“Why?”

Gregory, the acknowledged son among the emperor’s illegitimate children and the presumptive heir who had received the title of crown prince, was very displeased with how things were going in the imperial palace lately. His father seemed to be going mad.

“It’s an imperial order.”

The servants and knights who guarded the emperor like an iron wall absolutely would not let him in beyond this door.

Only those permitted by the emperor himself could enter through this door and meet with him. Gregory did not qualify.

Unable to dare defy the emperor, the crown prince encountered Duke Lücenford walking up behind him. He is one of only three in the empire who use the same title as Gregory.

Unlike Gregory, he was tall and had a build that suited the empire’s unique thick, long sleeveless coat or cape exceptionally well. He didn’t need to decorate with flashy shoulder epaulettes or tassels like Gregory did.

Above all, Lücenford’s distinctive attire of draping the cape over just one shoulder, fully exposing his broad yet firm shoulder and thick forearm on the other side, accentuated his strong masculinity even more.

So Gregory always felt intimidated by the duke who was seven years his senior.

“The second sun of the empire arrived first.”

The duke observes perfect etiquette. That made him even harder to deal with.

The 8 years the emperor had desperately tried everything to have an heir with the empress had all been because of the excessively excellent Peon. Despite the emperor’s various attempts, the empress had not conceived any children after Peon.

“It’s been a while, Duke.”

Unlike Peon’s low, thick, and powerful voice, Gregory’s voice in response still hadn’t lost its boyish tone. Because of this, he inwardly flinched.

“Yes, it’s been a while. I see you’ve come to have an audience with His Majesty.”

“I’m also curious about Her Majesty the Empress’s condition.”

Gregory knew that a crown prince should have more dignity. The sharp, scrutinizing gaze of the emperor evaluating him came to mind unbidden.

Gregory unconsciously hunched his shoulders. Everything felt burdensome, causing a surge of indignation and irritation to well up inside him. He really was trying his best.

“Yes. Everyone is worried.”

Peon nodded. He seemed very calm despite his mother having fallen into a coma.

As the emperor often compared to Gregory, Peon seemed able to control his emotions. Gregory asked the much taller Peon:

“Are you alright, Duke?”

“Me?”

“I ask because you seem no different than usual.”

It’s not that the Empress’s collapse wasn’t sad for Duke Lücenford Peon. It was sad, but Peon felt an even greater sense of liberation.

He even thought this was better. His mother’s life must have been hellish too, so wouldn’t she be freer now that she had fallen into a coma?

Perhaps Peon was also not in his right mind after being tormented so much by the emperor. To survive in this hell, everyone had to go a little mad.

“For anyone, their mother collapsing is a shocking event.”

The duke quietly replied. The two’s conversation naturally came to a halt due to the newly arrived Duke of Ostaine.

“Please have some, Your Highness. Your Grace.”

They had barely exchanged greetings when a servant approached. The words “Crown Prince” were not included in that address.

That’s right. There were only two people who could enter through that door that even the crown prince could not pass – the Duke of Ostaine and Duke Lücenford.

One was the master of the Ostaine duchy recognized by the previous emperor and a member of the imperial family, while the other was the duke acknowledged by the current emperor, so his prestige was great. It wasn’t something the crown prince could disregard, but it also wasn’t something he could ignore.

The door firmly closed again, leaving Gregory alone.

*

As the empress, who was expected to wake up soon, continued to remain unconscious, the nobles quietly focused on the imperial palace and dared not hold noisy parties or music concerts.

Everyone prayed for the empress’s recovery. Even though she was an empress who had committed adultery and was confined, unable to show her face at official events, they all had to lower themselves since the emperor with absolute power was personally nursing her.

And while those with the privilege of access to the imperial palace naturally tried to flock there, even that proved difficult.

The emperor had already angrily declared that aside from his half-sister who was waiting at Altaine Palace and her daughter, as well as Duke Lücenford, he didn’t need any other bastards. Starting with the crown prince anxiously making “official audience requests”, those below him needn’t even be mentioned.

Thanks to that, or perhaps because of it, Kaela could enter and exit the imperial palace along with Duke Lücenford and her father.

The excuse was to pray for Her Majesty the Empress’s recovery, but in truth, Kaela always came to the palace with her father because she could no longer bear to see her father having private audiences with the emperor.

‘Thank goodness. It’s really fortunate that His Majesty the Emperor isn’t paying attention to Father because Her Majesty the Empress collapsed.’

Perhaps he might even live longer than the average lifespan of Lücenford horses. Whether that was a good thing or not, she wasn’t sure. At that moment, someone approached to greet her.

“Oh my, who do we have here. Isn’t it our young lady.”

The Lavalle mother and daughter were walking this way. Known for her open and generous personality, Duchess Maria Louisa Lavalle of Monde was a friend of the empress who often looked after Peon when he was young.

Because of that, Beatrice Lavalle became Peon’s first love and closest childhood friend. Whenever Kaela went to the imperial palace, Peon was always with Beatrice.

In front of Beatrice, praised as the beauty of the century, Kaela felt like she had become some object placed in this corridor.

That was probably because Kaela completely lost her presence in front of Peon. Moreover, her self-esteem, which had burned and burned until only black ashes remained inside, raised its head.

“My, you’re getting prettier by the day. It’s been a while.”

At times like this, Kaela realized once again that this was reality. The vivid sense of inferiority made her realize this was not a dream.

The pain that penetrated to her bones stemmed from her self-esteem as an unacknowledged wife, resentment, and something indistinguishable between jealousy and inferiority.

There was no clearer signal than this vivid pain. How ridiculous. God must have truly pitied her. Kaela managed to smile like a 21-year-old lady.

“Yes. It’s been a while, Duchess Monde. Lady Lavalle.”

By this point, the Duchess of Monde was quite proud that her daughter had become the flower of high society.

She saw hope that by marrying her daughter to a good match, she could overcome their dire financial situation that had forced them to tear down their castle and sell even the building materials.

Seeing the Duchess of Monde with her face bright like the full moon for once, and Beatrice Lavalle beautiful without any adornment, something black and hot welled up inside her again.

“Hello, Kaela.”

Seeing Beatrice’s attitude subtly prickly despite having seen her often since childhood, it was clear she was still holding onto what happened at Altaine Palace last time. Kaela didn’t even want to call her “sister” so she kept her mouth shut.

“How is Her Majesty the Empress? I haven’t even been able to see her. Is His Majesty very angry?”

Hearing the Duchess of Monde’s voice tinged with aegyo, Kaela fell into contemplation.

No matter how she had come back to life again, the winners would still be Beatrice, who was standing there quietly waiting for her somewhat shameless and unrefined mother to say what she wanted to say on her behalf, and the emperor.

“I’m not sure either. I haven’t been inside.”

“What? But you’re an imperial family member who comes and goes from Altaine Palace. You don’t even know that?”

But in the Crania Empire, even dying peacefully was impossible without effort.

The Duchess of Monde knew about her daughter being kicked out of Altaine Palace and was deliberately speaking sharply. Even though Kaela wasn’t the one who kicked her out, she was an easy target to vent her displeasure on.

“His Majesty the Emperor is the one nursing Her Majesty the Empress.”

“Oh my, I heard His Majesty favors you so much, so I thought you might know something.”

This level of sarcasm was common among nobles. Having experienced it so often, Kaela didn’t even feel it was worth responding to.

In the past, she had tried hard to respond and fight back. But in the end, Kaela was the one who ended up looking foolish.

A woman without strong family backing and unacknowledged by her husband was always so miserable. There was no affection from childhood whatsoever in their married life. Peon was the first to act as if that affection and those memories never existed.

“Even as an imperial family member, there’s nothing we can do but sit quietly in this situation. We’re no different from you all. Right?”

Kaela tried not to answer the self-absorbed words that somehow wanted to put her down and confirm that their situations were the same.

If she didn’t smile, people would say her face looked cold, so even if she just stared silently, the Duchess of Monde would understand well enough what she was thinking.

She didn’t want to win anyway, and knowing that Beatrice had Peon, all she could say was for the two of them to do well together. Or she didn’t have the energy to say anything.

“Kaela. His Majesty the Emperor is looking for you. Let’s go.”

A strong and clear voice shook the listless young lady.

“Oh my, our Peo-”

The Duchess of Monde’s face brightened. However, her greeting, raised several tones higher than when speaking to Kaela, was abruptly cut off.

“Hello to you both.”

Peon, who had casually finished his greetings to the Duchess of Monde and Beatrice in one go, was only looking at Kaela.

“Let’s go.”

He naturally held out his hand as if to escort a lady as a gentleman.

‘Why is he acting like this?’

Beatrice, who would have been delighted just to see Peon, was confused that he barely acknowledged them with an insincere yet barely polite “you both” greeting while ignoring her. Kaela looked at Peon as if he was truly strange.

But as he extended his hand further, signaling her to hurry and take it, she had no choice but to place her left hand on top of his.

“Then Duchess, we’ll be going now.”

Kaela, who had greeted the Duchess of Monde, quickly turned around. It was probably because this was an official place that Peon was being careful. Don’t pay it any mind. She moved to take a step. Or rather, she tried to.

“Duchess, you should be more careful in the imperial palace. The emperor’s eyes and ears are everywhere here.”

But at Peon’s low voice, Kaela couldn’t help but stop in her tracks. He stood still in that spot, looking straight at the Duchess of Monde as he spoke.

“I’m afraid someone who knows well the difference between a duchess and a young lady might hear. Then, excuse us.”

Peon completely enveloped Kaela’s hand. Then he gently pulled her along. Still not understanding what this was all about, Kaela reluctantly followed him. In any case, she needed to quickly get away from the place where a bomb had just exploded.

Just now, Peon had clearly pointed out the difference between the Ostaine duchy and the Monde duchy to his mother’s friend who had often looked after him on behalf of his mother.

He had politely and courteously told a mere duchess not to dare treat the young lady of Ostaine in such a manner.

By tomorrow, no, by this afternoon, this rumor will have spread throughout the entire capital of Krain.

Duke Lücenford had caused a huge incident in the middle of the imperial palace where nobles had gathered at the news of the empress’s critical condition. Moreover, piercing gazes were fixed on the back of Kaela’s head and back.

“I’m sorry, Kaela. She’s taking out her anger on you for what happened at Altaine Palace last time. It’s my fault. I’m sorry.”

After walking a bit further to put enough distance between them, Peon apologized first.

“No. It’s alright.”

A reflexive, formal humility came out of Kaela’s mouth.

“It doesn’t seem like either of us is alright.”

Peon gave a bitter smile but didn’t let go of Kaela’s hand he was holding.

“I’m sorry. I’ll make sure you never hear such words again.”

“It’s really fine…”

“It’s not fine. Even if someone had to hear those words, it should have been me, not you on my behalf. Moreover, saying nobles and royalty are the same crossed a line.”

The cold and dispassionate nature of Peon that she had always felt was now directed at the Duchess of Monde instead of her. However, Kaela was so accustomed to that coldness that she slightly hunched her shoulders.

‘We shouldn’t have gotten married.’

She realized once again that they would have been on friendly terms if they hadn’t married. Before marriage, this man had been this kind.

If nothing else, this time she absolutely must not marry this man. Absolutely not. Since Father is still alive for now, there probably won’t be any reason to get married.

The emperor will be busy using Beatrice as a hostage to shake Peon.

Kaela was glad she wouldn’t have to see her husband lose his mind over another woman again. This time, the possibility of a peaceful death coming to her had increased slightly.

But the moment she had an audience with the emperor in the reception room outside the empress’s bedroom, the emperor’s words as he received their greetings shattered her hopes.

“You two look quite good together coming in like that.”

The Duke of Ostaine, who had entered first, just smiled slightly at his half-brother’s words.

“Seeing you say such things, it seems Your Majesty has also reached the time to marry off your child.”

Rather, Peon casually changed the subject, but Kaela felt cold sweat running down her back. It felt like a chill was creeping over the nape of her neck. She quickly let go of Peon’s hand.

“That boy is already twenty-eight. His mother has collapsed like this, who else is there to take care of his marriage but me?”

In Peon’s opinion, the emperor was barking quite well. Uselessly well. Who would willingly give their daughter to Duke Lücenford, who had incurred the emperor’s displeasure? Only someone like the Duchess of Monde, who needed the northern assets, would step forward.

That’s why Kaela, who had no protection after her father’s death, was pushed to marry him. Because Kaela had nothing and no one, she could be easily manipulated with a little threat.

“What’s important is for Her Majesty the Empress to regain consciousness. As for me, I’ll always be the same no matter how much older I get.”

The unfortunate young lady had no lifeline to grasp at the time except for Duke Lücenford. Even that was a rotten rope.

Peon couldn’t bring himself to look at Kaela standing still beside him, so he pretended to casually avert his gaze.

Forcibly not looking at her was something he had done so much in his past life that it felt familiar. If he looked, his gaze would linger, his heart would be drawn, and above all, that sharp emperor would realize she was his weakness. He mustn’t look.

“What do you mean the same? Try being my age. Each day brings changes. Isn’t that right, Adeo?”

As Adeo nodded, Peon casually added another comment.

“It’s because Your Majesty is personally taking care of Her Majesty the Empress. Still, you must stay healthy for the sake of the empire.”

Inwardly cursing for a swift death while outwardly praying for longevity without batting an eye had become second nature by now. The Duke of Ostaine chimed in agreement with his words.

“The duke is right, Your Majesty.”

“I heard you haven’t been able to sleep, so I brought some tea that helps with sleep. Please drink a cup an hour before bed, Your Majesty.”

But he still couldn’t help his gaze being drawn to the small voice and polite demeanor beside him, and the careful movements as she gently set down the basket containing the tea.

He needed to gouge out his clear eyes that had broken free from brainwashing. No, if he had no eyes, he’d pursue her with his ears, and if deaf, he’d grope through the air with his hands. Peon had to mentally recite his sins several more times.

He had starved that woman to death. Starved a precious young lady to death. He had no right to look at her.

“Thank you, Kaela. Only our niece takes such delicate care of me.”

How ridiculous. Kaela inwardly sneered. He had always despised the Duke of Ostaine for being illegitimate, and now she’s suddenly his ‘niece’? Then again, she had no right to speak either, as she was also trying to avoid a dog’s death by catering to the emperor’s moods.

“Given the current situation, a prince from Keruzhan is coming, they say. It’s something that was already scheduled, so we can’t cancel it. So, Kaela, I’d like you to prepare the banquet to welcome the prince.”

Peon also remembered that a prince was coming from Keruzhan. The reason he remembered this was solely because that prince had also been considered as a potential groom for the young lady of Ostaine, right up until the end, just like him.

Kaela’s potential groom was coming from across the sea.