‘Surely he didn’t overhear our conversation.’

I stood up, looking straight at him.

“My lady, you were here too.”

Koil greeted me with a gentle voice.

I also hid my true feelings and answered sweetly.

“The banquet hall felt stuffy, so I came out for a walk with Miss Viper.”

He looked back and forth between me and Soniel with a strange gaze.

He seemed puzzled about why we were together for so long.

He probably hoped she would somehow catch the Emperor’s eye in the banquet hall, but now she was outside with me instead. That must be annoying for him.

“My daughter still has much to learn. I wonder if she made any mistakes with you, my lady.”

“Not at all. We’re quite good.”

I glanced at Soniel once and smiled brightly.

“I think we’ll become friends.”

Soniel responded with an excited expression.

“The lady is truly wonderful. Among all the people I’ve met in my life—”

When it seemed Soniel’s words would go on, my former father interrupted her with a gentle but firm voice.

“Soniel.”

“I’m sorry. I apologize.”

I knew exactly what evil scheme this man was plotting, and I couldn’t just leave this young child alone.

Sigh, alright… I’ll do whatever I can.

Even though I didn’t know what that might be or what I should do.

The moment I decided I needed to do something for Soniel, an idea flashed through my mind.

“Miss Viper, shall we meet in two days?”

When I turned and asked cheerfully, Soniel looked startled.

“Really?”

“Yes, we can continue our conversation while I look around your newly decorated room.”

Soniel’s face lit up with excitement, but then she glanced at my former father.

So I stepped in.

“Would it be alright if I spend time with Miss Viper in two days?”

My former father’s previously smooth brow tensed for a moment.

His face showed he hadn’t yet decided whether my friendship would be good for her or not.

But refusing here wouldn’t look good either.

He nodded awkwardly with a smile.

“…Of course. It would be wonderful for Soniel. She still has much to learn, so I entrust her to you.”

Visiting the Viper family mansion…

Life is truly unpredictable.

To think the day would come when I’d voluntarily visit the tiger’s den I barely escaped from.

“Thank you for allowing it.”

“Not at all. Your closeness with Soniel will be a great help to this child.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take responsibility for Miss Viper.”

I deliberately put strength in my voice.

Hmm, maybe saying I’d take responsibility was too much.

A hint of confusion passed through my former father’s eyes, but he turned away without saying anything more.

‘I’m not sure if this is the right thing to do.’

Soniel kept turning back and waving until she entered the castle.

“Goodbye, my lady!”

I could almost hear her cheerful voice.

Though at the end, she seemed to have been scolded by her father, just wiggling her fingers with a sullen face.

“Phew.”

Once Soniel completely disappeared, I sat back down on the railing.

I had said I wanted to walk a bit more because I didn’t want to go in with my former father, but once alone, I felt completely drained.

‘Anyway, since that’s His Majesty’s taste, that child should work quite well too.’

‘What will you do if it doesn’t work out?’

‘We’ll just have to replace her.’

I wrapped my arms around myself as Koil’s chilling voice came to mind.

Though Soniel hadn’t gone into detail, I could guess how she had caught Koil’s eye.

Her bright, healthy smile that made it hard to believe she grew up in difficult circumstances, plus her bright blonde hair and lovely appearance.

‘Titi.’

Her mother’s given name suits her much better.

I unconsciously called out her real name.

‘What should I do now? Is there any good solution?’

I said I’d visit her because I was worried, but I’m not sure if anything will change by going.

‘…He likes young women?’

Huh, seriously.

Meanwhile, I learned one more thing about the Emperor’s preferences that I didn’t know before.

‘Sigh, now isn’t the time to be angry about that.’

I calmed my mind again.

Then the wicked part of me began to whisper.

‘If Soniel catches Ainberg’s eye as my former father hopes… wouldn’t I naturally escape from his radar too?’

I inhaled sharply and shook my head.

What am I thinking about a child barely ten years old!

‘No, maybe she just looks young. She could actually be older. I don’t even know her exact age yet.’

But even so, it wasn’t a good thought.

I must have forgotten what kind of man Ainberg is. I couldn’t let that poor child live like me.

‘Get it together!’

I slapped both my cheeks and covered my burning face.

‘…He acts like he’ll pluck the stars from the sky for you, but the moment you’re in his hands, he tosses you aside. He’ll probably start looking elsewhere the moment he has that child by his side.’

But is he really such a bad person?

The Ainberg I’ve encountered since becoming Leonora felt like a different person from the Emperor I knew before.

As if he had transmigrated into someone else’s body.

He didn’t speak unnecessarily and was dry, but compared to before, he smiled more and showed warm, human aspects.

Almost to the point where I could mistake him for a good person.

No, wait, is this the time to worry about others?

Today I had planned to cause a proper scene in front of everyone and go home.

The Emperor would obviously cover for me no matter what I did, so I had prepared so much to create a terrible public opinion!

What’s all this about?

‘Ugh, really. I’m going crazy. This isn’t the time!’

Just as I was clutching my head and messing up my hair,

“Are you having some trouble?”

“Trouble indeed, I’m currently—”

I jumped up reflexively at the sudden voice.

Standing behind me with a dignified face was none other than Ainberg.

“Your Majesty.”

I immediately stood up and greeted him properly.

Wondering if he was alone, I looked around and saw Oz and other aides standing at a distance behind Ainberg.

I gulped.

“Why is the guest of honor out here alone?”

“I felt a bit stuffy and came out for a walk.”

I looked at him while roughly fixing my disheveled hair.

“And you, Your Majesty?”

Ainberg spoke with an expression of suppressed laughter.

“I heard rumors that you were busy with childcare.”

I feel annoyed but can’t refute it.

“Have you met Lady Viper?”

When I asked, Ainberg slowly shook his head.

“She’s cute and lovely. She also has mature aspects despite her age.”

I mumbled words he hadn’t asked for.

“Duke Viper must never have a dull moment.”

Is there any way to protect that child by using the Emperor?

“You seem to have taken a liking to that child.”

Sensing an opportunity, I changed my tone.

“Ah, that’s why I’ve arranged to spend time with Miss Viper in two days. So I’d like to skip… lunch that day.”

Ainberg silently stared at me for a moment.

His persistent yet languid gaze is now familiar to me.

As I met his gaze without avoiding it, his low voice seeped in.

“So Miss Viper is taking away my only pleasure.”

“Haha.”

He says such cringe-worthy things so easily. I awkwardly touched my nose with my finger when Ainberg continued.

“Have dinner with me instead.”

Well, fine.

Sitting across from him for meals is no big deal anymore.

“I will do so, Your Majesty.”

“But it’s a shame you couldn’t properly enjoy the banquet prepared for you.”

From far away, the faint sound of string instruments could be heard.

A melody very familiar to me, always played at the end of banquets.

Right. I’m disappointed too.

I’ve been waiting for today after failing my plans repeatedly.

Though different from Ainberg’s reasons, I sighed at how today was passing so futilely.

That’s when he extended his hand to me.

“One dance should be possible.”

I silently looked at the hand Ainberg offered.

Even during my time as Empress, I don’t think we ever danced face to face like this.

Was it because of the atmosphere, or because of the music?

At least I didn’t want to believe I was captivated by this man.

Carefully placing my right hand in his, he pulled me toward him.

As we stood facing each other, holding his other hand lightly, his scent washed over me with the dim night air.

“This music is sufficient, don’t you think?”

With those words, we began to move slowly.

Until the music faded and everything around us became completely silent.