Three Parts of Sorrow

Just as Alex Carter was about to say something, Emperor Leo Martin came over and affectionately slapped Alex on the shoulder. "Alex, it's been ages since we sparred! Come on, let's head to the training grounds for a friendly match. Emily Bell and Grace Evans can catch up as master and apprentice."

Alex Carter burst out laughing, his voice hearty. "Of course, Your Majesty, I’ll gladly accompany you for a few rounds."

Emperor Leo grinned mischievously, "Then you’d better go easy on me, Alex. Don’t let me lose too badly!"

===

Empress's quarters.

Emily Bell linked arms with Grace Evans, leaning her head affectionately on Grace’s shoulder and whining, "Master—life in the palace is so boring, I’m dying of boredom! Why didn’t you come visit me sooner?"

"Emily, you’re the Empress now, but you’re acting more and more like a little girl. Aren’t you afraid people will laugh at you?" Grace Evans smiled. "Besides, the palace is heavily guarded—I can’t just come and go as I please."

Emily Bell sighed. "Master, how’s business at the Eight Treasures Bistro? Are the spices selling well? Has the hot pot restaurant gotten a lot of franchises? I keep thinking about those businesses—especially the Eight Treasures Bistro. I put so much heart into it, I just can’t stop worrying."

"Don’t worry, everything’s going great. The Eight Treasures Bistro is managed by several reliable stewards—people you promoted yourself. Business is booming, so you can rest easy. As for the spices, even the Empresses in the palace are raving about them. Of course they’re selling well! And the hot pot restaurants? They’re so popular that even my fourth uncle is planning to convert his jewelry shops in major cities into hot pot franchises."

Grace Evans chatted away about life outside the palace, leaving Emily Bell looking envious. "Sigh, I never realized how precious freedom was until I came here. Now I’m stuck in the imperial city, deep inside the palace, with these towering walls separating me from the outside world. I’ll be spending the rest of my life within these walls. Thinking about how carefree I used to be, compared to now—it’s stifling."

Emily Bell leaned her head on Grace Evans's shoulder, murmuring, "Master, you have to come to the palace more often to keep me company. I miss you, I miss Lola, I miss Peony, I miss the Eight Treasures Bistro, and I miss all the children at Clearwater Academy..."

As she spoke, Emily's voice grew choked with emotion. Grace Evans gently rubbed her head, "Look at you, how did our chat turn into tears? The emperor treats you so well, you’re cherished above all, yet you’re always thinking about the world outside."

Emily Bell pouted and huffed, "If he didn’t treat me so well, I’d never have given up my freedom to marry into these tall palace walls."

Grace Evans stroked Emily Bell’s face. "It’s good that the emperor treats you well. Once your child is born, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy and won’t feel so bored anymore."

Mentioning the baby, Emily Bell perked up and started asking Grace Evans all about Charles Carter.

Grace Evans answered each question with a smile. Emily Bell touched her own belly and said, "If my baby is a boy, he’ll be brothers with Charlie; if she’s a girl, she’ll marry Charlie. What do you think, Master?"

Grace Evans looked at Emily Bell’s excitement and smiled, but there was a trace of hidden sorrow in her expression.

With eyes full of affection, Grace Evans coaxed Emily Bell as if she were a child, "Alright, alright, whatever you say."

Emily Bell beamed, "Master, it’s a promise! Pinky swear!"

"Pfft, even as Empress you’re still so childish. Alright, pinky swear."