To my government or to Helene, it was practically the same.

That was what I intended to say.

But even though he insulted my government, Enrique showed no reaction.

“How petty. How can your evasion skills remain unchanged?”

Thinking my tongue needed a little more provocation, I decided.

There should be a bigger reaction from Enrique’s side for me to have some credibility when I run alone into the garden.

“Or… Act like the Emperor said something shocking, as if I’m deeply shocked.”

Coincidentally, the music changed at that moment.
Since it had to be someone from the imperial family to lead the first dance, the attention of the people turned to me and Enrique.

I have many choices, but Enrique doesn’t.

If he wants to insult me, he could extend his hand to another noblewoman, not me. If he wants to empower Helene again, now was the perfect timing to stand up and comfort the wounded government.

But if he wants a successor from me… So, if there is any intention to repair our broken relationship even a bit.

Enrique had to ask for a dance from me even though he knew he would be rejected.

“Would you like a dance?”

Yes, just like this.

“If I were to hold the Emperor’s hand here, what would you give me?”

“Do you mean you’ll only dance if there’s a deal?”

“Of course. Otherwise, why should I hold that hand and endure it?”

With a raised eyebrow and an annoyed tone, when I asked, Shailo, who was standing behind me, burst into a small laughter.

“Oh, excuse me. Lady Arti… No, Your Majesty, you’re so adorable.”

Like a fox.

Shailo cunningly read my intention, and provocatively joined in.

And surprisingly, that provocation was exactly what Enrique responded to.

There was a subtle crack in Enrique’s expression, something I hadn’t seen even when I called him a fool.

‘Is he jealous by any chance?’

If that’s the case, it’s even better.

I compared Shailo and Enrique as if to show them.

“If you dance with the Grand Duke, my mood will improve. He is the one who can uplift people’s spirits like no other.”

“Do you have something in mind?”

“If you want to win my heart, yet still don’t know what I desire. I genuinely admire your innocence. As a sincere advice, it would be good to have someone more perceptive around you.”

Even with saying all this, Enrique still seemed clueless.

The music, which had changed to a dance tune, shifted back to a slow-tempo conversation-oriented piece when the Imperial couple didn’t move to dance. The people who were excited about dancing settled down.

When the whole banquet hall became quiet.

I smoothly smiled and clearly articulated each syllable.

“You should remove the government from the White Lily Palace. That would be the beginning of an apology.”

“Helene, you want her removed from here?”

“Yes. Why? Haven’t you ever considered such a thing?”

That’s exactly the expression.

Enrique genuinely looked shocked, as if it wasn’t even an option, revealing a shocking gaze filled with crimson eyes, as if I had asked him to tear off his own limbs.

“If you don’t completely remove the Saint from this palace, I have nothing to say. Nor will I in the future.”

“But what if I don’t remove her until the end?”

Look at this. The words are short again.

Indeed, ‘Helene’ was Enrique’s Achilles’ heel.

It was strangely inseparable, as if she and Helene were made into one.

Seeing how difficult it was for him to tear Helene away, it was evident.
“You should seek a successor from another woman. Perhaps from Helene.”

When I responded somewhat sharply, Enrique lowered his eyes with a sorrowful expression.

The platinum hair, once my favorite color, now looked so pitiful.

Even the crimson color that I used to praise as more beautiful than anything in the world now seemed nothing special.

Enrique, who seemed to be deeply absorbed in his own thoughts, remained silent for another ten minutes before slowly opening his mouth.

“… It seems like forever being on parallel lines.”