However, Rene didn’t actually participate in the meeting with Ishar.

It was because she judged that he wouldn’t take it kindly for the maid, who had disappeared for a while and reappeared, to intervene in his meeting.

She thought she made the right decision.

As Liz suspected, Ishar did not lie.

“How do you feel about the prime minister?”
At the abrupt question, Ishar’s smile faded. Well, considering the calm exchanges of greetings they had before, it was understandable since he suddenly brought up the main topic.

“It was a necessary position.”

He began to respond calmly.

“Your Majesty, you are excessively progressive, and your strong-willed personality has caused considerable opposition from existing powers. It’s like trying to operate a highly maneuverable frigate as if it were a slow and bulky cruiser. Some say that your autocracy is too extreme. The prime minister system will be an opportunity to appropriately slow down Your Majesty’s speed.”

“What I mean is…”

Liz patiently waited for Ishar to finish speaking before saying.

“I’m asking about the person who has just become the prime minister, not the position itself.”

“…….”

“What do you think about Duke Montaner becoming the prime minister?”

Ishar’s smile completely disappeared.

Liz could see his shoulders responding to a deep inhale and exhale of breath.

After briefly lowering his gaze, he turned it back to face her and answered.

“If Your Majesty is the type to find what needs to be done, he is the type to find what should not be done. It means he is an experienced person who does not make the mistake of being hasty in matters that should not be touched, should be observed with time, and should not be rushed into.”

“…….”

“If Your Majesty says something different, he is a horse. He will play the role of restraining the horse from running wild. So, I think it was not a bad choice. From a governing perspective.”

His rational explanation carried no emotion whatsoever.

Only the cold thought circuits in his mind produced a firm conclusion.
Only the cold thought circuits in the mind processed and produced rigid conclusions.

Liz was angry, but on the other hand, she felt fortunate. She didn’t have to ask what she wanted to say.

“Your… Majesty.”

“…….”

“You cast the doubtful vote, right?”

“Is there a reason not to?”

Now he returned as the Duke Ishar Valdemion, whom I knew well. I even felt a bit of joy seeing the ruthless face after a long time.

“Do you think that I must appoint only those who are loyal to His Majesty to official positions, Empress?”

Surely he wouldn’t be so foolish… At least, that’s how it sounded to Liz.

She had to say no. Liz knew that saying she hadn’t thought so one-dimensionally would make her look more sophisticated. But.

“Yes. That’s right. That’s what I thought.”

She spat out completely different words.

At this moment, she didn’t want to deceive herself. She didn’t want to pretend to be smart when she wasn’t, to act simple when she wasn’t, or to pretend to be humble. If calling such a thing stupid is the case, then yes. She was right to call herself stupid.

“You shouldn’t do that.”

“…….”

“Just because you think that way doesn’t mean it’s the only way. You’ve seen everything from the side. How she lived after losing what was hers. Isn’t there anyone other than the Grand Duke who can stop her runaway? Is there only one choice? Why do you think it has to be him? Did the Grand Duke promise you something?”

Regret came too late for the last words. Even to her, it seemed like she had crossed a line.

“……!”

However, the quiet pupils in Ishar’s eyes corrected Liz’s thoughts.

It was undoubtedly her rough and coarse words that momentarily moistened his shield.

“Your Majesty, your words are excessive.”

Ishar said with a cold gaze.

“It would be better for you to leave now if you’re too excited. It’s harmful to your health.”

“…….”

While Liz stared at him without any objection, Ishar rang the desk bell.

And as he waited for the attendant to come in, he spoke again.

“I hope we can have a more rational conversation next time. And…”

“Did you summon me, Your Excellency?”

Before he finished speaking, the attendant came in. Ishar stood up. He seemed to have no intention of finishing what he was going to say.

“Escort Her Majesty safely to her residence.”

Giving instructions to the attendant, he straightened up with a stiff and dignified attitude.

When Liz visited here earlier, she had never expected the innocence that seemed to be hurrying around with rounded pupils.

It was a dismal and bitter farewell.

Liz quietly stepped back.
My mind was incredibly complicated. However, as I continued to walk, it became clear how I should handle it.

Turning the corner and reaching the landing, René was leaning against the railing, waiting.

The attendant bowed to her, then handed Liz over.

Liz leaned on René’s arm and climbed the rest of the stairs. René’s slender arm surprisingly provided a solid support.

When they had climbed about three-quarters of the stairs, René asked, “What happened?”

“Just as you said.”

Liz answered quietly. René asked again, “So what are we going to do now?”

“I think we need to unfold the plan we crumpled up.”

As Liz reached the last step, she faced René.

“I need your help. Friend.”

“…….”

“I hope you’ll help me just one more time.”

René smiled contentedly at her words.

“Yeah. That’s why I came here, right?”