The Emperor and the Knightess

Chapter 256

The left side of her lips jerked in shock and anger. She was wealthier than most small kingdom’s rulers used to be. She had the best piece of land on the continent. Her position as the head of the Second Division was the highest any knight would hope to achieve in his life. She was still beloved and trusted by the emperor of this entire kingdom.

Poliana had everything. There were many in this world who envied her. But of all the things she treasured in her life, the one that was most valuable to her was her name.

Her name “Winter” was her greatest treasure in life. It was given to her by her emperor so she would never forget that amazing winter day when she was reborn. The freezing weather that froze her to her bones… The cruelty she experienced… And then the moment that made her forget all of her pain… When she swore to be Lucius the First’s knight forever…

It was the happiest day of Poliana’s life. She would never forget that fateful day.

Poliana made sure that everyone knew her intention. She said many times that if she found a worthy child, she would adopt him and give him her name. She would make him her heir. Her name would be gifted to the one who was special and worthy.

Her acquaintances often joked that they would train their sons to just get the chance to become her heir. Poliana trembled in anger, ‘And he wants to give it to his son? Just like that? Without my permission? Without even letting me know?’

Poliana was the head of the Winter family. It wasn’t uncommon for a bastard child or a stepson to inherit the family title, but Poliana had no intention of doing something like this. If she knew Frau had a child, she would’ve never considered him a potential husband.

The only reasons she thought well of him were his honesty and ambition about wanting her wealth and the fact that he was the same age as her. If she knew he had a son, she would’ve beat him up the moment he proposed to her.

Poliana continued to tremble. It took everything in her to control her anger. Still unaware of her presence, Frau announced to his son proudly, “Don’t worry, my son. I will turn you into a nobleman.”

Grit.

Poliana clenched her molars hard. Suddenly, she felt someone’s hand on her shoulder. It was a gentle touch and without turning around, she knew who it was.

It was Lucius the First.

Poliana turned around slowly, and when she saw his face, she knew why he brought her here.

He was here so she would learn the truth. This was what she was supposed to see.

Her face crumbled the moment she realized her reality. Poliana couldn’t stand how idiotic she has been. She was so stupid that she got fooled by a gold digger. Poliana murmured to Lucius the First, “I am so sorry, your highness, for making you worry… If I haven’t been so stupid…”

“This isn’t your fault, Sir Pol. It’s that man’s fault. All of it. Don’t blame yourself for this, you mustn’t. ”

The emperor tried to console her, but it was no use. Poliana’s face became filled with grief.

“Haha…”

She laughed quietly, not knowing how to react. Because she could not lose her control in front of the emperor, Poliana clenched her teeth again. She tried to remain calm, but she couldn’t help but keep laughing.

The truth was… Poliana was embarrassed. She was so mortified that she wanted to die. She wanted to cry but she kept laughing.

She wanted to kill Frau. She wanted to run away. She wanted to burn the entire village. Nothing in the world could make things better for her. She wanted to die. She wanted to kill.

All her life, Poliana lived with her sword. She killed to live. She killed for her dream. She had to kill to achieve her goals. Poliana was not afraid to draw blood. She did not hesitate. If necessary, she did not hide from killing.

‘This is the worst.’

She wanted to kill Frau, but more than that, she wanted to kill herself. How did this happen? All she did was to see one doctor positively. He was her age and she thought he was a good man. She ended up liking him, and Poliana wondered if what she did was so wrong. If her only fault was to misjudge a man… The punishment for it was too cruel.

Just how much pain did she have to go through to get over it?

Poliana looked down in shame. She could not bear to look at the emperor. He must’ve thought she was a complete idiot. She was so stupid that incompetent that her emperor had to bring her here himself to fix the situation.

Poliana understood why the emperor did this. If he just straight out told her, she would’ve been mortified. If he punished Frau himself, Poliana would’ve felt guilty and incapable. This was why the emperor took the time and effort to bring her here.

What a kind and generous emperor he was.

Lucius the First didn’t have to do this. He could’ve just taken care of the situation himself. All he had to do was not allow the marriage to take place. So the fact that he brought her here for her to see in person… The emperor knew her very well. He understood her.

Lucius the First knew that Poliana was beginning to fall for Frau. She wasn’t deeply in love with him, but it was obvious that she liked Frau very much. This was why the emperor did this. It was all for her.

Poliana thought bitterly, ‘I was so stupid, feeling excited about the wedding…’

It was true. She has been excited about the upcoming marriage. She was so happy about getting married, forming a family, and becoming part of someone’s life. The process of preparing her wedding was a joy.

She was happy.

Only

It was so rare for a man to approach her as a woman. She was secretly happy about Frau’s proposal. She was dreaming of a life with Frau. Laughing together… Eating together… Talking before going to bed about their days…

Some women found it stressful to plan a wedding, but Poliana loved it. Picking out the invitation design was fun. Choosing the venue and the food… All these things were enjoyable for her. She was so excited about her wedding day that she became blinded. She didn’t see clearly what was most important in a marriage. She didn’t see what kind of man she was marrying.

She has been stupid beyond reasons; she had no excuse for her mistake.

She was lonely and this man used her weakness against her.

‘I… I should’ve just gotten a puppy…’

She was offered great puppies by many people. A dog would’ve never betrayed her like this. A dog would’ve never made her sad like this. A dog would’ve never infuriated her like this.

If she just got a dog, something like this would’ve never happened.