Hayden didn't know what to say. Back then, he didn't believe the empress's words. He thought that she was pulling his leg by saying something immoral. Although, she... didn't say anything immoral, but she did imply something.
At first, he didn't believe her words... but then he sent some of his knights to investigate about his sister's affairs. As for his mother, he investigated himself.
The results of the investigations were... shocking, at least for him. His mother... and his sister... were both involved with that wretched bastard!
How could they?!
His mother betrayed his father... when he was still bedridden, suffering from pain. Why? Why did she do that? What was so good about that fucking bastard?!
Not only his mother, but also his sister... no... not just them. His fiancée was also taken by him.
What did he even do?
Why target him?
Why target his family?
Why?
"You look sad. Are you okay, Young Master Hayden?" A cool voice interrupted his thoughts. Hayden raised his head and looked at the empress, who was sipping her tea.
"I... I am... fine," replied Hayden. At that time, he was angry... but now he was embarrassed. Should he apologize for the last time?
Caroline raised her eyebrows at him. She said, "So, you did find out that your mother, and your sister... are sleeping with Franklin. Am I right?"
All the embarrassment drained out of Hayden's body as he shot a look of disbelief at the empress, who was looking at him with curiosity.
Shouldn't she be coyer about this?
Why was she saying these worlds without even batting her eyelashes?
Their empire's 'head' wasn't shameless, was she?
Mimi sighed loudly. Its host was shameless about these things. Looking at the gossip-filled look of its host, it felt sad for Hayden.
"Come on! Don't leave any details!" probed Caroline. She was dying to hear about the 'juicy' details. Although she had vividly imagined about that, she still wanted to hear the details from Hayden's mouth.
Hayden's eyelids twitched in anger.
"Do you it's funny, Your Majesty?" Hayden gritted out. Why did his father never say anything about the empress's 'gossipy' nature?
Caroline smiled awkwardly. Well, she knew that her intentions were clearly written on her face. If she wanted, she could have hidden them... but she didn't. Why? Because she improvised her role. Sometimes, a role, or a character needed improvisation.
"You can say that. I am someone who likes to have a thorough understanding on her subjects' affairs," replied Caroline.
Hayden sneered, "Is that so? I never knew that Your Majesty is so benevolent. You make me feel embarrassed."
Caroline shrugged, "Well, you should be embarrassed. Franklin has not only targeted your family, but also your fiancée. For some reason, he has won against you each time." There was no way Hayden could have won against the protagonist.
Hayden's forehead throbbed in anger. Why was she so adamant in humiliating him? Was this about the last time?! He should have just believed her, shouldn't he?
He apologized, "I am sorry about the last time. It was my fault that I didn't believe your words, Your Majesty. Please forgive this foolish for his idiotic actions."
"I forgive you, but tell me the details!" Caroline waved me off.
The empress was a bit cute, wasn't she? Hayden frowned slightly at his own thoughts. What was he even thinking? The woman in front him was the empress of this empire! How dare he even entertain some valueless thoughts?
Taking a deep breath, Hayden said, "It's just as Your Majesty predicated before. They are... in some... relationship."
"I didn't predict it."
"What?"
Caroline smiled, "I didn't predict anything. I knew that Franklin was targeting your family's women, and that includes your ex-fiancée as well."
"Why didn't Your Majesty say anything before?! Why are you even allowing Prince Franklin to commit these disgusting acts?!" Hayden's face was red with anger. He wanted answers from the empress. If she knew, why didn't she stop him?
Caroline gave him a calm look which made Hayden flinch. She replied, "Because I didn't know about that until last week. Besides, why are you questioning me? Shouldn't you ask your mother first? As for your sister... we can ignore her for now. But your mother? Can she be ignored? She betrayed your father. Although, she is wrong... I can still understand why she did that. What confuses me is, your mother knows that Franklin has some 'unexplained' relation with her daughter, much like hers."
Hayden's face turned pale. No, it couldn't be. He refused to believe that... but unlike last time, he didn't storm out. Judging by her face, he knew... it was true. His face paled even more. He was feeling so sick that he wanted to puke.
She continued, "Your mother, and your sister are 'satisfying' Franklin. They are quite keen about that. It's like Franklin's dick has some magical powers that every woman goes crazy when she sees it. Sometimes I wonder if his dick is made up of chocolate... because these women are like ants."
"Can you please stop saying such disgusting things out in the open?" Hayden pleaded. While he didn't want to puke, he certainly wanted to tear away his ears.
Caroline shrugged, "That's the truth. You can never change the truth, right? So, what do you say? Are you willing to accept my conditions?"
"You never stated your conditions," argued Hayden.
Caroline shook her head and said, "No need. You have to decide before it's too late. Your dear mother is now experiencing 'sweet' love. She is like a young woman who will do anything to achieve her love. Besides, she is ready to share her 'man' with her daughter, isn't she? Who knows what kind of bad intentions she has reserved for your father? He is the only one stopping her from openly pursuing her love. The only shackle binding her to your family."
Hayden immediately stood up. His forehead was full of sweat.
He stuttered, "P-please... Your Majesty... can y-you e-excuse me? M-my f-f-father is at... h-home a-alone with my m-mother."
"You can go, but you should hear me out first," Caroline waved her hand over her hair, "Young Master Hayden, check the medicine. That healer is from your mother's side. Maybe that medicine is affecting your father."
Hayden nodded lightly and bowed, before running out of the room.
Caroline laughed and shook her head. Well, even though she didn't get any 'juicy' details, it was worth seeing Hayden's reactions.