Duke Liranef’s eyes gleamed sinisterly.

“That sounds good.”

“Let’s form an alliance with Eteria using the Empress of Eteria as an excuse. The military power of Eteria will be of great help.”

Duke Liranef and his advisers exchanged knowing glances and nodded.

At that moment, someone knocked on the door of the council chamber. When Duke Liranef got up and opened the door, a servant handed him a letter and a small bottle.

Duke Liranef hurriedly checked the letter.

[There is something I want to confirm. If the condition of Empress Eteria hasn’t improved by the time you receive this letter, please deliver this bottle as medicine.]

Duke Liranef’s eyes narrowed. Was he planning to feed the world tree’s essence to the Empress? He couldn’t quite grasp what was going on.

Duke Liranef continued reading the letter.

[It’s not rotten world tree essence. I tried making it myself, but unlike the real world tree essence, it doesn’t kill in a short time.

The side effect of skin pigment lightening is the same, but there’s no doubt since it lives longer than putting real world tree essence in the body.

I will create world tree essence and conduct a new experiment. I need the results in large quantities, so I ask for your cooperation.

P.S. And I have currently moved from the Eteria Empire to the Lupeon Kingdom. But I will return to the Empire soon, so I will see you soon. [Dash]Generve.]

Things are getting interesting. Kidnap the Emperor by saying there is a way to cure the Empress while using that Empress as an experimental subject.

‘And if done well, the anger of Emperor Eteria can be directed at Emperor Leonharta.’

The gods have abandoned humanity, and they have abandoned this world. So now it is time for humans to choose their own king.

(This is a time separator.)

“……Empress! Empress!”

Ugh.

“Empressnim! Empressnim!”

So noisy. I lightly brushed off the persistent hand shaking me from the side.

However, the hand that had momentarily retreated soon shook me again, waking me from my sweet sleep.

“Empressnim! His Majesty said to wake you up and bring you no matter what this time! He said it’s not allowed to skip more than one meal!”

“Uuuuuugh……. ”

“Or he might even behead me! Empressnim! Oh, my! Empressnim!”

I eventually opened my eyes due to the persistently clinging hand. Bright light pierced my eyes beyond the wideopen curtains.

‘Why is it so bright…….’

I blinked slowly to regain consciousness. Then a sharp voice woke me from sleep again.

“Empressnim!”

When I turned my head, I saw Pibi eagerly trying to wake me.

“……Pibi?”

“Empressnim! You finally woke up!”

Pibi smiled brightly and helped me out of bed. As I came to my senses, I heard noisy chatter beyond the closed window.

It seemed to be well past morning.

‘Yesterday…… what happened?’

Certainly, Levanfell and Elifhu left…… left…… and I lay down…….

‘Did I fall asleep after lying down?’

I thought I had some conversation with Mu before falling asleep, but I couldn’t remember. Unconsciously, I turned my gaze to the hamster house.
As always, Hamster House was empty.

‘It must have been another strange conversation.’

What’s with him always wandering around like this? Is he going to visit Elihu again for some meat?

“Empress! It’s past lunchtime! His Majesty said that if you skip both breakfast and lunch this time, he will definitely come and get you!”

“…Levanfell said that?”

“Oh, my.”

I inadvertently mentioned his name, perhaps due to my still scattered consciousness. Then, Phoebe covered her mouth, beaming at me.

“Hehe. Is that how you call his name when it’s just the two of you? Hehehe.”

“…No. I’m just still half asleep.”

“Hey! No need to hide it from me! It’s nice to see! Hehe!”

I shrugged off Phoebe’s words, feeling refreshed and light as if I had slept soundly for once.

It must have been because I was tired after yesterday’s events and slept well.

I casually changed and dressed with Phoebe’s help. Then, I headed to the dining hall to fill my hungry stomach.

“How was the party yesterday? Was there any gossip afterward?”

“Hey. Who would dare? If anyone criticizes the party you organized, I’ll beat them up! Everyone was full of praise. Emperor Eteria must have been satisfied too?”

Walking the long hallway to the dining hall, Phoebe did not hold back her praise.

It was then.

‘Is that…….’

I saw Emperor Eteria’s back in the garden beyond the corridor. He was in the same spot as when I looked down from the terrace railing yesterday.

‘…He was there yesterday, feeding milk to the kittens.’

I inadvertently stopped and gazed at Emperor Eteria’s back. Seeing a similar bowl in his hand, he seemed to be feeding milk to the kittens just like yesterday.

“Empress? What’s wrong?”

“Wait a moment, Phoebe.”

I commanded Phoebe and moved towards Emperor Eteria. Unaware of my approach, he was engrossed in adoring the kittens.

“What are you doing here?”

“Heoheok…!”