The room’s chatter halted instantly, and thirteen pairs of eyes turned to Stella, filled with a mix of pity and mockery.

“Yes, I’m not feeling well.”

Stella smiled weakly, trying not to seem anxious or embarrassed.

“Oh dear, still suffering from travel fatigue? I heard you came on a merchant ship with rough traders, even pirates. Weren’t you scared?”

Stella felt like she had been struck hard on the head. It was true she had been shipped off like cargo, but she hadn’t told anyone she traveled with pirate-like merchants.

The princesses stifled their laughter, struggling to keep their composure.

“Scary? It was quite an adventure.”

Stella, expected to flee the scene, calmly retorted. She didn’t avert her gaze from Annet and continued.

“Being sent as a hostage on a luxurious ship would be just as strange, wouldn’t it?”

Her blunt words, highlighting a truth everyone knew but never mentioned, turned the princesses’ faces red with anger. They had comforted themselves with the belief that they were here because they deserved to be queens.

Stella’s candid remark felt barbarically rude to these princesses, accustomed only to grace and beauty.

“Stella!”
Annet glared fiercely at Stella and called out to her.

“Well then, enjoy your time.”

Stella courteously bid them farewell and, maintaining her composure, turned and strode out of the room. Though she walked out boldly, her legs trembled and she fought back surging tears. She refused to shed even a single tear for them.

“Princess!”

Mila, having received urgent news, quickly approached Stella as she exited the hall. Seeing Mila again blurred Stella’s vision, but she responded with a bright smile.

“Let’s go back to our castle, Mila.”

Mila was taken aback by Stella’s sparkling eyes, but like Stella, she responded with a smile.

“Yes, Princess.”

Harman was worried as the Emperor seemed unenthusiastic despite the lavish feast before him.

It was a relief that Chef Leo hadn’t been dismissed, but if the Emperor continued to neglect his meals, some action would be needed.

Each time the Emperor left food untouched, Leo’s anxiety intensified. Although the Emperor didn’t openly criticize, it was clear he was growing increasingly indifferent to the meals.

This behavior was uncharacteristic of the Emperor Harman knew. He was not picky about food, readily eating coarse bread when hungry and guzzling cheap liquor.

Yet, for some reason, even the most deliciously prepared dishes with exquisite ingredients received only lukewarm responses lately.

“Steward, is it true the Emperor is refusing all other foods?”

Leo, incredulous, clutched at Harman’s sleeve in the corridor.

“Ah, I’m worried too. If this continues, it might affect his health.”

Even a robust Emperor would be impacted by continuous poor nutrition.

Meanwhile, Kai was also perplexed by his behavior.

Fortunately, his intense cravings for that specific carrot had subsided over the days. However, the thought of it still occasionally intruded his mind.

Kai decided to take a walk with Ben, his horse, under the pretense of needing fresh air. He had no intention of heading towards Berdura Castle. It was mere coincidence he found himself there.

It was maddening.