Others’ help without reason is not expected.

When showing kindness to others, there’s no expectation for them to reciprocate.

This was the rule Ermedillin had established while facing the world alone in her previous life.

Some might say she was too unfeeling, too cold, but to survive alone in this harsh world and to protect her heart, this way of thinking was not an option but a necessity.

“Did you say that the Empress bestowed her favor without expecting anything in return?”

Angry, having failed to pry, stared at Ermedillin with suspicion filling his blue eyes.

‘Ah, great. Not even a greeting and already suspecting me.’

Although she didn’t expect any reciprocation, Ermedillin was slowly getting tired of this endless suspicion.

“Yes, surprisingly, I’ve bestowed my favor without expecting anything in return. I just found it pitiful for a woman to be locked alone in her room, trembling with uncertainty of when she might fall ill!”

She couldn’t help but snap; she was irritated.

“Pitiful? You say she’s pitiful?”

Ermedillin nervously checked Angry’s reaction, wondering if her tone was too harsh. However, Angry was more fixated on the word “pitiful” coming from her lips.

“Didn’t expect you to say something like that. Hmm.”

Angry was naturally surprised.

The Ermedillin of the past was not someone who would show even fake sympathy toward others.

Angry didn’t think her words were sincere, but he felt that she was finally acting like an Empress should.

“Exactly, the Empress was a smart woman.”

Muttering to himself, Angry left Ermedillin’s quarters with her making an awkward face.

All she got in return for her sincerity was a comment about her being ‘smart’.

Although Ermedillin was offended by Angry’s words, she chose not to dwell on it.

‘What does it matter what someone I’ll never see again after the divorce thinks of me?’

After leaving Ermedillin’s quarters, Angry headed directly to Balliere’s.

Though it was already evening, Balliere’s reception room was still filled with jewels presented by merchants.

Even the recently dismissed Countess Ellyeon, who was the Empress’s maid.

Angry wanted to scold them all but refrained, remembering the doctor’s advice to be extremely cautious in early pregnancy.

“Your Majesty, how about this? Doesn’t it match me well?”

What Balliere lifted was a golden tiara decorated with transparent emeralds.

It certainly seemed like a piece that would suit Balliere well.

“Yes, it would suit you well.”

Balliere picked up a necklace excitedly upon hearing Angry’s answer.

“What about this one?”

Balliere waited for Angry’s answer with a hopeful expression, but Angry scanned everyone in the room with a stern face.

Balliere guessed from Angry’s expression that something unpleasant was coming.

‘Why? What’s he going to say? Is it about the epidemic? Is he still mad about that?’

“Sit down.”

Angry had Balliere sit opposite him, who was nervously watching his face.

“You didn’t go to thank the Empress after being released from quarantine, did you?”

“What?”

Thinking he’d talk about the epidemic, Angry suddenly brought up Ermedillin.

“Didn’t I clearly tell you to go and thank her?”

“You did.”

“Then why didn’t you go?”

“Well… I was busy preparing for the procession and choosing outfits for the feast.”

“So, you were too busy buying such trinkets to even say a word of thanks, huh…”

Angry’s cold tone made Balliere feel a rush of resentment.

The man who should have been most concerned about her, the woman carrying his child, was talking about another woman.

“Didn’t you even ask how the infected maids were?”

“What?”
“The maids who have been switched out this time were specially selected by me, so it would be wise to watch your words and actions. Especially when it comes to breaking expensive items.”

Henri glanced cautiously at the expensive crystal bottle on the table.

“Do you know what your reputation is among those working in the palace?”

“My reputation?”

“Yes, reputation. They all say you are selfish, concerned only with yourself.”

“Who says that? When have I ever…”

Henri glared coldly at Valliere with icy blue eyes, causing her to bite her tongue.

Recalling their previous conversation, Valliere quickly backed down.

“Actually, I’ve been quite distracted lately, fearing that I might fall ill. Being released from alimony and discovering my pregnancy didn’t help either. I will be more cautious from now on.”

“Good. You’re going to be the mother of my child, aren’t you? So, be careful with what you say and do.”

Having said his piece, Henri left Valliere’s quarters without looking back.

‘Reputation? What about my reputation? How dare he, flirting with that demonic woman, call me selfish?’

Valliere felt her anger rise to the tip of her head. She picked up a glass, but then remembered Henri’s warning and set it back down.

‘And what does it matter what these palace servants think of me?’

In her past life as well, Valliere had treated household staff like functional machines rather than humans.