I Married a Sick Husband

After a while, the two were ready to go to bed together. “You should hold the teddy bear.” Before lying down on the bed, Meredith placed a teddy bear in Theodore’s arms, as if she had almost forgotten. “…That’s very kind of you.” “It’s an important factor in His Majesty’s sleep.” “This is more important to me.” When Meredith was puzzled by those words. A large hand gently cupped Meredith’s hand. Meredith, whose hand was held, froze for a moment. Theodore was making persistent eye contact with her. “I feel like I haven’t been able to recharge lately.” “…I gave you a lot yesterday.” Not only did they go to bed holding hands, but they even hugged. But somehow, she was embarrassed, so she didn’t mention it. “How do you feel today?” “Thanks to you, I’m much better.” Theodore answered with a satisfied face. “It’s all thanks to you. I’m always grateful.” “Thank you very much.” “For yesterday… and the gifts.” Theodore said with a light smile. “It was a happy birthday in many ways.” This was what she really wanted to hear. Meredith’s heart beat in a good mood. Because she prepared the gift with that in mind. She hoped this gift will make his birthday a little more special. She hoped he was a little happier on the day he was born. The wish came true. “By the way, there is something I heard today when I went to greet Her Highness the Empress Dowager.” Meredith opened her mouth as if she had almost forgotten. “Prince Fabian is going on a trip after graduation.” “Trip?” “Yes, I think he is going to take refuge abroad. I heard that and the cause was reasonable.” “Right.” “Will you be okay?” Meredith was worried. “I don’t think it would be good for Your Majesty.” She remembered the day she first reached out to him. “You said that the work will be carried out once Your Majesty is completely cured and the Prince returns to Valtejain.” Although it cannot be called a ‘cure’, Theodore is clearly healthier than when we first met. When Prince Fabian returns to Valtejain, all the conditions for the purge are satisfied. “I am afraid that what Your Majesty has said will be delayed.” “What you’re referring to now…” Theodore asked, looking at Meredith. “Is it the purge of the Prince and Empress Dowager?” “…Isn’t it?” “…….” After a moment of silence, he muttered again what he had said. “A purge.” Purge. Removal or eliminating opponents within an organisation. Put simply, killing a political opponent. “Are you worried?” Looking at it objectively, purges were inevitable for Theodore to solidify his imperial power. It’s not that there’s no wicked meaning, and isn’t it almost obvious that the Empress Dowager is aiming for the throne. But Meredith saw him put on a slightly complicated expression in the face of the matter. ‘It’s not because of Her Majesty… Is it Crown Prince Fabien?’ “It’s not a matter of likes and dislikes. It’s a matter of survival.” “……I don’t think you’re very willing.” “Someone wouldn’t enjoy the process. Neither do I.” “…….” Meredith spoke for a moment, and asked carefully. “What was your relationship with Crown Prince Fabien like?” At that question, Theodore looked at Meredith. “I haven’t heard the details. I saw you yesterday and it didn’t seem like you were in a very bad relationship…” Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s good. “We’ve never had a bad relationship.” What followed was quite surprising. “Even now… I don’t think it ever was a bad one.” She never thought she’d hear that. Meredith’s eyes widened. “Of course, that doesn’t mean it was good.” After reflecting for a moment, Theodore came to a conclusion. “It was good. Once upon a time.” “I see.” It was unexpected. She thought it was going to be bad from the beginning. She felt that he didn’t hate Prince Fabian as much as she had thought. ‘Your emotions are definitely different from Her Highness the Emress Dowager.’ It was not difficult to sense that he was hostile to the Empress Dowager, but she thought towards  Prince Fabian, it was ambiguous. It was for this reason. “Right now, it’s just… it’s just burnt.” “It sounds like you still have no particular regrets.” “Because that kid…” Having said that, Theodore quickly changed his words, probably because he felt that what he used for Fabian was too affectionate. “The prince is not interested in the throne. Unlike his mother.” “Aren’t you being too sure?” “Yes. Maybe.” Theodore did not even deny that. “Because people’s minds can change at any time.” “…….” “There is nothing in the world as capricious as that. Or, circumstances can cause our sincerity to change. There are many causes.” “Nevertheless, you still think that he doesn’t have the same evil intentions as the Empress Dowager.” “Well, that might just be my arrogant opinion.” Theodore shrugged his shoulders. “To bring everything back to square one, these two people must die, unless they go to the monastery together.” However, contrary to the neat arrangement, Theodore’s expression did not look better. “In that case, we must prevent His Highness the Prince from leaving the country again after he graduates.” “There’s no need to do that.” “Why …” “If I stop it, the Empress Dowager will definitely notice our plan to purge. Then she will proceed with her work earlier than planned, and the situation could easily escalate into a civil war. I want to avoid that as much as possible.” “In that case, it would be better to eliminate the Empress Dowager who is left here alone first.” “Of course, the reverse order would be better, but for now, it’s not a bad idea.” “I understand what you mean. I also think it’s a good idea.” Meredith nodded, agreeing with him. “Then you don’t have to worry too much.” “More than anything, I’m still sick.” “Your Majesty?” Meredith was taken aback. “Of course, you’re not completely cured, but aren’t you healthy enough now?” “… No. I don’t think so.” Theodore quickly denied it. “You said it’s not a perfect treatment. It’s definitely better than before, but I don’t think I’m completely cured.” “Umm… Well, don’t worry about that. While I’m here, I’ll restore you to a comparable state, even if it’s not completely cured.” “… As long as you are here?” “Yes. I’m not the one to stay here forever.” Meredith answered calmly. “We need to bring in a new empress.” “… A new empress?” “Yes. Actually, isn’t that the most peaceful way? Your Majesty is in a hurry to see his successor.” “….” “As long as there is a successor, no one will dare threaten Your Majesty’s position. Yes?” “… That would be highly likely. But I think it’s a little early to talk about that now.” “It’s not early.” Meredith shook her head. “Maybe I will be able to achieve my goal soon.” Of course, the Duke of Schwartz is still alive and well, but the reputation of the Schwartz family in social circles is already sinking underground. “Princess Schwartz was forced to quit her job as a maid. Her relationship with Her Highness the Empress Dowager is definitely not the same as before.” What’s important is that the Empress Dowager completely turned her back on the Schwartz family. ‘Even if they get into trouble now, Her Highness the Empress Dowager won’t feel the appeal of rescuing them.’ In that case, it is only a matter of time before Catarina is used to completely destroy the Schwartz family. “So, Your Majesty, please try to find a young lady to be the new empress.” “….” However, Theodore did not look very bright after hearing what Meredith said. ‘… I thought you’d like it?’ Meredith was puzzled. Isn’t marriage with someone you love something everyone dreams of? ‘Or maybe I made a mistake?’ But even if she looked back on what she said, there was nothing particularly worthy. As Meredith was wondering. “Do we really need to bring in a new empress?” A question was heard that confused her even more.              Kofi donated by HeathBar (4/5)