“A crowd gathering is dangerous. Do you want to get stabbed again?”

Nikolai, seated in the VIP area, spoke coldly.

He grumbled while looking down at the empty audience seats.

“If we had sold tickets to people with confirmed status, it would have been a huge success.”

“You indeed have the blood of the Emster family flowing through you.”

“I can see ways to make money.”

“If you need money, just say so. I’ll give you as much as you want.”

“You say that without knowing how much I might ask for?”

“I have that level of ability.”

Nikolai chuckled.

And rightly so.

The emperor’s exclusive chair, the table with drinks and snacks, even the vase adding elegance – everything was a national treasure-level artifact.

For a hastily prepared VIP area, when did they prepare such things?

There seemed to be a halo around Nikolai.

I too had enough money to last a lifetime and more.

“I’ll decline. I prefer earning to receiving.”

“While not buying dresses or jewels?”

“I tend to prioritize functionality and efficiency.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you dressed up.”

Nikolai’s gaze fell on the ruby earrings hanging from my earlobes.

His eyes slowly traced down my neckline.

Though he was just looking, I couldn’t raise my head.

“The ruby necklace suits you very well.”

The ruby necklace sparkling near my collarbone seemed to heat up intensely.

The heat gathered.

Enough that I had to bite my lip to endure it.

‘The dress Nisa chose shows too much of the neckline.’

I followed Nisa’s advice that on a day like today, I should put effort into dressing up.

A purple dress that revealed the body’s contours.

A design that accentuated pale skin.

It was an outfit that a femme fatale could easily pull off.

“A red dress like your hair would suit you too. Shall I have one made?”

Were there flames in his eyes?

Or did fireworks explode in my heart?

My heart beat violently, painfully inside my chest.

Ignoring the flames spreading throughout my body, I barely managed to reply.

“Anything tends to suit me well. A beauty like me is rare, after all.”

“I generally agree.”

“And it’s a prejudice that women only spend money on dressing up.”

“What do you spend money on?”

Nikolai showed interest.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I answered.

“Life extension and realizing a just society.”

“You say interesting things.”

“My dream is to live a long, healthy life in a good world. For that, I need a lot of gold.”

Nikolai narrowed his eyes, when I thought he would tell me not to boast.

“So that’s why you’re buying up bonds?”

“…You knew?”

“It would be troublesome if I didn’t. All the money released from the Emster trading company is flowing to Marquis Brenden.”

“I was going to tell you.”

“After things were settled?”

You’re really quick-witted, aren’t you?

‘So what are you going to do about it?’

I looked at Nikolai with challenging eyes.

Our gazes intertwined hotly in the air.

He spoke with eyes that seemed to pierce through my entire being.

“What are you planning, Elizabeth?”

“I’m rescuing poor souls trapped in the swamp of high-interest loans.”

“You’re building a force to protect yourself, aren’t you?”

“I found that wealth alone has its limits. Don’t worry, I have no intention of getting involved in power struggles among nobles.”

“It would be good if you did get involved.”

Nikolai muttered in a voice barely audible.

“What did you say?”

Instead of answering, he took a sip of wine.

The afternoon sunlight struck his blue-green eyes resembling the sea and forest.

Lips redder than aged wine.

A languid expression like a sated beast.

All of it shook my heart.

“Whatever you do, I support you. Remember that.”

The corners of Nikolai’s mouth curved up.

It was the smile he showed only when in a very good mood.

I wonder if others know this too.

The desire to monopolize this knowledge and the pride that Nikolai wouldn’t smile like this in front of others tickled my insides.

“Your Majesty. Sir Simon requests to delay the duel.”

Careth, who had visited Simon’s tent, reported.

Nikolai raised his head to check the sun’s position and sneered.

“He fears the sun, it seems. I allow it.”

“What does that mean, Your Majesty?”

“Simon’s tent is to the east. Lady Claudia’s tent is to the west.”

The VIP area for the emperor was located in the center of the great square.

Below it were witness tents, with white canopies hanging on both sides.

On the right, the flag bearing the rose emblem of House Brenden fluttered.

On the left, the flag of Claudia’s knightly order also waved vigorously.

Nikolai pointed to the left and right alternately with his finger.

“Simon will start the duel from the right, Claudia from the left.”

“Is he asking to postpone because the sunlight might pierce his eyes?”

“Probably.”

“Who fights at a set time? What will he do if war breaks out?”

“Simon, renowned as a swordsman in the system. Claudia, recognized for her skills in actual combat. Thanks to you, I’ll be able to confirm that difference myself.”

[This is the timeline separator]

Marquis Brenden entered the witness tent.

And he glared in turn at Duke Riemann, Marquis Pipe, and Count Blackfold.

“The air is foul! Is it because traitors have gathered?”

Marquis Brenden picked a needless quarrel.

Duke Riemann offered a glass of wine to him, who had noticeably lost weight in just a few days.

“Calm your anger. What happened to Lady Rose is regrettable.”

“Regrettable that my innocent daughter is dying in the Ice Tower?”

“If she is innocent, she will be released.”

“Would you say such naive things if Lady Freya were imprisoned?!”

Marquis Brenden pushed Duke Riemann with his protruding belly.

Thinking that words wouldn’t get through, Duke Riemann retreated with a bitter expression.

“I knew this would happen. She’s exactly like her father, acting without using her head.”

Marquis Pipe sneered.

Marquis Brenden was not one to let such words slide.

“Are you looking for war with our family, Duke Pipe?”

“War with a family in decline? I’ll endure it, thinking of our old friendship.”

“What?!”

“Nine out of ten gamblers bet on Claudia. If Simon wins, a select few will be sitting on a gold mine. But that won’t happen even if the sky falls.”

“How dare they gamble on my son!”

Marquis Brenden grabbed Marquis Pipe by the collar.

Count Blackfold separated the two.

“What unsightly behavior is this? Let’s maintain the honor of noble houses.”

“If there was honor, you should have helped rescue my daughter!”

“This time, Lady Rose was clearly in the wrong.”

“Are you saying we should submit to that commoner wench?”

“The physical assault is a problem, but leaving witnesses is an even bigger issue. What were you doing right under the emperor’s nose at such a sensitive time? Tsk tsk.”

Count Blackfold clicked his tongue while fiddling with his mustache.

Marquis Brenden’s face turned red and blue.

“You think I don’t know your tricks? You’re trying to eliminate a strong candidate for empress!”

“I’m sorry, but Lady Rose is no match for our Lady Cynthia. In terms of learning or wisdom.”

Blackfold retorted as if offended.

Marquis Pipe also nodded while fiddling with the rings on all ten fingers.

“It’s a well-known fact that Lady Rose falls short in many ways.”

“What are you cowards blabbering about?”

“Watch your words. You’re in no position to talk, having orchestrated a kidnapping behind the scenes.”

Marquis Pipe spoke after glancing at Duke Riemann.

Count Blackfold chimed in.

“Don’t feel safe just because there’s no evidence. The emperor’s dogs are on your tail.”

“Who kidnapped whom?!”

“Who else but you, Marquis Brenden? Everyone knows you’re after Elizabeth’s wealth.”

“You lot are conspiring to frame me!”

“We’ll see if you can still bluster when the evidence comes out.”

“Are you making false evidence to slander me?!”

Marquis Pipe and Count Blackfold remained silent.

With a dark expression, Duke Riemann posed a question.

“Who would be most pleased to see us fighting amongst ourselves?”

“…”

“Don’t become a clown on stage of your own accord. Though it seems too late already.”

A heavy silence weighed down on the tent.

Unable to contain his anger, Marquis Brenden rushed out.

He didn’t forget to leave behind a curse-laced parting shot.

“Think I’ll fall alone? If I go down, none of you will be safe!”

[This is the timeline separator]

I saw Marquis Brenden rushing out of the witness tent.

His face was bright red, as if he had been in a fight.

“Something must have happened.”

“It would be disappointing if nothing had.”

“Pardon?”

“Those who targeted you. I will burn even their souls.”

“I heard testimony has come out that Pipe and Blackfold were behind the kidnapping, though it hasn’t been officially announced yet?”

“Brenden insulted you with his three-inch tongue. He will regret it in hell.”

A sinister sound escaped from Nikolai’s molars.

Because of me emphasizing due process, he seemed to be suppressing his anger, but he appeared to be reaching his limit.

“It’s difficult to punish based solely on a criminal’s testimony. You said we’d wait until they dig their own graves, didn’t you?”

“I know. It’s not harvest time yet.”

“The time of ripening will come soon, I suppose.”

I imagined a golden field of plump, well-ripened rice swaying.

The harvest Nikolai had in mind was not that.

“I will reap the necks of all those fat swine.”

“Your Majesty!”

“They must pay the price. For touching what’s mine.”

“Why am I yours, Your Majesty?”

I asked, shrugging my shoulders.

Nikolai tilted his head as if wondering why I was asking the obvious.

“Everyone in the world knows you are mine.”

“That’s just a fabricated rumor.”

“Do you dislike being called the emperor’s lover?”

A large hand approached.

Was he going to caress my cheek?

Or my lips?

Startled, I closed my eyes tightly.

“Your reaction is like that of a cute lover.”

Nikolai’s laughter quietly dispersed.

My face flushed bright red.

Not because I was being teased, but because I was embarrassed that my true feelings had been exposed.

“Focus! Sir Simon and Lady Claudia are entering.”

My gaze was drawn to the majestic Claudia.

Instead of full body armor, Claudia wore only shoulder guards.

Her expressionless face, haughty and arrogant, was incomparably beautiful.

The bright red ribbon tied around her neck stood out like a drop of blood.

‘The red ribbon suits her so well. Like a silver Persian cat!’

If it were my past life, I would have waved a glow stick.

I’d have made headbands and slogans too!

Even knowing that Claudia’s sword could target me at any time, I wasn’t afraid like before.

Whatever the reason, she had entered the duel for my sake.

My heart pounded just at the thought of being able to see my favorite’s swordsmanship in person.

‘To think the day would come when I’d cheer for Claudia. Has the original story been completely twisted?’

That day.

Claudia had said to me as I laid down my life.

“I don’t know what magic this is, but you’re not the real Elizabeth. You haven’t committed any clear crimes yet.”

‘That’s right. I’m not the Elizabeth you knew.’

I wanted to say.

I wanted to confess everything, whether she believed me or not.

I wanted to cry in her arms, even if just for a moment. I wanted to apologize on behalf of the old Elizabeth for the evil deeds she had committed.

Since that day, I no longer had nightmares.

The anxiety and fear that used to torment me whenever I thought of Claudia had also faded.

But I still couldn’t feel at ease.

Claudia, who had been glaring at me, moved her lips.

‘What is she trying to say?’