The emperor met with the two of them in his private lounge, rather than his office or an official reception room. He looked at Prince Robert and Sophia, who were standing side by side, and spoke.

“Let’s sit. So, regardless of how much the world may have changed, to announce an engagement without ever introducing your fiancée? Lady Ariel! How am I supposed to accept this situation?”

Sophia replied politely.

“It’s best to leave it as it is. Prince Robert will come to his senses soon enough, Your Majesty.”

Robert looked at Sophia in surprise at her response, while the emperor gave a wry smile.

“Come to his senses? That sounds as if you’re about to break off the engagement.”

“If Your Majesty desires, I am ready to end it right now.”

The emperor glanced at Robert and said.

“She is indeed a woman of your choosing. She’s certainly direct.”

Robert gave Sophia a sideways glance and spoke.

“As you can see, I sought Lady Sophia Ariel’s help to avoid the nuisance. Lady Ariel has also promised her full cooperation.”

“Is that all right with you, Lady Ariel?”

“Yes. I am receiving a satisfactory benefit in return. It’s perfectly fine.”

“And what if this leads to marriage after all?”

“Well, then, Prince Robert would be the one at a disadvantage.”

Sophia Ariel was certain that she would gain if it came to marriage.

The emperor’s lips curled slightly at Sophia’s confident remark.

“Indeed.”

The atmosphere between the emperor and Sophia was pleasant, and Robert quietly observed their exchange. He carefully studied Sophia’s demeanor and expressions, finding no signs of any hidden intentions. Yet, he was struck by how she conversed with the emperor with such confidence and without any tension.

‘Is she not afraid of the emperor? Does she not understand the power he wields?’

Sophia seemed to sense that the emperor was likely wondering if Robert had chosen her as a means to completely remove himself from the competition for succession.

Prince Frederick’s broken engagement had presented an opportunity for Prince Robert. The emperor was also likely questioning if Robert was backing down once again by discarding that favorable opportunity, just as he had always done.

Realizing that the engagement between Robert and Sophia was a temporary strategy to avoid Count Cressida’s scrutiny put the emperor at ease.

Sophia anticipated that the emperor would be lenient with her, a powerless individual who posed no threat to Prince Robert or the imperial family.

And indeed, the emperor showed Sophia the leniency she expected. He then asked Robert and Sophia about the current situations in Umbriel and Ariel.

Sophia focused intently and carefully answered when the topic of Baron Ariel’s potential promotion to border marquis came up. The emperor asked.

“I’ve heard for a long time that there’s talk of promoting Baron Ariel to border marquis. But why now?”

Sophia replied.

“Yes. It has to be now. As Prince Robert’s fiancée’s family, we wish to elevate our standing accordingly. Baron Ariel has carefully considered the role of border marquis since the founding of the knight order, as you advised, Your Majesty. Now is the most suitable time, both for Ariel’s readiness and for this position’s symbolic value.”

“I heard in a report that Baron Ariel’s spending pace is remarkable, which I assume is due to the marquisate ambition? I’ve read he’s down to a mere tenth of his budget already.”

“There are two reasons. First, he has been clearing overdue tasks due to insufficient funds. The other is due to the expenses for establishing the knight order. The foundational infrastructure alone required a large budget, but it was necessary to complete it. Once he becomes a marquis, there will be no assistance from central administration.”

If promoted to marquis, Baron Ariel would need to independently manage his territory without relying on central support.

“I understand that several captains and instructors have been selected from the guard, and a few apprentice knights have been brought in from the capital. By the time construction is complete, those apprentices will be ready to rise to full knight status.”

“Ariel has made significant efforts to seize this opportunity.”

Sophia responded bitterly.

“It’s because of me… Ariel has faced an unprecedented crisis. My father even considered abandoning Ariel. Both my father and Ariel are in desperate need of power and status right now.”

There was a hint of admiration in the emperor’s gaze.

“I also read the story of the goddess Titania. It should be available in every imperial school by next month.”

“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s favor. Ariel will not disappoint you or the empire.”

Sophia stood before the emperor not so much as Robert’s fiancée, but as Ariel’s representative.

The emperor nodded in agreement.

‘A smart and capable daughter, humiliated because of Wiscombe—no wonder Baron Ariel is furious with Wiscombe. He must be willing to go to any extreme.’

The emperor cast a glance at Prince Robert, who seemed proud and pleased with Sophia.

‘For a fiancée with no romantic connection, Robert certainly holds a high opinion of her.’

The emperor surmised that, while Robert might not have feelings for Sophia Ariel yet, emotions could develop over time.

In contrast, Sophia Ariel displayed no such sentiments. Up to this point, she appeared only as a reliable partner and representative of Ariel. Her demeanor reassured the emperor.

If she had no feelings for Prince Robert, it was fortunate, and even if she did, it was better if she showed no signs of it.

It seemed he could trust that, should Prince Robert develop feelings for her later on, Sophia Ariel would make a wise decision.

As the three continued their conversation, a servant entered. Caliban spoke with an awkward smile.

“The Empress has arrived. She has come to greet Prince Robert and Lady Ariel, knowing they are here at the palace.”

The Emperor sighed and looked back at Sophia and Prince Robert. Then he nodded at Caliban.

Without a sound, the door opened, and the Empress glided in. Her appearance was grand and beautiful. Sophia had never heard anyone describe the Empress as beautiful; she always thought of Count Cressida and the Empress solely as political entities.

Seeing people she had only heard of up until now was quite intriguing for Sophia. Although the Empress appeared to be middle-aged, she was still a beautiful woman who had taken good care of herself.

‘Is it because she’s the Empress? Does beauty even matter at such a high position?’

Thinking about it, Sophia realized she hadn’t heard anything about the Emperor’s appearance either. He was a thin, tired-looking, middle-aged man.

‘Not like anyone would need to speak about his looks. He’s the Emperor, after all.’

Sophia’s impression of the Emperor and Empress was surprisingly dry and impassive, even to herself.

The Empress acted as if she hadn’t noticed Prince Robert, directing her attention solely at the Emperor and Sophia. Sophia greeted the Empress.

“I am Sophia Ariel, daughter of Baron Ferdinand Ariel. It is an honor to meet Your Majesty.”

The Empress’s expression was stiff, but her tone was gentle.

“You came a long way from Ariel. Soon, you’ll be part of the royal family, so feel free to speak comfortably. Still, making an engagement announcement without meeting each other, really… Your Majesty should scold her for this.”

The Emperor looked warmly at Sophia.

“I’ve already given her a scolding. I’ll have Lady Sophia Ariel return to the palace tomorrow. It seems only right for her to come every day for a lesson.”

Though he claimed to have scolded her, his tone was anything but reprimanding. It was clear he already favored Sophia Ariel.

The Empress, pleased that Prince Robert was marrying a rustic lady from Ariel, couldn’t help but smile.

“Since Your Majesty insists, I shall let it go. What were you discussing?”

“Lady Ariel wanted to see the gardens and greenhouse today. But there’s no way to see it all in just one day.”

Sophia’s eyes sparkled. This was her chance.

“I heard the royal greenhouse is the largest in the empire and even across the continent, with an extensive collection of plants. Thanks to Prince Robert’s kindness, I now have the opportunity to see it.”

“Indeed. About 200 people work there. It’s a truly magnificent place.”

“Considering the upkeep, plant management, and research, that doesn’t seem like too many. Since you must keep expanding the collection, have you considered selling the plants from the greenhouse?”

The Empress replied with a slight scoff.

“As gifts, perhaps, but selling them? The palace is not that kind of place.”

Sophia replied sheepishly.

“I mentioned it because I thought selling would be the quickest way to distribute plants throughout the empire. It’s easiest to buy rare plants, after all. I only suggested it because I heard that most plants from the greenhouse are smuggled out anyway.”

Unexpectedly, the Emperor looked intrigued.

“So you’re saying royal greenhouse plants are secretly spreading in the market?”

“Yes. Since they’re smuggled out of the palace, they fetch high prices as they’re rare. And of course, many are counterfeits. Perhaps, if it’s difficult for the palace to control, you could contract with an external company. There are many people being deceived by counterfeits.”

“Not a bad idea.”

“I understand that managing the palace’s affairs and entering commerce could affect its dignity. My only hope as someone who enjoys gardening is to have easier access to rare species and imported plants.”

The Emperor nodded benevolently.

“Even though palace finances come from taxes, there’s no harm in generating additional income. Come back to the palace tomorrow. I’ll arrange for you to meet the greenhouse director.”

Sophia looked surprised.

“Wouldn’t that disrupt the director’s work?”

“As I am his superior, it wouldn’t exactly be a disruption.”

Internally, Sophia rejoiced.

‘I’m glad I brought it up. This could lower the price of those expensive varieties.’

While the Emperor and Sophia were in harmony, Prince Robert remained silent, as if he were invisible.

Sophia glanced at him briefly. This was the first time she’d seen the Emperor, Empress, and Prince Robert together.

The atmosphere between the three suggested they didn’t gather often.

‘The Emperor and Empress are conversing while Prince Robert stays as unobtrusive as possible. Even the Emperor isn’t involved with him.’

The Empress, displeased that the Emperor had defended Sophia, showed a slight sneer, and Prince Robert lowered his gaze, thinking to himself.

‘She’ll attack soon.’

With a benevolent smile, the Empress asked Sophia,

“I heard that you’re related to the Wiscombe duchy. Is it true that the Duchess of Wiscombe is your aunt?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Then, you must be staying with the Wiscombe family?”

“No. I’m currently residing with the Finega family.”

“Why are you not staying with your relatives at the Wiscombe estate? Finega House is in the Third District, a risky and bustling area. Wouldn’t it be better to move to the Wiscombe estate, Lady Ariel?”

“Due to issues that arose around Prince Robert’s debutante and Philip’s threats, my relationship with the Wiscombe family is strained. I believe I must continue to rely on the hospitality of the Finega family. But I appreciate your concern, Your Majesty.”

The Empress gave a wry smile and replied, “I had forgotten. However, I’ve heard that Isabelle has been doing well in social circles since then. It seems you may not have found it as comfortable, Lady Ariel. Regardless, as the fiancée of the Prince, surely Duke Wiscombe will no longer treat you coldly. The Wiscombe family is related to the Ariels, after all, and surely, in the end, you ought to be on good terms.”

Sophia, surprised, exclaimed, “Oh! So, Prince Frederick and Isabelle are finally engaged? My apologies. Now that we’ll soon be one family, it seems you’re suggesting reconciliation between the Ariels and the Wiscombes. That was short-sighted of me. I will arrange a visit to the Wiscombe estate soon.”

The Empress’s face instantly turned grim, while the Emperor, smiling, thought to himself, ‘Striking the Empress’s weak spot in one go—well done.’