It was a sunny day, and as it was the day of her etiquette lesson with Mrs Miller, Paola had been struggling all morning, gripping an embroidery hoop and needle tightly in both hands.

Amelia, who had been watching with a bored look on her face, suggested that they take the lesson outside as the weather was so nice. Paola had expected Mrs Miller to refuse outright, but was surprised when the woman nodded her head in agreement without hesitation.

As Paola settled into the garden pavilion, the warm sunlight seemed to envelop her, and she began to feel a heavy drowsiness creeping over her.

The repetitive task of embroidery, coupled with the soothing warmth, made her hands sluggish and she found herself tightening her grip on the needle just to stay focused. Still, she forced herself to continue, her diligence overshadowed by the temptation to rest.

“The Empress is quite skilful with her hands, so it’s no wonder her embroidery improves so quickly.”

“You flatter me, Mrs Miller.”

Mrs Miller raised an eyebrow.

“I believe I have told you several times that there is no need to speak to me in such a formal manner.”

“My apologies…”

As if out of habit, Paola mumbled an apology, but as soon as her gaze met the cold eyes of the elderly countess, she quickly lowered her head. Her face flushed so red it looked like it might burst from the heat, causing Amelia to chuckle.

“She’ll get used to it in time. It hasn’t been that long since she got married, so don’t be too hard on her, Mrs Miller. It might even have a negative effect on the child in her womb”.

“If anyone heard you, they might think I was scolding Her Majesty the Empress, Your Highness.”

Mrs Miller replied with a pout.

Amelia let out a small chuckle before leaning forward and whispering softly to Paola.

“She may look a little stern, but she’s actually kind, so don’t be too afraid.”

At Amelia’s warm tone, Paola smiled slightly and nodded.

To Paola, the mistress of the distinguished Count’s family was an almost unattainable figure, for she was merely the daughter of an obscure noble family from a distant province. But for the three siblings – Raphael, Samuel and Amelia – Mrs Miller was more than just a governess; she was a beloved figure who had shown them love beyond that of their own parents.

Hadn’t Raphael himself demonstrated his trust and affection for her countless times?

For such a noble lady to patiently teach her proper etiquette, step by step, from beginning to end, is something she should be truly grateful for.

So she must do well. At least for this child.

Paola gently stroked her noticeably rounded belly.

Just then Amelia, who had been sitting next to her, suddenly sprang to her feet.

Confused, both Mrs Miller and Paola turned to look at Amelia, then followed her gaze.

As Amelia’s eyes traced the edge of a black cloak embroidered with gold thread, disappointment gradually crept into her expression.

“What… I thought Sir Moore had arrived?” 

Hearing the disappointment in Amelia’s voice, Paola finally understood the reason for her sudden reaction and couldn’t help but laugh. 

Amelia’s unrequited love for Sir Moore had long been a source of teasing within the royal family. As she gazed absentmindedly at Felipe Baron’s retreating figure, her lips forming a small pout, she slowly put her arm around Paola’s, seeking some comfort in the familiar gesture.

Her smile was utterly charming and her eyes radiated warmth and affection. Every little gesture she made exuded an innate sweetness that made it clear why her two older brothers were completely captivated by their youngest sister.

“I’m getting a bit restless. Would you like to take a walk with me, Your Majesty?”

As Paola’s eyes met Mrs Miller’s, she simply shrugged as if to say, do as you please. With no reason left to refuse, Paola’s smile grew even brighter as she agreed.

The youngest daughter, Amelia, was much loved by her parents, the former Emperor and Empress. The same atmosphere of affection seemed to extend to her brothers, Emperor Raphael and Prince Samuel, who still treated their only sister as a child, doting on her endlessly.

Perhaps because she had grown up without many worries, Amelia was accessible to everyone. When Raphael pressed for their marriage, she was one of the few to welcome Paola, despite the strong opposition at the time.

The two of them walked together towards the central garden, chatting casually.

“Whatever happens, it’s a good sign that Lord Baron came all the way to the capital. If he travelled here from his hometown to recover, it must be something serious, and if it’s not related to his family, what else could it be?”

“I really hope it ends properly this time. I’m tired of hearing the name Delmart. I wonder what kind of severe punishment you’re planning, that’s why you’re being so cautious.”

Amelia joked and smiled, but Paola’s expression was different.

“To be honest… I don’t think it should be delayed any longer.”

“Why is that?”

Amelia asked, her eyes wide with innocence.

Paola hesitated before answering. It seemed that even mentioning the woman’s name made her uncomfortable.

“There are still many people who feel sorry for her. What if His Majesty changes his mind…”

“What are you worried about?”

Amelia interrupted, her tone reassuring.

“After all, His Majesty chose you. He wouldn’t let someone like her, who is nothing but an obstacle, live.”

Paola forced a smile, and Amelia followed suit with a laugh. But as soon as Paola’s gaze fell, the smile quickly faded and a quiet tension settled between them.

They say that public opinion changes with the times, but considering the influence Rosalyn had in society, Paola’s situation wasn’t so unusual.

Before her marriage, Paola had never even made her debut on the capital’s social scene.

In a world strictly divided by class, there were clear ranks even among the nobility, and the social gatherings they attended were no exception. To cross the threshold of the imperial court, the family you came from was of the utmost importance.

In other words, Paola’s family, the Counts of Geron, were a family without authority and could not even enter the social scene of the capital. Aside from this background, Paola was a beautiful woman with a gentle and refined aura, but compared to Rosalyn’s striking, attention-grabbing appearance, she seemed rather plain.

After a moment of forgetfulness, Amelia’s expression stiffened as Rosalyn’s face suddenly appeared in her mind. 

Her golden hair, tinted as if by the sun, had a distinct brilliance that set it apart from Amelia’s own blonde locks. But that wasn’t all. Rosalyn’s slender, tall frame and eyes of a mysterious violet hue caught Amelia’s attention.

Her features, with their sharp lines and meticulous detail, looked as if they had been carved by a skilled sculptor, so beautiful that they held Amelia captive with every glance. 

Amelia, who had never experienced feelings of inferiority before, now felt humiliated by the mere presence of another – Rosalyn Delmart. But it wasn’t just Rosalyn’s beauty that made her feel so insecure.

Was there anyone in the capital’s society at the time who didn’t love this woman? Amelia barely managed to stifle a growing sneer.

“In time, everything will fall into place, Your Majesty.”

The past no longer mattered; now she was just a woman locked away in a castle, waiting for the day she would die. There was no longer any reason to hate her. Nor was there any reason to feel inferior to someone who would end her life in dishonour, having never become Empress or achieved anything of significance. 

“Regardless of what others say, His Majesty the Emperor cares for and loves Her Majesty the Empress deeply.”

With these calm words, the tension on Paola’s face gradually faded and she smiled. Although many still had negative opinions of Paola, only Amelia was truly happy for her and warmly accepted her as part of her family.

As a sister, whenever she saw her brother happy at Paola’s side, she truly prayed for their happiness. In truth, she didn’t care if it was Rosalyn Delmart or someone else, as long as they found happiness. After all, Raphael had chosen to be with Paola, so she had no reason to reject her.

‘So once the Delmart siblings are gone, everything will fall back into place. Lord Moore will also return to the capital, where I am.’ 

At the thought of the man she had held in her heart for so long, a sweet smile appeared on Amelia’s face.

***

The retiring Commander of the Order of Knights now had white hair, but his posture was still upright and impeccable. The Emperor’s walk was graceful, deliberate and unhurried. As he walked, the gold embroidery on the edge of his cloak – symbolising his esteemed position – shimmered in the light. 

When he finally reached the Emperor’s feet, Felipe bowed and showed his respect. It was a simple gesture, but one that carried great dignity and reverence.

“Must have been a long and tiring journey. I hear your health is not good either.”

“I deeply apologise for worrying Your Majesty. Please don’t worry about it.”

“How could I fail to notice something concerning the Lord Baron?”

It was a respect that was well deserved. Felipe Baron was a man who had been at the pinnacle of knighthood since his youth.