About a week passed after that.

Ainberg’s condition improved so rapidly that even his physician was surprised.

Though he was told he couldn’t leave his bed for at least a couple of months, he started walking a little from yesterday.

‘T-this is the first time in my career. But if you overexert yourself—’

‘Enough. Just remove these bandages.’

‘Yes, Your Majesty.’

In the end, the carefully crafted “moving chair” sat lonely and desolate in a corner of Ainberg’s bedroom, barely used.

The one fortunate thing was that thanks to the moving chair, Ainberg finally met Soniel.

It seemed my mention that I had made it together with Soniel had an effect.

‘He’s secretly soft-hearted after all.’

Strictly speaking, he didn’t summon her—he simply didn’t say anything when I came down with Soniel.

Considering how stubborn he usually was, this was tremendous progress.

His strange docility after losing his memory probably played a part too.

Anyway, Ainberg’s memory still hadn’t returned, and Millean had long since vanished.

One day, as this uneasy and precarious peace continued…

My brother came looking for me.

“You’ve come because you have something to tell me, right?”

As soon as I spotted Brother, I jumped up from my seat to greet him.

“Can’t we sit down and talk first?”

“I’m sorry. I’ve been waiting for you to come.”

“I see.”

Brother Allentain glanced at me playfully before sitting on the sofa.

Now that you’re seated, would you please say something?

I’m doing well and very healthy, so you can skip the pleasantries.

“I looked into everything you mentioned.”

“Was there anything suspicious?”

When I asked cautiously, Brother shook his head and continued.

“No, but knowing you wouldn’t have asked without reason, I investigated much more thoroughly than you requested.”

“Yes.”

“There was nothing suspicious about the secretaries, the physician, or the guards.”

“That’s a relief.”

When I nodded slowly, Brother opened his mouth again.

“And as for the chief aide.”

So this is about Oz.

In truth, I was more curious and concerned about Oz than anyone else.

I hated being in a situation where I had to suspect him.

Even if Oz turned out to be in league with Foil, I wasn’t sure I could completely hate him.

If I felt this way, how much worse must it be for Ainberg?

‘Please, it can’t be true.’

While I was frozen with tension, Brother continued slowly.

“The chief aide also showed nothing particularly suspicious.”

“I see. That’s truly a relief.”

This time I couldn’t hide my emotions and let out a long sigh of relief.

“Phew.”

I felt immensely relieved to confirm once again that he was a trustworthy person.

“Now, do you have anything else to tell me?”

“Thank you.”

“Is that all?”

“Thank you so, so much.”

But Brother twitched his eyebrow. He seemed to want something more.

“Do you want me to prostrate myself on the floor?”

“No, you should tell me why you asked me to look into this.”

I hesitated momentarily but quickly changed my expression. It wasn’t time yet.

“I told you before. Being close to him… I became worried.”

“Leonora.”

When he suddenly called my name, I tensed slightly.

Brother, who had been staring at me, let out a light sigh.

“Fine, I’ll believe that for now. But if anything happens, consult with me anytime, just like now.”

That’s my brother. So dependable.

“Yes, I will. Thank you.”

“And there’s one more thing I want to tell you.”

“……?”

While I was standing there blankly, not having a clue what Brother was about to say.

The slightly open door widened, and the sound of unfamiliar footsteps began to approach.

“……!”

The person who appeared through the door was none other than Levi.

As soon as I saw him, I jumped up from the sofa.

“My goodness, Sir Merten.”

“Len, have you been well?”

As he entered, the air in the room instantly became warmer.

“Yes, as you can see.”

When I stretched out my arms to both sides, he smiled elegantly.

Levi approached calmly as always and lightly kissed the back of my hand.

“Leonora Chadmon, I’m pleased to see you again.”

“You said you’d return soon.”

Happy to see him, I playfully complained. Levi responded with a smile so beautiful it was dazzling.

“I’m sorry. But I’ve brought you a precious gift in return.”

Though quite some time had passed since we parted, it wasn’t awkward at all, as if we had seen each other just yesterday.

However, separate from that, Levi’s aura had subtly changed somehow.

‘He doesn’t seem to have lost weight, and his face looks the same.’

Just then, Brother approached and extended his hand to Levi.

“You must be tired from your long journey. Have you greeted His Majesty?”

“I just saw him. I was so shocked to hear he was injured.”

While Levi was answering Brother Allentain, his gaze remained fixed on me.

Brother, glancing between him and me, shook his head and spoke.

“Yes, and thanks to that, Leonora is being held here like a hostage.”

“A hostage, Brother?”

“Or perhaps a nurse.”

…No.

I almost flared up in anger, but it wasn’t entirely wrong.

“If you knew how much our precious Leonora has struggled until now, you’d probably fall over in shock.”

“I was actually a bit surprised that Len is still in the imperial palace.”

“Yes, she hasn’t been crowned Empress, nor is there any official plan, yet now, almost—”

“Brother.”

“Yes, I know it’s disloyal to talk like this.”

“……”

The end of Brother’s voice trembled slightly.

“But to me, Leonora, you are more important.”

I just let out a small sigh.

“The fact that there’s still no official statement means he ultimately intends to use you like this.”

“Brother.”

“I don’t know how long Father and I should wait.”

If one didn’t know the circumstances, I couldn’t refute him because it wasn’t wrong.

However, while I had no intention of becoming Empress, I couldn’t leave the imperial palace right now.

I had many issues to resolve, and my body was still here.

“Brother, please stop. We have a guest.”

When I protested with a whiny voice, Brother sighed.

“Fine, you two haven’t met in a while. Talk about what you couldn’t before.”

Huh? What’s this?

“Why are you talking like you’re leaving?”

But instead of answering my question, Brother gave a meaningful smile and said to Levi:

“And good luck.”

He patted Levi’s shoulder and disappeared.

When Brother left, a strange silence descended on the room again.

“Don’t mind what Allentain said. He’s just saying that because he’s worried about you.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

I just nodded.

Then I awkwardly clapped my hands and turned to Levi. I wanted to escape this atmosphere.

“It’s been so long. Did you resolve everything in Bilmotz?”

“Yes.”

“So nothing will hold you back anymore?”

When I quoted the contents of his letter, Levi burst into laughter.

“Yes, I don’t think there will be anything else.”

“That’s good.”

“I managed to escape, but it seems you’re still held back.”

At Levi’s words, this time I laughed.

“Yes, as you can see.”

Just as I said that, Sabine walked in carrying warm tea and refreshments.

With the atmosphere lightened by laughter and tea now served, it became much more comfortable than before.

“So our plan failed?”

“I’m not sure. I did everything that would make him dislike me.”

I continued with a deep sigh.

“I thought I’d be kicked out any moment, but I’m still here.”

“Then it’s a failure.”

At Levi’s words, I shrugged once.

Yes, that strategy clearly failed.

Despite acting immature and difficult, Ainberg always looked at me with the same expression and eyes.

“Actually, before coming here, I heard from Allentain. He seems very worried about you staying in the imperial palace.”

I nodded weakly.

“Yes.”

“But above all, isn’t your heart what matters most?”

“……”

“How do you feel? Do you still want to escape from this place? Or…”

“……”

“Have you opened your heart to His Majesty?”

Levi’s face was somehow filled with tension as he carefully broached the subject.

I pondered deeply.

How do I feel now?

I didn’t hate or despise Ainberg as much as when I first arrived.

I only stayed because I happened to discover someone targeting the Empire, not because I liked him.

So my heart is—

“No, I haven’t opened my heart. I’m just doing my duty since he’s bedridden.”

Suddenly, Levi’s face brightened.

“That’s why I’ve come up with a new plan. Would you like to hear it?”

“A new plan?”

When I cautiously asked back, Levi smiled gently and said:

“Leonora Chadmon. Marry me.”