Chapter 70
She is as cool as I imagined her to be! She looks like the kind of woman who can be a good boss. It's not that she has the same facial features, but she definitely looks like a former Takarazuka top star actress that I rather liked in my previous life.
(EDITOR's NOTE: Takarazuka Revue is basically an all-woman Japanese version of an American Broadway theatre company, read all about it in wikipedia if you want to know more)
"Ekaterina can be as strong-minded as her mother, you know. She's a sweet girl, though." (Prince)
Hey, Prince, is that a compliment or a letdown?
Having thought of that, my gaze turned to look at Mikhael whom I couldn't help but notice.
Ooh...the prince now really looks like a prince.
Come to think of it, I had only seen him in his school uniform. The school uniform is also nice, but it isn't regal. But today, they're wearing gorgeous outfits with gold braids or something, and their royal aura is in full swing.
Mikhael was also a sight to behold.
"...Speaking of which, this is the first time I've seen you outside of uniform. It's a nice dress, very mature, and it suits you well." (Mikhael)
......It's decent. A passable enough impression for a fifteen-year-old-boy. I guess my brother's flattery skills are still unrivaled, aren't they?
"I'm afraid not, Mikhael-sama is lovely too." (Ekaterina)
When I smiled, Mikhael blushed a little.
Sorry, please forgive me, I'm a villain, I don't want to be rude, but sometimes I just have to.
But in his position, he's probably going to be seduced by an even more amazing person, so he should get used to it while he can.
In this world, where marriages are arranged much earlier than in my past life, aren't you already being targeted as a husband candidate? What are you doing blushing like this? Good luck, Prince.
"Well, it's been another splendid year!"
Empress Magdalena marveled at the entire rose garden that appeared after passing through the Arc of Vine Roses.
The royal family and the siblings of the Dukes of Yurinova were now strolling through the garden. After admiring the roses, they had lunch together, which is their usual schedule.
"You seem to be doing well in the management of the mansion and the administration of the estate. You seem to be managing the another mansion and governing your domain as well." (Emperor)
"It's a pleasure receiving your praise, your Highness. We still have a long way to go." (Alexei)
Alexei responded to the emperor's words. As he had been Mikhael's playmate at the imperial castle since he was a child, the emperor knew him well and had high expectations of him.
"I met my grandfather......the other day, His Majesty the First Emperor, and he asked if Sergei's grandson was well. He was very reminiscent of your grandfather." (Emperor)
3rd POV
The previous emperor, Valentine, whom Sergei had served, was still alive, and the throne of the Yurigran Empire was basically passed down through succession.
Valentine was the younger brother of Alexei's grandmother Alexandra. He was intelligent, but sickly and timid, and was deeply grateful to Sergei for supporting him.
He was a man who could not stand against his fierce sister, but he was concerned about Alexei after Sergei's passing.
When the day eventually came for Mikhael to ascend to the throne, Alexei, like his grandfather Sergei, would serve as his vizier and minister.
When that happens, I'll be able to take over the internal affairs of the dukedom, and I'll tear down and rip apart my brother's 'overworked to death' flag!
Ekaterina thought as she clenched her fists in her heart.
"Ekaterina, your dress is lovely. It's a beautiful shade of blue."
Ekaterina's POV
It's here!
My fist was still internally clenched when the Empress spoke to me.
"I am honored to receive such a compliment from the Empress. Actually, we are using a new dye that was discovered in Yurinova territory. It's said to be cheaper and more beautiful than the usual lapis lazuli we've been using." (Ekaterina)
"Oh my." (Empress)