Relia’s voice, still somewhat clouded, trembled at the end. If it was about that incident, Dwayne had already opposed it. The imperial edict for that statement had already come down like a godly decree, and it was clear that my intention had been rejected.

But why was this issue being brought up again now? That was something Relia couldn’t understand.

“It wasn’t difficult at all to comply with that request immediately. Moreover, after what happened to Yeonga, she must have been upset with Riurian. It was so lovely that she brought up the apology first.”

“…No, it’s not like that. I thought it was only right to do so, considering the incident caused by my carelessness.”

“Such modesty is lovely.”

Yustia looked at Relia with a gentle gaze, pretending to be humble. Then, she didn’t hesitate to praise her.

However, Yustia’s attention was entirely towards the reception room. It was because she was waiting for news.

Estimating the time, Yustia, who was confident that eagerly awaited news would soon arrive, looked at Relia again with a loving gaze.

“So, I’ve prepared a seat for Yeonga.”

“A seat, you say?”

“Yes. I sent a messenger to you, and shortly after that, I also sent news to the Crown Prince’s palace, so Riurian will be here soon.”

“Her Majesty did?”

Yustia nodded her head in response to Relia’s surprised expression. She had subtly worried that Relia’s feelings might have solidified during this time, but it seemed to be an unnecessary concern.

Relia had a noticeably bewildered expression, but behind her shaking eyes, there was an unmistakable anticipation.

Yustia feigned a modest smile. At that moment, the voice of the maid guarding the outside of the reception room was heard.

“Your Majesty, Crown Prince has arrived.”
“Come in, please.”

Yustia responded warmly and rose from her seat. Soon, the door opened, revealing Riurian’s figure.

“Riu, you’ve come.”

Unlike when Relia arrived, this time, a welcoming step approached her son in one stride.

“…A guest has arrived.”

There was a bitter tone in her son’s voice, but Yustia paid it no mind. Despite feeling somewhat hurt by the recent events involving Relia, Yustia couldn’t ignore the fact that Relia was her son’s first love.

Moreover, if Relia, like Duke Dwayne and Lady Caroline, could captivate the hearts of the courtiers, as Riurian wished, then helping Relia restore her relationship with Riurian at this point, when Dwayne had decided to abandon her, would ultimately make Relia perfect for her.

She had to make it happen somehow. Only then could Relia confidently smile before Duke Dwayne and the court.

“Riu, please sit first.”

Yustia rose from her seat and exerted some force on the tips of Riurian’s hand she held. Though a displeased expression was clearly conveyed, he couldn’t reject her hand.

For Yustia, that was a glimmer of hope. Without any hesitation, she firmly held her son’s hand, feeling that she needed to sit Relia by his side before his feelings changed.

“…Your Majesty.”

When Riurian reluctantly took his seat, Relia, as if waiting for this moment, addressed him. From the moment he appeared, her eyes had been filled with an unmistakable sense of longing.

Yustia watched this scene with joy.

“…It’s been a while, Yeongae.”

Relia’s eyes widened at the unexpectedly gentle response. She had expected to be ignored, but Riurian’s voice, tinged with a sense of longing, made it seem like tears might flow at any moment.

“Your Majesty…”

Relia forced her eyes open with all her might. If she didn’t, tears that had built up might have fallen unchecked.

Riurian didn’t want that. For now, it was best to approach him calmly, gather his emotions, and slowly get closer to him. That was the best way to turn his turned heart.

Relia pressed her lower lip tightly and then lowered her gaze.

“Your Majesty, I should have visited and apologized for my rash words long ago, but I couldn’t find the opportunity until now.”

“…”

“With my thoughtless remarks, I sincerely apologize for disturbing Your Majesty’s feelings. I won’t make the same mistake as that day ever again.”

The genuinely heartfelt apology filled the reception room, but a response didn’t come easily.
Relia’s gaze, as well as Yustia’s attention, turned toward Riurian. Despite receiving the gazes of the two women, he stared into the empty space with an inscrutable expression.