In the competition for the Empress, Viscountess Plache Youngae had secured a somewhat advantageous position.

As the Southern Sage, she was always close to the Emperor because she ranked next in the ceremonial hierarchy after the Emperor. Although there would be some distance if there were empresses or other sages in between, unfortunately, both the Eastern and Western Sages were absent from this imperial-sponsored horse racing event.

Therefore, the Emperor and the Southern Sage had no choice but to move together, and the Eastern nobles struggled intensely to figure out how to overcome this advantage.

But overcoming it was almost impossible. How could they prevent the casual conversations that easily flowed as naturally as the close distance, the exchanged glances, and smiles in between?

Above all, as Jane Telot’s guide mentioned, Viscountess Plache Youngae was indeed a remarkable beauty.

“Of course, I don’t know His Majesty’s taste, but if we’re going to be picky, isn’t Viscountess Svenya or Lady Alanka also beautiful?”

“Well, Lady Negeret falls a bit short.”

Amidst the sly voices going back and forth, Jane sat close to her aunt and unfolded her own logic.

“Does that mean His Majesty has already made up his mind? But marriage and love are different, Jane.”

“That’s the logic of nobles that Auntie and I detest. Hasn’t His Majesty always acted against the nobles?”

Mrs. Godio laughed playfully.

Today, Viscountess Plache Youngae, also known as the Southern Sage, attended the imperial-sponsored horse racing event for the first time as a lady, wearing a wide-brimmed hat for outdoor use.

While Viscountess Svenya wore a feathered hat that resembled a crown and an exquisite mermaid-shaped dress that revealed her figure, Viscountess Plache Youngae, as a beginner, wore a fresh, flared dress and a pearl brooch.

Honestly, compared to Lady Alanka or Viscountess Svenya, who had more experience attending such events, she wasn’t skillful in handling the attention, but Viscountess Plache Youngae seemed very cheerful. A bright smile always catches people’s attention.

“And if you were going to marry the Eastern Lady, you should have done it sooner. What’s the point of leaving it so noisy like this?”

“It’s not common for Eastern ladies to compete among themselves.”

“Ah, throughout the era of the Grand Duchy, Eastern nobles have always competed among themselves, Auntie. People are the same everywhere.”

Mrs. Godio looked at her niece, who spoke with an ‘anything special?’ tone.

“I didn’t know you could say such things, Jane.”

“Are you disappointed?”

“No, quite the opposite. Honestly, I was surprised. People are the same everywhere. Well, of course.”

“So maybe the Emperor, who got tired of the behavior of Eastern nobles, turned his eyes to the West. Of course, Viscountess Plache Youngae is from the South.”

“That’s just speculation, Jane.”

Jane, who had been looking at the Emperor with binoculars, lifted them and smiled slyly at her aunt.
“No, I saw it, Auntie. When Emperor Pyeha, who got off the carriage, made eye contact with Viscountess Plache Youngae, that expression. They say you can’t hide a cold or love.”

Or perhaps, a man in love may not have the intention to hide.

Mrs. Godio looked at the pure white or light gray ring that Viscountess Plache Youngae had on her right hand. The opaque gemstone was so large that it had already made a half turn on Youngae’s finger.

As a newly emerging noble and with the situation in the West only now stabilizing, the daughter, who was neither a viscountess nor a baroness, had no separate leisure to collect jewels. It seemed that Youngae’s jewelry box was destined to be filled by the man who loved her.

“Oh, really? That’s an interesting thought.”

“Isn’t it? I’m not sure, but I’m trying to think that way.”

Jane Telot, whose habit of guaranteeing disappeared after failing to solve the Elshe Baron murder case, stared at the newly donned Plache Viscount Youngae, who was casually wearing the mass-produced attire, and the Emperor, who paused briefly in front of her, talking to a high-ranking official.

They both looked like exceptional beauties.

“Viscount Gennes, over here.”

Following the title of Lady, Plache Viscount Youngae, who now also held the lifelong position of a knight, was addressed as by Lou. Nevertheless, the most familiar address was ‘Viscount Gennes,’ so Lou walked alongside Imperialle. The air filling the corridor was cool and refreshing.

‘The North seems pleased.’

It felt like the Northern Sage, who cared for the North, was very pleased that she had returned. Just as the South welcomed her, the North was also welcoming Hayden.

Lou was pleased because such a vast land loved Hayden. The horse racing event held in Bellua, filled with fresh air, was moderately noisy and very lively. Although it had been organized after the appearance of the Emperor, once the horse racing began, everyone was excited.

“Which horse will Viscountess Youngae choose?”

“Well, there are many horses I’ve never seen before, so I don’t know yet.”