Earlier, Noah, Isaac, and Louis had been frozen at the sight of Cyrus laughing heartily. It was a first for them, a sight they thought they’d never see in their lifetimes.

Laughing out loud, their lord?

They had never even imagined it.

Louis stopped his horse and asked impatiently,

“Are you okay?”

“Louis, it looks like the lord is serious. Really, really serious. Like, really, can it be like this, serious.”

“And you just realized?”

“But why… Why send Jebubi as an ally? Why not just take her to Northland?”

“Who knows. The lord must have his own thoughts.”

+++

Despite hurrying, it took over 15 days to cross the eastern border of the empire, as they had to avoid people’s eyes.

They had started their journey in early to mid-March, and the weather had warmed considerably.

In contrast to the humid and jungle-rich Westland, Eastland had a fluffy atmosphere. It was amazing how the scenery changed even though they were on the same continent, with just one empire between them.

After entering Eastland, they rode for a few more days and finally reached the outskirts of Elles City, the capital of Eastland.

Outside the city gates were areas where farmers lived, and extensive fields spread out.

The farmers working in the fields looked peaceful, but Ariana was not. Ariana pulled the hood of her cloak, which she had bought in the last city she had visited, deeply over her head and stared at the tall city walls.

Chase Castle, where the Eastern Emperor lived, boasted a strong majesty, visible even from outside the walls.

‘Here it is.’

She had been near Eastland but had never visited Elles City, where the Eastern Emperor lived. She had no affection for the Eastern Emperor, who she was supposed to assist in eliminating as part of the Third Prince’s plans.

The Eastern Emperor’s cold gaze, which she had seen only once at a royal party, came vividly to mind.

Frowning, a displeased expression, tightly closed lips, and cold eyes that seemed to draw lines. How chilly that gaze was—Ariana couldn’t even offer a casual greeting to him.

‘It will be the same this time.’

Having fled from Westland to come here, he might have an even more displeased expression than when they coincidentally met at the royal party.

‘If only I had gotten my hands on Rachel’s letter…’
At that moment, the thought that Cyrus had prevented her from receiving the letter crossed her mind. A brief resentment towards him flared up, but it soon vanished.

Thanks to Cyrus, she was able to arrive here safely and comfortably. So that was behind her now.

‘It’s okay. Worst case scenario, I’ll be treated the same way I was at the Bronthe estate. I’m used to it.’

That thought eased her mind.

After all, all she was expecting from the Eastern Emperor was the princess’s position. She had no concern for his affection, so whatever expression he wore was irrelevant.

“Are you nervous?”

Ariana was pulled out of her thoughts by Cyrus’s voice.

“Not anymore.”

“That’s good. Who wouldn’t like a remarkable woman like you?”

Everyone. Everyone would dislike her.

Ariana swallowed those words and turned to thank Cyrus. But Cyrus had already vanished, and his subordinates were nowhere to be seen.

Ariana was left alone on the path between the wide fields.

There was no trace of Cyrus and his companions, as if everything had been a dream. No sight, no scent, not even a footprint.

For a moment, an indescribable melancholy overwhelmed Ariana.

Ariana closed her eyes tightly and opened them again, driving the feeling away.

‘It was never mine to begin with. It was a fleeting connection, like a dream.’

Perhaps if she became valuable enough to Cyrus, they might meet again, but she didn’t think that day would come. Cyrus was surrounded by many capable and intelligent individuals, even without Ariana.

Ariana bowed her head slightly in the direction where Cyrus had stood, expressing her thanks, then started walking towards the gates of Elrs City.

+++

Cyrus, concealed, watched Ariana walk towards the city gates. Her straight back as she walked was full of confidence.

He had mixed feelings. He wanted to hold her arm and tell her not to go, and he wanted to kidnap her and take her to the Northern Realm. Not knowing why he felt this way, he watched as Ariana receded from view.

“Are we really going back to the Northern Realm like this?”

“Yes.”

“Shouldn’t we leave behind Luina and Noah? We don’t know what will happen.”

It seemed like Luina and Noah wanted to stay as well, eagerly awaiting Cyrus’s command. But Cyrus was firm.

“No. There’s no need. The Eastern Emperor is different from the Western Emperor. It won’t be easy to deceive him. Besides, the Eastern Realm will be warm towards Ariana.”

“How do you know? The Eastern Emperor pretended not to know his queen was in that condition until now. You think he’ll be kind now that his daughter has appeared?”

Cyrus recalled the letters he had found in Rachel’s coat.

Letters exchanged with the Western Emperor, and one from the Eastern Emperor wedged in between them.

“I’m not particularly worried about that part. What worries me is the nagging from Duke Heren.”

“Ahh…”

Isaac swallowed a sigh as he thought about Duke Heren who would be waiting in the Northern Realm. They were returning much later than planned and had not brought back the future empress either.

“Sent a letter to Duke Heren… this is bad.”

“A letter? What was in it?”

Although Cyrus seemed curious, Isaac didn’t answer.

He couldn’t possibly say that the letter mentioned bringing back the future Northern Queen.