The next day, a major news article reported that the Empress and Emperor would be visiting the Academy together for inspection.

Usually, this was the Emperor’s task, but it was the first time the couple would be making a joint inspection visit. Sensing this was a rare sight, reporters scrambled to adjust their schedules and headed out to cover the event at the Imperial Academy.

“This will make things easier than expected.”

Viscountess Geminia brightened upon reading the article. Just then, a small ship from the Eastern Continent had arrived at a port near their territory.

On that ship were smuggled goods from the Geminia family’s merchant group, along with someone to carry out a secret request.

After Count Diobe’s boastful offer to handle the matter fell through, they had been struggling to figure out how to learn the Empress’s schedule, but now it was being served up on a platter.

Although His Majesty the Emperor would be accompanying her, how could they notice in such a brief moment? Moreover, the Empress’s security detail had been significantly reduced.

They couldn’t let such a golden opportunity slip by. The Viscountess folded the newspaper in half with a satisfied smile.

“Your Majesty the Empress. Please wear your usual mourning attire.”

That way, they would notice as late as possible.

Alice hurried to prepare for the outing. As Lynette adjusted her outfit, she didn’t forget to give a reminder.

“Though it’s been less frequent lately, surveillance may have resumed since ‘the shadow’ appeared. Please be extra cautious when you go out.”

“I’m an expert at shaking off people. And I know quite a few shortcuts, so don’t worry.”

“I’ll also assign you a guard. I’ve heard rumors that some ill-mannered noble youths gather near the Imperial Academy… He’s worked at the Empress’s Palace for a long time, so you can trust him.”

Lynette personally saw Alice off. Two days until the inspection. Would they move as the Empress had informed?

Alice considered calling for a carriage from the Empress’s Palace but declined, saying it might arouse more suspicion. As ‘Allen’, she was well-versed in sneaking around the streets. It was better to go on foot or use public carriages partway for shaking off pursuers.

“…Let’s go.”

A tense sigh escaped Alice’s lips.

Everyone moved in perfect unison. Towards their respective goals, for their beliefs.

**

The morning of the inspection day was the same as usual. The sun rose from the same direction, and Ilarid woke up at the same time.

During the past two days, Lebel hadn’t visited the Empress’s Palace. There had been no messages or contact. The maids at the Empress’s Palace seemed a bit bewildered by this rare absence.

“It’s strange that someone who used to come every day hasn’t shown up.”

“He must have his own work to do.”

Being the mercenary captain, he probably had separate duties. It was fortunate that Cledius didn’t seem to have given any special orders.

Lying quietly in bed with eyes closed made it easier to fall asleep than usual. It was a huge improvement compared to before, but the feeling of emptiness was unavoidable.

Throughout her morning preparations, Ilarid mulled over the words Lebel had left behind.

‘On the day of the inspection, before you leave, please look at the darkest place.’

The meaningful sentence Lebel had spoken last, after repeatedly calling Ilarid’s name. Where could it be? Was he simply talking about a shadow, or truly a place hidden from others’ eyes?

When Ilarid snapped back to attention, an array of clothes brought by the maids was spread out before her.

“Your Majesty the Empress. Which one would you like us to prepare?”

After a moment’s consideration, Ilarid chose a dark navy dress with a slightly low neckline. Though the neckline was a bit low, it was a plain design with almost no lace or ruffle decorations.

Lynette checked the dress Ilarid had chosen and nodded to the wardrobe maid beside her. The maids quietly bustled about, selecting a scarf to match the dress.

“Surely… Her Majesty the Empress isn’t planning to join the inspection?”

“His Majesty must have persuaded her well enough.”

Cledius wasn’t that lacking in judgment. If anything, he was problematic for calculating too much, too quickly.

He was so certain of the pros and cons that his blade for cutting people down was full of conviction. Surprisingly, he had left Lebel alone thus far.

‘Is there something I don’t know? Or…’

Soon, the scarf chosen by the maids appeared before Ilarid’s eyes. As Lynette was about to wrap the scarf around her neck:

“Your Majesty?”

Surprisingly, Ilarid raised her hand to stop the service. Lynette looked at Ilarid with a puzzled expression. Hadn’t she always tried to cover and hide that scar?

“I’ll go like this today.”

“Then I recommend at least using makeup to cover it. There will likely be quite a few reporters today, and it could be awkward if they ask about the scar.”

It was the first time she had revealed the scar in public. They wouldn’t dare to ask recklessly about the Empress’s scar, but rumors spread faster than anything in the world. People’s speculations would soon become fact and spread throughout the empire.

“Can’t I handle that much?”

Ilarid headed towards the door with a light laugh. The maids followed behind the Empress in unison. They sensed the change in Ilarid with their entire beings.

It was as if an invisible force was supporting the Empress from behind. Ilarid was still moving forward with an upright posture. A noble and dignified aura swirled around her.

This wasn’t simply walking. The Empress was now moving forward, embracing the scars of her past.

The momentary worry felt when she refused the scarf soon turned to relief. The maids all let out soft sighs of relief.

It wasn’t an enormous group. Being an Academy inspection, not elsewhere, they had decided to move with minimal attendants.

Ilarid stood in front of the carriage that would carry the Empress and her maids. The carriage bearing the imperial emblem looked quite splendid with its white background and gold decorations.

Soon the Emperor made his appearance. Ilarid’s eyebrows furrowed slightly upon seeing Cledius’s attire. He usually preferred light-colored clothes, but this time he wore a dark formal outfit that didn’t suit him.

Coincidentally, it was in a navy shade similar to the Empress’s.

“I didn’t expect we’d choose the same color. A coincidence?”

“It must be a coincidence.”

Ilarid immediately dismissed Cledius’s words.

As Cledius carefully examined her outfit, he sensed something was amiss. The scarf that always wrapped around her neck was nowhere to be seen. She hadn’t even covered it with makeup, leaving the diagonal scar clearly visible.

“…You didn’t cover it.”

“I felt there was no need to cover it specifically.”

“Some reporters might make unnecessary speculations…”

“I’ll be careful.”

In reality, Ilarid was on edge about something else. To think they’d wear the same color on a joint schedule. Since she had chosen it herself, she couldn’t suspect anyone of informing the Emperor.

Ilarid turned her gaze away, showing her discomfort.

‘…The darkest place.’

The first thing that caught her eye was the shadow of a tree. But no one was visible underneath it.

Not having seen him for two days, he might not even be in the palace. Pointless expectations only drain a person’s energy. So she had no choice but to forcibly set aside her hopes.

It was time to board the carriage. Usually, Cledius would get into the Emperor’s carriage first, showing no interest in whether the Empress boarded her carriage or not.

So there had never been any expectation to begin with. Ilarid naturally moved to receive an escort from a nearby attendant.

“Why are you…”

Surprisingly, Cledius’s hand suddenly appeared before her.

Amazingly, Cledius had extended his hand towards Ilarid. Her gaze towards the outstretched fingers was unwelcoming.

She’d rather trip on her skirt and fall than take his hand to board the carriage.

“Do you dislike it that much?”

The Emperor’s hand remained in the air long enough to feel awkward. The gazes of those around gradually gathered on the couple. Lynette and Alice exchanged troubled looks, unable to dare stop the Emperor.

‘Just this once.’

They couldn’t delay any longer. With so many people waiting, even a small delay would disrupt the schedule.

Ilarid took a deep breath and lightly grasped the tip of his hand.

It’s just a formal relationship. This is merely the most basic courtesy. She thought to herself several times as she briefly looked back.

‘Ah…’

In the darkest place, hidden by the palace buildings far away. In the heavily shadowed spot rarely noticed by the imperial people.

Lebel was standing there in the darkness.

As if he had just returned, Lebel had his face hidden under a hood. If she had passed by unconsciously, she might not have even realized he was there.

For a fleeting moment, they traced each other’s silhouettes with their respective gazes.

Are you breathing in the same rhythm as me?

Cledius noticed that Ilarid’s gaze was fixed on one spot. He turned around abruptly, crumpling his neat face.

‘Could that bastard have come?’

But Lebel was nowhere to be seen. Had he hidden himself? Or had Ilarid been desperately searching for someone who hadn’t come in the first place?

Either way, it left a bad taste in his mouth.

**

It had been a while since she had left the palace during the day.

The shadows of trees filled the carriage, bathed in sunlight. Who knew the scenery outside could feel so unfamiliar? Ilarid took in each green leaf with her eyes.

The weather in the empire was now heading into the heart of summer. The season had returned when the sunlight changed from warm to scorching.

As if proud of the season that had finally returned, Ilarid’s face glowed radiantly, basking in the sunlight. Thanks to this, even the dark navy dress that had seemed gloomy was now surrounded by the bright light of summer.

The inside of the carriage was quiet. The three people gazed at the green and beautiful scenery, but held a tension they couldn’t reveal.

“…To be honest, I’m nervous.”

“You too, Head Maid? Actually, I…”

“I feel the same.”

It felt a bit better after speaking out loud. Judging by the changing scenery, they would soon arrive at the Academy. Had Cecilia managed to prepare everything without issues?

They couldn’t know how the students would express their intentions.

At least they had received a promise that they wouldn’t do anything dangerous, as Ilarid had requested. What would happen from now on? It was rare to feel both expectation and anxiety together, but the tension was enough to make their stomachs churn.

Alice took a deep breath and stretched out the back of her hand towards Ilarid. As she was about to question the gesture with a puzzled look, Lynette immediately placed her hand on top of Alice’s.

“Somehow, it feels like we should do this together.”

Was this to shake off the tension? Ilarid smiled briefly and placed her hand on top. Since it wasn’t a prayer pose, they should probably make a wish. The three closed their eyes, feeling each other’s warmth.

The inspection of the general academy proceeded without any issues. The problem was the military academy. Due to the awkward distance, the Emperor and Empress had to board the carriage again to move.

Two carriages carrying them entered the military academy grounds. The sight of students lined up on both sides of the carriages spread out widely.

Soon, a resounding signal to pay respects to the Emperor and Empress was heard, followed by a vigorous salute from the tense students.

The gasps of spectators from behind and the busy footsteps of reporters could be heard.

An inspection with both the Emperor and Empress together had never happened before, and might never happen again. People were in an uproar, speculating about the relationship between the two at this extremely rare sight.

And then the problematic general spectators were visible. Most were noble parents with children enrolled, and people who had come to hear explanations about next year’s military academy entrance exams. Everyone was said to have received entry permits in advance.

As a result, the empire’s attention was focused on the academy.

Ilarid exhaled briefly and walked forward. All the while praying that things wouldn’t go wrong or be discovered midway. Fortunately, Cledius seemed unaware that Ilarid was tense, busy inspecting the lined-up students.

Formal greetings from academy officials followed, along with brief questions and answers. Ilarid deliberately surveyed the surroundings. The evidence documents stated that female students were intentionally excluded from training and other official events at the military academy.

The records were true. Nowhere in Ilarid’s field of vision could female students be seen.

“Just a moment.”

The feet of the Emperor and academy officials heading towards the main building came to a halt. Ilarid faced the gazes pouring towards her head-on and brought up the issue that had been simmering.

“I don’t see a single female student. Is there a reason for this?”