I had suspected that the remnants were hiding somewhere on the continent, but I never thought it would be in my own empire.

It was impossible to verify whether the remnants’ words were true or false. But the capital’s guard had increased, and it had become more stern. The knights were dispatched throughout the empire to search vigorously.

That was all that could be done at the moment.

“I wish I could assign a more proper escort to the Empress…”

“Do you know that the number of knights currently escorting the Empress is already half that of a regular knight brigade? Soon, you might say you’ll appoint all the subjects of the empire to Her Majesty’s escort.”

“Not a bad idea.”

“Ha. Empress, please say a word. I feel like a tragedy will occur if I object.”

“It’s already a tragedy, Levanfell. No one sighs like that but you.”

“What’s the big deal about a simple sigh?”

I lowered my head as I watched the two men argue in front of me about my problem. I was getting tired of mediating between them.

I looked at Karayan, ignoring Levanfell and Jaerim’s fight. As always, Karayan was eating elegantly.

“Brother. Today you’re going…”

“I’m casting a vote with the Emperor’s opinion. I never thought it would match, especially here.”

Never mind, I take back what I said about being elegant.

‘I better keep my mouth shut.’

I closed my mouth and gave up on understanding.

The fierce backandforth between the three continued.

It was an uncompromising battle between two men who insisted on increasing my guard because there were traces of General entering the capital, and one man who insisted that the more manpower was deployed for my escort, the laxer the security would become.

“…I’ll call for Lord Tenen.”

Levanfell muttered with a disgruntled expression, having failed to break Jaerim’s stubbornness.

Could Lord Tenen be the swordsmanship master Levanfell mentioned when he received a letter in the past? The count who lost all his family in the war, was devastated, and went back to his territory to do nothing but drink?

“Will Count Tenen come if you call for him? Especially to work for the royalty… He might draw his sword and commit suicide.”

“But among the people I know, there’s no one as skilled as Tenen. I learned swordsmanship from him, so I know best. …It’s a waste to let such skill rot away.”

Contrary to his cold tone, Levanfell’s face was darkened by the shadow of guilt. Jaerim also seemed to know the relationship between Count Tenen and Levanfell, as his expression became calmer and he patted Levanfell’s shoulder.

“Tenen was happiest when he held a sword. He has nothing to do now since he can’t hold one, so he’s drinking every day. …I’ll still call him to the palace.”

“You’ve already asked him to take the position of head of the imperial knight brigade numerous times, and every time he’s refused.”

Levanfell frowned at Jaerim’s reality check. He had already made several attempts to persuade, but all were rejected.

“There’s no choice. When I leave my post, the only one I can trust with the Empress is Tenen.”

Levanfell stared at me. He tried hard to erase the guilt that covered his eyes as he looked at me.

“If he refuses again this time, I will force him by the Emperor’s command, one way or another, to stay by the Empress’s side.”

“Lord Tenen might come to kill Your Majesty while cursing.”

Levanfell laughed at Jaerim’s light joke and took a sip of wine.

“That’s fine. For Terriel, I can be a tyrant who knows no bounds.”

My always arrogant and blase husband occasionally threw out these dangerous words, whether in jest or in earnest.

‘What are you going to do if I die because of your casual words!’

I pushed away Levanfell’s deep gaze with my hand in the air and turned my head.

“Brother, return safely today. You said you’d take the fast ship. Be careful of the storm.”

And today was the day Karayan returned to the kingdom of Lupeon.

“Don’t worry. With the help of spirits, I can avoid something like a storm.”

“You’ll have a lot to do when you get back, brother.”

“What can I do? I’m the only sane person in that palace. I can’t just burn down the whole kingdom because I don’t like it.”

A sting.

My heart jolted at hearing the thoughts I had when I was first sold to the empire come from Karayan’s mouth.

Indeed, an heir to the throne is different. I had only thought about burning the entire kingdom because I didn’t like it!

“Terry. Would you like to go with me if you’re sorry? Even if it’s not a divorce, taking a rest back in the homeland would be…”

“Her Majesty the Empress must be busy preparing the welcome party for the Emperor and Empress of the Eteria Empire who will visit in a few days.”

Jaerim cut off Karayan’s words, laughing as if telling him not to make a fuss.

Not long ago, Jaerim was dragged by Levanfell, who was fighting with Karayan, saying that he would visit the Empire.

It seems to be the Emperor and Empress of the Eteria Empire. …Huh? Wait a minute.

“…A welcome party? Me?”