Instead of responding, Carlein kissed Latil’s forehead and pushed her back so that she could naturally rise from the chair.

“Please go, my master.”

When Latil arrived at the location guided by the errand runner sent by Hyacinth, Hyacinth and Aini were already seated.

‘Oh dear.’

But the atmosphere between the two was nothing like a couple’s. Even couples who marry for convenience without love have at least some affection or friendship, or even like each other as companions. But those two…

‘They still don’t get along very well.’

Both seemed uncomfortable when the visitor entered, and they almost simultaneously turned their heads. However, Aini, reassured and turning her head, stiffened her facial muscles and bowed her head as soon as she saw Carlein.

Latil noticed her playing with the fork for no reason.

‘She’s still like that. Are they really not in a relationship? Doesn’t seem like it?’

Even Hyacinth looked at Aini’s forehead curiously.

Latil found it suspicious, but for now, she approached Aini and, as agreed with Hyacinth, introduced the false identity she would use here.

“I am Sadi, a secret envoy of Emperor Latrasil. I have come here personally because I have something to tell you in secret.”

Aini took her hand off the fork and nodded slightly. Then her gaze, flowing like water, moved back to Carlein.

‘She’s not interested in me at all.’

When Aini’s eyes fully focused on Carlein like a magnet attached to an iron, Hyacinth frowned. When his eyes met Latil’s, he pointed to the place where Latil would sit.

“Sit over there.”

Latil quickly sat down where Hyacinth indicated. Meanwhile, Aini was still looking at Carlein.

It was so obvious that Carlein, the receiver of her gaze, couldn’t have missed it. Could it be because of this?

“I am Carlein, a consort of Emperor Tarium.”

Because Carlein introduced himself not as the King of Mercenaries, but as a consort, Latil had to hastily add,

“Your Majesty. We two are secret envoys, and the fact that Carlein is here should remain a secret.”

But even this time, Aini didn’t pay any attention to Latil. Latil drooped her shoulders in disappointment.

‘She could at least look at me.’

However, she didn’t feel ignored. Anyone could see that Aini was not deliberately ignoring Latil, but she seemed out of her mind and couldn’t pay attention to anything else.

“A consort…?”

Aini murmured in a shocked voice, and Carlein answered “Yes.” in a calm voice and sat down next to Latil.

Carlein’s attitude was the same as ever. The attitude of not knowing anyone. The attitude of not being in any relationship.

Latil spread the napkin in front of her slowly and sneaked a quick glance at Aini.

‘Did she fall for Carlein at first sight, not knowing him before?’

During the meal, Latil explained to Aini about the person suspected to be Prince Tla who was causing continuous problems in Tarium, and told her about the legend of Lord’s resurrection.

“I see.”

Fortunately, once the main story began, Aini made an effort to take her eyes off Carlein and properly engaged in the conversation, some of which were surprising.

“I’m glad that you confirmed that I’m not crazy….”

“I’m Sadi.”

“Right, Sir Sadie.”

‘Does she really not see me at all?’

“When Hweum first appeared, it couldn’t even show its figure in front of me. But after my maid died and the body disappeared, it showed itself. I think Hweum ate my maid’s body… and that’s how it happened.”

“Maybe Prince Teulra and Prince Hweum joined hands.”

“Why do you think so? Don’t you think that they both fell into the darkness at the same time as the existence of Rodran was resurrected?”

“Your Majesty Latrasil presumes Prince Teulra to be Rod.”

It’s strange to call my name. Latil was rummaging through the salad cabbage for no reason, so Aini asked.

“Isn’t there a possibility that Hweum is Rod?”

“As far as I know, it’s on Prince Teulra’s side. But there’s nothing for sure, so there’s a low possibility, but Prince Hweum could be Rod.”

“……”

“After all, they are both dead, so they must be put to sleep again. This is clear.”

While saying the last word, Latil looked at Aini’s face. After all, Aini was a lover of Hweum, so she might be offended by this word.

Fortunately, Aini agreed to Latil’s words right away.

“I think so too.”

Latil, relieved, this time spoke while looking at Hyacinth.

“Her Majesty Latrasil wants to exchange information about Prince Hweum, Prince Teulra, and other evil beings, and cooperate to solve this problem together.”

Hyacinth responded immediately, as if there was nothing to think about.

“Of course it should be.”

When Latil looked at Aini, Aini also happily replied.

“I will also sincerely help, please tell Her Majesty.”

“Yes.”

After that, they discussed how to communicate secretly and quickly while drinking coffee after the meal. As a result, it took almost an hour and a half just to have breakfast.

‘I’ll be in the way. I have to go.’

Knowing about the busy work of the emperor, Latil checked the clock, and when she felt it was about time, she finished her speech and said goodbye.

As expected by Latil, Hyacinth, who was very busy, left his seat first.

Latil waited for Aini and Hyacinth to leave their seats first, but even though she waited, she didn’t seem to want to move, so she quietly got up first.

“Your Majesty the Empress, we cannot take up more of Your Majesty’s precious time, so we will leave.”

At the moment they were about to leave with Carlein.

“Wait a moment.”

Aini, who had even bid them goodbye, called them from behind. When Latil turned around, Aini was looking at Carlein.

Latil alternately looked at Carlein and Aini, and as Aini got up from the table and approached, she quickly backed away. It felt like if she stayed there, she would be the one to spoil the mood.

Carlein frowned at Latil’s actions, but Aini had already arrived in front of Carlein. Eventually, when Carlein saw Aini, Aini asked him with a trembling voice.

“I would like to have a little conversation with you.”

Latil pursed her lips and pointed over her shoulder with her thumb, then opened her mouth. Then should I go first, she was about to say.

But before Latil could speak. Carlein refused as dry and hard as desert gravel.

“If it’s about official business, it’s better to tell Sir Sadie.”

At that word, Aini looked at Latil, and Latil awkwardly dropped her raised hand. When Aini looked at him again, Carlein added with as emotionless a voice as before.

“If it’s a personal matter, it’s difficult to listen to since I’m in the position of a palace.”

“!”

At that word, Aini looked very sad, but Carlein bid her a sharp farewell and signaled Latil to go quickly.

“Lady, let’s go.”

Oh, I should go. I should go, but… Latil looked at Aini standing still as if she was about to collapse any moment, then first left the place with Carlein.

At that time. Sernut, who had arrived at the Tarium Imperial Palace, was standing in front of the emperor welcoming him, feeling as bewildered as Latil seeing Aini.

“You’ve worked hard. I always feel sorry for entrusting a lot of work to Sir.”

Latil had always maintained the same tone of speech with Sonnaught and the Steward, unless she was issuing a formal imperial command, even after she became the emperor.

The steward had been the steward since her father’s time, so he felt more like a friend or an uncle of her father rather than a subordinate. And Sonnaught, since they trained together from a young age, they had gotten into the habit of squabbling with each other in the way of knights.

The emperor before him was using Latil’s speech style and habits as they were. In addition, her face was the same, and even her smile was the same.

But……

Sonnaught furrowed his brows.

“Who are you?”