“If you are Princess Marian, there’s no reason for you to endure the same ridicule as before! You’re the closest potential ruler more than anyone!”

“Is that really an issue?”
“That’s the issue! Do you know how annoyed I was earlier? Well, of course, it was satisfying when my hair caught fire! Still, suppressing those jerks is best done through blood ties! Every time I hear Countess Yeongae talking about me, I can’t help but feel upset…”

“I see.”

Sesil, there’s a lot piled up.

Not only her own anger but also concern and consideration for me could be felt, making me unable to do anything but smile. While comforting Sesil, I asked.

“What will Sesil do now?”

“Even if you ask me…”

As the question turned back to herself, Sesil closed her mouth as if choked. The rapidly darkening face showed her situation.

‘She probably has nowhere to go.’

Until now, Sesil’s social status came entirely from being the ‘fiancée of the Bird Prince.’ She had thoroughly prepared to live as the princess consort herself.

But since the fiancé was a monster…

‘It must be confusing.’

Perhaps the most comfortable way for her to settle would be to build the qualifications needed to find a new fiancé.

However, for her, who was once the prince’s fiancée, it wouldn’t be easy for another fiancé to appear readily.

Sesil, who must have had the same thoughts as me, opened her mouth with a dark expression.

“If Lady Marian could grant me mercy…”

It would be nice if you could help me find a new husband.

What Sesil couldn’t bring herself to say, I could guess without hearing it. After all, I was born and raised in the palace.

‘How much is a meal in the palace?’

To Yeongae, whose marriage was twisted like Sesil, I tossed a suggestion I had thought of in advance, cutting off Sesil’s words.

“Sesil, have you considered working as a bureaucrat?”

“A bureaucrat?”

At my words, Sesil’s eyes widened. I smiled slyly.

“Sesil, with a brave act, saved everyone at the White Jade Palace. It’s a waste for a brave young lady like you to be bound by social institutions like marriage. And since you were the prince’s fiancée, it’s unlikely that another fiancé will appear readily.”

And, as a clarification, I shook my hand.

“Oh, I’m not mocking marriage. If Sesil wants, I can introduce you to a good fiancé. But it would be good to work as a bureaucrat even if you get married.”

“Are you telling me to work?”

“If you really have to put it into words?”

Smiling, I suddenly furrowed my brow.

“Isn’t it ridiculous to talk about ‘my job’? We don’t call men’s social activities their husbands’ work, do we? It’s natural for capable people to work.”

“Lady Marian…”
Tears welled up in Sesil’s eyes. All the struggles she had been through were laid bare. I patted her shoulder with the palm of my hand.

“I also need an assistant to help me with my duties now. I’m not recommending you just because you’re someone I know. I think you’ll do well if you’re really Sesil. Will you help me?”

Sesil nodded vigorously. The face that had been holding back tears now broke into a bright smile.

“I’m fine!”

“Good! I knew you’d answer like that.”

I grabbed Sesil’s hand and shook it vigorously.

“I’ll rely on you from now on!”

Appointing Sesil as my assistant was a very wise decision. As soon as she became my official aide, Sesil began directing all the palace staff.

“Although Baekok Palace is closed, what’s the fuss with other palaces? Carry out your usual duties.”

“Lady Marian will stay in Hong Palace next to Chang Palace. I will personally select the courtiers, so those interested should apply with documents first.”

“To demonstrate Prince Hadel’s steadfastness, we must hold a royal event within a short period.”

Hadel became the acting king, and I became the acting queen out of the blue. In this situation, Sesil’s presence was a great help.

‘Ah, aside from that, it’s too busy.’

Just until recently, I complained that there wasn’t much to do other than collecting rumors.

In a blink of an eye, my situation changed because I revealed the fact that I was Princess Marian from 100 years ago shortly after Sesil became my assistant.