Chapter 14
14. To the Dian Estate
On the morning of the third day after the wedding, I woke up being held in Emperor Alec’s arms. After changing clothes in our room, we went to the dining hall for breakfast.
After breakfast, a carriage was prepared. Our luggage was loaded, and Alec and I boarded the carriage.
We were going on our honeymoon to the Dian Estate.
I had heard that the Dian family had rebuilt their mansion from the small residence they had when they were a viscount family into a spacious new estate. There was also a guest room where we would be staying.
Several hours later, riding in a large, almost unshakable carriage, Alec and I arrived at the Dian estate. The mansion there was completely different from the small house Alec had come to fetch me from—it was large, new, and magnificent.
I had never disliked the small house of the viscount days, where the family could be close together, but seeing this wide, luxurious mansion made me truly realize that the Dian family had rebuilt their home.
Since it was summer break at the academy, Sophia had returned home as well and came to greet us.
“Welcome, Your Majesty, Emperor, Your Majesty, Empress.”
“It’s a humble countryside estate, but please take your time and enjoy your stay.”
“We are honored that you chose our estate for your honeymoon.”
Alec smiled and nodded while my parents and Sophia offered their greetings.
“We appreciate it. Tomorrow, I would also like to inspect the factories,” Alec said.
“Please do come and see them,” my father replied.
“We are expanding our sewing factories and planning to build dormitories in the orchards on our new lands, so that workers can work more comfortably,” my mother added.
Hearing my parents’ words, I thought of Cecil. Since she had wished to become a seamstress, we had initially planned to create a sewing factory. But my parents had gone further, now building dormitories in the orchards so both women and men could work comfortably. I could feel that the society Cecil had wished for—a society where women could live independently—was slowly coming closer.
“The Dian family’s efforts will likely inspire other estates to adopt similar measures. It’s wonderful,” Alec said.
“We are honored by your praise,” my father said.
“It is thanks to His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress,” my mother added.
Alec also praised my parents’ initiatives, and they bowed deeply in gratitude.
We had lunch at the Dian estate. The dining hall was larger, and the number of servants had increased. Alec and I sat side by side, with my parents and Sophia across from us. The dishes served were all nostalgic to me.
Chilled soup with fresh summer vegetables, pasta with mushrooms and bacon, and sautéed white fish.
I had thought Alec might be unsure of how to eat these unfamiliar dishes, but seeing me enjoy the food, he smiled and ate as well. As he had said himself, when I enjoy a dish, he can enjoy it too.
“The vegetables in the summer vegetable soup are from our garden,” Sophia explained.
“Lesley also grows vegetables in the courtyard, and they are very delicious. Growing them in the garden makes them so fresh and tasty.”
“I’m honored that you like them.”
Sophia’s explanation led Alec to mention that I had a vegetable garden in the palace courtyard. My parents and Sophia were unsurprised, though most people would likely have been amazed. After all, the Empress herself tended a vegetable garden.
I wondered if I should tell Alec to not talk about it too much, but Sophia began chatting with him.
“Her Majesty used to grow vegetables even when the estate was still a viscount’s residence. Now, we can buy vegetables without gardening, but once you taste freshly harvested ones you’ve grown yourself, purchased ones feel bland.”
“I understand that feeling. The vegetables Lesley grows are especially delicious, and other vegetables feel lacking by comparison.”
“Even Your Majesty understands?”
“That’s because they are fresh.”
Since Alec and Sophia were enjoying talking about gardening, I decided not to interrupt.
After lunch, Alec and I were shown to our guest room.
The room had a large bed meant for a couple—it was the only bed. There was also a sofa set, making it clear that the Dian family was well-off.
“Lesley, aren’t you tired?” Alec asked.
“I’m fine. The carriage was very comfortable and hardly shook at all,” I replied.
“It was made for the Emperor. Lesley, if you’re not tired, may I ask a favor?”
“What is it?”
Alec smiled mischievously.
“I’d like you to let me rest my head on your lap.”
Just as Gane had once begged Cecil for a lap pillow, Alec seemed to enjoy having his head on my lap. I didn’t mind, so I sat properly and patted my lap.
“Please,” I said.
“Then, excuse me,” Alec said, laying his head on my thigh.
His long, silky silver hair spread over my lap, and his dazzlingly beautiful face rested there. His closed eyes made his silver lashes look smoky, but even hidden, his beauty remained flawless.
As I ran my fingers through his silky hair, Alec looked comfortable. Gane had also liked having his hair stroked when Cecil gave him a lap pillow.
“Are you sleepy, Alec?”
“No, but it feels good,” he said.
I continued stroking his hair as he relaxed with his eyes closed.
During tea time, we went to the tea room where my parents and Sophia were already waiting. When Alec and I sat, they took seats on the sofa. Tea was poured into cups, and I looked at the light snacks, cakes, and sweets on the table.
When the Dian family was still a viscount household, they could not provide such an abundance of treats, and sometimes there wasn’t even time for tea.
Feeling the difference in the Dian family, I served myself some pumpkin pudding and quiche. Alec took the same items. My parents and Sophia also took some, and a pleasant tea time began.
“Aren’t you tired from the long journey?” my father asked.
“Resting in the room took care of any fatigue,” Alec replied.
“It wasn’t a long trip, so I’m not tired at all,” I said.
Seeing our responses, my father smiled with relief.
“Regarding tomorrow’s factory inspection… since Your Majesty and Her Majesty will be visiting, the seamstresses might have to pause work…”
“That’s not necessary. It’s an inspection, so I want to see their usual workflow,” Alec said.
“I also want to see how the seamstresses work. I have no intention of disturbing them,” I added.
Hearing our responses, my father seemed relieved.
“The seamstresses are commoners, so they may not know how to behave properly in front of the Emperor and Empress.”
“That doesn’t matter. They can behave as usual,” Alec said.
“I don’t mind either,” I added.
My father likely knew I wouldn’t mind, but he seemed concerned about Alec’s impression. Our answers reassured him.
“Then, we shall guide you through the factory tomorrow.”
“The factory is very busy now producing dolls and stuffed animals in Your Majesties’ wedding attire. The seamstresses might not have much spare time, but please watch them at work.”
“This factory is one of the Dian family’s achievements. We will inspect it properly,” Alec said.
“I’m looking forward to it. Thank you,” I added.
For my parents and Sophia, I had become “Her Majesty the Empress,” and they had to treat me with respect. It felt a little lonely, knowing that I would no longer be casually called “Lesley” or “elder sister” as before.
But this is the responsibility of the Empress. It felt lonely, yet inevitable.
I am the Emperor’s one and only wife, his legitimate consort.
At that moment, I felt proud of this and resolved to fulfill my duties as Empress with diligence.
