Even the actions that he used to pretend had disappeared entirely now.

“I should have come to the capital more often; every moment makes me regret it.”

He lived thinking that someday, over the 20 years, he would return everything to the Emperor.

Then, suddenly realizing that making Khalid, his daughter’s child, the Emperor would be the greatest revenge he could take.

“I can’t believe it.”

Belia scoffed.

“If you had such reasoning, you wouldn’t have abandoned the Empress in the first place.”

Duke Tessa closed his eyes and fell into silence for a moment after Belia’s words.

Then, he raised his head, and his gaze at Belia became much firmer.

“…What do you want from me?”

Belia smiled slightly and opened her mouth.

“Actually, I have a request for the Duke today.”

And Khalid continued.

“I hope to cooperate with Duke Arlington to establish a defense line towards the palace.”

If that was done, when the situation came to push troops into the palace, there would be a stronghold to support from behind.

Of course, they had to move little by little to avoid being noticed by the first prince. However, this was a necessary task for the future.

“The soldiers moving will surely catch their attention.”

Duke Tessa shook his head. It was difficult to move conspicuously. They needed a pretext. Hearing that, Duke Tessa looked out of the window with a wry smile.

“By the way, have you heard about the clinic I built last year, Your Grace?”

“Come to think of it, I heard stories about clinics being built, mainly in the northeast.”

“Yes, that’s correct. We continue medical services there, and we also store supplies to prepare for winter.”

As the region was expecting heavy snow and cold weather, they prioritized building a clinic there. So far, clinics hadn’t been built extensively in the west.
Prioritizing the regions expecting heavy snow and cold, clinics have been primarily established there, so there are hardly any clinics built in the west yet.

The currently built clinics have received an overwhelmingly positive response among the Imperial citizens, and in areas where clinics haven’t been built, people hope for clinics to be established in their hometowns too.

Therefore, constructing additional clinics in the west with the support of Duke Tessa is by no means a suspicious move.

Moreover, under the pretext of supporting construction, it is possible to secretly relocate the soldiers of the Ducal Order, and the underground storage of the clinic can be used to store materials such as medical equipment secretly. So, they couldn’t miss this golden opportunity.

“If there is sponsorship from the Duke, I would be very pleased. The timing is…”

The sooner, the better.

Belia smiled.

“We need to think a little more creatively to avoid suspicion, but the idea doesn’t seem bad.”

Duke Tessa nodded in agreement.

Then, while looking intently at Belia, he asked a question.

“Is that all you expect from me?”

In response to his question, Belia couldn’t easily open her mouth.

What she wanted from Duke Tessa…

In fact, it wasn’t anything grand. Just…

“…Whatever happens, don’t betray Khalid until the end.”

That was all she wanted.

The atmosphere of the feast was gradually rising.

After sending Duke Tessa away, Belia and Khalid leaned against the railing on the second floor and looked at the banquet hall together. Everyone’s expressions were bright.

Raul and Elin had disappeared a long time ago, and most of the nobles on the side of the First Prince were absent.

So, the ones left now were those maintaining neutrality and those who favored Belia. It was all expected.

“How is it?”

“It’s daunting to think of making them all on my side.”

Khalid made a grumbling sound.

In response, Belia chuckled and took a sip of champagne.

“You’re making a sound that doesn’t suit you, Khalid.”

“Is that so?”

Khalid’s mouth lifted slightly.

Sweet music filled the air along with the laughter of the people. Khalid briefly recalled whether such a warm atmosphere continued at events where he was the protagonist.

…It had never happened even once.

Originally, there were hardly any parties where Khalid was the main character, but even if there were, most people approached to gain Raul’s favor.

‘Has everything changed just because Belia is by my side?’

It had been a constant feeling, but confirming it visually made it even more profound.

“Want to make a bet?”

Khalid opened his mouth towards Belia.

“What kind of bet?”

Looking puzzled, Belia gazed at Khalid for a moment before turning her gaze back to the people.

“How long do you think it will take for them to be on our side?”

His expression was somewhat villainous.

Approaching Belia, Khalid used a playful tone.

“I’m sure I’ll win, right?”

“Indeed?”

They looked at each other with a sly, thick smile.

Their expressions were somewhat alike.

Khalid put down the glass he was holding on the nearby table and, with his free hand, grabbed Belia’s waist, drawing her closer with a playful expression.

“Uh?”

Then, looking at the surprised Belia, he joyfully brought her closer with a mischievous expression.

“More importantly, Belia.”

His voice subtly echoed in her ear.

“Tonight is our first night together.”