Canary knew she could gain more by swaying Lexus than by resisting him.

Perhaps it was because she became empress and harbored too many ambitions.

That was also against Lexus.

Even if she stretched her legs, she should have done it while watching her opponent.

‘Tsk.’

Canary patted Lexus’s chest.

“It’s because Lenisha doesn’t understand your heart yet. If Lenisha knows how much Lexus thinks of her, she will understand you.”

Lexus pressed his throbbing head firmly.

“That’s right.”

At night, tormented by ghosts and unable to let go of medicine and alcohol during work, he felt his body deteriorating.

When will this persistent headache end?

No, will it ever end? Lexus bit his lips.

Sometimes, the pain was so unbearable that Lexus wished to vomit blood and die.

The royal physician advised Lexus to ease his mind, reduce the medicine and alcohol, but Lexus locked up the old man who only spouted useless words in the underground prison.

Lexus couldn’t let go of alcohol and medicine because of the ghosts that dominated his nights.

It had become worse recently compared to before.

After letting out a bitter sigh, Lexus leaned his head on Canary’s chest.

“Canary, I can’t sleep. Sing me a song.”

“Yes, Lexus. I will sing a lullaby. Everything will be okay after a nap.”

Canary’s voice became even gentler.

“But Lexus, it seems our baby wants to eat a lot. Have I been eating too much? I spent all the money you gave me to buy something to eat. Oops, I’ve spent it all.”

It was a lie.

Canary poured all that money into buying jewelry.

She couldn’t be outdone even at social gatherings with Lenisha.

“…Bring more money. Then sing.”

“Thank you, Lexus.”

Canary, who kissed Lexus’s cheek, parted her lips.

A pleasing melody flowed gently.

Even the courtiers, upon hearing Canary’s song, felt their chests lighten.

After listening to Canary’s song, Lexus used to sleep quietly for a while.

It was a song that brought peace to everyone.

Except for occasional outings and dates with Cassius, Lenisha was quiet.

She rarely left the mansion.

The nobles, including Canary, who had been listening to Lenisha’s whereabouts, could not hide their disappointment.

They expected clashes between Lexus and Lenisha, or between Canary and Lenisha, but it was quiet.

And in that silence, the day of the social gathering hosted by Canary dawned.

Lenisha adorned herself with a bright smile.

“Make it more splendid, Linday.”

“Yes, Lady Lenisha.”

Linday nodded her head.
Lenisha’s return to the capital was marked by the reappearance of the two maids she had sent away frighteningly before.

During Lenisha’s stay in the capital, she had requested them to serve her.

Lenisha reluctantly let them inside.

Even though it was unclear what they were thinking, they still behaved as if they trusted and followed Lenisha.

“You look truly beautiful, Lady Lenisha! You seem even more beautiful since you’ve been in Hiloshine….”

“We were worried you were too thin, but luckily, it seems like you’ve gained some weight.”

The maids chattered away, flicking their hands in excitement.

They had braided and twisted Lenisha’s hair, adorning it with white flowers and pearls.

Madam Turriel had brought the most beautiful dress for Lenisha today.

It was a dress of blue water-like silk, exactly as Lenisha had ordered.

Reflected in the mirror, Lenisha was as magnificent and splendid as she had been when she was the former empress.

With blue pearls adorning her eye area, Lenisha seemed even more regal, and the flowers and pearls adorning her hair brought elegance to her appearance.

It was a dress harmonizing blue, black, and gold.

“This should be enough.”

Lenisha held a black lace fan in her hand.

It contrasted with the blue silk gloves.

Even the end of the fan was decorated with pearls and flowers to complement her attire.

This, too, was Madam Turriel’s creation.

“Lady Lenisha, fighting!”

“Please flatten Canary’s nose again today!”

The maids energetically clenched their fists.

Lenisha left behind the cheers and exited the room.

Today’s escort was, of course, Cassius’s responsibility.

It had been a long time.

During her stay in Hiloshine, Lenisha had enjoyed simple adornments.

It was partly for the convenience of movement and because there was no need for extravagance there.

As a result, seeing Lenisha in her fully adorned state was truly a rare sight for Cassius.

While Cassius always thought Lenisha was beautiful, the current Lenisha…

She bloomed like she belonged in this setting.

Cassius realized once again.

Lenisha suited this kind of occasion.

Lenisha wasn’t someone to be confined to a remote place like Hiloshine.

Her beauty was breathtaking.

Cassius kissed the back of Lenisha’s hand.

“Cassius? What are you doing?”

Lenisha burst into laughter, her smile like rolling beads.

Placing the fan above her lips and smiling, she exuded pure elegance.

Cassius responded somewhat heavily.

“…It seemed it should be done this way.”

“Cassius, really. Shall we go now?”

Cassius nodded.