Even if Estelle had precognitive abilities and helped the Marchioness who favored her, it couldn’t be a crime. It would be the same even if she became a saintess in the future.

But Aristie did not bend her claim to the end.

“As I said, they’re all just information obtained through books. She must have mentioned the future to Your Majesty to hide that fact.”

“Then why did she reveal such things to you?”

“I wonder. Perhaps she expected a situation just like this? To tip off only me with truths that no one would believe, to make me be treated like a madwoman.”

“But can’t you just not believe such absurd content?”

“I tried to do that. But Estelle has already buttoned the first button, and I worried that if I ignored it, things might reach an irreversible state. That’s why I took the liberty of speaking to you, despite the rudeness.”

“…Hah. …”

Khalid sighed deeply and fell into contemplation. His posture, arms folded and leaning against the backrest, looked very tired.

If a stranger had heard this, they would have thought that unfortunately, Aristie had gone mad or fallen into delusions. If this were a world inside a novel, it would mean that everyone was a virtual being moving according to what was written in the book, which doesn’t make sense.

But Khalid respected Aristie and had trusted her intelligence. He didn’t want to disappoint her with even a slightly negative word.

However, his reason was also quite cool in this situation to believe all of this.

In fact, his judgment as an emperor had already been made. The reason he hesitated was solely because of Aristie.

“You.”

Time passed suffocatingly…

Khalid, having made a decision, straightened his back and opened his mouth.

“I know well that you’re not the kind of person who would maliciously slander someone. But I also find it hard to believe that Estelle is the kind of person who would commit such acts.”

“What I’ve told you today is by no means a lie.”

“I know. But…”

Khalid frowned, conflicted, but eventually drew the line.

“To be honest, it’s difficult to suspect Estelle based on such stories alone.”

“Are you saying you can’t believe it?”

“Yes.”

Khalid said shortly and picked up the lukewarm teacup.

It seemed like he was putting up a wall to avoid the uncomfortable conversation rather than being thirsty.

‘……’

Aristie looked at Khalid, maintaining the same posture she had when she first sat down.

Her heart was heavy. And cluttered.

She felt hurt that he didn’t believe her.

On the other hand, she understood that it was a difficult story to believe.

She told herself that she didn’t need to be hurt because she didn’t love him.

Yet there was a part of her that was hurt.

‘Is it because… it’s first love?’

Yes, that must be it. He might not be aware of it, but Estelle must surely be his first love.

They say first love is blind after all. Eyes, ears, and even mind… he’s willing to be devoured by a villainess to the point of losing even his shining insight.

“Just because I believe Estelle doesn’t mean I won’t heed your words. There must be a good reason why you came to tell me this. I’ll keep it in mind and watch, so please don’t worry.”

Khalid’s voice trying to comfort her sounded distant. Aristie was just immersed in skepticism.

Is it really necessary to become Empress like this? Rolling in the mud with a woman who says she’ll cut off my neck over one man?

“Perhaps Estelle was talking about the novel she said she wanted to write before. While thinking about the plot, maybe unintentionally…”

“It seems I’ve taken up too much of Your Majesty’s time.”

Aristie couldn’t bear it anymore and stood up. She couldn’t stand listening to him defend Estelle with such implausible hypotheses.

She bowed her head politely as if apologizing for rudely interrupting the emperor’s words.

“I’m sorry for disturbing your peace with unfounded stories. It’s my fault for acting hastily, so please don’t worry about it, Your Majesty.”

“Aristie…”

“I’ll take my leave now. Thank you for your time, Your Majesty.”

Her dress rustled as it brushed past the table. Khalid hurriedly offered to escort her.

However, Aristie refused, using the excuse that she couldn’t further interfere with the emperor’s official duties.

Still, as Khalid insisted, the two had to compromise by having Zephyros escort her instead.

“I’ll escort you to your carriage. Shall we go?”

“Then I’ll trouble you.”

Zephyros, who had suddenly become the sacrificial lamb, joined Aristie’s steps. The sound of their heels echoed in unison down the marble corridor.

While escorting Aristie with decorum, Zephyros was secretly anxiously observing the situation.

What’s this? This strange atmosphere that feels like they had a big fight even though they didn’t?

“Um… Did something happen?”

Zephyros asked, mustering his courage. However, instead of answering, Aristie called out to him.

“Sir Zephyros.”

“Yes.”

“May I say something?”

“Please do.”

“I’ve heard that you are acquainted with many women.”

“Pardon?”

Zephyros let out a surprised sound at the unexpected words. He realized that Aristie was indirectly referring to his famous history with women.

“That’s… true, but why are you suddenly saying this…”

“I apologize if my words sounded rude. I just have something I want to ask.”

“What might that be?”

At that moment, Aristie abruptly stopped walking.

Then, turning her body to look up at Zephyros, she asked.

“I assume you’ve been observing Miss Estelle… no, Lady Vascus, while assisting His Majesty the Emperor. Is that correct?”

“Huh? Ah, yes. That’s right.”

“From your perspective as someone who has interacted with many women, does she appear to be just a kind and wise woman? What’s your honest opinion?”

“When you ask it like that…”

Zephyros’s face grew increasingly flustered. It didn’t seem like she was asking out of simple jealousy, but he couldn’t discern her exact intentions, making it difficult to answer.

“I… she…”

Having difficulty starting, Zephyros confessed with a ‘whatever’ attitude.

“I think she’s a woman with many secrets. Not in a good way.”

“I see.”

Aristie’s expression brightened a little. It felt comforting that Zephyros had at least somewhat seen through Estelle’s true nature, which no one else seemed to notice besides herself.

But the joy ended there. Without realizing it, words of reproach towards Zephyros sprang from her throat.

“Then why don’t you tell His Majesty?”

“Pardon? What do you mean by that…”

“In the current situation, the only people who can reveal Estelle’s true nature are myself, you, and Sir Rhion. Even if His Majesty doesn’t believe my words, if you, who are like a close friend, offer sincere advice, wouldn’t His Majesty at least consider it?”

“My lady…”

Zephyros’s violet eyes took on a troubled look. It was evident that he thought it was an unreasonable request.

“I understand your concern, but I don’t have the right to interfere in His Majesty’s personal life.”

“You don’t have the right?”

“I am merely a knight who protects His Majesty’s person. Unless it’s related to state affairs, I can’t intrude into private matters like His Majesty’s woman… Ah, I apologize. I misspoke.”

Zephyros immediately bowed his head in apology. The misspoken part was undoubtedly referring to Estelle as ‘His Majesty’s woman’.

Zephyros’s recognition of Estelle as the emperor’s woman, while being careful with his words in front of the future empress, made Aristie feel even more miserable.

But what was more frustrating was…

That there was truly no one to save Khalid from the clutches of the villainess.

“It’s alright. I seem to have said something unnecessary.”

“No, not at all, my lady.”

“I’m sorry for burdening you. Please forget about it.”

“On the contrary, I am more sorry for not being able to help you.”

As Aristie turned around, Zephyros made to follow her. She lightly stopped him.

“This is far enough. Please return to your duties.”

“As long as I have received His Majesty’s order, escorting you is my duty.”

“I want to be alone.”

“Still, I should at least escort you to your carriage…”

“Please.”

Aristie whispered sharply. It was a voice that seemed to be holding back a scream through sheer endurance.

“My lady?”

“Please… Just for now, please…”

She whispered again. Only then did Zephyros realize.

That Lady Aristie was desperately pleading with him. To let her go from here.

“…I understand. Then please take care.”

“Thank you… I’ll tell His Majesty later that you escorted me well.”

Aristie regained her composure as if nothing had happened and took a step. But Zephyros could see it.

The sight of her tears, which had never fallen from her eyes, overflowing darkly through her shadow.

‘Lady…’

A sudden impulse came over him. If only she wasn’t his lord’s fiancée, he wanted to run and embrace her back right away.

But wasn’t he the one who said he couldn’t intrude into his lord’s private domain? For someone like him, Aristie was the emperor’s ‘largest private domain’.

‘…Forget it. Who am I to…’

Clenching his fist, Zephyros soon turned around and retraced his steps.

* * *