The Emperor asked with a faint smile, “What is it?”

Sophia responded, “Your Majesty personally granted freedom of the press. Are you achieving the desired effect?”

“I am satisfied. Does it not seem that way to you?”

Sophia hesitated before replying, “Judging by the sensational articles recently, while the content is messy enough, the intentions behind them are far from pure. Moreover, the statuses of those involved and the severity of the issues make this even more troubling. The use of the press to manipulate public opinion is not a new phenomenon. Doesn’t it concern you or make you think of imposing some control?”

The Emperor laughed lightly before responding. 

“There has likely never been an article in history that so blatantly attacked a prince and the son of a duke. Nor has there been a time when everyone became aware of the duke’s son’s s*xual preferences. However… it is effective.”

“What kind of effect do you mean?”

The Emperor’s tone remained gentle as he explained, 

“By exposing each other’s weaknesses in their attacks, these people reveal much ugliness. The public will come to realize how unimpressive the nobility and the imperial family truly are. In the future, people will no longer blindly revere those of high status.”

Sophia’s eyes widened at his words. Noticing her reaction, the Emperor continued, 

“I have always known how astute Lady Ariel is. It is only now that I fully understand that the Ariel family’s endurance over time was not due to Ariel’s poverty but rather its capability.”

Sophia replied, “As long as Titania exists, Ariel will also endure.”

“Yes, the blessings of Titania, indeed. Though I did not expect that gift to take the form of a salt mine. You were thoroughly prepared. I now understand why you hastened to secure the marquisate. It seems you even managed to fool my inspectors.”

Sophia carefully chose her words. “The salt mine… it is indeed a gift to Ariel, but it is not an easy one to manage. Because of me, Ariel is now caught up in political entanglements. Moreover, the location of the salt mine will soon become an issue. Avoiding internal interference and defending against external threats required prioritizing security. We needed time and justification to build strength.”

“That’s why you eagerly accepted the engagement with Prince Robert, isn’t it? However…”

Sophia interjected calmly, “In November, my nephew will be born. I plan to return to Ariel to witness his birth.”

“I see. November, when the social season is at its peak. It seems you’ll return just as some of the ladies who left the capital will reappear. How unfortunate. Since you’ll soon head back to Ariel, I have prepared a small gift for you. Take it with you.”

At the Emperor’s gesture, Caliban entered carrying a wooden box, which he placed on the table before stepping back.

The Emperor signaled to Caliban, who then ushered out the attendants who had been waiting nearby in the greenhouse.

Opening the wooden box himself, the Emperor revealed it was filled with gold coins.

“This is a gift in recognition of your intelligence and wise conduct, Lady Sophia of Ariel. Take it with you. Ariel will no longer receive financial support from the central government. Once the existence of the salt mine becomes public knowledge, things will become even noisier. While this won’t be enough to fend off everything, it should still prove useful.”

Sophia forced a smile and replied, “Thank you.”

***

The Duchess of Wiscombe had given her a velvet pouch. Now, the Emperor had given her a wooden box. Both were gestures meant to encourage Sophia to quietly step back.

From the beginning, Sophia’s sole desire from the Emperor was the title of Marquess of Ariel—a position that would provide the appropriate status and justification to protect the salt mine from interference.

Sophia had achieved her goal of securing the marquisate. The Emperor had made his intentions clear: she was to return to Ariel. Her continued presence in the capital as Prince Robert’s fiancée might lead to uncomfortable situations.

‘It seems Parma Gareth will soon return to the capital,’ Sophia mused.

Seated in the carriage bound for Finega, she ran her hand over the heavy wooden box on her lap.

When she first entered into the agreement with Prince Robert, she had felt no sense of humiliation. Why, then, did she now feel such bitterness and defeat?

Is it regret? I did enjoy myself, she thought, recalling the flower-filled bedroom where she’d fallen asleep, the laughter-filled balls, and her conversations with Prince Robert. She even remembered his smirk, the way only one side of his lips curled.

Prince Robert never laughs freely.

But the weight of the box pulled her back to reality.

‘Did I expect that if the Emperor recognized my abilities, he would hesitate upon learning about Ariel’s salt mine?’

Sophia attributed her bitterness and regret to her failure to gain the Emperor’s full acknowledgment. After some hesitation, she opened the wooden box.

Carefully sifting through the gold coins, she searched for something more—a document, a jewel, anything of greater significance.

Just as she was about to be disappointed, she found a thin envelope at the bottom of the box. Excited, she quickly opened it, only to feel let down again.

“So, I have the authority to give orders to Gunther? Does Gunther have duties beyond being an imperial auditor? Is he stationed in Ariel because of Umbriel? That means… Gunther must have a special mission.”

Sophia speculated that the Emperor might have already decided on Prince Robert as the crown prince. The Emperor’s direct involvement in separating her from Robert seemed to confirm this.

Sophia, deep in thought, resolved to learn more about Gunther. Since her sister Helen would also be coming to Ariel for the birth of her nephew, it seemed Gunther wouldn’t have a peaceful winter.

‘Should I confront Gunther by waving the letter at him? Or would it be better to be upfront with someone like him?’

Sophia tucked the letter back into the wooden box. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she reminded herself:

‘It’s just a return to Ariel. Back to the plan. Back to the way things were.’

Holding the box tightly, she tried to stop herself from crying, deliberately avoiding thoughts about why the tears were welling up.

***

The Emperor returned to his office. As Caliban prepared to leave, the Emperor called him back.

“She didn’t look pleased, but she didn’t show discomfort, either.”

“Her expression was flawless. She truly is a remarkable young lady.”

“Indeed. Who would have thought someone like her would emerge from Ariel? She is more astonishing than the salt mine itself. Still, do you think there’s really something stirring in Oberon? I’d prefer it to just be suspicion.”

Caliban replied, “We haven’t received any definitive information yet. However, judging by how cautiously the reports are being made, it seems there is something questionable. If there were nothing, they wouldn’t be so careful.”

The Emperor sighed. “It’s frustrating. To think I’ve been sitting here in this office all this time, oblivious to something even a country girl noticed. Perhaps I should have Sophia handle administrative work here instead.”

Caliban merely smiled faintly, offering no reply.

The Emperor glanced at him and added, “I know what you’re thinking. But sometimes, securing a capable family is easier than acquiring a capable individual. Don’t you agree?”

Caliban remained silent. The Emperor, recognizing the meaning behind his aged attendant’s silence, sighed. It was clear Caliban didn’t agree with him.

What Robert needed was a stronger alliance through marriage—not an estate that was fighting tooth and nail to survive.

After a long pause, Caliban finally spoke. “That’s not an incorrect perspective, but… when the late Emperor chose the current Empress, he had the same thought. I mention this for your reference.”

The Emperor’s expression immediately darkened.

Juliel Cressida.

Caliban was indirectly pointing out how the decision to choose a seemingly capable family over an individual with genuine talent had failed.

The Emperor nodded reluctantly, his face marked with bitterness. “Let’s hope Parma Gareth proves to be a better Empress than the current one.”

Caliban remained silent again. The Emperor waved him off, signaling for him to leave. Although the Emperor believed he was making the best decision, his conversation with Caliban left him feeling uneasy.

‘Sophia Ariel… For now, ensuring Ariel’s survival takes precedence. Robert needs a family strong enough to protect and support him.’

The Emperor reviewed the situations of Ariel and Prince Robert again, as if to reassure himself. But the unease didn’t fade.

***

Prince Robert, as always, ignored all the gossip and articles circulating in magazines and newspapers. His morning was dedicated to estate management, and his afternoon was reserved for meeting Sophia. This time, he planned to go on a picnic from the list she had provided.

Sophia had suggested inviting another couple, but Robert didn’t have anyone he particularly wanted to invite—and he didn’t want to, either. After dealing with an unusually high number of people recently, he preferred a quieter outing.

Vian, however, wanted to accompany them on the picnic. Though Prince Robert seemed composed, that didn’t necessarily mean he was fine. His calm demeanor was merely a product of his reserved nature.

‘At times like these… someone to confide in is essential. But if he spends time alone with Lady Sophia..’.

Since the scandal about Philip Wiscombe’s preferences had erupted, implicating Robert as the source of the leak, the nobles’ gazes toward him had turned cold.

Most agreed it was wrong to tarnish the honor of a former friend, even for political gain. The goodwill Robert had garnered among the nobles after his engagement celebration dissipated quickly.

While some discerned the article’s intent and suspected someone other than Robert, they weren’t inclined to defend him publicly. Even those who might have become Robert’s allies preferred to watch him struggle rather than offer assistance.

‘Even the Duke of Gareth is still observing from the sidelines.’

Whenever the situation seemed to improve slightly, a new wave of mudslinging ensued. If Vian felt drained by it all, one could only imagine how Robert must feel.

Spending time with Lady Ariel in such circumstances could raise issues. Sophia was perceptive enough to pick up on Robert’s feelings, even those he didn’t openly express.

Vian was torn.

‘If Lady Sophia consoles or says something to His Highness… But then again, if His Highness receives no comfort from anyone, that’s lonely too…’

Though Vian admired Sophia Ariel, he didn’t wish for her to marry Prince Robert.

‘I’d prefer them as good allies, but… it does seem, as Mav said, that His Highness regards Lady Sophia differently. What should I do? Should I interrupt if they start to build an intimate atmosphere?’

Yet, Robert’s workload had grown significantly since the ball, leaving Vian unable to leave his duties.

As he saw Prince Robert off, Vian anxiously studied his expression. Prince Robert boarded an open carriage and set off to pick up Sophia.

Watching the prince head out for a picnic amid the flurry of negative rumors surrounding him, Vian felt uneasy.

‘He seems too cheerful. No, it must be the fresh air and the break from work. That’s all it is.’

While part of Vian wished for Prince Robert to have a good time, another part hoped it wouldn’t be too good of a time.