“Your Majesty, what about entrusting the investigation of this woman and the Baron of Shumael to the Grand Duke of the North, who has had no involvement in this matter so far?”

“…To Bellfast?”

The nobles began murmuring.

“If Your Majesty disagrees, you may decide later who to entrust this matter to. In any case, it is crucial to uncover their backer, so they must be kept safe until then.”

The Emperor looked tiredly into space.

“…Let it be as the Empress wishes.”

“Your Majesty’s decision is merciful. Grand Duke of the North, can you protect them for now?”

“As a Grand Duke of the Empire, it is my duty to take charge of the criminals.”

My Duke responded.

The Emperor whispered something quietly, and then… the Empress extended her arm.

The Emperor placed his hand on her extended arm, like a lost cat finding a place to lean on.

The Empress addressed the nobles.

“Those who are guilty shall reveal themselves under the sacred sword. Let today’s mercy shown by His Majesty be an example to all.”

“Your Majesty’s grace is boundless! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!”

The nobles chorused.

It had become a situation that could only be described as merciful.

The Baron of Shumael kneeled as if his knees would break, prostrating on the ground. Cecilia cried out in tears.

“Ah… Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty!”

“Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Highness!”

Arcadia whispered.

“Shall we go to serve our Duke now?”

“Yes.”

The Grand Duke on the stage was already standing, looking in our direction.

Arcadia, on the Grand Duke’s orders, called Bran and Emils, who were waiting nearby to protect the Baron and Cecilia.

They were escorted to the prison within the palace where those awaiting judgment were kept.

The sight of the knights of the North escorting the criminals along with the royal guards was impressive.

As the nobles gradually left, their remarks echoed.

“The Emperor showed wise judgment despite the revelation that she’s not his granddaughter.”

“In the past, he would have killed them all at the snake’s behest.”

“The Southern Duke should watch his tongue! Careful what you say.”

“Anyway, it was a divine move by the Grand Duke of the North to bring the Empress!”

As the hall slowly emptied, the Grand Duke walked towards us.

“Your Highness, who made such a divine move, are you alright?”

Arcadia showed a worried smile.

“Everyone did well.”

“It’s nothing. Your Highness, you truly accomplished something great.”

It was heartfelt.
In response to my words, the Grand Duke narrowed his long eyes and smiled.

Again, a cool breeze seemed to blow from him, moving away.

How far had he foreseen, having dashed through the cold dawn air?

How much had he thought through to bring the Empress here?

A peculiar sense of relief, as if I no longer needed to struggle alone, washed over me, and I unwittingly wiped my reddening eyes.

Arcadia asked,

“Your Highness, how did you manage to bring the Empress here? How did you accomplish what no one else could, bringing that recluse back into the world?”

“Before asking how I brought her, shouldn’t the question be how I thought of bringing her in the first place, Arcadia?”

The Grand Duke chuckled.

“Yes, yes, a wise decision indeed. Applauding you for that.”

Arcadia clapped sincerely while teasing.

The Grand Duke showed a faint smile.

“…I made a deal.”

“A deal about what?”

Arcadia asked in surprise.

‘A deal?’

“I swore to find the true Princess for her. That was the deal between me and the Empress.”

‘!’

A vow to find the real Princess.

A sinking feeling gripped my heart.

“Your Highness, haven’t you given up yet?”

“No. I haven’t found her yet.”

The Grand Duke replied matter-of-factly to Arcadia’s question.

I unconsciously bowed my head.

‘The real Princess.’

“Your Highness. Do you believe… the real Princess is still alive?”

I asked without realizing.

“What if she’s no longer of this world?”

The Grand Duke’s blue eyes turned towards me.

“When I was very young, you might not remember, but I’ve seen her.”

“!”

“Silver hair, sky-blue eyes.”

“!!”

“Just like you.”

The Grand Duke’s gaze was fixed on me.

‘We’ve met before?’

Could it be true?

I have no memory of it.

In my lost memories… is there a young me who met a young you?

Why does the thought of those vanished memories ache so much now?

Arcadia slightly furrowed his brows.

“Your Highness, is that true?”

The Grand Duke didn’t respond, prompting Arcadia to ask again.

“Really, you’ve met her? You’ve never mentioned it before. If it’s true, and the Emperor finds out…”

“That can’t happen. It would only raise more suspicion against Bellfast.”

“Ah…”

Arcadia held his forehead as if in pain.

I was puzzled.

“Why would knowing that bring suspicion from His Majesty?”

Arcadia lowered his voice and replied tersely, glancing at the Grand Duke.

“I’ll tell you quietly later. Keep what you’ve heard a secret. Really, if you want to keep living.”

“Yes, Lieutenant.”

Arcadia, even if you didn’t say so, I wouldn’t speak of it. I can’t…

“We have no choice but to believe she’s still alive. For the Empire, and for Bellfast.”

The Grand Duke said, not taking his eyes off me.

I looked away from his gaze.

‘Your Highness, please forgive me.’

Then,

“Your Highness.”

Arcadia called the Grand Duke. At the end of his gaze, there was a nobleman I had never seen before.

The noble approached us.

A man in his mid-30s, with long black-brown hair tied to one side and an elegant mustache. He deeply bowed in front of the Grand Duke of the North.

The Grand Duke called his name.

“Count Jarden.”

“Yes. Finance Minister Jarden, at your service, Your Highness. I have been looking forward to meeting you since Baron Nugent’s call.”

“Quite a late visit for someone who’s been anticipating.”

“Today’s actions by Your Highness proved my expectations were not misplaced… I apologize for the delay and wish to visit at your convenience.”

“A busy time with the annual budget coming up.”

“That’s why I presumed you called for me.”

The Grand Duke smiled.

“I knew it was you who came, Jarden.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I have much to discuss with you.”