“Listen carefully to your tutor and learn diligently, no matter the subject.”

“…Yes.”

Yelodia gave up on asking for permission to go out and hung her head in disappointment.

The Duke of Xavier watched her with a faint smile playing at his lips.

Though he could easily guess his daughter’s mischievous intentions, he chose to feign ignorance as always. He wished for his daughter to enjoy all that life had to offer but could not condone neglecting her studies.

The Duke remained unwavering in his belief that he was the father of the most intelligent and beautiful daughter in the world, and to him, that was more than enough.

That Friday, Yelodia found herself visiting the Empress’s palace.

Clad in a pale peach dress adorned with frills and a bright yellow ribbon in her hair, she resembled a spring flower—elegant and fresh. Yet she constantly fussed with her hair.

Meeting the Empress was a formal occasion, and every tiny detail mattered.

Martha, who had been up since dawn perfecting Yelodia’s curls, tried to distract her with a question.

“Do you think the baron has arrived yet?”

“He was scheduled to meet His Majesty early this morning, so he should be leaving the Imperial Palace around now.”

Edward was to escort Lady Selina to the Imperial Palace that day.

After settling Lady Selina in one of the palace’s reception rooms, he was to meet Yelodia in the central garden, and the two of them would proceed to the Empress’s palace together.

“We’ve arrived at the meeting point, my lady.”

At the servant’s words, Yelodia’s shoulders twitched slightly. She was tense, though she tried her best to shake it off with a deep breath.

“Look, the baron is approaching. He looks as dashing as ever!”

At Martha’s enthusiastic exclamation, Yelodia resisted the urge to lean out the window, instead lowering her gaze.

Within the palace grounds, she had to maintain decorum. Any misstep might lead to trouble, so she could scarcely breathe freely.

Soon, the carriage door opened, and Edward stepped inside. Yelodia remained perfectly still until he took the seat opposite her.

“Good morning, Lady Xavier.”

“Good morning, Baron.”

For a moment, the two simply looked at each other.

Edward was dressed in a naval uniform that fit him impeccably, the white fabric highlighting his presence.

He, too, took a moment to observe Yelodia’s dress and ribbon, his gaze meticulous. Yelodia suddenly felt her throat dry.

As the carriage began to move, she hastily broke the silence.

“Is this your first time meeting the Empress?”

“Yes, it is.”

“I see.”

Yelodia hesitated, unsure how to explain. Edward, having been away from the capital for five years, might not fully grasp the Xavier family’s deep animosity toward the Empress.

Edward, watching her carefully, spoke in a measured tone.

“His Majesty offered me specific advice regarding my audience with the Empress.”

“Oh, what did His Majesty suggest?”

“He told me not to lose my temper, no matter what the Empress says.”

Yelodia couldn’t help but let out a wry smile.

She now understood why the Emperor had summoned Edward to the palace early that morning. Clearly, the Emperor was concerned about the misfortune Edward might face.

“Your ribbon suits you well.”

“Ah… Thank you. Your uniform is quite impressive too, Baron.”

Caught off guard by the compliment, Yelodia felt her cheeks flush. Edward’s lips curled into a light smile.

Despite being invited to a tea hosted by the Empress—a situation that would intimidate even the most powerful nobles—Edward showed no signs of anxiety.

‘Now that I think about it, I’ve never seen him nervous before.’

Perhaps war had instilled in him a level of calm that made him unshakeable. Or maybe his naturally bold and composed nature kept him from being easily unsettled.

The carriage slowed as it approached the Empress’s palace, eventually coming to a halt. A servant opened the door.

“Please, take my hand.”

Edward, having stepped out first, offered his hand to Yelodia.

Swallowing nervously, Yelodia took his hand. As always, touching his hand brought about an odd mixture of discomfort and reassurance deep within her.

A servant of the Empress’s palace awaited them at the entrance, bowing deeply.

“Welcome. Her Majesty has been expecting you.”

“Thank you for your hospitality. Please, lead the way.”

The two followed the servant calmly.

Ascending the short staircase to the main hall, they were greeted by the dazzling sight of golden columns and ceilings adorned with jewels. It was a breathtakingly extravagant display.

Edward’s gaze swept over the decorations, which were akin to works of art, but his expression remained indifferent. He then turned his attention back to Yelodia, as if such grandeur held no interest for him.

“Have you visited the palace often before?”

Yelodia quickly composed herself and nodded.

“His Majesty has summoned me frequently since I turned thirteen. Still, every visit to the palace leaves me astonished.”

“Indeed. The central garden of the palace is remarkably beautiful, rivaling the gardens of the Duke of Xavier’s estate.”

“Well… I suppose so.”

Yelodia barely held back her laughter as she responded. Edward, despite standing before the overwhelming splendor of the Empress’s palace, had chosen to praise the central garden instead.

“I hope we can stroll through it together someday.”

“I’ve heard it’s not easy to tour the palace grounds.”

“I’ll ask His Majesty for permission.”

Edward smiled silently. It was only then that Yelodia realized her fiancé had started the conversation to help ease her tension.

“You’re quite different from how I imagined you, Baron.”

“May I take that as a compliment?”

“Ah, um, of course, it’s a compliment.”

Edward paused for a moment, as though in thought, before speaking again.

“You, too, are different from what I imagined, Lady Yelodia.”

“Is that a compliment as well?”

“It is.”

Edward’s reply was straightforward. Although he didn’t elaborate, the sincerity in his voice was evident.

At that, Yelodia let out a soft laugh—the first smile she had shown since arriving at the palace.

As they continued exchanging lighthearted remarks, they soon arrived at the reception room of the Empress’s palace.

The attendant politely announced their arrival.

“Your Majesty, Lady Yelodia Xavier and Baron Edward Adrian are here.”

“Let them in.”

A composed female voice sounded from within.

Together, they entered the room as the attendant opened the door.

Yelodia lifted her dress slightly and curtsied gracefully.

“Yelodia Louise Xavier greets Her Majesty the Empress.”

“Edward Kieri Adrian greets Her Majesty the Empress.”

“Welcome.”

The Empress greeted them with a satisfied expression.

Yelodia hesitated momentarily before lowering her gaze.

The woman reclining on the sofa, her gaze fixed on them, was so elegant and beautiful that it was hard to believe she was a mother.

While the Emperor possessed a mane-like golden-red hair and golden eyes, the Empress had lemon-hued, graceful blonde hair and mesmerizing violet eyes.

Her gem-like eyes were both enchanting and subtly unsettling, as if they could captivate anyone who gazed into them.

“Have you been well?”

“Of course. To think that the little and delicate Yelodia would bring her fiancé to meet me—I was so excited I couldn’t sleep.”

“Thank you so much for inviting us.”

“I wanted to meet you both sooner, but I could only extend the invitation now. I hope you’re not offended.”

“Offended? Not at all, Your Majesty.”

Despite her calm reply, Yelodia felt her nerves prickling.

As always, the Empress was performing the role of a kind aunt. But it was clear that any misstep could cause her true nature to surface.

“Both of you, please take a seat. I recently received some exquisite tea from Pharrell.”

“We are deeply grateful for your hospitality, Your Majesty.”

Yelodia and Edward sat side by side on the sofa to the Empress’s right.

The Empress’s gaze lingered on Edward’s face for a moment. Her eyebrows twitched briefly before her expression returned to its composed facade.

“So, you’re Baron Adrian. I’ve heard much about you.”

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty,” Edward replied evenly.

Even in the presence of the Empress, he showed no signs of intimidation. Yelodia felt a sense of relief wash over her.

“Just like before,” she thought.

Edward had been composed and direct even when speaking to the Emperor. It seemed the Empress was no different for him.

Oddly, Yelodia felt her tension melting away like snow in the sun, despite knowing this wasn’t the time to let her guard down.

At that moment, the attendant placed fragrant tea and biscuits before them but hesitated with an uneasy expression.

“What is it?” the Empress asked.

The attendant, trying to hide their discomfort, addressed her.

“Your Majesty, the Countess of Havel, the Marchioness of Cheshire, and the Viscountess of Dallas have arrived.”

“Already? Weren’t they invited for afternoon tea?”

The Empress frowned in mild confusion, and the attendant apologized.

“There seems to have been a misunderstanding. I’ll send them away.”

“Is that necessary? How can we turn away those who went to the trouble of obtaining royal entry permits?”

Turning to Yelodia, the Empress offered an apologetic smile.

“My apologies, Yelodia. They are dear friends of mine. Although you’ve yet to debut in society, this might be a good opportunity to meet them. What do you think?”

“It would be an honor to meet such distinguished ladies,” Yelodia replied, though her cheeks twitched faintly.

The Empress, meticulous as ever, was not one to make such simple mistakes.