The Empress, leaving the underground prison, asked Lady Krasante.

“Is there no one inside now?”

“It seems Milady Mire, who became the Court Lady after Lady Anthony, is not there.”

The Empress, as if remembering now, added to Lady Krasante’s response.

“Oh, that person who hasn’t returned since taking a leave?”

“Yes, Your Majesty the Empress.”

“To take a vacation and not return even now, especially at a time like this, avoiding trouble.”

Really fortunate, one could say. If not, it might be intentional, leaving Hwangbi’s side after reading the situation.

Of course, she would be captured soon.

‘Fate of death is not yet upon her.’

The Empress thought so, stopping and looking around the dim underground prison even though it was still daylight.

‘Hwangbi, you also seem to have aged.’

Was it because of the dulled passage of time? Was that the reason?

She became an enemy that couldn’t be handled.

Since entering the palace, the Empress developed the ability to distinguish who should be kept by her side and who should not.

This was essential to survive in a palace like a battlefield.

Choosing the wrong person to keep by her side could tarnish her dignity and reputation, and it might even cost her life.

The same principles applied when dealing with enemies.

Quick and accurate responses were necessary depending on whether the opponent was manageable.

Would you crush them before they rose, or make them an ally? These were the two options.

And for the Empress, Hwangbi was the more difficult one to handle.

She had a loyal maid, Lady Anthony, who skillfully played the role of a confidante, and, most importantly, the power to control the Paradisium Empire’s supreme authority, the Emperor.

It meant considering her as an ally.

Although there was nothing good about defeating her, at the same time, Hwangbi was also an opponent with whom coexistence was impossible.

To the Empress, Hwangbi was such a presence.

If she couldn’t put her son on the throne, the Empress would die, becoming herself.

Looking down at the underground prison while stopping her steps, the Empress was asked by Lady Krasante.

“Why is Your Majesty the Empress like this?”

“No, it’s nothing. Let’s go.”

The Empress nodded and resumed her steps after shaking her head.

By the time she reached the palace across the garden, the Empress opened her mouth again.

“Lady Krasante.”

“Yes, Your Majesty the Empress.”

“What do you think was the cause of Hwangbi’s downfall?”

“Well… Was it not meeting the right opponent? Siren Viscountess Yeongae is surprisingly experienced and intelligent for her age.”

Lady Krasante closed her mouth for a moment and added in a small voice.

“I am concerned that such a person is going to be the Empress of the enemy in the future.”

The Empress nodded, agreeing with her words.

She didn’t like admitting it, but it was true.

The Empress took a deep breath and looked up at the sky.

“Everything in the world experiences periods of rise and fall, doesn’t it?”

“Well, then it seems that Hwangbi has entered a period of decline.”

In response to Lady Krasante’s answer, the Empress wore a bitter smile.

It wasn’t just Hwangbi who had entered a period of decline.

The present Paradisium Empire had begun to walk the path of decline, making the past glory pale.

Only those who were not sensitive to immediate changes might not know.

There were various factors in the rise and fall of the empire. Geographical advantages, areas difficult to control, like famine.

Among them, the Empress believed that the role of the empire’s leader, the Emperor, played the most significant role.

The Emperor of Paradisium had long lost the vigor and wit of his youth, while the Emperor of Basker was like a rising sun.
So, it wouldn’t be long before the gap in the national power between Basker and Paradisium would widen even more.

‘It’s time for a new emperor.’

To prevent the Paradisium Empire from disappearing into the back alleys of history.

Considering the weight her son would have to bear, the Empress couldn’t entirely rejoice in Hwangbi’s downfall.

Bitterly scanning the Paradisium Palace with her eyes, the Empress soon stepped into the palace.

“Miss, I’m here!”

Amber entered the reception room and shouted energetically. Reneve closed the book she was reading and turned her head towards Amber.

“Welcome.”

Reneve, intending to prepare tea for Amber, who must have suffered going to the bustling city to gauge people’s reactions, was interrupted by Amber.

“It’s okay, it’s okay, Miss. I’ll drink it with you. Thank you for everything.”

Amber smiled happily and poured herself tea. Reneve placed a dessert plate in front of the empty Amber, who had just returned from a long outing.

“Miss, you’re really too kind. I’ll eat it gratefully!”

With a grateful look, Amber spooned a bite of blancmange into her mouth. Soon, Amber’s mouth seemed to be satisfied with the dessert.

But as if prioritizing the story heard from outside, she quickly rinsed her mouth with tea.