“But why did you allow her to stay in the palace? Do you have some other thoughts? Perhaps something from a previous life…?”

Valia shook her head.

“This time, it was really because of her that we overcame a big crisis. It’s not a difficult request. It’s not about asking for something in return; she just wants to stay in the palace for a few days. It’s a story any young lady would dream of.”

“Valia.”

“That’s really all, Khalid.”

She couldn’t tell him that the person who took her place as the empress in her previous life was Erzé. She didn’t want to reveal the painful story of her past to the person she loved. Even the fact that she had been killed by Raul was already enough. She didn’t want to add the detail that someone took Raul away from her.

Perhaps it was just setting up a trivial pride.

But she didn’t want to appear even more pathetic in front of Khalid.

“I mean it.”

“…Sure.”

Having sensed that Valia didn’t want to talk about Erzé, Khalid reluctantly nodded.

“Rest well when you return.”

“Yes. I think I need to.”

However, it was already winter. A cold wind, filled with chill, was blowing.

Considering the upcoming winter, they also needed to check the operation of the clinic, the condition of the firewood storage, and the status of preserved food.

“Moreover, the development of the antidote is delayed…”

There was so much to do, and Valia’s body was the only one to carry the burden.

“Don’t push yourself, Valia.”

As if realizing her thoughts, Khalid gently stroked Valia’s head.

“…I’m not pushing myself.”

“You are. It’s such a clearly visible lie.”

Khalid shook his head and continued seriously.

“You need someone who can share the workload a little. And maybe, it seems that Lady Rachel Caprie is the most suitable candidate.”

Valia sealed her lips.

She had gradually become aware of the fact. It was too much for her to handle alone.

Then, Khalid whispered softly into Valia’s ear.

“Rachel Caprie.”

Surprised by the sudden name, Valia pulled away from Khalid and met his gaze.

“I don’t like her, but she seems to be the most suitable.”

Khalid burst into laughter at Valia’s bewildered expression.

“We’ll talk about the details when we return.”

“What did you say?”

Valia asked in surprise.

“I mean, Viscount Caprie was originally on your side…”
Quietly talking as if testing the waters, when the viscount showed no reaction, Valia thought it might not be the right time yet. However, he had already joined hands with Khalid.

“We’ve decided to move forward, so it wouldn’t be bad to reveal it little by little.”

“Then Rachel knows about it too…”

Did she deliberately approach me?

Valia swallowed the words she couldn’t bring herself to say. She thought of him as a friend, and if there was such an underlying relationship, it would have been a bit painful.

However, Khalid shook his head and said firmly, “No. Only the eldest son of the viscount knows, and no one knows about the relationship between me and the viscount.”

Khalid confidently declared while crossing his legs. It was a somehow overflowing confidence.

Remembering the assumptions she had in mind, Valia asked with a slightly trembling voice, “When did the viscount take your hand?”

“It’s been quite a while. Even before I had my coming-of-age ceremony.”

Khalid answered smoothly.

“Ah…”

It was shocking. How did these constantly hidden things keep coming to light?

Valia realized why the Caprie Viscount had maintained neutrality until the end in her previous life. It was because Khalid, who had supported her, had given up the throne, leaving him with no choice but to remain neutral.

“Why on earth couldn’t you become the emperor?”

Valia asked with a sigh, questioning why. Looking at his revealed abilities now, he wouldn’t have crumbled so miserably against Raul.

“Maybe you didn’t want to become the emperor?”

Valia inquired, and Khalid raised the corner of his mouth slightly.

“Who knows?”

He replied with an attitude that seemed to say he wouldn’t answer.

“What do you mean?”

Valia, already sensitive due to Erzé’s appearance, felt a little hurt by Khalid’s attitude and protested.

In response, Khalid reached out to Valia.

“Come here.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Then, I’ll come to you.”

Khalid came and sat beside Valia. Then, he lowered his head a bit, looking into Valia’s eyes.

“Why that expression?”

“…What expression am I making?”

“An expression like a child who lost candy.”

What’s that!

Valia was annoyed, but thinking that any explanation would only be an excuse, she chose to remain silent.

Seeing Valia like that, Khalid smiled as if finding her cute and then spoke.

“If I hadn’t taken any action during that time…”

After lightly kissing Valia, Khalid continued speaking.

“It might not have been because of you.”

To Valia’s surprise, her face turned red.

Every time he brought up such words so casually, she didn’t know what reaction she should show.

“That, don’t joke about it…”

“It’s not a joke.”

Khalid playfully laughed, hugging Valia with both arms.

“Surely, I didn’t want to be hostile to you. Maybe I used force to take you away from Raul.”

“There’s no way.”

“You never know.”

Khalid’s words were all dreamlike stories, but for some reason, Valia hoped that what he said was true.

If there was even one person in that time who thought of her, who had died so empty, it would have comforted her lonely soul.