“The Empress introduced that child?”

Hence, Empress Dowager, always looking for ways to keep the Empress in check, couldn’t help but take interest in this child named Blanche.

“Yes. At the tea party attended by all the peace envoys, she audaciously asked for a seat next to Her Majesty the Empress.”

“She did?”

Naturally, the Empress Dowager hadn’t forgotten the spirit emanating from Liana.

How many noble parents tried to introduce their children to Liana, only to end up making them cry instead?

And now, a child who actively sought a seat next to Liana and became Melchisedek’s playmate, only to make a group of noble children cry all at once?

“Her Majesty is not so weak-hearted. It must have been a calculated move.”

If a 3-year-old could hold back tears next to Liana and manipulate her, that’s impressive in its own right. The other nobles didn’t approach the Empress because they didn’t know the benefits of currying favor with her.

Their fear of the children exceeded any potential gain.

“Quite a cunning child, indeed.”

But there was no need to put her down directly. Thus, the Empress Dowager casually nodded, inwardly resolving to meet Blanche in person.

In her view, a child who could win Liana’s affection, Melchisedek’s approval, and make noble children cry was not a typical 3-year-old. Could a toddler really have three different faces? What was the real Blanche Loa Vandalieu like?

Even the Empress Dowager, who had raised Berken and Melchisedek, found it hard to imagine.

“Today? Right now?”

“Isn’t everything done anyway? Dragging this out will only be bothersome.”

The Duke was indeed action-driven.

As he said, the tea party’s aftermath was already sorted. After a busy period managing the additional staff trained for the tea party, restoring order and discipline in the palace, everything was wrapped up just yesterday.

This morning was only about ensuring everything was running smoothly.

And now, he barges in, suggesting to go horse shopping.

Probably, the Empress had leaked the information since a 5-year-old wouldn’t have orchestrated it. It must mean the Empress received the news yesterday, informed the Duke this morning, and he immediately set out.

Considering this, his decisiveness was indeed formidable. Yes, that’s great, but being swept up in it was admittedly tiring. I prefer to plan and move accordingly, making this even more exhausting for me.

“Prepare lunch. Eat before you leave.”

But the gulf of status was undeniable. Or perhaps, it was a matter of influence. Blanche, too, was royalty, after all.

Whatever the case, refusing even a casual invitation was not an option, let alone when it was about receiving a reward. I mentally prepared myself over the meal.

What preparation, you ask?

Of course, it’s preparing to flatter.

I can flatter, having been like a tongue in the Emperor’s mouth for years. But it’s been so long since I last did it.

Flattering the Empress was just sweet talk, barely qualifying as flattery. Excluding that, it’s been at least three years, and even in my days as Lee Baek-ryeon, there was little need for flattery in my later years. After the Crown Prince passed away, I didn’t even flatter the Emperor.
So I needed to revive some old memories and readjust my mindset to that of a sycophant, but the problem was that the Duke wasn’t cooperative.

He practically gulped down his food and kept urging me to finish my meal quickly. Reluctantly, I finished eating, and he stood up without even drinking tea.

It’s a good thing my current body is healthier than my old one. Otherwise, I’d have surely been bedridden after today’s schedule.

“Do you know anything about horses?”

Contrary to my weeping heart, I smiled outwardly. Even if it doesn’t get the same adoration from adults, smiling is still better than looking grumpy.

“No, I don’t know much.”

Of course, that was a lie. Horses? I’ve spent half my life on battlefields as a military commander. People often get confused because my last title was Prime Minister, but I’ve seen thousands of horses, and the ones I rode were all excellent. I knew exactly which horses were suitable for war and which weren’t.

But high-ranking people love teaching clueless children. Since Tula, just starting horseback riding, doesn’t need a famous horse, I was thinking of just accepting whatever the Duke picks.

“How about you, Your Highness?”

“Well, I’ve never personally chosen a horse…”

The Duke stroked his still chubby chin with his small, fern-like hand.

I shouldn’t say this, but what’s really inside that kid? He’s too precocious. Could I have been like that in my Lee Baek-ryeon days? Trying to recall those distant memories, the Duke glanced at me.

“Still, what can I do? The Empress insisted so much. Got to give it my best.”

I couldn’t tell if it was just lip service or genuine. He might have just casually mentioned joining me.

But if I openly say that, it’s not being a sycophant. My eyes welled up, feigning emotion.

“Her Majesty’s kindness is as boundless as the sea.”