“If only I had revealed it sooner.”

Throughout my two lifetimes.

It wasn’t that the criticisms of others didn’t hurt. But even if I received more blame from others, I wouldn’t regret this.

Because I did what I had to do.

Ivan was initially taken aback by Blair’s unexpected reaction, but soon he changed his strategy.

Ivan lowered his teacup, mimicking the worried expression of a concerned brother, and spoke.

“Blair, I’m saying this out of concern for you.”

“…”

“After you burn yourself to bring justice, what’s next? Will I just stand by and watch, leaving you, the daughter of Delmarc, as an enemy in Denmark?”

“…I cannot sever the heavenly bond, so I must sever the marital bond. It’s my duty as a child to atone for Mother’s sins, even if I have to apologize for my own sake.”
“Is Delmarc Duchy also in agreement?”

Blair hesitated for a moment before responding.

“He probably wishes for it more earnestly than anyone else.”

Ivan’s brow furrowed in disapproval.

Arrogant fellow.

During his previous conversation with Herdin, Ivan had shown signs of being greatly disturbed by his suggestion of divorcing Blair.

‘Either Blair has some misunderstanding, or…’

After contemplating for a moment with a thoughtful expression, Ivan opened his mouth to glance at Blair.

“Then, what about you?”

Upon hearing the question, Blair, who was holding a teacup, paused.

“Is it acceptable for you to sever ties with him as a married couple?”

“…”

“As a relative, I’ll do my best to sincerely seek a remarriage for you as an Orabi. However, finding a position better than the Duchess of Delmarc would be challenging. As you know, many are reluctant to accept a woman touched by another man.”

Blair was aware of that fact.

If she were to remarry, at best, she would secure a position as the consort of a high-ranking noble.

But for Blair, who planned to disappear without a trace immediately after divorce, it was a story that didn’t matter.

“I don’t mind.”

At Blair’s response, Ivan’s mouth, which had been at the corner, lifted slightly.

Blair doesn’t know Herdin’s feelings. Either that, or she doesn’t have the heart to accept those feelings.

Whichever it is, things got interesting.

The more Blair has no regrets, the more likely it is that Herdin will give me the leash to prevent the divorce.

“Well then, Uncle. Before being Mother’s son, as the Supreme of this Empire, I believe you’ll deliver a fair and just verdict.”

Blair finished speaking as if concluding her words, and she put down the teacup.

Ivan chuckled and replied leisurely, “Well, in my opinion, it seems unlikely.”

Blair felt a bit uneasy about Ivan’s meaningfully smiling words, but she didn’t dwell on it deeply.

Herdin is currently busy searching for conclusive evidence of the fire incident, and soon the truth will be revealed.

If that happens, there’s nothing even Ivan can do.

“I apologize for abruptly visiting, causing you inconvenience. If you have nothing more to say, I will take my leave.”

Waiting a bit longer for Ivan’s reaction, Blair stood up quietly and showed courtesy.

Shall I tighten the leash a bit more?

Ivan, watching Blair’s departing figure towards the reception room door with a keen interest, called out to her.

“Blair.”

Blair, who was about to grab the doorknob, turned to look at him.

“As an Orabi, let me offer you one piece of advice.”

Ivan, wearing a smiling face that displayed the affectionate smile of a concerned brother, continued speaking.

“Be careful with that guy.”

“…”

“That guy is not just a normal madman.”

Blair looked at him for a moment, then turned around without any reaction and left the reception room.

Ivan, gazing at the closing door, smiled.

“It’s going to get interesting.”

Tap, tap. The cheerful sound of his long fingers drumming on the armrest echoed in the room.

The deserted corridor was bathed in the warm afternoon sunlight. In the quiet surroundings, only the rhythmic sound of Blair’s footsteps echoed when, at that moment, another set of footsteps mixed in from the other end of the corridor. Sensing a presence in the approaching footsteps, Blair looked up, and a familiar face came into view.

“…Herdin?”

Approaching swiftly, he grabbed Blair’s wrist and began to pull her. Flustered by his unexpected appearance, Blair was led by him. Her wrist, tightly held, throbbed painfully.

“Herdin, it hurts. Let go of my hand…”

In that moment, without considering Blair’s stride, he released her wrist and pushed her against the wall, enclosing her between his arms. Under the warm sun, his chilling eyes felt eerily cold.

“Boldly coming here alone without fear, where do you think this is?”

Blair looked up at him with bewildered eyes. She couldn’t understand the reason for his sudden anger.

“This is the Imperial Palace, and Her Majesty is my sister. There’s no reason for me not to come, and in this Imperial Palace, there’s no one who can harm me.”

Sister.

He sneered coldly at the term that escaped Blair’s lips.

Calling that guy an older brother.

I wish you weren’t his sister.

His irritation surged anew as her words reminded him of the reality he wanted to deny.

“Have you forgotten? What your mother tried to do to you.”

His words made Blair’s pupils painfully distort.

It was an undeniable reality, but his callous words, as always, struck at Blair’s wounds without hesitation.

“Outside is dangerous. So…”

His hand, enveloping her cheek, felt cold. Just like his gaze, which spoke of danger, his eyes seemed even more perilous.

“Stay by my side, quietly.”

The voice, as if suppressing emotions, was also chilling.

Seeing him like this, the words Ivan spoke a while ago came to mind, and Blair wondered why.