“It seems you’ve encountered some trouble.”

As the hand left my shoulder, I finally came to my senses.

The Emperor’s sudden appearance left me unable to hide my bewilderment.

So much so that I forgot I needed to maintain a demure expression and proper etiquette.

“Your Majesty, the librarian who helped me yesterday has suddenly been dispatched elsewhere—”

“Because he shared inaccurate information with the lady.”

His unusually sharp tone made me hesitate for a moment.

“Are you the head of the library, Your Majesty?”

I wanted to question him about various things, but I realized it wasn’t a good idea or timing.

Whenever I showed interest in the Empress, Ainberg made no effort to hide his discomfort.

Was it because he spoke too honestly?

I felt worried about Iris who had suddenly disappeared, and at the same time, I felt terribly sorry for him.

“I asked something too obvious. Of course you’re in charge, as it’s the imperial library.”

Yes, the Emperor had always handled matters this way.

A man far more cruel and cold than I’d thought. I’d forgotten this while struggling to escape my situation.

Was there any meaning in fighting against him like this?

Wouldn’t everything flow according to his wishes in the end? I was about to feel that all my acting thus far had been meaningless.

Oz, who had been standing a step behind, stepped forward.

“My lady, Broin Iris is working in his hometown due to personal matters.”

“Personal matters?”

“Yes, I cannot explain the details, but His Majesty graciously accommodated the librarian’s personal circumstances.”

“I see. Your Majesty is truly generous.”

I answered with a smile, but inside I was thinking something else.

Do they take me for a fool?

My resolve, which had been about to crumble, began to revive at Oz’s words.

If they’re going to interfere like this, I have my own plans.

“I understand. Well, he’s not the only librarian here.”

I clicked my tongue as if quite disappointed.

If Ainberg wondered about any hidden meaning, I was prepared to bring up Millean.

But Oz didn’t continue the conversation in the direction I wanted.

“All the librarians stationed at the imperial library are as competent as Broin Iris. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask any of them.”

There might be many competent people, but none would speak honestly to me now.

They would have witnessed Iris being driven out overnight.

This explained why the librarian I’d just met kept repeating that he knew nothing.

Sigh, I felt my energy draining again.

“Yes, I will.”

I was about to turn away, having lost interest in continuing the book I’d been reading yesterday.

‘No, wait.’

I couldn’t back down like this.

This might be exactly what Ainberg wants.

For me to give up and resign myself!

That can’t happen. I must see that handsome face crumple, even just a little.

If he’s stubborn, I’ll show him I’m as resilient as a bouncy rubber ball.

“Your Majesty, since we’ve met, there’s something I’d like to tell you.”

I smiled brightly again as I looked up at Ainberg.

“I’m bored staying only in the palace. I’m thinking of inviting friends for a small tea party. All important events are over, so it shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

“M-my lady.”

Oz called out to me with a startled expression, but Ainberg raised his hand to stop him.

“When do you plan to hold it?”

“Tomorrow. I’ve already sent out invitations.”

It wasn’t a request for permission but a notification.

He probably hadn’t expected me to act so arrogantly.

Hey, you’re not the only one who can make things difficult for others.

“Are the preparations nearly complete?”

But his follow-up question was unexpectedly kind.

What’s this? Shouldn’t he be angry that I planned such a gathering without permission?

“No.”

I bluntly answered no and then shrugged my shoulders.

What grand preparations would I need?

If I just told Sabine the number of people, she would bring desserts and tea.

There was no need to decorate the space lavishly or bring in fresh flowers.

For the ladies, the only important thing was the fact that a tea party was being held in the imperial palace.

“Oz.”

Ainberg slowly lowered his hand and spoke in a languid voice.

“Send Sonetti to ensure everything is prepared adequately.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“And.”

Ainberg lifted his chin slightly and gazed at me.

“You’re beautiful now, but something more splendid than your current attire would be better.”

“……”

I looked down at my dress, following Ainberg’s gaze.

Why, what’s wrong with what I’m wearing?

“Had I known earlier, I would have prepared a more definitive gift.”

Good grief. I barely suppressed a laugh that was about to burst out and replied.

“No, it’s fine.”

“It’s not fine. Many eyes will be focused on you.”

“……”

“I’d like to somehow soothe your displeasure from the incident earlier.”

Far from being angry about the tea party I planned without permission, he actually looked pleased.

Seeing him happy makes me even more annoyed.

“Oz.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Can a dress be tailored in a day?”

“Even for the most skilled craftsman, making a new dress in just one day… would be impossible.”

“Impossible?”

When Ainberg repeated the word with a chilling tone, Oz swallowed hard and quickly replied.

“Adjusting a dress that’s already partially made should be possible. Shall I contact the dressmakers right away?”

“No, Your Majesty, you really don’t have to—”

I reflexively waved my hand, but then remembered my role.

‘That was close.’

I quickly changed the motion of my waving hand and smiled.

“Oh my, really? I’m so happy Your Majesty is being so considerate. Does this mean I’ll be wearing a new dress bestowed by Your Majesty?”

I clasped my awkwardly suspended hands together and looked at Oz.

“My lady, I will send Madame Ariadne right away.”

“Goodness, to think I’ll meet the imperial dressmaker in person. I feel so excited, as if I’ve become someone truly important and special.”

My forced smile felt like it was causing a muscle spasm. I hoped my nostrils weren’t flaring as I tried to hold back a sigh!

This certainly wasn’t the atmosphere I had expected.

I had acted without seeking any permission, yet instead of getting angry, he was supporting me and offering gifts.

As I forced myself to keep smiling to hide my displeasure, Ainberg took a step closer.

“Your neck looks rather bare.”

He murmured languidly as he brushed my hair back.

His subtle gaze fell on my neck and shoulders. I felt a warmth as if he had touched me with his hands.

While I held my breath, afraid he might notice my tension, Oz promptly responded.

“For a necklace, shall I call the one you mentioned before?”

“Tell them to prepare something suitable for a woman who likes large, shining things.”

I should have acted excited and made a fuss, but for some reason, I couldn’t say anything.

It was because of Ainberg’s deep and cozy gaze directed at me.

❀❀❀

From the moment I returned from the library, people sent by Ainberg began to swarm in.

Whatever orders they had received, they bustled about with tense and flushed faces.

“My lady, shall we prepare this design?”

“I’ll make the waistline more fitted.”

“My lady, your chosen design seems too simple. How about something more elaborate?”

With everyone chattering from all directions, I couldn’t focus.

It wasn’t my first time being fitted for a dress, and I didn’t think choosing clothes was a big deal.

But faced with these people seemingly burning with a sense of mission, I had no choice but to act inexperienced.

“Yes, that’s all fine. Please do it that way.”

“Oh, what an excellent choice!”

“Alright, now everyone—”

“Then finally, what style would you like for the sleeves?”

After that chaotic time ended, the last person to visit me was an unfamiliar jeweler.

“Pleased to meet you, my lady.”

He entered with a bag and people similar to Celloni Torsico’s, but he was a middle-aged man with a gentle impression.

His manner conveyed appropriate confidence without being excessive. The gentleman’s name was Musbe, from Bilmotz.

“You’re from Bilmotz?”

“Yes, my lady.”

I thought of Levi who had recently returned to Bilmotz. Perhaps that’s why Bilmotz felt strangely familiar, even though I’d never been there.

“Then I’ll show you the necklaces first.”

The jewels Musbe brought were all elegant and dignified.

Actually, I had planned to complain that I didn’t like any of them or somehow make Ainberg angry.

But as if enchanted by the gentleman from Bilmotz, I liked everything he presented.

“Not bad.”

Oops! I accidentally revealed my true feelings!

“I’m glad they please you, my lady.”

Musbe then smiled like the kindest person in the world.

He didn’t flatter me excessively or make up unnecessary words. He simply showed me the splendid accessories and sincerely tried to find what suited me best.

I struggled to straighten my quivering lips.

“…I’ll take this one.”

That night, after confirming that everything around me was quiet, I slowly opened my eyes.