“The garden seems to have become empty since I last saw it. I’m thinking of planting something; do you have any recommendations?”

Upon hearing his words, they realized that the garden behind the splendid stone stairs was entirely empty. Helen was momentarily at a loss for words.

‘It’s winter, so isn’t it natural for the garden to be empty?’

But unable to give such a dull answer to the Emperor’s question, she discreetly rolled her eyes at Edith.

Having understood the request for assistance, Edith looked at the garden for a moment and then replied.

“In that case, how about jasmine? It’s a plant well-known for its fragrance, and the magical hybrid varieties that bloom year-round are widely sold. It should withstand the seasons.”

“Hmm.”

The Emperor looked at Edith with interest. She seemed to speak as if she knew the reason he disliked the empty garden.
Whenever the Emperor looked at the withered garden, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy. It was because he knew that his own body, plagued by illness, would also eventually wither away.

As his gaze seemed somewhat probing, Edith swallowed nervously.

‘The Emperor must be personally managing this garden.’

In winter, it was natural for plants to die or seeds not to sprout, so unless it was a special plant, the gardeners would have found ways to maintain the Emperor’s garden.

“It seems the garden has become quite empty in my absence. I’m thinking of planting something; do you have any recommendations?”

However, the Emperor mentioned that the garden became empty because he neglected it. Perhaps he forbade anyone else to touch it arbitrarily.

If the Emperor cherished and managed the garden himself to the extent of wanting to do so, he must have a significant attachment to it. Edith, observing the wilting plants that patients with difficult recoveries cherished, knew what kind of thoughts the Emperor might be having.

‘He must be contemplating death. Instead, it would be good to think of ways to invigorate yourself.’

So, she chose jasmine.

“Also, the scent of jasmine helps with sleep deprivation. Come to think of it, when I couldn’t sleep, using jasmine oil helped me fall asleep quickly.”

Since the Emperor’s signs of sleep deprivation were so clear that they could be discerned in a few seconds.

“I like the recommendation. Planting invigorating jasmine, which eases my sharp nerves, seems like a good idea.”

“I’m glad you liked it.”

“Is gardening your hobby?”

Edith knew what kind of response would be most helpful to the Emperor, who took her recommendation to heart.

“I’m embarrassed, but yes. There’s nothing more enjoyable than strolling around a magnificent garden.”

“Then, while at it, it would be nice to explore other gardens in the palace. Since you’ve been of help, the luggage won’t burden you.”

“It’s an honor, Your Majesty.”

Exploring the garden meant circling around the palace inside. Could there be a better excuse for gathering information?

When the Emperor expressed satisfaction, Helen silently cheered inside.

‘As expected…!’

Helen’s overly sparkling eyes revealed her inner thoughts, and Edith suppressed a laugh.

While Helen, as the legitimate successor with Portrian lineage, was being officially recognized in front of the officials, Edith toured the Emperor’s garden along with the Emperor’s escort.

Not far away, someone closely observed her stroll through the gardens near the Emperor’s palace. It was Patricia, the Empress of Paragon.

“Is it the Portrian Duke’s audience today?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“…….”

Although it was likely the first time the Duke’s wife had come to the palace today, it bothered Patricia that the Emperor’s escort personally guided her.

Guiding her to the carriage used for garden tours when guests arrived.

‘I haven’t even had a chance to ride on that carriage.’
Already cautious due to the high probability of Balthar having Portrian lineage and serving as his escort, the woman was especially attentive. However, this was too much to bear.

‘What should I do…’

A smirk formed on one corner of Patricia’s mouth.

“Lady Carter.”

Lady Carter, who happened to be in the room, was Patricia’s closest confidante. She had come today to specifically ask her to serve as a maid for the newly acquired Empress.

‘The girl from before… What was her name? Anyway, she was quite suitable as a maid, but she got pregnant.’

The Empress did not want Lady Carter to bring in a young maid. She behaved recklessly, and with the way young men roamed around, it was troublesome.

‘Elizabeth is at least devoted to Gilbert alone. Who is this woman anyway?’

As Patricia, she didn’t want this dull woman to be close by as a maid and to witness her daily activities.

Therefore, pretending to contemplate, she looked out the window and casually dropped a suggestion.

“Since Lexion is showing interest in Portria, how about we make Lady Portrian our maid to keep an eye on them?”