Camileo, who was busy dealing with state affairs, heard an interesting piece of news. It was said that news about his friend Yezar had made the front page of the newspaper.

Since his friend was known for his integrity, Camileo opened the newspaper wondering if he had gotten involved in some trouble, only to be surprised.

“A secret date? Do imperial newspapers these days cover such private matters?”

He knew that many in high society, including himself, were curious about the story of the Duke and Duchess of Perhaem, but it didn’t seem right to preserve such things in newspapers.

Even if Yezar was currently keeping his distance from him and Bertisha, years of friendship wouldn’t simply disappear.

Camileo was concerned about Yezar’s situation where even such private matters were being shared with the public. At that moment, the minister who was handling documents answered his question.

“Isn’t high society abuzz with talk of the Duke and Duchess of Perhaem these days? With the Duke’s sudden marriage, and his partner being the reclusive lady known as the thorn flower of Orbetian, they’re attracting a lot of attention. It’s interesting gossip for bored nobles in this unprecedented time of peace.”

“But I don’t think the Duke of Perhaem would like this, no matter what.”

Considering Yezar’s personality, it was clear he wouldn’t want to stand out like this. He had always been the type to work diligently behind the scenes.

“If he disliked it, wouldn’t the Duke of Perhaem have already collected all the newspapers? He certainly has the power to do so.”

But the minister’s words weren’t wrong either. Yezar had been stubborn enough to flatly tell even him, the Crown Prince at the time, when something wasn’t right.

If he disliked it, he would have done something about it by now. But if he was letting the rumors spread regardless, it could be interpreted as him wanting to announce the fact of their date.

‘It seems Bertisha worried for nothing. Yezar seems to genuinely like his wife enough to want to show her off.’

Of course, it was disappointing that he never introduced the woman he was seeing even once when they were together… but it made Camileo want to support them even more, knowing how preciously Yezar wanted to protect her.

Although he had told Bertisha he would bring Yezar by imperial decree if necessary, he didn’t want to use his power among friends. That would be the beginning of creating cracks in their friendship.

Whatever the reason, even if Yezar was avoiding him and Bertisha for now, he would come to talk to them first as time passed. Until then, Camileo wanted to wait.

Thinking this way, Camileo, who had finished dealing with state affairs, found Bertisha’s face looking quite deflated.

She also had today’s imperial newspaper in her hand.

“Camileo, when are you going to keep your promise?”

At Bertisha’s sudden question, Camileo tried to recall what promise he had made.

“Bertisha, I’m not sure what promise you’re talking about.”

“You said you’d bring Yezar even by imperial decree. Along with the Orbetian lady. Have you forgotten?”

“I haven’t forgotten. But Bertisha…”

“Does Your Majesty not consider my request important?”

Camileo’s body stiffened at the honorific speech and the title of ‘Your Majesty’ from her lips. When they were alone, she always spoke casually and called him by his name, Camileo.

Calling him ‘Your Majesty’ and speaking formally meant that Bertisha was angry.

“How could I forget your request? You know you’re the most important to me, Bertisha.”

“Then why aren’t you keeping the promise you made to me?”

It looked like tears might fall from her doe-like eyes at any moment. Camileo pulled Bertisha into his arms and comforted her.

But on the other hand, he couldn’t understand why Bertisha was so obsessed with meeting Yezar. Of course, he had been worried that Yezar might be seeing some strange woman, but those worries had completely disappeared after today’s news.

“But you saw today’s newspaper. Yezar, contrary to your worries, has married a woman he truly loves.”

The small body in his arms trembled slightly. Camileo, thinking it was just to stop her tears, continued speaking.

“So you don’t need to worry that she might be a strange person. As for Yezar avoiding us, well. He probably just needs some time. We, as his friends, should wait for him.”

Bertisha clutched his collar tightly, then nodded.

“I’m sorry, Camileo. I guess I felt hurt thinking you had forgotten my request and didn’t consider it important.”

Her voice was soft and sweet as always. Bertisha was his gentle companion who always smiled kindly at him and followed his words.

“It’s okay. These things happen.”

Gently stroking the back of his beloved woman, he buried his face in her snow-white silver hair. Bertisha laughed, saying it tickled. Camileo was relieved to see her smiling brightly as if she had never been angry.

While they were playing around to relieve stress, Bertisha whispered softly in his ear.

“You know, Camileo.”

“What is it, Bertisha?”

“I’m thinking of attending Marchioness Yekert’s tea time.”

Camileo’s eyes narrowed as he recalled the name of the Yekert family.

“That doesn’t seem like a good idea. Is there a particular reason you want to attend Marchioness Yekert’s tea time?”

Marchioness Yekert had unknowingly interfered with Cortina, the faceless painter who was operating under the protection of the imperial family.

She had meddled with the current Marchioness Stemun, who was said to have the hands of God, whose talent her father had loved dearly. It wouldn’t be good for her, as the Empress, to become close with such a person.

“Well, she’s influential in high society. Even though my family is humble and can’t be of much help to you, I wanted to do my best from my position as Empress. Is it not okay for me to go, Camileo?”

At that pitiful question, Camileo couldn’t bring himself to tell her not to go. What did it matter if her family was humble or whatever? Her efforts to try were quite lovely to him.

“There’s nothing you can’t do as the Empress. Just remember to keep a proper distance.”

“That sounds like you’re telling me not to get close to Marchioness Yekert. Is it just my imagination?”

It wasn’t her imagination, but he couldn’t tell her the real reason. Although Bertisha was now a member of the imperial family, he had a promise with her father.

So Camileo just smiled appropriately and kissed her cheek.

“Of course not. I’m just worried that you, being so delicate, might get hurt among those viper-like noble ladies.”

“Camileo, with you by my side, how could I get hurt?”

Whispering words as sweet as melting sugar in his ear, Bertisha blinked her eyes.

Before Camileo arrived, the list of attendees for Marchioness Yekert’s tea time had included the name Julieta Perhaem. Although she had burned it immediately, leaving no trace anywhere, Bertisha had repeated that name to herself several times.

“Yawn. I feel so lazy.”

I stretched out, enjoying a rare moment of leisure. Of course, tomorrow there would be no leisure whatsoever. I have to attend Marchioness Yekert’s tea time. So I was trying to relax just for today.

An unwelcome letter arrived. The sender was Wizlet Orbetian, my younger brother.

“Doesn’t Wizlet have anything better to do? He keeps sending letters.”

Remembering the last letter where he had teased me mercilessly, I was tempted to tear it to pieces right away. But today, deciding to be a generous sister, I kindly opened it.

― Julieta… Sigh. The whole world seems to know not only about your nights with your husband but your days as well. I understand you want to show off your husband, but have you given any thought to the barrage of questions and attention your elder brother will receive? Even when I try to enjoy a peaceful date with Aneta, people keep clinging to me and asking about you.

Who was Aneta again? Ah, right, that was my new sister-in-law’s name. My brother always calls her with such cringe-worthy names like ‘my lark’, ‘honey’, ‘baby’, so I had almost forgotten her actual name.

― If Aneta and I were to break up because of this…

He seemed to have found the mere supposition too horrifying, as he had crossed out that line and started anew.

― That would never happen, of course. Anyway, I understand you’re having a smooth married life, but I’d appreciate it if you didn’t let it interfere with your elder brother’s dates.

His handwriting was quite messy, as if he had been quite troubled. Ah, or maybe Wizlet just has bad handwriting.

― P.S. I’ll come visit the Perhaem mansion sometime, so don’t turn me away at the door. Love, our dear Julieta.

“What’s with the ‘love’?”

It gave me goosebumps. Still, when he said he’d come visit, it meant he really would, so I briefly checked my schedule.

Since Wizlet knew we had never dated, there was no need to bother with acting, but I was worried he might pick a fight with Yezar. Despite appearances, he was quite the doting brother.

Even though his words were gruff, he must have been happy that I was enjoying dates with my husband and living happily, which is why he wrote such a letter and said he’d visit.

‘He’s really not honest. Still, I suppose it’s better than the rest of the family who just send a letter and never visit.’

I forced a smile, feeling a bit bitter.