The next day, and the day after that.

I had to sit across from Ainberg at the enormous dining table.

At first, I hated having to eat lunch with him every day.

‘No, think positively. Maybe it’s fortunate to meet like this regularly.’

I should consider it convenient since I don’t have to go looking for him.

I kept watching for opportunities to talk nonsense.

“So the shoe style I particularly like—”

“Your Majesty, this is urgent!”

He was much, very, extremely busier than I expected.

Just when we could maintain a conversation, Oz would enter with documents, and when I’d almost forget, another attendant would arrive requesting an audience.

Come on, even an emperor is human and needs time to eat.

After one storm passed, I smiled awkwardly and said to Ainberg,

“You’re very busy.”

“I’d like at least lunchtime to be free, but it’s not easy.”

“I can feel the weariness and heavy burden on Your Majesty’s shoulders.”

When I tapped his shoulder while speaking, Ainberg replied in a somewhat cynical voice,

“You must think this position is about living idly.”

Oh, how did he know?

I muttered in a small voice, almost to myself,

“I thought aides and attendants did all the work.”

“That’s right.”

Ainberg answered my mumbling and picked up the wine glass in front of him.

“But I make all the decisions.”

He’s certainly skilled at acting confident.

“Wouldn’t it be easier to just sign everything as you please?”

I thought that was how he handled everything before.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

He took a sip of wine and put the glass down.

Perhaps because our conversation had been interrupted several times, an awkward silence fell over the table.

I was about to say something about being obsessively attached to shoes and wanting to pile up mountains of new ones, but…

While I was organizing my thoughts, Ainberg’s voice came again.

“You don’t seem to have any questions for me today.”

I smiled awkwardly at the sudden question.

“Then may I ask you something today.”

Wait, what’s this?

Conversations with Ainberg usually involved me talking and him responding.

So far, I’d been able to act quite freely.

I tried to compose myself and stay calm.

“How much do you trust me?”

But I could only open my eyes wide at the unexpected question.

Wow, how should I answer this?

No, more importantly.

Why is he asking something like this?

I wanted to say that far from trusting him, I’d doubt even if he told me the undeniable truth that the Earth is round.

“May I ask why you’re suddenly asking such a question?”

I asked discreetly, hoping to gauge his expression, but Ainberg said nothing.

So noisy. Is this silent pressure to just answer?

I twisted my lips and forced a smile.

“Isn’t it natural for an imperial citizen to trust and rely on His Majesty the Emperor?”

I lowered my eyes and answered obediently.

Whatever his scheme might be, giving a standard answer would be best to avoid trouble.

“Is that so.”

Just as I thought I’d made a good choice based on his reaction, Ainberg asked me another question.

“Then can I trust you too?”

Perhaps it was a question I could have answered more simply.

I made the mistake of hesitating momentarily.

“……Of course, Your Majesty.”

The corners of my mouth, usually so good at curving upward smoothly, twitched awkwardly. Moreover, I couldn’t bear this uncomfortable smile.

I needed to put something in my mouth to prevent my expression from hardening.

I quickly stabbed at the salad on my plate with my fork.

‘Ugh, why won’t this lettuce cooperate!’

Even that wasn’t easy.

While I battled with the flattened, hole-riddled lettuce, Ainberg spoke again.

“There aren’t many trustworthy people in the imperial court.”

“……”

“Finding someone I can talk to in such circumstances is a great blessing.”

Ainberg took another sip of wine without taking his eyes off me.

Was it because of the wine he’d been drinking repeatedly?

Ainberg’s cheeks were redder than usual.

‘Why is he staring at me like that?’

His gaze felt persistent and strange, so I turned my head away.

‘No, this isn’t the time.’

I keep forgetting sometimes.

Get it together. Is this the time to be embarrassed?

I quickly regained my composure and gave him a bright smile.

“I feel the same way. We communicate so well. Plus you’re handsome, rich, and give me everything I want. I couldn’t ask for more.”

When I clasped my hands together and waved them flirtatiously, he put down his wine glass and narrowed his eyes.

“Yes, I’ll give you everything you want.”

“……”

“Then what can you give me?”

“Pardon?”

What should I give you, you jerk?

You’re the one giving me everything!

I’m going to reclaim my body, leave this place, and live as I please!

“Oh my, all I have to offer is my heart.”

I tilt my head with a coy smile.

I wonder if this made me look sufficiently disagreeable.

Ainberg smiled until his eyes nearly closed and said to me,

“Make sure you keep that promise.”

❀❀❀

Shortly after, I came out with a puffy face.

“Really, what kind of freezing promise was that.”

Just as I grumbled while glancing at the closed door, it suddenly opened again.

“Eek!”

I stepped back in surprise, but fortunately, it was Oz who came out.

“My lady?”

“Ah, Aide.”

Hoping he hadn’t heard my muttering, I touched my face in embarrassment.

“Haha, next time I should come with Sabine.”

I turned around, mumbling, then looked back at Oz.

“You must be busy. I’ll go up by myself today.”

“Not at all. His Majesty specifically ordered me to escort you personally.”

How persistent, how relentless.

You should have treated your first wife that way.

“I understand. Let’s go together then.”

Unable to refuse, I finally raised my hand to urge him along.

Trudge, trudge.

The sound of weary footsteps echoed through the corridor.

‘I didn’t make much of an impact today.’

Far from making an impact, I felt outmaneuvered by the Emperor the entire time.

He was always strange, but today he seemed even more so.

“Aide.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Has His Majesty always had a low alcohol tolerance?”

Oz tilted his head, apparently not understanding the intent behind my question.

“Are you curious about His Majesty’s drinking capacity?”

“No, that’s not it.”

He didn’t seem to drink much wine, so why was his face so red?

It wasn’t just his face that was red; his eyes looked moist too, which was strange.

“Perhaps he’s sensitive to heat?”

Again, Oz looked at me with puzzled eyes.

“Heat? Well, I don’t think he’s particularly sensitive to it.”

“Hmm.”

“Was the banquet hall too warm for you?”

“No, it’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

I waved my hand and smiled casually.

It didn’t matter anyway.

The ball would be held tomorrow.

I planned to cause a major incident there in front of everyone.

❀❀❀

Finally, the long-awaited morning of the ball arrived.

I adorned myself with all the gifts from Ainberg and put extra effort into my hair.

“Miss, will you be alright?”

Sabine worried that the necklace might be too heavy or the waist too tight.

But I felt completely different.

Just thinking about what was about to unfold made me feel like I could fly with excitement!

“Sabine.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“I’m going to make a statement in front of everyone today. So… I hope you won’t be too surprised by whatever I do.”

Sabine nodded with a frightened face.

“Yes, Miss. Is there anything I can do to help?”

No, there isn’t.

Remembering what happened at the tea party last time, I shook my head vigorously.

“Just stay by my side. That should be enough.”

Today’s ball was organized for Ainberg’s entirely personal purpose of cementing my existence in people’s minds.

‘This is the perfect opportunity.’

Despite strange rumors and my bizarre behavior, he hadn’t budged.

This time, I would show him what a public opinion campaign really means.

“Leonora!”

Hearing someone call my name, I turned to see Avery approaching with a smile, dressed up lavishly.

“Have you been well?”

“Of course. And you, Leonora?”

“Me too. You look wonderful today.”

Avery raised her shoulders, unable to hide her excitement.

“Leonora, about the person you introduced me to last time. They really have excellent taste.”

“Really? Have you met already?”

“Yes, look at these earrings. What do you think?”

“Oh my, they’re beautiful. They suit you perfectly, Avery.”

While we were exchanging pleasantries and surveying the atmosphere,

“Leonora.”

Suddenly Avery poked me and lowered her voice.

“Look, do you see that woman standing next to Lord Viper?”

As I tilted my head and followed Avery’s finger, I noticed an unfamiliar woman standing with a dignified posture.

“The blue dress, right?”

She had striking blonde hair and clear, fair skin that caught the eye immediately.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Is that the lady you mentioned before, Avery?”

When I lowered my voice to ask, Avery opened her fan and covered her mouth.

“Soniel Viper. She’s much more beautiful than I expected.”

So that’s my former father’s new daughter.

“I didn’t expect him to bring her today.”

Though distant, her beauty was certainly eye-catching.

I was trying to resist the urge to keep looking at her.

Then our eyes met.

“……?”

Since we hadn’t been introduced yet, I was about to move on.

Suddenly she smiled brightly and waved her hand.

As if she had met an old friend.