“While the kingdom and the empire are indeed allied nations, it’s not for frequent exchanges but to maintain peace after the war. Didn’t we start close exchanges only last year on the anniversary of the ceasefire?”

The king, who seemed to have much to say in response to Cloé’s remarks, abruptly closed his mouth. His lips, which had been muddy and pressed together, soon relaxed without vitality.

“Could it be that… this decision involves the Empress’s personal emotions?”

The king finally opened his mouth after a long while.

Although he phrased the question politely, the underlying meaning was undeniably rude. It suggested whether she harbored intentions of petty revenge.

Feeling bored with the silence, Cloé shifted her gaze while tilting her teacup.

When it comes to rudeness, one should respond with rudeness. She forcefully placed the cup back on its saucer with a resounding, equally cold clinking sound.

“What personal emotions?”
Contrary to the demeanor suggesting an immediate response, a counter-question was posed. The intention was clear: he didn’t plan to speak willingly.

“…I was curious if Your Majesty still harbors resentment for the moment when I, as your father, failed to do my best.”

Upon hearing this, the king expressed his thoughts as if he had no other choice.

‘Once’ and ‘still.’

The emphasized words in his speech were undeniably poignant. The way Cloé was portrayed in his words seemed to cling to and linger on events that happened a long time ago.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“…Empress! Are you planning to abandon the country for the sake of your revenge?”

“Even if I had lingering feelings and grievances, should I harbor them for the country that hasn’t devoured me for years?”

“But the future of the nation depends on the Empress’s choices! Dealing with matters based on personal emotions is absolutely unacceptable!”

The king’s neck showed veins popping, and his wrinkled neck seemed as though it would burst soon.

“I never said I would start a war, and yet, you treat me as a traitor. I mentioned that the halt in inter-country exchanges applies only during the reign of the current King. Rest assured, there will be no lasting impact on future generations.”

“Cloé!”

Shouting at Cloé, pretending to be generous in offering compassion, the king’s exclamation included an inappropriate title that shouldn’t have come out.

Soon after, King Valont frowned as if choking back tears.
“……This concerns the entire royal family. Please reconsider. Do you understand how much impact your choice could have on the entire royal family? It’s an outrage committed against parents and siblings!”

Still, Cloé was once a princess. As a person from the royal family who became the future Empress of the Empire, if the exchanges between the two nations were to be severed, people would naturally criticize the royal family.

They forced the innocent princess into a political marriage with a duke, only to eventually claim she pays for her sins.

“Yes, I understand. However, I don’t have an obligation to care about that, Father. When has the royal family ever understood my position?”

Cloé, who answered casually, continued her steps. Her destination was King Valont.

“They all collectively pushed me off the cliff. Even if I confessed that my husband brought the government and ruthlessly slapped my cheek, they paid no attention. If they had said not to tarnish the values of the royal family and warned me not to even dream of divorce, I might understand. Don’t you think so?”

Her continuing voice was calm. It was a stern attitude that seemed to tolerate no slurring of pronunciation.

She moved a bit closer to the king’s body. Even though there were only the two of them in the audience room, she adhered to a whisper, as if worried that even passing mice might eavesdrop.

“You must be greatly disappointed, King Valont. But there is a way.”

“……. ”
“I clearly told you. Cutting off the exchanges is only for the current reign of King Valont. So, all you have to do is abdicate.”

The king’s eyes, which were slightly visible from the side, widened. The opponent’s breathing, which had been coming in subtly, suddenly stopped at some point.

After a moment, Cloé detached herself from the king. Whether she had forgotten the weight of her words or not, she elegantly smiled, seemingly unaware of the opponent’s speed.

“In that case, I won’t have to commit treason or outrage. On the contrary, Your Majesty will find the honor of protecting the homeland and the people.”

“……Cloé.”

King Valont lowered his voice as if trying to restrain her. When she lived as his daughter, that voice used to be so frightening, but now it was more irritating than anything else.

“Oh, you once gave me advice.”

Instead of answering, she continued with her own words. As if she suddenly remembered something, she clapped her hands and acted innocent, like an innocent child.

“You said that true royalty should know how to sacrifice for the sake of the dynasty. Among Your Majesty’s sayings, that one left the deepest impression on me.”

“……. ”

“I’m curious, you know. Whether Your Majesty will actually practice what you preach.”

Finally, a real period was put at the end of her words.

The king remained silent throughout, seemingly realizing that the conversation with her was not going to work.
In the continuing silence, Cloé returned to her seat. After putting on the carefully folded shawl, she tidied up her appearance neatly.

She confirmed her reflection, faintly visible in the glass, with satisfaction. Yes, this should be good enough.

She rang the bell on the tea table. When the clear sound rang three times in a row, the other side of the door began to get noisy.

“Well then, I’ll be going.”

As she walked out after a brief farewell, she passed by the king.

“Oh, by the way.”

Even though he had spoken for quite some time, it seemed like there was still something he wanted to say.

“Just so you know, what I did wasn’t revenge but self-defense. If it were revenge, Your Majesty, what you’ve done to Cloé Valont for years would be revenge.”

“……. ”

“I hope you understand this difference.”

Cloé revealed everything as if she were a person who would never face the king again.

Words that had been kept inside for quite a long time found their way to their owner one by one, and now there was nothing left.

“Well then, truly goodbye.”