Shin Translations
patreon
Early BBYW Vol. 4 Interlude 3 (WN)
🕑 Added 2025-03-06 03:00:01 +0000 UTCFull title: I’m a Bastard But You’re Worse!
Note: This chapter has not been TLCed yet, and might slightly differ from the public version. If you found any typos/mistakes, pls write them in the comment. Thanks.
Translator: Dario
Note 2: This is the web novel version
____________________________________________
The Empire’s Red Rose 3
“I understand that the debate has not finished yet…but I will announce my opinion.”
“........!”
The moment Rossellia opened her mouth, the atmosphere of the room changed completely.
She had simply spoken, yet her presence, her beauty alone, was enough to influence her surroundings. The young functionary too swallowed her breath; it was easy to imagine how the other men present would react.
Even Sargue’s arrogant behavior subsided as he silently admired Rossellia’s visage.
“I would wish to assist the livelihood of the citizens of the outer provinces, if possible. They are citizens of our empire, as much as anyone else — just like the Marshal said. How could we not extend a helping hand to them?”
“H-However, My Liege…”
Sargue wrested his gaze away from Rossellia’s beauty and cleared his throat.
It was actually rather rare for Rossellia to interrupt her vassals’ discussions to voice her opinion. Her words were thus taken with special importance in this case. Even Sargue, who was not especially loyal to her, had been taken aback.
“In the territories ruled by Prince Cerros and Prince Grett, doubtless there are many who harbor ill will towards Your Majesty’s rule…if we provided such people aid so easily, it might result in arming rebel forces…”
“...To think that such words could come from the mouth of one of Prince Grett’s former vassals. If those that served under a traitor are to be seen as traitors themselves, then you are one too.”
“H-How dare…!”
Marshal Salazar’s comment made Sargue bite his lips in indignation.
He was about to retort to the biting accusation, when Rossellia tapped her fan on the table to silence the room.
“I will now announce my conclusion, as empress. I have decided to adopt Marshal Salazar’s stance on the matter. Part of our budget will be assigned to financial aid for the outer provinces. In terms of the actual amounts and other details, I leave all decisional power in the hands of the finance minister.”
“Gh…”
“Understood.”
Sargue’s face twisted into a horrible grimace. In contrast, Salazar’s lips hinted at a grin, as he bowed deeply.
The young female functionary breathed a sigh of relief and put her stack of papers on the table.
“This concludes our conference for today. Her Majesty shall now exit the hall, thus…”
“...I hope you are sure of this…or you will regret it.”
“Sir Dagon!?”
The closing announcement was interrupted by unthinkable words. Salazar, a fierce look in his eyes, could not help but voice his surprise.
“.......”
The voice behind such disrespect indeed belonged to the Marquis.
Rossellia had already announced her imperial verdict: to express dissent afterwards was the epitome of conceit, even from a noble of high standing.
“M-Marquis…what are you…”
The other nobles were too left perplexed by the unspeakable protest.
The whole room cast gazes of suspicion and hostility gathered on Sargue, but the blubbery man made no attempt to retract his words, and looked straight at Rossellia instead.
“...I have simply given a warning to Her Majesty. Why do you not understand?”
“...what might you be talking about, Marquis Dagon?”
Rossellia asked back, in a quiet tone. The man then turned a nasty look on the empress’ body.
“You need to gather the trust of the people of this country as quickly as possible, Your Majesty. Otherwise…the child in your womb might not be given proper importance.”
“What the…! Do not dare slander Her Majesty any further, you cur!!”
Salazar pounded his fists on the table and stood up.
The Marshal, a demon’s fury painted on his face, reached for the hilt of his sword. Seeing this, Sargue could not help but turn pale with fear.
Despite the terror in his heart, however, his allusions did not stop.
“T-The child you bear is going to inherit the throne. If, by any chance, the father is revealed to be someone unacceptable by the empire…for instance, a commander or noble of a foreign country…such a scandal would shake our homeland to the very core…!!”
“...Pardon me, but…how is that related to the issue at hand?”
“The r-restoration of the imperial palace will consolidate Your Majesty’s authority, as well as improve the heir’s standing. Afterwards, regardless of the father’s identity…”
“You do not need to say any more. Be silent.”
“Ngh…”
Rossellia shot a cold glare at Sargue, then hid her mouth with her fan, utterly dejected. She then caressed her stomach, with a gentler look on her face.
The empress, with loving affection, touched her prominent stomach. Her radiant beauty was reminiscent of a holy mother from a painting: for a moment, the tense air of the conference room dissipated, as all eyes present were taken in by Rossellia.
“Marquis, your commitment to the Empire has been well received. I shall overlook your discourtesy in this instance. I trust you will accept.”
“Y-Yes…with my utmost gratitude…”
“However…the imperial verdict has been announced. It cannot be overturned at this point. Do you understand?”
“....Certainly.”
After Rossellia spoke so clearly, there was no way Sargue could protest further: he could only lower his head in resignation.
Rossellia whispered “very well”, smiled and slowly stood up from her seat. Immediately, two maids rushed to her side, to help in case she lost her balance.
“Today’s conference is hereby concluded. I thank you all for your participation.”
With the volatile tension now gone, the empress’ words of gratitude filled the room with relief.
The only exceptions were Sargue, as his proposal had been turned down, and Marshal Salazar, who was staring daggers at the Marquis.
“Her Majesty shall now exit the room.”
The young functionary was relieved too. She stood up from her chair, bowed deeply and watched the empress as she left
“Oh, I almost forgot.”
Rossellia was almost through the door, when she stopped in her tracks.
“You, the functionary over there…if you have the time, would you mind accompanying me now?”
“Eh…Heeeh…!?”
Rossellia was indeed looking at the young female functionary in charge of the proceedings of the meeting. Never would she have expected the empress to address her directly: flabbergasted, she couldn’t articulate a proper reply.
Naturally, there was no way a “mere mortal” could refuse an invitation from the empress: the young functionary, moving with the fluidity of a broken toy, nodded her head up and down.
