Chapter 10

Returning to the Imperial Palace from the Hot Spring Palace, Roabellin entered her small room situated next to the Emperor’s bedroom. The small bed and the few belongings she had left behind seemed to welcome her back.

 

‘I was only gone for two days, but it feels like I’ve returned after a very long time. I thought I would never come back… It feels a bit futile.’

 

Roabellin changed her clothes and laid on the bed. Although it was still daytime and she didn’t intend to sleep, perhaps the carriage journey had been tiring, as sleep washed over her. Despite her intention to just lie down and rest for a bit, she soon fell asleep.

 

In her dream, Roabellin saw the events she experienced at the royal hunting grounds when she was 12. Discovering the boy facing a leopard in the royal forest, healing the boy’s sprained ankle with divine power, and entering the cabin together in the rain—these moments flashed by.

 

As if she were having an out-of-body experience, she was watching her younger self and the boy from outside her body. Her dream self was losing consciousness due to the cold and exhaustion. Then, the black-haired boy looked into her face worriedly with golden eyes and grabbed her shoulders. It was ‘Kai’ with a youthful, pretty face before his explosion.

 

“Roabellin, Roa? Roa! Wake up. Please.”

 

Young Kai caught Roabellin as she lost consciousness and collapsed. Holding her, dressed only in a camisole, Kai’s gaze lingered momentarily on her shoulder blade before moving away.

 

Watching that scene, Roabellin was slightly surprised.

 

‘Ah… That’s where my tattoo is. Did he see it?’

 

Just as she had that thought, the background suddenly changed. It was the hot spring bath at the Hot Spring Palace she had just visited. The boy Kai had changed into the adult Kaisertern, with broad shoulders and a body covered in solid muscle. It was the scene of the two spending a blissful time in the hot spring.

 

Several scenes flashed by, and then a scene appeared where Kaisertern laid on his side on the wooden bench next to the hot spring, hugging her from behind. Although it was night, it wasn’t very dark because lanterns were lit here and there.

 

‘Uh…?’

 

The next moment, Roabellin opened her eyes wide. The scenes from her dream were vivid. It was fascinating that her subconscious had connected the memory of Kai as a small boy with the current Kai who had grown into a large adult man, but… that wasn’t the problem right now.

 

‘Did he see my tattoo? During our first night 8 years ago, he might not have seen it because it was frantic and dark, but this time he surely must have seen it. Several lanterns were lit, and he had plenty of opportunities to see my back from behind. If his first love and I have the same hair color, eye color, and even tattoo location, it would be weirder not to suspect and investigate. Even assuming he doesn’t remember the face perfectly because it’s been a long time.’

 

Her heart pounded and cold sweat broke out. Unable to lie comfortably, she sat up from her bed.

 

‘If Kai finds out my true identity, what will happen to me? Will I be punished for deceiving the Emperor and approaching him with impure intentions? Or will he try to use me as a diplomatic card, saying he will hand me over to the King of Aventador?’

 

A vision of herself and Estina being escorted to the Aventador Royal Palace, bound and kneeling before the King, appeared before her eyes. Roabellin shook her head and bit her lower lip tightly.

 

‘I’ve lived so hard until now just to avoid that happening. I can’t come this far only to be handed over like that. Let’s create another opportunity to escape the Imperial Palace. Actively.’

 

Roabellin wiped the cold sweat from her forehead and stood up. Just then, she heard someone passing by her door. It seemed Kaisertern was returning to his bedroom after finishing his work. Roabellin picked out one of the maid uniforms the head maid had given her and prepared to go out.

 

While Roabellin was getting ready, Kaisertern was in the study on one side of his bedroom quarters. He was staring intently at a drawing on a piece of paper, deep in thought. It was a drawing he made from memory of the tattoo he saw on Yulli’s back yesterday and the day before.

 

‘It looks like writing… but also like a drawing. Which language is this? What does it mean?’

 

He had learned several foreign languages besides the common continental language, but these were characters he had never seen before. He wanted to ask the Archmage Iskal, who knew many things, but unfortunately, he heard Iskal was away in another region, neither at the Imperial Palace nor the Magic Tower.

 

‘Since he was a prince of Aventador, did he go there? His uncle took over his father’s throne, what good does he expect to see by going there?’

 

Being the only son of the former King, he would surely be a target of vigilance rather than welcome by the current King, so Kaisertern couldn’t understand why he kept going there.

 

‘He could just stay by my side and help me.’

 

Staring piercingly at the paper, Kaisertern muttered discontentedly to himself.

 

‘I should tell him to come back quickly.’

 

Folding the paper and putting it in a drawer, Kaisertern pulled the bell cord connected to Roabellin’s room. Since she had just finished getting ready, she was able to go to Kaisertern’s bedroom as soon as she heard the bell.

 

Usually, when she opened the door and entered, he would be standing or sitting on the sofa, visible immediately, but today he wasn’t in sight, so Roabellin looked around a little.

 

“Did you… call for me? I’m here.”

 

Then Kaisertern’s voice came from the inner room.

 

***

 

“I’m in the study.”

 

“Ah, yes.”

 

Thinking he might want to order tea like last time, Roabellin entered the study. Entering that space after a long time reminded her of when she had mistakenly drunk the Tline tea Bomira gave her and collapsed.

 

‘Ugh… I really thought I was going to die back then. If it weren’t for Kai, I might have actually died.’

 

Recalling that day made her body shudder involuntarily.

 

Kaisertern looked up at Roabellin entering the study. Even though it had only been a few hours since he saw her, a smile naturally formed because he was glad to see her.

 

“Come here, Yulli.”

 

Not knowing why, Roabellin approached him as he sat in the desk chair.

 

“Yes. Would you like… tea or something?”

 

At her question, Kaisertern shook his head lightly.

 

“No, you are enough.”

 

“Pardon? What does that…”

 

Seeing her bewildered expression, a mischievous look appeared on his face.

 

“Come here and sit.”

 

The place he pointed to was none other than his thigh. It was natural that Roabellin’s eyes grew as big as saucers.

 

‘From the carriage to the Hot Spring Palace, and now this, why does he keep trying to make me sit on his lap whenever he wants?’

 

Feeling a surge of rebellion for no reason, the corners of her eyes and her lips sharpened.

 

“It’s fine. I’ll listen standing up. What orders do you have?”

 

Sensing that she was subtly trying to distance herself from him, the playfulness vanished from Kaisertern’s face. Remaining seated, he reached out and pulled Roabellin by the waist into his arms. Before she could resist with strength, she was pulled by his force and embraced.

 

“Oh my,”

 

Surprised by his unexpected action, Roabellin let out a small sound, but Kaisertern didn’t mind. Hugging Roabellin’s waist tightly, he buried his face in her chest. Blushing furiously, Roabellin tried to twist her body slightly to escape his embrace, but it was futile. His strong arms only confined her more firmly in his embrace.

 

Eventually, Roabellin gave up on escaping his arms and placed her hands on his shoulders, looking down at his head.

 

‘How many people in this empire have ever looked down at the Emperor’s head from above?’

 

Thinking slightly erratic thoughts like that.

 

Looking down at him quietly, Roabellin unknowingly touched his hair carefully. While she was doing that, Kaisertern, who had his face buried in her chest, spoke quietly.

 

“Don’t do that to me again.”

 

At the sudden remark, Roabellin asked back.

 

“Pardon? What do you mean…”

 

“Don’t put up a wall against me. Don’t subtly distance yourself either. Especially when we are alone.”

 

Roabellin was inwardly surprised that Kaisertern had acutely sensed all her subtle behavioral and tonal changes.

 

“I thought we confirmed our feelings for each other at the Hot Spring Palace. Was I wrong?”

 

Kaisertern hugged Roabellin even tighter with more force. To Roabellin, it felt like his will never to let her go.

 

“Ugh, I can’t breathe, Kai. Please loosen…”

 

At her words that she couldn’t breathe, he loosened his arms ever so slightly. But he still didn’t seem to have any intention of letting her go.

 

“You are my woman. From now on, don’t even look at other guys.”

 

Hearing those words, the rebelliousness she had briefly forgotten while being held by him rose again. In fact, there was a reason for her resistance.

 

“Please, let me go!”

 

As Roabellin pushed his shoulders with all her might, Kaisertern obediently released his arms. Stepping back from him, Roabellin looked into his questioning eyes and said.

 

“Why on earth are you so obsessed with me? I’m just a mere maid of commoner origin. You have plenty of other women, Kai.”

 

Watching her unusually blazing eyes with curiosity, Kaisertern understood her words a beat late.

 

“What? What are you talking about?”

 

Thinking he was shamelessly feigning ignorance, Roabellin decided to just throw everything out there.

 

“Ha… I heard all the rumors. Kai, you’re famous for something else besides being the Emperor, aren’t you? The Emperor of the Night. They say that Viscount Terick-something is nothing compared to you?”

 

Because he was the real Emperor, Kaisertern didn’t think much of the expression ‘Emperor of the Night’ when he heard Roabellin’s words. But at the name ‘Terick’ that followed, he realized what she was talking about.

 

‘Terick… Does she mean Baron Ratnen? Ah, surely not?’

 

When unexpected words came from an unexpected person, Kaisertern was genuinely flustered.

 

“What kind of…! That’s nonsense. You are my first, and only woman.”

 

Kaisertern spoke urgently, but Roabellin was a bit agitated, so she didn’t have the capacity to read his sincerity.

 

“Then would such rumors spread so far without any basis? It’s spread all over Vicentium and inside the Imperial Palace. Everyone knows. The content is extremely specific, and it all seemed true.”

 

“I don’t know exactly what’s what right now, but no. If it’s that kind of rumor, it’s truly false. Tell me exactly what the content is.”

 

About to answer his question inadvertently, Roabellin recalled what she was going to say and hesitated.

 

“……It’s difficult for me to say with my own mouth.”

 

“Then how can I verify it. Tell me exactly.”

 

Meeting Kaisertern’s slightly frowning eyes urging her in frustration, Roabellin reluctantly opened her mouth.

 

“That Kai is an incredibly virile man. That his technique is also amazing…”

 

Raising one eyebrow while listening to her mumbling words, he soon sighed lightly.

 

“Regardless of how I am, you are the only one who has experienced me, so how could such rumors spread?”

 

“How would I know if that’s true? You are the Emperor of a nation, and everyone is waiting for Your Majesty to bring any woman quickly.”

 

Although her voice became a little smaller, Roabellin still said everything she had to say.

 

‘This isn’t a situation that can be solved just by asking her to trust me.’

 

Sweeping back his bangs, Kaisertern sighed and said.

 

“Fine. I will have people investigate how this rumor started. I promise to share the results with you without hiding anything once they come out.”

 

At his serious face, Roabellin couldn’t argue any further.

 

The next day, saying he would show her him ordering the investigation, Kaisertern called Roabellin and Count Raymond separately.

 

“Yulli, hide behind the bookshelf around the corner here. Count Raymond will be here soon.”

 

“Pardon? Why here…”

 

“Hide there and listen to me ordering the investigation. I intend to reveal this entire investigation process to you.”

 

Knowing his personality of handling everything clearly, Roabellin nodded slightly. Not long after she hid, Count Raymond entered.

 

“Your Majesty, did you call for me?”

 

“Yes, Evan.”

 

Kaisertern skipped the greeting and went straight to the main point.

 

“I hear rumors are circulating about me. That I’m virile, that I have many women, and so on. But as you know, those are false rumors. Investigate where and how this rumor spread.”

 

Hearing those words, Count Raymond’s face turned the color of earth.

 

“Uh, um, Your Majesty. That is.”

 

Seeing Count Raymond’s unusual reaction, Kaisertern raised one eyebrow.

 

“What is it? Is there something more?”

 

Count Raymond felt his vision go dark. However, it was obvious that lying now would lead to irreversible consequences. Therefore, he decided to give up on making up lies to escape the immediate situation.

 

“…That, was me.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

***

 

A short while ago, it was the day Count Raymond took a lesson that wasn’t really a lesson at the brothel salon with Itanistad. Leaving the salon door, Count Raymond stopped as if he remembered something.

 

“Ah, Terick. Wait here for a moment.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“I think I left something behind. It’ll only take a moment.”

 

Leaving Terick outside, Count Raymond turned right back into the salon. The women of the salon welcomed him back with puzzled faces as he had just left.

 

“Oh my, mister. What is it? Did you leave something?”

 

“Ah, not that. I have a favor to ask.”

 

He handed them a silver coin each and said.

 

“Spread a rumor. The same kind as the one about Baron Ratnen.”

 

They made amused expressions.

 

“That’s not hard, but… Oho. Does mister want to be rumored as the Emperor of the Night too? Hohohoho.”

 

Count Raymond turned his gaze to avoid their eyes curving mischievously. Since he had zero experience in romance, receiving the women’s gazes all at once made his face burn for no reason.

 

“No, not me. Spread the rumor that His Majesty the Emperor is like that.”

 

At the unexpected words, their eyes widened round.

 

“Huh? Why His Majesty? Not the Emperor of the Night but the real Emperor of the Palace? Wasn’t he impotent?”

 

At the words coming out as if it were a given fact, Count Raymond put a hand to his forehead.

 

“Right, since there is such a rumor, I mean to cover it with the opposite rumor.”

 

It was a request made out of loyalty to the Emperor, who was rumored to be impotent.

 

“That he is incredibly big and beautiful. That his technique is superior to any man you know.”

 

But one woman pouted.

 

“When have people like us ever seen His Majesty in the palace to spread such rumors? Who would believe it?”

 

At her point, Count Raymond quickly racked his brain.

 

“Ah, then let’s do this. Say that he secretly comes out of the palace occasionally, and every time he does, he makes several women faint before leaving. That the rumor is widespread not only among prostitutes but also among noble ladies.”

 

“Oho. Is it okay to go around talking about His Majesty the Emperor like that? Mister will cover for us, right? Hohoho.”

 

“Of course, I’ll take responsibility for the aftermath, so don’t worry.”

 

Thus, Kaisertern became a reputed virile man throughout Vicentium. Without the person himself inside the palace knowing.

 

***

 

Listening to the story, Kaisertern was dumbfounded, and Roabellin, listening in hiding, had to feel embarrassment added to her dumbfoundedness.

 

‘My goodness… I believed such complete nonsense and made such a fuss?’

 

Having heard the full explanation, Kaisertern spoke to Count Raymond in a subdued voice.

 

“I understand what happened. But no matter how much it was out of loyalty, never wag your tongue about me outside again. Even if it is the truth. I won’t punish you separately, but retrieve the rumors currently spread yourself. They say spilt water cannot be gathered, but gather as much as you can. I don’t want to let my people know about my stamina, nor do I want to be remembered as an Emperor with promiscuous conduct.”

 

Watching Count Raymond listening to him dejectedly, Kaisertern recalled again that he had started this rumor to counter the ‘Emperor impotency theory.’

 

“Those who chatter that I am impotent just because I have no woman right now, let them chatter as they please. It’s a false rumor that will naturally disappear once an heir is born anyway.”

 

Count Raymond, who had committed an act contrary to the Emperor’s will due to excessive loyalty, simply bowed his head low enough to break his neck.

 

“Thank you for your lenient disposition, Your Majesty. I will make sure never to speak carelessly about Your Majesty again.”

 

Count Raymond bowed repeatedly saying thank you and left.

 

“Come out, Yulli.”

 

When Count Raymond left and the door closed, Kaisertern called Roabellin out. He asked her as she hesitated.

 

“You heard everything, right. Is the misunderstanding cleared now?”

 

“Yes… I’m sorry for misunderstanding.”

 

“I wish you would trust me a little more in the future. At least that I am not someone who lies to you.”

 

Roabellin answered hesitantly, feeling sorry and embarrassed.

 

“Yes. In the future, I will trust Kai’s words, not other people’s.”

 

At her answer, a smile hung slightly on the corner of Kaisertern’s mouth.

 

“Good. By the way, didn’t you say? That the content of that rumor is all true.”

 

“Ah…”

 

Roabellin felt her face heat up in an instant. But just as she turned her gaze away, Kaisertern gently held her chin and made her face him.

 

“Why don’t you tell me properly this time. Everything. About how it was true?”

 

“Pardon? That is…”

 

Roabellin trailed off, embarrassed to repeat that embarrassing rumor with her own mouth. But Kaisertern put on a stern voice.

 

“If you want to be forgiven for misunderstanding and criticizing the Emperor, you’ll have to say it all.”

 

‘He told me to call him Kai, to speak comfortably! He acts like the Emperor only at times like this.’

 

Roabellin pouted inwardly, but this time she swallowed her complaints since she was at fault.

 

She hesitated for a moment hoping this moment would pass, but Kaisertern seemed ready to wait until she spoke properly. After a brief silent confrontation, Roabellin finally raised the white flag. Resigned, she reluctantly opened her mouth. Unable to look at Kaisertern’s face while saying this, she kept her eyes closed.

 

“That… Your Majesty is. That… big, and your technique is amazing. That you are a peerlessly virile man, capable of making a woman faint several times in one night…”

 

Hearing her words, Kaisertern grinned mischievously.

 

“What do you think? Does it seem like a false rumor to you? Is it completely different from the truth?”

 

His question was akin to pushing her, who was barely holding on at the edge of a cliff, into a swamp of desperate, immense embarrassment. Because to admit that the rumor was very close to the truth, she had to replay the nights spent with him in her head.

 

Roabellin’s face turned red as if it would explode as she inadvertently recalled the nights with him to answer his question. Watching her expression and face color change in real-time, Kaisertern smiled mischievously once again.

 

“So that you can filter out wrong rumors in the future, I should personally remind you of the truth once more.”

 

Kaisertern grabbed Roabellin’s waist, lifted her, and sat her lightly on the desk in the study. Standing facing her, he kissed the bewildered Roabellin lightly on the lips and whispered in her ear.

 

“Only the part describing me in the rumor is true, but to be precise, it’s true only with you. I absolutely can’t do it with any woman other than you.”

 

Finishing his sentence, Kaisertern buried his lips in her neck and collarbone one after another. Roabellin was flustered. Not because of the skinship, but because of the place where this was happening.

 

“Kai, this is the study…”

 

But her words were buried by Kaisertern’s hot lips. His hands busily undid the buttons of her maid uniform. Soon Roabellin’s breath became short, and his golden eyes deepened.

 

At his rough yet skillful movements, fireworks exploded one after another in her mind. The Emperor’s private study quickly heated up with the heat emitted by the two.

 

***

 

Lying next to Kaisertern on his bed, using his arm as a pillow, Roabellin couldn’t sleep at all.

 

‘I planned to spend only one or two nights with the Emperor of Prahenfelt on highly fertile days and then run away. How did it end up like this?’

 

Kaisertern, who had desired her endlessly like a thirsty boy, had held her tight so she couldn’t return to her room and had only fallen asleep a short while ago.

 

‘I asked him what if others saw, and said I would at least sleep in my own room.’

 

Kaisertern had answered, “That is exactly why I moved all the guards in this area to the outskirts of my private quarters just before you became my maid.”

 

‘I couldn’t refuse any further, so I laid down with him.’

 

Glancing sideways at his sculptured face, Roabellin shifted her gaze to the moon outside the window.

 

‘If I keep doing this, and a child is truly conceived while I’m in the Imperial Palace, and Kai finds out…’

 

Roabellin recalled what Kaisertern had said in the study earlier.

 

“Remember what I promised. I won’t force the position of concubine on you until you want it.. Since that was your request. However, if you conceive a child, I can’t delay it any longer then.”

 

Roabellin swallowed dryly.

 

“Then I won’t be able to help it either. I can neither choose not to have the first imperial child nor allow you to give birth to the imperial child with the status of a maid.”

 

Roabellin felt fear rush in at the word ‘imperial child.’ But Kaisertern didn’t give her a chance to push his shoulder away and immediately buried his lips in her neck again.

 

‘I know well now that Kai doesn’t see me merely as a light fling. But even if he is sincere now, human hearts can change at any time. If my identity is revealed while dragging time like this, he might change his mind, asking if I’ve been deceiving him all this time. He could really use me as a diplomatic card with Aventador…’

 

Because of that, she couldn’t confess that she had been lying to him or that she had approached him for her own reasons. Then, Roabellin suddenly realized.

 

‘Clearly, this was a journey started to obtain a child to continue the Ducal House.’

 

Contrary to her initial intention, she realized she was only thinking about Kaisertern’s feelings now. That she kept considering various possibilities under the assumption of staying by his side. That her original purpose was gradually fading within her.

 

Startled into awareness, she hurriedly tried to deny and minimize her feelings.

 

‘I admit, I… might have developed feelings of lo-liking Kai a little. But he’s just too perfect. Handsome, great body, possesses the strongest magic on the continent, and above all, the Emperor of a Great Empire. He’s a man most women would naturally fall for. It’s the same for me. It’s a common and natural emotion felt when seeing an overly perfect man. It’s nothing special…’

 

Feeling that her resolve would weaken if she looked at his face right next to her, Roabellin closed her eyes. But ridiculously enough, once she closed her eyes, she missed him so much she couldn’t bear it. Conflicted, Roabellin squeezed her eyes shut and turned her back to him.

 

‘I’m in serious trouble, really. Let’s run away quickly.’

 

Bright moonlight streaming through the window illuminated her face. Roabellin tossed and turned unable to sleep for a long time, and only fell asleep after the morning moon had almost disappeared.

 

The next evening. In the bedroom, Roabellin welcomed Kaisertern returning from his daily duties.

 

“Yulli.”

 

Kaisertern strode over with a glad smile, but Roabellin found it difficult to lift her head. It was because of what happened this morning.

 

Roabellin, who hadn’t been able to sleep until late dawn, woke up to the intense sunlight piercing her eyes.

 

“Ugh, why is it so bright. I can’t slee…”

 

Stretching and looking around, Roabellin realized three things. That she was currently in the Emperor’s bed, that he who had slept with her was not next to her, and…

 

“Gasp, what time is it?!”

 

That she, the maid in charge of personal attendance, had slept until nearly lunch time without even knowing the Emperor had woken up, gotten ready, and left.

 

“I must be crazy!”

 

Roabellin was dumbfounded at herself.

 

‘No, you said you were going to run away. You slept thinking about that, and oh my god… Is your mind that at ease??’

 

Pulling her hair and getting up hurriedly, Roabellin quickly tidied the bed and bedroom which still bore traces of yesterday. Then, straightening her clothes, she carefully checked if anyone was passing by and returned to her room.

 

Thinking about the morning’s events, Roabellin’s voice trailed off.

 

“Your… Majesty. Um, about this morning…”

 

Honestly, as a maid who neglected her duties due to oversleeping, she had nothing to say even if she got scolded. But Kaisertern just smiled, looking at her as if she were lovely.

 

“I didn’t wake you this morning because you were sleeping so soundly. Was I too rough on you yesterday?”

 

“Ah, it’s not that…”

 

Since she had actually slept late plotting her escape, Roabellin couldn’t bring herself to say it was because of him out of conscience. But fortunately, Kaisertern didn’t press her.

 

“That’s a pity. I intended to tire you out today as well.”

 

With a genuinely regretful face, he gently held the tip of her chin and kissed her lightly on the lips.

 

“It seems your stamina is too weak compared to mine. I’ll tell them to add health foods that help improve stamina to your meals.”

 

“N-no! It would be too obvious if only my meals are different!!”

 

Terrified that others might notice their relationship, Roabellin waved her hands.

 

“I don’t need anything like that. I’m incredibly healthy and strong! I’m not tired at all!!”

 

At her urgent and spirited words, the corner of Kaisertern’s mouth went up slightly. The moment she saw that smile, Roabellin realized.

 

‘Ah, I fell for it.’

 

Sure enough.

 

“Really? Then you mean you aren’t tired with just yesterday’s level.”

 

Wearing a slightly mischievous smile, Kaisertern wrapped one arm around her waist.

 

“Ah, that’s not what I meant…!”

 

Chuckling at the flustered Roabellin, Kaisertern picked her up effortlessly and sat on the sofa. Roabellin instantly ended up sitting on his lap, held in his arms. Having been seated like this a few times, she was now getting used to this position too.

 

Hugging her from behind as she sat on his lap, Kaisertern spoke in a light tone. It was an atmosphere like a wife and husband talking about their day after work.

 

“I planned two things today.”

 

Roabellin quickly showed curiosity on her face.

 

“The first is a party. About a month from now, I will invite young nobles from influential families to the Imperial Palace for a small party. Let’s call it a tea party.”

 

“It must be a social event where you drink tea instead of alcohol.”

 

Kaisertern nodded slightly.

 

“Correct. It’s for light socialization with a sober mind during the day.”

 

If it was a small-scale social party without alcohol, Roabellin knew it well as she had attended some when she was young.

 

“Why are you suddenly holding a party?”

 

“There is a Viscount’s son I personally need to thank. I intend to create a place for him to make connections that will be helpful to his business.”

 

“The Emperor is thanking a Viscount’s son? What on earth did he do…”

 

From Roabellin’s perspective, it was a pure question wondering what favor the Emperor could owe to a mere Viscount’s son. However, recalling that Baron Ratnen had appeared in the rumor Roabellin mentioned just yesterday, Kaisertern was inwardly flustered. He feared the strange misunderstanding he had barely resolved might get twisted again. But he skillfully changed the subject with a suitable excuse.

 

“I received helpful advice from him, but he declined my reward. So I’m doing it this way so he can’t refuse. Ah, that Viscount’s son feels very similar to you for some reason. To the point where I want to stand you two side by side when he enters the palace. That’s why he feels more familiar, I suppose.”

 

But instead of showing interest in the Viscount’s son who supposedly resembled her, Roabellin returned to the topic of the party.

 

“Aha, I see. Since it’s a good season now, how about making it a ball instead of a tea party? It would be nice to have some liveliness in the Imperial Palace after a long time.”

 

Of course, Kaisertern hadn’t failed to consider that. Since he was the Emperor, it wouldn’t be strange to make it big if it was a return for a favor. But…

 

“A ball takes a long time to prepare, and the position of the palace hostess to take charge and promote it is currently vacant. If it’s a ball planned by me and Count Raymond… isn’t that too much for a thank-you gift? It would be the stiffest and most boring ball in the world.”

 

Kaisertern smiled brightly and hugged Roabellin’s waist tightly. He lightly touched his lips to Roabellin’s neck and sighed softly.

 

“And I can’t invite you, a commoner, to a ball. Besides, if it’s a ball, I would have to dance with another woman at least once, and I hate that too.”

 

It was a reason she hadn’t expected at all. Looking at Roabellin, whose cheeks had turned slightly pink, with gentle eyes, Kaisertern asked.

 

“Have you ever learned to dance?”

 

Of course, the daughter of Duke Hertenes had received private dance lessons since childhood. But Yulli, a commoner, wouldn’t have.

 

“N-no.”

 

Feeling guilty for no reason, Roabellin even shook her head.

 

“Really? Then shall we try dancing once?”

 

“Pardon? I told you I didn’t learn…”

 

While Roabellin was flustered by his proposal which didn’t match her answer at all, Kaisertern helped her up and stood up himself.

 

“Just follow my lead.”

 

Kaisertern smiled slightly at Roabellin, went to a corner of the bookshelf, and took out a magic music box. When he opened the music box and lightly infused mana with his hand, music began to play from it. Since it was infused with magic, it created a melody with a rhythm suitable for dancing, even though it was just a music box. Kaisertern approached Roabellin, who was looking at it with fascination, and held out his hand to her. After hesitating for a moment, she had no choice but to take his hand.

 

With one hand around Roabellin’s waist and holding her hand with the other, Kaisertern led her to the living room hall where there was no furniture.

 

Kaisertern took simple steps for Roabellin, who claimed she had never learned to dance, and Roabellin matched his lead recalling her childhood memories. It was a dance after a long time, but her body seemed to remember somewhat as she quickly got used to it and felt excited.

 

‘I thought I would never dance again in my life… Wow, I remember this?’

 

Although it was more fun than she expected, she shouldn’t dance skillfully like this. To not show signs of knowing how to dance, Roabellin deliberately tried to step on Kaisertern’s foot. However, whether he anticipated it or simply had excellent reflexes, Kaisertern nimbly pulled his foot away before getting stepped on every time.

 

‘Sheesh. Just let me step on it once! This makes it look like I dance well!’

 

After one dance with a cheerful rhythm ended, Kaisertern said to Roabellin with a bright face.

 

“You said you never learned to dance, but you dance well? Did you lie to me?”

 

Roabellin was dumbfounded.

 

‘That’s why I tried to step on your foot to pretend I couldn’t dance, but you dodged it too well!’

 

Swallowing the words she wanted to say, she made up an excuse as best she could. Because she had a guilty conscience, words didn’t come out easily.

 

“Th-that’s not it. Kai led so well… Ah, I saw people dancing many times while working at the noble house!”

 

At her answer, Kaisertern put on a feigned look of surprise.

 

“It’s amazing if this is the level you learned from watching over shoulders.”

 

He pulled Roabellin’s waist into his embrace.

 

“Someday, I want to show off your dancing skills in front of all the nobles.”

 

That meant he wanted to stand her as the Emperor’s partner in an official setting. Surprised by the tremendous words, Roabellin looked up to meet his eyes.

 

“Excluding my dance teacher, you are the first woman I’ve danced with.”

 

Looking up at him, Roabellin saw golden eyes that contained only her.

 

“I’m telling you to remember. Since you took both my first night and first dance, it means you have to take responsibility for me for the rest of my life.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

‘First night aside, taking responsibility for the first dance?’

 

Of course, it didn’t make much sense. But for some reason, the boy Kai from her regained memories came to mind. Recalling the boy who seemed arrogant but had a kind heart, Roabellin didn’t want to refute his words.

 

Before she knew it, the music box was playing the next song. This time it was a slower and sweeter tune. When Roabellin buried her face in Kaisertern’s chest without answering, Kaisertern held Roabellin’s waist and slowly took steps. Then he spoke again.

 

“The first thing I planned for today was that party, and the second plan is just for the two of us.”

 

Roabellin lifted her head and cast a curious look instead of answering.

 

“You remember the place where we spent our first night, right.”

 

Of course, she couldn’t not remember.

 

“That… The house on the hill in the city that belonged to Your Majesty’s mother?”

 

“Yes, the place I cherish most among my villas. Let’s go there again. To spend time just the two of us.”

 

Kaisertern planned to go to the place where they had precious memories and propose to Roabellin. Because he regretted asking her to become a concubine so unromantically and abruptly last time.

 

‘This time I must prepare well and propose formally.’

 

However, since they had also gone to the Hot Spring Palace with the excuse of ‘going to spend time just the two of us,’ Roabellin didn’t even guess that he intended to propose this time. Just the thought that another opportunity to leave the Imperial Palace had come made her heart flutter and her expression brighten. Seeing Roabellin’s face like that, Kaisertern ended up misunderstanding.

 

‘As expected, it was a good choice to pick that place. Yulli must have also wanted to go back to the place where we have memories.’

 

As pride surged up, Kaisertern’s face brightened just like Roabellin’s.

 

The visit to the villa was set for two weeks later, and Roabellin calmly planned her escape. Vowing that she would absolutely not be caught this time.

 

***

 

Recently, disturbing rumors began to circulate suddenly in Aventador’s noble society.

 

“What, the King poisoned the former King?!”

 

“Shh, lower your voice! I heard it too. Back then, the former King was young and had no known chronic illness. Since such a person died suddenly, isn’t that why such talk is coming out?”

 

“Wasn’t there an investigation at that time?”

 

“It fizzled out amidst the confusion after the former King passed away back then. Think about it. Who benefited the most from the former King dying so early?”

 

“That would be…”

 

“Even though there was clearly a Prince, he took that spot with the excuse that the Prince was too young and hadn’t been invested as Crown Prince. Even though he himself hadn’t been invested as Crown Prince either.”

 

“True, although we couldn’t say it all this time, it was fishy.”

 

“Right, and while he used the excuse of being young back then, look at Grand Duke Lexton now that he’s an adult. Honestly, who looks more like a real King?”

 

Rumors spread faster the more provocative and dangerous they are. Adding flesh to the bones, this suspicion spread rapidly from mouth to mouth among the nobles.

 

While the rumors were spreading, Estina and Iskal planned to secure decisive evidence. It was to infiltrate the temple and check the records of private conversations the King or Queen had with important figures. Since Iskal’s investigation had only decisive steps left, the private conversation records were actually evidence needed for Estina rather than Iskal.

 

‘Why and what did they do to Hertenes… The answer will be there. Actually, I have a guess, but I need to secure physical evidence.’

 

“Phew.”

 

Planning the infiltration into the temple archives together, Estina sighed as her heart pounded with tension. Iskal examined her face.

 

“Why. Are you scared?”

 

“A little. Just imagining getting caught while infiltrating makes my heart race. But thinking that I’m with Your Highness, I feel much better now.”

 

Iskal’s heart swelled at the fact that Estina trusted him. At his gaze filled with love, Estina blushed slightly and changed the subject.

 

“Ahem, anyway, about that archive. If we enter the temple and go to the central hall…”

 

Iskal gently held her hand as she tried to explain the temple structure.

 

“I know where it is. I was born and raised in the Royal Palace. Don’t be too anxious, Estina.”

 

At his warm words and calm gaze, Estina felt a little relieved. But she couldn’t relax completely just yet.

 

“Then, you know the location of that archive, right? And how to release the seal?”

 

Seeing her checking again, Iskal smiled broadly.

 

“Yes, of course. I’ll tell the Magic Department in advance that I’ll take charge of detecting divine power in the temple area that day. Meaning even if we use magic inside, there won’t be any risk of detection.”

 

At Iskal’s specific answer, Estina finally relaxed.

 

3 days later. Estina and Iskal met in the bushes near the Central Temple inside the Royal Palace. The two changed their appearance and clothes to look like temple servants using magic.

 

“This should be enough. Let’s go.”

 

Thanks to both of them knowing the temple structure well, they succeeded in entering the archive on the 2nd floor of the temple quickly and naturally.

 

“Phew.”

 

Only after closing the archive door soundlessly did Estina let out a small sigh of relief.

 

“Infiltration successful. Let’s look at the data right away.”

 

“Yes, the private conversation records are this way.”

 

Estina went to the furthest corner of the archive and pointed to a spot on the floor. There was a wooden lid-shaped door in the corner of the stone floor, and when Iskal approached and opened it, stairs leading down appeared.

 

“It’s a special archive connected to the underground.”

 

It was the moment the education she received to become the owner of this temple shone. Admiring Estina for remembering all that, Iskal lit a light in his hand with mana.

 

“Let’s go in.”

 

Iskal took the lead down the stairs. After winding down the spiral stone stairs several times, the two arrived at the underground archive.

 

Entering the archive first, Iskal lit up the entire interior. In the archive that instantly became bright as day, the two soon found the storage boxes containing the private conversation records of Euraxiz and Aklis respectively. At the thought of facing the truth of that day by opening these, Estina’s heart pounded. It was an emotion indistinguishable between anticipation and fear.

 

The two looked down at the storage boxes for a moment with mixed feelings.

 

Records of private conversations between the King/Queen and high-ranking officials were strictly confidential. Especially if they were records of the current living King and Queen.

 

Therefore, the private conversation records were sealed by combining the mana and divine power of the Royal Palace’s Archmage and High Priest respectively. To open it, the Archmage and High Priest had to use mana and divine power simultaneously just like when sealing, or exceptionally, it could be opened by the power of the King and Queen.

 

However, this was only possible if the King was a ‘rightful King’ and the Queen was a daughter of the Ducal House possessing divine power. In other cases, the only way was to have the Archmage and High Priest open it.

 

“Your Highness’s mana, and my divine power… are needed, right.”

 

Clearly, Iskal possessed mana surpassing an Archmage, and Estina had a high level of divine power. However, they were not the Archmage and High Priest, and that seal wasn’t something just anyone with power could open.

 

In other words, if these two could open this seal, it meant they were the rightful King and Queen. Knowing that fact, their hearts beat fiercely.

 

“Right. Estina, put your hand here.”

 

The two overlapped their extended hands and carefully placed them over the keyhole of the storage box.

 

Flash—!!

 

The next moment. As if reacting to their power, light poured out from the keyhole and the lid of the storage box clicked open.

 

“……!!”

 

Estina, who had a sliver of anxiety that it might not open, was stunned speechless.

 

‘I’m glad it worked, but… It’s strange, if I’m the Queen, what about Roa? No, did it open just by having the divine power of the Ducal House? Well, a daughter of the Ducal House who isn’t the Queen would have never opened this before.’

 

While Estina’s mind became complicated, Iskal smiled as if he knew this would happen and took out the documents. Flipping through the documents for a moment, he found the part in question.

 

“Here it is. That day 8 years ago, the High Priest requested a private audience with the King and Queen at dawn. He must have reported back after returning from the Hertenes Ducal Castle.”

 

Estina snapped out of her thoughts at Iskal’s words, approached him, and read down the document. The events of that night unfolded before the two.

 

***

 

It was well past midnight. But when the High Priest arrived and requested a private audience, the Queen’s attendant let him in immediately. The royal couple, who had been in the Queen’s private parlor, welcomed the High Priest as if they had been waiting for him.

 

“Your Majesties.”

 

The High Priest, who bowed his head, looked neat and tidy, unlike what they had expected, appearing no different from when he had departed. But such details didn’t even register in the eyes of the anxious royal couple.

 

“How did it go?”

 

At Acklis’s impatient question, the High Priest raised his head. His face was slightly pale.

 

“For now… as you commanded, the direct line of the main Hertenes family is finished.”

 

“Oh, really! Well done. You’ve worked hard.”

 

“However,”

 

At the High Priest’s single word cutting off the Queen’s praise, puzzlement appeared on the faces of the royal couple, which had brightened considerably.

 

“It was not done by us.”

 

Because it was an unthinkable statement, the royal couple couldn’t understand it momentarily.

 

“Huh? What does that mean?”

 

“Th-that is. Something happened that even we cannot understand.”

 

The flustered High Priest’s voice was now trembling.

 

“At the planned time, with the planned number of personnel, we arrived at the Ducal Castle with perfect preparation. But… when we arrived, everything was already over. The castle building was burning fiercely, and there was a pile of burnt corpses in the garden courtyard in front of the main building.”

 

Euraxiz, who had been listening with his mouth open, barely managed to ask.

 

“Then, you mean someone attacked the Ducal Castle before us?”

 

“It appeared so. Just in case, the priests put up protective barriers with divine power and went into the burning castle to check. There were bloodstains all over the Ducal couple’s room and the Ducal daughter’s room. It seems some force went there first, killed the family, and burned the bodies and the castle.”

 

Flustered by the unexpected situation, the royal couple looked at each other’s faces for a moment. But their faces soon relaxed.

 

“Ha, ha… Whoever did it, doesn’t matter. It was something we were going to do anyway, so didn’t we just get what we wanted without lifting a finger?”

 

“True, it bothers me which force possesses such strong private soldiers… but it worked out well. Things are resolving easily.”

 

“The heavens are helping us. As the Queen said, since it wasn’t done by an ordinary force, we should investigate who’s behind it. Then High Priest, you take the knights and head to the Hertenes branch families starting tomorrow. Go and make them exactly like the direct line.”

 

“Yes. I understand.”

 

The High Priest bowed his head without a word. This time, Euraxiz summoned the Chief Chamberlain, Lad.

 

“Lad, convey this to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Royal Treasury immediately. In addition to the direct Hertenes line, the territories and properties of the branch families will also revert to the royal family.”

 

“What should be the grounds for confiscation?”

 

“Including the branch families, all families with Hertenes blood will disappear within a few days. So those properties will inevitably have to revert to the national treasury, won’t they?”

 

“…Yes.”

 

Although Lad had helped Euraxiz with all sorts of bad deeds, big and small, his answer came a beat late this time. Because rooting out the Ducal House, which the people of Aventador considered demigods, was frightful even for him.

 

However, perhaps lust for power had blinded Euraxiz. Intoxicated with a sense of victory, his eyes were glistening with madness without a speck of fear.

 

In the subsequent records, reports followed saying that today the Duke’s younger brother’s family was eliminated, today the Duchess’s younger sister’s family was eliminated, the Duchess’s father was eliminated, and so on.

 

***

 

Having read all the records, Estina couldn’t say anything. Her fingertips were trembling slightly as she slowly sank to the floor. Iskal quickly grabbed Estina’s shoulders and checked her complexion.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

“……”

 

“Let’s get out of here first. We can’t delay here.”

 

When Iskal carefully helped her up, Estina took his hand and stood up. Throughout the time they resealed the storage box, put it back in its original place, and safely exited the archive and the temple, Estina remained silent.

 

Returning home, she sat heavily on a dining chair and let out a deep sigh. Only after Iskal sat next to her did Estina slowly open her mouth.

 

“It was heartbreaking to see the records of my relatives ending up like that… But then who attacked our Ducal Castle? I thought the truth of that day would become clear just by looking at those documents today, but I’m at a loss again. Could it be a coalition of some noble families?”

 

Iskal sat facing Estina, whose face had darkened, and covered her hands with his.

 

“First, our guess that my uncle and aunt intended to eliminate the direct Hertenes line has now become fact. Just because some unknown force attacked first doesn’t change the fact that they intended to do so. And it remains an unchanged fact that they eliminated all the branch families of Hertenes as well. Estina, it’s just that new culprits have been added.”

 

Estina looked up at him weakly. Her eyes, which had lost vitality and were wandering, became a little clearer. Iskal looked into her eyes and spoke seriously.

 

“We should also find out who the force that raided the Ducal Castle is. I’ll secretly check if there were such movements among the influential families at the time.”

 

At his words, the anxiety on Estina’s face lifted significantly.

 

“Thank you. I’m sorry to be indebted to you, but please do so. I want to say I’ll do it, but the current me has no people to command.”

 

It was a matter concerning her own family, so it was upsetting that she couldn’t investigate and solve it with her own power. But she couldn’t stand on pride regarding things that were realistically impossible.

 

When she accepted his help obediently, Iskal almost smiled broadly just from that. Watching him, Estina continued.

 

“Whether that investigation is successful or not, thank you anyway. If it weren’t for Your Highness, I wouldn’t have even made it this far.”

 

“No, Estina. Your role has been much bigger all this time. Please think of it as cooperating in areas where we each can contribute.”

 

At his words, Estina recalled opening the storage box in the underground archive of the temple earlier.

 

It was surprising that the storage box recognized her, who had long become a branch member of the Ducal House, as the Queen, but it was also surprising that Iskal, who was a Grand Duke, was judged as the ‘Rightful King’.

 

“Come to think of it, Your Highness, you were the ‘Rightful King’. It would be even better if the people who support Your Highness knew this.”

 

At her words, Iskal smiled slightly.

 

“To me, the fact that the storage box recognized you as the Queen is more important than that. But as you said, I’ll make good use of this fact too.”

 

Iskal warmly held Estina’s hand.

 

The two shared various stories while having a late dinner at home. Estina, feeling a bit more relaxed, asked about things she had been curious about.

 

“Um… are you using your power as the Magic Tower Master to find out who the other force that raided the Ducal Castle is? Be it financial power or information power.”

 

“Inevitably, the power on that side is more useful. Still, since the nobles opposing my uncle support and help ‘Prince Iskal’, this position is also useful within Aventador.”

 

“Last time, you even obtained the book on Nefarity poison from the Prahenfelt Empire. I never imagined you would have connections even with the Empire.”

 

At Estina’s light remark, Iskal looked a little troubled. Estina noticed the fleeting expression on his face.

 

“Why, what are you thinking?”

 

“Ah… The thought that I shouldn’t hide anything from you.”

 

Estina opened her eyes wide in curiosity.

 

“What were you hiding? Don’t tell me, Your Highness, do you have another identity too?”

 

“Ah, that is… It’s classified.”

 

Hesitating for a moment, Iskal finally spoke as if he had made up his mind.

 

“I’ll tell only you. Actually, I am also the Archmage of Prahenfelt. In principle, the Magic Tower Master, who must maintain neutrality between nations, cannot work for a specific country, but… it turned out that way. That the Archmage of Prahenfelt is the Magic Tower Master is now known only to the Emperor, me, and you. Since the Imperial Palace employees don’t know the face of the Tower Master, they just know me as ‘the Archmage who is frequently away’.”

 

Estina, blinking for a moment in surprise at the unexpected fact, barely managed to speak.

 

“Your Highness, you were truly a tremendous mage. Ah, then are you… close with the Emperor?”

 

“Yes. When I go to the Imperial Palace occasionally, reports are done only in private. Since most of it is classified. Because I am the Magic Tower Master and royalty of another country, the Emperor doesn’t treat me completely as a subordinate either. It’s closer to a friendship.”

 

Listening to him, Estina immediately thought of Roabellin who had left for the Prahenfelt Imperial Palace.

 

“Ah. That’s, amazing.”

 

To Estina, who replied soullessly, the subsequent conversation didn’t really register.

 

That night, sitting up in bed, Estina was lost in deep thought.

 

‘If Prince Iskal finds out that Roa is in the Imperial Palace, how will he react? Will he help Roa’s will be done? Or will he choose to be loyal to the Emperor he is close with? I can’t be sure right now. Right, if Roa returns with the Emperor’s child, Prince Iskal must absolutely never know about it. If His Highness is a friend who has private audiences with the Emperor, he’s basically a direct communication line open towards the Emperor, isn’t he?’

 

Her body was very tired, but as her worries deepened, her mind became clearer.

 

‘Right, for now, I’ve done everything I can here, so let’s just go back home and wait for Roa. If I get contacted by Roa while I’m with His Highness, she’ll be caught immediately. But if I leave like this, things with His Highness…’

 

Deep in thought, she tossed and turned unable to sleep until late at night.

 

***

 

The next morning, the two sat facing each other at the dining table eating a simple breakfast prepared by Iskal.

 

“Thank you. This morning’s meal is really delicious too.”

 

“I’m thankful that you eat it deliciously.”

 

“……”

 

Estina, who even retracted the smile she was barely maintaining, looked into Iskal’s eyes silently for a moment.

 

“Why, do you have something you want to say?”

 

“…Yes.”

 

“What’s difficult. Say whatever you want in front of me.”

 

Even after hearing that, Estina hesitated a little longer before barely opening her mouth.

 

“It seems I’ve done all the investigation I can do here so… I’m thinking of going back now.”

 

At the unexpected words, Iskal’s eyes widened.

 

“What does that mean? You said you’d always be by my side. You are my fiancée, and the Queen acknowledged by the ancient power of the temple.”

 

Unable to look him in the eye, Estina’s gaze shifted to the side.

 

“I don’t want to leave Your Highness either. I’ve been so grateful for everything. But since I’ve done what I need to do here, I think I need to go back home and take care of Roa now.”

 

“Roa must be an adult now, what do you mean you need to take care of her?”

 

Estina swallowed a sigh inwardly and mixed a little lie with the truth.

 

“Roa’s body is a bit weak. She has a lot of emotional scars because of the memories of the day of the extermination, so she relies on me a lot. And, Roa is the only blood relative I have left. I want to give her all the help I can.”

 

Realizing that he couldn’t easily change Estina’s mind, Iskal’s tone became urgent.

 

“Then, let’s go together. I’ll be useful in many ways.”

 

At his desperate words, Estina wavered for a moment. However, she couldn’t take the Emperor’s friend before Roabellin, who had probably run away from the Emperor.

 

‘If Roa gets dragged to the Emperor because of that… Not only will the direct line of the Ducal House end, but Roa, who ran away carrying the imperial child, won’t be safe either.’

 

Having reached a conclusion, Estina shook her head slightly.

 

“No. Your Highness still has many things to do here. Your Highness, please stay here and do your work.”

 

At her firm words, Iskal realized she had no intention of changing her mind. Iskal kept his head down for a long time while holding Estina’s hand, and then barely opened his mouth.

 

“Alright. While I investigate the hostile forces of Hertenes, it would be better for you to be hiding in a safe place. I will finish the investigation you started. Once everything is over and it becomes safe, then… come back to me.”

 

Iskal’s voice, always bright and confident, trembled a little. Thinking she knew how he felt right now, Estina’s eyes also became hot.

 

“Yes, I’m sorry… Your Highness.”

 

“Wait a moment.”

 

Speaking in a subdued voice, Iskal went into his room and came out holding something.

 

“Please accept this.”

 

What he held out was a communication magic tool. Something Estina had seen once before.

 

“Ah, this is…”

 

“It’s the same communication device I gave you when you were returning to the Ducal Castle during the last vacation 8 years ago. I won’t contact you first and bother you so… This time, please use it instead of throwing it away.”

 

At his words, Estina’s eyes widened. Iskal knew that she had thrown away that communication device while running away with Roabellin on the day of the extermination. She had done so fearing she would be tracked by the trace amount of mana emitting from the magic tool, and because it was such a sudden catastrophe that she thought she couldn’t trust anyone. Because it was a story she felt sorry to reveal to him, Estina was flustered.

 

“Ah, did you know? I, at that time…”

 

“I know, you were running away. I naturally understand that it was a situation where you couldn’t trust anyone since you didn’t know who was behind the extermination back then. But this time, please trust me a little.”

 

Iskal forced a smile, but his eyes seemed slightly red. Estina accepted the communication magic tool with a complicated and sorry heart.

 

“I’ll keep it well this time.”

 

“Thank you. And don’t just keep it well, but press the communication connect button on the side here often.”

 

Like Iskal, he immediately lightened the mood a little. Estina smiled unknowingly and let out a phew sound as tension released.

 

The next day, Estina departed for Avery immediately.

 

“Goodbye, Your Highness.”

 

“Go safely. Feel free to contact me anytime!”

 

They didn’t know when they could meet again, but neither of them thought this was the end. Therefore, the two said goodbye brightly as if they would meet again soon and parted ways.

 

When Estina was far away and no longer visible, Iskal’s eyes settled coldly. It was a gaze completely different from when he was with Estina.

 

‘I will finish everything quickly. I’ll take the throne and run to you immediately. Wherever you are in the world, I will definitely find you.’

 

Standing looking in the direction Estina went, he clenched his two fists tight. Vowing that he would surely make that day come quickly.

 

***

 

Late at night. Sitting alone in his study, Kaisertern turned on the communication device. After a few signals, he was connected to Iskal.

 

“Your Majesty.”

 

“Where are you now.”

 

Both of them had personalities that skipped long greetings and got straight to the point.

 

“I am in Aventador.”

 

“You’ve been there constantly lately. It’s not like you’re guarding the Magic Tower… For an Archmage, your absences are too frequent and long.”

 

“Honestly, I don’t know if an Archmage is that necessary in an Imperial Palace when there is a mage like Your Majesty. Right now, you have something else you need my help with, don’t you?”

 

Iskal was a quick-witted person. Of course, Kaisertern liked that side of him. Because with him, who understood ten things just by hearing one, work could always be done quickly and efficiently.

 

“…Yes. I have something to ask. When can you come?”

 

“Hmm, I also have work to do here so I can’t stay long even if I go to the Imperial Palace. I’ll go now for the moment.”

 

Disconnecting the communication device, Iskal opened a magic gate and arrived at the Imperial Palace immediately. Reaching the Emperor’s office, an attendant announced his arrival.

 

“Your Majesty, the Archmage is here.”

 

“Send him in.”

 

The door opened, and a tall man with ash-brown hair and eyes like clear skies entered.

 

“It’s been a while, Your Majesty.”

 

“Yes, you came right away. Since my mana is specialized for killing, I sometimes envy you who uses lifestyle magic freely. That’s also the reason why an Archmage is needed in the Imperial Palace.”

 

“Haha, you’re giving legitimacy for me to guard the Imperial Palace like this. Even though Your Majesty can do long-distance teleportation too. Anyway, what did you seek me so anxiously for?”

 

Kaisertern raised one eyebrow as if he didn’t like the expression ‘anxiously’, but that was all. He took out a folded piece of paper from a drawer and handed it to Iskal. Unfolding the paper without knowing why, Iskal’s expression changed very minutely. But he skillfully hid his expression.

 

“What is this?”

 

“What does it look like?”

 

“Well. Is it a drawing? Is it a character?”

 

“It’s a tattoo on someone’s body, but I can’t figure out the meaning. I intended to ask if you might know.”

 

Of course, Iskal had learned that character.

 

‘It’s an ancient character of the Aventador region, meaning ‘Queen’… If it’s someone who engraved this character as a tattoo on their body.’

 

Iskal immediately thought of Estina, but there was no way the Emperor saw a tattoo on Estina’s body whom he had never met. Then…

 

“Is it a tattoo on a person’s body? Is it a criminal?”

 

Iskal deliberately probed in the wrong direction.

 

“It’s not that. …It’s a young woman.”

 

“Ah, is it perhaps the person you mentioned last time whose mana is tangled?”

 

“Ah, you remembered even that.”

 

At Iskal’s lightly thrown question, Kaisertern’s face crumpled a little. Suppressing the facial muscles that wanted to grin, Iskal thought.

 

‘As expected. It’s Roabellin who left home some time ago. Probably… whatever the reason, that child ended up in a state where she couldn’t use divine power, and somehow caught this Emperor’s eye. But Roabellin didn’t tell the Emperor the meaning of this tattoo.’

 

Organizing it in his head and grasping the situation instantly, Iskal feigned ignorance and answered.

 

“So the woman you have in mind had a tattoo of unknown meaning on her body. For now, it doesn’t seem to be related to magic, and I wonder if it might be a mark used by some underground guild or slave trader… I will investigate.”

 

“Right. For now, it wasn’t a foreign language I know or an ancient language used in this region. So I asked thinking you might know since you came from a distant region.”

 

“I see. I will look into it.”

 

Answering roughly, exchanging a few more words, and leaving the Emperor’s office, Iskal could only then reveal a slightly surprised expression.

 

‘Even if he met her outside the Imperial Palace, since she’s a woman who caught the Emperor’s eye, he naturally would have brought her into the Imperial Palace. Then it means Roabellin is here in the Imperial Palace right now.’

 

He couldn’t even guess how and why Roabellin came all the way here.

 

‘Seeing how Estina entered the palace risking danger and was investigating so diligently, Roabellin wouldn’t have come all the way to Vicentium just to see the world. Does she want to live comfortably by catching the Emperor’s eye?’

 

Of course, there would be many women who want that. Just being the Emperor of the only Empire on the continent would have been enough, but Kaisertern was young and even unnecessarily mesmerizing in appearance.

 

‘Appearance and status are impeccable. His personality is just a bit stiff, but actually, there’s nothing problematic.’

 

It was a slightly harsh evaluation, but considering Kaisertern was his boss, it was practically a compliment. Iskal recalled the image of Roabellin he had always seen from afar during the 8 years he secretly protected Estina. She was always surprisingly beautiful, and as she grew up, she even acquired a pure and mysterious atmosphere. She was sufficient to be called the most beautiful woman on this continent.

 

‘She’s a direct daughter of the Ducal House, what more needs to be said. With that level, her beauty alone is more than enough to win the Emperor’s heart. Estina probably educated her well on being a Queen too.’

 

However, there was a point that bothered him to think that Roabellin tried to live comfortably by catching the Emperor’s eye.

 

‘Roabellin didn’t tell the Emperor about that tattoo. She wouldn’t have thought she could avoid showing the tattoo on her back even after becoming the Emperor’s lover. If she hid her true identity, it would be correct to see that she didn’t plan a long-term relationship with the Emperor. Even if not that, at least she doesn’t have the conviction that the Emperor will protect her from the King of Aventador even if she reveals her identity.’

 

Since Iskal knew that her family was exterminated and that a significant part of it was due to the King of Aventador, he could easily guess this far. But even assuming so, the reason Roabellin came here was completely in the fog.

 

‘I should find out what’s going on.’

 

Deliberately wandering slowly through the Emperor’s Palace like an idle man with nothing to do, Iskal was able to find Roabellin working there as a maid quickly. Thanks to her shining platinum blonde hair and conspicuous appearance, finding her was very easy. That child was definitely Estina’s sister-like niece, Roabellin, but…

 

‘Really, since there is a one in a million chance.’

 

Anyway, he was also the Archmage who had to protect the Emperor and the Imperial Palace. Therefore, Iskal monitored her actions within the Emperor’s Palace for a few days. However, he didn’t find out anything special other than that she was using the alias ‘Yulli’. She tended to do her work quietly, and didn’t seem to be plotting anything particularly suspicious. Watching her for a few days, Iskal came to an interim conclusion.

 

‘For now, I know three things. Seeing her work as a maid, not a concubine, Roabellin is not the Emperor’s official lover right now. And seeing her not confessing about the tattoo, she doesn’t think of the Emperor as a partner to spend her life with. That means, Roabellin didn’t enter the palace to become a concubine for now. And…’

 

A faint smile brushed past Iskal’s lips.

 

‘Our Emperor, is actually in an unrequited love. Must be hard. He doesn’t seem to know who that child is either.’

 

He was the Emperor of a huge empire who was younger than him but always exuded tremendous intimidation. No one dared to treat this Emperor easily. But at this moment, Iskal felt a very slight sense of superiority over him. Because he recalled Estina who became his lover after a long wait.

 

Recalling the sweet times with her for a moment, he soon sighed deeply, remembering the fact that she had left for Avery.

 

‘Did I really gain trust from Estina… After doing that, who is pitying whom.’

 

Iskal’s eyes, which had sunk a little in self-mockery, reached Roabellin walking with elegant style in the distance.

 

‘I can’t know exactly why that child is here, but whatever it is, helping Roabellin would be what Estina wants.’

 

Iskal leaned against a pillar on one side of the 2nd-floor corridor railing, lost in thought. His eyes continued to follow Roabellin.

 

‘If Roabellin becomes the Empress of the Empire… It would also be possible to ferret out the culprit who made her family like that. If the culprits are really my uncle and aunt, ousting them and me taking the throne would also become easier.’

 

But he immediately fell into worry again.

 

‘Roabellin is hiding both her real name and identity in front of the Emperor right now. Seeing that, it’s clear she has no intention of having a serious relationship with the Emperor. Would such a child really want to become the Empress?’

 

No matter how desired a position it is by everyone, there are bound to be people who don’t want it. Because what everyone wants is different. After worrying for a moment, Iskal soon reached a conclusion.

 

‘Whether Roabellin wants to become the Empress or not, I will help that child. Whatever it is, what that child wants must be what Estina wants. And because the most important thing to me is Estina’s happiness.’

 

Estina was born with the destiny to become the Queen of Aventador and raised that way. So Iskal had thought that making her the Queen was the way to make her happy. Because she was someone who suited that position more than anyone else.

 

‘I still want to make Estina a noble Queen. But even more than that, I want to let her choose the life she wants with her own will. My role is to drag my uncle’s family, who has restricted Estina’s free life, down from the throne, and help whatever happens to go as she wishes.’

 

While Iskal was lost in thought, Roabellin, holding the Emperor’s laundered clothes, was disappearing far into a door on one side of the 1st-floor hall.