Maximilian stared at the person in front of him for a while.

Cecilia smiled and approached him.

“Max, have you been well?”

It was a humble smile.

With a pale face, Maximilian took a step back.

The thought of wanting to escape filled his mind.

Cecilia was a true object of affection for him.

Just facing her made his stomach churn, yet, at the same time, he yearned for her affection.

He wanted to be loved and acknowledged by his parents.

“Max, by any chance, is this…”

Teresa, who had found a flower she liked and came to ask Maximilian if she could take it to the mansion, came out of the greenhouse.

And she noticed Cecilia confronting Maximilian.

“Oh, you must be Teresa?”

With a humble smile, Cecilia tried to approach Teresa, but Maximilian blocked her.

“Please go back, Mother.”

Teresa was taken aback by his words.

She had heard something about Maximilian’s mother before.

It was the person whom the kind Jaina always spoke negatively about.

“Still, even if she’s going to be your wife, can’t I at least greet her once…”

“I told you to go back.”

The boiling hatred was palpable.

This was the first time Teresa had seen Maximilian like this.

Teresa cautiously grabbed the hem of his clothes.

Maximilian’s gaze softened slightly as he looked at her.

“Sorry, can we call it a day today? If there’s something you want, let me know. I’ll bring it separately later.”

“Okay.”

Seeing Maximilian, seemingly indifferent to Cecilia, as if she didn’t exist, Teresa felt a bit strange.

Was he always such a cold person?

He called the waiting knights from outside.

“Escort her out.”

“Wait, Max, Max!”

Seeing Cecilia hanging onto him with tears in her eyes, Teresa couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

Maximilian, looking at his mother with cold eyes, didn’t seem like the person she knew.

“Max, is this… after a long time, isn’t it too harsh to meet like this?”

To her words, Maximilian remained silent.

His words were correct. He and Teresa were just superficially engaged, so keeping silent in such situations was reasonable.

However, strangely, there was a dull ache around her heart.

It felt as if she had been pushed away by him.
It was herself who pushed Maximilian away, but strangely, she felt hurt.

“Teresa!”

“Hmm?”

Unknowingly, Teresa was shedding tears.

Maximilian pulled out a handkerchief and repeatedly hesitated to wipe away her tears.

“Did I say something too harsh? I’m sorry. That wasn’t what I intended.”

It wasn’t a wrong statement, so why did it feel so unsettling?

In the past, even harsher words didn’t hurt as much.

With her forehead against Maximilian’s chest, Teresa closed her eyes.

Teresa couldn’t understand herself.

Nathaniel entered the temple to prepare for the New Year’s ceremony.

Of course, just because he wasn’t there didn’t mean I had nothing to do.

Not long ago, after Kilian and Anaïs became close, Anaïs diligently visited the Imperial Palace to meet him. Today was one of those days.

“How do you feel?”

“I’m still a bit dazed, it feels like I’m dreaming…”

Anaïs blushed slightly.

I couldn’t help but laugh at her appearance, completely immersed in love.

But considering her secret that I heard not long ago, I was genuinely worried.

She might not get caught by anyone, but anxiety doesn’t easily subside.

“More importantly, how is the princess doing?”

“What do you mean?”

“If you keep wandering around on your trip, won’t it be difficult to meet Kilian?”

“Really?”

The face that had just seemed happy now clouded slightly.

Not long ago, Anaïs had told Nathaniel directly that she planned to pass the throne to him and travel with her family.

“Should I tell His Majesty about it?”

“What, what do you mean?”

“About Kilian’s marriage.”

“Marriage?”

“Yes. Since you’ve come this far, wouldn’t it be better for the two of them to get married while they’re here?”

Anaïs’s face became even cloudier.

I thought she still had concerns that she couldn’t talk to him about.

“But what about Henry?”

It was horrifying to imagine little Henry traveling with the emperor and empress alone.

“Then how about Prince Henry going with them to the Principality?”

“With Henry?”

“Yes, if the prince’s skills are considered, he should be able to pass the art school in the Principality easily.”

Henry had always dreamed of studying abroad at the art school in the Principality.

It seemed unrealistic, but if Anaïs took care of him closely, it was quite possible.

“Parents might enjoy spending time together separately.”

“Could that be possible?”

“Let’s talk to them first. I’ll ask His Majesty to arrange a meal for Kilian, you, and me.”

Anaïs’s face was filled with anticipation.

Whether it was because she looked forward to a happy future with her beloved or because of the possibility of escaping from this hell-like palace, I didn’t know for sure.

Perhaps it was both.
The Empress received a report from the Chief Eunuch while hearing the sudden news of the captured dinner.

“Well, the task I assigned last time was well done, right?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”