Word Count - 1,755 words
"My lady, please meet Dina Fritz, she will be my assistant teacher today. She teaches Ethics at the academy, but also specializes in the subject of marriages and family..."
Y/n stood up from her seat, she smiled as she offered a hand to Dina. Zeke's mother.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Fritz."
Dina accepted her hand.
She was stunned when the blonde woman kissed the back of her hand as she curtsy to her. "I'm very honored to have you as my student, my lady." Dina said with a smile.
Y/n can't help but see Zeke in Dina.
Both are gentle-mannered, though Zeke is way more playful, while Dina is careful.
"I have come with my son today, my lady. But he isn't allowed to see you as you're the emperor's fiancé. My son is still an unmarried young man. It's not appropriate for you and him to meet." Dina said.
The h/c-haired lady awkwardly smiled.
He already saw me though...
"That is fine. I hope he enjoys strolling around the imperial palace. Shall we start? The weather is nice for learning today."
Dina and Y/n took a seat on their respective chairs, as well as Mrs. Finger.
They're going to team up in teaching Y/n about the lesson Y/n was tasked to learn about just last night.
"So if I were to give birth to a prince, my son will be appointed as the crown prince because I'm the reigning empress? What would happen to Prince Evan, then...?"
Y/n asked. She looks uncomfortable with the fact that she learned. "Yes, my lady. It has always been like that. As for Prince Evan, he will be given the position of a Grand Prince, or an archduke of a land or any high position higher than the loyal subjects of the emperor. For me it isn't bad, but for the others it might be an insult to Prince Evan as he is the first son of the emperor, and previous empress."
The h/c-haired lady swallowed the lump on her throat. "Prince Evan should still be the crown prince." Dina and Mrs. Finger were both surprised by Y/n's statement.
"As a respect to the previous empress, I'm sure the emperor would also want that. I do not mind if my son won't become the crown prince and future emperor, I only want the best for my child." Y/n said.
Dina and Mrs. Finger stared at Y/n.
They both smiled at Y/n's answer.
She passed the test of being a good mother, though it wasn't the right answer when they're basing on the book's teaching.
Dina is grading Y/n by her own basis.
"If the emperor took in a concubine, I should respect the decision, and be a role model to his woman as the senior woman leading the inner court." Y/n recited.
Though she said it perfectly, her face screams great disagreement.
"My lady, is tht how you really feel?"
Y/n stared at Dina with a stunned face.
"Pardon...?"
Dina sighed. "Will you really be okay with the emperor taking in a concubine?"
Y/n went silent for a moment while she keep her stare at the blonde woman.
She then looked away, brows furrowing. Her mind began to imagine Erwin.
The blond man will go to her and inform her about a woman he took interest in, and to take the woman in as his concubine.
Y/n felt heaviness in her heart, her breathing became fast as she felt the sudden anger rising within her. She clenched her fist out of annoyance.
"The emperor shouldn't have married me, and promised anything in his vows if he will just take in a concubine, Lady Dina."
Nanaba and Dir Mike who were just standing behind blinked twice, their jaws dropped by their lady's boldness.
What Y/n said could be an offense.
Especially that she talked about the emperor.
Dina smiled as she stared at Y/n, she's proud. Though Y/n answered out of her own emotions, and not by how she should, Y/n still said what she wanted to say.
"I've always believed that a man who loves a woman should never take interest in other women. Because love for a someone special can't be shared with another person whom you think is also special to you."
Y/n picked up her cup of tea, she sipped on it, looking calm despite what she said.
She's standing her ground.
"Very well said, my lady."
--
Zeke stopped on his track upon realizing where his walking had led him. He stared at the soon-to-be empress' residence with curiosity.
The servants around are busy, bringing in the presents of the nobles for Lady Y/n.
"I'm sure any man is not allowed to be standing in front of the emperor's woman residence."
The blond guy almost jumped out of shock, hearing a familiar voice behind him.
He looked back and was surprised to see
Y/n, wearing a simple dress.
"My lady! W-what are you doing here?"
Is she working here?! Is she a servant?!
Y/n only smiled at him.
She continued on her way, making her way to the garden of lilies.
"A-are you a lady-in-waiting, my lady?"
A small chuckle left Y/n's lips.
She looked back at Zeke who's already following her. "Maybe."
Zeke pouted, he doesn't understand, but he's glad that he met Y/n again.
"This is the third time I met you, won't you still tell me your name?" Zeke asked.
"I'm afraid, but yes. I still won't tell."
Y/n and Zeke arrived at the garden of lilies.
No one is around.
Zeke wondered where his mother could be, since he knows that his mother is with the emperor's fiancé. Dina told him to just go to the lily garden if he needs something.
"Is the class of lady Y/n already done?"
Y/n smiled in amusement.
"Yes. Lady Dina and Mrs. Finger are having tea somewhere."
The truth is, Y/n didn't have her class at the lily garden today, but at the back of the palace where there is another garden.
Dina and Mrs. Finger are still there.
Y/n only left, excusing that she will go to the comfort room, but she only wanted to bet on the chance of meeting Zeke again.
Her bet was worth it.
"Then just tell me your age, my lady."
"That is a very bold question to ask a lady."
"I'm sorry, but I want to make sure I'm not talking to someone younger than me."
Y/n stopped walking, she broke into laughter which made Zeke smile.
"You're quite funny, aren't you?"
The h/c-haired lady smiled at Zeke.
"I'm 18."
Zeke raised a brow. "I'm still 17, but turning 18, soon. I'm relieved." Y/n continued on her way, she grazed her hands on the lilies they passed by. "Are they your favorite flowers?"
"My mother's. But I began liking them, too. Lilies are beautiful."
The blond guy secretly picks out one lily, and its color is pink.
Zeke walked fast, as he tried to get in front of Y/n.
Y/n stopped when Zeke was already in front of her. "Then I should give you one. Though, it came from here...haha..."
The h/c-haired lady slowly smiled, yet she raised a brow. "Did you just pluck out a lily from Lady Y/n's garden?" Zeke puckered his lips as he looked away and scratched the back of his head.
"No. I didn't."
Y/n laughed again, she took the pink lily, and gently touched its petal.
"Just don't tell anyone, I can't lose my hands." Zeke joked, though it's also serious since stealing in the palace equals losing your hands.
"Be grateful I have a conscience."
"Oh I'm grateful!"
Zeke and Y/n laughed together.
Somehow, they're suddenly comfortable with each other.
"Lady Y/n's class isn't here?"
"Yes, your majesty. They changed location before Lady Y/n's class started. They're at the peonies garden."
Erwin sighed as he nodded.
He's done with his duties for today, and hr have decided to see Y/n to discuss what happened earlier in the morning at the assembly.
"Oh! I like dogs, too! I'm allergic to cats."
"My brother is allergic to cats, too."
The emperor raised a brow, hearing a familiar voice and an unfamiliar one coming from inside the garden of lilies.
"Is anyone inside?" Sir Levi asked for him.
The servants blinked twice, they don't know, either.
Erwin just made his way inside.
Sir Levi sighed as he followed behind the emperor.
"Tigers are cute."
"My lady! How can you find a terrifying animal cute?!"
"What do you mean terrifying? I know a tiger who's gentle as a kitten."
"Oh my god. Tell me you're joking."
"Okay then. I'm joking, Zeke."
"My lady, your humor is annoying."
Erwin suddenly stopped on his track, upon seeing Y/n talking to a man he actually knows.
Sir Levi frosned as soon as he saw Zeke.
"That damn Jaeger. What is he doing here? And why is he talking to Lady..."
The raven-haired man shut his mouth when he saw the emperor looking serious.
Erwin came to see Y/n looking rather excited earlier, but now he's seeing her though with another guy...he looks mad?
"Why don't you just tell me your name, my lady? It's weird to talk to someone and you don't know their name."
"Even if I tell you mine, you won't call me by name."
"That is if you allow me to not call you with formalities."
The blond man tilted his head to the side, still looking serious while he stares at Y/n and Zeke smiling at each other.
Y/n looks friendly, but Zeke was clearly conveying another feeling.
"Your majesty, should I..."
"No. Let them be."
Erwin turned around, not wanting to see more. "I'll just come back tomorrow. Let's leave quitely. Lady Y/n seems to be having fun talking to Zeke Jaeger." Erwin said.
He began to walk, making his way to leave.
The blond man stared at nowhere.
His eyes somehow turned cold yet there was another emotion trying it's best hide behind the cold expression on his eyes.
You never...looked that comfortable around me, my lady.
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:)