“I fully understand Queen Eleanor’s concerns and anxieties. That’s why I wanted to give her time.”

To provide the queen with a final moment, Aaron slowly lifted his glass, letting the wine flow into his mouth.

The deep aroma of red wine spread in his mouth.

The previously impatient heart became much calmer, and a subtle smile appeared on his lips.

“But now, let’s bury the past and move forward, shall we?”

Giving the queen time until now wasn’t to seek permission.

It was simply an act of generosity from the victorious conqueror who held great discretion.

But if he continued to wait any longer…

“The peace treaty between the two countries has been signed, and it has received the approval of the council. Dragging it out any longer…”

Aaron faced the queen with an arrogant smile and continued to speak.

“There won’t be any benefits for either of us.”

The Imperial Commander was arrogant and audacious to the end.

The queen, wearing the Empire’s attire, gazed at Aaron, who confidently spoke.

“I fully understand the Viscount’s sentiments. Today, I wish to provide an answer to that.”

To steady her trembling heart, the queen gently raised her hand and clasped the necklace.

“Before that, I have one request.”

Aaron could already guess what the queen was going to say.

Probably something about Crown Prince Alfredo.

Where on earth is this guy hiding to cause so much turmoil among so many people?

Aaron twisted his smile and shook the wine glass slightly.

“Speak anything. I will do my best to help.”

“I heard that the Imperial Army is also searching for Alfredo under the Viscount’s orders.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“Please stop searching for Alfredo.”

At the queen’s request, Aaron’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

Of course, he thought she would ask to find Alfredo, to ensure his safety and secure his position.

Aaron naturally intended to fulfill the queen’s request.

But not searching for him?

“May I ask for the reason?”

To grasp the queen’s intention, Aaron scrutinized sharply.

Has Iorenti already secured the prince’s safety?

Or have they managed to divert him elsewhere?

Suspicion rose slowly, and Aaron’s senses tingled despite his fierce aura.

Despite Aaron’s intense energy, the queen responded calmly without a hint of hesitation.

“Alfredo is a sensitive and delicate child. He gets anxious with small stimuli and reacts sensitively.”

Despite Alfredo not being so young, the queen referred to him as a child.

Not as the queen of a nation but as a mother, her feelings quietly echoed through the hall.

“It seemed like this recent war was an unbearable burden for the Crown Prince.”

The queen’s anxious gaze directed towards Aaron’s hand, holding the wine glass, which reflected light as it shook.
“The previous king succumbed in the war against Perve, and the current king, in the battle against Kirence, suffered a leg injury. Perhaps he felt responsible as the Crown Prince of Iorenti.”

Alfredo usually remained submerged in deep contemplation, refraining from recklessly stepping forward. When the urgent situation befell Iorenti, everyone found it strange that the Crown Prince took action.

“He probably couldn’t bear the pressure and rashly joined the war.”

Even his appearance on the battlefield was considered natural by everyone. As a member of the Iorenti royal family, it was only natural for him to fight for Iorenti.

“However, leading an army in the war was not suitable for the Crown Prince, and he ended up with an irreparable disgrace. It must have been a significant wound for the Crown Prince himself.”

As the queen talked about Alfredo’s failure to the Imperial Commander who brought failure, her heart pounded fiercely. The complex emotions of bringing in a once-enemy as a son-in-law spread through her body like red wine through veins.

“I don’t want to burden that child with the responsibility of being the Crown Prince anymore.”

The wine glass, shaking in Aaron’s fingertips, came to a sudden halt. Not wanting to burden the Crown Prince as the Crown Prince?

Numerous meanings hidden within the statement flashed through Aaron’s mind. Aaron’s gaze involuntarily shifted to Delia.

“So, please don’t search for him until he returns by himself.”

Delia, too, widened her eyes towards her mother. Not searching for the Crown Prince, her older brother.

It was a more ominous statement than saying she would personally go out to find him. To stop her mother, Delia opened her mouth.

“Mother, that’s…”

But soon, her mouth was forcibly shut by the strong force conveyed through her hand. Aaron’s hand covered Delia’s, pressing firmly.

Delia raised her trembling eyelids to look at Aaron. Aaron’s gaze was already directed away from Delia towards the queen. All Delia could see was a sturdy jawline and an arrogant nose.

After being locked in thought for a moment, Aaron’s lips, which had been tightly sealed, slowly opened.

“I understand. I will respect the queen’s will.”