By Zephyria 
Ruben had a mother who gave birth to him and raised him. A very healthy and young mother at that.
My blood relatives all met Ruben. Whether by choice or by force, they were in a position where they couldn’t not know Ruben, but my parents had tea with Ruben separately at times when I was present, and my younger siblings also called Ruben “Hyung” or “Oppa” and treated him as if he were their own sibling. It was all thanks to Ruben’s consistent efforts.
However, I still had not met my prospective mother-in-law.
Of course, I had plenty of excuses. When I lived close to the Imperial Palace, it was a time when I admonished myself that I shouldn’t covet Ruben yet. After I began to desire Ruben, I was too busy traveling the entire continent to fulfill the duties left to me as a burden.
But Ruben was just as busy, wasn’t he? Since Ruben took such good care of my family, I had to do the same. We had already promised our engagement, and he was determined to become my consort, so I absolutely had to gain my mother-in-law’s approval.
But the children’s reaction to my ambition was rather lukewarm.
“No, isn’t that obvious? Why the long face?”
“No, well… that? It’s not that there’s a problem… Uh, it’s common sense, right?”
“Yes.”
“The former Empress is incredibly particular and a difficult person when it comes to etiquette?”
“…What?”
“…”
“…What do you mean.”
“Perhaps it would be better to start by learning Fan Language…”
“…What?”
Good heavens.
Now?
❖ ❖ ❖
Rubel said he worked from 9 AM to 6 PM every day.
To be precise, as soon as the morning sun rose, he would have his breakfast and immediately skim through reports and newspapers about all the events that had occurred in the Empire the previous night. Two aides and fifteen attendants read the newspapers with Rubel and helped with necessary errands. He said these were usually simple tasks performed daily, only considered significant in cases of natural disasters or crimes.
After spending an hour or two on such simple matters and waking up a bit, he would review copies of summaries of requests from across the country that had been presented to the Emperor. If any matter caught his interest, he would examine the original document, assign an appropriate judge or official, and then have lunch.
After lunch, he would take a short nap for about thirty minutes, and upon waking, he would exercise. This time was mostly spent on simple stretching followed by swordsmanship practice. I was so thrilled to hear that he always held a sword for at least an hour every day, no matter how busy the week was.
Did I not say I wanted to like what you like?
The proof that he had consistently thought of me even when I was away was etched onto his body. Still, if he was going to exercise, he should have eaten properly. I decided it was fine, as I planned to check if he was eating three meals a day from now on.
After a quick wash with an Artifact, his afternoon duties awaited.
It was common for him to meet with five to six nobles or wizards sequentially or simultaneously to discuss matters of imperial administration. He explained that if he didn’t have time to eat properly, he would substitute meals with hearty tea foods during these meetings.
After dealing with all the assigned individuals for the day, he would engage in personal study. He said this usually involved reading a paper or related book on a new theory he hadn’t fully understood that day and then briefly summarizing it.
Did I look at him with suspicion? Rubel paused while cutting vegetables covered in cream sauce into bite-sized pieces and whined in a rather alluring tone.
“Still, I’ll definitely leave work by six now. When you weren’t here, I used to stay at my desk until ten at night, but that was just because I missed you and didn’t want to be alone…”
“…Yes. Do you always eat at this time?”
“Yes. I intend to now.”
According to the original law, I should not be staying at the Imperial Palace. It would be proper to stay at the Valentia townhouse and come in the morning and leave the palace in the evening. However, perhaps because the period I was apart from him was so long, I couldn’t bring myself to say I would leave the palace immediately.
Moreover, Rubel was so busy that he didn’t have time to play with me during the day.
At best, he could spend time with me during his swordsmanship practice, but I couldn’t take away his already limited training hours.
“So, we’ll eat dinner together every day now… and stay up late. If you’re uncomfortable, I’ll give you my adjacent room, so can’t you sleep there? Father and Mother aren’t in the capital right now… and Hael and Adel aren’t here yet, so what’s the point of being alone in the townhouse? Hmm?”
“…That.”
“Still, stay with me until I fall asleep. You know, it still feels like a dream that you’re here, Mika. No, let’s sleep together. Please? Just holding hands is fine. I won’t do anything bad.”
That’s something I should be saying, not Rubel.
Even if the servants who attended to meals pretended to be blind and deaf, as humans, I couldn’t help but be conscious of their gazes.
Before the child could say anything more, I nodded.
“Yes. I will.”
“…Really?”
“Yes.”
“…Sleep together?”
“Yes.”
I would only feel at ease if I indulged all of the child’s requests.
I also preferred spending time separately during the day and being with Rubel at night.
For some reason, Rubel couldn’t receive visitors in the morning, so I was mindful of that. Perhaps it was because after receiving visitors, his eyes and expression would soften and melt, and he couldn’t face his business partners with such a dazed look.
I concluded this matter and also revealed my concerns and aspirations to Rubel.
Rubel laughed heartily.
If a person’s laughter could shake the roof, it was a cheerful and joyous laugh that could easily make the tall ceiling of this Imperial Palace slide off and collapse. When I asked why, he just looked embarrassed and didn’t give a proper answer.
However, the words about me wanting to take etiquette lessons seemed to be received with pleasure by Rubel.
“You want to win over Mother’s favor?”
“Yes.”
“Set your goal like that… Ah, what should I do? I’m already so happy.”
“…Hmm.”
If I had known he would be this delighted by such a thing, I would have prepared earlier.
Indeed, regardless of age, one should listen to the words of those close to them. I should have learned etiquette lessons patiently when my parents suggested it. Then I wouldn’t have to be so anxious now.
No, that’s not right. Is there a time for learning? I considered it fortunate that I now had the leisure to turn my attention to such trivial matters.
“Then I’ll have to assign you an etiquette teacher… I don’t know if we can find a suitable person in the Imperial Palace right now.”
“Anyone is fine with me.”
“Well, Mika, you are an adult. And yesterday… I was too surprised to speak properly, but everyone knows you are a Grand Sword Master. And that you will receive a title comparable to a Duke’s.”
“…Yes.”
“As your status rises, everyone will be intimidated by you. It’s natural that no one will be able to point out any etiquette breaches you make. So, no matter what etiquette teacher I bring, I don’t think they’ll be able to teach you enough to meet Mother’s standards.”
Just what kind of person is the former Empress that everyone is so afraid?
Or was my etiquette that lacking? Rubel looked at the hand holding his cutlery, then at mine. Thanks to learning proper dining etiquette, mine looked undeniably correct.
“If I had more free time, I would teach you myself.”
“If you’re going to spare time, it’s better to give me time to play.”
“…That’s true.”
Rubel, who was pondering, let out a groan and spoke again.
“There is one person who comes to mind who might be free…”
“Lucilla?”
“…No? She’s just a wild boar. Forget etiquette lessons, she’s eager to play with you. She’s also busy helping out at the Duchy of Grimesbane with the members of the Nico family.”
“…Ah.”
“Not her…”
Who could it be that he’s hesitating so much? I was even puzzled.
“Is it an uncomfortable person?”
“No, um… not really for me? But I’m worried because your compatibility with Mika might not be good.”
“Hmm.”
“Do you want to try? You can stop immediately if you don’t like it.”
“Yes. I will.”
How could I not notice the honey dripping from Rubel’s gaze as he looked at me?
I gestured for him to finish his meal, and he popped a potato with a rounded edge into his mouth. My stomach felt full just watching him chew. He didn’t forget to eat the meat and vegetables I pointed out, and he whispered in a gentle tone.
“Still, don’t push yourself too hard.”
“Why is that?”
“Who in the world wouldn’t like you? Even if she is my mother, she will eventually come to like you.”
“… ”
“Because I, whom she cherishes dearly, love you.”
He’s so lovely.
For whatever reason, there was a limit to what I could hear about Kate Anti Sieron from Rubel’s lips. All I knew about her was what any Academy student would know: that she was the second daughter of the Marquisate of Antines and that she gave birth to the twins Rubel and Lucilla the year after her marriage.
However, it didn’t seem natural for the communication to be so limited while living in the same palace.
Did Rubel receive all the affection that should have been poured onto Lucilla? If so, the current situation was even more strange. Rubel was already the Emperor, so her dream was practically fulfilled. I couldn’t understand why she was being so cold.
In any case, I would be able to make a judgment after meeting her in person.
Before that, I had to at least make an effort to appear favorable to my mother-in-law.
This was the reason I was introduced to Poplar Kiadris the very next day.