After the dinner with the Emperor, a time solely for the family ensued. Wanting to spend more time together, everyone gathered in the reception room of the Second Prince’s palace to enjoy some refreshments.

“Grandfather!”

Clotho rushed towards the High Priest and embraced him.

“Oh, our little one has grown a lot!”

The High Priest, holding Clotho in his arms, smiled kindly and spoke.

“It’s hard to see your original face… Why does it feel like you’re growing every time I see you?”

The situation of exchanging greetings in the Ingot Empire, not the Divine Empire or the Ronika Kingdom, felt amusing. Nevertheless, meeting the family after a long time made Belia’s heart flutter.

Until she came to the Empire, Belia hadn’t dreamed that her and Khalid’s wedding would become such a lively event.

‘It would have been nice if Abamama had come…’

Then, the whole family could have gathered to witness her wedding.

Of course, knowing it was impossible for both the King and Queen of a country to be absent, Belia swallowed her regret.

“Thank you for coming all this way.”

“No, I had to come to my granddaughter’s wedding.”

In her previous life, only Clotho and Herald attended her wedding. That’s why Belia couldn’t understand why her mother and the High Priest, her grandfather, had decided to attend this wedding. However, considering the changes in the situation due to her efforts, she felt excited.

“Will you come to my wedding too?”

Clotho asked cheerfully.

The High Priest responded promptly with a warm smile.

“Of course. I must attend Herald’s wedding and Clotho’s wedding as well.”

His positive answer brightened the faces of both Herald and Clotho.

But it was only for a moment.

The High Priest, playfully narrowing his eyes, teased Clotho.

“But our little one is already at the age to think about marriage. This old man feels a bit sad.”

“Oh. Still, there are a few years left!”

Although it was a joking remark, when Clotho responded with a smile, the High Priest, surprised, stared at his granddaughter.

“Wait! Are you saying you have someone you want to marry?”

Clotho just smiled without answering. Belia shook her head, unable to contain the sight of her younger sister trying to spread rumors about her.

I said I would quietly and modestly live my life!

“Oh. Herald. At this rate, you might lose your second marriage too?”

“Mother…”

As the Queen, watching the scene, threw in a joke, Herald turned his head awkwardly.

After exchanging such trivial daily life and jokes, Belia reserved a separate place for the Queen and the High Priest.

“So, what do you think after inspecting it yourself?”

Belia asked cautiously, placing the tea cups on the table. Since her grandfather, the High Priest, and her mother had come to the Imperial palace, it seemed good to check the atmosphere in advance.

The High Priest quickly caught on to what Belia meant and nodded.

For some reason, his reaction indicated that it might not be good news. Therefore, Belia took a deep breath and prepared herself to hear the story.

“…It’s not good.”

The High Priest nodded after glancing around the reception room.

“Still, it’s a bit better here.”

At his words, the Queen, who was sitting beside him, also made a sign of agreement.

The High Priest, looking concerned, spoke.

“The energy is very dense. Normally, a palace gathers the thoughts of many people. However, this place feels like it has a thicker, darker energy.”

Then, the Queen opened her mouth.

“…The negative energy here is so strong that it stings the skin.”
As if filled with someone’s curse, the Imperial palace resonated with a terrifying grudge, screaming incessantly.

“Belia, are you really okay?”

The Queen’s voice sank.

The Imperial palace, checked upon arrival, was darker than expected. It was entirely different from the bright and lively Ronika Kingdom palace.

“Yes, I’m okay. This is the path I chose.”

Belia answered boldly.

“You allowed it as you wished, but seeing it for myself, I’m even more worried.”

The Queen’s face gradually darkened.

Could Belia withstand it here…

She wanted to believe that she would do well, but she couldn’t help but feel uneasy with her mother’s sentiments.

“Khalid is a good person.”

“…He may seem better than the First Prince, but he is still someone with much blood on his hands.”

Belia, looking at her mother who sighed and spoke, smiled faintly and shook her head.

“I can’t help it. To protect oneself, one must stain their hands with more blood.”

Moreover, he would become the Emperor. Whether he wanted it or not, he would stand over the lives of many, walking a path full of dreadful malice. And Belia had decided to hold his hand and stay with him until the end.

“Leave it to me. I’ll endure it well.”

Belia’s expression was firm.

Seeing the determined face filled with determination, the Queen sighed deeply.

She realized that trying to dissuade her would be futile.

“Why are you so stubborn? You’re just like my father.”

The Queen shook her head in exasperation.

Then, the High Priest, who was nearby, chuckled warmly and spoke.