Published: January 4, 2026
Morning. I woke up in the morning sunlight.
The thin curtains let in just the right amount of sunlight, crafted meticulously by artisans to deliver the perfect light to gently awaken me.
Feeling this meant—slowly, I opened my eyelids in a daze.
As I expected.
The familiar ceiling, the ceiling of Empress Audrey’s bedroom.
A bedroom that exists solely to welcome the emperor.
A room furnished with the finest quality items, starting with the curtains.
After realizing where I was, I exhaled softly through my slightly parted lips.
“Good morning, Your Majesty.”
From a short distance, I heard Audrey’s soft, gentle voice.
Sitting up, I saw Audrey facing me, accompanied by several maids.
Not just Audrey, but all of them were looking directly at me.
They must have been preparing until just moments before, as the maids held various grooming tools in their hands.
“Good morning. You’re early as always,” I said.
“Women do take time to get ready,” Audrey replied playfully.
I didn’t say anything tedious.
I refrained from the boring thought that she was preparing not only for herself but also for me.
Slowly sitting up, Audrey took a wet towel from one of the maids.
She personally wrung it out and then came over to me still holding it.
“Here you go.”
“Ah.”
I nodded and took the towel she offered.
When I wiped my face with it, it was wrung out just right.
The temperature and dampness were perfect, and the faint scent meant to invigorate was pleasant.
Compared to Audrey’s thoughtfulness, even the finest silk against my skin felt insignificant.
“Thank you. You’re as considerate as ever.”
“It’s all thanks to Your Majesty,” she said.
“Mine?”
I tilted my head in confusion.
Was there really room for me in Audrey’s thoughtfulness? I wondered.
After considering it, I still thought there wasn’t, but at the same time, Audrey’s expression didn’t seem like she was just flattering me.
“What do you mean?”
“Because Your Majesty always praises me like that. By your reactions, I can gradually adjust to your preferences.”
“...”
I understood.
She had been reading the subtle differences in my reactions to learn my preferences.
That was truly—
“Really thoughtful of you.”
I genuinely meant it.
“Thank you.”
“By the way. Are those people alright? I’m not too worried because it’s you, but...”
I glanced at the maids behind Audrey and asked.
I’m currently officially on a personal military campaign.
Meaning being here is top secret—classified to the highest degree.
Is it okay for these maids to know that? That was my question.
“Your Majesty’s imitation,” Audrey replied.
“Mine?”
“Yes. I have earned the gratitude of all the girls here. Not just metaphorically—they all owe their lives to us.”
“I see.”
While Audrey said that, the maids remained silent, busily preparing for the next step in grooming.
Not even reacting to Audrey's words.
It was obvious they had been well-trained, not just indebted.
“As expected. Then, let me add one thing.”
“What is it?”
“If you’re going that far, also earn favor with their families. Many feel more indebted when their loved ones are saved rather than themselves.”
“Your Majesty, that’s amazing. I’ll do so from now on.”
“Good.”
I nodded and stretched.
Audrey helped me prepare for the day.
During that time, neither of us nor the maids spoke.
In the tranquil Empress’s bedroom, the emperor’s grooming proceeded quietly and solemnly.
When about ninety percent done, I spoke again.
“There’s one thing I must tell you.”
“What is it?”
“You know Jiji, right?”
“Yes, she’s been a maid since the time Your Majesty was bedridden, hasn’t she?”
I couldn’t help but smile at Audrey’s archaic phrasing and nodded in response.
“That’s right. I’m taking Jiji with me.”
“Originally—yes, understood.”
Audrey started to say, “Originally, she belongs to Your Majesty,” but stopped herself and nodded seriously.
The harem belongs to the Empress, and so do the maids in it.