“Considering the troubles of the construction, Your Majesty must be exhausted.”

“Her Highness the Princess understands so deeply, and that’s why His Majesty feels secure with her understanding.”
After giving birth to a daughter, Lady Camilla’s status has declined, even though her daughter has no claim to the throne. There were rumors that she muttered disrespectful words about not knowing what the future holds in the prestigious royal family.

“Arrogant woman.”

The princess hid her true feelings and smiled subtly. After a long wait, the Emperor finally appeared.

“Oh, Camilla. I kept you waiting. These wizards are all talkative, you know.”

“No, Your Majesty.”

It was she who waited. The princess smiled like a painting instead of responding with sarcasm.

The Emperor, after hugging Camilla and giving her several kisses, shook hands with her as if dismissing her before finally turning to the princess.

“Sit.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor, after silently observing the princess sitting, raised a teacup and spoke.

“Camilla knows how to please a man. There is much to learn if you get closer.”

The princess suppressed her nausea, forcing a smile.

“So, how have you been lately?”

“I am devoting myself to my studies to reap the rewards, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor took out a pocket watch from his pocket, checked the time, and then went straight to the point.

“I heard you are getting along well with the adopted daughter of Duke Rodante.”

“…”

“Good. As you grow so charmingly, the Duke’s thoughts may change the more he sees you.”

The Emperor spoke with an affectionate tone.
“If I had known you were putting in so much effort, I wouldn’t have been so angry. Why didn’t you say anything?”

The princess didn’t approach Larisa with such intentions. It was just simple curiosity. After all, Larisa was a well-known figure.

As a princess who had to create new gossip every day in the small social circle of the academy, Larisa was an indispensable subject.

However, even if it was because of the emperor, now she needed to meet with Larisa for a different purpose. The princess hid her disappointment and replied gracefully.

“Where under the sky can there be something hidden from Your Majesty? I believed you would understand without me saying anything.”

“Hahaha!”

The emperor laughed heartily, as if he found the answer quite pleasing.

“Indeed. Women who talk as much as the empress can be exhausting.”

The princess remained silent. The emperor behaved as if he had completely forgotten that the empress was the princess’s birth mother.

“How about inviting the adopted daughter of Duke Rodante to the palace next weekend?”

“Forgive my frankness, but Miss Larisa is not the adopted daughter of Duke Rodante.”

“Really?”

“She is just a foster child, Your Majesty.”

The emperor, as if it didn’t matter, stroked his chin.

“Growing up in the same mansion, they must have a sibling-like bond.”

This time, the princess couldn’t hide a bitter smile. Even though she and her foster brother were raised in the same palace, he still felt like a stranger.

“Anyway, wouldn’t it be helpful if you became friends?”
“I shall do so, Your Majesty.”

The emperor leaned forward as if sharing a secret. In response, the princess instinctively bowed and tilted her ear. The emperor raised his index finger and pronounced sternly,

“A man is a simple creature. When considered as prey, no man wants to miss the chance. You must make me anxious, as if I can catch you but also as if I cannot.”

It was not a suitable remark for a father to make to his daughter. The princess held her breath and endured the disgust. However, she couldn’t help but furrow her brow.

The emperor, with a stern expression, continued,

“It is also for your sake. In this world, where else can you find a match suitable for you like Duke Rodante’s son? Also, in the long run, it is for the sake of the country. We should prevent the emergence of another kingdom like the Denver Principality, shouldn’t we?”

“Do you think Rodante’s territory could become independent?”

The emperor smiled bitterly.

“We cannot predict what that witch is thinking. But frankly, just the possibility itself is unpleasant. Princess, if you bear the bloodline of a witch, what would concern me is not…”

“What do you mean…?”

The princess’s eyelashes trembled. The emperor, frustrated that the princess did not immediately grasp the implication, clicked his tongue.

“Sigh. Whether it’s a son or a daughter, bear only one child. That child will become the emperor.”

“…”

“In that case, the witch will protect the imperial family for generations to come.”
It was a story that would shock anyone if the Empress, who firmly believed that her son would become the emperor, found out.

The Emperor, after sharing such a tremendous story, casually laughed and said, “If your charm is lacking, you may need to find another way to restrain the witch. Anyway, I discussed that matter with the professors of the School of Magic today, and it seems there are some significant results.”

“Results, you say…?”

“You don’t need to know about it.”

The Emperor seemed pleased.

“Still, the best way is undoubtedly for you to bear the Duke’s son. I have high expectations for you.”

“I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor waved his hand. At the signal to leave, the princess quickly rose and bowed as she exited. Stepping into the corridor, the princess unconsciously felt nauseated.

“Your Highness, shall I call the physician?”

“It’s fine.”

Yearning for a breath of fresh air, she approached the window. Upon opening the door, she saw the Empress and the young prince playing in the garden.

‘If only that child didn’t exist…’

The thought startled the princess, causing her to take a step back from the window.

Until the birth of the prince, she had been the sole heir to the imperial family. At that time, she could shout until her anger subsided, and no one would say anything.

However, as soon as the prince was born, she was required to be calm, and for a 10-year-old child, it was a life-altering event.

“Your Highness.”

“Stop it.”