“The alliance of nobles in the central, eastern, and southern regions is the main support for Raul, but it’s not composed of the major aristocrats but rather an alliance of minor nobles. If we were to represent them, it would only be Duke Canterbury from the central region.”

“The Emperor won’t be able to push it through easily if the leaders of the western and northern regions oppose. Moreover, Duke Caprie has completely turned to our side.”

Though Duke Caprie had been Khaled’s man from the beginning, in people’s eyes, he would now appear to have joined forces with the Second Prince through this disappearance incident.

“We have a slightly advantageous situation.”

“So, the Emperor must be feeling impatient.”

In terms of legitimacy, Raul couldn’t beat Khaled.

The support base was subtly in favor of Khaled, making it not easy for Raul to become the Crown Prince.

Moreover, the Empress, who had secretly hoped for Khaled’s death, was still alive. That was an unexpected event in the Emperor’s plan.

So, the Emperor didn’t hastily initiate a search when Khaled went missing; he actually hoped for Khaled’s death.

“Still, don’t let your guard down.”

“If Raul has regained his memory, he will surely come up with some scheme.”

Belia nodded.

“You also know that you have joined forces with Duke Erinton.”

“Now, it’s time for a direct confrontation. And we have thoroughly prepared during this time.”

Smiling villainously and relaxed, Khaled continued speaking.

“True, but we will win.”

However, her expression was no different from his.

⭐⭐⭐

The Emperor looked extremely irritated.

Instead of being pleased that his son had returned safely, he wore an openly displeased expression.

Of course, the fact didn’t have much impact on Khaled, but it was just a bit amusing.

“It’s fortunate that you’re unharmed.”

“Thanks to Your Majesty’s concern.”

“Now, explain what happened.”

It was a formal conversation.

Khaled calmly recounted the events of that day.

There was no way to prove that Raul had schemed something. The heavy rain suddenly poured, causing a landslide, and unfortunately, they happened to be passing by that place at the wrong time.

The extraordinary event of the disappearance of the Crown Prince was concluded like that.

“Khaled. It’s been a while.”

“…Is today an unlucky day?”
After reporting to the Emperor and leaving the imperial meeting room, Khalid was waiting for Raul. Khalid had teased him, pretending to eavesdrop, but Raul approached with a bright smile. His expression was unreadable, and Khalid raised one corner of his mouth, asking, “It’s been a while. It’s not like you came to see your brother because you’re delighted about his return, right…?”

Raul, who had been informed by Belia that he was gradually recovering his memories from before reincarnation, came smiling towards him. Khalid wondered how far he had recalled. If he remembered until the moment of facing death, he wouldn’t be smiling at him like this.

Khalid’s eyes twinkled with a hint of joy.

“By the way, why is the newlywed groom from yesterday lingering around here? Even if it’s a strategic marriage, it’s still strange. The Empress seems pitiful.”

Raul was unaware that Khalid had regained all his memories from before reincarnation. Surely, he thought that remembering his previous life put him in a superior position. Therefore, there was no need to reveal his hand now.

“It’s not your concern about our couple’s affairs.”

“Oh, a couple. The person saying that was pulling all sorts of tricks on Belia while I wasn’t around.”

“Did Belia say that?”

Khalid furrowed his brow slightly at the mention of Belia’s name.

“Even if that’s the case, let’s maintain some courtesy. Don’t just casually call her by name like that.”

“I took care of Belia while you were missing. I protected her when she could have been cast away from the imperial palace. How we are related… You wouldn’t want to know.”

Raul continued his relaxed talk, but Khalid noticed. He was highly anxious about Khalid’s return.

“Stop.”

With a raised corner of his mouth, Khalid interrupted Raul.

“I may have mentioned it jokingly, but don’t concern yourself with my woman. You seem overly fussy.”

⭐⭐⭐

After Khalid’s return, the Emperor, perhaps feeling impatience, quickly moved to proceed with the Crown Prince appointment. In order to create a more advantageous situation for Raul, the Emperor granted many favors to the beloved First Prince, who had been saved by him. Moreover, he pressured those who hadn’t clearly stated their stance to support the First Prince.

As the Emperor actively intervened, public opinion about the Crown Prince appointment became increasingly heated, and the imperial palace became a place of turmoil.

In the midst of this chaos, it was revealed that the Duke Cantareef, who represented the faction supporting the First Prince, was involved in corruption, embezzling property secretly and secretly training soldiers.

“Summon Duke Cantareef immediately!”

The Emperor’s rage, betrayed by someone he trusted, pierced the sky as the properties clandestinely taken away by the Duke and the soldiers he had been secretly nurturing were exposed.

In such a tumultuous place, Belia was leisurely strolling through the garden alone.

The sky was blue, the wind was gentle, and it felt strangely refreshing.

“Today, the weather is really nice.”

Belia smiled brightly.