The Chief Eunuch hesitated to hide his uneasy feelings.

The Imperial Palace was a sacred place.

It was a land blessed by the dragons that existed in ancient times.

If blood was shed on that land, serious consequences would befall the country.

Whether it was a mere coincidence or an actual great painter who visited, it was hesitant to treat it as a simple old story.

Therefore, the Emperor and the nobles alike avoided seeing blood spilled on this land.

“Well, you did well.”

However, the Empress had no interest in such matters.

The only thing important to her was making Henry the Crown Prince.

‘How did I end up here?’

She did everything she could to secure this position.

She insisted that Anaïs, who had a relationship with a man resembling Philip, be the Emperor’s child.

To deceive the magic users who discerned true lineage, she even dealt with the suspicious secret society.

Now that she had become the Empress, the existence of her youngest son, Henry, was precious.

A child with the true blood of a dragon born after all the dirty deeds she had committed.

It was unbearable for Henry to be overshadowed by the former Empress’s son.

“Empress, dinner time has come to an end.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

After finishing her response, she stood up and left the room.

She felt relieved in the lavishly decorated corridor, enough to make her dizzy.

It felt like the humiliation she had received from the former Empress in her youth was being washed away.

Unintentionally arriving at the dining room, she said to the chief eunuch waiting at the door.

“Report to His Majesty.”

“Yes, Empress.”

The chief eunuch knocked on the door, entered, and then came out.

And stepping aside, he cleared the way for the Empress.

When she entered the restaurant, there were Jayna, Anaïs, and Kilian waiting.

She thought it was a family meal, but the unexpected appearance of guests made the Empress slightly wary.

“Welcome, Empress. Please take a seat.”

Philip’s expression was, as always, cheerful.

The Empress sat down, concealing her resentful feelings.

“Have you been well, Your Majesty?”

Annoying Jayna smiled broadly and greeted her.

The Empress wanted to ignore her, but as she was in front of the ambassador from the Principality, she lightly bowed her head and returned the greeting.

Mealtime passed smoothly.

Light jokes went back and forth, and a tedious conversation about the Emperor’s retirement plans and Kilian recommending travel destinations lengthened.

“Oh, by the way, is there any place you would recommend in the Principality? I’ve always wanted to go there someday.”

“Hahaha, Your Majesty, you are welcome anytime.”

It was a conversation with no nutritional value.

How could the emperor of a powerful country casually speak of going to a powerless one?

The Empress thought so and focused on cutting her steak.

“Perhaps that wish might come true sooner than you think.”
Even with Jayna’s cheerful voice, the Empress continued her meal and stabbed a piece of steak with her fork.

“Oh, really? If our Crown Prince says so, there must be a reason, right?”

The Emperor had great trust in Jayna. It was natural since she was the one who transformed Nathaniel, who was no better than a wastrel.

“I will tell you about that after the meal.”

“Well, well. Let’s have a chat over tea together.”

Contrary to the Empress’s desire to leave the place quickly, the gathering became longer.

When they moved to the reception room after the meal, and tea was served, the Emperor couldn’t contain his curiosity and asked Jayna.

“So, what is the method to fulfill the wish you mentioned earlier?”

Jayna opened her mouth with her usual confident smile.

“To be honest, the reason I requested this meeting is because of the spiritual problem of Princess Anais.”

The Empress raised her head sharply.

Although she did not have the intention of marrying Anais off, she had no intention of sending her away without careful consideration.

She had been looking for a man, regardless of age, who would benefit Henry thoroughly.

“If the Crown Princess is taking an interest in my affairs, she doesn’t need to worry. I will handle it myself.”

“Well, well. Let’s not bother about Anais’s issue.”

When Philip stepped forward and took Jayna’s side, Milia felt proud.

It felt as if she had defeated the former Empress.

That was when it happened.

Kilian, who had risen from his seat, walked confidently to the Emperor and kneeled on one knee.

“I, am in love with Princess Anais.”

The Empress felt her mind going blank.

Now, who likes whom?

“W-what?”

The Emperor was also greatly astonished by the story he heard for the first time.

Kilian was an unexpected opponent as a husband for Princess Anais.

When Philip turned to look at Anais, her usually pale face blushed as if it could burst at any moment.

“Is that true?”

“Yes, Father.”

Anais confessed with a small voice that seemed to crawl.

The Emperor quickly turned his head.

If she became the matron of the Principality, she would have power comparable to the King.

Moreover, as the master of the Tower where scholars from all over the world gathered, if they were to marry, it would be a significant gain for the Empire.

Above all, the fact that there would be no soldiers involved captured the Emperor’s heart.

“Hahaha, that’s quite fortunate.”

The Emperor laughed loudly, looking alternately at the two.

“Well, I’ve been thinking too much about myself. If you found someone you like, you should get married.”

The Emperor happily patted Kilian’s shoulders.

“I entrust my daughter to you, Kilian.”

“Thank you for granting permission.”

Everyone in the room rejoiced, wishing happiness for Anais and Kilian.

Except for one person, the Empress.