“Given that the garden is associated with the mythology of Eorenti, it seems difficult for me to proceed alone.”

“I see.”

The queen nodded as if she understood Aaron’s calm explanation.

As if understanding everything about Aaron, kindly, gracefully.

But Aaron knew.

Behind that frail expression, a stubbornness tougher than a steel wire was hidden.

Aaron clenched his fist tightly.

“So, we need someone to explain the founding myth of Eorenti…”

Delia, who had been reading a book, slowly raised her head and twinkled her eyes.

“Oh dear, it’s natural for the commander of the empire not to know about the founding myth of Eorenti.”

“Yes. I don’t know at all. Hence, I’ve encountered a major obstacle in repairing Voleli Garden.”

“What should we do? Someone should explain to the commander to help him.”

“Who should I ask for an explanation?”

“Mother. May I introduce Voleli Garden to the commander? I could also tell him about the founding myth of Eorenti.”

As if planned in advance, the conversation between Aaron and Delia fell perfectly into place.

Their backandforth was abruptly cut short by the queen’s firm refusal.

“There is no need.”

The queen’s heart seemed hard to soften.

With a rigid expression, Aaron closed his mouth, and Delia, with a disappointed look, lowered her head to look at her book.

The queen, who had been silently watching the two of them, slowly opened her mouth.

“You can leave Voleli Garden as it is.”

“But the trees are old and entangled complicatedly, and there are many parts that are not organized.”

“That’s the beauty of Voleli Garden.”

“Wouldn’t it be more pleasant to look at if we remove the old trees and plant new garden trees on this occasion?”

“Fortunately, the ‘Imperial Army’ has not stepped into that place, and it retains its original appearance. Although I appreciate the thought, there is no need for you to go through unnecessary trouble.”

Aaron secretly sighed at the sight of the queen stubbornly refusing even though he was willing to help.

It seemed like the princess extraction operation failed again today.

The queen stared at Aaron silently for a moment, then quietly expressed her opinion.

“You can leave Voleli Garden as it is. But as for the garden to be established in the main palace…”

The expressions of Aaron, who had been forcing a smile, and Delia, who had been pretending to read a book, hardened simultaneously.

Here we go again.

The majestic and solemn garden renovation plan of the royal castle.

The queen’s endless explanation was about to begin.

“Mother!!”

Ignoring propriety, Delia interrupted the queen’s speech.

“What is it?”

With a smooth motion, Delia closed the thick etiquette book and placed it on the table.

“I’ve been indoors for so long that I’m feeling claustrophobic. I’ll go outside for a little walk.”

The queen looked at Aaron for a moment and then nodded.

“Alright, go ahead.”

The queen had kept Delia well hidden to protect her daughter from the enemy commander.

Ironically, her guard was lowered when Aaron was in front of her.

With the commander captured by the queen at this moment.

This was a golden opportunity for Delia to break free from her mother’s grasp.

It would be better to go with the commander, but if that’s not possible, she had to escape by herself.

Delia, who stood up from her seat with a graceful, flowing movement, flashed a bright smile at Aaron.

“Then you two continue your comfortable conversation. I will step out.”

After bowing to the queen and Aaron, Delia turned towards the door.

“If you have no intention of repairing Voleli Garden, then I shall also…”

As he looked at Delia’s retreating figure, Aaron began to rise as well.

But the queen’s grave voice halted them.

“Commander Aaron Bergen.”

“Yes, Queen Eleanor.”

“I have something to say about the statue to be erected in the royal garden.”

“Please tell me.”

“The marble to be used for the statue would be from the Valeda region rather than Mount Reyna….”

Aaron looked at the queen’s serious face as she continued her explanation.

He straightened his posture and let out a deep sigh.

It seemed like it would take a considerable amount of time for the queen to approve the marriage.

Desperate, Aaron looked at the door of the reception room, his ashen eyes full of resentment.

Delia, who was holding the doorknob, was looking at Aaron.

As their eyes met, Delia grinned and greeted him in lip language.

“Hello, Commander.”

Delia, ignoring Aaron’s distorted face, stepped out of the gap in the door with featherlike steps.

The wind that slipped between the open doors carried Delia’s scent to Aaron.

Taking a deep breath, Aaron clenched his fist.

“Damn princess.”

“Leaving me behind and running away alone.”

“Someday, I’ll wipe you out without leaving a trace.”

In a space peaceful enough to see the floating fine dust, the queen’s lullabylike voice resonated quietly.

It had already been an hour since he heard the argument, masquerading as a discussion about the restoration plan for the garden.

By now, he could guess what the queen’s intentions were.

Revenge for the taken Eorenti, or torturing Aaron who had stolen her daughter.

Perhaps it was both.

“That’s a good idea. I will actively reflect Queen Eleanor’s wisdom.”

Aaron managed to pull up his trembling lips and smile.

Aaron, who answered the queen’s opinion soullessly, looked at Delia’s place where only light remained.

Delia also seemed to have a hard time enduring the queen’s verbose explanation, as she had left Aaron and left.

He came to see her, but she was gone.

He reassured himself that it was enough if she was in the castle, but he couldn’t help being on edge.

“Please let me know if there’s anything you want at any time.”

Aaron stared at the queen with his deep ashen eyes.

A person he couldn’t suppress with power like the king, nor could he tempt like Delia.

To Aaron, the queen was quite a difficult opponent.

However…