Square by square.

In Hades Croitner’s stark office, only the sound of a quill scratching parchment resonated.

Unable to wait any longer, the anxious Knight Commander William opened his mouth.

“Your Grace, it is time to go down now.”

“Tell them to wait a little longer.”

Hades replied without lifting his head.

“But you have been keeping them waiting for two hours already.”

“Waiting one more hour won’t be a problem.”

William bowed his head in confusion.

“Your Grace, the envoys will feel insulted. The delegation has the exceptional presence of Duke Schizechin…”

“Schizechin knows honor, even for an imperial citizen.”

Hades answered coldly.

“He will understand why he must wait.”

“Your Grace…”

William’s words were cut off by someone knocking on the door.

Hades pointed to the door with the tip of his quill, and William sighed and turned the doorknob.

Through the slightly open door, the cause of the delay sauntered in.

“I’m sorry for being late.”

Hades blinked his eyes.

Angelica, who stepped into the office, looked different from any previous appearance.

Until now, Angelica had been like a snowflake on a summer day.

A woman so delicate that she seemed like she might disappear in an instant if not handled with care.

But now, Angelica, who stared straight at him, was…

‘Like a wellforged ice blade.’

Wearing an elegant black velvet dress and a brilliant hair ornament, Angelica looked several times more upright and confident than usual.

“Your Grace?”

Only then did Hades realize he had been staring at Angelica without saying anything. He cleared his throat.

“I was momentarily at a loss for words at your dazzling appearance.”

Angelica’s beautiful forehead slightly furrowed.

‘I can’t trust him.’

It didn’t matter.

The trust of a weak commoner saint wasn’t important at all.

Hades extended his arm to Angelica.

“Shall we go, Lady?”

Angelica blushed and nodded shyly.

The play had begun.

Over thirty members of the imperial delegation were present, several flags waving above them.

‘They even brought a mage.’

Sitting in a chair prepared on one side of the main hall, I looked at them languidly.

There was no way a breeze could make flags fly so grandly in the closed main hall, outside maybe.

Certainly, a talented mage was wasting his talent.

“To His Grace Hades Croitner, the rightful owner of Donovan, Lord of the North, and longtime friend of the Empire, we all pay our respects!”

The envoys all immediately knelt on one knee.

Hades looked at them expressionlessly for a moment before throwing out a terse command.

“Rise.”

“May everlasting glory and comfort be with the wise ruler of Donovan.”

The man who seemed to be of the highest rank in the delegation said courteously.

Appearing to be in his mid40s, the man exuded a sharp intellectual air.

He looked like a scholar who had never been to war, but Amy whispered to me that he was a war hero of the Empire.

“……It has been a long time, Duke Schizechin.”

“Yes. It has been a year, hasn’t it? I’m glad to see you again, Your Grace.”

Hades did not look pleased at all.

“I’m afraid I cannot return the sentiment. It’s difficult to welcome uninvited guests.”

A murmur spread among the envoys.

And rightly so, as the counterpart was Duke Schizechin, one of the central political forces of the Empire.
According to the butler, he was too much of a figure to be the representative of the delegation.

“You are as ever.”

Count Shuzhechin did not even blink an eye.

“I enjoy seeing your vigorous appearance.”

I gathered my expression.

Those words just now were almost the same as outright insulting Hades.

But that doesn’t mean I’ll show that I’m shaken, does it?

‘There’s nothing good about it.’

Hades chuckled.

“It’s all thanks to my cute little bird.”

For the first time, a confused look appeared on Count Shuzhechin’s face.

“A little bird… did you say?”

I swallowed dryly.

I was prepared, but actually hearing it was more than just goosebumps.

“Yes. My lovely angel sitting there.”

“…….”

“In the midst of monotonous days without a single joy, I could overcome difficult times thanks to the angel. Now, life without her is hard to imagine.”

“Is that so?”

Shuzhechin answered calmly, like a seasoned politician.

“It’s a joyful event. Congratulations.”

Hades nodded his head.

“Thank you. You must have been tired from the long journey, everyone take a rest now.”

And then he just left the main hall without even waiting for Shuzhechin’s answer.

Now it was my turn to step in.

Instead of following Hades out of the main hall, I approached the delegation, and dozens of eyes turned to me.

“Welcome to the imperial delegation. I will do my best to ensure that there are no inconveniences during your notsoshort stay.”

“…….”

Count Shuzhechin looked as if he had seen a ghost.

I smiled at him.

“Don’t mind His Highness’s words too much. He’s been under pressure lately.”

“……Your name.”