“Certainly, there were age restrictions before.”

“Yes, but now, even those with children can apply. If the child is over ten years old, they can be sent to a boarding school supported by the Empress’s Palace, and if under ten, they can be brought along and raised here. That’s the most important part of this announcement.”

Choosing new staff this way would make it difficult for Helene to intervene. A job that offers support for children is highly sought after. It’s an attractive offer for any mother wishing to work, and those who receive it would undoubtedly be loyal to me.

I wrapped up my thoughts and sought Mrs. Bertolt’s opinion.

“What do you think, Susan?”

“It’s an excellent support measure. Your Majesty will receive high praise for this.”

“Alright, proceed with that… and there’s one more thing. I need an advisor.”

An advisor was essential for my proper function as an Empress. Someone smart, slick, and cunning would be ideal.

‘I remember someone like that from my days as a ruler in the underworld.’

There was an advisor who managed all the tedious tasks on my behalf.

‘Famously the nastiest in hell… Even cheeky with me, earning a smack now and then.’

But finding someone like him? Anyway, I needed an advisor to manage the staff and fulfill my desires.

“Maybe I should ask Father to find one.”

“Yes, that might be more trustworthy. An advisor is a crucial position.”

“I’ll need to write a letter.”

I was planning to respond about Ansel anyway, so this worked out.

After stretching and gazing at the clear blue sky, I felt like running. Maybe in a couple of days?

The recent banquet brought me many gains, almost too numerous to count. The greatest of these was undoubtedly the increase in my lifespan.

‘1 year and 200 days!’

Meruem’s energy was a tremendous help.

‘With this, I can live at least two more years.’

And since Meruem would be with me for a few years, my lifespan would continue to increase.

‘I should find someone to love during this time. Then, pierce their heart and return.’

Not a difficult task. Enrique had done the same.

Loving someone less than myself.

“Potential love interests…”

I murmured softly, pondering the people around me.

‘Derek… no. I cherish him too much to treat him that way.’

What about the Royal Guard?

Choosing one of them might be feasible. If I try to love, I might actually be able to.

“Your Majesty, what did you say?”

“Ah, nothing. Nevermind.”

Lost in thought, I had forgotten Charlotte was next to me.

I was currently on my way to the Valkyrie training ground with Charlotte, Derek, and Meruem.

A visit was due both to show I had recovered and to introduce Meruem.

Soon, Meruem would be training with Valkyrie.

“During the banquet, the Royal Guard really put that annoying saintess in her place, didn’t they? You should’ve seen the kitchen staff; they were so excited they made loads of snacks.”

Charlotte chattered away, showing me a basket filled with special treats from the Empress’s Palace kitchen: turkey sandwiches, butter cookies, ginger scones, strawberry jam, and more. Perfect nutritious snacks for the hardworking knights.

My plan was to present these while smoothly integrating Meruem into the training ground scene.

Meruem and I had already discussed this. Although his future was uncertain, developing his strength was necessary for him.
“Even now, he’s strong enough not to lose to an adult knight, but Meruem’s goal should be much higher. A realm of transcendence that ordinary humans can never reach. I wanted to help Meruem reach that level.”

“Your Majesty, I heard you were ill!”

“Are you alright now? You won’t get a fever again from the cold wind, will you?”

“I was so surprised to hear you collapsed right after you returned that day!”

Upon arriving at the training ground, the knights in training flocked around me, chattering away. It was too hectic to respond to each of them, but thankfully, Charlotte stepped in.

“Alright, alright. Please give Her Majesty some space. Everyone, step back four paces.”

“Cough, well, we were just excited to see you…”

“Remember your manners. This is Her Majesty the Empress!”

Thanks to Charlotte, the knights calmed down. I looked around at their friendly gazes and smiled softly.

Rumors that the Empress was influencing Valkyrie had circulated around the noble tea tables for quite some time.

I wondered about the public opinion of the knightly order.

“Uh, Your Majesty, thank you.”

Then, Sir Chopin approached me with a greeting.

“Ever since the welcome banquet, the talks of disbanding the Royal Guard have quieted down. I suppose it’s because all the nobles saw us moving at your command.”

Sir Chopin indeed knew how to read the atmosphere among the nobles.

The Royal Guard had confronted the saintess under my command. Touching the Royal Guard meant touching the Empress.

To further interpret this… it boils down to this:

Valkyrie has become the sword of the Empress!