“For your father, there can be no task more important than ensuring your safety. But rumors have started to circulate that you were the one who brought about Princess Rellia’s situation. The source of these rumors is the Imperial Palace. Do you understand what this means?”

“……”

“The implication is that they plan to drive you away.”

Deep wrinkles formed on Edwick’s forehead as he spat out the words he had been holding back.

Evelia was at a loss for words. She had not expected her father to know about the rumors.

The rumor that the trouble with Princess Rellia had started from the Crown Princess’s palace was a topic she had deliberately avoided mentioning. She saw clearly what decision her father would make the moment she brought it up.

He would not listen to any plea involving Liurian. There could be no parent who would heed such requests, knowing that their daughter’s safety was at risk.

She had not said anything because she knew this. But the fact that he already knew, and yet showed no signs of it, overwhelmed her.

Evelia could not lift her head, weighed down by the guilt that surged within her. Her father had consistently worried only for her, yet she could not deny that she was more concerned about Liurian.

The eyes of Evelia, which had already been clouded, began to sink further into gloom. Watching his daughter, Edwick let out a quiet sigh.

And then he began to say the words he had been holding back.

“Even if malicious rumors are circulating, the Crown Prince is still the son of the Empress. He can’t be easily disposed of, as you fear.”

“……”

“So don’t worry too much and wait a little longer. Your father also has concerns similar to yours. I have been pondering what the best solution would be.”

“……”

“It won’t take long. So until then, do nothing, Eve. That’s the only thing you can do for His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Edwick spoke firmly, pouring his whole heart into his words. Under no circumstances should Evelia take the lead.

If, in the end, a situation arises where one cannot avoid the sharpened edge of a sword, then the person to face it must be himself.

Caliph quickly moved his steps. It was because of the message that had just arrived from the Crown Prince’s palace regarding the Empress.
I was already waiting for the Empress’s contact. Even with Rellia imprisoned, the fact that she only met with Duke Garnet without seeking me out had led to absurd rumors concerning Evelia.

Evelia is the one who orchestrated all this?

I was astounded upon reflection. That this was the result of a collaboration between the empress of a country and a minister was so low-grade, I had no desire to further evaluate it.

However, one thing I did want to acknowledge was that it seemed I now accepted that the one who could move me was not Rellia but Evelia. I couldn’t tolerate the fact that she had been used this way, however.

Kalif took a deep breath. In the warm wind that swept through his nostrils, the faint scent of cherry blossoms, which Evelia loved, was carried.

It was already approaching the fifth day since he had last seen Evelia. The exclusive maid who used to bring the scorpion requesting a meeting on her behalf hadn’t come for the past two days either.

It must have been due to the ominous rumors circulating in the palace. There were rumors that all this was masterminded by Evelia to get me, and additional rumors that the crown prince who abandoned Duke Nett’s grace would soon be expelled by Duke Garnet’s faction.

It was all nonsense, but Rellia, who had been unable to leave the prison for days, added credibility to these ridiculous rumors.

Everyone would have been chattering as if the rumors were true; even if it was Evelia, she couldn’t simply dismiss them as just rumors.

All she could do now was to ask for a meeting with me and simply guard the Crown Princess’s palace.

Kalif took another deep breath. Just thinking about Evelia made his heart grow heavier. It felt as if she was paying the price for what I had done. He needed to rescue her from her suffering as soon as possible, every minute and second counted.

With just that thought, he once again regained his focus and looked straight ahead. Before he knew it, the palace of the Empress became clearly visible in his sharpened eyes.

Kalif filled his eyes with that sight while clenching his teeth.

“Have you been looking for me?”

Kalif bowed formally to Eustia, who was sitting on the royal sofa. Then, as if she had been waiting, Eustia gestured for him to come.

“Come and sit, Liou.”

Her face had grown considerably haggard in just a few days. Not only that, but her eyes, which looked at him, seemed to contain a sense of relief, as if she had seen a savior.
In an unexpected situation, Kaliph sat down heavily across from her.

“What brings you here?”

“What brings me? What kind of question is that, Liou. It seems you think a mother needs a reason to seek out her son.”

“I thought you wouldn’t look for me anymore. I’ve heard the rumors that have been shaking the palace lately.”