Beyond the glass window, a dark blue night covered the garden. The garden was adorned with lanterns twinkling like starlight, enhancing the splendid atmosphere of the banquet.

It was a scenery so beautiful that it could captivate the gaze of the beholder, but the Empress, without even glancing at the garden, looked at the Princess sitting across from her.

Could I have misheard?

The Empress tried hard to deny the story she had heard a while ago. However, the beautifully adorned Princess defended herself without even lifting her head.
“That, I didn’t know it was that important. If I had known, I would never have handed it over to that wretched Olivia. That shameless person, having evidence that she herself did what the Empress ordered so far and using it to threaten me….”

The voice of the Princess was barely audible. Instead, vivid memories of the conversation she had with the Emperor earlier came to mind.

So, it was a story from a few months ago when the Emperor was excessively drunk. Happy with the news of the Duke being attacked on the battlefield, the Emperor eloquently shared his stories.

“…The Empress will not know how valuable the gift I gave to the Princess this time is.”

Bestowing a mining site just because there was nothing else to offer to the world, and calling it a treasure. However, the Empress calmed down at the Emperor’s subsequent words.

“Once, Princess Lowell so cherished a mine that was taken away. If you’re a filial dog….”

As if drowsiness was overtaking him, the Emperor’s words stopped there. But the Empress perfectly understood the next words.

As long as the Princess owned that mining site, the Duke had no choice but to faithfully perform his duties to the imperial family.

However, to give that mining site to Olivia. The Empress felt her vision blur.

It was fortunate that the Emperor went to sleep early today; otherwise, she almost had to hear these words in front of the Emperor.

Meanwhile, the Princess, as if trying to create some space, approached the Empress and pleaded.

“Your Majesty, Mother, please spare me. Truly, if the Emperor were to know….”

The Princess’s sincere words sent shivers down her spine. The rage of the angered Emperor would not end with just a thunderous scolding.

Everything I enjoy thanks to the trust I’ve gained. It was clear that all of it would be shattered in an instant.

Tears poured down the Princess’s delicate face.

“…Princess, ah, don’t cry. You should behave like a Princess. Crying won’t solve anything in this situation.”

Seeing her tearful daughter, the dizziness that had swirled in her mind disappeared.

Suppressing the restlessness as if her lips were drying out, the Empress asked the most important question now.

“…Does Olivia know the value of the mine?”

“Probably… I don’t think she knows.”

“Princess. You must answer clearly.”

The Empress’s voice was sharp. The frightened Princess involuntarily nodded in denial.

“Absolutely, she’ll never know. It’s a secret only the imperial family can know. How could that wretched person possibly know? If she already knew, she would have revealed everything today and left. ”

Ha. The Empress let out a short sigh.

The Princess’s words had merit. However, the banquet was far from over. If it were revealed that the ownership of the mining site had changed hands, it would also be clear that Olivia, that half-breed, took it as payment for replacing the Princess’s duties. The Emperor must never know.
Regardless of what happens, Olivia, that child, must return quietly to the Prince’s side at tomorrow’s banquet.

The Prince also promised to keep Olivia by his side as much as possible when the Heperti delegation is present, so there was no need to worry. Today, she rejected the nickname as if flicking it away, but she had endured numerous insults while standing by the Prince.

While everything was being neatly organized in her mind, the Empress recalled the words spoken by Lord Elkin during the brief moment of reflection.

“…What do you think about making Etel, the darling, the Crown Princess? Your Majesty.”

“Seems like an interesting move. If she shows results, I might consider it.”

At that time, Lord Elkin chuckled deeply and told me to look forward to the last day of the banquet.

The last day of the banquet. Regardless of what might happen, Maria Etel had become an expendable piece now. The Empress swiftly pulled the strings. Soon after, the Chief Maid who was outside came in.

“…Tell Lord Elkin to enter the palace right away.”

If it were my obedient brother who responded to my call day and night, he would enter the palace immediately. However, the Chief Maid, who always moved dutifully, looked momentarily troubled.

“Ah, if it’s Lord Elkin. I know that he’s currently staying at an external palace for one night due to the reception of the delegation today.”

Of course.