I reflexively tried to get up.

Meanwhile, Ainberg approached and expressed his will with a dry shake of his head.

I wanted to ignore whether he shook his head or not and just jump up, but.

“Your Majesty.”

Recalling my recent conversation with Levi, I put on a docile expression.

“I apologize.”

I wasn’t sorry in the slightest, but I should say this out of courtesy.

From now on is crucial.

‘Launch an offensive of affection and obsession. Then His Majesty will run away instead. Because a woman who loves His Majesty is no longer attractive.’

In other words, use the psychology that one no longer wants to feed a fish they’ve already caught.

I need to hide my true feelings toward Ainberg and show him the most favorable and gentle side of myself.

Just like all the women who stand before the Emperor.

‘I need to make his interest, his petty curiosity, fade away.’

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

While I was plotting my devious strategy, a low and noble voice descended.

“Then I’ll correct what I just said.”

Well, if you don’t like hearing apologies, I’ll change it for you.

“Thank you for your kindness.”

Ainberg stared at me intently with his characteristically arrogant eyes.

‘What, I can’t even say thank you?’

Then he lifted the corner of his lips almost imperceptibly.

Of course, it was a subtle movement only noticeable to someone watching closely. I hated that I knew this about him.

Ainberg returned to his curt expression and said to me:

“Someone will come soon, so get examined.”

Suddenly, he furrowed his previously smooth brow and raised his hand. An aide waiting by the door quickly approached him.

“Why is it taking so long?”

Ainberg seemed to be referring to the physician.

Come to think of it, it had been quite a while since I woke up, but no one had come to check on me.

Just then, Oz, the aide standing right behind him, spoke in a low voice.

“All the imperial physicians are currently at the Empress’s chambers.”

Oz looked at the Emperor and me once, then bowed his head again.

“I’ll send someone else.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Ainberg firmly cut off Oz’s words. His attitude treated the Empress like an untouchable sanctuary.

Oh please, since when did he care so much about the Empress?

It was absurd enough that all the physicians in the palace were supposedly attending to her, but Ainberg’s reaction was the most ridiculous.

I wanted to mention how I hoped the Empress would recover soon, just to turn his stomach.

But now wasn’t the time for that.

I calmed myself and said to Ainberg:

“I don’t know how to express my gratitude for your warm care despite my mistake in your presence.”

“Mistake? What do you mean?”

“……”

“Are you referring to introducing your fiancé to me, or to your fainting?”

What?

I was dumbfounded. I wanted to argue point by point about why introducing a fiancé wasn’t a mistake, but.

I crafted a gentle smile and answered:

“All of it. I’m sorry for showing such an incomplete side of myself before Your Majesty.”

Ainberg stared at me as if looking at something unfamiliar. After waiting a moment for his tightly closed lips to open, an unexpected comment escaped.

“You seem like a different person.”

“Pardon…?”

Though I thought it impossible.

At his words about being a different person, I unconsciously made a slightly surprised expression, like someone whose true feelings had been exposed.

“You always looked angry with me.”

“……”

I answered with an awkward smile.

Ainberg is a perceptive man. If I cling to him without context, he’ll certainly find it strange.

‘I can’t use clumsy tactics.’

I needed to first tidy up my messy image.

“I’m quite shy. My awkwardness led me to be disrespectful. I apologize for my past rudeness, Your Majesty.”

Though I spoke in a polite and respectful voice, somehow I couldn’t look at Ainberg’s face.

“Until recently, a small room and your bed were probably your entire world.”

He seemed to know Leonora Chadmon well.

Of course, considering my father’s social position, this was natural.

“That’s why I’m still lacking in many ways.”

“It doesn’t matter. When the physician arrives, get examined.”

Just as Ainberg finished speaking and was about to turn away, a good idea suddenly occurred to me.

“Your Majesty.”

‘I’m not sure if this is the right approach, but.’

Since I’d already called out, I had to say something.

Ainberg stopped moving and slowly looked down at me. Deliberately avoiding his arrogant gaze, I continued.

“Would it be too rude if I invited Your Majesty to our estate now…?”

Ainberg said nothing.

Afraid he might flatly refuse, I revealed my anxious feelings.

“I want to properly express my gratitude.”

“……”

“I was taught that one must always repay kindness.”

Then whispers could be heard from the group standing behind Ainberg.

This was probably going too far.

But I had no choice. To make him think of me as an annoying woman!

“Very well.”

“Really?”

“I’m curious to see how you’ll express your gratitude.”

The languid gaze that followed.

When he looked straight at me, though I didn’t want to admit it, it felt like his eyes alone embraced me, making it hard to breathe.

Porcelain-white skin, beautiful hair like silver powder had been sprinkled on it, a high nose bridge, and the handsome eyebrows extending from it.

……I was angry at myself for having such thoughts.

“Yes, you can look forward to it.”

Then an awkward silence descended between us again.

‘I feel like I should continue the conversation somehow, but I can’t think of anything to say.’

I needed to say something, anything, but nothing came to mind as I hesitated.

“Oh, Leonora!”

Someone rushed in through the open door.

It was my father, Duke Rivensio Chadmon.

“Father.”

Upon seeing me lying in bed, my father’s face became precarious, as if he might burst into tears at any moment.

He covered his mouth with reddened eyes and approached my bedside.

“I can’t tell you how shocked I was to hear you’d collapsed. My goodness, my face went half-numb in an instant.”

If your face goes half-numb here, it’s practically the same as having no face, Father.

“I’m sorry. You must have been very startled.”

“I should have sent a physician with you. I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”

“No, it’s fine. I just… something momentarily—”

“Leonora, don’t say anything. You need rest. Absolute rest.”

He wiped his eyes once and looked back.

“Thank you for looking after Leonora, Your Majesty.”

“Father.”

My father couldn’t calm down and kept examining my face and holding my hands. Then, as if something occurred to him, he asked me:

“By the way, where is Sir Merten?”

“Ah, well.”

“Surely he didn’t leave first while you’re lying here collapsed? I believe Sir Merten isn’t such an unprincipled man.”

I think it’s better not to talk about him right now.

I narrowed my eyes and smiled awkwardly, but I couldn’t stop my father.

“I should have followed when you two said you were going to get permission to marry. This is all—”

“Father.”

I couldn’t help but call my father in a low voice.

‘No, talking about Levi right now isn’t helping my life at all!’

I tried my best to explain the situation with my eyes.

Finally seeming to notice something was wrong, my father immediately closed his mouth. He looked at my frozen expression once and then turned to Ainberg.

“I’ll take Leonora home now so she can rest.”

Wait, that won’t work.

If I go home, I won’t be able to use the strategy I’ve just come up with.

“Father, I… I think it might be difficult for me to get up right away.”

I quickly grabbed my father’s hand and continued.

“His Majesty has called for a physician. I’d like to be examined here and rest a bit longer.”

Then I glanced toward where Ainberg was standing and murmured.

“If Your Majesty permits, that is.”