“When you say ‘Dawn Group’… do you mean the Procken Pawnshop?”

As I widened my eyes in feigned surprise, Dante’s eyes narrowed in contrast.

“I didn’t know the two groups were intertwined.”

Thump, thump.

I felt my heart beating rapidly, which hadn’t wavered even when sending the ‘anonymous letter’.

I pretended not to notice and slightly changed the subject.

“The reason I thought the Duchess borrowed money from the Procken Pawnshop was simple.”

The Duchess borrowed money mainly because of jewels.

Especially the trend that hit the social scene last season, pink sapphires, fueled her impulse.

And the Procken Pawnshop, owned by the Dawn Group, deals with unique pink sapphires. Their characteristic was the heart-shaped impurity flickering in the center.

“I saw an article that the Procken Pawnshop recently started trading with the only merchant group that deals with the Kuren Kingdom beyond the volcano.”

“…”

“And the heart-shaped impurity I saw in the Duchess’s pink sapphire is characteristic of minerals mined in the Kuren volcanic zone. …Isn’t it?”

As I asked with a questioning expression, Dante remained silent for a while.

Only after a moment did he speak.

“How strange.”

Dante murmured slowly as he leaned forward.

“I smell something on my wife.”

As the distance closed, his scent wafted over strongly. My heart thumped loudly, making its presence known.

“The smell of a liar.”

Dante blurted out and smiled faintly.

Momentarily captivated by that handsome smile, I soon slightly lowered my head and said.

“…If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do. I wasn’t certain either. The thought that just borrowing money could tarnish the Marquis family’s reputation was almost all I had. But to think it’s the Dawn Group…”

Raising my gaze again, I asked casually.

“Have I perhaps touched a sore spot?”

Dante chuckled briefly and gazed at me intently.

“The Procken Pawnshop was previously suspected of being connected to the Dawn Group, but this incident will lead to a strict search.”

Shortly before my death, the front pages of all newspapers, including , were plastered with news about the Dawn Group. It was also revealed that the Procken Pawnshop was the Dawn Group’s biggest source of funds.

That day, the Duchess secretly ordered the servants to crush all the pink sapphires in her possession into powder and pour it into the lower reaches of the river.

I couldn’t help but know this story well. After all, I was the one who led the servants at that time.

The Duchess probably thought she could pin everything on me if things went wrong.

“If it’s truly revealed to be entangled with the Dawn Group as a result.”

Dante’s voice whispered secretively.

“The Fedegrin Marquis family will fall into ruin.”

Originally, dealing with a pawnshop secretly operated by a rebel group wouldn’t be enough to completely destroy a family.

But the Marquis family had always been haughty, boasting of being a founding contributor family. Moreover, evidence of tax embezzlement over decades had also come to light.

The three ropes would intertwine to form a perfect noose, tightening around the Marquis family’s neck.

“Oh my.”

I covered my mouth with my hand.

“To think that a renowned noble family known as founding contributors would end up like this. It’s heartbreaking just to imagine.”

“Your eyes are laughing, my wife.”

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

I apologized with a light smile.

“I’m not yet skilled at managing my expressions.”

Heh.

A low laugh was heard.

“You can be cute at times.”

“…”

Dumbfounded, I stared blankly at Dante.

Cute? It’s a word I haven’t heard since I was seven. It was an adjective that felt not just unfamiliar, but even bizarre.

“Ah, and get ready. We need to enter the palace.”

“Pardon?”

Enter the palace?

I blinked at the sudden announcement.

“His Majesty wishes to see you.”

* * *

In the luxurious and solemn space, I slowly exhaled.

It wasn’t my first time at the Imperial Palace. Like other nobles, I used to enter the palace holding Lucas’s hand on Foundation Day and New Year’s Ball.

However, it was my first time having a private audience with the Emperor. At most, I had only bowed from afar along with others.

‘Strictly speaking, this isn’t a private audience either.’

I glanced slightly at Dante standing beside me.

Unlike me, who was on edge trying not to make a single misstep in walking or eye contact, Dante seemed as casual as if he were in his own home.

His composure was surprising, but at the same time, it seemed natural for someone like him.

‘Unlike me, who rarely sees His Majesty even from afar except on special days, he must have met His Majesty dozens of times.’

Being a member of the Duke’s family, he’s also related to His Majesty.

I suddenly felt that Dante and I were people from different worlds.

The door opened and the attendant announced.

“His Majesty the Emperor enters!”

As I bowed my head, I heard heavy footsteps.

The Emperor, seated on the throne, commanded.

“Raise your heads.”

“…”

As I met the Emperor’s gaze, I was momentarily taken aback.

The Emperor, seen up close, had a much friendlier impression than I had thought.

His attire was also simple, and if not for the magnificent imperial crown, he might have looked like a grandfather out for a stroll in the neighborhood. …I shouldn’t let such irreverent thoughts show.

“So you are Ariana.”

“I am honored to meet Your Majesty.”

“Hmm.”

The Emperor stroked his chin.

“Indeed, you are a completely different type from my daughter.”

“…Pardon?”

As I blinked at the unexpected remark, Dante stepped forward with a sigh.

“Please don’t say strange things to my wife.”

“Well, well. Not allowing even this much talk, that’s overprotective.”

“Your Majesty.”

“Alright, alright. I concede. I apologize, Lady Heigenberg.”

“Not at all, Your Majesty.”

As I bowed my head in embarrassment, the Emperor burst into hearty laughter.

“The reason I called you is to express my gratitude. You’ve allowed us to discover a great abscess in the country.”

‘…Ah.’

To receive commendation from the Emperor. I secretly took a deep breath.

This wasn’t a gain I had calculated. The despair of Lucas and the Duchess was already a sweet enough fruit for me.

“Having rendered such a service, a reward cannot be forgotten. Tell me, Lady Heigenberg. Is there anything you desire from me?”

The Emperor’s face, now speaking of rewards, flowed with natural dignity unlike before.

I silently faced that face for a moment.

A reward bestowed directly by the Emperor.

It was an unexpected benefit, but my answer was set without need for deliberation.

“Then I shall humbly request, Your Majesty.”

“Oh?”

The immediate response seemed unexpected, as the Emperor raised one eyebrow.

…Perhaps because of their distant family relation, that expression seemed somewhat similar to Dante’s, I thought rather unnecessarily as I opened my mouth.

“If you would allow me to present my stage at the upcoming Foundation Day, it would be an unparalleled honor.”

“…A stage?”

The Emperor’s voice trailed off slightly.

I waited for the Emperor’s response, quietly suppressing the rising tension.

After a few seconds, the Emperor slowly opened his mouth.

“…Indeed. That’s a fitting request for the granddaughter of a music master.”

When my grandfather was mentioned, I felt as if my heart had suddenly dropped.

The Emperor slowly stroked his chin, seeming lost in reminiscence as he gazed into space.

“I too enjoyed his music.”

“…”

“It was a tragic accident. Such a talent shouldn’t have been lost so vainly.”

I slightly lowered my head. I didn’t want to show my expression that had suddenly become childishly disheveled.

“Come to think of it, I remember.”

The Emperor looked at me closely and smiled.

“Eduardo holding his granddaughter’s hand as they entered the palace.”

“…”

My eyes widened for a moment.

“A girl who sang as sweetly as a lark.”

The smile lingering on the Emperor’s lips deepened.

Thump, thump.

I felt my heart racing rapidly.

“That girl has grown into such a lady.”

I couldn’t respond to the fond smile.

‘…Yes. There was such a time.’

The days when grandfather would hold my hand tightly and bring me onto the stage.

Days when I would babble clumsy songs in front of people, twirling in the dress mother had put on me, and feel happy at their applause.

But it was all in the past. It’s been ages since I last sang.

That day, I…

Having thought this far, I secretly gripped the hem of my dress. A light cold sweat soaked my palm.

“Was there such an incident?”

Dante, who suddenly spoke up, gazed at me intently and said.

“She must have been cute. Without a doubt.”

“Indeed, she was.”

The Emperor burst into laughter and continued.

“The Lady already showed her talent then, so there’s no need to prove her qualifications again now. Feel free to sing as much as you like. I’ll have an orchestra prepared for the Lady.”

I raised my head in surprise.

Sing? The Emperor had completely misunderstood my intention.

‘Well, it’s not easy to conceive of a woman composing and even presenting a stage.’

I have no intention of singing at all. That would be a punishment rather than a reward for me.

I took a slight breath and slowly opened my mouth.

“If I may be so bold, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor’s eyes filled with curiosity.

“While I’m immensely grateful for your gracious permission, it differs from my request.”

“Hmm?”

The Emperor spoke with a curious expression.

“Is that so? It seems I’ve misunderstood. Would you please state your request accurately once more?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. My request was… to present my own stage with a song I composed myself.”