To the Love Born in the Lowest Place-Chapter 175

The conversation between the knights and Liv continued.

"Speaking of strength, we can’t leave out the knights’ stories. You all achieved such great merits."

"Indeed. They are role models for all who wield swords."

When Emmett followed up on Liv’s words, they laughed awkwardly again.

"Haha, it’s nothing special. Shouldn’t any knight be capable of at least that much?"

"You have high standards."

Finding their stories interesting, Liv asked a question.

"Then what’s your most memorable experience?"

"Ah, if you ask that, I should tell you this story."

As one knight who had reportedly achieved merit when the United Kingdom of Valeno invaded began speaking, other knights made hand gestures behind him, making X signs to Liv. Liv just blinked in confusion, but soon understood why from the knight’s continuing words.

"So at that time, I was camping in the mountains avoiding enemy soldiers. No, can we even call it camping? Actually, I stayed up all night, hahaha! Anyway, I was hiding behind a tree watching in all directions until almost dawn when I heard something. Thinking it might be enemy soldiers, I looked and... would you believe it, a wild boar appeared! Someone of my skill could handle a mere wild boar. So I stepped out confidently, but actually it was an enemy soldier wearing a wild boar skin..."

"Hahaha."

At his endless story, Liv forced a smile, and could hear Emmett whisper beside her, "He’s famous for talking too much." Finally, as the story was nearly ending, he added.

"Anyway, here’s the conclusion. One who is strong against everyone cannot be the truly strongest. Only those who are weak before the weak can be truly strong."

Although she couldn’t understand how he reached such a conclusion from that story, Liv nodded seriously. It was worth taking to heart.

"You’re right. Those who can respect the weak are truly strong..."

People had thought of August as an absolute monarch. He was a harsh and cold Emperor who showed mercy to no one.

But Liv didn’t think he was truly strong. If he was, why did he end up losing the throne to Liv? If he truly wanted to maintain his throne, he should have shown mercy to his subjects and worked for their welfare and happiness. Then even if August had usurped the throne through illegitimate means, no one would have thought to rebel against him. August’s throne would have lasted that long. But he was a man who knew no mercy, and that’s why he was defeated.

Liv engraved the knight’s words deep in her heart, vowing to become such an Emperor. One who dedicates themselves to people’s happiness without having to worry about rebellion.

* * *

While Liv had a rather enjoyable time with the heroic knights, she couldn’t cheerfully accept the mountain of work waiting for her after the conversation ended.

"How is there still endless work even on a day like this..."

As Liv trudged toward her office speaking in a tired voice, Emmett followed close behind her and replied.

"I think even the Emperor needs rest days."

"Really."

"It’s strange though, I heard the previous Emperor rested just fine."

"Hearing that makes me even more upset."

While roughly continuing the conversation while calculating the time left until dinner, Liv suddenly realized something strange and raised her head.

"Come to think of it, why are you coming this way? The office is that way."

"Ah, I was following you. My work for today is finished."

"What?"

"Recently my main work was preparing for the Foundation Festival, and now that’s done. I’ll now perform my role of assisting you."

Liv briefly pondered whether she should be jealous that his work was finished, or happy that he would be with her. But soon deciding on the latter, she took Emmett’s hand.

"Good, stay with me."

Saying that as they entered the office, Liv sat in her seat. Emmett sat on the sofa opposite her. Seeing this, Liv exclaimed as something suddenly occurred to her.

"Ah! We’ve definitely done this before!"

"We have?"

"Yes, remember when I went down to the Lartman duchy?"

"Ah."

Emmett exclaimed as if finally remembering. When they were in the Lartman duchy, Emmett, who had lots of work, worked in his office while Liv watched him from across. Back then, Liv was happy enough just observing him.

"Now it’s completely reversed."

"Yes, it’s interesting."

Could they have imagined back then that Liv would become Emperor? Both thought about how difficult it is to know what the future holds.

Sitting and working while receiving Emmett’s gaze, Liv realized it wasn’t easy to work while someone was watching her. So much that she couldn’t understand how past Emmett had managed it. It felt somehow embarrassing yet ticklish in her heart.

"We should make an appearance at tonight’s banquet too, right? Since we need to announce the start of the Foundation Festival banquets."

"Yes, come see how I decorated the banquet hall."

"I’m looking forward to it. Though sadly we can’t stay long. We should leave for the unmarried nobles."

If they stayed there, no romance would happen as everyone would be conscious of their presence. They should tactfully withdraw. Just then, Liv’s eyes widened at Emmett’s words.

"Liv, shall we go outside to watch the fireworks on the last day of the Foundation Festival?"

"Can we go outside? It would be incredibly chaotic with everyone trying to protect us..."

"We can go secretly."

"Wow."

At those words that made her heart flutter just hearing them, Liv put down her pen and covered her mouth. Goodness, just thinking about enjoying the festival in disguise with just Emmett made her heart race.

While normally they would have to worry about safety, they didn’t need to. First, Emmett had excellent swordsmanship, and above all, if someone tried to assassinate Liv, time would just reverse. Liv was probably the Emperor with the least worry about assassination in history.

"Yes, let’s go outside together..."

"Hold on a bit longer even if work is hard until then. That day will be our escape day."

Since the Foundation Festival lasted five days total, she just had to work four more days! Imagining spending time secretly in the streets with Emmett, Liv smiled with an expectant face.

* * *

"Alright, tomorrow!"

That was Liv’s energetic shout as soon as she arrived at the office. Though she should have been tired from the endless work, her face was full of only excitement. So much that even the maids glanced at her face in confusion.

But Liv truly wasn’t tired at all. When she thought about tomorrow being the day she would go to the streets with Emmett, it felt like energy was welling up from somewhere. Liv started work with an inappropriately bright smile. Until Elena’s voice called her.

"Your Majesty, a guest has arrived."

"Oh? Who?"

"It’s Lord Hayden Schulze. He’s waiting in the reception room."

"Ah, Hayden!"

Hayden was one of those who could meet her anytime without an appointment. Above all, it had been quite a while since Hayden left the capital saying he would get information about Gracia descendants, so his return might mean he had found something. Liv jumped up from her seat, abandoning her work.

"I’ll go there right away."

However, walking to the reception room, Liv didn’t hold much expectation. The Gracia family was famous for having few children. According to records, Liv was the only Gracia descendant, so how could descendants suddenly appear from somewhere? And even if one of the previous Emperors had a child outside marriage without their spouse knowing, that child would be difficult to recognize under Holy Hilysid Empire law. So Hayden had likely returned without much success.

Anyway, since she was seeing him again after a long time, someone who had worked hard for her sake, Liv opened the reception room door with a welcoming heart.

"Hayden! Have you been well?"

"Of course, Your Majesty. Your faithful servant has returned."

As Hayden gave an exaggerated greeting, Liv chuckled before sitting opposite him. Then seeing Hayden’s appearance, Liv narrowed her eyes. His clothes were dirty as if he had been rolling in the mountains.

"Are you alright?"

"I’m fine. I just traveled around various places. More importantly, I have something I must tell Your Majesty right away."

"What is it?"

As Hayden’s expression was unusual, Liv’s face also became serious. He sat opposite Liv with clenched fists as if about to bring up a serious matter. Could there really be remaining Gracia descendants?

However, the words from his mouth exceeded Liv’s expectations.

"Even if Your Majesty cannot bear children, there will be no problem with the succession of the throne."