Reborn as Cold Emperor's Concubine [S1] The Emperor, The Eunuch, and The Exasperated Concubine 1

The Emperor, The Eunuch, and The Exasperated Concubine 1

Lillian, already having a rough morning thanks to palace politics, finds solace in the most unexpected place—Lord Rupert Hargrove, the sharp-tongued and scandalously witty head eunuch. The two quickly bond over their mutual exasperation with a certain Emperor and share a dramatic tea session filled with gossip, sarcasm, and laughter.

Unfortunately, their newfound friendship does not sit well with Victor. Upon finding Lillian cheerfully chatting (and conspiring?) with Rupert, the Emperor gets very irritated. What follows is an absurdly petty argument between Victor and Lillian, in which Lord Rupert, completely entertained, shamelessly fans the flames.

By the end of it, Lillian gains a best friend, Victor gains a headache, and Rupert gains endless amusement at his Emperor’s expense.

Lillian’s courtyard. She and Rupert are sitting under a pavilion, sipping tea like two aristocratic gossipmongers. Lillian, finally in good company, grins as Rupert dramatically recounts palace absurdities.

Rupert Hargrove - Head Eunuch.

*Sipping tea* So there I was, standing beside His Majesty, listening to Minister Clarkson drone on about taxation reforms—

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

*Leaning in* And let me guess? The Emperor was pretending to listen but was actually plotting someone’s downfall?

Rupert Hargrove - Head Eunuch.

*Gasps theatrically* You know him so well, my lady! Indeed, His Majesty’s nods were so perfectly timed, even I was almost fooled.

Both burst into laughter. Servants passing by exchange nervous glances—who dares to laugh at the Emperor so openly?!?

Enter Victor. The amusement immediately vanishes from the servants’ faces, but Lillian and Rupert, oblivious, continue their slander session.

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

*Grinning* —Oh, and don’t forget the way he smirks before delivering a royal decree. That’s his ‘I’m about to ruin someone’s life’ face.

Rupert Hargrove - Head Eunuch.

Ah, yes. Classic.

A very familiar deep voice interrupts.

Victor Alaric - ML

*Dryly* How fascinating.

Lillian and Rupert turn slowly, finding Victor standing there, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Rupert, the shameless troublemaker, takes a very slow sip of tea.

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

*Clears throat* Ah. Your Majesty. What a… surprise?

Victor Alaric - ML

*Flatly.* Yes. Imagine my shock, walking in to find my own concubine plotting treason over tea.

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

*Offended* Excuse you, we were simply discussing your charming mannerisms.

Victor Alaric - ML

*Pointed look.* You mean mocking them?

Lillian shrugs, unbothered. Meanwhile, Rupert, thoroughly enjoying himself, sets down his cup with a dramatic sigh.

Rupert Hargrove - Head Eunuch.

*To Victor.* Your Majesty, if I may, Lady Lillian possesses a rare gift—a keen eye for imperial affairs. Truly, you should thank her for such… thorough analysis.

Victor slowly turns his gaze to Rupert, who smiles innocently—or as innocently as a professional palace gossip can manage.

Victor Alaric - ML

*Coolly* Are you suggesting I reward her for insubordination?

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

Oh, a reward sounds lovely! How about a bigger courtyard? With a fountain? And maybe a puppy?

Victor Alaric - ML

*Pinches the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly.*

Victor Alaric - ML

I should’ve known befriending Rupert would make you twice as insufferable.

To be continued.



