However, the Count of Ervan was little more than Cedric’s vassal. Backed by Laxion’s power, his loyalty was unquestioning. If he were to become Callithea’s chief regent, the kingdom would effectively be under Laxion’s control. And that was precisely what Cedric desired.

For a time, everything had gone according to plan. There had been some resistance, of course, but Cedric held every advantage in terms of both authority and justification by invoking Anita’s name.

Yet ultimately, the plan unraveled. An unknown man suddenly appeared and claimed the title of Duke Hellung, uniting the Callitheans around Princess Isabelle and turning their attention towards Laxion.

Consequently, the regency was placed under the administration of a council of Callithean nobles. The final authority rested with three men: Count Ervan; Duke Hellung; and the younger brother of the late Count Yuz — the loyal retainer and relative by marriage who had fought alongside the late Empress and the twin heirs until the end.

The new Count Yuz was equally devoted to House Hardyde, but kept his distance from Ervan and aligned himself with Hellung instead. Thus, the balance of power in Callithea shifted towards those loyal to the young monarch and wary of Laxion’s growing influence.

For those who genuinely sought to serve Callithea and the young emperor, this development was welcome. But for Laxion, it felt like betrayal. Despite all their ‘assistance’, they now faced a defiant kingdom glaring back at them.

Of course, since they had already secured certain economic benefits, they could not openly accuse Callithea of repaying kindness with hostility but that is precisely how they felt.

To make matters worse, Callithea had begun to regain its former strength. Though still fragile compared to Laxion, the once-shaken kingdom was regaining its footing. And nothing infuriated those who had long looked down on Callithea as a weakling more than seeing that weakling dare to act independently.

Laxion’s nobles seethed at Callithea’s defiance.

“Ungrateful wretches! Do they really think the child in Callithea could have survived without Laxion’s help?”

“Exactly. Without our intervention, she would have met the same fate as her father and been beheaded. His Majesty’s anger is more than justified!”

“Indeed. Callitheans have always been like that. They accept everything that is offered to them, yet act as though they are the ones doing the giving…”

Seeing that the Emperor was making no attempt to hide his fury, the nobles, who were already hostile towards Callithea, were quick to speak up. Most of them had supported Cedric since his days as crown prince and now held positions of power in Laxion. Those who had once shown sympathy towards Callithea had long since been purged on treason charges. It was only natural, then, that no one in the court dared to defend the neighboring kingdom.

Behind this growing hostility stood Duke Colbert, the most powerful man in Laxion, and his daughter Katrine.

“We must cut off all aid to Callithea at once. In fact, it would be wiser to seize this opportunity to send our armies and finish the conquest once and for all.”

“Agreed. It’s time we showed those ungrateful people Laxion’s might! We should drag their young emperor to our palace, make her kneel on Laxion’s marble floors, and make her beg for forgiveness!”

“Let us petition His Majesty immediately. Urge him to impose sanctions on Callithea and demand repayment for every favor we’ve given them.”

Through his vast network of influential families and officials, Duke Colbert ensured that every council and state meeting condemned Callithea’s arrogance. At the same time, he took the matter directly to Emperor Cedric, fueling open hostility towards the small, defiant kingdom.

“They said His Majesty was furious, didn’t they? Well, of course. Any true Laxion noble would be enraged by Callithea’s shamelessness.”

“What can we expect from them? Just look at how quickly they’ve collapsed.”

“I used to pity them, but now it’s clear that they brought this ruin upon themselves. A people without honor or decency deserve the downfall they’ve suffered.”

Meanwhile, Katrine spread exaggerated rumors and disdain towards Callithea throughout high society. Even those with no interest in politics began to echo the same slander as if it were a fashionable topic. She also quietly turned attention towards the Empress Anita, the Callithean-born queen of Laxion in whispers and gossip.

“They say Her Majesty still sides with her homeland. You’d think that, after everything that’s happened, she would have learned something from Callithea’s downfall.”

“Rumor has it she still preaches about the goddess, declaring herself the goddess’s vessel or blessing, as though she truly believes it.”

“A blessing, really? If she were blessed, wouldn’t she have been able to save her country and her family from tragedy?”

“And that’s not even the worst of it. For someone who claims to serve the goddess, she seems rather fond of men, doesn’t she? There are rumors — well, I shouldn’t say too much, lest I lose my head but haven’t there been quite a few scandals? Especially involving that exiled traitor who was banished from the Empire.”

“Indeed. Even her lady-in-waiting, that Callithean girl she always keeps close, is said to be just as indecent. Perhaps it’s simply in their nature.”

At the urging of Katrine, the noble ladies and young women of Laxion deliberately set out to ruin Anita’s reputation. They mocked her, calling her a useless foreigner unworthy of her crown. Some even whispered that with the downfall of House Hardyde, her roots had withered and she was a dead flower. Then, with cruel laughter, they added that such a wilted flower had no place in the magnificent throne of Laxion.

Acting under her command, several noble ladies and young women deliberately set out to tarnish Anita’s reputation. They sneered at her and called her a useless foreigner. Some even whispered that, with the fall of the House of Hardyde, her roots had been cut off too, that she was nothing more than a withered, broken flower. They mocked her cruelly, saying that such a pitiful bloom had no right to rest in a splendid vase like the Empress of Laxion.

These words weighed heavily on Anita’s heart. Although she had grown accustomed to isolation since her days as Crown Princess, no one could remain untouched by such venom. Yet she was no longer the same woman who would once sit blankly, swallowing her tears in silence.

“Your Majesty, this matter requires the Empress’s approval. What shall we do?”

“There isn’t enough information to make a proper decision. Compared to the previous estimate, the amount seems far too inflated. Order them to investigate and resubmit the report.”

Since becoming Empress, Anita’s days had been filled with work. Although Cedric kept all political affairs firmly in his own hands, he had entrusted her with considerable authority over the management and administration of the imperial palace. The sum granted to her for the empress’s private use was immense, so much so that she spent days deciding how best to use it.

“Your Majesty, as you commanded, we managed to save thirty percent of the cost.”

“Even for the smallest purchase, compare at least five suppliers. It is absurd that only two houses have monopolized the palace’s tableware for over fifty years.”

Her years as a princess had not been wasted. She carried out every task entrusted to her with quiet precision and unexpected skill. Those who had once dismissed her as an incapable foreigner soon found their judgements to be misplaced. The Marchioness of Kalente, her chief lady-in-waiting, was the first to realize this. Experience alone could reveal a person’s true worth, and in her eyes, Anita proved to be a capable and dignified mistress of the palace.

However, the Marchioness was troubled by the fact that the Empress’s strength and integrity often drew undeserved resentment.

“Félicité! My child. My lovely little Fépi.”

Anita devoted much of her time to raising Félicité. Despite his harsh words, Cedric rarely interfered in the princess’s upbringing. He merely set a few strict rules that she was never to break.

“Never forget that eyes are always watching you. If you disobey, Félicité will be taken from the Empress’s Palace at once and raised elsewhere.”

Of course, even these conditions were torment enough for Anita. Yet, despite how difficult things had become, she quietly fulfilled her duties. She was well aware that criticism of her and Callithea was growing fiercer with each passing day, yet she went about her days without showing any reaction.

“Callithea must be ruled by Isabelle alone. I won’t allow that child to become Laxion’s puppet emperor.”

Anita believed that Callithea’s decision was the right one. When it came to her homeland, she always put her niece first. The young Isabelle had now succeeded her brother as emperor. She may not have had a grand coronation and may have been dismissed by the Regency Council, who were governing the realm until she came of age, but regardless of what others said, Isabelle was the rightfully proclaimed sovereign.

To Anita, it was only natural for the people of Callithea to support their young emperor and be wary of foreign powers.

“They say that the Emperor of Callithea has resumed her education. My sixth cousin, the Countess of Lithu, has been summoned to the palace. She is a highly refined woman and is deeply loyal to the House of Hardyde. Isn’t that wonderful news?”

“Yes, Renee. I’m relieved that the Countess is by Isabelle’s side. She’s someone we can trust.”

“Although it seems the Lithu estate suffered greatly during the recent unrest. I hear they’re struggling financially. Serving His Majesty in the capital must be expensive.”

“..…”

“Your Majesty, the Empress.”

Renee shared her mistress’s thoughts. Whenever news arrived from Callithea, the Empress always spoke of Isabelle. She would often tell Anita that, although there was much gossip surrounding it, such things must be endured and that Her Majesty should lend her niece aid whenever possible.

“I know better than anyone how many burdens you bear here, Your Majesty. But this concerns your own blood. It may be difficult, but I believe that even the slightest help could make a difference.”

“..…”

“From what I’ve heard through Callithea’s informants, there are still belongings left behind by the late Empress Dowager that are unknown to Laxion: Some furs, a few jewels, and other personal effects. Perhaps, Your Majesty, you could start by giving those to your niece. When the opportunity arises, wouldn’t it be wise to reclaim what you promised to hand over to the Laxion imperial family? They could all prove useful to Her Majesty, Isabelle, in time.”

“…..”

“If possible, it would also be sensible to adjust the Imperial Consort’s private treasury. You’ve already eliminated a lot of unnecessary spending, so allocating some of the surplus to personal expenses shouldn’t cause any problems. Discretion is, of course, key. Just give the order and I’ll take care of everything.”