Chapter 54

I was invited to a conversation with Claudia about Asulin. After I bowed and left the room, Claudia’s stern expression that she had maintained throughout, except for when she loosened up after drinking, changed in an instant.

She had always been someone who could command respect with just her gaze and gestures, even when commanding on the battlefield, earning her the title of ‘Iron Woman’ due to her unflinching resolve. But now, there was something different.

“Guess the door must be worn out from all those looks.”

Asulin, who was still looking at the closed door after I left, wore a playful smile as she spoke. Even when she relaxed after enjoying a good drink, it didn’t compare to the current expression she wore.

Claudia’s playful look was so evident that even Asulin, who had momentarily looked away from the door, was startled.

While it might be risky to take a ruler’s expression at face value, accepting this playful look without question would indeed be naive.

“Do you really think the palace’s side door would wear out from your stares?”

“Well, it would have needed to be incredibly intense. More like melting than wearing down.”

“…”

With a shrug, Asulin’s response was met with Claudia’s mischievous grin, which seemed to stem purely from innocent jest.

What could have caused such a playful look to appear on the young empress’s face?

Ever since she was called the ‘Iron Woman’ and only displayed sternness, the appearance of playfulness was anything but ordinary.

Sure enough,

“So, how is it?”

“…How what?”

“Marriage?”

“…!!”

This was a question about one of life’s biggest events—marriage.

Given that we’ve known each other since childhood and she recently became a married woman, it was natural for me to ask her how it was going.

Claudia, whose face showed no emotion other than playfulness, observed Asulin’s reactions closely as she spoke.

“…”

Though Asulin didn’t answer, her changing expressions conveyed her answer clearly.

Her face was turning red. Quite vividly red.

Even after surviving another day on the battlefield and mourning those who didn’t make it, never had her face flushed like this, even after drinking copious amounts of wine.

“Wh… What?!”

Finally answering, her face continued to flush uncontrollably, and everything about her felt somewhat unfamiliar to Claudia.

“Indeed…”

The unfamiliarity of her friend didn’t bother Claudia as much as she thought it would.

It wasn’t panic that made her friend’s face flush; rather, it indicated that her newlywed life was surprisingly satisfying.

“It seems your marriage is going well if you can’t even speak.”

“What do you mean?!”

Claudia enjoyed watching Asulin’s strong denial, recalling a time not long ago.

During the Succession War, just before victory, they were discussing post-war arrangements. When the topic of dealing with opposition members came up, despite being cautious about the severity of their actions, they reaffirmed their stance against leniency.

When the decision was made to punish the Failord Count Family, who had caused significant damage during the war, Claudia suggested making an example of the Failord Count’s son to discipline the opposition. This was when she recalled the shocked face of her friend.

The Failord Count Family was naturally a subject of controversy. Initially neutral, they betrayed their allies by joining forces with the main army when they saw an opportunity to advance.

Claudia remembered the Failord Count, who pretended to be dignified and proper until he saw his chance to rise higher, raising his sword almost instantly.

Despite not having lived very long, she had rarely shown such passion, and it was this very person who provoked her anger.

The feelings towards the Failord Count Family were naturally negative, especially considering their choice during the Succession War, unlike other nobles who chose Asulin over her neglectful siblings.

However, knowing that the Failord Count Family’s heir was more discerning than his father, leading to a temporary alliance that prevented the monsters from advancing further, was a fact she couldn’t ignore.

Despite his many faults, his son had accomplished feats that overshadowed his father’s mistakes.

Furthermore, through letters and intelligence networks, she had heard various stories about him.

Unlike his father, who gave him the easiest front while placing him on the most dangerous, he led his troops with tenacity, maintaining the line even when facing superior numbers.

His swordsmanship was comparable to her own, and he risked his life to save the Caladbolg Knights from a monster ambush, showcasing his noble qualities.

His final act, declaring surrender to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, highlighted his commitment to the greater good.

Andromion felt more threatening than Dominus, despite his efforts to undermine her.

With Dominus defeated, Andromion became the most crucial figure to deal with next.

Originally, the consequences of the father’s actions should have been borne by him, but given that he had escaped death, the son bore the brunt of it.

Claudia, who hadn’t liked the family responsible for the betrayal, had no qualms about punishing them.

But observing Andromion’s abilities, she realized that punishing him would be a waste.

From the moment she decided to use the marriage as a means to control him, her thoughts began to take shape.

She vividly remembered her friend’s shock and reluctance to defend Andromion.

The friend’s reaction mirrored her own experience, making it easy to recall.

How amusing it was, seeing the same anger towards the Failord Count Family, who had humiliated her and her family, transferred to his son through her letters.

Over time, her descriptions of the Count’s son softened.

Realizing this, Claudia, inspired by the situation, decided to tease her friend.

“Feigning ignorance won’t work. I’ve seen more than a day or two of you. If you’re unhappy, I’d know it from your expressions.”

Claudia’s playful smirk grew, teasing her friend.

This dilemma, where punishment seemed too harsh and leaving him alone wouldn’t serve as a deterrent, was resolved by this sudden idea.

It was like putting a collar on a dog, but instead of doing it herself, she did it through her friend’s marriage.

Although the plan was in her mind, executing it openly required courage.

But her friend’s quick action made Claudia feel grateful and wonder…

“Of course, having someone dependable by your side while you sleep, worrying about your drinking, and caring for you when you overexert yourself… It’s all great.”

…No doubt remained.

Claudia watched Asulin’s flushed face and boastful words, feeling a mix of amusement and pride.

“Enough. If you’re unhappy, I’ll file a complaint.”

But Asulin’s playful reply interrupted her.

“Is there anyone here?”

“Wait, what?”

Claudia, forgetting her imperial status, exclaimed,

“Yes. You’re happy because you’re with someone you like, right?!”

“If you’re unhappy, bring a nice guy and file a complaint!”

Their playful banter, reminiscent of their childhood friendship, continued relentlessly.

Fortunately, the隔音效果非常好，确保了除了在场的人外，没有人能听到他们的争吵。

新年第一天，在简短的官方活动后，她邀请了一位朋友来放松一下，却意外地发生了这样一场不和谐的争吵。然而，看到阿斯林在争吵中依然流露出幸福的表情，克劳迪亚感到了一种久违的羡慕之情。