It was a story that she might not have known until her last breath if it weren’t for the woman in front of her.

When she heard that Lea was almost kidnapped to Fortrian Estate and reunited with Balthasar there, she was at a loss for words.

‘Now I understand why Lea trusted this child and entrusted her with the necklace.’

Edith was carefully preserving and piecing together every fragment that Lexion had lost.
If she had given up and despaired at some point, there wouldn’t have been a situation where she faced her son, and Franz would not have encountered traces of his daughter.

“Thanks to Lady Edith, my heart has become much more at ease. It’s also politically advantageous. The Grand Duke seems to be up to something using the fact that he is the Emperor’s son, aren’t you annoyed?”

Edith smiled faintly. She didn’t think that he wouldn’t use his lineage, whatever he proposed to the Emperor.

“Because he’s a clever person. He’s also skilled.”

The Emperor did not miss Edith’s slightly blush at Franz’s witty yet straightforward remarks. Despite not having a personality that enjoys jokes, Edith’s innocent reaction was enough to make him not just pass it by.

“It seems the lady has been continuously in love with the Grand Duke for a very long time.”

Edith’s face turned as red as a tomato at the Emperor’s sharp yet direct words.

‘Like exposing a ranking of men she wants to date,’ it seemed, and her heart throbbed.

Although her voice was likely to come out trembling like a lamb, the Emperor, who rested his chin slowly, seemed to be asking for some kind of response, so Edith barely opened her mouth.

“He is the one who let me live, Your Majesty. It was tough for a very long time, but I could endure it by recalling the childhood I spent with him.”

“Hmm. Didn’t the Grand Duke say he lost his memories several times?”

“Even if he loses his memory several times, he’s a special person to me. The past won’t change, so he’ll always be a special person.”

The Emperor’s majestic gaze seemed to have a power to speak sincerely. Somehow, Edith, who became embarrassed, hastily added.

“Of course, Lady Lea is the same. She’s not someone who can be easily forgotten just because she left.”

“Saying that, I understand.”

With a subtle smile, the Emperor shifted his gaze toward the office door.

“Well, it seems like there’s someone waiting, so you may go back now. If it’s okay, next time, I’d like to hear more stories from your childhood.”

Someone waiting? No way…

After equipping herself, when Edith left the office, she froze when she saw a familiar face.

As expected. Leaning casually against the wall, waiting for her, was Balthasar. He had a satisfied smile on his face, as if he knew she overheard the conversation.

‘Good grief.’

The secretary, who should have been guarding the Emperor’s office, seemed to have already vacated the position upon hearing Balthasar’s order.

‘Well, Balthasar is one of the few people who knows that he is the Emperor’s son.’

Feeling the heat from her whole body concentrated on her face, Edith quickly turned her gaze.

Balthasar, with long legs, stuck close to her and added with a sly smile.

“Our lady always has something to tell the Emperor.”

“Balthasar. Please… Why do you keep saying ‘my lady’? If someone hears it, what will they think?”

Now he’s not a Grand Duke but a Crown Prince.

However, Balthasar shrugged his shoulders lightly, showing no signs of remorse.

“Just call it a secret nickname between spouses, what do you say?”
“…Absolutely not.”

“Seeing your face turn red, it seems hot. How about stopping by a store and having a refreshing drink? I’m not trying to spend money just because I overheard the conversation and feel good.”

“Don’t tease me, Balthasar.”

Edith wanted to hide even in a mouse hole. However, the carriage of Lexion, where Theos and the court physicians were waiting, had already left after Balthasar had sent her away.

It was undoubtedly a grateful thing that he came to see her right after finishing his work, having gone to check on the woman who used to be Patricia’s maid.

But just thinking about being teased throughout the carriage ride made her face feel like it would burst.

If she avoided his gaze, he would subtly approach and probably steal a kiss.

‘That wouldn’t be so bad… no, this isn’t right.’

Edith cooled her face with the back of her hand and boarded the carriage he had ridden to escape this embarrassing situation. There was only one way to get out of this awkward situation.

“Balthasar, did the maids have some income?”

Balthasar, considering whether to let her off by naturally changing the subject or teasing her a bit more, eventually opened his mouth.

“Claude said he doesn’t have royal blood.”

“What did you say?”

“Also… Patricia seems to be somehow related to my mother’s death.”

Edith’s eyes shook significantly upon hearing unexpected words.