Belia gazed blankly out the window, lost in thought. The information she had heard about Raul yesterday kept bothering her. No matter how she thought about it, things were progressing much faster than expected compared to her previous life.

‘It wouldn’t have been easy to gather the eastern nobles.’

She had memories of struggling to unite the eastern nobles in her past life. Unlike the northern nobles who were tightly knit, the eastern nobles were all divided without any common ground to bring them together.

But how did Raul manage to…

“Ah…”

Belia let out a deep sigh.

At that moment, a knock on the door was followed by it gently opening. Through the crack, Clozette peeked in.

“Sister?”

Afterwards, Herald cleared his throat discreetly.

Belia’s expression, unknowingly stiffened, relaxed as she looked at them.

“Come in.”

Today was a rare occasion for the siblings to spend time together. Although Belia felt a bit bittersweet seeing her younger brother after hearing Derick’s feelings about Clozette last night, she welcomed them with a bright smile, concealing those emotions deep within.

“Your face looks quite tired.”

Yesterday, Herald couldn’t engage in a deep conversation with Belia as soon as he arrived due to discussions with the Emperor. When Belia went to greet him, she probably wasn’t in the right state of mind to observe him closely. Now, after a good night’s sleep, Herald could take a closer look at Belia.

“Does being the Second Prince give you such a hard time?”

“No, Uncle. I’m really doing well.”

“But why do you look so tired? I even explicitly told you in my letter to eat well…”

As Herald was about to start his lecture veiled as advice, Belia quickly led them to the prepared seats.

“I arranged the seats closer to the window because the weather is nice. The window is closed, so it shouldn’t be too cold, but if it is, please let me know.”

Concerned about her brother and sister catching a cold, Belia spoke with a tone that suggested worry about their well-being.

However, Clozette sat gracefully in her place, dismissing Belia’s concern with a face that said, “What’s the big deal?”

“Spring is definitely here. Sit down. Both Sister and Uncle.”

Behaving as if she were the hostess, her younger sister’s actions seemed quite comfortable, prompting Belia to release a wry smile.

Soon, servants brought the prepared dishes to each seat. After ensuring that everything was set, they discreetly left, providing the family with a private moment.

Belia, her sister, and her uncle began to share a meal. She inquired about their well-being and engaged in small talk. However, when recent developments in the continental situation were brought up, Herald cautiously asked.

“Is the Emperor treating you well?”

“Well, it’s just… even though it’s a formal relationship, he doesn’t harm me as long as he has something he wants from me.”

As long as the Emperor had something to gain from her, he would never act against Belia.

“Really? That’s fortunate.”

Belia read the concern in her elder brother’s expression. It was clear something was bothering him.

“Does the Emperor continue to demand the Shantan Accord?”

At that question, Herald sighed and nodded.

Belia had expected this. Since the time she was subtly told to convey the information about the conversation with the Ronica Kingdom, the Emperor had persistently demanded the opening of the Shantan Accord.

Putting her fork down, Belia asked with a serious expression.

“What are the conditions?”
“After refusing several times, he gradually presents better conditions. So, it becomes even more suspicious. Isn’t it strange to demand the opening of the Shantan Accord while offering favorable conditions for us in the process? If there’s no other motive, it’s inevitable to protect our interests in the transactions between nations.”

Belia nodded.

“That’s right. So, we shouldn’t accept it until the end.”

However, Herald’s expression darkened gradually.

“But, Belia. If we keep resisting, the Emperor might take drastic measures against you. You might have to live here for the rest of your life, and I can’t let you suffer because of us.”

His concern for the family was warm. However, the calamity he worried about had already been experienced in her previous life due to the opening of the Shantan Accord.

The Emperor and Raul, who had already gained everything from Belia, no longer esteemed her. Since they had decided to wage a conquering war, the princess of the Ronica Kingdom had become dispensable.

“I’m okay. But Brother is the Crown Prince carrying the burden of Ronica’s people. He must prioritize the country, no matter what.”

“I know. But even if we say we’re happy using your misfortune as a stepping stone, what good will it do?”

“No. I’d rather endure to avoid making myself unhappy, Brother. If we give in easily, they will surely look down on Ronica. At least, enduring for a few more years should be enough.”

She knew it wasn’t as easy as it sounded.

But she had to endure until the end of this winter, no matter what.