She approached the 2nd Prince Grayan for her own reasons.

The 1st Prince Orell had a powerful backer, the Empress. The Empress’s influential family held both wealth and connections, and she was devoted to Orell.

He lacked nothing, leaving no room for her to infiltrate. But Grayan was different.

He had the honor of being a victorious commander and the support of Lord Rocard Caidel, but he lacked everything else.

Right there, she saw the opportunity she desired.

But if there were an opening or an opportunity for Orell as well…

As desire tangled her thoughts, Kalin suddenly felt a wave of fear.

Lord Ankhart still couldn’t access high society. Now, she couldn’t even visit the best tailor.

Even if her worth was recognized by Orell, would the Empress and the 1st Prince really accept her without scorn?

But perhaps, everything she had endured until now was to step into this room. She was prepared to go all the way.

Meanwhile, Orell was smiling subtly at Kalin.

It seemed to say, “Interesting, or perhaps unmatched in cheekiness.”

Orell spoke, “It would be truly regrettable if you missed out on all those investment rights.”

Abruptly, in Kalin’s mind, she heard those words.

It was a threat.

Lifting her head, she saw Orell staring at her with a cruel gaze like a snake. Kalin snapped out of her momentary delusion.

What was the intention of Prince Orell?

Maybe he knew about her approaching the 2nd Prince and was warning her.

With a tense nerve, Kalin held her breath.

At that moment, a box on the table caught her eye. It was her remaining opportunity.

Kalin, with a hint of fear, said, “Then, my father will be deeply disappointed. He works every night for those investment rights.”

“Believing it’s mine, slipping away between my fingers is an instant thing. Like sand.”

Orell said this with an expression as if he were watching the actual sand slip through his long, white fingers.

Kalin calmly asked, “How can such a thing be prevented?”

“…I protect my friends. Kalin, I remember well who my friends are and who they aren’t.”

Orell, with a smile, tapped his temple with his index finger and said so.

Kalin swallowed her dry saliva and asked again, “How can I become Your Highness’s friend?”

“The Empress dines with her. Kalin.”

Suddenly, a voice was heard, and both of them stood up. The Empress entered.

The Empress, stunning enough to make one doubt the passing years, sat on the vacant seat next to Orell, staring at Kalin.

“Greetings are unnecessary, Kalin Ankhart.”

Under the Empress’s gentle gaze, Kalin lowered her eyes. The Empress’s beauty was dazzling in Kalin’s eyes.

Orell gestured for Kalin to sit.

“…”
The Empress took the box that had been on the table and opened it. She gazed at the diamond in her hand as if enchanted.

Orell also marveled and murmured, “So, this is the ‘Red Tears.’ It’s much redder than I imagined.”

“Yes, it’s red, like blood…”

The Empress’s voice trembled slightly.

Kalin believed that the Empress was moved by seeing the famous jewel, but Orell knew that his mother wouldn’t be swayed by such things.

So, his gaze held a sense of curiosity.

The Empress spoke, “This was almost mine once, right?”

It was a bombshell. Before Kalin could respond, the Empress asked first, “It was taken by pirates, right?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. However, it was miraculously recovered, and I have not disclosed it since.”

“Right. Precious things must be well-preserved. Before losing them.”

The Empress stood up and came behind Kalin, placing the ‘Red Tears’ around her neck.

“‘Red Tears’ suits a great woman like you.”

Kalin unknowingly clenched the hem of her dress with her hands. A great woman. The Empress’s voice echoed in her ears.

“I’m helping Orell become an excellent emperor. Delicate touches of women are needed in power.”

“…!”

The Empress gently stroked Kalin’s shoulder and returned to her seat.

Watching her closely, Orell asked Kalin, “You asked me something earlier, right?”

In response to the sudden question, Kalin’s voice cracked as she replied shortly, “Yes, Your Highness.”

“Think about it carefully, Kalin.”

“…”

As Kalin left with the box containing the ‘Red Tears,’ Orell’s expression turned cold. He found her freckles and insect-like face displeasing.

Looking at the door through which Kalin left, Orell muttered, “Have you seen that wench’s eyes? If her greed is so great, she should put more effort into dressing up.”

“Do not criticize a woman’s appearance, Orell. Everyone has their uses.”

“What is her use?”

The Empress smiled gently.

“I want to reclaim that necklace from her.”

I pulled it out of the pouch and tied it to the pillar with a thin rope.

It was a warehouse. Boxes and odds and ends piled up against the wall, emitting a musty and decaying smell.

One corner of the ceiling had collapsed, revealing the sky, making it seem like a place untouched for ten years.