I’m Stuck on a Remote Island With the Male Leads - Side Story 9

James’s question hung in the air, unanswered by Enoch. It seemed, after all, that it was decided Margaret would be the one to ignite the fireworks at the Fireworks Festival, contingent on her consent, of course.

Meanwhile, within the imperial palace, the portrait gallery of Margaret Rose Floné had become the center of attention. Since their return from the island, Enoch and Margaret had openly displayed their affection for each other. Still, many struggled to adapt to the sudden change in their relationship.

In the past, Enoch and Margaret had been enemies for quite a long time. Their conflict was so notorious that even commoners strolling through the capital’s streets knew of it. Perhaps people would fully accept their relationship only after Margaret truly ascended as empress and they had enjoyed a blissful newlywed life for at least a year or two.

Regardless, Enoch’s eccentric “crown prince longing for his estranged lover” persona didn’t end there. The coronation preparations, which would have taken at least half a year to a year, were drastically shortened to three months, also because of Margaret. The palace staff could only express their disappointment at Enoch’s adamant refusal to prolong it any further. It was, after all, the coronation of a new emperor of a new era, and three months seemed too brief a preparation time.

According to Langridge’s imperial law, unmarried women were traditionally not permitted to attend the emperor’s coronation. Compared to the neighboring Hestia Kingdom, it was a rather conservative and outdated tradition. Yet Enoch shattered that tradition as well.

“It makes no sense for my future wife to be unable to witness my coronation because of imperial law. Scrap that ridiculous law. The world almost came to ruin because we clung to such outdated rules.”

His words made perfect sense. The only ones likely to oppose were the old-fashioned high nobles, most of whom had lost their power in the expulsion of the Peony Blossom faction. Furthermore, the statement carried even more weight coming from Enoch, who had directly saved the world. Moreover, Margaret, the “unmarried woman unable to attend Enoch’s coronation,” was also one of the world’s saviors, giving the matter additional legitimacy.

“These days, I’m so exhausted.”

Enoch’s ceremonial aide, with dark circles under her eyes, confessed her fatigue to James, the chief aide and Enoch’s personal secretary.

“You know the Hestia Kingdom’s coronation is scheduled earlier, right? Because of that, the secretaries from the Hestia Kingdom have been staying at the Langridge palace for weeks now.”

James could do nothing but listen to her lament about the overwhelming workload due to the close scheduling of the Hestia King’s coronation and Enoch’s own.

“Did you hear that the Hestia Crown Prince sent an invitation to His Highness for the coronation? He’s not just asking to pass along congratulations but wants His Highness to attend his coronation in person. This is ridiculous…”

“They’re close friends, after all. And the world has changed. Perhaps attending each other’s coronations as a gesture of friendship, given the overlapping dates, might create an interesting picture. Still, I also think it’s best to just send a congratulatory message.”

The ceremonial aide grumbled, uncertain how Enoch might react.

These days, Enoch was like an unpredictable force of nature. Most of his actions had justifiable reasons, but following his lead was often an arduous task for his aides.

Then, James, with a foreboding expression, grasped the ceremonial aide’s shoulder.

“Wait, that invitation. It must have gone to Lady Floné as well, right?”

“It must have. Everyone knows by now how close the seven who returned together are…”

The ceremonial aide trailed off mid-sentence. They exchanged anxious glances.

“Of course, Lady Floné will attend the Hestia King’s coronation.”

“If word reaches His Highness that Lady Floné is going to meet the Hestia King, then naturally, he will want to…”

… attend as well.

They left the last words unsaid. If that became reality, it would mark the beginning of a hellish schedule for the aides.

“Come to think of it, it might be faster to persuade Lady Floné than to try convincing His Highness.”

The ceremonial aide wholeheartedly agreed with James’s muttering. They both had a gleam in their eyes at the thought.

Of course, they had completely overlooked the fact that Margaret herself was not one to be easily swayed.

“Damn it! Emergency! Emergency!”

Just then, Enoch’s office aide came running frantically toward James, the chief aide.

“His Highness Enoch has escaped the palace!”

“What!? Where did he go?”

“Floné residence.”

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent, their faces drained. Then they all had the same thought.

Indeed, he lasted quite a while.

***

Early in the morning, Arthdal and Ruzef visited the Floné residence in the capital, Burneton. Their visit was so sudden that I rushed to the drawing room where they were waiting, causing the work guidelines I had stuffed into my dress pocket to fall out in the process.

“Oh ho, is there something interesting happening at the Floné residence that only I don’t know about?” Arthdal remarked with curiosity as he read through the guidelines. Ruzef, equally intrigued, skimmed over the document alongside him.

‘Oh well. I give up.’

I decided to forgo the effort of snatching the paper back from them and instead sprawled out on a chair in the drawing room. It seemed like a tiring start to the day.

“My lady, have you developed sleepwalking in the time we haven’t seen each other?” Arthdal asked, pointing to rule number three.

3. Lady Margaret’s room is located in the west wing on the third floor, rooms 1-5. If Lady Margaret is found sleeping in the garden in the middle of the night, quietly move her back to her room.

“Ah.”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, I swallowed my words. It looked strange simply because of the way the guidelines were written, but I wasn’t actually sleeping haphazardly on the garden’s dirt.

I despised that remote island, but there were times I wished to reminisce about the time spent with my companions. So, I had set up a makeshift hut in the garden where I would occasionally watch the stars. If I fell asleep there, the staff would kindly move me back to my room.

Instead of adding unnecessary explanations, I changed the subject. “So, what brings you all the way here? Aren’t you both busy?”

After all, both Arthdal and Ruzef were leaders of their own groups. I couldn’t fathom how they found the time to come here.

The two men exchanged glances that weren’t exactly welcoming before speaking in unison. “We came to ask you to be our partner.”

I tilted my head in confusion. “A partner request?”

“The Langridge Fireworks Festival is coming up soon. It’s the first one since the magic disappeared, and I can’t wait to see how they’ve prepared for it.”

I could understand Arthdal’s reasoning, but Ruzef is now a pope—can he really make partner requests to noble ladies like this?

While I was still reeling from my surprise, Vanessa, one of the maids, entered the drawing room and handed me an urgent letter sent by Yuanna.

“My lady, there’s an urgent letter from Her Holiness.”

It was none other than a partner request for the Langridge Fireworks Festival. The Fireworks Festival wasn’t exactly a high-society party where one had to bring a partner, so why was everyone…?

“They all like you, my lady,” Arthdal commented.

“Think of it as being beloved. Consider it an honor,” Ruzef added.

I had initially wanted to attend the festival alone with Enoch, but it seemed I’d end up viewing it with everyone. I didn’t mind, but I couldn’t shake a slight feeling of disappointment.

Click.

At that moment, the door to the drawing room opened.

Creak—

Enoch appeared, holding a small boy in his arms. He looked every bit the doting father cradling his son.

“What’s this?”

Arthdal voiced what I wanted to say. Then, with a puzzled expression, Arthdal asked me, “…Have the two of you already set up house here?”

That couldn’t possibly be the case.

“I brought him because Eunji was peeking in from outside,” Enoch explained. I was curious about why he, who was supposed to be at the imperial palace, was here, but Eunji caught my attention more.

I took Eunji from Enoch’s arms, and as soon as Eunji settled into my embrace, he widened his eyes as if recalling something important.

Then, he dropped a bombshell.

“Oh, right. Grandpa is worried about what gift to get for you, Unnie! He’s always bugging Eunji about it, asking what would be good, and it’s kinda annoying.”

Enoch’s face turned pale.

“What gift?” Arthdal and Ruzef both turned to Eunji, their faces filled with curiosity. Eunji, still in my arms, swung his legs cheerfully and nodded.

Just as Eunji was about to speak excitedly, Enoch hurriedly clamped his hand over his mouth. Silence settled in the drawing room for a moment.

“What is this? What’s going on?” Arthdal looked at Enoch with an expression of utter confusion.

Enoch sighed and quietly gazed at Eunji. Then, suddenly, he snatched Eunji from my arms.

?!

I flailed my now empty arms in surprise. Eunji, caught off guard, stared back at me in shock.

“Wh-what! Put Eunji down! I want to go to Unnie!”

“I think you have something to discuss with me.”

“Huh? No way! Eunji doesn’t have anything to say!”

“You seem to have remembered something.”

“No, I didn’t!”

I wasn’t sure what kind of conversation was unfolding, but Enoch suddenly disappeared with Eunji in tow.

Arthdal, Ruzef, and I were left dumbfounded, staring blankly at the place where the two—no, the person and the little snake—had disappeared.

What just happened?

Moreover, I hadn’t seen Enoch in a month, and yet he disappeared just like that!

***

“Repeat after me. I know nothing.”

“No. Eunji knows.”

“No, you’re not supposed to know.”

“How can I not know something I already know?”

“Didn’t you promise Margaret’s dad? I believe you promised to keep it a secret from me too.”

Enoch mentioned the “secret” letter to Eunji. The young, innocent snake found sharing secrets amusing and loved it when the word “secret” was mentioned. Sure enough, Eunji clamped his hands over his mouth and nodded.

“Mmm. Right. Secret. Eunji is sorry.”

He apologized adorably and then began to babble excuses to Enoch as he reflected on his actions.

“Grandpa said he’s Eunji’s grandpa. Eunji likes Grandpa. I wasn’t trying to break the promise. Eunji is sorry.”

“Yes, you must honor your loyalty to Grandpa.”

“Mmm. Right. Must keep loyalty!”

Having finally convinced Eunji, Enoch rubbed his face with his hands in exhaustion. He buried his face in his palms for a moment, suppressing a sigh as a wave of self-reproach washed over him.

Then Eunji quietly placed a hand on Enoch’s shoulder and patted him gently.

“If you promise not to abandon Eunji, I’ll let you marry my unnie. Unnie made a promise to Eunji. Enoch must do it too.”

He wriggled his fingers, stealing a glance at Enoch for his reaction.

“Eunji won’t be a bother. Eunji can be very entertaining. Rosemary taught me. When Enoch is tired, Eunji can massage his shoulders too.”

Eunji, who was prettier than most little girls, clenched and unclenched his leaf-like hands, demonstrating how he could skillfully massage Enoch’s shoulders. If Rosemary were there, she would have squealed with delight at the adorable sight.

Enoch, resting his chin on his hand, watched Eunji intently and quietly thought to himself.

For the firstborn, a daughter like Eunji would be ideal.