“So that’s why… Ah, please, have a seat.”

“……”

“Please.”

When Selina stubbornly remained standing, Yelodia rose from her seat instead.

“……”

Selina glanced at Edward for a moment. He wore a faint smile, as if he had expected this all along.

Yelodia, still feeling uneasy, tried to settle herself while Selina reluctantly took her seat.

“I didn’t realize… I hope I haven’t been impolite in any way. I’m Yelodia Louise Xavier.”

“Please, no need to be so formal, my lady. I’m not a noble.”

“But you’re Baron Adrian’s aunt, aren’t you?”

At Yelodia’s confused question, Selina smiled awkwardly.

Selina had recognized Yelodia from the beginning and had been observing her closely.

Contrary to the cold, arrogant aristocrat Selina had expected, Yelodia was surprisingly warm and gentle in her demeanor. It was hard to believe that she was the Emperor’s niece and a lady from a duchy.

Still, Selina didn’t see Yelodia as overly soft or naive. When handling a servant who had been disrespectful, Yelodia displayed an undeniable authority.

‘She must be stronger than she seems. She’s kind to those beneath her but can be sharp and firm when needed. She’ll be a good match for Edward.’

At that moment, Yelodia spoke up, eager to keep the conversation going.

“I heard you raised the Baron.”

“Yes, there was a time. I took care of Edward from the time he was ten until he turned sixteen.”

“Oh, six whole years?”

Yelodia covered her mouth with her hand, eyes wide as she looked at Selina. Her bright-eyed curiosity nearly made Selina burst into laughter.

“It seems you’re quite curious.”

“Yes, there’s a lot I’d like to know. But I’m most curious to hear if the Baron caused as much trouble as my brothers.”

Selina couldn’t help but smile.

“Ted was never a troublesome child like other boys. In a way, it made things easier for me, though I did feel sorry for him sometimes.”

“I see.”

Yelodia murmured absentmindedly, “Ted…” before catching herself and closing her lips with a small gasp. Edward’s gaze had fallen on her.

Before Yelodia could ask any more embarrassing questions, Edward interjected.

“The sun is about to set soon. I’d like to escort you both to the main building. It’ll get chilly here soon.”

“Edward, I think I’ll head back to my residence to rest,” Selina replied.

Yelodia, looking disappointed, quickly suggested, “But ma’am, I heard there will be fireworks from the navy’s warships at sunset. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to watch them with us?”

“Yes, please stay, Aunt,” Edward added.

With both of them urging her, Selina found herself in a bit of a dilemma.

Though she thought it might be best to step aside and leave them to themselves, both Edward and Yelodia were watching her with visible reluctance to see her go.

‘How on earth was this girl raised?’ Selina wondered, hiding her bewilderment as she rose from her seat. Yelodia cheerfully linked arms with her and looked over at Edward.

“Shall we go, Baron?”

“Yes, let me lead the way.”

Edward walked ahead with an easy stride. Selina could only watch in surprise.

Before they entered the naval headquarters, Yelodia turned to Edward and asked, “Um, my brother Hester will probably come looking for me. Could someone let him know I’ve moved?”

“I’ll send a soldier. If he hasn’t left the grounds, they should be able to find him.”

“That would be wonderful. I’d hate to bother my brothers… I mean, I’d hate to make them worry.”

“Understood.”

With a light smile, Edward gave orders to a passing soldier, who departed promptly, his expression full of discipline. Yelodia finally looked at ease.

“This way, please.”

Edward led them to a staircase.

As they ascended the red-carpeted steps, an imposing iron door came into view. Flags embroidered with the empire’s guardian dragon and lion flanked each side of the doorway.

Two knights stood guard at the door. As soon as they saw Edward, they respectfully opened it.

“Please, come in.”

“Wow…”

The moment the door swung open, Yelodia and Lady Selina gasped in awe.

Beyond the large windows stretched the endless blue sea.

The sky, now tinted with shades of purple, orange, and dark blue from the setting sun, cast a majestic view over the vast, unfathomable ocean.

“It’s truly beautiful,” Yelodia murmured.

“No, my dear. No beauty in the world can ever surpass yours,” came a sudden voice.

Yelodia’s face brightened at the unexpected sound.

“Your Majesty, the Emperor!”

In front of the large window, a long sofa was positioned, and there sat the Emperor, casually lounging with one leg crossed over the other.

His golden hair, reaching to his shoulders, was bathed in the hues of the sunset, and his mysterious golden eyes radiated both an unyielding coolness and a gentle warmth.

“Your complexion looks well, Yedi.”

“It’s all thanks to Your Majesty.”

“Haha, my niece’s flattery always sounds as delightful as a songbird’s chirping.”

The Emperor laughed lazily and took a sip of red wine.

Yelodia’s gaze then drifted to the knight standing rigidly behind the Emperor. As soon as their eyes met, the knight frowned. It was Fabian.

“Ah, is this a family reunion?”

The Emperor looked at the two of them with amusement.

“Don’t mind me; feel free to greet each other.”

Despite the Emperor’s encouragement, Fabian, clad in the formal garb of a royal guard, maintained his stoic expression. He was trained not to look away while on duty protecting the Emperor.

Still, Yelodia could read Fabian’s expressionless face. Her insight, honed over time, let her recognize the unspoken questions in his burning gaze. He was desperate to know Hester’s whereabouts, so she decided to offer a quick explanation.

“Your Majesty, my youngest brother might come looking for me soon. The Baron sent a soldier to inform him. During the review, he disappeared after chatting with an academy friend.”

“Is that so?”

The Emperor spoke with only mild interest.

“He’ll find his way back eventually. A grown man won’t get lost around here.”

The Emperor then turned his curious gaze to Lady Selina, who stood beside Yelodia.

“And who might you be?”

At that, Selina, who had been frozen stiff, managed to bow with trembling knees.

“I-it is an honor to meet the Empire’s s-sun, moon, and stars.”

“That’s not my name, but I’m pleased to meet you all the same. You seem connected to Edward. What’s the relation?”

Edward, sensing the Emperor’s curiosity, respectfully replied.

“This is my aunt, Your Majesty. She raised me when I was young, as my father was serving in the navy.”

“What! If I had known that, you could have told me earlier! You’re rather mischievous, aren’t you? Hmm… Introducing the Baron’s aunt to society should come before any engagement ceremony.”

At the Emperor’s words, Selina started in shock, freezing on the spot.

She could hardly believe what she was hearing, even as the words reached her ears.

Ever since she had entered this room, everything had felt surreal. Meeting the Emperor, someone she had never dreamed of encountering in her lifetime, and hearing his voice so clearly from up close…!

“With time so short, we’ll need to arrange a special gathering. Chamberlain.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will make the preparations as you commanded.”

The chamberlain, who had been waiting in the shadows, bowed in acknowledgment. The Emperor stood up effortlessly from his seat.

“Well then, I hope you have an enjoyable evening.”

As the Emperor’s attendants began to bustle around him, Yelodia quickly called out, surprised.

“Your Majesty, you’re leaving already? Can’t you stay a little longer? It’s been so long since we’ve met.”

“As much as I’d like to watch the night sky filled with fireworks with my lovely niece, your fiancé has just handed me quite the troublesome task.”

“My apologies, Your Majesty.”

“You don’t look all that sorry. How audacious.”

The Emperor replied to Edward’s apology in a playful tone, then winked at Yelodia.

“Well, I must be off.”

The Emperor stepped forward, with the knights and attendants trailing after him.

Edward hurried after the Emperor, offering, “Allow me to escort you.”

“There’s no need. Following me will only cause an unnecessary commotion. Soldiers and nobles staring all at once can be quite tiring.”

With that, the Emperor glanced back at Lady Selina one last time.

“Within this week, someone from the palace will come for you. Please spare some time; I’d like to have a private conversation.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I shall obey.”

“There’s no need to be so tense next time. I’m only curious about Edward’s childhood. I’ve always wondered how you raised him to grow into such a confident young man.”

The Emperor smiled, and Selina was too stunned to reply.

Leaving the three of them standing in a daze, the Emperor exited the room.

Selina’s legs gave out, and she collapsed into a chair, prompting Edward to rush over, concerned.