It was the same before the marriage. With his fiancée, it was merely an obligatory relationship where they met out of duty and he fulfilled his obligations by selecting jewelry as a gift on her birthday.

In fact, even while meeting with her, he had been reluctant to talk about his fiancée, so Estelle thought the Emperor disliked Aristie. She naturally thought he would take her side.

But what was this situation? This looked exactly like he cared for his fiancée.

Much more than expected!

‘Has the setting been twisted?’

For a moment, she felt uneasy.

But thinking about it, it made sense that errors could occur.

After all, she had stirred up the story by saying she would steal the female lead’s position.

‘…It’s okay. It’s just a common error in romance fantasy novels. If something’s twisted, I just need to straighten it out.’

Estelle encouraged herself. She was the one who had captured the Emperor’s attention by overlaying all of the female lead’s charms onto herself.

As long as her desires were clear, she was determined to grasp them by any means necessary.

Just like she had done in her previous life.

Chapter 2

In a back alley that exudes an eerie atmosphere even in broad daylight. A woman wearing a robe glanced around and then entered.

The woman walked with familiar steps, winding through corner after corner.

Going left, then right into another alley… After proceeding like this for quite some time, she arrived at an abandoned house.

A dilapidated place that was hard to find, and even if found, wouldn’t normally be looked into. The woman looked around once more and quietly entered the abandoned house. Then, a giggling laughter flew in from inside.

“Kekeke, why are you sneaking in like a little mouse, so scared?”

There was already a guest in the abandoned house.

Clearly not the owner. Because it couldn’t possibly be called a house where people could live in.

“Unlike you, I have a lot to lose.”

The woman spoke melodiously as she removed her hood. A pretty young lady with red hair and light pink eyes.

Those beautiful colors and delicate features shone brightly even in the dim abandoned house. She would have looked even more lovely if not for her vicious expression.

“Ah, is that so? If you have a lot to lose, I’m a busy person, so don’t keep me waiting, Estelle.”

As her name was called, the woman narrowed her brows in irritation.

Estelle. That was the name of the woman who had appeared before the Emperor like fate and clung to him as a conversation partner.

With the information she obtained through the book and excellent acting skills. To preemptively shake the Emperor’s heart that would eventually be directed towards the female lead.

“Stop the chatter and talk about the goods, Jack. Did you get what I asked for?”

Estelle asked directly, skipping the unnecessary greetings.

“I got it, that’s why I called you to meet.”

Jack replied as he approached.

“Let me see it.”

“The payment?”

“I need to check the goods first.”

“Don’t you know you can’t even see the goods if you don’t have money?”

As Jack stood firm, Estelle pressed impatiently.

“Is this your first day in business? I have plenty more requests for the future, do you think I’d play games over some measly drug money?”

“This isn’t just any ordinary drug. It was damn hard to get.”

“That’s why I want to check if it’s real. Hurry up and show me. If you don’t want to, I’ll find someone else.”

“Tch!”

In the end, the winner is the one holding the money. Jack clicked his tongue in displeasure but took out a vial from his pocket and handed it to Estelle.

Estelle examined the color of the contents, then opened the lid and carefully smelled it. Her lips finally curved up in satisfaction.

“This seems right.”

“I may not look it, but I’m a man of my word. If you can’t trust me that much, don’t do business with me.”

Jack grumbled. The fact that he prefaced with “I may not look it” clearly showed that he indeed didn’t look trustworthy at all.

Withered green hair like weeds. A scar running diagonally across one eyebrow.

His eyes were slanted maliciously, and his lips were so thinly cunning that they made you doubt whatever he said.

“Here’s the payment.”

“Oh my, thank you, Miss Estelle.”

Jack’s mood immediately improved upon receiving the money. Estelle handed back the money along with the item and gave instructions.

“Go to Forest’s apothecary and start the work. You must mix the drug according to the exact ratio. Without others noticing.”

“This will take quite some time. Can you pay a proper daily wage?”

“Of course. I’m even thinking of giving a bonus if it’s successful.”

At the mention of a bonus, Jack’s mouth fell open.

“Wow, jackpot! Is the Emperor pouring out money?”

“No. We’re not at that stage yet, but even if he did, it would be troublesome. I can’t be seen as a woman enticed by material things.”

“Then where are you going to get the money from? Let me tell you, your salary can’t cover me.”

Jack threatened, worried he might not get paid his daily wage.

Estelle snorted in response.

“Hey, Jack. I like that dirty money-grubbing side of yours, but don’t cross the line. I’ll definitely pay you. I’ll become your best patron from now on, so you just need to obediently follow along.”

Jack, feeling offended, immediately mocked her.

“Hmph, you’re just a jewelry store employee, but you’re acting like some rich young lady.”

“I will be, you know? A rich young lady.”

“Ha! As if. Did you find some rich old man somewhere?”

“Oh my, look at you. You’re quite perceptive, aren’t you?”

“You’re joking. Who do you think you’re trying to impress…”

Jack trailed off as he was laughing at Estelle.

Narrowing his already slanted eyes even further, he examined her and asked in a serious tone.

“Is it true?”

“……”

Estelle’s lips curved beautifully. She carefully pulled her hood back on and turned around.

“Just wait and see. You’ll hear the rumors soon enough.”

Estelle’s movements as she left the abandoned house, her robe fluttering, were nothing short of confident.

* * *

A month had passed since the three-way meeting at the imperial palace. What had changed in that time……

There was something. Something very big.

The imperial marriage was announced at the monthly palace meeting and in the capital’s square.

—Now that the date has been set, make sure everything is prepared without any issues.

Khalid officially declared and began promoting the imperial marriage that had been unofficially in preparation. Duke Yentrice, who had a meeting with the Emperor, looked extremely proud.

The nobles’ attitudes changed swiftly. The malicious gossip about the Duke’s family died down, and more families began trying to form connections.

It was to the point where even Aiden received marriage proposals.

Of course, not everyone was favorable. As always, there were disapproving gazes hidden here and there.

Nobles who had been hostile to the Duke’s family, or those who had tried to catch the Emperor’s attention using their daughters.

The shock to the women who had purely admired the Emperor was also immeasurable. Falling ill was the least of it; some even caused scenes of self-harm.

It wasn’t simply because he was the Emperor of the great empire. His appearance was so striking it would be etched in one’s mind at first sight. Outstanding skills in both civil and military affairs. Strong charisma coupled with thoughtful consideration.

Khalid Arcadian Isha Ferzen was truly a genius sent from heaven, and this especially caused women to fall into despair.

But perhaps because God doesn’t allow perfect humans, even this Emperor had one shortcoming.

That was…….

—I think I’ve made a big mistake.

He was clueless about women and inexperienced in love.

—Apart from Estelle, I also want to apologize to you. I ended up insulting you unintentionally.

At the previous three-way meeting, Khalid had politely apologized to Aristie. He seemed to regret having arranged the meeting between the two women in the first place.

Since then, he never had Aristie and Estelle in the same place again, nor did he mention Estelle in front of her.

While his carefulness was appreciated, rumors about the Emperor’s woman spread nonetheless. No matter how much one tries to hide, it’s impossible to completely avoid the eyes and ears scattered everywhere.

The rumors circulated and eventually reached Aristie’s ears. And it came through none other than her father’s mouth.

It was at a family dinner on a day when a light drizzle was falling gently.

“Are the wedding preparations going well?”

As the Duke’s voice resonated across the table, Aiden’s movements froze for a moment.

He had no right to intervene, so he quietly observed the atmosphere.

“They’re progressing smoothly.”

Aristie replied, putting down the fork in her hand. Hoping it was just a casual question.

The Duke nodded with satisfaction and took a sip of wine. Aristie was about to pick up her fork again, but her father’s words weren’t finished.