“Your Majesty. Duchess Katharina Ludo requests an audience.”

When Duke Ludwig announced from outside the door, Farnese’s fingers, which were intertwined like vines, tensed ever so slightly.

Despite the arrival of a guest, Farnese kept his mouth tightly shut, showing no intention of opening it.

“Your Majesty. A guest has arrived.”

Katharine spoke as she naturally released her hand that was clasped with his, as if swayed by the wind.

His hand remained suspended in the air for a few seconds in the same intertwined position, before slowly descending onto the sofa armrest.

In the blink of an eye, Farnese had returned to his usual cold and solemn emperor demeanor.

“Enter.”

As if waking from a dream and returning to reality, the atmosphere that had been thick and intense just moments ago suddenly turned dry.

Katharine stood up from her seat to show courtesy to the guest, whoever it might be.

The visitor who took a graceful step through the opening door was an unfamiliar middle-aged woman.

“I pay my respects to Your Majesty, the great sky and sun of the Renel Empire. I am Katharina Ludo, and I have just entered the palace upon hearing news of Your Majesty’s return.”

She approached Farnese and bowed so deeply that it seemed almost excessive, nearly prostrating herself on the ground.

With an artificial yet beautiful smile on her lips, as if rehearsed beforehand, she looked like an intricately crafted porcelain doll.

Though she wore the updo hairstyle popular among young ladies, unmistakable fine wrinkles were gradually spreading across her face.

It was certain that in her youth, she must have been considered a great beauty.

“It’s been a while, Duchess Ludo. You look well.”

“Yes. Thanks to Your Majesty’s gracious favor, I have been recuperating in the south where the water is clear and the air is fresh.”

Farnese personally rose from his seat, shook hands with Duchess Ludo, and even gave her a light embrace.

This confirmed that they were more than mere acquaintances, though it was difficult to infer the exact nature of their relationship.

“I don’t see Duke Ludo, so it seems you’ve come to the palace alone.”

“Yes. My husband’s knees have been bothering him, so he’s still staying in the south. He asked me to convey his apologies for the discourtesy of not greeting you in person.”

“That’s unfortunate. I hope he recovers soon.”

One thing was certain: Duchess Ludo greatly respected Farnese, and Farnese thought fairly well of her too.

At least, that’s how it appeared to Katharine.

“Katharine. This is Duchess Ludo. She is my great-aunt.”

Farnese briefly introduced her to Katharine.

It was revealed that she was a relative from Farnese’s maternal side, which explained why they seemed to know each other so well, surprisingly enough.

Only then did Katharine recall that the unfamiliar family name Ludo was the maiden name of the Empress Dowager, that is, Farnese’s mother.

‘Katharina Ludo.’

Judging by her unconscious mannerisms and demeanor, she seemed to have been born into a high-ranking noble family.

If that was the case, the lady before her must have married a man who was originally an ordinary merchant but became a nobleman by chance due to his sister’s incredible marriage into higher status.

Whether that marriage was born of love or strategy was impossible to know, but it seemed unusual for the Renel Empire, which highly valued pure bloodlines.

“Duchess. As you may have already heard, this is Lady Katharine Roberfon.”

Farnese then introduced Katharine to Duchess Ludo, adding one more comment.

“She is to be my future empress and sole companion.”

Hearing Farnese’s words, which somehow seemed to carry a hidden meaning, Duchess Ludo smiled with utmost benevolence and curtsied.

“The whole country has been abuzz, so I couldn’t help but know. It’s a great honor to meet you in person. I am Katharina Ludo.”

“Pleased to meet you. I am Katharine Roberfon.”

Katharine responded to the greeting with appropriate courtesy, neither too formal nor too casual.

Duchess Katharina Ludo had an overall likable impression.

Unlike other nobles, she didn’t have that peculiar gaze of trying to find fault, but rather maintained a comfortable distance that put people at ease.

“Lady Roberfon… or should I call you the future Empress now? I’ve heard you possess extensive knowledge and experience. If possible, I’d like to engage in frequent exchanges and have beneficial conversations with you, if it’s not too presumptuous of me.”

“You flatter me. If anything, it would be my honor to engage with you, Duchess.”

For a while, warm smiles and compliments were exchanged between the two women.

Duchess Ludo, seemingly ready to get to the main point, cleared her throat and said,

“In that spirit, I’d like to guide the future Empress to the Empress’s Palace. Your Majesty, would that be alright?”

Katharine expected Farnese to give his wholehearted permission, but contrary to her expectations, he did not.

Farnese neither nodded nor shook his head, but looked down at Duchess Ludo with a very peculiar gaze.

Was it just her imagination that this gaze seemed somewhat fierce?

Like quietly observing how to shoot down a hawk swiftly cutting through the sky.

In place of the silent Farnese, Katharine quickly answered.

“I’d like that. Your Majesty, why don’t you allow it? You must be tired, you should get some rest.”

Farnese stared out the window for a moment with an inscrutable expression, then finally nodded.

Duchess Ludo bowed, saying it was an unparalleled honor, and extended her hand warmly towards Katharine.

“This way, please. I’ll introduce you to the beautiful scenery of the Renel Imperial Palace along the way.”

The scent of early spring flowers blooming along the path was carried by the breeze.

By the calm artificial pond, gardeners were busy trimming shrubs, and the soldiers on guard saluted politely each time Katharine and the Duchess passed by.

It was such a warm and peaceful afternoon that, if not for the fatigue, one would want to keep walking like this.

“That tower you see in the distance is the North Gate. It leads directly to His Majesty’s imperial hunting grounds, so one can only enter with the Emperor’s permission.”

Duchess Ludo explained various things about the palace’s internal facilities, structure, and uses as they headed towards the Empress’s Palace.

“Ah. And I should tell you this. There are actually two places in the Renel Imperial Palace that are absolutely off-limits.”

“Places that are off-limits?”

“Yes. The first is the Flower Tree Garden, which you’ll come across if you go up towards the North Gate. It’s a place where a 500-year-old tree stands, and anyone who dares to set foot there will face severe punishment.”

Katharine quietly blinked, gazing at her.

Before she could ask why, Duchess Ludo continued on her own.

“It’s because it’s where His Majesty the Emperor rests without any disturbance. Even the guards don’t patrol around there. That’s why there were once some impudent rumors.”

“Impudent rumors?”

“Rumors that His Majesty brought various women to that Flower Tree Garden and spent intimate time with them. Of course, no one knows if it’s true. We shouldn’t be curious about it either.”

Katharine wanted to refute that it was a completely false rumor, but she ultimately kept her mouth shut.

It seemed better not to mention the fact that she had once boldly entered that place and nearly died by His Majesty’s sword.

“Then where is the second forbidden place?”

“It’s right over there.”

The place Duchess Ludo’s finger pointed to was a small palace standing alone.

It was an ordinary building with no particular signs prohibiting entry and no suspicious atmosphere surrounding it.

“That place is called the Crescent Moon Palace. It’s said that the previous emperor named it so because the crescent moon looks the most beautiful from there.”

“Did the previous emperor build that palace?”

“That’s right. To commemorate the birthday of his wife, the Empress Dowager. The former emperor greatly cherished the Empress Dowager. He loved her so much that he would carry her in his arms every day, refusing to let her go.”

As Duchess Ludo spoke about Farnese’s parents, she wore a strange expression, like an old person trying hard to hold onto fading memories.

Especially whenever she pronounced the word ‘Empress Dowager’, the corners of her eyes twitched slightly.

“If it holds such good memories, why is entry forbidden?”

“Because it’s where the former emperor passed away.”

Katharine silently parted her lips slightly.

“Only three people know what exactly happened inside that palace that day: the current Emperor, Duke Ludwig, and the Empress Dowager who is currently recuperating in isolation at a separate palace.”

“Didn’t the former emperor simply die of illness?”

“Even that isn’t known for certain. But someone said that Prince Farnese, who was the crown prince at the time, for some reason kept his father’s body private, didn’t shed a single tear let alone grieve, and as soon as the funeral was over, he began the succession process as if he had been waiting for it.”

By the time Duchess Ludo finished speaking, their feet had already reached the main gate of the Empress’s Palace.

She glanced at Katharine’s expression from the corner of her eye, then stopped walking and said,

“This is just between us, my dear. Don’t trust His Majesty too much.”

Katharine quietly furrowed her brow.

Was it because of the accumulated fatigue from traveling that her nerves were on edge?

There was something meaningful in her voice, as if she was reciting a prepared script.

“Duchess. Why are you saying such things to me?”

“I mean for you to reconsider once more before making an irreversible choice. Becoming the empress of this country, that is.”

“I’m sorry, but I find your words quite regrettable.”

Duchess Ludo lowered her head calmly, as if acknowledging that she had spoken out of turn.

“I just feel as if Lady Roberfon is like my own daughter. Actually, I have a daughter about your age. Isabella is her name, as pretty and clever as you. I suppose I’m becoming sentimental with age. Please forget what I just said.”

Katharine shook her head with a faint sigh.

“When you put it that way, I’m at a loss for words.”

“I’m sure Lady Roberfon will do well as empress. I’ll always support you. If you ever face any difficulties, please call on me anytime. I, Katharina Ludo, will sincerely be your strength.”

Seen this way, she seemed like such a good person.

Thinking that she really couldn’t figure her out, Katharine ended the conversation with a short nod.

“Oh, and one more thing.”

As she was about to leave, she suddenly said, as if she had just remembered something.

“My daughter Isabella said she really wants to meet Lady Roberfon sometime.”