It was around a few months after Icarus had set out that Reneve began assisting Dehan in the Emperor’s office.

It happened when Melita came to check Reneve’s health.

“There doesn’t seem to be any health issues this time either. Lady, you are very healthy.”

Melita coolly lifted the corners of her mouth. Reneve smiled back at her.

Kiernan brought dessert and tea.

While Kiernan personally brewed the tea, the dessert, once again, showcased the skill of the Emperor’s exclusive chef.

Melita, even though the examination was over, held the tea cup brought by Kiernan.

“The tea is delicious.”

After sharing desserts and tea several times, their conversations naturally flowed into this pattern after the examination.

“As expected, the dessert is delicious too.”

Melita, after taking a bite of the Gugelhupf, raised her thumb in satisfaction.

“Fortunately.”

Reneve took a small portion of Kiernan and Amber’s share onto a small plate before tasting the Gugelhupf.

“Have you seen Captain Dehan recently?”

At Melita’s words, Reneve raised her head.

“I haven’t seen him recently. Why do you ask?”

“Don’t play dumb. He’s someone with a sturdy physique but fragile bones. He might not die from exhaustion, but…”

At Melita’s words, Reneve sipped a sweetened black tea with a bitter smile.

After Icarus and Bain set out, it seemed that Dehan took charge of all the work.

“Well, it’s not his first time, but he should manage well.”

“It’s not his first time?”

“Your Majesty personally led the troops and organized the surrounding countries shortly after becoming the Emperor. So, it’s not the first time Dehan has taken on the responsibilities alone.”

In the original work, Icarus was a non-existent character at this point. He played the role of stimulating and nurturing Lucius’s inferiority complex.

Before the regression, Reneve did not pay much attention to diplomatic issues even after marrying Lucius. She only began showing interest in the situation of neighboring countries when Lucius started aspiring to the throne. Moreover, this was still before the start of the original work.

“That’s right.”

“Captain Dehan has been entrusted with a potion by Her Majesty every time she sets out. It’s a potion that injects vitality and energy. However, it seems that the placebo effect was quite effective, as Dehan continues to seek the potion even after the examination.”

Reneve nodded lightly. She was aware of Dehan’s struggles.

“But these days, it seems to have little effect…”

Melita paused for a moment, glancing briefly at Reneve.

“Are you asking for my help?”

Melita put the remaining piece of Gugelhupf into her mouth and sipped it thoughtfully. Reneve rinsed her mouth with sweetened black tea and understood why Melita had said such a thing.

‘Is it just a meaningless comment, or…’

It could be that Melita simply talked about recent events around her. However, Reneve thought it could also be a deliberate comment with a clear intention.

Reneve chose the latter.

In fact, not long ago, Amber mentioned a similar story.

“Miss, it seems that Captain Dehan is really busy these days.”

At that time, it might have been just Amber sharing stories she heard while wandering around the palace.

“Miss Melita. Did Captain Dehan ask you for anything?”

Startled by Reneve’s keen gaze, Melita, wiping her mouth with a handkerchief, replied.

“…Was it that obvious?”

“Yes, quite noticeable.”

“If you noticed, it’s better to be honest.”

Melita wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and added.

“He said he wanted to borrow the hands of a cat and asked if there was anyone good at their job whom you could recommend.”

“Is that me?”

Reneve pointed to herself with her index finger.

“Yes.”
Without directly asking for help, but rather subtly complaining about my difficulties through people around me.

It felt a bit awkward, but Reneve went to find Dehan.

As a result, what was supposed to be a little assistance now led her to stamp her attendance at the office almost every day.

Fortunately, the tasks Dehan requested were similar to those of the former empress before the regression, and Reneve was able to help Dehan, who was struggling on the verge of death, without much difficulty.

“Yeongae, the Founding Festival is coming soon.”

From Dehan’s earnest voice and expression, Reneve felt an inexplicable unease.

Actually, due to being too busy with Her Majesty’s affairs, Reneve had to reluctantly ask, “Can you take care of it, Yeongae?”

Looking at Dehan, who was almost begging, Reneve sighed.

Certainly, Dehan’s workload was overwhelming. If he didn’t have quick thinking and a clever mind, he might have succumbed to young overwork by now.

“Please! Yeongae, please, I beg you.”

Without responding, Reneve, hesitating, looked at Dehan, who almost cried out.

“As if saving one person…”

“…Okay.”

As permission slipped from Reneve’s lips, Dehan’s expression changed completely. It seemed filled with gratitude at first glance, and he looked like a devotee seeking salvation. It was a bit chilling.