Valia observed the emperor’s expression. It wasn’t particularly favorable. However, Valia didn’t stop.

“It’s too wasteful for the name of the Second Prince to be just playing around with small matters like this.”

In addition, she subtly warned that Khalid, besides being the prince of the empire, would also be marrying Valia, the first princess of the Ronika Kingdom.

“Hmm. It would have been nice if the princess had married the First Prince.”

The emperor, who had been silent for a while, touched his chin and spoke. His gaze was much sharper than before. However, even if she were to be suspicious here, it was more beneficial to accept it.

Valia didn’t avoid the emperor’s gaze.

“Haha. Well, the princess came all the way here, trusting only Khalid. It must have been worrying. But why the head of the guards? Wouldn’t it be better to ask for land or a mine instead?”

The emperor asked.

Then, Valia, with an even brighter smile, responded as if she didn’t know anything.

“Oh my. Land or a mine might be more burdensome, so I made a light request… Would it have been better that way?”

“Then do you have any desired land?”

“If possible, it would be nice if it were close to the Ronika Kingdom, so that my parents could visit often.”

It sounded like a joke.

The emperor also responded in a joking manner.

However, within those words, there were sharp, hidden meanings.

“There is no vacant land in the west. What about the east?”

“The east is the opposite of the Ronika Kingdom, so it would be better for Prince Khalid to stay in the capital as the head of the guards. We don’t really need a mine since we already have a gold mine.”

Valia said with a thoughtful expression.

So, she was asking for the position of the head of the guards.

“I see. Still, having the prince in charge of the guards doesn’t look good. So, I’ll grant the authority to command the guards.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Valia, who achieved what she wanted, smiled brightly and gave her thanks. Then, the emperor, rubbing his chin with his finger, asked.

“Hmm. What do you plan to do with just the guards, not a knight order?”

The emperor seemed quite curious.

But Valia just smiled without doing anything.

Being the head of the guards might seem like an insignificant position, but for Valia, who knew the future, it was an extremely important position.

Demanding a higher position was still premature.

Moreover, a position like a guard might be the most necessary after the emperor’s death to secure the capital.

“…The emperor can’t even imagine it.”

The fact that he would die soon.

Of course, hiding such thoughts, Valia opened her mouth towards the emperor, who was staring at her intently.

“Prince Khalid doesn’t have much experience in practical matters. So, taking on a burdensome position might be more of a hindrance.”

“Haha. Is that so?”

The emperor doubted Valia.

But since there was nothing clear to doubt openly, it seemed strange.

With a face that seemed to show goodwill, the emperor asked again.

“Then, is there nothing the princess wants?”

Valia pondered for a moment at the sudden question and then, smiling brightly, she brought out what she wanted the most at this moment.

“I…”

Valia’s expression leaving the emperor’s office was bright.

Finally, she could stand on the same level as Raul.

Compared to Raul, she might seem infinitely inferior, but it was a much better choice than receiving land or a mine.

However.

‘…The Shantan Strait opening like this…’

As Valia had feared, in the empire, they demanded the Ronika Kingdom to open the Shantan Strait, just as she worried.

Of course, it wasn’t an official demand. It was merely a request to put a little influence into the Ronika Kingdom.
However, Valia, having carefully observed the consequences of the Shantan Strait opening in her previous life, felt her heart sink endlessly when she heard the story.

‘I said it in a roundabout way, but Ronika has no intention of opening the Shantan Strait.’

Valia said she would convey the message to the Emperor, but since she was just a princess, she couldn’t guarantee an answer.

The Emperor seemed disappointed, but that wasn’t important to Valia.

‘…The purpose of calling me today was the Shantan Strait.’

After coaxing gently to give what he wanted earlier, he was now urging the opening of the Shantan Strait.

The more Valia thought about it, the more shocked she became, and she stopped for a moment and let out a bitter laugh.

Then she tried to move again.

“Princess Valia.”

Today must be an unlucky day.

Of all places, she had to run into Raul here.

Valia didn’t feel like it, but she reluctantly turned towards the direction where the voice came from.

“Lord Raul.”

“It’s been a long time.”

“…What’s going on here?”

Valia’s voice was filled with confusion.

Beside Raul, who greeted her warmly, someone familiar with a face full of memories wandered around continuously.

“Why is Viscountess Kinetra with you?”

Feeling Valia’s gaze, Erzhe blushed and greeted Valia.

“Princess Valia! I’m really happy to see you again!”