Then, there would have been an expectation that the divorce with me in the future, the Emperor’s remarriage, could proceed more smoothly.

The face of Prince Tesla, who received this news from Archduke Martins and was probably glad about it, came to mind.

“The Shato’Neil royal family respects the will of the Emperor and the opposition of the Laphion Empire the most.”

“Is that so? But isn’t that a bit disappointing from the Empress’s point of view?”

Rinel’s sharp gaze was on Archduke Martins.

“Ah, haha. Of course, the kingdom is most concerned about the safety of Her Majesty the Empress.”

Only then did Archduke Martins awkwardly reply with a smile.

“I believe that the opposition has already stepped back as your national spirit.”

“Boldly so.”

“So if Your Majesty intentionally postpones the harem issue, they may resent the Empress for their unstable position. I am worried about that part.”

Ah? Archduke Martins is very worried about me.

However, the Archduke’s words sounded quite plausible.

“Hmm, I’m also most worried about that part. So is the Archduke’s opinion to accept the harem in order to protect the Empress?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. The sooner, the better…”

At this point, I couldn’t help but stare at Archduke Martins.

“Since your relationship seems much more solid than I thought, wouldn’t it be okay as long as Your Majesty does not waver even if you accept the harem?”

The Archduke said, glancing at Rinel while simultaneously checking my reaction.

He spoke as smoothly as pulling out spaghetti noodles.

The Archduke, who was persuading the Emperor to bring in the harem to prevent the opposition from resenting me, looked really hypocritical.

But his opinion would be Prince Tesla’s opinion.

Ignoring my position and emotions, the Archduke’s words were not wrong.

The key was, accepting the harem sooner would reduce the opposition’s resistance when Princess Resilia remarries as an Empress in the future.

In other words, it was a strategy of one step back for a leap forward.

“The opposition wants you to hold a ceremony with the harem ten days later.”

That soon?

I frowned and glared at Archduke Martins.

“According to the priest, that time is the best time for the empire’s energy among the remaining days of this year. What does Your Majesty the Empress think?”

Archduke Martins subtly threw the ball at me.

He seemed to think that my word would sway Rinel’s resolve.

With the Archduke’s ability to think on his feet, he might even be able to join the circus.

I felt Rinel watching my lips from beside me.

“There is… a point to the Archduke’s words, Your Majesty.”

Unable to meet his gaze after uttering these words, my stomach felt sick.

It felt like I was angry, and it felt like I was sad.

My feelings were entangled in a complex way that I couldn’t articulate.

“I’ll ask again. The Empress should answer carefully.”

My gaze, which was staring straight ahead, met his serious voice.

“As I am, to greet the harem so soon, are you really… okay?”

No.

My voice only echoed inside me.

“I asked if you’re okay.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

I spoke, conscious not to let my voice sound pathetic.

At that moment, a deep wrinkle formed on Rinel’s brow.

“Yes, Your Majesty… A very simple answer. Without emotion or consideration.”

“Before being a woman’s husband, you are the Emperor of a country. I don’t think I should oppose this with petty feelings.”

At my response, Archduke Martins looked relieved, but Rinel looked extremely displeased.

“…Good. I didn’t know that the Empress was such a magnanimous woman.”

Rinel let go of my hand he was holding and rose from the sofa.

“If the Empress is so indifferent, I see no need to drag my feet and consult the ministers.”

“……”

Rinel walked to the mahogany desk.

A chill seemed to emanate from his retreating figure.

He rang the bell on the desk, and Secretary Raphael entered the office.

“Did you call for me, Your Majesty?”

“Raphael, when did you say the meeting with the ministers was?”

“The start of the meeting is still a bit away, but we have received a message that all the ministers have already arrived in the conference hall.”

“Let them know I’m coming.”

“Right now… are you saying?”

Secretary Raphael glanced at me, cautiously asking Rinel.

“Yes, immediately.”

“Yes, I will inform them right away.”

Raphael, momentarily swayed by the cold office atmosphere, quickly closed the door and left.

“You’re wise, Your Majesty. It’s best to approve what you’ve already decided quickly.”

I wasn’t sure if Duke Martins was going to attend the meeting with Rinel, but he stood from the sofa and said so.

Then Rinel gestured to the moving Duke to stop.

“The Duke should stay here with the Empress. You are not a person of the Shatoneil Kingdom, are you?”

“Ah… yes, that’s right. I will do so.”

Duke Martins seemed slightly flustered and bowed his head.

Rinel hadn’t looked at me since he stood up from the sofa.

He simply turned around, opened the office door, and left.

“Huff…”