Has Ainberg already given the order?

“……”

“Your Majesty?”

I slowly closed my eyes and murmured.

“That’s a relief. And thank you so much.”

“Not at all, Empress.”

Somehow my body went limp and my shoulders slumped, causing Oz to speak in an alarmed voice.

“Your Majesty, are you all right?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Since Ainberg had stepped in, it seemed Soniel would be found quickly.

The places that child could go were limited, so Ainberg’s soldiers would soon bring Soniel back.

‘I was too hasty.’

Despite the fortunate situation, what still weighed on my mind was how I had presumed to know my father’s thoughts.

‘I naturally thought Father wouldn’t get involved. That he wouldn’t want to be entangled with the Viper family in any way.’

But he had considered Soniel’s safety first.

After a year with my father, I still didn’t properly understand what kind of person he was.

“The reason His Majesty didn’t mention it.”

Oz carefully observed my expression and slowly opened his mouth.

“Was because he wanted to resolve the issue before Your Majesty became worried.”

Yes, I could understand what Ainberg was thinking too.

“But the information I have could be helpful.”

I quickly added.

“Her real name is Titi Marcelo. Soniel is the name Lord Viper gave her, so it might be difficult to track her with that name. She said she came from a convent in Scott, but she’s actually from a boarding school.”

“Ah.”

Oz gave an awkward smile and told me.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but you’ve known everything since Lord Viper adopted his daughter.”

I knew everything?

As I stared blankly at him, he gave a slight smile.

According to Oz, Ainberg had already completed his investigation into Soniel.

At that moment, I thought of Millean’s dry demeanor.

Somehow, I wondered if that cryptic priest might have tipped off Ainberg.

“I see.”

“So please don’t worry too much. You’ll find her soon.”

“Yes, please let me know immediately if there’s any news.”

Though my anxiety hadn’t completely disappeared, I stood up with a somewhat lighter expression.

In my current position where I couldn’t move rashly, it was right to leave the rest to these two.

When I came out through the door, the maids were waiting for me with worried faces.

‘Come to think of it, I came all the way here without telling anyone where I was going.’

They all had similar expressions, but no one dared to speak to me.

At times like this, having light conversation would be most helpful.

I wanted to lift the mood by saying that Ainberg would soon find Soniel, but there was no suitable conversation partner.

‘If Sabine were here…’

Why do I keep looking for someone who’s no longer here? I quickly composed myself and began walking.

I didn’t know when Father would bring Soniel’s letter.

“Your Majesty, are you feeling better now?”

Just then, one of the women following a step behind carefully addressed me.

“Yes, thank you for your concern.”

“That’s good. Are you heading to the Empress’s chambers now?”

“That’s what I’m thinking.”

When I gave a faint smile, the women following behind began to speak one by one.

“Your Majesty, may I make a suggestion?”

“Go ahead.”

“I know something that helps when you’re feeling down.”

Something that helps?

As I tilted my head in confusion, the maid at the front opened her mouth with an excited expression.

“What is it? Please tell Her Majesty quickly.”

Was she going to suggest a walk, reading, or eating something sweet?

I just wanted to go in and rest a bit.

“Calling for a jester.”

A jester? What is she talking about now?

“Watching a fun performance together and laughing. Seeing a legless jester walking on his arms will make you feel better.”

“……”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea!”

Are you serious?

You want me to enjoy watching someone without legs moving around on their hands?

I unconsciously furrowed my brow, and the more perceptive women spoke up.

“Or perhaps Your Majesty would prefer listening to music or watching a performance?”

“Having tea outside might make you feel better too.”

Yes, they were all kind suggestions.

I knew they were trying hard for me, but somehow none of it appealed to me.

“That’s enough. Duke Chadmon might come, so I should go now.”

When I answered curtly, the atmosphere sank again.

I felt sorry, but I couldn’t do something I didn’t want to.

I didn’t want to either.

‘Come to think of it……’

If it had been me in the past, I might have been dragged along unable to refuse even if I disliked it.

‘I really have changed a lot.’

I felt somewhat proud, but again there was no one to share this thought with.

‘If Sabine were here at times like this.’

She wouldn’t have given such strange advice like telling me to laugh at seeing something bizarre.

She would have just listened to me with a kind face.

‘Even the talkative Avery wouldn’t have said such things.’

I missed those children—Sabine, Soniel, and Avery.

Lost in these thoughts, I found myself arriving at the Empress’s chambers.

“I need to rest alone. Everyone may leave.”

I was speaking briefly to the hesitating maids when I saw Leonora and Father walking together in the distance.

Father, or rather Duke Chadmon, paid his respects with calm eyes and said to me.

“I heard you were looking for me.”

“Let’s talk inside.”

I dismissed all the maids and entered the reception room with only the Chadmon family members remaining.

“May I see the letter Soniel left?”

At my words, Father took out a neatly folded paper from inside his coat.

As I slowly unfolded it, I saw the familiar, though unrefined, handwriting.

“……”

As Leonora had said, the letter contained nothing special.

I examined it from various angles hoping Soniel might have left me a hint or sign, but I couldn’t find anything.

She seemed to have left this place truly without any lingering attachment.

“I apologize for not telling you sooner. I knew Lady Viper was important to Your Majesty, but I thought you wouldn’t have the leisure to worry about her today.”

Father spoke in a somewhat subdued voice.

“No, please don’t say that. I heard you immediately informed His Majesty. I’m truly grateful.”

“We must find Lady Viper quickly.”

“She won’t have gone far. I hope… I really hope so.”

“I feel terrible about this situation, Your Majesty. It’s entirely my oversight.”

Father was blaming himself too much.

I shook my head vigorously and said.

“Please don’t say that. This couldn’t have been prevented by anyone. How can we blame anyone when Soniel left of her own accord? It’s absolutely not your fault, Father.”

Oops.

I made a mistake in my excitement. I reflexively glanced at Leonora and immediately composed my expression.

“I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

Far from being flustered, Father smiled kindly.

He spoke to me in a gentle, benevolent voice.

“This too is no one’s fault. Please don’t apologize to me.”

“Habits are truly frightening.”

“I’m rather grateful.”

Leonora also nodded with a sweet smile. Though she didn’t say anything specific, it felt as if she was supporting me.

“Don’t try to restore too many things at once. Your Majesty, don’t rush. Take it slowly.”

At Father’s words, I steadied my breathing.

“……Yes, I will. I’ll return to my place slowly.”

After exchanging a few more words, the Chadmon family left, and I remained alone in the room.

“Phew.”

For the first time, I sprawled on the sofa without being conscious of anyone’s gaze.

“I’m tired, it feels like it’s been a month since I became Empress again.”

Then I gazed absently at my fingertips.

There was one very important change.

Before, I had possessed a slight sanctification ability.

Now I couldn’t feel any energy at all.

‘Perhaps my ability was completely used up in saving Leonora.’

If my body and energy had been used to make Leonora healthy over the past year.

If that was the case, I would be truly happy.

Even though my ability was gone, I really didn’t mind at all.

I closed my eyes.

Hoping that when I opened them, I would be awakened by news that Soniel had been found.

But reality is never so accommodating.