“You would have to live with your life threatened every day.”

“…”

“How upsetting that would be.”

Sezlin’s hands gradually curled inward. Her nails dug into her skin, but she paid no attention. With clenched fists, she glared at Ludwig. Seeing this, Ludwig smiled faintly.

“So rather than going to unnecessary trouble, wouldn’t it be better to find another match?”

Sezlin’s lips moved.

But no words came out.

“Your Highness!”

The surroundings became noisy. Sezlin furrowed her brow. The sound of metal followed. Knights were gathering. Ludwig, who had freed her vision, stepped back.

The aide who approached at that moment bowed his head.

Without taking his eyes off Sezlin, he said,

“The security is terrible.”

“I-I’m sorry!”

Since Ludwig’s return to the palace, assassins had been coming after him daily. From this vast garden to even his own room, Ludwig was walking on thin ice.

Now they had even infiltrated as a maid. The aide’s face was filled with dismay. To become a palace maid, one needed a recommendation from a noble. They would have to investigate thoroughly, but those who plotted this were likely the Second Empress’s vassals.

“I will report this incident to His Majesty personally. She’s still breathing, so interrogate her properly.”

“We will ensure there are no second mistakes.”

At the aide’s words, Sezlin gritted her teeth. Despite the fierce atmosphere that should have been unpleasant, Ludwig’s eyes crinkled as if amused.

“Then please escort the duke’s daughter back.”

She must be very shocked.

Leaving just those words, Ludwig immediately left. As if he had no lingering attachment to rejecting her proposal, he turned away coldly and walked quickly.

Watching the distance between them widen, Sezlin’s face contorted. The aide, who had been looking back and forth between them, tactfully asked,

“My lady, shall we return to the mansion now…?”

“No.”

Sezlin turned her head. Her thorn-filled eyes looked toward the knights. The maid they were carrying had long since fainted.

Sezlin followed the knights as they trudged away.

“I’m quite shaken, you see.”

Though she looked perfectly fine to anyone, Sezlin deliberately frowned as if in pain.

With him gone like that, she couldn’t return home comfortably. No, she shouldn’t go back.

‘I didn’t even get to say what I wanted to.’

The corner of her mouth rose crookedly. Sezlin picked up the handkerchief on the table with her index finger.

Thud—.

The expensive cloth was buried in the grass. Her pointed heel stepped on it lightly.

Sezlin, holding a fan, turned to look at the aide.

“Show me the way.”

‘I’ll have to stay here today.’

* * *

After sending Sezlin back to the duke’s mansion, Ludwig returned to his office. Benjamin, his aide who saw him from afar, straightened his posture.

“Welcome back, Your Highness.”

“Any news?”

“Her Majesty the Second Empress has requested a tea time.”

“When?”

“She didn’t specify the exact date, only saying 2 PM on the new moon.”

“Ha!”

Ludwig, who had crossed the threshold of his office, took off the uniform he was wearing. The clothes adorned with splendid medals were strewn across the sofa.

Sitting down, Ludwig sneered coldly.

“What nonsense.”

“What shall we do, Your Highness? We have no more excuses to refuse.”

Excuses to refuse. Ludwig, who had put on nearby glasses, stared at Benjamin.

“Say I’m still not adjusted to the palace. I’ve been on the battlefield for years, so I need time to get accustomed.”

“…Isn’t that the same excuse as before?”

Benjamin objected with a troubled tone. After all, he had already refused the Second Empress’s invitation five times. At this point, even if she stormed into the palace demanding to meet Ludwig personally, they couldn’t say anything.

But there was a reason for going this far. For instance,

“She sent polite invitations many times, but you refused. You’re discourteous. Rumors will spread that you’re a demon who doesn’t know human decency.”

Ludwig’s lips curved into a smile.

“Thanks for the detailed recitation.”

At that nonchalant response, Benjamin held back a sigh. Judging by his tone, it seemed he wouldn’t go this time either.

“I’ll handle it at my level.”

“As you wish.”

Ludwig gestured to Benjamin. It meant he wanted the documents he was holding. After clearing his throat, Benjamin handed over the papers he had brought.

“The medal ceremony and victory banquet have been scheduled for a month later, as you requested.”

“Worth the nagging.”

Ludwig examined the documents Benjamin handed over. They contained the schedule for the banquet celebrating his victory in the recent war, exactly one month from now.

Originally, it should have been held with the victory ceremony a week ago, but Ludwig had refused. Outwardly, he cited post-war cleanup as the reason, but in reality, it was to observe the palace dynamics.

Until now, he had only received reports from Benjamin, so he needed time to assess the situation directly and prepare. That’s why the Second Empress also wanted to meet Ludwig. To figure out what he was thinking now and what he planned to do in the future.

‘Discourteous, is it?’

In a way, it was true.

It wasn’t as if he had only been on the battlefield for a day or two. It wouldn’t be bad to be rumored as an uncultured brute. That way, they might let their guard down a little.

“For the next month, don’t schedule any appointments. Whether marriage proposals or social gatherings.”

“Understood.”

Benjamin blinked a couple of times. Then, as if remembering something, he slightly raised his chin.

“By the way, I heard there was a commotion.”

“…Ah.”

His intelligent eyes twisted strangely.

Sezlin Brioden.

That woman came to mind.

But Ludwig brought up a different subject than Sezlin.

“The palace hygiene isn’t very good.”

“Another one appeared?”

It was such a familiar occurrence that Ludwig didn’t bother to answer specifically. Assassination attempts? He had experienced them to the point of boredom since his time on the battlefield. It would be strange to make a fuss about it now.

“Minimize the palace guard deployment today.”

“Are you going to catch them?”

“If possible, I should.”

Two had already appeared today, so he intended to leave the palace empty.

“Soon, place things that rats like here and there. They’ll get caught on their own.”

“I’ll plant reliable men.”

Benjamin, who understood what Ludwig meant, sorted through candidates in his mind. Spies to attach to the Second Empress and her son.

“Did you safely escort the duke’s daughter?”

“Should I have?”

“Your Highness.”

‘You call that an answer?’ Benjamin felt the back of his neck stiffen.

Sezlin Brioden.

The n*ked one of the Brioden family.

In high society, the duke’s daughter’s reputation was not just the worst—it was trash, and there was nothing to say in her defense. Who knew what such a woman might say or do later?

“What will you do if there’s trouble later?”

“What more could happen here?”

“…Was she as rumored?”

Benjamin, who was well aware of Sezlin’s infamy, asked cautiously. Ludwig might have been away from the palace, but Benjamin had been active both in the palace and discreetly in society. They needed eyes and ears everywhere.

What was the most common insult he heard there?

It was about Sezlin Brioden’s nature.

Benjamin, who knew how cynical Ludwig could be, couldn’t help but worry.

They would devour each other before backing down. Neither was the type to yield.

However, contrary to these concerns, Ludwig’s assessment was unexpected.

“She wasn’t bad.”

“Indeed, as you—wait, what?”

Benjamin’s mouth opened in disbelief. Not bad? Who? Sezlin Brioden?

His eyes, widened to their limit, turned to Ludwig. While Benjamin couldn’t continue speaking, Ludwig calmly read the words on the document.

But without him realizing, past conversations flowed like water into his ears.

—Please marry me.

—My family will be your backing. Since you’ve only recently returned from war, you need to adapt to noble society.

“Kuk.”

He couldn’t help but laugh.

“Your Highness?”

Benjamin looked at him with a puzzled expression. Ludwig, who had suddenly burst into laughter, wiped his mouth with the hand not holding the pen.

‘How audacious.’

It didn’t match the rumors at all.

* * *

“This is your room, my lady.”

Sezlin, guided by the maid, entered the room and slowly surveyed the interior. With the Emperor’s permission, she was a clear guest today. After looking around at the ornate decorations and interior, she immediately sat on the bed. The soft bedding gently wrapped around her legs.

“Leave.”

“Pardon? B-but…”

“Can’t you hear me saying leave?”

Sezlin, putting down her fan, raised the corner of her eye.

The villainess of Brioden.

Crazy Sezlin.

Remembering that infamous reputation, the maid hastily bowed.

“P-please call whenever you need anything.”

Instead of answering, Sezlin crossed her legs. Fearing she might be the target of her wrath, the maid fled across the threshold.

Sezlin’s gaze followed her, pretending not to. Finally, when the door closed and she was alone, Sezlin exhaled slowly.

‘I’ll have to spend tonight here.’

Since she came to meet the First Prince, Sezlin’s room was naturally assigned in the palace where the First Prince stayed. This was actually fortunate.

‘It will be easier to move around.’

She wouldn’t return empty-handed.

No matter what.

‘I must change his mind.’

Even if she had to stake everything she had.

Sezlin turned to look out the window. Beyond the red sunset, the sun was gradually setting.

Watching that scenery, Sezlin rose. She took off the shawl she was wearing and threw it aside, then leisurely entered the bathroom. But the moment she removed her dress completely, Sezlin inadvertently cursed.

‘As expected.’

She had done well to send the maids away.

The reflection in the mirror was quite a sight. She clicked her tongue at the colorful bruises. They were all evidence of the ab*se she suffered at the duke’s mansion. They were the result of beatings administered to “teach Sezlin manners.” They had deliberately targeted her stomach, thighs, and sides—areas that wouldn’t show even if exposed.

‘Pathetic creatures.’

Until these bruises subsided, Sezlin resolved to bathe alone for the time being. After changing into the slip prepared by the maids, Sezlin sat in front of the dressing table. She picked up the prepared bell and shook it lightly.

Ding—. The clear sound filled the room. After a brief moment, a maid who had been waiting entered.

“You called, my lady?”

“The room feels a bit stuffy.”

“…?”

The maid’s eyelids trembled unsteadily. What would she say now? Her expression was full of concern. Seeing this, Sezlin smiled pointedly.

The sun had set, and she had something in mind.

‘First, I need to find out where the prince is.’

Sezlin tapped her long index finger against her lips.

“I want to go for a walk.”