As Roselia struggled to find words, Nadia looked down with a self-deprecating smile.

“I can’t even afford my daily medicine… It’s just foolish pride.”

Roselia watched her lowered head and slowly shook her own, gazing at the painting of a radiant sky, surreal in its beauty.

“It was your last dignity, wasn’t it? The only thing that kept you going…”

Nadia’s eyes, clouded and distant, widened in surprise, looking towards Roselia.

Roselia gave her a comforting smile, and Nadia’s face filled with a sorrow, like a child finding an ally for the first time. Tears started flowing from her lifeless, ashen eyes.

Silently kneeling and crying, Nadia’s frail shoulders shook as Roselia simply watched over her.

Carrying a beautifully wrapped painting, Roselia cautiously walked through the royal palace corridors.

It was a gift from Nadia, a token of gratitude for being saved.

Roselia had hesitated to accept it, knowing Nadia’s circumstances, but Nadia insisted, saying it would ease her mind. Nadia refused to take any money for it, weighing Roselia’s conscience even more.

In the original story, Nadia had also gifted a painting to Evelione without accepting any payment. To Nadia, the idea of buying and selling her paintings was unacceptable.

Later, Evelione tried to sponsor Nadia, but she succumbed to her illness and abuse.

However, things were different now. Events had sped up, but Roselia had saved Nadia before any abuse, and she still had months left before her illness would take her. Maybe with Evelione’s sponsorship and medical treatment, there was hope for Nadia.

Lost in thought with a stern expression, Roselia followed the servant until they reached the reception room for the Crown Princess.

“Crown Princess, the servant from Baltazar Ducal House has arrived.”

“Let them in.”

The door opened to reveal the elegant Evelione, smiling graciously at Roselia.

Roselia, seeing her, felt a wave of guilt remembering the Crown Princess’s gaze during the debutante ball, where she had been seen with the Prince.

She had forgotten about it amid the chaos with Claus and Nadia.

“It’s been a while, Antonio.”

“A-ah… Yes! How have you been…”

Evelione’s gentle smile seemed to read Roselia’s nervousness.

“Roselia, is it? Antonio’s sister?”

“Yes?”

“The beautiful lady from the debutante ball. I heard about her from Closet.”

Roselia, trying to avoid this topic, was taken aback by Evelione’s calm mention.

“Don’t be nervous. Knowing she’s Antonio’s sister puts my mind at ease.”

“Excuse me?”

“If she’s raised by a brother like Antonio, she must be a fine and righteous lady.”

Confused by the conversation’s direction, Roselia’s eyes darted around helplessly.

Evelione, observing her, continued calmly.

“I would like Antonio’s sister, Roselia, to become Esteban’s mistress.”

“What…???”

It sounded like absurd nonsense to Roselia.

As she gawked at Evelione, the Crown Princess maintained her composure.

“Of course, Roselia’s opinion matters the most.”

“I refuse! I mean… she’ll probably refuse!”
The Crown Princess lowered her gaze, seemingly disappointed, at Roselia’s decisive answer.

“Is that so? It wouldn’t be such a bad offer… Of course, it’s not the position of the primary wife, but it comes with nearly equal wealth and honor.”

Was this really a conversation to be had with the primary wife?

Roselia, initially shocked, soon shook her head as if trying to clear her mind.

“Well… my sister hasn’t received the kind of education required for a woman of the royal family… Moreover, although we’re nominally from a baronial family, our situation is almost like that of commoners…”

“Educational matters can be addressed by the royal family, and it’s not too late for that. As for her background and situation, they are irrelevant. There have been precedents where emperors have taken commoners as consorts.”

The Crown Princess said this with a calm smile, then continued.

“It’s not about her becoming a consort right away. According to royal law, a consort can only be taken after the emperor’s ascension. My proposal refers to after Esteban ascends to the throne.”

Roselia looked at her, puzzled, wondering how she could say such a thing without a flicker of doubt.

“What benefit would there be for Your Highness in this arrangement?”

The Crown Princess appeared surprised by Roselia’s question, then cautiously responded.

“Esteban will continue to stray in the future.”

She knows very well, indeed. Is it different for the main character of the story?

“The more he strays, the more gossip there will be among the nobility. But taking a consort as an emperor is a perfectly legitimate and natural action under royal law. If Esteban has a woman in mind, introducing her into the royal family through proper p
Even as the Prince caused endless troubles, she fulfilled her responsibilities as the Crown Princess and the highest authority of the royal secretariat, devotedly serving the royal family and the nation.

She even took on roles typically meant for the royal chancellor or diplomats, never hesitating to step in. The outcomes were so positive that no one discouraged her.

Each time, she seemed admirable yet pitiable. Perhaps the Prince was even more rebellious because of her thoroughness.

Lost in these thoughts, Roselia watched as Evelione, who seemed unable to respond, finally spoke.

“It seems I’ve never been asked such a question before…”

Roselia looked at the Crown Princess curiously. Evelione wore a bittersweet smile.

“Since childhood, I was naturally taught the virtues, education, and etiquette expected of a Crown Princess and Empress. I grew up believing that was my entire purpose and existence. I never thought about anything beyond being an Empress.”

Evelione’s gaze, reminiscing, shifted to Roselia.

“So, I guess I always equated the mindset of a Crown Princess and Empress with my own.”

Listening quietly, Roselia cautiously interjected.

“What about now?”

At Roselia’s question, Evelione gave a self-deprecating smile and looked out the window solemnly.

“To be honest, I’ve never really thought about something for myself, not as a Crown Princess. But… your question made me realize something.”

Smiling gently at Roselia, Evelione continued.

“I feel… somewhat lonely. Enduring in this grand royal palace…”

Her expression revealed a deep loneliness, weighing on Roselia’s heart.

“But my desire remains the same: the well-being and stability of the royal family. However… sometimes… yes, quite often… I feel let down by Esteban. If he dislikes me, I wish he would at least see me as a partner, not just a consort. A collaborator in building the empire and the royal family.”

It was astonishing that this was all she aspired to, given her lifelong training as an Empress.

Observing her, Roselia spoke with determination.

“Your Highness, I may work as a servant in the Duke’s house, but regardless, I am Antonio.”

“Pardon?”

“The servant of the Duke’s house is just a social role, but inside, I am truly Antonio.”

Technically, she was Roselia…

This conviction had been a recurring thought, even while she was posing as Antonio.

“Everyone lives wearing a shell dictated by duty, responsibility, or circumstance. Your shell is the Crown Pri
Evelione slowly raised her head to meet Roselia’s gaze.

Her violet eyes were no longer blurred but clear and intelligent, with a newfound warmth.

“You are truly amazing, to the point that I could fall for you.”

Uh… that’s a bit dangerous…