I Became the Master of the Empress

254 – 258

A few days passed, and finally, the day of the surgery arrived.

Knowing that I might lose my sight could cause various problems, so I secretly summoned Sena and the medical staff to the palace the day before to perform my surgery.

The day before, Theodora seemed to realize that I was undergoing surgery, and she spent the night crying, sweating as she tried to soothe her.

Theodora was almost in a fit of sobs.

She cried so much that I was awakened by her whimpering in the early morning.

Thanks to that, my eyes are puffy, which is cute, but…

As morning arrives, we have a simple meal.

“How are you feeling?”

At my mother-in-law’s words, I smiled brightly.

“I’m fine. And you don’t need to worry so much.”

At my words, my mother-in-law’s expression turned sorrowful.

“Indeed… surely God wouldn’t bestow such a cruel fate upon you and my daughter.”

My honest feelings about God are…

I think it’s cruel, but I don’t want to upset my deeply religious mother-in-law.

Moreover, since I am also revered as a saint, saying that God is not kind might only stir unnecessary trouble.

At that moment, Theodora took my hand under the table.

At the same time, the atmosphere at the dining table soured, and I cleared my throat.

“Ahem… Mother-in-law, sister-in-law. Please don’t worry too much. Nothing serious will happen. Oh, by the way, when would be a good time for the engagement ceremony, sister-in-law?”

As I tried to change the subject on purpose… Joy covered her lips with a face that looked like she was about to cry, struggling to hold back her tears.

Why is this happening? Anyone would think I was going to die.

Looking at the faces of those who seem more distressed than I am, I can’t tell if the food is going into my mouth or my nose.

The atmosphere feels more like a funeral than anything else, and it’s incredibly uncomfortable.

*

Just before the surgery, I was exchanging light pleasantries with Sena.

“Heh heh… Saint, it’s only natural that everyone is concerned about your health.”

Seeing Sena smile softly, I let out a sigh.

“Sigh… still, everyone is worrying too much.”

The odds of the surgery are fifty-fifty.

It could go well, or it could go poorly, but honestly, I think the price to pay for either dying or the Demon King resurrecting is really cheap.

“It’s something to worry about, isn’t it? If people knew the Saint might go blind, they would all be shocked.”

If the Saint were to go blind, many people would indeed be surprised.

Here, loss or blindness is considered a curse from God.

—

If a saint recognized by the Vatican were to be cursed by God, it would look rather strange.

“But I don’t think that will happen.”

Sena’s words broke my reverie.

“Why is that?”

With a gentle smile, Sena took a sip of her black tea and continued speaking.

“Because the merciful El wouldn’t do such a thing.”

Is this more talk of the divine?

The memory of breakfast a moment ago flashed in my mind, and my face paled.

The atmosphere at breakfast was almost like a funeral.

Later, my mother-in-law and Joy were in tears.

And then there was Theodora, who broke down again upon seeing that…

If someone were to see, they might think I was the one who made them cry… well, I did make them cry, but that aside, I felt at ease.

Compared to the tale of the world’s end, what I was going through seemed trivial.

And it might not even be far off.

“Well, that would be nice. Gradually…”

As I broached the subject of the surgery, Sena nodded.

“Yes. The preparations for the surgery are complete.”

The current location for the surgery was decided to be the honeymoon suite.

Considering the security until I wake from the surgery, there aren’t many places as safe as the Gold Area.

Thus, I headed toward the honeymoon suite.

As I stood in front of the suite, Theodora and the royal family burst into tears again.

“Don’t worry, my friend. Nothing will happen. Stay strong.”

“That’s right, brother-in-law! You’re a saint, aren’t you? Nothing will go wrong.”

These days, does being a saint still count even if one loses their purity? A saintess loses her qualifications, doesn’t she?

Thinking this, I nodded with a faint smile.

“I am not afraid. Please, everyone, don’t worry…”

– Embrace.

“Ugh… no matter what happens to you… I will be with you. So… even if you can’t see the light… I will always be by your side. Do you understand?”

Suddenly, Theodora hugged me tightly, sobbing as she struggled to continue her words.

I gently stroked her hair.

“Don’t cry. It’s nothing.”

“I love you. Really, really a lot.”

Thus, Theodora pressed her lips to mine.

Since we usually refrained from physical contact in front of others, I was startled by the sudden kiss.

“Um… sister?”

Not only the imperial family but also the Golden Knights, Sena, and the doctors assisting her…

Kissing in front of dozens of people felt a bit embarrassing.

Moreover…

How far does her tongue go in?

In this rather awkward situation, I tapped her shoulder with my finger, and only then did Theodora pull away.

For a fleeting moment, a transparent line existed between her lips and mine.

“Ahem… Anyway, don’t worry too much.”

Theodora nodded slightly and took Sena’s hand.

“Not as the empress of this country, but as a man’s wife… Please fix his eyesight.”

Why is she speaking so formally to Sena, who she usually looks down on?

Has she matured?

At her words, Sena nodded slightly.

“Yes, Your Majesty, do not worry. The saint is someone who receives the love of God. There is no way such a person would become blind. Though I am but a humble servant, I can discern God’s will, so please do not worry.”

Is it okay for her to say such things, even though she is not an official saint?

If the surgery were to fail, it would be blasphemy.

As I felt a sense of concern.

“Thank you.”

Theodora bowed her head in gratitude.

It is not often one sees the emperor bowing, even in private.

The ruler of the empire and the pride of its people do not easily lower their heads.

“Well then… I will go in now.”

I didn’t want to keep playing the melodrama here.

I entered the newlywed room.

Around the bed where Theodora and I would lie were various metal carts and instruments.

And wide sheets of white paper were spread out around the bed.

“While you lie on the bed, we will begin the surgery preparation right away.”

As Sena spoke while wearing glasses, I nodded and climbed onto the bed.

And…

“Slip.”

Hearing the magician’s incantation, I lost consciousness.

*

When Deviant entered the room…

I felt a sense of unease.

What if something happens?

Unable to leave due to fear, I stared blankly at the newlywed room.

Joy took my hand and said.

“Sister, let’s go.”

“Just a little… longer.”

I couldn’t help but worry about what might happen.

What if… there’s an accident during the surgery…

I’ve heard that accidents can happen quite often during surgery.

If something goes wrong, then I…

I received great love from him, but what if I can’t return it?

What if the noble one who paid a great price dies?

What am I supposed to do?

“Tera… Deviant will be okay. Just go in. Rest a little in Joy’s room.”

“I want to stay here a little longer.”

It won’t change anything that I’m here, but I’m too scared to leave in case something happens to Deviant undergoing surgery inside.

“So, mother and Joy, please go in first.”

I wait endlessly for the door to open.

*

“Hmm…”

What is this?

I am lying softly somewhere.

Where am I?

I’m thirsty.

As I wake up, I try to open my eyes, but they won’t budge.

What… is this?

In my flustered state, when I reach to touch my eyes, soft cloths are wrapped over them.

I spread my hand and touch the soft cloths, trying to understand the situation.

Ah… surgery.

Right, I fell asleep with the sleep magic…

Then, is this a bandage?

Before my mind could grasp anything, my throat was so dry that I called out for help.

“Muul…”

I was surprised by the hoarse sound of my voice.

“Uh? You’re awake? Water? Just a moment.”

I felt something cold on my lips.

“Hold the cup carefully. That’s right… good.”

I grabbed the cup and gulped the water down in one go.

“Puhah…”

The refreshing sensation flowed down my throat, making me realize I had been asleep for a long time.

“How did the surgery go?”

“They said… we have to wait and see.”

Still… not sure yet?

I nodded my head.

“Theodora. Where should I put the cup?”

Not being able to see, I asked where to place the cup.

“I… I’ll take it away.”

Saying that, she took the cup from my hand.

“I’m hungry. Can I eat?”

“Yes, just wait a moment. I’ll prepare some food and bring Sister Sena.”

– Creak.

I heard the sound of the door opening, and about three minutes passed, maybe?

“Your Highness, have you awakened?”

A familiar voice reached my ears.

“Is this Sister Sena?”

“Yes, I heard you woke up.”

As I spoke, I sensed her presence around me.

“How are you feeling?”

Right now, aside from not being able to see and feeling hungry, there’s really no other problem.

“Other than being hungry, I’m not sure.”

“I see. Please wait just a moment.”

Something cold and metallic touched my wrist.

It felt like something slightly flat was placed on my wrist.

“Fortunately, there are no abnormalities. I’ve left some urgent medicine with the royal physician, and I will come to check on your progress in two weeks.”

I nodded at her words.