The Evil Empress Adores Me - Chapter 18

“Hmm, it’s so good…”

 

I gasped in delight.

 

Oh, the thrilling sweetness! I felt ecstatic!

 

Yes, humans were designed to love sweet foods!

 

While I was intoxicated with the taste of milk tea, the Empress handed me one of the cookies.

 

“Come on, have some cookies, too.”

 

“Okay!”

 

I didn’t hesitate to take the cookie. It is a soft butter cookie with a large chocolate chip.

 

“Oh, this cookie….”

 

“Do you remember?”

 

The Empress blinked as she waited for my answer.

 

I nodded.

 

How could I forget this cookie?

 

This is the first cookie the Empress gave me.

 

I was lost in thoughts as I recalled tbose old memories.

 

When she was still Sister Rose, she used to bring me all kinds of snacks.

 

“Eat up!”

 

I was so surprised at that time because of the sweet taste.

 

On that day, she gave me several cookies. I was so happy that I even saved the cookies for the next few days.

 

“It’s the same cookie as the first cookie Your Majesty gave me, right?”

 

“Yes, that’s right. I’m impressed that you still remember that Charlize.”

 

The Empress’ face was filled with happiness.

 

I clenched the cookies with both hands.

 

“Hap,”  I took a big bite of the cookie.

 

“Is it delicious, Charlize?”

 

“Yesh, iwt iys.”

 

My mouth was full of cookies, so my words were gibberish.

 

Yum.

 

Sweet things were the best.

 

I ate all the cookies, and the Empress kept me within her gaze. Her eyes were set on my cheeks.

 

She broke the silence, asking as she rested her hand on her chest.

 

“Charlize….”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Can I touch your cheek, once?”

 

I paused, the last piece of the cookies remained unchewed. 

 

‘What, touch my cheek?’

 

That reminded me, didn’t maid Webber request this as well, the other day?

 

I guess everyone in the palace likes my cheeks.

 

“I’ll just touch it once. Okay?”

 

The Empress pleaded, even her eyes were filled with enthusiasm. I gave in to her request wordlessly.

 

Well, my cheeks wouldn’t wear out just because she touched it.

 

“Oh, my Charlize, how can you be so cute?”

 

The Empress, who touched my cheek, said with glee.

 

She asked me with ecstatic eyes.

 

“About the cookies, should I ask the maid to make some more in the kitchen? So you can eat it whenever you want?”

 

When I heard her offer, my eyes glistened. 

 

‘Is the Empress an angel? Maybe, if I looked closely I would be able to see the hidden wings on her back?’

 

“By the way, Charlize”

 

Putting down the half empty teacup, the Empress looked at me with serious eyes.

 

Yes?

 

I tilted my head.

 

“The maid thing, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to.”

 

‘Why is she saying that out of the blue?’ I tilted my head in confusion.

 

The Empress gave a long sigh before she answered, “I saw you pushing a trolley bigger than you, and it broke my heart to see you working so hard.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“I just wanted to keep you under my protection, I only want to pamper you.”

 

Regretful expression were painted on her face.

 

The fact that such a thought crossed her mind astounded me. 

 

‘Well, I’m thankful that she takes care of me, but I’m fine.’

 

“In this palace, no one is more comfortable than I am.”

 

Most importantly, I was very satisfied with my lifestyle right now.

 

No one bothered me, I was content with my meal and bedtime, and all the maids were kind.

 

‘And especially now, being under the Empress’s care.’

 

Power really was the best!

 

But the Empress still looked remorseful.

 

“You’re still young, so it’s okay. I’m sure all the other maids will understand. You can start working after you grow up a little bit…”

 

“No, Your Majesty.”

 

I shook my head. 

 

Her Majesty perked her eyebrows at my objection.

 

I concluded my words in a firm tone, “I understand you, but I will do whatever I need to do.”

 

I meant it, it was a sincere remark.

 

I didn’t want to get preferential treatment because of her favor.

 

I had been doing well with other maids, so I felt bad because of the privilege.

 

Other than that, there was still one problem that bothered me.

 

“Your Majesty.”

 

At my respectful call, the Empress glanced up.

 

Hmm, I called her, but… I don’t know how to bring it up.

 

I become nervous for some reason, so I took a deep breath and opened my mouth.

 

“D, did  you promote me?”

 

“Yes, I did. What’s wrong?”

 

To my question, the Empress asked back in confusipn.

 

“Why did you do that? I’m very happy with your affection for me, but….”

 

I glanced at the Empress.

 

“I’m a little worried about it.”

 

“What are you talking about?”

 

The Empress’ expression darkened.

 

I gulped nervously.

 

“Honestly, I’m a little worried if someone else is going to hate me for this favor..”

 

When I first stepped into the palace, I still could hear the voices of the maids who were gossiping about me.

 

“No matter how cute Charlize is, isn’t it too much?”

 

“As soon as she come to the palace, she’s promoted?”

 

“What if she try to challenge us and other maids?”

 

…of course, those maids were long gone, but the words were embedded deeply in my memory.

 

I still remember their hostility and ridicule towards me as well as my helplessness.

 

“If I get promoted too quickly, there will be many problems…”

 

“Charlize,” the Empress called me calmly.

 

Surprised by her voice, I immediately raised my head. Her green eyes that looked at me were tranquil

 

“Why do you think so?”

 

“Pardon? Well, that’s…”

 

“I know the rules. Only maids with sufficient skills would be promoted, with a training period of more than one year.”

 

The Empress didn’t make even a single mistake in reciting the promotion rules.

 

“After that, selected maid-in-training maids are promoted with permission from their superiors. Am I right?” 

 

“Yes, as soon as possible.”

 

I nodded dazedly.

 

The Empress continued with a long sigh, “First of all, you’ve been a maid-in-training since you were born, so you’ve already met one of the requirements.”

 

I stared blankly at the Empress.

 

“And your ability as a maid has already been investigated.”

 

What?

 

I opened my eyes wide.

 

When and how did you investigate?

 

How come I didn’t know anything about it until now?!

 

“I asked the maids about your work ethic and your skills. They said it was very good,” the Empress spoke as she leaned on the sofa.

 

“That’s why I promoted you. I’ve been watching you working at the Imperial Palace as well.”

 

“May I ask who do you ask, Your Majesty?”

 

“It’s Hayden and Senior Maid Webber. According to them, you’re very good at your job.”

 

The Empress shrugged lightly.

 

“Even the new maids think the same.”

 

At that remark, I felt happy.

 

I see, everyone was aware of my efforts.

 

I thought I was the only one moving around.

 

Then, the Empress said in a calm voice.

 

“You’ve been such a capable maid from the start that’s why you could be promoted.”

 

“…”

 

“But why are you so worried, just by hearing other people groundless remarks?”

 

The Empress words were right, I could only bite my lips in response.

 

The Empress narrowed her forehead.

 

“Actually, I don’t want you to worry about this.”

 

“Well, you know… I….”

 

“Charlize, you’re still young. You don’t need to care about such things.”

 

The Empress sighed as she reached out and patted me gently.