right. When it comes to work, Paella can’t be beat.”
“Indeed, so there’s nothing you need to worry about, Your Majesty. You’ve worked so hard for the past 3 years. Now, it’s time for you to get a good rest.”
Aristine stared at Viscount Joaquin in silence.
He grinned, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking.
“—But even if I say all that, Your Majesty is not going to say ‘Sure, I understand. I’ll stop worrying’, right?”
“Sounds like you know me well.”
“Well, I’ve been working with Your Majesty for several years now.”
Viscount Joaquin handed her a set of documents.
“I’ve prepared a summary of current affairs for your convenience. I figured you might stop by this week.”
Aristine immediately began flipping through the documents. They were well-organized, making it easy to immediately understand the current state of things.
“Hm, like you said, there’s not much that needs my attention. Everything major looks taken care of, too.”
“Of course.”
“And today?”
“Today?”
“Did anything happen today?”
Viscount Joaquin tilted his head, puzzled.
“By anything, you mean…”
“I woke up from a nap and Tarkan wasn’t there. That’s never happened before so I was wondering if something happened.”
“…”
Viscount Joaquin was speechless.
‘So, the reason she’s worried that something huge happened is because—’
“…So, all this is because you woke up from your nap alone?”
“…?”
“No, nothing.”
Viscount Joaquin ran a hand over his face.
‘Meanwhile I don’t even have a wife, let alone a girlfriend to nap with!’
It was unfair. He had gotten used to the affectionate displays of the imperial couple, but for some reason, it stung more than usual today.
‘I’ve woken up alone my entire life!’
Indeed, Raymond Joaquin had been single since birth.
‘If I wasn’t so busy, I’d already be, I’d already be…!’
“What’s with the disrespectful look in your eyes?”
“Me? Impossible! How could I dare look at Your Majesty with disrespect? Haha!”
“Lower your eyes.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Aristine placed the documents back on the desk and fell into thought.
“Nothing big happened but it’s strange.”
“What part?”
“Everyone seems strangely busy. The atmosphere in the palace also feels chaotic. Don’t you think so?”
Viscount Joaquin felt pricked and smiled.
“I don’t know, I’m not quite sure about that.”
“Really? Maybe I’m just being sensitive…”
“Well, this is a sensitive time for you. Now, shall we go? I’ll escort you.”
Viscount Joaquin offered his arm to Aristine.
Accepting his escort, Aristine left the main palace.
“You’re not taking the carriage?”
“I feel like walking a bit.”
“Then I shall accompany you, Your Majesty.”
“Aren’t you busy?”
“I always have time to escort Your Majesty the Emperor.”
“You’re not trying to get another bonus, are you?”
“Haha! If you offer, I’ll be grateful. But walking with Your Majesty is my joy.”
Aristine chuckled.
- Forget My Husband, I’ll Go Make Money – Side Story 15.2 - November 4, 2024
- Emilone’s Temptation Labyrinth – Chapter 63 - November 3, 2024
- Forget My Husband, I’ll Go Make Money – Side Story 15.1 - November 3, 2024
Poor Aristine, You are in for a shock when you know about the war of thrones they are having to make you eat 😂😂😂