When the emperor granted Ariel the authority to establish a knightly order, Wiscombe couldn’t help but feel bitter. The commotion caused by Baron Ariel’s resignation had ultimately granted Ariel military control while leaving Wiscombe humiliated.

Recently, Wiscombe had gained nothing and lost much. The aristocratic circles were abuzz with exaggerated rumors about the military forces Ariel and Umbriel would acquire, all thanks to the efforts of Countess Creole, under orders from Duke Gareth.

There were even rumors that Prince Robert was about to receive a massive and pointless budget. As people gossiped about Prince Robert, they also mentioned the Duke of Wiscombe, speculating that the duke might have made a significant blunder.

Cressida was anxious, waiting for the exact details of the emperor’s decree. Fortunately, it turned out that Robert hadn’t been granted military control or an extravagant budget. There was only minor budgetary support and a large administrative delegation being sent to Umbriel.

Baron Ariel’s estate itself was of little significance, so even the creation of a knightly order there wasn’t much to worry about. In fact, they might barely be able to gather enough knights to form a full squad of ten. According to Cressida, Baron Ariel was a timid man who had even declined the position of Marquis due to budget concerns. Thus, Cressida had been tense at the rumors about Robert receiving military reinforcements for border defense, but she felt relieved once she learned the truth.

The real reason behind the decree was to deal with the aftermath of the bribery scandal involving Umbriel’s investigators, with the external administrative staff set to handle Umbriel’s affairs. Additionally, Robert had been ordered to return to the capital.

Cressida believed the worst had been avoided.

The empress addressed Count Cressida sternly. “It’s one thing for the ladies of society to spread false rumors, but how can a count fail to uncover the emperor’s orders? Does that make sense to you?”

Count Cressida responded with a wry smile. “The orders were issued through the administrative division, so the nobles were left completely in the dark. Since the central budget is being used, there was no need to inform other lords. Now, do you see why the emperor has always used the administrative division to handle these matters? And why I’ve always opposed its creation?”

“It’s been nearly ten years since its establishment. With so many people in the administrative division, you’re telling me you can’t place a single loyal person there?”

“Didn’t we just get caught bribing an investigator recently? The emperor re-audited all the investigators. Now the staff in the administrative division are being extra cautious, so it’s not easy. I’ll have to approach this more carefully. By the way, do you know why Prince Robert is returning to the capital?”

The empress sighed and said, “The emperor plans to handle Robert’s marriage. Since he granted Robert an estate, now he wants to find someone to manage the household.”

“That makes sense, but it feels rushed.”

“I said the same thing, but… I was just scolded for suggesting it was premature, especially with Frederick already engaged while Robert isn’t even betrothed.”

Count Cressida commented, “Wiscombe will be pleased. Once Robert returns to the capital, they’ll do everything they can to restore their relationship with him.”

The empress replied coldly, “I’ll make sure that Wiscombe and Prince Robert never come together. You are confident about handling this, right?”

Instead of answering, the count simply nodded.

As soon as the count left the empress’s chamber, he muttered to himself with a sour expression, “Does she think becoming empress gives her the right to scold her father? Hmph!”

* * *

When Prince Robert returned to the capital, the emperor immediately announced a welcome ball in his honor.

While the ball was officially a welcoming event, rumors spread quickly that the emperor was using it as an opportunity to find a wife for Robert. The rumor gained traction, especially since a notable number of young noblewomen had been invited to the event.

The empress, upon hearing the rumors, went to the emperor to complain.

“I understand you want to rush Robert’s marriage, but how could you reject the request to celebrate Frederick’s engagement and instead throw a welcome ball for Robert? Isn’t that blatant favoritism? You told me yourself that if I accepted Robert, you wouldn’t do anything to make Frederick feel slighted.”

The emperor responded icily, “Empress! Do you think I don’t know what you and Gareth have been doing with Wiscombe behind the scenes? Who in the capital doesn’t know that the Wiscombe debutante incident was a scheme against Robert? And now you expect me to invite both Wiscombe and Robert to a party together? Do you really think I should do that—drive a stake into my own son’s heart and humiliate the Duke of Wiscombe at the same time?”

When the empress tried to argue further, the emperor warned her, “You have already gained the Gareth family’s support. Be content with that, and tread carefully. If you lead Cressida in reckless actions, who will protect Frederick later? Don’t rely too much on the Cressida family. Your natal family may be Cressida, but you are now part of the imperial family.”

Unable to hold back, the empress shouted, “It was the Cressida family that raised and protected Frederick all this time! Simply accepting Robert should have been enough to satisfy you. I believe I have shown enough respect to the imperial family by doing so.”

The emperor replied sharply, “That was something you had to do because of the guilt you bear. Do you think you can use that as a token of goodwill towards me? After you killed his mother and tried to kill the child, you think allowing him to keep my name is some act of kindness? Empress, get your head straight. That wasn’t kindness—it was atonement.”

The empress stormed out of the emperor’s office in a fury. The emperor didn’t even glance at her departure, instead turning to look out the window as Caliban came in and quietly closed the door behind her.

“Do you think the Empress will try to assassinate Robert again?”

Caliban responded calmly.

“Count Cressida will handle it, as he always does.”

The Emperor nodded at Caliban’s words.

“I was worried. How many unexpected accidents have occurred in the royal family? If Count Cressida forgets his place, he will no longer have any reason to remain in the Empire.”

“But there is still Prince Frederick. If the Cressida family were to disappear, who would Frederick rely on…?”

“He will soon have a capable in-law family.”

Caliban nodded. Between the Cressida and Gareth families, Gareth was undoubtedly the better choice.

***

The Empress stormed into her chambers, and soon the sound of something shattering could be heard. A maid quickly ran out of her room.

In the evening, Countess Cressida visited the Empress in her chambers. The room was a complete mess. The Countess led the Empress to the bathroom. While the Empress soaked in the bath, the maids cleaned up the chambers.

The Empress, crouched in the warm water, spoke.

“Mother, wouldn’t it be better to just deal with the Emperor now…?”

Countess Cressida covered the Empress’s mouth with her wrinkled hand.

“Never speak such words. Not only your life but the lives of the entire Cressida family depend on this. Just because the Emperor has let you have your way until now, it doesn’t mean he’s powerless. Do you think the Emperor is easy to control? You are the Empress. You must think like one. The future of our family rests on every word you speak. Do you understand?”

The Empress nodded at the Countess’s words. The Countess gently stroked her daughter’s face as she continued.

“The most important thing is Frederick. Don’t worry about anything else. Even if the Emperor wants to elevate Robert, he can’t. The nobles all support us. Now that even Duke Gareth has joined our side, it will be difficult for the Emperor to raise Robert, no matter how hard he tries. That illegitimate child will never become Emperor. So, control yourself like an Empress and bring Frederick back. After all, he should attend Robert’s welcome ball. With Frederick there, no one will pay attention to that bastard.”

Looking at her mother, the Empress spoke.

“You’re right, Mother. Who could stand in Frederick’s way?”

Frederick was born to rule. The Empress believed in him.

Countess Cressida washed and brushed her middle-aged daughter’s hair as if she were still a child. The Empress clung to her, just like she did in her youth.

The Countess comforted her, whispering softly in her ear until the Empress fell asleep.

“My precious daughter.”

Once the Empress was asleep, the Countess left the chamber. When she returned to the Cressida estate, Count Cressida greeted her with a displeased expression.

“You’re spoiling the Empress too much. Every time she calls, you run to her. Doesn’t she look down on her own family because of this?”

“Just think of it as her only place of refuge. Even at forty, she’s still our sweet little girl. Though she acts high and mighty, she has never once refused any request from us. She’s doing her best in her role as Empress, so indulge her.”

The Count clicked his tongue and retreated to his room to let the Countess rest. The Countess collapsed into a chair, exhausted.

Even staying up late was becoming a struggle. She felt her eyelids tremble as she slowly closed her eyes.

***

As Robert had anticipated, Frederick returned to the capital soon after Robert’s arrival. However, Prince Frederick’s face was filled with displeasure.

“Just when the dogs have been well-trained for hunting, this happens….”

Frederick complained as he entered the Empress’s sitting room.

“Mother, why now? When I wanted to stay in the capital, you pushed me away. Are you trying to torment me? Do you hate seeing me enjoy myself?”

The Empress took Frederick’s hand and said.

“Of course not. That wretched Robert has returned to the capital. The Emperor is trying to find him a match. He’s doing for Robert what he never did for you. Your grandfather and I searched tirelessly to find your match, while the Emperor himself is arranging one for Robert. I was so upset that I had to call you back. Just attend Robert’s welcome ball. Your presence alone will outshine Robert.”

“Do I really have to? I already have Parma. If I attend, all I’ll do is smile politely while wandering around. And honestly, what parent in their right mind would give their daughter to Robert? Once I become Emperor, I won’t let Robert get away with anything.”

“Shh! I know. Frederick, do it for me. I can’t bear it anymore. The Emperor treats you unfairly for no reason. As your mother, I can’t just sit by and watch.”

The Empress’s tearful plea seemed to calm Frederick’s frustration.

With a softer tone, Frederick asked.

“Why has Robert returned to the capital? I thought he was settled in the north.”

“It’s all because of Wiscombe. Ugh… how useless he is.”

Frederick’s eyes lit up at the mention of Wiscombe.

“Why?”

“Wiscombe tried to extend a hand to Robert but ended up causing more trouble. The Emperor had to step in, and as a result, Robert returned to the capital. The Wiscombe is absolutely no help at all. How fortunate for you, Frederick. You almost had to marry into that useless family and tie your future to them.”

Frederick frowned slightly and asked.

“Isabelle is different from her foolish father, right? Is she doing well?”

“Isabelle may look innocent, but she’s a girl who has mastered the Duchess’s ways. If it weren’t for Robert, there’d be no need to even face such a girl.”

“But still…”

“Frederick, I know Isabelle is beautiful. However, you are destined to be emperor. Your wife needs more than just beauty. Your fiancée, Parma, comes from a family that holds both beauty and powerful military strength.”

Frederick, hiding his disappointment, said, “Since we’re in the capital, should I visit Parma?”

“Why?”

“She kept asking me incessantly while I was in Cressida if I couldn’t visit more often. At first, I wanted to, but her letters became increasingly persistent. I think the rumors are true. My uncle was right when he said it would be best to keep a proper distance from Parma.”

The Empress, soothing Frederick, said, “Parma likes you, that’s why. It’s because you weren’t around. Now that you’re in the capital, it would be nice to see her more often, but if keeping a distance is what you prefer, do as you wish.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Since the Empress did not insist on Frederick visiting Parma, he felt much more at ease.

TL NOTE: Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories