The somewhat amicable atmosphere was ruthlessly shattered by Dwayne’s appearance. Unlike the determination when she first headed here, Relia now wanted to leave this place as soon as possible.

Even though Dwayne had been a scary figure to Relia since the proclamation of his engagement, he became someone to avoid as much as possible after the last proclamation. Even now, he was no different. Although he pretended to be kind, he emitted a fierce spirit as if he would strangle himself at any moment.

She wished he had issued another proclamation like last time. Whether that earnest desire reached Dwayne or not, he stared at her with eyes that had loosened for the first time.

“Considering the time, it might not have been enough time with Your Majesty, but there’s something important I need to discuss with Your Majesty, Relia. I might have to ask you to leave the seat.”

For the first time, Dwayne’s tone didn’t sound sinister. In response, Relia raised her head sharply, then nodded with a flushed face.
“I’m fine. If Your Majesty is fine, I would like to anticipate the next tea time… Is that acceptable, Your Majesty?”

Relia cautiously looked at Yustia at the end of her words. Dwayne’s proclamation was an unwelcome event, but at the same time, she couldn’t help but notice Yustia’s reaction.

As expected, Yustia had a very uncomfortable look. If it were any other situation, she would have done anything to avoid disturbing her, but if it was Dwayne’s command, Relia had no choice.

Yustia couldn’t easily respond to the idea of being alone with Dwayne. However, soon, in response to Dwayne’s piercing gaze, Yustia closed her eyes tightly and nodded her head.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll make arrangements for my seat soon. Thank you for coming all the way here today.”

“No, Your Majesty. Please contact me anytime, and I’ll gladly run to Your Majesty’s side.”

Relia’s answer was very sweet, but pretending not to have heard anything, Yustia stood up from her seat. Then she bowed her head towards Yustia and Dwayne.

Although it couldn’t be called a perfect exit, her footsteps leaving the greenhouse looked cheerful.

Yustia couldn’t take her eyes off Relia until her figure completely disappeared. Finally, when she completely hid herself, an indescribable heavy atmosphere filled the greenhouse.

Yustia held the teacup with trembling hands. It felt like she had to hold her breath due to the approaching tension.

It was just as she was about to take a sip. Dwayne, who had been silent all along, spoke as if giving a warning.

“It’s best not to do anything unnecessary.”

“Unnecessary things…?”

Yustia tried to laugh it off, but she couldn’t finish her words. Dwayne’s gaze toward her was very intimidating.

A gleam flashed between his thin eyes. Dwayne stared at Yustia pitifully for a while, then shook his head reluctantly.

“It’s been almost twenty years since we sailed together for the first time, and you haven’t changed a bit.”

“…”

“You’re still short-sighted and foolish. Even your amusing self-esteem daring to confront me with a shallow plan that doesn’t require any consideration.”

Yustia’s eye area turned red. Dwayne, after staring at Yustia disdainfully for a long time, finally raised his head slightly.

“The only thing I can acknowledge among all the things you’ve done so far is choosing Ruliurian. Even that wouldn’t have been recognized if Ruliurian hadn’t shown a changed attitude recently.”

“…”

“Do you understand the meaning behind my words?”
Dwayne looked at Yustia again as if addressing something beneath him. Yustia knew she had to respond to his words as if she was acknowledging them, if only to avoid being ignored, but she couldn’t even bring herself to open her mouth.

Suppressing tears due to overwhelming embarrassment felt like a disgrace in itself. She was aware that her appearance would undoubtedly be pitiful in Dwayne’s eyes.

However, Yustia didn’t want to show tears in front of Dwayne. To prevent the tangled tears from falling, she chewed on her lower lip harshly.

“It means that your foolish thoughts could hinder Ruliurian’s future. If that happens, you will eventually be recorded in history as the most foolish empress who has never been acknowledged for anything.”

Dwayne did not spare Yustia from his scolding. He seemed determined to make her cry, as if he had intentionally chosen to be seen as someone who would upset her.

But Dwayne seemed utterly uninterested in Yustia’s tears. He rose from his seat without a trace of hesitation, as if he had no lingering feelings.

“You should engrave my words in your heart. Even if it’s to protect that pathetic pride of yours.”

His final warning or rather, a statement akin to a warning, perfectly shattered Yustia’s remaining pride.

Listening to Dwayne’s fading footsteps, Yustia finally let her tears fall. The more she cried, the more the anger that had been building up within her for decades seemed to burst forth.

It felt like an unbearable emotion was swallowing her entire body. The more it happened, the more Yustia strengthened her lower lip, which she had been biting.

The destructive instinct to crush anyone who ignored her began to emerge, and she wanted to destroy everything that disregarded her, inch by inch.