CHAPTER 111
They forgot even their soaked undergarments in the pouring rain.
Those who looked at the Emperor with incredulous eyes could only move their lips, unable to make a sound.
After a moment, a deep voice broke through the sound of the heavy rain.
“The raindrops… are bouncing off the robe!”
The cold rain seemed to avoid only the Emperor standing in the center of the stage.
As soon as the thick raindrops hit the Emperor’s robe, they scattered into the air as if light was being reflected.
“A waterproof… robe? That’s impossible…”
Despite seeing it with their own eyes, they couldn’t believe the words coming out of their mouths.
A waterproof robe. It was awe-inspiring to think it was possible.
Countless kingdoms, including the Empire, had spent enormous funds and energy trying to make waterproof uniforms for their soldiers.
For soldiers who had to endure harsh weather on the battlefield, wet uniforms from rain and snow were the worst.
Waterlogged clothes not only lowered body temperature further but were also heavy and inconvenient. With no opportunity to dry them, the uniforms would mold, leading to skin diseases and the risk of infectious diseases.
Until now, wool layered with multiple layers was used as the fabric to make uniforms that could withstand rain and snow. However, no matter how thick the wool uniforms were made, they were not very effective and became a hindrance in battle due to their heavy weight.
The Emperor, who had immediately hidden Arabelle under the cloak when it started raining, was also momentarily speechless.
His deepened red eyes followed the raindrops bouncing off the cloak.
Though rain streamed down his hair and face, his torso to his thighs, covered by the robe, remained completely dry.
He felt the delicate body of his wife, who had buried her head in his chest. The Emperor wrapped his arms tightly around Arabelle, enveloped in the robe.
Suddenly, an umbrella was placed over the Emperor’s head.
The attendants, who had been mesmerized by the Emperor’s robe, regained their senses. They hurriedly brought umbrellas and towels, standing beside the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, please come inside.”
Chamberlain Sebastian spoke softly, and the Emperor slowly nodded.
“After a brief break, the event will continue in the Second Banquet Hall. Please proceed inside the palace.”
The booming voice of the Chief Steward snapped people out of their daze, and they quickly left the outdoor auditorium.
***
Second Banquet Hall.
Those who had experienced the unexpected commotion at the outdoor auditorium gathered again in the Second Banquet Hall.
The royal family and nobles, having changed their clothes and tidied their hair, still looked dazed.
“The Emperor and Empress are entering.”
Everyone greeted the imperial couple descending the grand spiral staircase with proper etiquette.
“Now, let’s resume the ceremony of presenting the Empress’s gift to the Emperor.”
Even before Sir Ted Chamberlain’s announcement, all eyes were already on the Empress.
Milly and Rosa approached Arabelle, each holding the opposite end of the robe.
Arabelle, receiving the robe that was still intact despite being drenched in rain, stood before the Emperor.
It was difficult to speak in front of so many people.
The Emperor’s red eyes seemed to speak to her, comforting her anxious heart with the message, “Look only at me.”
With her round cheeks blushing and a slight strain on her nostrils, Arabelle opened her mouth.
“Your Majesty… This is a token of my heart for you. I promise to love and respect you forever. I will be your eternal sanctuary. Please accept my gift.”
She had practiced the phrase that the Empress was to recite when presenting her gift countless times.
She had been anxious about making a mistake, wanting to convey her feelings to the Emperor perfectly.
Feeling relieved that she had not made any mistakes, Arabelle’s expression brightened. Her face, incapable of lying, showed her genuine relief.
Seeing the smile of Baroness Rosalind over the Emperor’s shoulder, Arabelle let out a small sigh of relief.
It was not a voice with anything special or technical.
It wasn’t even a clear and charismatic voice that captivated the audience.
Yet…
Her small, sincere, and clear voice resonated with a corner of the heart.
It even invoked a sense of solemnity.
The Emperor received the Empress’s gift with both hands respectfully.
As was customary, the Emperor also recited the ‘Emperor’s Response’ from the gift-giving ceremony with respect.
“It is an honor to receive your heart. I gratefully accept this unique gift in the world. I will cherish it forever.”
The Emperor skillfully draped the dark green robe over his shoulders.
It was a truly remarkable sight.
The rough-looking robe, which had seemed insignificant, now looked dignified and magnificent over the Emperor’s uniform.
The robe, which had withstood the heavy rain without any damage, now seemed more precious than fine silk or fur.
Among all the gifts presented today, this was the most coveted treasure.
The Emperor, who instantly grasped the wavering hearts of the people, spoke up.
He wouldn’t miss this perfect opportunity to elevate the Empress’s status.
Focusing his clear light brown eyes, he asked in a gentle voice, “How did the Empress come up with the idea to make this robe?”
After a brief hesitation, her pink lips softly replied, “After you returned from the last war, you were unwell with a cold. You marched for three days in wet clothes... I wondered how uncomfortable it must have been for you. And for the soldiers who fought alongside you.”
The eyebrows of the guards standing in the banquet hall twitched slightly.
Just as the Empress said, the last war was almost a battle against the rain. They had to march continuously in pouring rain while fighting the enemy.
Many soldiers suffered not only from colds but also from bronchitis and dermatitis due to their wet robes and uniforms, enduring great hardships for quite some time.
Their noses tingled, moved by the Empress’s consideration.
“I wanted to be of some help to Your Majesty.”
As soon as Arabelle finished speaking, a moment of silence fell in the room.
Clap, clap, clap.
A few claps began to be heard, soon followed by thunderous applause filling the banquet hall.
The heartfelt clapping and cheers continued for a while.
The Emperor had to restrain his impulsive hands and feet from scooping up Arabelle and carrying her away.
Every muscle in his face twitched with pride.
It was Arabelle whose face turned red as if it would burst at the seemingly endless applause.
After a while, a voice was heard from the back of the hall.
“Could you tell us how you made the waterproof robe?”
The future king of the Kingdom of Westfall stepped forward.
Westfall experienced rainy seasons for half of the year. If they could obtain the fabric of this waterproof robe… it would bring great innovation not only to their military but also to their society as a whole.
“Of course, you used chemicals, right? Could you explain the mixing ratio?”
The King of the Kingdom of Riverlam asked, barely hiding his impatience.
Riverlam’s main export was wool for making military uniforms. Their wool was highly popular for its excellent warmth and moisture-handling capabilities compared to other kingdoms' wool.
Even at three to four times the usual wool price, it was in such high demand that they couldn't sell enough. The strongest nation on the continent, Helterd, couldn't even dominate the wool industry made from wool.
If waterproof fabric were to be produced and distributed from the Helterd Empire, it would undoubtedly dominate not only the wool market but the entire clothing market.
The Empress’s gift would bring enormous economic impact not only to the Empire but to the entire continent.
It was incomparable to gifts like jewels or tapestries.
It was a golden goose that would bring immense profit to the Empire.
It was the greatest gift the new Empress, soon to be called the Mother of the Empire, could give to the people.
“That is a state secret that I cannot share with you.”
Arabelle was about to answer when the Emperor raised his hand and spoke softly.
At his suddenly cold gaze, those who were about to ask questions closed their mouths.
The sharp expression, which he did not show when facing Arabelle, warned them that no further questions would be entertained.
Though it left a bitter taste in their mouths, it was only natural.
No kingdom would share the method of making waterproof clothing with another.
Nevertheless, the representatives of the diplomatic delegations could not take their regretful eyes off the robe worn by the Emperor.
At the Emperor’s signal, Sir Ted raised his hands.
The doors on both sides of the banquet hall swung open, and the royal performance troupe entered with lively music.
The Emperor watched Arabelle beside him as she observed the royal jesters’ performances.
Her large eyes sparkled with curiosity, and sounds of amazement constantly escaped from her soft lips.
She clenched her small fists as she watched the acrobats soar into the air.
Unable to resist, the Emperor tilted his head and kissed Arabelle’s lips.
As he slowly licked her lips and slipped inside, the teaching of Baroness Rosalind, “You must maintain decorum in public. The Emperor and Empress should set an example for everyone,” faded away from Arabelle’s mind.
***
Laboratory within the Imperial Palace.
Immediately after the first official event concluded, a crucial experiment was being conducted under strict security within the palace.
Otto, the Empire’s head of textile development, reported to the Emperor and Empress who visited late at night.
Otto’s voice trembled with excitement, having dedicated his 40-year life to textile manufacturing.
“As the Empress advised, we combined these three ingredients in a 1:1:2 ratio. It’s a great success! We can mass-produce waterproof fabric that is as light and warm as the robe Your Majesty is wearing!”
The Emperor and Arabelle couldn’t take their eyes off each other.
The Emperor, tightening his arms around Arabelle’s shoulders, pulled her slender body into his embrace.
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