After greeting the Emperor and Empress, Prince Robert headed to his office with Sophia. Once inside, only Prince Robert, Vian, and Sophia remained. Prince Robert asked,

“Why did you do that with the Empress?”

As Sophia raised her teacup, she replied,

“She already knows all the details and was just trying to put me in a difficult spot. She even knows precisely that the Finega family lives in the Third District because they’re bourgeois.”

Putting her teacup down hastily, Sophia added,

“I just want to ask one thing.”

Both Prince Robert and Vian looked at her.

“If I had been humbler or more polite, would the Empress have treated me any differently?”

With a sigh, Robert responded,

“Not significantly. However, since you fired back, the Empress dislikes you even more.”

“If the Empress had favored me, wouldn’t you have become suspicious of me? Wondering if I might take her side? She might even have tried to use me, just as she did with the Duchess of Wiscombe. The Empress could have come forward to ensure my marriage to you.”

Sophia still remembered the velvet purse of the Duchess of Wiscombe.

“So, you deliberately provoked the Empress to block any attempts at conciliation and to avoid my suspicions?”

“If I were dismissed and left the capital in disgrace, the Empress would soon feel at ease. Or perhaps she would try to stop the breakup and treat me better. I’m a bit curious about that.”

Sophia even looked amused as she spoke. She secretly hoped the Empress’s attempts at conciliation would be grander than those of the Duchess of Wiscombe.

“It could also be a form of intimidation.”

Prince Robert, too, agreed with the possibility that the Empress might have tried to win over or use Sophia. Both he and Vian regarded Sophia in a new light.

Taking out a list she had prepared with Helen, Sophia said,

“I brought a list of things engaged couples are supposed to do. If you think it’s appropriate, we can proceed, and if not, we can leave it out.”

Sophia handed the list to Vian, and Prince Robert immediately gestured for her to pass it to him. He began reading each item aloud,

“Picnic. Together or with company. Who do you think we should invite? The Finega family?”

“That’s for Your Highness to arrange. Anyone you want to prove my status as a true fiancée or win over.”

Vian nodded from behind. Prince Robert resumed reading,

“Lovers’ quarrel. Get upset over a small bout of jealousy. Be reconciled only after receiving a parade of flower baskets and bouquets. I don’t understand why we need to do something like this.”

“It was in a popular romance novel. The Third District, where I’m staying, is very crowded. This will be effective, spreading rumors and filling magazine pages. I highly recommend it.”

“Let’s move on for now… Shopping together in the city. Dress modestly to maintain anonymity, but make sure to be recognized. Ah! Matching colors to look like a couple. And wear a big engagement ring for show. This item feels like you’re being a bit too obvious, so it’s rejected.”

Sophia kept a neutral expression. Prince Robert glanced at the list for a while, then said,

“Though childish and a bit obvious, some things seem effective. We’ve already done this one: a parade of gifts for the fiancée. More effective if done in front of friends.”

“The response was excellent. None of Helen’s friends were unaware of it. It’ll be in the papers soon, too. One of the guests yesterday has a family in the publishing business.”

“In any case, it’s exhausting to have such trivial matters end up in the papers. It’s hard to tell if freedom of the press is really a good thing.”

“Perhaps that’s the point, to show that freedom isn’t always beneficial.”

“Leave the list here. I’ll have Vian implement them one by one.”

Sophia nodded slightly at Vian, who looked down at the list with a troubled expression.

As Sophia was about to leave, she asked,

“Is it really alright for me to visit the greenhouse tomorrow? To meet the head gardener as well? Will the Emperor think I’m clingy for holding him to a mere suggestion?”

“The Emperor has already given the order. The head gardener should be preparing for your visit.”

“That’s a relief. I was worried it might have been just an offhand comment.”

Sophia’s expression brightened. Prince Robert gave a final warning,

“Avoid unnecessary conflict with the Empress. The Empress is still a Cressida. They are people who stop at nothing. Keep your distance.”

“Would she even care about me if we broke off the engagement? I wouldn’t have to see her face then. But I understand your point; I’ll be careful. Though, shouldn’t the Empress, who dislikes you, warmly welcome someone like me as your fiancée? Show me around, offer me some gifts? It feels overly harsh for a first meeting.”

Vian cautiously spoke up,

“That might be all the kindness the Empress is willing to show.”

“Oh! So the Empress dislikes you even more than I thought. So, in the end, anyone connected to you is unwanted.”

At Sophia’s remark, Vian also nodded. Prince Robert frowned, looking between Vian and Sophia. Vian took a step back. Prince Robert said,

“So, don’t provoke the Empress. What good will it do?”

“True enough. I’ll be back tomorrow. Will you be coming to the greenhouse tomorrow as well?”

“Due to the matter with Umbriel, I won’t have time in the morning. I’ll probably be free by evening.”

“Then, I guess I won’t be seeing you tomorrow. I don’t plan on spending the whole day in the greenhouse.”

* * *

Contrary to her plan, Sophia couldn’t keep her word. She ended up spending the entire day in the greenhouse. It was enormous, filled with endless plants she had never seen before.

The greenhouse was sectioned off into different environments, creating separate dry and humid areas to accommodate various ecosystems. Naturally, the types of plants cultivated in each area differed.

As she toured the greenhouse, Sophia said, “I never expected it to be this wonderful. I thought the pots would just be lined up on shelves or the plants arranged in rows on the ground. But it’s so beautifully organized. What a shame! I wish as many people as possible could see this. It’s just so beautiful.”

The greenhouse director, Shiko, responded with a face full of pride. “I’m also quite satisfied with the skill of our staff. Many plants that can survive in Uranos’ environment have been transplanted to the garden. If you haven’t visited the garden yet, you should definitely go.”

“I’m really looking forward to it. I never imagined I’d see something like this.”

Sophia continued to marvel at the greenhouse, expressing admiration, while the director, who accompanied her, smiled contentedly.

Following the director’s suggestion, the two took a short break and discussed the greenhouse products that had made their way into the market. The director wanted to sell them but doubted they could do so under the imperial name.

The director said, “There are many things I’d like to take home myself. Every time I see the beautiful flowers and trees, I think about how delighted my wife or friends would be to receive them as gifts.”

“Hmm… If the time isn’t ripe for selling yet, couldn’t you at least invite people here? Since the imperial staff’s families have verified identities, it would be wonderful to open a part of it to them.”

The director chuckled as he replied, “It’s imperial property, so we can’t make such decisions ourselves.”

“But would it be possible if the emperor approved? It’s such a waste. It’s so beautiful! You’ve created a remarkable place. It would be wonderful if more people could see it.”

The director shared Sophia’s sentiment. Engaged in conversation, Sophia received a few book recommendations from the director and also learned tips for plant care. Eventually, it was only by evening that Sophia bid farewell to the director.

“Thank you for letting me take up your whole day. This is truly a beautiful place you’ve created. I learned a lot today. Thank you.”

The director smiled and said, “Thank you as well. Your praise means a lot. The staff will be thrilled.”

“Even with my small greenhouse and personal plant care, I know that a place this beautiful takes a lot of trial and error and effort to achieve. I may not be an expert, but I know that such beauty doesn’t come easily. You truly deserve all the praise.”

“You’re too kind.”

Since she had spent more time than expected in the greenhouse, Sophia hastened on her way back. There was a message from the emperor asking her to meet him briefly before leaving the palace.

* * *

In the reception room, the Empress and Emperor were seated side by side, with Caliban standing behind them. As Sophia greeted the two, the Emperor spoke.

“It took longer than expected. Did you enjoy the greenhouse?”

“Yes. It was so beautiful. I can’t put into words how breathtaking it was. The director shared so much knowledge, and I learned a lot. It felt like such a shame to experience it alone.”

“Yes, it’s spacious, grand, and costs a lot, but few get to see it. It’s a shame, indeed. So that’s why you suggested opening it up.”

Sophia was surprised that the Emperor already knew about her conversation with the greenhouse director, even though it had been less than an hour since they’d spoken, but she didn’t show her surprise.

“While full access may be difficult, it would be nice if imperial staff and their families could at least see it. Such a beautiful place was created, after all.”

“I see. It might not be a bad idea to try opening it up gradually. We could start as a trial and expand from there.”

Caliban nodded in agreement behind them. With the Emperor’s single word, the greenhouse opening had been decided.

“I wanted to see you today because I have something to discuss. Many people are curious about you since your engagement was so sudden. The Empress suggested hosting a ball.”

Sophia smiled as she replied, “Thank you, Your Majesty. I hope it’s not an unnecessary burden on you because of me.”

“No need to say that. As for the guest list, if we only invite those we’re acquainted with, I’m afraid you might not know anyone. How would you like to handle your guests?”

In a considerate and thoughtful tone, the Empress gently hinted at repaying Sophia for her support of Wiscombe the previous day.

‘The Empress is quite diligent. Moving on the very next day.’

“The only people I’d invite are members of the Finega family. It would be lovely if Ariel’s family could attend, but with the distance and my sister’s upcoming delivery, it might be challenging. I’ll have to consult Prince Robert. Would that be alright?”

The Empress smiled kindly and said, “Of course. Discuss it with him and let us know.”

Sophia sensed the Empress’ intentions. Sophia then asked the Empress, “So, will this ball be an engagement celebration?”

“Yes, it would be. However, the imperial family has never invited members of the bourgeoisie to a ball before. Regrettably, the Finega family…”

Before the Empress could finish, the Emperor spoke up.

“The imperial family must adapt. How can we exclude the family of Lady Ariel, relatives to whom we are indebted? An engagement celebration shouldn’t be done that way. Let’s invite them.”

The Empress hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

“So be it. We’ll proceed that way.”

The Empress unexpectedly conceded smoothly, and it was decided that the ball would be held a month later. Sophia clearly noticed a slight curl at the corner of the Empress’s mouth.

The Empress’s intentions were obvious. She was deliberately trying to gather the humble guests of Sophia and Prince Robert.

‘The Empress hosting a ball for Prince Robert and me—she must be setting the stage to embarrass us.’

Since there was little time left before the ball, the guest list had to be completed within a week. Before leaving the palace, Sophia visited Prince Robert’s office.