However, externally, nothing was mentioned about the incident involving the Grand Duchess. This fact made Katrina uneasy.

It could be to protect the honor of the Grand Duchess… Even though the kidnapping of the Grand Duchess could be punished in connection with treason, leaving room for punishment wasn’t like the Grand Duke.

“The Grand Duke probably has no reason to suspect that we’re behind this incident. I heard there are no remaining clues from the informant, but we should prepare just in case. How about the Imperial side these days?”

“The Grand Duke, who strongly enforced the capital lockdown during the recent Alyun, received criticism from Viscount Repanse and Marquis Desen. They expressed concerns.”

“The anxiety that the Grand Duke’s power may surpass the Emperor’s could continue to sow seeds of fear. That fear could be our weapon.”

Twisting her lips, Katrina lifted the teacup on the table. The cunning look in Katrina’s eyes shone as she peered into the teacup containing crimson tea.

“So that’s how it turned out.”

Rainian’s regretful gaze settled over Idel’s face. He had shared dinner with Idel in the Grand Duchy’s dining room, learning in detail about what had happened to her during that time.

Idel calmly recounted the events, but just imagining how lonely and painful her time must have been made his heart ache.

Even though she must have been the most difficult, Idel prioritized other girls and worried about their situations.

“It’s fortunate that the girls involved in the crime are unharmed, but… there’s no guarantee that such an incident won’t happen again.”

“It’s a sad thing to exploit young girls in crimes…”

“Yes, it is. Ena, who was threatened by Douglas, Joy who was kidnapped with me, and other girls, all of them are victims.”

‘And… Dylan too.’

Idel swallowed her words, thinking about Dylan, who had been sentenced to prison for being an accomplice of Douglas.

Although Dylan was a accomplice of Douglas, she was also another victim. Idel believed that Dylan’s past memories of being a victim had influenced her decision to free Joy.

‘Victims shouldn’t become perpetrators to protect themselves.’

To prevent that, foundations had to be laid for children, especially those without parents, to be safely protected and to become independent members of society. They should no longer be used or involved in crimes due to hunger.

“Last time, I suggested expanding the scope of the Administrative Law assignment on improving child labor to further discuss the Child Protection Act. I hope it’s considered.”
Idel decided to review not only labor but also the overall protection of children within the societal system.

After discussing the direction with Rainian, Idel added with a thoughtful expression, “And… aside from the assignment, there’s an area I’d like to review additionally.”

“What area is that?”

“It’s the field of human rights concerning women’s rights.”

The world, especially for women, had been harsh. Ena had to receive less pay than boys of the same age for the same work. Girls, including Joy, were kidnapped for the purpose of exploiting their femininity. Knowing this reality, Dylan chose to abandon her gender and cross-dress.

All of this was because they were women.

‘And I too… can’t independently break free without divorcing because I’m a noblewoman.’

This realization hit her again about her own situation.

‘Women’s rights need to be improved.’

This was a commitment Idel had made while organizing her thoughts throughout her recovery. She wanted to devise improvements so that women’s rights, not guaranteed in the laws and societal culture of the Uptarian Empire, could be realized.

“Currently, protection for women’s rights within the Uptarian Empire is lacking. I want to change this… actually, there’s no one else besides Rainian-nim with whom I can share such thoughts.”

The Uptarian Empire had a strict and conservative noble culture. The Grand Duchess discussing women’s rights would likely have more societal repercussions than she could imagine.

She believed that Rainian, who was a friend rather than the Grand Duke, would be able to think objectively without any biases.

“If it’s women’s rights… actually, there’s someone I know well in that field.”

“An expert?”

“Yes, you could say that she has lived her whole life for women’s rights.”

Rainian recalled a woman who ran around in a dress without a care, and a soft smile appeared on his lips. His azure eyes were tinged with a nostalgic light.

“Such a person exists! If possible, I’d like to meet her and seek advice. Can you introduce me to her?”

“Of course. Since she’s always liked you, Idel-nim, she’ll certainly be pleased to meet you. However…”

Although Rainian readily nodded at Idel’s request for an introduction, he hesitated at the end of his words. After a moment of contemplation, he looked at Idel and opened his mouth.

“To meet that expert in person, you need to go to the Lysandro Empire.”

“…!”

Idel, taken aback by the sudden revelation, widened her eyes. Although Rainian enthusiastically nodded when Idel asked for an introduction, he soon blurred his words. Looking at Idel, he opened his mouth after being lost in thought for a moment.

“If you’re okay with it, Idel-nim… I’d like to invite you to the Lysandro Empire. It would be of great help in the field of women’s human rights. Besides, there’s a relevant academic conference scheduled soon.”

Rainian, who had felt utterly powerless during the recent kidnapping incident, had despaired. In the Uptarian Empire, he keenly felt his helplessness.

However, in his homeland, the Lysandro Empire, he could be a source of strength for her. Filled with a desire to make amends even a little, he earnestly requested, “Come with me. To the Lysandro Empire.”