A Villainess For The Tyrant

Word was going around that the imperial chef was buckling under the pressure of filling the dragons appetite for chicken, which had grown along with his size. The beast was freeloading off the national treasure, so wasnt it natural that he put in some effort to earn his keep?

Cecile, if I told you to return to the villa now, late as it is, would Estian started.

Without waiting for Estian to finish, Cecile took off the blue phoenixs blood drop earring and threw it to the ground. The phoenix manifested itself amidst blue flames and screeched happily at seeing Cecile. It perched on her shoulder and rubbed its face against her cheek. After she fainted in the aftermath of the events at Etia, Estian had fortunately retrieved the phoenix from the city.

Cant this child beat those phantom beasts?

It can, but Estian wore a conflicted look. Hed intended on dealing with it by himself in moderation, but why had it turned out like this? You wont go back even if I tell you to, will you?

Yes, Im coming along no matter what. If you leave me behind, Ill mobilize the knights and order them to Follow me to aid His Majesty who has gone in search of apples!

Estian was at a loss of words, and he rubbed his face with a hand as the back of his neck burned. This was precisely why he hadnt wanted this matter to be known. Estian wanted to do everything for Cecile, and after reading Maggies letter, he knew the quickest way to get the apples was to act in person.

He hadnt felt embarrassed until the moment Cecile found out.I didnt want to show her this side of me,he thought, as his face began to heat up. He was the emperorthe ruler and master of everyone and everything. Cecile was very happy about his status. How many times had she mentioned being glad about becoming empress after coming to Aluna? So, Estian wished his wife to only see him composed and leisurely, with an attitude worthy of the title of emperor. He wanted her to feel as much enjoyment as possible, without glimpsing his struggles, but alas it was all for naught.

Still, its exciting, Cecile said.

What is?

I like going around like this with Your Majesty, walking the mountain trails at night! Cecile took a large bite out of the apple she was holding with genuine glee on her face. There wasnt a hint of mockery or disappointment in her expression, only uncontainable enjoyment, and it made Estian chuckle despite himself.

It turned out he was wasting time worrying when it couldve been better spent thinking of Cecile. He stole the apple from Ceciles hand and took a large bite himself before asking the one thing that now bothered him. Its good and all, but why did you switch back to Your Majesty again?

* * *

They were able to locate the apple farm Maggie mentioned without difficulty. Of course, it was thanks to Estian running over the steep and long mountain path with Cecile in his arms. A wide apple orchard was soon visible beyond the ridges filled with the sounds of bugs in the grass.

The phantom beasts apparently appear when you go close, so Cecile, stay here. This time Cecile listened obediently and nodded; even in her stubbornness, she knew her limits. Seeing Cecile nod, Estian glanced at the blue phoenix and ordered, YouIm pretty sure youre capable of setting up a protective barrier?

The phoenix cooed, and a dome of pale blue light appeared around Cecile. She gazed at the phenomenon blankly for a moment, then in an accusatory tone, she grumbled, Hey, you didnt make something like this last time!

The phoenix crowed with an indignant look, as if to complain, I mean, you didnt ask me that time!