The volunteer work of the healers served the dual purpose of giving the idle healers work and building a reputation for Khalid and Valia.

However, there was another hidden purpose, to observe the lives of the citizens of the empire.

Who were the truly impoverished, and what was their life like?

While it might be difficult to fully understand, it was necessary to investigate to some extent, as there might be those who exploit Valia’s charity work.

“At least the people who interacted with the healers won’t tell outright lies.”

In any case, the volunteer activities of the healers brought various benefits to Valia.

“Noble sponsorship has also increased.”

Since the bazaar, nobles had begun to show a lot of interest in charity work.

“Ugh!”

Valia stretched her arms out and yawned.

If she went back to the palace now, she would have to start preparing for the wedding.

Sending invitations, booking a venue, fitting the dress… There was much more to do than she had thought.

Since she couldn’t ask for help from the empress, everything had to be done by Valia herself. But it wasn’t something she could entrust to the empress either.

“First, compile the list of people to send invitations to…”

Since many guests were coming from other countries, she had to send invitations in advance to convey the exact date. That way, they could plan their trip to the empire.

“Hmm…”

Even though she was dealing with accumulated tasks every day, it felt like nothing was ever finished.

Next year’s plans also needed to be made.

Preparations for after the wedding… “We’ve arrived.”

Already?

Valia was surprised and, raising the curtain hanging on the window, she peeked outside. They had indeed arrived at the palace.

Lost in thought, time had passed in the blink of an eye.

The carriage door opened, and as she descended slowly, someone was waiting for Valia with a courteous attitude. It was someone she knew.

“…What’s going on?”

The chief eunuch who personally escorted the emperor.

He was waiting for Valia.

“…Why is the emperor asking for the princess to be brought to him?”

Suddenly, feeling suspicious, Valia followed the chief eunuch to the emperor’s office.

The chief eunuch, noticing Valia’s frozen expression, smiled and said, “Don’t worry too much. It seems His Majesty wants to receive a report on the charity work and bazaar you recently conducted.”

“Is that so?”

“He seemed very pleased.”

Hmm.

Seeing him bring up something she hadn’t asked, it seemed clear that the emperor had summoned her with good intentions.

Valia cautiously tried to anticipate the emperor’s intentions.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a good thing for me… What’s the hidden agenda?”

Raoul’s reputation declined, while Khalid’s status rose.

Certainly, from the emperor’s perspective, it must have been an unsettling situation.

Moreover, calling Valia today was unexpected, and it wasn’t related to attending an official function with Khalid.

“Charitable work and bazaars are just excuses.”

There must be something more.

Valia had to speak with the emperor separately.

Finally, she arrived at the emperor’s office.

Between the slowly opening doors, the luxurious interior came into view.

There, the emperor, arrogantly seated, glanced at Valia as she entered the office.

“Oh! Princess Valia!”

“I greet Your Majesty.”

“Hahaha! Stop with such formal greetings. You’re going to be my son-in-law’s wife, aren’t you?”

It was clear.

The emperor wanted something from Valia.

“It’s an honor to be treated so graciously.”

As Valia made a humble remark, the emperor happily offered her a seat.

“I’ve heard that you’ve done a lot of good things in the empire recently.”

“It’s an exaggeration.”

“No, no. The praise for the princess among the imperial citizens is quite substantial.”

The emperor’s compliments became increasingly excessive.

“At first, I heard the story that both my sons sent marriage proposals to the princess, and I was a bit misunderstood. However, it seems like a blessed event that the princess came to the empire willingly.”

The emperor’s praise grew more exaggerated.

“Hahaha. With so many good deeds like this, I must have been upset that I didn’t help you. Right?”

“No. I’m well aware that I can live comfortably in the empire thanks to Your Majesty’s consideration.”

“Haha! Truly. It suits my taste.”

The emperor burst into laughter.

“Do you happen to have any wishes? I’ll grant you anything.”

Valia remained silent for a moment.

During that brief time, countless possibilities crossed Valia’s mind.

Is it okay to receive this favor now? Or, what if I decline? What hidden meaning is behind this offer?

“Don’t hesitate to decline. It’s not common for me to offer something like this. So, don’t regret it later and tell me what you want.”

Knowing that it was an uncommon occurrence, Valia approached the matter more cautiously.

However, she couldn’t drag it out for too long.

Valia quickly organized her thoughts.

“Well, shamelessly, may I make one request, Your Majesty?”

“Haha. Anything.”

The emperor had an expectant expression, wondering what request Valia would make.

Regardless, this was an opportunity.

So, Valia had no intention of missing the opportunity.

“Even if it doesn’t suit Your Majesty, please dismiss it as idle talk.”

“Are you perhaps going to make a bold request, like asking for the emperor’s position for Khalid?”

Though the emperor asked with a laugh, there was a bone in his words.

Valia raised her head and met the emperor’s gaze.

Then, she brought out what she wanted.

“Please appoint Second Prince Khalid as the Commander of the Imperial Guard.”

After Valia’s words, there was a moment of silence from the emperor.

It wasn’t such a significant position to outright reject. However, it was a bit irritating to casually hand it over to Khalid.

If she had asked for a more substantial position, he might have tried to persuade her with something else.

“I presume Your Majesty didn’t intend this, but unfortunately, Second Prince Khalid has been somewhat excluded from the affairs of the imperial family, even though he is the Second Prince.”

In the emperor’s silence, Valia slowly continued.

“…I have come to the empire solely with the intention of embracing Second Prince Khalid. However, Your Majesty, it seems that he has had little involvement in the imperial affairs despite being an imperial prince.”

“Hmm.”
On the surface, it might seem like a complaining attitude, saying that it’s difficult to believe and live in such a lonely foreign country, but in reality, Valia was mocking the emperor, who hadn’t given any tasks to Khalid.

However, Valia smiled brightly and said, “Am I not working for the empire? So, please allow Prince Khalid, who will be my future husband, to contribute in some way.”

A bright smile spread across Valia’s face.