“By the way, Your Majesty…”

It was when the joking exchange of words had come to an end. A piece of paper stood out above the eyes that glanced side by side on Clovis’s table. It was the newspapers she had been reading.

“…I see you’ve been reading the newspapers.”

Winter had also included the morning newspapers that she had read in the mix. Occasionally, newspapers from other countries, not just those of the Freehid Empire, were visible.

“Cedric Theodor – Rapidly collapsing with the power gained rapidly!”

One of them, a headline emphasized strongly in bold. A sentence succinctly summarizing Cedric’s current situation in the Sahir Empire.

“I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“No, I was about to stop reading anyway.”

Clovis, conscious of Winter’s gaze, flipped the newspaper she had been reading until a moment ago.

Whether her attempt to conceal was evident to herself, Clovis smiled elegantly. Without pretending not to know anything, Winter added a word.

“…Empress, you have finally achieved what you desired. As always, perfectly on your own without anyone’s help. Truly remarkable.”

To reiterate, he was a person distant from flattery and pretense. Even if needed, he didn’t resort to using it.

Whether Winter’s words extended an unwanted situation for Clovis or not, the atmosphere inside instantly changed. Clovis’s lips, which always responded quickly, were firmly sealed now.
“The Empress should be fine. She has protected those she needs to safeguard.”

“…”

“The best way to avoid losing precious people is to stand and fight. It means eliminating them first before someone harms my loved ones. Even if it means shedding blood together, it doesn’t matter as long as it serves the purpose.”

As Winter rambled on, Clovis’s head turned towards him. The lonely expression faded, leaving only a subtle and complex look.

Ah.

Only now did Winter reflect on his earlier words. He unintentionally delivered a reprimand to the Empress, who hadn’t sought advice. He had committed a significant breach. He knelt down, seeking forgiveness.

“I apologize for going beyond the topic. To speak about the Empress, who Your Majesty knows best, in such a manner… I have committed a great offense. Please punish me for my audacity.”

His once towering figure quickly lowered. Winter knelt, asking for forgiveness.

“It’s fine.”

Clovis, who had left the table, extended her hand over Winter’s kneeling form.

“Your words helped me organize my thoughts.”

After a moment, Clovis smiled brightly.

Though unspoken to Winter, the latter found more comfort in the words than the common saying of protecting loved ones. “Even if it means shedding blood together, it doesn’t matter as long as it serves the purpose.” It was a phrase perfectly suited for reflecting on Clovis’s past.
Yes, it’s like she bid farewell to the Valont King. Not everyone finds the act of shedding blood touching and endearing. So, surely, Kun is no different. Like Clovis, he must feel both refreshingly bitter and relieving.

He, Kun Freihed, protected himself. And also, the people of his country, and those he wants to protect…

Around that point, Clovis felt at ease. The satisfaction seemed to extend to Winter as well, as his once dark expression noticeably softened.

“I am honored to be of some help, Your Majesty.”

Finishing the conversation with a faint smile, he promptly shifted the topic. It was about time to discuss the real purpose of Winter’s visit to her.

“By the way, how is the education you’re receiving? Is everything alright? I heard it’s quite rigorous due to the tight schedule.”

“Well, I can’t exactly say it’s not demanding even in empty words, but it’s tolerable. I appreciate your concern.”

Born as a princess, she had undergone various educations from a very young age, making learning a familiar task. Moreover, Clovis naturally found interest in studying. Aside from the fact that the schedule was tight and allowed little time for rest, everything was quite manageable.

Even though listening to the grand history of the Freihed Empire from the first emperor to the current one for several hours might be boring…

Also, learning twenty different knitting methods in bride classes could be a bit exhausting!
“Ah, it was quite challenging to memorize the numerous herbs in the Freihed Empire.”

Anyway, although the auxiliary classes were a bit difficult, the fundamental things needed for the Empress’s education were interesting and enjoyable.

“I believe Your Majesty will handle it well. You are an impressive person.”

“Today, the compliments seem frequent. Is there something specific you want from me?”

“Caught me, didn’t you? Your Majesty, with such keen perception, I can’t get away with anything. But what I said was all sincere. Everything is true.”

Winter shrugged playfully.

“In fact, I came to suggest that Your Majesty meet the Imperial Knights. Now that you are the owner of the Empire, it would be beneficial to acquaint yourself with those who serve your lord. You can quickly win them over to Your Majesty’s side.”