Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world Chapter 499: Back to the Empire

Six months had elapsed since the last significant event.

The seasons in the Eurasania Empire had cycled through; spring had yielded to a sun-drenched summer, and now, the autumnal colors were just beginning to grace the foliage.

Within the opulent confines of the royal castle, a young serving girl was navigating the corridors with urgency, her skirts slightly raised to facilitate a quicker pace.

She had journeyed swiftly from the outer perimeter, her passage marked by the bemused glances of servants and lesser officials.

Reaching the imperial wing, she halted before a sturdy wooden door.

Without a moment's pause or a polite knock, she entered.

Amelia Bleaufort, with a gentle smile gracing her features, was occupied at a modest desk by the window, immersed in the contents of a recently received letter.

The opening of the door drew her attention, and she inquired, "What is the matter?"

The maid, struggling for breath, leaned against the doorframe for support as she divulged, "Y-Young Lady... Sir Kael has returned-"

"WHAT?"

Amelia sprang up from her seat with such abruptness that the piece of furniture nearly overturned.

Without uttering another syllable, she gathered the fabric of her gown and fled the room, her destination the guest quarters.

The maid remained momentarily, still catching her breath, before hastening in pursuit.

"Princess! Wait-"

Two years and six months had transpired since their last encounter.

Every missive he had sent had been read and reread countless times.

These letters were straightforward accounts of their travels, the dungeons and towers they had conquered, and the peculiar beasts they had encountered.

As she rounded the final corridor, she narrowly avoided a collision with a startled servant bearing a freshly arranged bouquet of flowers.

Amelia continued her sprint until she arrived at the imposing double doors leading to the guest accommodations.

Pushing them open without hesitation, she stepped across the threshold.

Brandon stood near the room's center, turning as the doors swung inward.

A warm smile played on his lips as he greeted her, "Amelia."

She froze for an instant, her eyes widening, reflecting a profound mix of elation and disbelief.

Then, she advanced, step by step, until she stood directly before him.

"You have returned," she stated softly.

Brandon offered a slight nod, his smile softening, "Yes..."

Amelia's gaze traveled over his countenance, noticing a subtle alteration in his hairstyle.

"I have read all your correspondence. Each and every one. I safeguarded them. I... I felt great concern. The dispatches from the western territories sounded dire; they reported the rifts were more severe than ever recorded."

Brandon acknowledged her words with a faint nod. "It was perilous. However, we managed. Rheanne was exceptional, as is her customary way."

Amelia's expression softened. "And you? Are you unharmed?"

"I am well."

At that precise moment, the connecting door to the adjacent chamber swung open, revealing Rheanne's entrance.

She offered Amelia a polite nod. "Princess Amelia. It is a pleasure to see you once more."

Amelia swiftly inclined her head in a gesture of deep respect. "Goddess Rheanne... welcome back."

Rheanne's gaze briefly met Brandon's before returning to Amelia.

"Thank you."

Amelia paused, then looked back towards Brandon, a hopeful smile gracing her lips.

"Will you... remain for a longer duration this time? Even for a few days?"

Brandon met her gaze and gave a small nod. "I believe we can extend our stay for a short period."

Amelia's countenance brightened considerably. "I shall ensure all arrangements are made for your comfort."

She offered another bow to Rheanne before turning and hurrying from the room.

Once the door clicked shut behind her, Rheanne released a soft exhalation.

"It appears she holds quite an affection for you," Rheanne remarked quietly, moving to stand beside him.

With a gentle sigh, Brandon hummed softly in response. "Yes, it would seem so."

---

Brandon stretched his arms overhead as he traversed the hallways. 'Residing within a structure such as this is indeed a luxurious experience...'

"S-Sir Kael..."

A delicate, hesitant voice emanated from behind him.

Brandon paused, turning his head.

A young maid stood a short distance away, her hands clasped tightly before her.

She possessed warm brown hair, meticulously tied back in a tidy bun, and complementary brown eyes.

Her attire consisted of the standard castle maid's uniform, a simple dark dress paired with a white apron, and she appeared to be in her early twenties.

Bowing her head profoundly, she spoke, "Thank you for penning the letters for Lady Amelia..."

The maid lifted her head just enough to meet his gaze. "I was raised within these castle walls and have been by Lady Amelia's side since her youth."

"I have never witnessed her display such considerable excitement before... yet, whenever she speaks of you or peruses your letters... a significant joy overtakes her. And as her personal attendant, this brings me immense happiness."

Brandon blinked in surprise before a faint smile touched his lips. "Thank you for sharing this with me. I am pleased that my correspondence brought Amelia joy. She most certainly deserves moments of happiness."

She nervously clutched the fabric of her apron. "Please forgive me if I am overstepping my bounds..."

After taking a breath that trembled, she finally spoke, "I-I don't know your feelings for Lady Amelia, but I merely wish to convey that the Emperor is currently seeking a groom for Lady Amelia."

Hmm? Upon hearing this, Brandon's brow furrowed slightly.

He had harbored suspicions about this, as royal families in this era frequently arranged marriages for the sake of political alliances, power, and security.

Amelia, after all, was the sole heir to such a vast empire, and her chosen groom would need to possess power commensurate with her own.

Offering the maid a gentle smile in an attempt to alleviate her evident nervousness, he responded, "I see..."

The maid's gaze flickered, and she continued, "She has always been so kind and strong, even enduring the court's pressures. But recently... she smiles more genuinely when your letters arrive. She reads them repeatedly."

"There are times she even speaks of the places you describe."

She hesitated for a moment before adding in a voice barely above a whisper, "I just... I wish for her not to be coerced into a marriage with someone cold or cruel. The Emperor is indeed considering powerful noble houses for strategic alliances. However, if there were someone who genuinely cared for her..."

The maid's words trailed off as she realized she had overstepped.

Lowering her head once more, she implored, "Please forgive me. I should not have spoken so freely. Kindly... pretend I said nothing at all."

Brandon, understanding the underlying worry she expressed, replied with a soft tone, "I comprehend your concerns. Amelia is a remarkable person. She deserves an individual who perceives her for who she truly is, not merely as a pawn for political advantage."

"However, my path... it is rather complex. I cannot offer more than friendship and respect at this juncture."

The maid lifted her head slightly, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Even that... is more than many men in the court would extend to her. Thank you, Sir Kael."

With a final bow, she departed swiftly down the corridor.

Brandon remained alone for a brief period, his gaze following her retreating figure.

He closed his eyes momentarily, a thought surfacing, 'Her getting married? What is this feeling... it's unpleasant.'

The mere notion of her wedding someone else left a distinctly bitter taste in his mouth.

It appeared that he too had developed a fondness for her over the course of these past two years.