“This seemed like it would become a single topic, so…”

If written on paper, it would need to be bound separately later, so she made it into a book from the start.

“It’s about the disaster when rocks fell in the valley.”

Elena sat in a chair and pulled her body close to Rudfelix. As her expression subtly changed as if about to share a secret story, Quiet also slightly leaned in with his face.

“If the current Emperor suddenly announces his retirement, many would oppose. He’s just aged and weakened, not suffering from a terminal illness. People would have to accept it as his expressed desire to put his son on the throne.”

Rudfelix pushed Quiet’s face back. The tactless, talkative man was interrupting without reading the situation.

Ignoring Quiet’s murmur of “I’m working here,” Rudfelix stared intently at Elena’s face.

Elena flipped two more pages and pointed to a spot with her finger.

“We said disasters happen against the continent. The Crown Prince will use this as leverage.”

Rudfelix’s pupils shook slightly as they discovered a particular spot.

“He’ll use this to create justification. As the reason why a new Emperor must ascend.”

***

“These are all signs welcoming the new Emperor.”

At Viscount Tozille’s words, the expressions of others worsened. The reason was the abnormal phenomena occurring on the continent.

“When His Highness the Crown Prince went to Vieta Valley recently. Not a single rock fell near His Highness. Moreover, His Highness saved hundreds of people. This is all God’s revelation to welcome His Highness as Emperor.”

Several people nodded vigorously.

The Crown Prince’s greatness had spread widely through rumors, but they also called in some who were present to confirm if the rumors were true. Even if many praised others more than the Crown Prince, the facts remained unchanged. The Crown Prince had saved hundreds with just a gesture.

“When His Highness the Crown Prince ascends to the throne, that disaster will disappear.”

“But……”

Someone questioned this situation. Viscount Tozille, who was leading the meeting on behalf of the Crown Prince, turned a sharp gaze. Upon confirming who it was, his cheek twitched.

The Duke lowered his white eyebrows.

“Although His Highness the Crown Prince is first in line for the current succession, what is the Grand Duke’s opinion?”

If something happened to the Crown Prince, the Grand Duke would become Emperor. That’s how the order was established, but that wasn’t all. Since the Grand Duke was also qualified to become Emperor, his intention needed to be expressed, whether in agreement or opposition.

One process was needed before calling the Minister of Ceremonies to guide the Emperor’s crown.

A procedure to confirm whether the Grand Duke could pledge loyalty to the Crown Prince.

“Since the Grand Duke did not attend today’s meeting, we should first find out what happened.”

As the Duke rose from his seat, the meeting that had been flowing smoothly went awry.

“We have sufficiently understood the reasons for becoming Emperor, so prepare everything else and reconvene the meeting then, Viscount.”

Even though he was standing in for the Crown Prince, the Viscount was not the Crown Prince himself. Therefore, the Duke had no need to be cautious with him. As the Duke left the meeting hall, other nobles became agitated.

Viscount Tozille gritted his teeth so hard that his muscles bulged.

***

“Someone might think I was preparing for rebellion from the beginning, but that’s a misunderstanding.”

Elena waved both hands while looking at the Luria flowers.

“I didn’t do anything. Just preparing for a very low-probability risk, you know?”

How could anyone expect her to approach the villainous Grand Duke as her superior without any protection!

“I made it for myself while also repaying Father’s favor.”

Elena slightly raised her hand to touch the Luria flower petals.

“Everyone makes at least one mechanism to protect themselves in advance. You understand, right?”

Just as Elena’s hand was about to touch the Luria flower, a grumpy voice interrupted.

“Touch it with bare hands and you’ll die.”

At Aaron’s words, Elena regretfully withdrew her hand.

Aaron was exasperated watching Elena sitting in front of the flower. She was already muttering incomprehensible words, making the sight even more bewildering.

Elena straightened her rounded back and glared at Aaron.

When she had arrived earlier, he had just thrown a dry greeting and left.

“You heard all my soliloquy, didn’t you?”

Aaron, who was moving boxes, wiped his sweat and snorted.

“Was that supposed to be a soliloquy?”

“I was talking to this flower.”

“Ah, I see. You were speaking loudly so all the flowers here could hear.”

Aaron, who was about to pass by with an expression that seemed to say ‘Since you came to talk to flowers, I should leave!’, sighed. Then, as if reluctantly, he came to Elena’s side.

“Why did you come here and do this?”

Because of the favor he had received from Elena, he couldn’t ignore her and leave, so he kept grumbling.

“I have every right to be here!”

Elena tapped the spot next to her. Aaron plopped down and directly grabbed her hand to put it down.

“I understand, but absolutely do not touch the Luria flowers.”

“I know I shouldn’t touch them, but they’re fascinating. They seem to blend well with other flowers on the outside. Even when they rub against other flowers while swaying in the wind, they don’t wither. But it’s naturally strange that we can’t touch them.”

Elena acted as if it were odd.

“It’s the only flower affected by human touch. That’s how sensitive it is, and it gives a lot depending on how you treat it.”

Elena looked at the Luria flower with fascination.

A small purple flower.

This flower, which some keep for decoration, can be eaten but can also become poison.

“So how does it become poisonous?”

“It’s simple. Eating just the petals is fine, but when mixed with something else, it becomes poison.”

“What is that something?”

The boy rested his chin on his hand and admired the flower. He contemplated whether to tell her or not, but since Elena was the head of this research department along with the Grand Duke, he leaned toward telling her.

“What His Highness the Grand Duke hates most.”

Aaron closed his mouth after saying just that much.

His attitude suggested there was no need to say more since she knew the Grand Duke better than anyone. However, Elena tilted her head from side to side.

‘If it’s something he hates……’

She looked back at Aaron while recalling the times she had dined with Rudfelix.

“That’s too broad a category.”

When had Rudfelix ever strongly expressed what he liked or hated? In truth, he seemed like someone who didn’t particularly enjoy eating.

Normally, he allocates only the minimum time for eating. Even then, he often combines it with work. For such a person to have food he hates! It almost seemed easier to find food he liked instead.

“Well, His Highness the Grand Duke eats just to avoid dying.”

When Aaron affirmed this, Elena felt irritated.

“Eating just to avoid dying.”

“Did I say something wrong?”

“……No.”

That made her mood sink even further.

“Just wait and see.”

Elena stood up, making her clothing flutter. Aaron coughed slightly at the dust scattered by the uniform that didn’t spread easily.

“The Crown Prince is the Crown Prince, but the joy of eating comes first.”

Aaron, who had just stopped coughing, blankly watched Elena, who had come alone to mutter to herself and then suddenly left. With vacant eyes, he muttered.

“Why did it end that way?”

Isn’t it just that you want to spend a sweet time together?

***

Days began as usual.

Even if underground political work was going back and forth, the morning at the mansion had a very refreshing and bright atmosphere.

All under Elena’s leadership.

Rudfelix watched her from the head of the long table.

The fairy who had entered his bed last night, just slept, and disappeared.

That fairy moved busily, making him wonder what she was thinking while his gaze naturally followed her. She pushed in a tray herself and dusted off her white apron.

“I will assist with Your Highness’s breakfast.”

The white apron hung modestly from Elena’s chest to just above her knees. The frills fluttered like wings with her slightest movement.

So that’s why she was wearing a dress instead of her uniform. Rudfelix’s eyes lengthened at her intention to assist with the meal as his lover.

“Please don’t look at me like that. I don’t particularly have any ulterior motives.”

Elena preemptively struck first, telling him not to look at her so suspiciously. Then she personally picked up the salad plate.

The maid dedicated to serving meals didn’t know what to do but couldn’t stop Elena. She couldn’t push Elena away saying this was her job. In fact, Elena had entered the kitchen from early morning, presenting a recipe and requesting it be made exactly as specified.

“I made a new sauce to sprinkle on the salad.”

Fried noodles were rolled into circles, cradling the salad. Elena sprinkled the sauce on top herself and her eyes sparkled as if telling him to taste it. Then, as Rudfelix broke the fried noodles with his fork and ate them with vegetables, she now placed warm bread.

“This was baked with garlic and honey spread on it, topped with herbs.”

As her hand twitched as if telling him to taste it, Rudfelix obediently cut and ate the bread.