But since he didn’t, I unknowingly felt a wall that I couldn’t approach.

He spoke to me with his distinct violet eyes focused sharply on me.

“I hope you know how fortunate you are to be with Princess Hwangnyeo, Miss Roar.”

“…….”

I was about to tell him not to tease, but I closed my mouth. It didn’t feel very appropriate.
I helplessly let my gaze wander and ended up just reading a book.

Around evening, Lord Kaidel stood up from his seat.

“I have to attend the evening banquet with Father today.”

“Yes. Enjoy your meal, Lord Kaidel.”

I answered nonchalantly while reading my book, and Lord Kaidel returned with a slightly bewildered expression.

Due to my focus on the book, I only realized this after he left.

I’m busy enough as it is, and now I have to know who he’s having dinner with.

But then, I remembered something he once said.

“How about speaking sincerely and receiving sincerity, Miss Roar?”

No matter how I thought about it, I was rude, so I continued studying feeling a bit disheartened.

There were roughly two factions in the empire that wanted to secure the supply rights of iron.

The army and noble families who spent an enormous amount of weapons and money in this war, and the increased domestic demand.

Even if the supply of raw materials had explosively increased, there was a limit to the increase in iron production. The imperial family was faced with the problem of choice.

Nobles who participated in this war, including the imperial army, argued that all resources should be devoted to weapon production to replenish the weapons consumed so far.

The issue of imperial defense was always crucial, and it was reasonable to prioritize giving benefits to those who risked their lives in battle.

However, even within the empire, there was hope for an expansion of iron supply. The recently advertised iron carriage was a hot topic.

The inventor added iron plates to the outside of the carriage, claiming it was safe from bandit attacks, and received orders from wealthy individuals.

It seemed to be a product that emerged with the expectations brought by the victory in the Amata War.

The empire had suffered from a shortage of iron supply since a few years before the Amata War.

The reason Aga attacked the Amata tribe was also because it could have such an impact on the empire.

But even if they won the war and the situation didn’t change, everyone would inevitably resent the imperial family.

I looked for various materials, not only related to the iron industry but also the history of disputes surrounding iron ore mines, post-war processing and compensation, and reports on social problems caused by the shortage of iron.

But no matter what decision was made, it seemed like a problem where one side would inevitably harbor discontent.

‘It feels like a dead-end alley.’

I stretched and went outside. I walked in the garden in front of the library to get some fresh air before going back in.

However, before going out the door, one of the palace servants approached me.

“Miss, please follow me.”

Who am I to be summoned so suddenly?

Before I could say anything, he lowered his voice and said,

“He is waiting in the Second Prince’s palace.”

A person who can be understood even without a subject.

I often cursed at those damn nobles, and the imperial family was adding fuel to the fire.

‘Is this finally the end? No, no. Even if they kill me, they won’t kill me inside the imperial palace.’
Forcing hope upon myself, I followed the servant.

The servant of the Second Prince’s palace led me to the reception room balcony of His Highness Gracian. There, a splendid table was set.

His Highness Gracian put down his glass and said,

“Sit, Roar.”

“Your Highness…”

He looked at me, frozen in place, with a slightly annoyed expression.

After that, he seemed to recall the threat he made to kill me, and his expression softened.

And in a much gentler tone, he said,

“I didn’t call you to kill you, so don’t worry.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

I sat across from him as he indicated.

If he says he won’t kill me, should I say, “Oh, thank you?” Damn noble bastards.

But as the image of the burning pirate ships slowly sinking into the abyss came to mind, my mouth involuntarily shut.

This person might become the future emperor.

“…Did I catch the eye of the future emperor?”

Suddenly, I wanted to see Lord Kaidel. No matter how annoying he was, he could be useful in times like this…

In this world, of all things, I found myself missing him.

But I didn’t have the courage to ask where he went.