Lunchtime.

“Her Highness, the Crown Princess, is here.”

The Countess herself had sought the Princess’s palace, having been sent an invitation from Nolton.

Evelia hurriedly approached the Countess of Nolton with a surprised face.

“Your Grace, I am certain I asked you to write back at your convenience… Was there anything in my message that could have confused you?”

“No, Your Highness. The letter contained only what you asked, regarding when I could visit the Princess’s palace.”

“Then why…”

Evelia could not hide her astonishment. A mere reply would have been enough to please her, but this was completely unexpected.

“I had no plans today, so I hurried over. Someone advised me that you would be greatly pleased if I came to see you in person instead of simply replying.”

“Advised?”

Evelia instinctively looked at the Countess of Nolton’s attendant, Phailin, who was standing behind her. The moment their eyes met, she smiled slyly, acknowledging that she had been the advisor.

“Did my sudden visit inconvenience you, Your Highness?”

“Not at all. I’m just glad you came.”

Evelia, shaking her head vigorously, took the Countess’s hand.

“If you’re okay with it, I’d like to spend time together in the reception room. Is that alright?”

“If I can be with Your Highness, it would be an honor no matter where.”

At her cheerful response, Evelia laughed brightly and then issued a command to Phailin.

“Phailin, could you prepare dessert and tea?”

“Of course, Your Highness. I will prepare it right away, so please come to the reception room at your leisure.”

Phailin turned with a happy heart.

Since the Crown Princess’s appointment, it was the first day that laughter blossomed throughout the Princess’s palace.

(This is a time divider.)

Caliph, having finished digesting his schedule, hastily set course for the Empress’s palace. It was because of the sudden news from the Empress.

The reason she sought him was obvious. It was a matter he had expected, so he wasn’t flustered, but the prospect of facing the Empress’s face was uncomfortable.

Contrary to his feelings, it didn’t take long to arrive at the Empress’s palace. The Empress’s chief eunuch, who had been guarding the front, rapidly approached him as soon as he spotted him.

“Your Highness, you have arrived.”

“My mother is said to be suffering from a severe headache.”

“Yes? That, that’s…”

The chief eunuch made a flustered expression, rolling his eyes back and forth. He knew the headache was an excuse, but he was amusingly upset that the Empress had lied to summon him over yesterday’s matter.

“Please come inside.”

The chief eunuch, who seemed to be searching for an appropriate response, finally just hurried his steps.

Caliph willingly walked into the palace. Upon entering the Empress’s bedroom, a bulging silhouette was visible on the bed. It seemed she didn’t even bother to get up to make it look convincing.

Though it was rather absurd, Caliph willingly took on the persona of Liurian and stood before the Empress.

“Mother.”

“You have come, Liur.”

The Empress’s forced voice clung damply to his ears. It was uncomfortable, but Caliph didn’t show any signs.

“I have heard you are suffering from a severe headache.”

“I couldn’t sleep last night, and it seems to have turned into a headache.”

“If it is very uncomfortable, I will summon the imperial doctor at once.”

Caliph offered a perfect, caring response. Only then did the Empress, Eustia, rise from her seat.

Leaning on the bed, she pinched her temples and looked at Caliph with a sigh.

“Liur.”

“Yes, mother.”

“Can you explain what happened yesterday?”

Eustia spoke quite gently. Her tone was soft, as if she were handling a child. But Caliph knew that it was just the Empress’s act.

“Have we not already discussed what happened yesterday? What are you referring to?”
Kaliph feigned innocence, tilting his head slightly. He had already discerned the Empress’s intentions, but making excuses as if he had waited would surely only arouse her suspicions.

As he had guessed, the Empress’s eyes narrowed at his act of seemingly knowing nothing.

“Liou, didn’t you clearly tell me last time that you would attend with the Crown Princess?”

“So, I attended the party with the Crown Princess yesterday. What has become the problem? I thought that you certainly agreed.”

Kaliph looked the Empress straight in the eye, remaining consistent in his ignorance. He did his utmost to appear as foolish as possible in her eyes.

“I did not oppose you attending with the Crown Princess, but I never allowed you to empower her. Moreover, appearing with that necklace known publicly as Count Montrol’s contraband, and presenting it to the Crown Princess in a place where even Lirelia was present! What on earth were you thinking?”

Eustia, who had appeared to maintain her calm, finally failed to suppress her anger and burst into rage. It was the moment Kaliph had been waiting for.

He shuddered, as if he had been waiting for her tone to reach its peak. It was an exceptionally perfect choice to stimulate Eustia’s maternal instincts.