The Emperor and the Knightess

Chapter 338

The reason why Poliana knew many flower names was because she had a keen interest in geography and geology. She knew very well how different plants grew in different climates and soils. In the past, Poliana found it very helpful in coming up with battle strategies if she knew the geology of the area well. It became her habit to study different plants.

‘But I have been lazy about keeping up with my hobby.’

Poliana had a dream of writing a book about battle strategies and relevant geology. She planned on doing this after her retirement, which was why she has been diligent about studying these topics. Of course, after she found out about her pregnancy, she stopped. In retrospect, Poliana regretted not focusing on study during her pregnancy rather than trying to knit baby socks.

The greenhouse was beautiful. She could see how hard the gardeners must’ve worked to have the flowers from different climates to bloom at the same time. Lucius the First smiled as he watched Poliana check the roots of the flowers rather than the blooms.

He has been planning for this for a long time. He ordered the gardeners to make sure there are exotic flowers blooming at all times so he could propose at any time. As his plan for the marriage proposal became delayed, the greenhouse became filled with more and more flowers. The emperor knew he would never have to worry about proposal flowers now.

Lucius the First thought in determination, ‘I will not fail my second marriage proposal.’

Since they had Gerald together now, Poliana accepted the idea of marriage. There was no denying that the birth of their son was what made this possible. What Lucius the First now needed to focus on was to make sure Poliana continued to think positively about their marriage. He needed to do everything he possibly could to make sure Poliana does not ask for a divorce.

The emperor said to her, “Lean towards me a little.”

“Pardon?”

Lucius the First picked a blue lily blooming nearby and tucked it behind Poliana’s ear. Poliana flinched when she saw the giant flower coming at her. It was way too big to be put behind one’s ear, but somehow, Lucius the First balanced it on her ear and smiled in satisfaction.

Since the emperor looked so happy, Poliana wanted to be happy about it as well, but… Only crazy women put flowers in their hair and besides, this particular flower was just too big. If anyone saw her, a rumor would begin immediately that Marquess Winter has finally lost her mind. Lucius the First exclaimed, “It suits your hair color, Sir Pol.”

No matter who looked at it, Poliana’s hair was a dull brown. At best, it could be considered a light brown, but it certainly was not golden like that of the emperor’s. The flower would have suited Lucius the First much better with his blond hair.

Poliana laughed awkwardly. The subtle vibration from her laugh caused the flower to fall to the ground. Unfortunately, Poliana’s thin hair was not able to support the giant bloom. Poliana lowered her body to pick it up.

“I apologize, your highness.”

She was about to pick it up when the emperor’s hand touched hers. Poliana frowned and said to him, “Your highness, I should be doing things like this for you.”

“Look at me, Pol; this definitely is something I want to do.”

Lucius the First gently took the flower from Poliana’s hand. He straightened up quickly and said to her, “Things like this… These are part of my job now. Giving you flowers and picking up the things on the ground for you… I want to do these things for you. Please don’t take this away from me.”

“How could this be your job, your highness?”

“Because I am in love with you.”

Lucius the First gently shook the lily to get the dirt off. He murmured to her, “With the blue flower in your hair, it looked so beautiful like a blue bird sitting on a cornfield.”

Apparently, the flower represented the blue flower and Poliana the cornfield. The emperor added, “The blue bird looks the best when it is sitting on a cornfield, after all.”

Lucius the First put the flower behind his ear and said to her, “See? This doesn’t suit me.”

Before she met the emperor, Poliana believed that flowers and men didn’t go together. But now, she knew that Lucius the First looked amazing with flowers and jewels. She suspected he would even look lovely with laces.

While Poliana ogled him with her eyes, Lucius the First picked a few more flowers. His action was casual, but he was very gentle with the flowers.

“Your highness, you will hurt your hand.”

“This is part of my duty now.”

The emperor picked various flowers to make a small bouquet. He pulled out the ribbon that was holding his hair together and wrapped it around the bouquet of flowers.

“Every flower in my hand… They are all yours, Sir Pol.”

‘Oh my… Dammit… I’m getting goosebumps.’

Poliana’s entire body became covered with goosebumps. She shuddered but still accepted the bouquet. The strange thing was, this situation was so corny that even Poliana wanted to scream and run away, but she could not take even a step away from the emperor.

Lucius the First thought happily, ‘Perfect! It’s working!’ He smiled in satisfaction.

Just as he suspected, his knightess had no experience in romance. The emperor was courting her with everything he had, and it was working!

No wonder this naïve woman fell for that gold digger, Frau Sneke!

‘No! Focus, Lucius!’

Only

He was standing in front of the woman he loved, which meant he should only be thinking about her. Lucius the First waited patiently until Poliana looked up at him. When he finally saw her shy and confused brown eyes, he smiled again. This was more than he expected.

The smell of the greenery was much stronger than that of what had bloomed. The sticky fluid ran down her fingers from the stems. Poliana thought, ‘I can’t breathe.’

Poliana felt like she was suffocating. It wasn’t because of the strong scent of the flowers; it was because Lucius the Frist’s smile was too blinding.

She was fine yesterday when she was with him, so what was different today? Suddenly, Poliana realized that the difference was the location. In the garden yesterday, they were an open space with an audience, but today, they were alone in a closed space.

No matter where she looked, she was surrounded by colorful flowers and a man who was even more beautiful than any flower.

‘Calm down, Poliana.’

She took a deep breath to stop herself from hyperventilating. Touching the flowers in her hands gently, Poliana said to the emperor, “To be honest, I have to admit that the way you treat me… I don’t dislike it, your highness. In fact, I will admit that I actually like it a little. After all, I am still human, so how could I not feel flattered when someone so beautiful like you is courting me? How could I not feel attracted to you just a little?”