After settling in her seat, Avery began relaying everything that had happened at the estate.

She acted as if I had called on her today specifically to hear about all these incidents.

Though it was all unnecessary and not particularly interesting, I listened to everything Avery said with a kind face.

“……so it seems that the second child of the Kane family will continue their studies.”

“That’s good.”

“The whole family has such high expectations, it might be a bit burdensome.”

“I’m sure they’ll do well.”

“Oh, a new dessert shop opened in Mute, and you wouldn’t believe how delicious it is.”

“Really?”

“I thought we should definitely go there together, Leonora. Oh my, look at me. I should have bought some on my way here.”

“It’s fine. Let’s go together next time.”

“Yes, let’s.”

Surely if we continued talking like this, something useful would eventually come up. So I was nodding enthusiastically even to uninteresting topics when—

“By the way, Leonora.”

Avery smiled vaguely and looked behind her.

I instinctively sensed she was about to say something important.

“Sabine, you may leave us now.”

“Yes, my lady. Please call if you need anything.”

After dismissing Sabine and the maids, I sat back against the bed.

“Do you have more interesting news?”

“I’m not sure if this will be good news from your perspective.”

“What is it? Don’t keep me in suspense.”

“It’s about you, Leonora.”

“Me?”

I had somewhat expected that rumors about me would be circulating.

I collapsed in front of the Emperor, and to make matters worse, I continued staying at the imperial palace instead of returning to the estate. It was only natural that people would talk one way or another.

It would have been stranger if no one had mentioned it.

“Yes, but… it might be uncomfortable for you to hear.”

Avery looked hesitant yet eager to speak, her mouth practically itching to tell me.

“It’s fine, tell me. I need to know what people are saying about me so I can deal with it later.”

“I suppose so?”

“Yes, what are people saying?”

“That you’ve been acting like a cunning fox.”

I expected this.

I didn’t think Avery would be so direct without any sugar-coating, haha.

But there would be more to follow, so I calmly nodded and encouraged her to continue.

“Oh my, really?”

“Yes, that you’re doing everything possible to secure the position of empress.”

I felt so annoyed and wronged that my eyes nearly popped out.

But, calm down.

Stay composed.

Showing such reactions now would be disastrous.

“Leonora, these rumors are completely absurd, right? It’s the complete opposite.”

After bluntly laying out the rumors, Avery seemed to feel sorry for me and suddenly brought up past events.

I suddenly remembered how fervently I had expressed my dislike for the Emperor to Avery that day.

‘Right, come to think of it… how shocked must Avery have been when I spoke that way at the banquet.’

“You were even uncomfortable at the Empress selection event.”

Avery leaned in and whispered.

“I vividly remember you saying it was horrible. People speak carelessly without knowing anything. I was about to step in and tell them that Leonora not only doesn’t want the position of empress but also hates facing His Majesty.”

‘Are they planning to hold a banquet first to test the waters for the Empress selection? It’s not even funny.’

‘Leonora.’

‘I have no interest in the position of empress, no, I really, really hate it.’

‘……’

‘I’m only telling you this, Avery, but honestly, even looking at His Majesty makes me uncomfortable.’

Regretting my past words, I smacked my forehead with my palm. I certainly said those things before, but the situation is different now.

‘Ah, I spoke too harshly. How could I have been so reckless without seeing even one step ahead?’

I didn’t call Avery here to idle away time. After careful consideration, I opened my mouth.

“Avery.”

“Yes, we shouldn’t let those spreading such malicious rumors get away with it.”

“I’m sorry.”

I apologized to Avery first.

“Sorry? For what?”

“Actually, since coming here, my feelings have changed.”

When I said this, Avery stared at me with wide eyes.

“Your feelings changed?”

“That rumor is… half true and half false.”

“Leonora.”

“Yes, as you saw, I did dislike His Majesty at first.”

Though Avery had heard me say I disliked him before, she still flinched and darted her eyes around.

“You said you hated the banquet for the Empress selection, and of course the position of empress, and that even looking at His Majesty made you uncomfortable.”

“Yes, I did.”

Avery answered while carefully watching her surroundings.

Though we were speaking alone after sending all the maids away, she seemed afraid because I was openly criticizing the Emperor.

“But I think I misunderstood something.”

“Misunderstood?”

Having to pretend to be infatuated with the Emperor again made my blood boil.

But for the sake of perfect execution, I could endure this level of deception.

I can endure it, absolutely!

“Yes, His Majesty up close is truly kind and wonderful.”

“His Majesty is kind and wonderful?”

Afraid my voice might tremble, I simply nodded vigorously without answering.

Avery was still so shocked that she couldn’t close her gaping mouth. Then, blinking rapidly, she muttered:

“Ah… y-yes. He must be wonderful. But Leonora—”

“Yes, he was wonderful. I think I misunderstood him.”

“Oh, my goodness.”

Hearing my decisive answer, Avery seemed quite flustered and kept touching her flushed face.

“W-well, that’s fortunate. I was actually a bit worried. It’s a sensitive topic that might cause problems.”

Avery seemed short of breath as she picked up her teacup and took a sip.

“And though I’m not certain.”

I gripped the blanket once, crumpling it before releasing it, and continued.

“I think His Majesty might not be uninterested in me either.”

“Cough, cough!”

“Avery, are you alright?”

Her face turned bright red as she thumped her chest a couple of times. She must have been so surprised by my words that she choked on her tea.

“Yes, I’m fine. But.”

“Yes?”

“Is that true?”

When I nodded slightly, Avery covered her mouth with her hand.

“My goodness, I thought it was just a rumor.”

“You heard such rumors too?”

“Yes, I heard that the Emperor bestowed many gifts on you, including a dress… Is that true too?”

I nodded slowly.

The maids who had come and gone from my bedroom must have been working hard.

‘A single dress has transformed into numerous gifts.’

Well, that works in my favor. I flashed a lovely smile.

“Yes, he sent me gifts. It was a truly beautiful dress.”

“How wonderful.”

Avery seemed to remember something and spoke again.

“For His Majesty to personally bestow a dress… it seems quite significant. Will you wear it at the next banquet?”

“……”

Ah, that’s a bit difficult.

Unable to admit I had cut the dress to shreds, I smiled awkwardly.

“It’s such a precious garment, I’m not sure what to do with it.”

“I suppose that makes sense. Still, I’m curious. Can you show it to me later?”

This is trouble.

“Haha… actually, I’m feeling greedy.”

Instead of making a promise I couldn’t keep, I subtly changed the subject.

“Greedy?”

Avery’s face suddenly turned serious. Now she seemed afraid of what I might say next.

She was watching me intently, unable to put down her teacup.

“I’m greedy for the position of empress.”

“Leonora.”

Avery’s mouth fell wide open.

“This feels like my opportunity. I’m going to completely capture His Majesty’s heart and become Empress.”

“……”

“Coming here changed my mind. The thought that I might become the mistress of this place…”

Avery stared at me, unable to close her gaping mouth.

‘Ah, I never thought I’d end up saying such things.’

“Leonora, are you serious?”

“Completely serious.”

“Oh, my goodness.”

“Actually, this is a real secret… but when I return home, His Majesty will be visiting our estate.”

“What? Is that true?”

Since things had come to this, I decided to make the most use of Avery.

“Yes, I carefully mentioned wanting to express my gratitude for his kindness, and he accepted the invitation.”

“Leonora, when His Majesty comes, will you invite our family too?”

“Of course, Avery. You’re my only friend, and the Baron is like family to us.”

Avery seemed quite moved by my words, her eyes growing moist.

“But this is all just between us, so please be careful.”

“Of course. I will.”

“I trust you.”

Of course, I didn’t trust her. By tomorrow, the social circles would be buzzing even more.

‘No, perhaps this afternoon would be enough.’

And not long after, it might even reach the Emperor’s ears.

Then he’ll think I’m an arrogant, presumptuous woman with a dark and cunning heart. The thought of such a thrilling outcome made me unconsciously clench my fist.

And it seemed Avery noticed this gesture.

“Just thinking that you might become the Empress makes my heart race.”

“Haha.”

Good, I’ve spread the rumor this way, and the next time I meet the Emperor, I’ll need to act clingy.

The thought of Ainberg looking at me like I’m an insect feels so exhilarating!