“What’s this?”

At Chloe’s words, both Lerianna and Yuri Hsien simultaneously exclaimed as they opened the remaining envelope.

An invitation bearing the seal of the Argen Duchy, and on the back was the unique emblem of the royal family.

“You know that the armistice commemoration day is being held in two weeks, right?”

“Of course! Whether it’s the empire or the kingdom, it’s being advertised every day. How could we not know?”

“The royal family said if you want to invite any close friends, to go ahead. So, I mentioned both of you. I thought it’d be nice to enjoy the festival while staying at the palace.”

At Chloe’s words, Lerianna leapt to her feet.

“Great!”

Her eyes were suddenly sparkling. She seemed quite eager, as if ready to leave right away.

“I like it too. I was already thinking of going with Lerianna. We were considering staying in a nearby hotel, but now we have a much better place.”

“And that’s with Chloe!”

“Exactly. Being with you makes it even better.”

The somewhat solemn atmosphere lightened up. Even though the event was two weeks away, the three of them were already discussing the festival in high spirits.

From what clothes to wear, to which famous restaurants to visit.

Lerianna even declared that she would bring a fine bottle of wine. It would be a fortuitous and inevitable meeting, so the two should look forward to it, she announced.

Chattering was ceaseless as visiting the distant empire was not a common occurrence.

“Anyway, what does this have to do with that trustworthy corner?”

Wiping away tears from laughter, Yuri Hsien asked.

“Is that so? Ah, are you planning to emigrate to the empire?”

“Lerianna, don’t say such scary things…”

“Close.”

At Lerianna’s joking comment, a contemplative Yuri. Then Chloe confirmed it was correct.

If she divorced, Chloe would likely be removed from the royal family. Hence, it would be safer and relatively freer to live in the empire.

“What?”

“What!”

Both were surprised by the unexpected answer. Lerianna began to shout, but was silenced by Yuri.

“Nothing is confirmed yet, but it’s one of the considerations.”

“What would you do in the empire? They would also frown upon divorce!”

“Fortunately, my supporter seems to have a slightly different opinion. Nothing is confirmed yet, though.”

“A supporter?”

The more answers given, the more questions arose.

This will never end. Chloe chuckled and clapped her hands.

“Let’s leave this discussion for another time. Let’s just enjoy ourselves tonight!”

The conversation among the three continued through dinner.

They refrained from extremely personal topics due to prying eyes, but still had plenty to talk about.

“Did you know? Pendel confessed to his first love and got rejected. He’s still sulking in his room!”

“Not just that, that woman became my brother’s wife. You can’t make this stuff up.”

Pendel was once Lerianna’s first love and currently the hot topic in social circles.

Maybe that helped divert attention away from Chloe. She was quietly thankful for Pendel’s role as a shield.

After dinner, Lerianna and Yuri Hsien decided to relax in a tub sprinkled with fragrant oils. They had also requested a massage from a servant known for good hands.

“I’ll be going then!”

“Alright. Have a pleasant night ahead.”

The finally quiet corridor seemed to offer a moment of respite.

“But when I’m not around, you strut like you own the place.”

But she hardly enjoyed a moment of silence. An unwelcome visitor arrived to pick a fight.

Callis Argen. He was supposed to arrive tomorrow, but it appeared he arrived early.

“Isn’t it that when the owner is absent, the hostess takes over?”

“Why don’t you ignore Helena! Did you even know she refused dinner?”

“I had already suggested joining us, but if the other party refuses, it would be more uncomfortable to insist. So I left her alone.”
“That’s because Cerberus Yeongae was in that place! All the insults at Helena’s reincarnation ceremony were carried away!”

“So what should we do?”

The voice containing the feelings of injustice was utterly dull. Chloe’s indifferent attitude ironically ignited the other’s anger.

“The very act of bringing that woman into the mansion is the problem!”

“I’ll consider it.”

“How arrogant! I was on my way to set the wedding date with Helena for His Majesty. It’s set to happen after the festival, in the Empire. What will the nobles think when they see this grand wedding?”

“Jealous?”

The sound wasn’t seeking an answer, but fortunately, the other person answered.

However, the problem was that the answer was inappropriate.

Callis, unexpectedly cornered, clenched his jaw.

“What! His Majesty will be on my side! The world’s conqueror and the hero who restrained him. They’ll talk about how romantic it is!”

“Ah.”

Chloe positively confirmed. But that confirmation was also merely a means to cut off the other’s speech.

“I look forward to the hero’s speech. You said it would reproduce the conversation that the two had to end the war?”

“…….”

“I wish you’d finish that first.”