It was a point so fundamentally correct that it made her even angrier. The real duke, Roger, had left the territory to Serena for the past six years without showing any interest.
However, the one who had actually been taking care of the territory, Serena, had to leave without even seeing the harvest festival; she couldn’t help but feel resentful.

“And what you need to be thinking about now is not this territory, but how to go through the royal wedding and become a proper crown princess.”

She had already protested several times, but Roger didn’t even blink an eye, and Serena gave up arguing further. Still, her blue eyes continued to glare at Roger.
“The Duchess of Shroud is in charge of preparing for the royal wedding, so she will do a good job. In the future, you’ll have to lead the empire’s social circles, so you should form a good relationship with the Duchess.”

Roger was already speaking as if thinking about Serena becoming the empress in the far future, while just the fact that this engagement was valid was driving her crazy.

“Fine. Let’s say you’re right about everything, Father. But can’t I at least see the harvest festival before I go? It might be the last time, you know.”
The harvest festival was a unique culture Serena had established since coming to Astel. Unable to witness this year’s festival, for which she had more confidence than ever, she felt so regretful that she couldn’t bring herself to move.

“Leave the estate to me now.”

Roger spoke decisively, even while catching Serena’s wistful gaze. After all, she was to become the Crown Princess, and there was no room for unnecessary sentimentalities.
“Come, we must leave quickly so we won’t be late for our journey.”

The carriage carrying Serena’s luggage had already left for the capital yesterday. Now, a large and luxurious carriage with the Astel ducal family’s crest and two smaller carriages for the attendants were waiting for her at the entrance.

“See you at the wedding.”

Until the very end, Serena walked heavily toward the carriage. Roger offered her an indifferent farewell.

“Yes.”
Serena gave a simple nod to Roger, resigning herself to the situation, and climbed into the carriage. It was hard to believe that she was leaving Astel so emptily after pouring her everything into it for the past six years, but there was nothing she could do.

Now that the real Duke had returned, there was no answer to be found here.

“Miss, it’s a long journey, please make yourself comfortable.”

Despite Anna’s words, who had also climbed into the carriage, Serena shook her head and pressed herself against the window.
“If not now, when will I see Astel again?”

As the carriage began to move, Serena clung even more intently to the window. As they left the familiar ducal residence and passed through the square, she saw a crowd of subjects bidding her farewell.

“Anna, look outside!”

Each one was waving flags or fabric, their faces full of wishes for her happiness—faces she felt she could never forget.

“Everyone is wishing for your happiness, Miss.”
She had thought no one noticed her, yet everyone who now bade Serena farewell harbored the same sense of regret.

“Mm….”

Serena was confident she would never regret pouring her all into Astel over the past six years. Right now, the faces of those bidding her farewell were her very achievements and her pride.

“Don’t cry, Miss. No one wants to see you cry.”
Biting her lip at Anna’s words, Serena opened the carriage window and waved her hand. Though she couldn’t see the harvest festival and couldn’t personally greet everyone, knowing their hearts were in the same place was enough for her.

“Goodbye.”
As the crowd and the familiar Astel Square gradually faded into the distance, Serena softly murmured to herself. It was a farewell only she could hear.

“Goodbye.”

She didn’t shed any tears. She simply said her farewells over and over in her heart.

My beloved Astel, goodbye. Farewell.

Empress Adeline gently combed through Luana’s increasingly lush hair, resembling her own, as she softly hummed a song for her child. Perched on her mother’s lap, Luana nodded her small head, drifting in and out of sleep.

“Your Majesty the Empress.”

Treading carefully so as not to disturb the mother and daughter’s precious time, Chamberlain Isabelle approached and whispered.

“Countess of Shroud is waiting in the reception room.”
“Yes, it’s about time for Luana’s nap anyway.”

“Shall I call for Ms. Obri?”

Adeline nodded as she looked at her drowsy daughter. As much as she didn’t want to let go of the small, warm body of the child, the preparations for the Crown Prince’s national soul were also important.

“Your Majesty, shall I take the princess?”

Obri, who arrived promptly, paid her respects. True to her role as a nanny, she whispered softly so as not to wake the child.
The Empress handed Luana, who was slightly fussy, over to Obri and rose to straighten the hem of her dress.

“Which reception room is the Duchess in?”

“The first floor. I shall guide you.”

As they reached the reception room following Isabelle’s lead, the chamberlain guarding the door paid his respects and immediately opened the door.

“Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!”
As his solemn voice echoed, the Duchess who had been waiting in the reception room quickly rose and approached the Empress, kneeling to pay her respects.

“Your Majesty.”

Adeline quickly scanned the Duchess, who was both flamboyant and dignified, and offered a warm smile.

“Raise your head, Duchess of Sherwood.”

“Your Grace.”

Duchess Miranda wore a polite expression in response to the Empress’s smile.

“Sit. Isabelle, bring the tea.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”

As Adeline slowly took her seat at the head of the table, the Duchess, who had been waiting with her hands clasped, very cautiously took her own seat.

“It is truly a great honor to be in such close proximity to Your Majesty.”

Watching Miranda, who was the very epitome of a lady, Adeline continued to harbor a mysterious smile.