The story spread like a plausible romance of the century, connecting Arthur’s return to Julius with holding Christina in his arms, her secret visits with the noble families, and her strict adherence to prayer without any social interaction for five years.

Thanks to Arthur’s high popularity, the public sentiment towards Christina Julius was also rising.
The residents of Julius Territory were proud and excited, anticipating that their Arthur would be the protagonist of the enthronement ceremony and would subsequently produce the queen of the debutante ball.

【Lady Christina, “Using Personal Funds” to Console Families of Fallen Warriors】

【Lady Christina Personally Opens the Safe to Deliver a Large Sum to Bereaved Families Rejecting Survivor Pension】

“…….”

Kay read an article about ‘Lady Christina’ using her own money to take care of the families of fallen warriors.

There was an issue where Julius did not provide condolence money.

The person involved had been denied because they did not meet the criteria for survivor pension payment.

It was because death during the battle was not definitively confirmed, and suspicion of death or suicide after desertion was possible.

“…….”

Lady Christina started spending money.

In the direction of brilliantly managing Arthur.

In addition, reports continued that Lady Christina still came to Arthur and waited for an hour every day.

At first, it was thought that she might have some grievances.

Gradually, her intentions became clear.

She was quietly ‘fulfilling her duty.’

Unlike the marquis who tried to question Arthur and did not admit his mistakes, she was admitting her mistakes, trying to make amends, and apologizing.

“…….”

Does the marquis not notice this?

He had no choice but to turn it around on the marquis, saying it was his father’s orders, and he felt an implication that he would come under Arthur’s authority, holding both real power and legitimacy.

Even if the ‘fake marriage case’ was revealed, she could survive without the marquis.

It seemed more like a signal that she was willing to abandon the marquis and lean toward Arthur’s side, rather than a challenge or attack against Arthur.

At the same time,

‘After all that I’ve done, won’t you forgive me?’

A polite question and waiting were felt.

“…….”

Is she really considering exposing this matter?

As Arthur, there was no reason to interfere.

Under the imperial guarantee, Arthur was a joint ruler with the marquis of the ‘Julius’ family.

If the marquis disappeared, leaving only Christina, Arthur could have the legitimacy and complete control of the ‘Julius’ family in his hands.

But that was an ideal case.

In reality, Arthur, whose ‘foundation’ was not solid, was at a disadvantage in such a fight.

Although the imperial family was a powerful supporter, if the empress sought revenge against Julius by portraying it as a just anger,

Arthur, who had no backing to protect him, would suffer significant damage.

The Julius family would lose the ‘pre- and post-position,’

And Christina would also face an unavoidable blow.

In the end, it was highly likely that he would be carving into his own flesh.

So, this was just Christina Julius’s ‘openness.’

A proposal to be with you.

A proposal asking for forgiveness, as it would be helpful for you.

“……. ”

Setting aside whether to trust her or not.
As long as Christina Julius behaves like that,

It was not advisable to give an excuse that Arthur von Kay, who is doing his best to apologize and fulfill his duties by constantly begging for forgiveness, is being insulted in front of the knights.

Christina Julius’s way of spending money was making her beloved by the common people.

Christina Julius was starting to gain support from the people not only as Arthur’s wife but also independently through her own actions.

Now, the most powerful support Arthur could trust was the people.

If Arthur lost the ‘image’ of a just hero,

Christina was building a legitimate reason,

And Arthur couldn’t betray that trust.

Kay often called Lionel, as he used to, to check Christina Julius’s movements.

Whether there was anything problematic.

She always greeted him with the same words, and after Arthur declined to meet.

After waiting for a full hour as always,

She would leave after leaving a message that she had waited.

Kay nodded briefly.

With an implication not to give her an excuse,

He asked Lionel to treat Christina more politely and to be careful not to put her in a difficult or embarrassing situation.

Lionel listened quietly and responded with an understanding.

Tick, tock. Tick, tock.

On that day, Christina, who came as usual, asked Lionel the same question.

“I’ve come to see Sir Arthur. Is he here?”

“He’s not here.”

The same answer came back.

A social refusal of nobles who both knew she was inside.

As always, Christina laughed casually.

“Then I’ll wait.”

Turning around, Christina went to her usual waiting spot.

And there, she discovered a humble chair that someone had brought, which was placed next to the chair where Christina always waited.

“……. ”

Next to the usual spot where Christina waited for Arthur, there was a small wooden stool, a humble item used by maids when they couldn’t reach high places with their hands.

It might have been something she wouldn’t have paid attention to on a regular day.

But now, wearing always seemingly new shoes and walking confidently with a click-clack, Christina’s heel showed several uncomfortable-looking wounds.

“……. ”

She stood by the chair without sitting.

And that day, Christina stood by the chair for two hours before leaving.

Just before leaving,

Click. She opened the pocket watch to check the time.

Wearing the usual perfect smile, just like always.

“Please tell him that I waited.”

Leaving a greeting with lowered golden eyelashes, she went back.