On a sunny afternoon, Ivelia spent time with Felix in the reception room as usual.

“I think I have an idea of how to control my power now. Can you infuse power into me? I’ll try to amplify it to the level I think is appropriate.”

Ivelia looked at Felix with enthusiastic eyes. Felix, witnessing her proactive attitude, felt a sense of joy he hadn’t experienced in a while.

He readily nodded and concentrated his mind, directing his power towards Ivelia. A blue aura enveloped Ivelia in an instant. Her body quickly absorbed the energy.

Ivelia closed her eyes tightly, concentrating her mind, regulating her breathing, and making an effort to fully feel the power being absorbed into her body.

Though familiar, she added her own energy to the power that wasn’t clearly hers. The power, which had been mingling here and there with the blue energy, forcefully penetrated into Ivelia’s body. Felix’s power doubled within Ivelia in the blink of an eye.

Ivelia returned the amplified power to Felix, precisely as she intended. When she opened her eyes, Felix seemed quite satisfied.

“You exactly doubled it. Was that what you intended?”

“Really? It went exactly back to that level?”

“Yes, without any error. It’s precisely doubled.”

“Wow!”

Ivelia clapped her hands and twirled around. Felix could deduce from her reaction that everything unfolded as she intended. Her abilities manifested just as she wanted.

Felix joined in her bright laughter. Ivelia, who had begun this journey with a heart full of worries, was growing rapidly and impressively.

“Truly remarkable, Ivelia. I didn’t expect you to follow along this well.”

“It’s all thanks to Felix! But, considering this level, can we assume I’ve reached the standard Felix expected?”

“Of course. Although there are still areas you need to improve on, you’re doing exceptionally well.”

“I’m so happy! It was tough, enduring and persevering through everything. But now, it feels worth it. At this rate, I might be able to support Caliph and Felix!”

Ivelia expressed her joy like a child, feeling thoroughly pleased. Her pure delight was incredibly adorable.

Whenever he witnessed such a scene, Felix couldn’t help but wonder why Caliph had to love Ivelia so devotedly for such a long time. He seemed to understand the reason.

How could he easily forget such a lovable woman?

Smiling warmly at Ivelia, Felix didn’t forget to convey a word of advice.

“You’ve grown a lot, but don’t forget there’s still a long way to go.”

“Yes, I won’t forget!”
“Don’t just listen casually; you really need to be careful. Now is the perfect time to let your guard down, and crises always come quietly when you least expect it.”

“I understand. I’ll be careful.”

Ivelia replied earnestly. However, her flushed expression still couldn’t be hidden. It was uncertain if she truly understood correctly, but Felix, as if unable to stop her, just nodded his head.

It was the first time she showed such an excited expression, and he didn’t want to suppress that moment of joy just because she needed to be cautious.

Compared to other times, the time spent with Ivelia was relatively short. Nevertheless, it seemed like today was a good point to stop.

Among all the expressions Ivelia had shown so far, today’s was the most cheerful. Felix wanted her to keep that expression for a little longer.

“Let’s stop here for today.”

It seemed enough.

About to say those words, Felix instinctively sealed his mouth due to the sensed presence of someone. Ivelia, who was wearing a puzzled expression, turned her head as a knocking sound reached their ears.

“Faelin?”

Opening the door to the reception room and coming in was Faelin. However, something seemed off. Faelin’s complexion was pale.

“Faelin, what’s wrong?”

“Your Highness, that…”

Faelin hesitated for a long time. At the end of the story, Ivelia remained silent for a moment before turning her head toward Felix.

Her face, which had been full of radiant smiles, now perfectly concealed any trace of happiness.

⭐⭐⭐

Inside the reception room of the Empress’s Palace.

Yustia sat in her seat with a pale face. Her hands, hidden under the table, were sweaty.

With a half-dazed face staring into space, she eventually clasped her hands together, wiping away the dampness.

At that moment, a knocking sound echoed in the silent reception room, and shortly after, Terot appeared.

Silently, Terot placed teacups in front of Yustia and the empty seat across. Then, he placed a vibrant teapot adorned with flowers in the center of the table.

Yustia’s gaze involuntarily focused on the teapot. She looked at Terot with anxious eyes.

“…Terot.”

“Don’t be too nervous, Your Majesty. We have thoroughly prepared, so you shouldn’t suffer any harm from what happens next.”

Terot, while telling an extraordinary story that staked his life, appeared excessively composed. Yustia couldn’t help but frown.

“Then you… Are you saying that you will assist me, even to the extent of killing the Crown Princess instead of me?”