“……”

I couldn’t immediately comprehend Ainberg’s words.

Standing there with a dumbfounded expression as if I’d heard a third-world language, he turned to me and repeated:

“Do as you wish.”

Do as I wish? Is he seriously telling me to become Empress?

No, this isn’t right.

I just want to lie on fluffy beds and live in the imperial palace using only the finest things from teacups to handkerchiefs—is that okay?

He should be disgusted, shaking his head thinking I’m an immature woman!

“Haha.”

My awkward laugh stemmed from my confused thoughts, and Ainberg resumed walking forward.

I secretly sighed once behind his back and followed him.

‘This could turn into a disaster if I’m not careful.’

He can’t be dealt with through clumsy tricks.

If he wants to test me this way, I’ll gladly play along.

I exhaled forcefully through my nose and straightened my shoulders.

“My goodness! I’m so happy that Your Majesty would say such a thing.”

I could have waved my hands here, saying he must be joking, but that would have been too obvious.

Since I decided to act immature, I might as well go all in.

Walking alongside Ainberg, I continued:

“If I become Empress, can I wear new clothes every day? Would it be alright to change outfits twelve times a day?”

“Of course.”

“I really love clothes. Who’s in charge of the imperial family’s attire? One or two maids wouldn’t be enough if I’m changing twelve times a day.”

I muttered as if talking to myself and glanced at Ainberg.

He continued walking with an expressionless face.

“…I’d like separate management for shoes, clothes, and accessories. Speaking of accessories, Your Majesty.”

After taking a deep breath, I cheerfully prattled on.

“I also really love sparkly things—can I buy jewels as I please?”

Again, Ainberg said nothing.

Is his skin thick or does he lack emotions? How am I supposed to know what he’s thinking?

Then Ainberg looked down at me walking on his left.

“You like jewels?”

His gaze was strangely serious.

“Of course. Does anyone dislike them? I love diamonds the most. Especially ones as big as a fist. Big ones, always big ones.”

When I demonstrated by making a fist, Ainberg let out a snicker.

‘He’s laughing? He must be laughing because it’s ridiculous?’

Think about it—if someone like me becomes Empress, it’s only a matter of time before the country goes to ruin.

No, it might not even end with just ruining the country.

The end of extravagance is the guillotine. You know that, right?

“And I really love being surprised too.”

“Being surprised?”

When Ainberg’s eyebrow twitched, I explained elaborately.

“You know, surprising someone with gifts or letters, or making fun appointments. I can’t stand anything boring.”

As I clenched my fist firmly, Ainberg spoke.

“Then let me make a proposal too. From now on, have lunch with me.”

It felt like cold water being poured on my excitement, but I nodded anyway.

“Yes, I will.”

“I think I’m beginning to understand your tastes. I’ll keep that in mind.”

That guy looks like he’s enjoying himself—or am I imagining it?

By my standards, I’m behaving inappropriately and rudely, but Ainberg didn’t seem to mind at all.

“Then why don’t you tell me about your other preferences?”

Is he mocking me now?

Or am I misunderstanding something?

“O-other preferences?”

“Yes.”

But I’m not one to back down easily.

I have several plans.

If the extravagant woman concept doesn’t work, I’ll need to try something else.

Something stronger.

“My goodness, are you asking about my taste in men?”

How about this!

When I asked with an innocent expression, he twitched the corner of his mouth again and showed a faint smile.

“Yes.”

He agrees? He’s really asking about my taste in men?

This must be a battle of wills. A test to see who will win.

I almost described a man completely opposite to Ainberg.

…For example, someone who smiles easily, is affectionate, and listens to what I say.

But that wouldn’t serve my purpose of making him dislike me through clingy behavior.

“I like men like Your Majesty. Very, very tall like Your Majesty.”

After saying that much, I looked up at him, and Ainberg’s eyebrows twitched as if startled.

“And as for personality…”

Ah, there’s no way to sugarcoat his personality.

I can’t say I like men who love war, think only of themselves, like women, and have terrible personalities.

So I reluctantly decided to focus on appearance.

“Someone with skin as white and clean as milk, and deep eyes filled with melancholy.”

The lies flowed smoothly once I committed to this approach.

That was when it happened.

Ainberg suddenly stopped walking, bent down, and met my eyes.

Just meeting his eyes made me feel like my breath was stopping.

His dark blue eyes seemed to pierce through all my inner thoughts.

The sudden approach startled me so much I couldn’t even step back, and then he spoke.

“I didn’t realize you had this side to you.”

“What?”

What’s this—is it good or bad?

Hiding my confusion, I took one step back, and Ainberg spoke again.

“I appreciate your favorable view of me, but save the compliments for later. There are things we need to do right now.”

“…Things to do?”

Aren’t we just taking a garden walk and then going back?

I was about to say that when Ainberg continued languidly.

“Now that we understand what each other wants, I should meet your father, Duke Chadmon. No, I should meet your fiancé first.”

Is he serious?

Ainberg’s words made my blood run cold.

“Your Majesty.”

Stay calm. Think about how to respond.

He’s not in his right mind.

But Ainberg spoke to me with an expression that seemed somewhat pleased.

“You wish to become Empress, and I want you by my side.”

“……”

“You said you were in love with Sir Merten, but since you haven’t left the imperial palace since then, there shouldn’t be any problem.”

“Um, Your Majesty?”

“Since you like diamonds, I’ll let you buy them as you please. You can decorate the imperial palace however you want. There will be lines of people wanting to be your maids, so do as you please. Buy new clothes as you wish. Now, is there anything else you desire?”

His eyes held a strange confidence, somewhat playful.

I wondered if I should continue this act. I was afraid and terrified that I might inadvertently become Empress.

“……”

What I want isn’t that.

All I want is to escape the Emperor’s eyes and return to Leonora’s free and peaceful life.

“I’m happy that Your Majesty would say such things, but I—”

Just as I said that much, Levi’s words came back to me.

‘A woman who loves His Majesty is no longer attractive.’

If I can’t hold back and run away here, all my acting so far will be in vain.

Let’s be inconsistent.

Once you’ve drawn the sword, you must proceed with determination. I calmed myself down.

How many women has Ainberg made empty promises to like this!

He must have made countless women’s hearts flutter by saying, “Do whatever you want.”

And then when he thought the woman’s heart was completely his, he would cast her aside.

I composed myself and relaxed my expression.

“I’m so happy I could cry. Am I really going to become Empress?”

I even pretended to wipe my eyes. Ainberg turned his head again and spoke in a low voice.

“I’m glad you’re happy enough to cry.”

Crazy.

At this point, I decided to solidify my clueless character.

“Yes, but Your Majesty. I wonder if it’s alright to proceed with this… based on my feelings alone.”

When I hesitated, trailing off, Ainberg faced me. I glanced at him and brought my fingertips together.

“With the noble Empress present… I’m not sure if I should dare have such a conversation with Your Majesty.”

Ainberg’s eyebrows twitched again.

“That’s not something for you to worry about.”

Ainberg answered firmly yet insensitively. Then, as if wanting to change the subject, he completely changed his expression.

D*mn, was that too much?

However, his expression tinged with sadness momentarily left me speechless.

By now, we had circled the garden and returned to where the attendants were waiting.

In front of the garden stood not only the Emperor’s attendants but also my physician and Sabine with a worried face.

Upon seeing me, Sabine exhaled a long sigh and bowed her head again. I felt sorry for worrying such a kind and gentle girl.

“Your Majesty, I should be going now.”

“I wonder if this was too strenuous for you.”

“Not at all. Thanks to you, it was enjoyable and happy. And—”

I quickly glanced at the people standing behind Ainberg.

The same people we had encountered before entering the garden had come down.

Of course, I also saw my former father, Foil Viper.

Though he stood among people with a dignified face, he couldn’t fool my eyes.

He was watching me with sharp, cold eyes.

But I no longer feared or cared about him.

Instead, I held my head high and gently touched Ainberg’s arm.

“Your Majesty. You must keep your promise.”

Then I smiled brightly and showed my pinky finger.

“Don’t forget you promised to buy me diamonds as big as a fist.”

Of course, I didn’t forget my duty.

A few hours later, I had to face my father, whose face had turned pale.