“If Hertian is really there, it seems like a matter that can no longer be kept a secret.”

Fear seeped into Elenor’s voice upon hearing the location I mentioned.

“We can’t just stay idle. Please wait here for a moment.”

I returned to the palace, fetched Turan’s treasure, and handed it to Elenor. She looked at the treasure with a puzzled expression and asked,

“What is this?”

“Listen carefully, Elenor. I have to go to the hunting ground early tomorrow at the empress’s invitation. Can you meet the emperor in my place?”

“Of course.”

If Hertian had been sent there, escaping on his own would be difficult. Even if he somehow managed to escape, coming out unscathed would be tough.

‘I have to help Hertian, no matter what it takes.’

I explained to Elenor how to seek the emperor’s assistance after giving her Turan’s treasure, harboring a glimmer of hope that even a father who neglects his children won’t abandon them when they’re cornered.

(This is a time separator.)

Early morning.

Upon finishing my preparations, a carriage adorned with brilliant gold embroidery was waiting.

Inside the carriage was a face as uncomfortable as Serdis.

“Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress.”

“It’s been a long time. Your Highness.”

The empress greeted me warmly, as if she had forgotten she had sent me and Hertian away from this palace.

“How I’ve missed news from you. How is the north?”

She even inquired about my wellbeing, almost making me forget that she had once sent poisoned letters.

“It’s bearable.”

I answered, suppressing my emotions as much as possible. Showing anger or complaining here would only please the empress. I had no desire to behave like a naive young noble.

“Feel free to be honest. How could the north be livable? A place bombarded by blizzards every day where even flowers don’t grow. Living in the capital is much better.”

“I thought the same initially. But having come to the palace, I find myself missing the north. I wish to return as soon as possible.”

Instead, I spat out barbed words, like any other socialite would.

The abandoned palace that was given to me, and her scheme to use the maids against me.

She was probably trying to act like it was a failed scheme that never happened.

‘I wish it were so.’

A part of me wanted to believe it wasn’t the empress’s doing. If she was indeed behind bringing hardship upon Hertian in the north, peace for both of us would be out of the question. I wanted to believe she hadn’t interfered.

But my hopes were dashed.

“Seems you’re upset about my little prank.”

The empress, who had been looking at me coldly, admitted that it was all a prank. I was so astonished that I almost chuckled.

“Aren’t pranks usually done between close friends?”

“Oh my. Weren’t we close?”

“You’re not referring to us as family, are you?”

I retorted coldly. After all, she was the one who had sent Hertian to exile. I had no respect left for her.

“We could become a real family, if only you wish.”

Suddenly, the empress said something incomprehensible.

“Did I not understand? Becoming a real family just because I wish for it? Is it that simple?”

“Time is plentiful, let’s talk slowly.”

The empress opened her fan and chuckled without giving a straight answer. I wanted to ask her, what are you planning to do with Hertian? What’s your scheme? But I held my tongue. There was no point in ruining my mood over this.

‘The more I see, the more she resembles Serdis.’

“You look like you have a lot to say. Your eyes are defiant.”

I quickly shifted my gaze. My reflexes were quick.

“Even that’s quite charming.”

“Is this another one of your pranks?”

Did I hear wrong?

My defiant eyes are charming?

“Do you think I would dislike you just because I played a little prank? I’ve liked you since the first time I saw you.”
I looked at her with a puzzled face. There was no reason for either the emperor or the empress to favor me, especially since I was aiding Hertian.

The empress added an explanation as if reading my thoughts.

“Must be curious why I like you. You knew there were other leaves in my tea cup instead of peppermint, didn’t you?”

That would be the day I first visited the palace with Hertian.

Serdis handed me mint tea, and while no adverse reaction occurred in my herbresistant body, the empress who drank the tea afterwards had suffered severe stomach pain.

“So I deliberately sent water mixed with poisonous herbs to the maidservant. I was curious whether the Grand Duke really knew or not.”

It was not that she was trying to tie me down, she had been testing me.

‘I underestimated the empress.’

My mistake to think she was a simple person. I momentarily forgot that she was someone who could kill the emperor’s women and live shamelessly.

“Yes. I knew.”

I answered calmly. Nothing would change just because she had tested me. The poisonous herb was brewed by Serdis, and I was not at fault.

“I didn’t know what kind of tea leaves they were. However, I did not think that Serdis would kill me here. So, I assumed it would be safe for Your Highness to drink as well.”