Chapter 2

Josiah's POV

Bella hadn't set foot in my palace for a year, three months, and four days, but today she finally graced me with her presence.

Before her feet even crossed the threshold, she spoke up impatiently. "Josiah, I came across a premium emerald bracelet today. I thought you might like it, so I brought it over straight after morning court."

With that, she signaled the attendant beside her to present it.

As the sunlight caught the bracelet, I could tell at a glance that the quality was decent.

Unfortunately, it was made from the leftover scraps of a larger piece. If I wasn't mistaken, the bracelet crafted from the finest part of that emerald was probably on Harry's wrist right now.

I couldn't help but think, "Josiah Gentry, you really are pathetic. Even when you get gifts, they're just someone else's leftovers."

Yet, I kept a warm, gracious smile on my face as I accepted it.

Seeing me finally crack a smile, Bella struck while the iron was hot. "Josiah, I actually came to discuss something with you. You're my spouse. Since the commoners are erecting statues of me, they should make one for you too. I had the craftsmen rush a blueprint out. Take a look and see if you like it."

With that, a schematic diagram was placed into my hand.

The figure in the drawing was certainly attractive, but it bore absolutely no resemblance to me.

From the eyes to the silhouette, it looked exactly like Harry.

The realization hit me instantly. Bella was terrified of the public backlash that would come from building a shrine and erecting a statue for a man.

If she used my name, history books would only ever brand me as the villain.

Meanwhile, her precious Harry would remain entirely blameless, reaping the blessings and offerings of the people.

How beautifully calculated.

But honestly, I had stopped caring about these empty titles long ago.

After all, I was leaving. The praise and the criticism of this world would no longer reach my ears.

Looking into her anxious eyes, I nodded. "Whatever you wish. I'll agree to whatever you want me to do."

Bella looked as if she had misheard me. "Josiah… you…"

After all, in her memory, I would fly into a rage and scream like a lunatic whenever Harry was involved.

It would have been a miracle if I didn't protest, let alone agree so effortlessly.

But before Bella could question me further, Harry, who had been eavesdropping outside, could no longer contain his excitement.

Beaming with joy, he walked right in and took my hands. "Josiah, you're so generous and understanding. It's only right that you have a shrine built to receive the people's offerings."

The moment Harry walked in, Bella's tense expression immediately softened. "What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you that your health is fragile and you shouldn't be out in the wind? You need to rest."

Harry lowered his head. "I missed Josiah too, so I took it upon myself to come and catch up. If Your Majesty must blame someone, blame me for being inconsiderate…"

With that, his knees buckled as if he were about to collapse to the floor.

Heartbroken, Bella quickly helped him up. "How could I ever let you kneel? If you missed him, you could've simply summoned him to your manor. There was no need for you to come all the way here yourself."

The two of them exchanged deeply affectionate glances. They completely ignored me, the actual empress consort standing right there.

Harry held Bella's hands, blushing furiously, but the smug look in his eyes gave him away.

He was clearly mocking my incompetence, implying I couldn't even hold on to my position as the empress consort.

Bella had barely stepped into my palace before he came rushing in right after her.

There was no such thing as a coincidence like that.

He was simply terrified that I might win Bella back.

I shook my head with a faint sigh.

He wouldn't have to live in fear much longer. I was leaving very soon.

I no longer wanted the Bella he treasured so dearly, nor did I want the title of empress consort he coveted so desperately.