“I apologize. We don’t have any women’s pantsuits available. Next time, I will prepare pants for you. Oh, we do have a dress, would you like that?”

“No, that’s fine. This will do.”

If there was a next time, that would not be simple. She wanted to give the impression of being as unyielding as possible and usually wore pants, but a skirt was more comfortable than constricting pants.

She had even spent the last four summers in onepiece dresses that were all one piece.

“Alright, it’s all done.”

Rustica looked at herself in the mirror a little awkwardly. She used to quite like glamorous things.

She only wore proper uniforms when working, but she loved to dress to her taste at other times, and she was very fond of accessories like gloves and hats.

That was once. After becoming addicted to gambling, she sold everything. She left behind her dazzling life as a genius knight and threw everything away.

“How is it? If there is anything you don’t like, please let me know.”

“No.”

Rustica shook her head.

“I like it.”

It had been four years since she’d asked for someone else’s help, but she had returned to the original appearance of Rustica Gennes that she knew.

The style was much more comfortable and natural than the solemn and rigid style in which she was dressed and sent off by the Caleta Empire.

Her hair, which the Caleta Empire’s maids had pinned back with dozens of pins, was now softly undone and curled.

Part of it was braided and fastened, with a ribbon attached, and it honestly looked much more ageappropriate for Rustica.

‘Caleta did dress me up too old.’

The Governor must not be underestimated; proper norms are important, and so on, they shoved her into heavy clothing.

Now, she was enveloped in a fluttering blouse, a wide skirt that allowed her stride to widen, and light shoes.

The maids draped a soft sweater over her shoulders instead of a jacket or coat.

‘If the Emperor of Caleta finds out, he’ll jump up and down asking what the Governor is wearing.’

As if he knows. It was all due to her not completely hiding her magic, and Rustica was summoned from the morning because of that. If Carlos got angry, Rustica would be glad. That person needed to blow off some steam.

He was not pleased to hear that he had to come to Chalea Palace again today. He emphasized over and over again that Rustica was a citizen of the Caleta Empire, and she must never be taken lightly when it comes to dealing with the Emperor of Fersecta.

‘Bullshit.’

She didn’t know when she might die, but she’d like to see that bastard flip out. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t remember how she helped the young soldiers she met in front of the barrier, and she didn’t remember the details.
Moreover, at that time, Riga had almost forgotten when he had heard the phrase ‘genius knight.’ Probably the Emperor was lying.

Riga followed the maids’ guidance to the banquet hall. Anyway, the Calleta agency was doing its job very well on the surface. He met with the Perseita Emperor every day, and now they even dined together.

Hayden, with his black hair swept back, was visible in the distance. He was so tall, with long legs, standing out even from afar, and his physique, wrapped in an imperial outfit, was very impressive.

She secretly admired his attire, which was neither too formal nor too light. The dark red outer garment was also an appropriate color to signify the Emperor’s dignity.

‘Perhaps there’s no color that doesn’t suit him.’

She made a trivial and useless thought as she walked. Leaving the Emperor waiting was impolite, so her steps were much faster than usual.

“I’m sorry for being late.”

In the sunny corridor where Hayden was standing, there were no paintings hanging. The only pleasure was the outside garden that changed with the seasons.

So, the cool, open space allowed the wind and sunlight to penetrate freely.

Riga, bearing the sunlight, glanced away from Hayden, who was looking down at her, unflinching even at her formal apology.

‘Why is he like that?’

Didn’t he dress her up? He had matched everything to the rhythm, why wasn’t he reacting? Being pushed around by highranking people was just tiring.

“It suits you well.”

“Ah, yes, thank you for taking care of it.”

Riga, who had always been diligent with greetings, saw Hayden fiddling with his lips. It was a look that asked why he was acting like that.

It was only natural. He had been entranced since he noticed Riga coming. Her current appearance, much freer and more energetic than when she was barely walking in illfitted Calleta formal wear, made him happy. Hayden was therefore pleased.

“You look much lighter.”

He was smiling. He smiled well anyway, so it was acceptable, but his scrutinizing gray eyes were full of secret joy. Riga felt unnecessarily embarrassed.

“Accept the dress as my gift. I was wondering what to give you as a gift for the Calleta ambassador’s arrival in Perseita, and I pondered it for a few days.”

A single dress was a rather light gift. It was better to accept and end it with this.

“Thank you.”