“Let’s not bother with formalities, everyone is busy.”

The Emperor waved his hand and left the conference room.

As soon as the door closed, Chase spoke to Eric with a smile.

“You’re busy, brother.”

“Mmm. Thanks to you.”

Eric nodded indifferently, although half of it was his own doing.

“Ambassador Spencer, shall we speak?”

“Yes, Your Grace. See you later, brother.”

Chase offered his salutations and left the conference room following Minister of Foreign Affairs, Duke O’Brien.

Stepping into the hallway, Duke O’Brien quietly gave instructions.

“The support for Prince William will be your responsibility.”

“Understood.”

“I’ll handle the Princess Valeri matter. I’ll put in a word at the embassy for later.”

“Yes.”

“Ah, yes. Let’s arrange to have a meal sometime.”

“Thank you, it would be an honor.”

“Then let’s pick a day soon. I must go now.”

“Where are you going?”

“There are many who want to see me since it’s been a while since I’ve been in the palace. Take care.”

The Duke lightly patted Chase’s shoulder and hurried off.

(This is a time separator.)

“I greet Your Majesty, the Empress.”

“Welcome, Duke O’Brien.”

The Empress warmly smiled and sat facing the Duke.

“It’s not often we see you these days. You must be busy.”

“It’s largely due to the monsters. We’ve never received this much international attention.”

“Is that so?”

“How is the prince?”

“He’s diligently serving Your Majesty. He’s still lacking, but with your help, he’ll improve.”

The Duke’s expression remained unchanged despite the Empress’s subtle hint.

Today’s meeting reaffirmed the Emperor’s trust in William.

On the other hand, Prince Harry, who attended other meetings, appeared reluctant and barely participated.

Frankly, “indifference” was a more appropriate term.

“Your Majesty, the Empress.”

“Speak, Duke.”

“Now is not the right time.”

“Not the right time?”

“All eyes in the empire are focused on mages and monsters. No, the whole continent is interested.”

“So it’s the perfect time to proceed quietly?”

“We risk backlash if we divert attention to other matters while everyone is concerned with the empire’s safety. You know very well that the Emperor has made mages and monsters his top priority.”

“I see.”

The Empress subtly bit her lip.

“Perhaps the prince could focus his efforts on that?”

“…”

“He seemed interested in matters of the temple.”

“Nonsense.”

The Empress abruptly rejected the idea.
“Harry has nothing to do with them. He won’t get involved with wizards.”

“······.”

Duke O’Brien silently stared at the Empress who spoke firmly.

Objectively speaking, the Duke thought Harry was less experienced and skilled compared to William.

It didn’t even seem like he was trying that hard.

The only diligent one was Harry’s biological mother, the Empress.

Moreover, the Duke sensed that the Empress had been anxious lately, probably picking up on the Emperor’s intentions.

‘It would be better to keep some distance.’

There were no confirmed decisions regarding the Crown Prince.

So, Duke O’Brien thought there was no need to take risks and make commitments yet, and quietly spoke.

“I have another meeting to attend, Your Majesty. I’ll visit you again later.”

“Duke?”

“Please consider my words carefully, at least.”

After the Duke got up from his seat, he respectfully backed away.

“It’s only possible if the Crown Prince desires it, not Your Majesty.”

“Duke!”

“It’s crucial to the point of risking everything. Otherwise, you won’t achieve anything.”

“······.”

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

Duke O’Brien left, leaving the Empress who clenched her fist and held back her anger in the reception room.

As soon as she heard the door close, she clenched her eyes shut, resisting the urge to throw the vase on the table.

It was to suppress her anger.

“Sigh.”

The Empress took a deep breath and put the vase back down.

Duke O’Brien wasn’t wrong.

Harry was indifferent toward the throne, which was a fact.

She knew that this made the nobles hesitant to support him.

Duke O’Brien, who often attended the meetings of the middle nobility, must have felt the same way.

“How can I motivate Harry?”

The Empress tapped her forehead, deep in thought.

(This is a time separator.)

“The kids are asleep, Alicia.”

“Really? Thank you, Chase.”

As soon as the meeting in the palace ended, Chase, who had come from the Lancaster Earl’s house, was happy to learn that Alicia was already there.

He was disappointed that she couldn’t spare any time due to her busy schedule, but he was content with putting the twins to sleep and doing little favors for her.

Because then they could have a conversation face to face.

Even if it wasn’t necessary, Chase pulled a chair over, sat on it backward, and stared at Alicia, who was focused on her work.