6. Reunion

Princess Canary came from the Principality of Canary.

Canary was a country made up of small islands, and she was the eighth princess there. She was in a perfect position to be sent as a hostage to the Empire without her presence, and her Empire was well suited to neglect her.

The hostages of the empire lived in a small palace in a location that was hardly even called an imperial castle. The sorrowful sons and daughters of the territories that are vaguely far from governing as territories and difficult to give up. Even the servants assigned to the palace ignored them.

So her name was Dulcinea, but her name had not been called for ten years since she came to the Empire when she was only twelve years old. so.

“Dulcinea.”

There was no way she could fall in love just because she had lived for 10 years without being called by that name.

"Yes."

But she obeyed. Because that's how Princess Canary continued her life, and she was able to become the Crown Princess of the Empire. Princess Canary lowered her eyebrows and politely put her hands together.

"I feel bad."

Moreover, if you have ever heard the way her husband, Michel Alanquez, calls it, you can understand why Princess Canary could not fall in love.

When Michelle got irritated for no reason, she pronounced her name clearly.

The Alanques Empire generally uses the official language, but the tone of the imperial capital was exceptionally tight. Princess Canaria, who had been coming to the Alanquez Empire for almost 15 years, shrank every time she heard that tone. It was natural. Because she was always a pawn here.

Moreover, Princess Canary still couldn't throw away the canary's leaky pronunciation, so she used to pronounce Alanques as 'Alenqueche'. Michelle copied Princess Canary's words mockingly whenever she pronounced them like that. Thus, Princess Canary was always intimidated.

“Should I burn incense? Even so, the scent of magnolia comes in... … .”

“Where else is that special product?”

“… … It's not a specialty... … .”

Michelle frowned as she watched her slurred speech.

"It's hot. What kind of flower scent is it? Wipe my legs.”

"Yeah… … .”

Michelle's right leg is paralyzed after being stabbed by the former Crown Princess. But Michelle always suffered from phantom pain. I always lived with complaints that my right leg was itching, or it hurt, or that it was hot and felt like something was on it.

There were still reverberations of late summer in the capital. Even though it was morning, the sun was shining. After injuring his leg, the prince became very sensitive to the heat. Princess Canary asked for her cold water from her maid who was standing near her. She dampened a soft cloth with water and wiped her right leg. Originally, it was something her maids were supposed to do, but Princess Canary always did it herself.

The reason was nothing. One day, immediately after sleeping with the princess, Michelle again complained of an uncomfortable feeling in her right leg. It was embarrassing for her lady-in-waiting to wait on the naked prince, and somehow it felt like it was her fault, so the princess herself served him at that time. She praised Michelle that she was ten times more attentive than the lady-in-waiting of her dauphin's womb.

Thus, from then on, Princess Canaria personally served her husband.

Since the injury, the prince's casual clothes have always been made to easily expose his right leg. As she knelt down in front of the prince, she painstakingly wiped her legs and rubbed them with soft oil.

“She is coming tonight.”

“… … If it's that woman... … .”

“Who is who? She's a bitch to chew on.”

Princess Canary cautiously looked up. Her hair color was silver, a rarity in the Empire. She was completely different from Michelle's dull gray silver hair. If Michelle's was hard steel, Princess Canary's hair was pale and looked white. The eyebrows are thick and droopy at the tips. The corners of her mouth also turned slightly downward when expressionless. Her eyes were also a pale pale blue, and even her eyelashes were whitish.

So, those who saw Princess Canary always felt that she was deeply saddened, even though she did not say anything.

Michelle was the same. He had the feeling that Princess Canary, looking up at him, was ruminating over her great guilt. So, the prince quickly stroked her hair. It had kind and careful fingertips, as if petting a favorite bird.

“I didn't blame you. She was in a bad mood and it was because she was thinking of her. She should be blaming that bitch, but I made you do the hard work.”

“It is my pleasure.”

Princess Canary smiled faintly. The prince thought that he had married a truly chaste and respectful woman. No matter what I said, I apologized and reached out to her affectionately, and she responded with the same smile as now. She never showed signs of being difficult. The prince was delighted with Princess Canary in the same way as someone who thinks that her pet bird is happy when it chirps high, or sad when it chirps low.

“I hate that bitch. I want to kill you.”

I was making the sound of making bread with flour. What kind of crazy guy would run away happy to see a woman who stabbed him in the leg? However, Princess Canary quietly listened to her husband's chatter.

“I thought I would starve to death or be killed by bandits on the border, but I survived and got hitched with a wanderer I didn’t even know where I was from.”

“… … .”

“Crawling all the way to the capital without knowing the shame.”

No shameful man would come all the way here to find his father's corpse. However, people who gossip about others do not properly examine whether their gossip is correct. Michelle poured out curses on the woman who had been my wife for a long time.

Princess Canary listened to Michelle's verbal abuse without even straightening her knees. At the end of her rough gossip, as if she remembered Michelle, she changed the subject.

"Oh yeah. Come to think of it, your face is white today. What those wives do seems to have worked.”

“Unfortunately, thanks to the grace given to me… … .”

Princess Canary smiled a little brighter. A few days ago, the prince personally called a famous hairdresser from the imperial capital. He usually laughed at the effort women put into dressing up, but the swallow seemed out of the question.

The prince called his personal attendant without even looking at her face properly. What the attendant brought was a dazzlingly beautiful sapphire necklace and earrings. The egg was so large and shiny that even the ladies-in-waiting who helped the princess who woke up in the meantime and tidied her dress admired it without even realizing it.

“Oh my, it is beautiful!”

"Oh my gosh… … .”

The prince was satisfied. He shrugged his shoulders as if the sapphire necklace was wrapped around his neck, even though he wasn't wearing it.

“When I become my wife, I should bet on something like this. Put it on and come to the audience this afternoon.”

"Yes? But at the lord's reception... … .”

Princess Canary was startled. Ordinarily, it was forbidden for the Crown Princess to attend the interview between the lord and the emperor. There was no reason for that.

Furthermore, Reinhard Rinke, who is meeting the emperor today, is visiting to be recognized for his status as a great lord, both in name and reality. There were going to be many other negotiations going on, but that's why there was no reason for Princess Canary to be there.

But Michelle had other ideas.

"What's the point of me taking my wife to the interview?"

“Still, never before… … .”

“Dulcinea.”

Michelle called her name with that sharp accent again. It was a voice full of annoyance. Princess Canary flinched.

“That girl originally had a low status rolling on the street. What is the beauty of you, a princess from birth, and how splendidly you reign in a position where you could have resigned gracefully!”

“… … .”

“It's a place where you can show the dignity of the imperial family. A great lord? huh… … .”

Michelle snorted.

“You have to keep it very low.”

What the hell does wearing a sapphire necklace have to do with the dignity of the imperial family? Princess Canary wanted to ask that question, but she kept her mouth shut. It was because she instinctively realized that what the crown prince meant was closer to the golden boasts of the townspeople than to her dignity.

Putting on a sapphire necklace and calling a hairdresser is like polishing and polishing the gold. There are people in the world who believe that the gold I wear is their value, but that's the case.

“… … Yes."

“The gray dress you matched last time will look good with this necklace. The necklace is beautiful and large, so wouldn’t it be nice to wear clothes in calm colors?”

“I look better in the sky blue dress you wore at the Summer Palace? Do you still look like a girl... … .”

The ladies-in-waiting, who grasped the atmosphere, quickly made a fuss. They knew very well how to suit the whimsical prince. Princess Canary was not good at her flattering words, and the crown prince spoke softly of her and said he liked her, but deep down she wished me to flatter her. So the ladies-in-waiting chirped louder to please Michelle.

“Is there anyone else in the world who is this meticulous!”

“You must be happy to be loved so dearly!”

Princess Canary lowered her head and stared at the two clasped hands. The tips of her manicured nails were poking into the back of her hand. Salt exchanged for turmoil in Sarawak relieved poverty in my country. The only thing her father had given her eighth daughter, who had become her hostage and had come a long way, was at best a tasteless and odorless drug that could kill her as if she were asleep. If you really want to run away, run away with death. There was a time when she wasn't even allowed to run away.

Ten years later, when she became the Crown Princess, the father of the principality gave her a hundred rolls of silk as a gift, and the Crown Prince gave her a sapphire. With that, her princess could barely measure her own worth. However, I wasn't sure if this uneasiness was satisfactory in exchange for the circumstances of my country, where I had to travel from the imperial capital to the Crystal Gate for half a day, and from there to go again by boat for four days.

“… … Yes, I am happy.”

So Princess Canary pushed her anxiety out of her mouth. Her dauphin looked at her and smiled at her contentedly.

“It’s nice to see you smiling at me. I was upset because the emperor took out his anger for a long time. I want you to say that you are happy next to me.”

“Please, I hope so too.”

They were a beautiful pair.

***

In any case, it was natural for Princess Canary to feel uncomfortable about attending the reception, no matter what the crown prince did. She wore a beautiful and resplendent dress. That, too, was Michelle's taste.

The emperor had never called Princess Canary the Crown Princess. At least in front of her. Well, since it looked like she had exchanged the right leg for the right leg of the prince, it was only natural, Princess Canary thought. Seeing her entering her living room with her prince, the emperor raised her eyebrows, but she said nothing. Michel triumphantly took her seat next to the emperor, and Princess Canary took a step behind her.

Seeing her intimidated appearance, Michelle finally said something.

“Why are you lowering your head like that? lift the face You are my chosen wife.”

“Yes… … .”

Princess Canary tried to calmly raise her chin.

The sapphire necklace around her neck shone brilliantly in the light. Michelle was also standing today. In ordinary interviews he was always seated, but today he seemed to want to stand. That should be the case, in front of Reinhard Rinke. The emperor glanced at the two disapprovingly and opened his mouth.

“Take the lord of Luden and his knight.”

"Yes."

Soon the door opened. Princess Canary looked nervous as the three entered the hall door. The one who stood at the forefront was Earl Murray. Because she was the Emperor's confidante, she was also a person whom she often saw from afar.

Followed by Reinhard Delfina Rinke.

It was the woman she pushed away.

It was very different from what Princess Canary remembered. Reinhardt, during her time as Crown Princess, always wore a light crown over her elaborate braided hair. Her blonde hair was adorned with dazzling jewels, and her maids-in-waiting would do their best to have even one more by her side.

Yes, like the princess now.

Princess Canary inherited all the maids who served Reinhardt. It was funny, but it was also normal. So she, Princess Canary, had the same hairdo as Reinhardt, whom she had seen from afar when she was her hostage. A silver crown placed on hair that was carefully braided.

On the other hand, what about Reinhardt? Princess Canary was a little surprised. It was because Reinhardt was tying her hair together like a lady. No effort was put into her hair. When she opens her eyes in the morning, she just ties her black ribbon around her, like a woman who has to go out to get something to eat the next day. Her long hair, down to her waist, was also cut halfway between her wing bones.

It was something that Reinhardt, who was really busy, cut off roughly. Princess Canary felt that it was too shabby. So the princess had to do her best not to close her eyes. In fact, Princess Canary has always suffered from her strange ambivalence toward her.

I feel sorry for the woman who lost her father and status because of her and was kicked out.

Nevertheless, his own selfishness and a sense of triumph that had to kick her out.

Princess Canary's gaze blurred.

She knew for sure that the strange man she met by chance in the small evergreen palace where the hostages lived was the already married prince. Nevertheless, Princess Canary always told herself that she had no choice but to smile and teach the man her name. It's better than falling asleep looking at the poison that my father gave me for a long time every night.

“Be cheeky.”

Michelle murmured. Princess Canary flinched and regained her focus. Reinhardt was still walking slowly towards this side.

Amaryllis Hall, the largest in the imperial castle of the imperial capital. It is so large and wide that it takes a long time to walk from the entrance to the emperor. So the canary was able to take a close look at her again.

And soon, I realized why Michelle was talking to her like that. She was soon to be dubbed the High Lord, for the woman wore her dress, all black, without a single adornment.

If you were an ordinary lord today, it would be a very honorable position. It is worthy of wearing beautiful and colorful clothes because it is an honor to unite numerous territories and be named the great lord of the empire. That's why Michelle was also the princess of Canary. Even if Reinhardt wears fancy clothes, her princess's light won't die.

However, Reinhardt was dressed as black as darkness. From the collar, lapels, sleeves and waist, to the hem of the dress, no ball was put into place. A shabby and sharp dress with no frills on the sleeves.

It was mourning.

Reinhardt was expressing with his whole body that this was not a place to celebrate his joy, but a place to remind him of his father's death.

“You are still doing unlucky things.”

Michelle muttered that and winked at Princess Canary as well.

“Keep your head upright.”

“… … Yes."

The princess tightened her chin. But does that mean she cares about me? She still listened.

Everyone who entered Amaryllis Hall tended to sprint impatiently at the thought that the emperor was waiting for them. Amaryllis Hall's majestic and high ceilings, and strict interior decoration and scale also contribute to it.

However, Reinhardt was walking leisurely with an arrogant attitude, as if he were the owner of this place. As if he had seen the emperor dozens of times before... … .

oh The princess realized at that moment where Reinhardt's confidence came from. It was. That woman was the one who had made this imperial castle her home for at least six years. So she has no choice but to relax. Amaryllis Hall won't be the first time, and there's another reason to be curious.

So I guess I can do whatever I want.

But then, why the hell is her husband, who has been my home for nearly 30 years?

The princess looked to the side. She made Michelle gasp and she glared at Reinhardt.

Why are you talking about the army so impatiently?

Princess Canary looked forward again.

'Five years... … If you hated it, you could.'

it could be. He lost his right leg to that woman. It is surprising that it ended with an enormous amount of compensation. Of course, Michelle did not want to leave the Luden estate alone, from which she had been expelled, so she even strengthened her conscription order. While being hated by my father. But the next moment, Princess Canary thought of something else.

'Then why is that woman so calm?'

The right leg was stabbed by her and the right leg was paralyzed. But instead, she lost everything. Family, clan, property and enlisted soldiers, knights... … . If the size of her anger was proportional to the loss, she should have been more angry and nervous than the current prince. The princess barely restrained her desire to lower her head.

Perhaps she has a bowl many times larger than the one who was her husband... … .

It was obvious to anyone watching. However, that did not mean that her princess could not lower her head in front of Reinhard Rinke. If she showed even the slightest oddity right now, it would be directly related to the prestige of the imperial family. To be precise, it would go against Michelle's feelings.

While Princess Canary pulled her chin at that thought, Lord Luden's party eventually walked right in front of the emperor's platform. Earl Mulray greeted the emperor with his signature dazzling gesture.

“Long live the supreme and honorable emperor of Alanques. I brought Reinhard Delfina, Lord of Luden, and Baildon.”

Faildon. It was to deliberately remove Rinke's name and call her the family name of Viscount Luden, which she now inherited. It was part of an act to suppress the flag in front of the emperor. Princess Canary involuntarily examined Reinhardt's face. The plain face without a single make-up was motionless.

'I'm here to get Rinke's name back anyway.'

“Viscount Reinhard Delphina Feildon. Nice to meet you.”

“Long live the supreme and honorable emperor of Alanques. I want to see Peha.”

The emperor was briefly beaten. Reinhardt also responded quickly. Earl Mulray then introduced the man behind him.

“Wilhelm. He doesn't have a last name, but he's a genius who served as a temporary knight in the Viscounty of Feildon.”

Only then did the man behind Reinhard take a step forward. Princess Canary involuntarily blinked her eyes quickly. It was because the presence of the man who finally came out was enormous.

'You haven't seen a man like that?'

Princess Canary couldn't take her eyes off the man even though she thought that she hadn't seen him because she was staring at Reinhardt. The face of the man who raised his head very slowly... … .

“Wilhell… … name.”

The emperor groaned as he called the man's name in a low voice. Probably because he is very young and handsome.

Princess Canary thought so and involuntarily squeezed the hem of her skirt. There was a rustle, but no one pointed out her nervous gestures. That's how big the man's presence was. He was one head taller than Reinhard Rinke, and so was the uniform that was all black.

Like knights who often go before kings, he wore a ceremonial cloak over a light black jacket. He was tall and broad-shouldered like ordinary knights, but he had a sleeker appearance than them. Perhaps it was because of the way he moved silently and gracefully, unlike the knights who were bound to make loud noises. So did his black hair and black eyes. It was a common color in both the Empire and Canary, the princess's hometown, but somehow the princess thought that the frozen peaks of the Jeopram Mountains were sitting in her eyes.

In canaries, eyes of that color are said to contain the abyss. It is the eye that looks into the other person's inner world. The man looked up at the Emperor, bowed on his knees, then looked at the Crown Prince. Being a commoner, it was natural.

Princess Canary involuntarily noticed that her hands were sweating. After the crown prince... … .

Naturally, the man's gaze returned to her as well.

A feminine yet calm gaze. pounding. My heart was pounding. It was only a very brief moment.

And in the next moment, Princess Canary flinched. After the man saw her, she smiled lightly.

The corners of his lips curled up as if mocking, but soon opened brightly. White teeth appeared in it, and then he closed his eyes slightly, opened them, and looked at the princess again. The series of movements were slowly and slowly imprinted on the princess. His eyes seemed to capture Princess Canary from her head to her toes.

It was blinding. However, it was not cold like the sun. It was close to the chill of the cold, shining star of dawn. However, he bowed his head right after that to show his respect, so it was only a matter of seconds before his eyes were covered by his black hair.

oh The moment that gaze disappeared, Princess Canary almost moaned in pity.

“Long live the supreme and honorable emperor of Alanques. I want to see your majesty.”

“… … How old are you?”

“Viscount Faldon... … Yes?"

Expertly, Count Mulray, who was about to recite the next order, hesitated. It was because the emperor asked the young man without waiting for Count Mulray's order. A young man named Wilhelm seemed to have somehow understood that, and answered while looking at the emperor with a smile on his lips.

“I am twenty this year.”

Twenty. Canary shuddered at that young and fresh age. Her princess, who had just turned twenty-four, felt intuition that this was her first love that had come to her miserable life. Like everyone's first love, it was a tragedy from the start.

***

Meanwhile, time goes back to just before Reinhardt entered Amaryllis Hall.

Reinhardt clicked the crystal in his hand. It was handed over to her by Wilhelm.

The crystal used when passing through the crystal gate is closely managed in the imperial family because of its symbolism. Each person passing through the crystal gate could receive only one crystal. If the crystal was lost, it could not be reissued and had to be purchased again at a huge toll. Therefore, the crystal could not remain in the hand of the person who passed through the crystal gate unless it was the blood of the imperial family.

As soon as she passed through the crystal gate, Wilhelm came to her and fixed her clothes. To others, he would be seen as a loyal young knight pulling up the shawl of a respectable lord.

However, the look in Wilhelm's eyes as he lightly held Reinhardt's hand, at least to her, never looked like that. Through her black curls, her eyes blacked out with uncanny goodwill. Wilhelm smiled lightly at the startled Reinhardt and whispered.

"It's probably the one you want to check the most."

“… … Wilhelm.”

Reinhardt opened his mouth, but the next words did not come out. He had a lot to say, but he didn't know what to say first. Wilhelm put a round object in her hand and removed the dust from her hair. And he said softly.

“I decided to give it to the fox in Glencia.”

“… … you."

It was the moment that Reinhardt vaguely expected as he passed through the crystal gate.

'You really traded your lineage with that Glencia fox.'

It was the moment when Wilhelm became convinced of what he had been wondering for a long time, whether Bill Colonna was right. He should be happy, but that's why he couldn't be fully happy.

'Since when did you know that?'

Reinhardt was madly curious, but he couldn't ask questions right here.

Whether or not he knew what Reinhardt was thinking, Wilhelm raised her hand and kissed the back of her hand. Reinhardt glared at Wilhelm with slightly angry eyes, but the young man turned away without hesitation. Looking at the back of his knight, who was arranging the knights and talking to Count Mulray, Reinhardt felt a distant feeling.

'Kids grow up really quickly.'

That's what my father said when he looked at me.

Ironically, Reinhardt heard that when she was sixteen.

After Rinke, he did everything in his power to make Reinhardt the best woman in the empire. Her engagement to Michel Alanquez had taken place before then, but sixteen-year-old Reinhardt liked someone else. It was Dietrich.

After crying and worrying, Reinhardt ran to his father and confessed all his clumsy feelings. After Rinke Hu listened to Reinhardt's words with a serious face, she said that.

<Father!>

<Yes, yes, my pretty daughter.>

Linke Hu patted Reinhardt's apple-like red cheeks with his thumb and smiled mischievously.

<Okay, if my daughter likes him, is it a problem that the marriage is broken? For this father, my daughter's happiness is the most important thing. But, daughter. Originally, love is two-sided. Got it? After she asks Dietrich, let her decide whether or not to break off the engagement with the Crown Prince.>

To Reinhardt, who had been thinking about it for three days and nights, Rinke Hu gave a very clear answer.

Of course, after that, Dietrich Ernst said, 'Yes? Are you a girl? me? Are you engaged? Me?' After asking, 'Ouch! Do you have an older brother who is marrying his real sister? Be disgusting!' A situation of extreme refusal occurred.

The response that Rinke Hu showed at that time was by no means an adult's, but anyway, Reinhardt thought he knew everything about Rinke Hu's feelings. So, even after she was kicked like that, she was able to prepare to become the Crown Princess without hesitation.

However, Reinhardt thought that he could understand the feelings of Fu Rinke now.

It wasn't just a pleasant experience to see that little boy suddenly grow up in front of me at some point and reveal a side he didn't know. When he realized that the Wilhelm he knew was going somewhere, a strange young man was standing in front of him. And… … .

As soon as he remembered those words, Reinhardt sighed.

Dietrich Ernst was sentenced to one month for cleaning the stables for remarks about his sister. but,

'If I could clean the stables for a month and get that horse canceled, I'd like to do it like a chimney... … .'

Even when she stood in front of the door of Amaryllis Hall, she thought of Wilhelm.

Hey, I've never thought of a situation like this. The young man whom she cared for, thinking of her as her younger brother, suddenly confesses her love to me. It wasn't just because of debt. She had lived far too long away from that kind of feeling. I loved Dietrich when I was a 16-year-old girl, so looking back on her previous life and counting the years, it was ridiculously over 20 years.

'I was too careless.'

She remembered Dietrich shaking his head, saying he was too inconsiderate of her. Ah, Dietrich. She felt her chest tighten. Her sadness and embarrassment at the loss of her most trusted and beloved knight was okay, but at one point, her sudden surge came like a wave and attacked her.

'Could I have been a little more calm if you were by my side right now?'

She desperately longed for the one who had no way back. The eerie feeling Reinhardt often felt in Wilhelm's eyes was the same feeling you get when a stranger is overly kind. If there had been Dietrich, would this unfamiliarity have been a little less? It was then.

“… … Do you know the etiquette when meeting the Emperor?”

Earl Mulray, who was standing in front of her, glanced back and asked. Reinhardt reflexively raised his eyes. Count Murray flinched.

“Well, just in case… … .”

Come to your senses.

Reinhardt really would have slapped me on the face if it weren't for the front of Amaryllis Hall. She puts on her jet-black dress and stands in front of none other than her enemies.

The emperor always accompanies the crown prince when he visits the great lords. Since the crown prince was an only son, it was to bring the crown prince face to face with the few great lords in the empire.

… … So today, there will be someone who will tear Michelle's head off.

Reinhardt looked at Count Mulray with eyes that quickly grew cold and said,

“How could you not know?”

“Yes, yes. … … Kyeong-eun?”

Count Mulray said behind her. I was talking to Wilhelm. Come to think of it, it was a very long time ago that I taught him imperial etiquette. I should have told you again, thought Reinhardt. However, Wilhelm also answered quickly from behind.

"I know."

“Good.”

Earl Murray nodded and turned around. Reinhardt glanced back. Wilhelm smiled as if he knew she would look back at her. Complicated by that smile again, Reinhardt looked in front of him.

Soon the door opened.

Sigh.

Earl Murray took the first step. And Reinhardt also reflexively took a step. At that moment, I picked up... … . A sound echoed from under my feet.

The floor of Amaryllis Hall is made of Southern marble. Reinhardt certainly knew the sound of the marble echoing in his shoes. Just right... … . The sound of marble crashing under her shoes. It was obviously a very common noise when she was living in the imperial castle, and it was a sound she had never deliberately thought of or thought about.

But Reinhardt, that's why he shuddered at the sound.

Suddenly, memories flooded Reinhardt. The unique scent that lingers in the imperial castle, the sound of walking there. The memories of several years of living in the imperial castle attacked Reinhardt all at once. Even though nearly 20 years had passed since she left the imperial family in her current life and her previous life, there were things her body remembered.

She raised her head straight. Amaryllis Hall. In her midst was the one she hated. The one standing there with her silver hair hanging down to her shoulders and looking down at her in her arrogance. It was Michelle.

The Hall of Amaryllis was very large, and the distance between her and him was so far that it was difficult to discern the face, but Reinhardt had seen that face hundreds of times in his dreams. The next moment she ran out without thinking and almost kicked the son of a bitch in the brazen face.

The reason she could barely not do that was because she still had the crystal in her hand. Surprisingly, the crystal effectively calmed the hatred seething inside her. Reinhardt raised his head straight and looked at the emperor.

Even though Reinhardt Delphine or Alanques, nor Reinhardt Delphine or Rinke, he named Paildon, the emperor's expression did not change. Her emperor seemed insensitive even when he saw her, who had once been his wife, but returned as her guilty of stabbing her son, and now her great lord.

yes it will. He was the one who had been wearing the crown of Alanquez for so long. How can I show my joy and sorrow because of the woman standing in front of me?

She deliberately did not look at the prince. Michelle's eyes staring at me from behind the Emperor were enough to see from the side of her eyes.

'You can't throw away your hatred for me either.'

Reinhardt almost laughed. She thought it was a failed revenge, but she saw with her own eyes that she had changed at least one thing. In her previous life, she hated her crown prince by harming her health alone in Helka, but Michelle enjoyed her power as if she had forgotten her. But what about Michelle now? At the event in Amaryllis Hall, even though there are not one or two people watching like this, they can't hide their hatred.

'Yes, living would be hell.'

She was delighted. No one knew better than Reinhardt that life lived with hatred was hell. And even though she couldn't get out of that hell, she succeeded in attracting the one I hate. Reinhardt wanted to laugh out loud again. What if you also fall into hell?

Of course, that is not the end. Reinhardt had the intention of chewing up the man's intestines and swallowing them. Then the emperor opened his mouth.

“… … How old are you?”

“Viscount Faldon... … Yes?"

Earl Mulray, who was about to speak, made a stupid sound. Reinhardt's eyes widened. The Emperor had asked Wilhelm, and she recognized that this was a sign of some sort.

Reinhardt strained his eyes and looked at the emperor. His eyes were a little blurry with age, but his eyes were clearly black. His hair is now half gray and looks gray, but his hair must have been dark. She tried to remember the portrait of the emperor as a young man hanging in the inner chamber of the imperial castle.

“I am twenty this year.”

“… … twenty years old Dance is great at such a young age.”

“It is overrated. It is thanks to the lord.”

The emperor looked away. His thin black eyes met Reinhardt's golden ones. In those old eyes, all kinds of emotions were swirling, from her shock and curiosity to her doubts about her.

“Are you a commoner? There is no last name.”

Wilhelm was silent. Instead, Reinhardt opened his mouth.

“His mother lost her family to an attack by nobles or barbarians, and died barely giving birth to a child.”

“… … Wouldn't there be a father?"

"Yes. However, the northeast is a barren place. Sometimes a child is born faster than a marriage certificate can arrive in the capital. So he has no way of knowing his father's last name. So, I came across it by chance and took it from wandering around as an orphan.”

Reinhardt squeezed the crystal in his hand again, then realized why Wilhelm held the crystal to Glencia's fox instead of handing it directly to her.

Wilhelm had no intention of directly grabbing the price of his lineage. He would have been able to deal directly with the emperor as he did with Glencia. But Wilhelm didn't. It must have been because she knew that she felt uneasy about Glencia's case.

He reminded the emperor that he was a subordinate of Reinhardt by saying that he was his master.

Not only that, Wilhelm put the hilt in her hand. It wasn't something like a clumsily stabbed prince's leg or a knife that ended up being stabbed. Become a great lord, raise a private soldier, avoid the Emperor's check... … . It is a sword that will show you a more certain path than anything else.

Ah, Wilhelm.

Reinhardt felt like holding his face again.

“… … Do you have that marriage certificate?”

the emperor asked. Reinhardt replied expressionlessly.

“But that's not what I'm talking about in this Amaryllis Hall. It's because it can be a shame for a family. To those who do not know the conditions of the Northeast, his mother could be seen as a dissolute woman.”

"Right."

The emperor nodded.

“Two days later, in the evening, we will hold a banquet to celebrate the birth of a new great estate. be willing to attend both of them.”

"Yes."

“And can I invite Rinke Hu to an afternoon tea time soon?”

Reinhardt's eyebrows twitched for the first time. After Rinke. It wasn't Viscount Feldon. Her emperor called her that without any ceremony of her succession to her title or her return.

Its meaning was also clear.

“We still have a lot left to negotiate. In general, there are only a few places in the Empire that are great territories, and the approval of the territories and the return of titles must be done delicately and quickly.”

“I am Gwangyoung. Gladly."

Reinhardt bent his knees and took a bow. Even out of the corner of my eye, I could see very clearly the contortion of Michelle's face.

***

Pernaha Glencia's adjutant, Argen Stotgall, was not familiar with Reinhardt.

It didn't take long to reach the imperial castle in the capital of the Alanques Empire. After passing through the Crystal Gate, the group of Luden Manor followed Earl Mulray's guidance and took a wagon to the castle. All the while, Alzen moved among Luden's knights. Alzen was also comfortable there.

However, he was about to join Lord Luden's party as Glencia's guard. In the future, it would be impossible to act only with the knights.

So, it was right to go and stand near Reinhard Delfina Rinke and Sir Wilhelm. Externally, he was about to play the role of Wilhelm's lieutenant knight. Unsurprisingly, he was going to bump into Reinhardt quite often.

So Alzen Stogall came up with the idea of talking to her for a little friendship. Furthermore, Wilhelm decided to give them a crystal to prove their lineage, but he made it clear that his owner was Reinhardt. This means that in order for Alzen to return to Per Naha, she must be inseminated by Reinhardt. So he had to keep his mouth shut anyway.

But it wasn't easy. After arriving at the imperial castle, the visit was announced, and the knights disarmed. And the lord and Sir Wilhelm went to meet the emperor following Earl Mulray. There was a long wait, and after the ceremony, the two entered the VIP waiting room.

But Alzen couldn't say anything. It was because the lord of Luden and Sir Wilhelm, the two main people in the group, were not talking.

The knights chatted and looked at each other, but there was no way they could say anything to each other as they didn't even know each other well until a few months ago. Until then, the knights gathered in Luden had been close to wandering, and they did not have much intimacy with each other as they volunteered for Luden, which grew as they fought over and over again.

At such times, the lords usually talk to their subordinates to lighten the mood. Since he met the emperor, it was normal to congratulate him.

Besides, everyone goes back to their dorms after the ceremony, but Yeongju and his party were still waiting in the drawing room. Viscount Paledon, lord of Louden, continued standing in the drawing room, crossing his arms and pacing around, casting his gaze straight into the air in front of him as if there was something in front of him. In addition to that, Wilhelm, leaning against her doorway, instead of explaining the business of their lord's stay here, looked at her from time to time and then turned her head away.

'What's going on?'

Did you fight Alzen?

'It seems like the two of them mix a word or two after I come.'

He recalled the sight he had seen right after arriving at the Crystal Gate. He was familiar with the rumors about the lord of Luden and the young knight who had been divorced by the crown prince, and the appearance he saw at the crystal gate seemed intimate and natural, as if to support the rumor.

However, since he came, the two of them had kept their mouths shut.

'Perhaps it's because I'm late.'

is it! Is this a polite protest against Glencia's supervisor! “Oh,” said Alzen Schuttgal, and pursed his lips. It was a plausible guess. Of course, it was a reasoning that would make Reinhardt laugh if he heard it, but at least it was like that for Alzen.

Glencia made a great deal with Sir Wilhelm. However, even though Wilhelm had stated that Lord Luden was the subject of the deal, Reinhardt was actually missing, and after the Lord found out, things got bigger than expected. In fact, it is common to send a knight as a watchman for this kind of transaction, but it may not be pleasant to Lord Luden. If there is an inspector dispatched because of a transaction that took place in a place he did not know, and he was late... … .

'Eh, what do I know.'

However, Alzen stopped thinking about that. In the first place, that kind of consideration was my superior's job, not mine. Alzen was a person who valued top and bottom clothes the most, and he was more afraid of not being able to do his job because he was busy with useless thoughts.

The biggest challenge he faced was to receive evidence of the transaction from Lord Luden, rather than to act usefully considering his political position as a guard in Glencia. So Alzen lingered beside Reinhardt for a long time. And it was not Reinhardt who pointed out the excessively prominent figure around Lord Luden, but Wilhelm.

“What is it, Lord Stutgall?”

'Wow, he can't get used to talking to me in a bad way.'

Alzen felt a bit unfair. It was because Wilhelm, who was just a young knight on the battlefield, was now talking badly to me. I don't think the blood has dried on his black hair yet, but he says he's my boss now. But anyway, Alzen was a person who puts the highest value on top and bottom clothes, and he didn't intend to disobey Per Naha's words to do well, so he answered briefly.

“Do I have to wear black in the capital from now on?”

Reinhardt wore a black dress and Wilhelm wore black armor. So it seemed natural that Alzen, who would be near them, would consider whether he had to wear black all the time in the capital. As Wilhelm was about to say something, Reinhardt answered quickly.

“Do whatever you want.”

“Uh… … .”

Alzen hesitated. Traditionally, subordinates are most embarrassed when superiors say, 'Do whatever you want'. It's because it's close to the meaning of 'you can do it on your own, but if it bothers my eyes, then you really won't be able to take care of it'.

He looked frantically at Reinhardt again, but she was staring straight ahead again. Unable to put her words further, she looked around Alzen, but Wilhelm also turned her head away from him and looked at Reinhardt.

Marc, who couldn't see him fidgeting around the lord like a dirty pup, beckoned from the other side.

“Come here.”

Alzen approached Mark with an expression that he was alive. Most noble ladies did not go around without an attendant, but Reinhardt did not yet have one. That's why Sarah's daughter, Marc, volunteered. Marc set Alzen next to her knights.

“The knights decided to wear black cloaks at official events in the capital.”

"ah."

Alzen stupidly opened his mouth. Mark calmly handed him the burdens paid to knights. Alzen was taken aback. Should I listen to this myself? Mark kindly laughed at him as he looked around for seeds.

“There are no seeds in Luden.”

"ah."

When you think about it, it was natural. It took less than a year for the name Luden to change from the desolate territory in the north to the name of the territory. In the meantime, knights under Luden's command were here from all over, but there was no time to gather even the servants, or to feed and clothe them in Luden. That means I have to carry this bundle of luggage. Arzen hugged his luggage and blinked.

Regardless of whether Alzen acted stupid or not, Reinhardt continued to wander with his arms folded in thought, while Wilhelm stood erect. The luxurious chairs in the VIP waiting room were colorless. As the lord was doing this, the knights also wandered around awkwardly. In the end, Marc cautiously went next to Reinhardt and whispered.

"My lord, if you don't mind, why don't you sit down?"

“… … yes."

Reinhardt hesitated for a moment, but soon sat down on a nearby chair as if he had noticed the atmosphere around him. Wilhelm went straight to her side and stood behind her. It looked like she was wary of her surroundings, as if there was someone who might harm her. Alzen thought to himself.

'It sucks, very.'

On the day Wilhelm came to Pernaha's room, he exchanged his birth name with a private in Glencia.

What Wilhelm said that day was shocking. Pernaha Glencia demanded proof, and Wilhelm said he would give it within a year. And he looked at the manor war again and again, and came to the conclusion that Pernaha.

Michel Alanquez's position is the kind that would have left him anxious if there were other royals, but he is single now. But what if another Alanquez appears? And what if it was a young knight who turned a small estate into a large estate by raising countless records?

The emperor would at least think that Wilhelm would be able to control Glencia. Being blood is sometimes accompanied by incomprehensible blindness.

Only then did Fernaha understand Wilhelm's confidence. If this young knight was really the emperor's illegitimate son, Glencia was worthy of a gamble with private soldiers. Wilhelm said that he was only interested in gaining the Emperor's trust, and that he had no intention of controlling Glencia.

So, Glencia handed over the private army to Wilhelm.

Fernaha said that with a frown on her freckled face. However, Alzen's conclusion was somewhat different.

'That bastard abandoned Luden... … ? It can't be.'

Rumors were already circulating everywhere that Lord Luden and her young knight shared a bed.

Most of them were wild rumors, but at least a few were true. I don't know the lord of Luden, but I know that guy named Wilhelm.

The only thing that can be seen in the eyes of that youngster with no blood on his head is the lungs. Alzen crossed over from Pernaha's command and accompanied him to the territory for six months, and noticed that Wilhelm's way of thinking revolved around the lord.

'I'm not crazy.'

He's like eight years older. Well, in the world, there are people who get married with a difference of more than 20 years, but that is only possible when it comes to marriage. Most of the marriages of nobles are done without considering age or love.

It was completely incomprehensible to Alzen, a commoner. To put it mildly, even an 8-year-old doesn't know that it's a human thing, so let's say you can fall for it. However, the lord of Luden was by no means an attractive opponent to him. Once that woman

'She's the woman who stabbed her husband who shared the bed with her... … .'

The story of how the crown princess stabbed the crown prince and became a deposed woman and then was kicked out is a very famous story. When the emperor confiscated all the enormous property of the Marquis of Linke and absorbed even the privates, some people started talking about whether it was the emperor's big picture. But everyone shook their heads. Because it was out of the ordinary.

'If it were me, I wouldn't even think of sharing a bed with a woman like that because I'm scared. Did that bastard come out of the liver, or did he have a very peculiar taste?'

It was then. Reinhardt rubbed his forehead, which had been frowning for a long time, and called out to Alzen as if sighing.

“Sir Stugal.”

“Ah, yes.”

He ran in front of her as if all his thoughts had been erased. Reinhardt glanced around her and she whispered quietly to him.

“I heard that Wilhelm has something to give you.”

"yep. Can you give it to me now?”

“No, I can’t.”

“… … .”

Alzen, who quietly held out his hands, felt embarrassed. Reinhardt looked at him with a strangely tired face and said quietly.

“Just check with your own eyes.”

“… … .”

“There is one more person who needs to see this with their own eyes. And that takes precedence over the oath with Glencia. If you're Pernaha Glencia's lieutenant, you'll understand what I'm talking about.”

“… … understand. but… … .”

Alzen knew what she meant, and understood that it made sense. What Wilhelm promised to Fernaha Glencia was the Imperial Crystal. However, if they really want to use Wilhelm's lineage, it would be an urgent priority to receive the crystal from the emperor's gaze.

However, Alzen thought that, apart from their circumstances, the work he had to do was also decided. Because this is a clear breach of contract. So Alzen tried to protest. At that time, Reinhardt spoke briefly like a sigh.

“Amaryllis will bloom in season.”

Since I am an ignorant knight, I wanted to protest that I did not know such words, but Alzen understood. He thought in his head what excuse he should write to his master, and finally replied in a grumbling voice.

"Yes."

Amaryllis Depafina Alanques. It was the name of the founder of the empire, and the flower was embossed in a band pattern on the edge of the plaque carried by members of the imperial family. There was a crystal pattern in the center, so the amaryllis flower was often used as a slang term for the bloodline of the imperial family.

It must have meant waiting for now as it would be more certain to take the hand rather than the crystal. oh i'm so smart Alzen felt like punching me in the forehead.

***

It was no surprise that the emperor called her Rinke Hu. If the deal went right, she would continue to be duly called Rinke Hu. Of course, being called 'properly' is several times more important than being called Rinke Hu.

Reinhardt continued to rub his fingers along the sides of his temples. It was a habit that came out when he was nervous. Her mark came up to her and once fixed her hair in a ponytail, but again she rubbed the side of her temples.

'Damn it.'

She needed someone to talk to right now. Good friends with whom you can share your troubles are usually rare, which is why they are all the more prized. Oh damn! Dietrich! At times like this, I missed him desperately. Reinhardt glanced to the side and almost signed.

Let alone Dietrich, a dog sent by Glencia's fox was loitering next to him. With it right next to it, it was obvious that even if Dietrich was there, we wouldn't be able to have a proper conversation.

“Sir Stugal.”

“Ah, yes.”

She quickly mentioned what Wilhelm had 'scheduled to give' to Fernaha Glencia. That must be a fix. Since Wilhelm tried to trade with my lineage, it is difficult to find the proof other than the crystal.

'If that's not the case, there's no reason for that guy named Alzen Stogall to follow beyond the Crystal Gate.'

But she couldn't give the crystal. Because she must be seen by the emperor. When the Emperor asked Wilhelm's age, Reinhardt thought that perhaps the Emperor had noticed Wilhelm's origins.

But right now, it's afternoon tea time.

She didn't even expect that he would call me so urgently. So I can't give any more corrections. Instead, Reinhardt was referring to Amaryllis. A token of the imperial family that can be given if negotiations with the emperor are successful.

Fortunately, the fox's lieutenant didn't just happen, Algen Stotgahl quickly replied and retreated.

Reinhardt was engrossed as he rattled the crystal in his hand. She mentions Amaryllis, but that's only possible if the deal is done 'right'. therefore… … .

“Sorry, Chief Chamberlain. Would you give my lord a room? You must be tired from moving since dawn.”

It was then. Suddenly, Wilhelm called the chamberlain and said so. The chief chamberlain, who had been waiting for the unprecedented reception of the new great lord, was puzzled, but he was also quick-witted. Those who work in the imperial castle can't survive if they don't notice, and the chief chamberlain immediately judged what to do with the woman who was expelled as a deposed woman but returned as a great lord, and whom the emperor called 'Rinke Hu'.

“If you don't mind, there is a room where the lords stay temporarily whenever they have an interview.”

“That way, please.”

The party, including Alzen and Mark, was left in the waiting room. The room the chief chamberlain showed us was not as big as the VIP waiting room, but it was a bedroom with a small parlor. It was only then that Reinhardt remembered that there was a room provided for influential lords, as there were many cases where the imperial castle had to wait all day.

It was a place she had forgotten because she was the crown princess, and because she was the lord of Helka in her previous life, but she did not have the name of the great lord.

“If you don’t mind, close your eyes.”

It's embarrassing, but I felt like I could breathe a little more. Reinhardt barely noticed that he was getting restless among the group. The knights of my territory were the ones I had just met, and among the party, the only ones I could trust were Wilhelm and Mark.

No, Wilhelm... … .

Reinhardt stopped thinking and barely smiled.

“… … thanks. I will live for a while. How did you come up with the idea of asking for a room?”

Wilhelm looked at her as she exhaled, then nodded.

“It seems that large lord castles usually have rooms like this.”

"I see. I must have known about it while playing Yeongjijeon.”

“… … Yes."

Reinhardt walked slowly, sat down on a chair, and leaned his upper body forward. His head hurt. The chief of staff asked if they would serve tea, but Reinhardt all refused.

“Don’t let anyone approach unless they tell you it’s tea time.”

"Yes."

The chamberlain had left, but there were still signs of people in the room. Reinhardt looked at him vaguely. It was Wilhelm.

“… … Yes, you should rest too.”

"I'm OK."

“Wilhelm.”

“Really, it’s okay.”

Wilhelm stood next to a chair, noticed that she had become looking up at him, and knelt down beside her leg. It was like a puppy, and Reinhardt wanted to wash his face dry. It's already past the time to pet a young man who only talked, but Wilhelm behaves strangely like a child in front of me from time to time. if not… … . like a foster puppy.

“You should join us at afternoon tea time. know?"

“… … Yes."

“Do you know what this means?”

Reinhardt prepared the story of a transaction that could be made with his lineage. Perhaps Wilhelm's answer was also related to him. But Wilhelm's answer was not what she expected.

"Yes. I must protect you.”

“… … Wilhelm. Perhaps… … .”

Reinhardt squinted one eye and looked down at Wilhelm as if assessing him. Wilhelm nodded his head.

“There will be plenty of time until the banquet, but calling right away at afternoon tea time would be one of two things. Either His Majesty has some very urgent business, or he intends to take your own life right away.”

“… … .”

“And my life will be no exception.”

“Wilhelm.”

Reinhardt tried to clear his flustered voice.

“… … Did Dietrich teach you this? no no... … .”

Reinhardt continued to ponder whether a 'proper negotiation' would be possible at the afternoon tea time called by the emperor. The emperor of Alanques is a smart, laid-back and greedy man. He has no rivals because he has risen to the throne comfortably thanks to the empress, and his son is also an only son. So she was in no hurry at all.

Reinhardt couldn't tell if he was showing signs of haste or if he was trying to catch her off guard by pretending to be in a hurry.

The card presented by the emperor was certainly tempting. Elevation to the rank of Highlord and the possibility of restoring the powers of the Rinke family, as well as the return of Rinke Hu's body. On the contrary, all he requested was to come to the capital, have an audience with the emperor, and have Wilhelm formally appointed.

It was a deal that the emperor lost to anyone, but it was clear that it was a check on the newly emerged great lord.

And there is the easiest and fastest way to check this kind of great lord.

It's an assassination.

Reinhardt is a great lord created in just six months, and if she were to lose her life now, the mass of territories named Luden's great territories would be scattered right away. So pretend she's in a hurry, call her straight to her tea time, don't let her make any preparations, and then just kill her.

As he let those thoughts go, Reinhardt tried to organize his busy head. However, after she finished her interview, Wilhelm did not hesitate to point out what she had been thinking about in the drawing room.

“… … Dietrich died before you even made the estate.”

“Unfortunately… … The battlefield taught me many things.”

Wilhelm's face darkened as soon as he heard the name Dietrich, and immediately took on a bitter smile.

'yes. If you've been on the battlefield for three years... … And if I saw people die every day there and killed them, the child could suddenly become an adult.'

Even so, can you suddenly become smart enough to read the situation so quickly?

But Reinhardt immediately erased that thought. In her mind, Wilhelm is still the filthy boy in the mountains, but in fact, Wilhelm is the emperor's son.

Considering that a child who couldn't speak properly was able to read a book in just one season after learning to read, in fact, looking down on Wilhelm might be the most foolish thing.

“But I think the chance of an assassination is low.”

"Yes. I think so too.”

“Can you tell me why?”

Reinhardt cautiously asked Wilhelm. Wilhelm took her hand and kissed the back of it with a light smile, as if he knew everything about Reinhardt. And he answered quietly.

“This is a great lord born after a few decades. And that main character is Reinhardt. The waste that crippled the crown prince. If you get injured or die in the imperial castle in any form today, it will be a foregone fact that the emperor killed the great lord.”

It was correct. Reinhardt unconsciously licked his dry lips. Wilhelm looked at her intently and said slowly, with her strength.

“Everybody knows what excuse His Majesty called you. If Marquis Rinke kills her daughter before returning the honor she deserves, the emperor will take a big risk. The Highlords of the Empire will turn their backs on the Emperor. With that as an excuse, there must be a great territory that will seek independence.”

“Wilhelm.”

There was a little joy in Reinhardt's voice. It was the relief of someone who missed a friend because he had no one to talk to openly, and the joy of someone who found out that the boy I cared about had grown up remarkably.

Wilhelm kissed her on the back of the hand once more. Her scaly, hot lips pressed against the back of her hand and then fell.

“And we have other circumstances.”

“… … yes. He was curious about your age.”

Wilhelm rubbed her hand on his cheek.

“Will he take me as a son?”

“No. You made it clear in front of the Emperor that you belong to me. The emperor won't want to ask us openly. You'd think we didn't know you were his illegitimate son. They keep a close eye on them, and they’re probably trying to check themselves secretly.”

“… … Then what shall we do, Line?”

Reinhardt noticed that his mood was clearly different from before. It is very precious to have a partner who can openly share their concerns and honestly share their opinions about things that they know but others should not know. All the more, it was Wilhelm.

“What do you want to do?”

Rather, Reinhardt asked Wilhelm. Because for her, before any negotiations with her Emperor, what Wilhelm wanted to do was most important.

“Do you want to become the crown prince?”

If Wilhelm wants to do it, she will make it happen. For Reinhardt, the most important thing was Michelle's downfall, so that too was appetizing. Rather than a crippled prince, the illegitimate son of a fearsome force who turned a small domain into a great domain would stand out much more.

It was time for her to tidy up those calculations in her head.

“Okay, lines. I don’t know because it’s difficult.”

Hey, why are you pretending not to know all of a sudden? Reinhardt laughed at those words and tried to bruise them. However, Wilhelm didn't even give Reinhardt a chance to open her mouth. He put her hand on his cheek and closed her eyes and smiled.

“I just want you to kiss my forehead right now.”

The calculations in Reinhardt's head were beautifully tangled. As she shook her head and tried to come to her senses, Wilhelm continued her words.

“Keep in mind, Line. I don't need anything but you.”

Reinhardt had to work hard to get back to his senses.

***

Afternoon tea time is usually relaxed, but no one at the table was relaxed. There were quite a few people at tea time. No wonder. It is the seat of the emperor.

In addition to the emperor, there were twelve attendants and seventeen knights who served him. Count Mulray, who brought Reinhardt. And there was the Marquis of Pulea, the minister of the list who managed the list of nobles. Everyone greeted Reinhardt with a dignified face.

“Long live the supreme and honorable emperor of Alanques. I want to see your majesty.”

Reinhardt knelt in front of him expressionlessly. In private, it was the courtesy of the imperial castle to lightly kneel instead of bowing. However, it was the first time since his teenage years that Reinhardt greeted the emperor like this. For Reinhardt, it could be said that it's been almost 20 years. Members of her imperial household could greet her emperor with her reverence, for she was not required to kneel during her days as dauphin.

“After Rinke, sit down.”

"Yes."

As expected, the emperor named her Rinke Hu. It didn't look like he was going to hit me right away. As soon as Reinhardt sat down observing his surroundings from the side, the emperor asked the young man's name as well.

“And what was your name… … .”

He was really a middle-aged man like a fox. What does he mean by asking even though he has clearly heard the name? Reinhardt realized that the man would never pretend to know Wilhelm here. He followed her in, and Wilhelm, who knelt behind her, raised her head and answered in a low, yet raspy voice as would be expected of a young man of his age.

“This is Wilhelm.”

“I heard that there is thunder in Rinke Hu’s territory, is that young man?”

It was unstoppable. Reinhardt nodded at the emperor's question.

“Thankfully, I am a talented person who was lucky enough to have it.”

"Right. Sit down too.”

At the emperor's invitation, Wilhelm bowed his head.

“I will step back because I do not dare to kneel side by side with noble people.”

It was great. If you really sit down just because you recommend it, you'll be treated like an irreplaceable idiot in the world. Wilhelm stepped back and stood behind Reinhardt with a truly sophisticated and dignified gesture. He had to take off all his light armor because he was the Emperor's private seat, but his movements were moderate, and his dignity stood out as if he were wearing heavy armor. Even Reinhardt was a little surprised, and the emperor smiled contentedly.

“Good. young.”

"Thank you."

To praise a subordinate is to praise its master. Seeing Reinhardt answering skillfully, the emperor nodded his head and opened his mouth.

"great. After Rinke.”

"Yes."

"It's really unfortunate that I've moved away from you, but I'm well aware that the kite hasn't run out."

“I am embarrassed.”

“I won’t talk too long. Marquis of Pulea.”

The Emperor summoned the Minister of Myeongbu, and the Marquis of Pulea nodded in reply.

“At the time when His Majesty called the former Viscount Feildon Hu Rinke, all rights of the Marquess Rinke family were restored. Viscount Feildon can now act as the rightful heir to the Marquis of Linke, and at the time of the reparation, any remaining property not taken by His Highness the Crown Prince will belong to Viscount Feldon, regardless of lands and movables.”

Even after that, the Marquis of Pullea continued to recite her rights for a while. Reinhardt was familiar with it, so it wasn't surprising. Reinhardt just kept quiet.

When the body of the late Rinke Hu was mentioned, the hand holding the teacup was a little strained, but that was it. When Marquis Pullea finished speaking, Reinhardt nodded his head in a truly aristocratic manner.

Next was Wilhelm's appointment as a knight. Murray made it clear that the emperor had the authority to appoint all knights of the Alanques Empire before their masters. The emperor opened his mouth in a friendly manner.

“How would you like to be appointed here?”

It wasn't unexpected. Reinhardt also felt that there were too many drivers to sit with at tea time. The Emperor's eyes stayed on Wilhelm. It seemed that as soon as Wilhelm stepped forward, the emperor would also stand up, raise his sword, and hold the ordination ceremony for him. However, Wilhelm looked at Reinhardt instead of the emperor, and Reinhardt smiled.

"your majesty. I apologize, but I would like to clarify his birth before taking office.”

“… … yes. Yes, indeed.”

There is a difference between a commoner becoming a knight and a noble becoming a knight. In an audience with the emperor, Reinhardt implied that Wilhelm was from a noble family. “Hmm,” said the emperor, clearing his voice.

“Can I see your marriage certificate?”

“Of course. May I offer it myself?”

The emperor nodded, and Reinhardt stood up and stood before the emperor. Her knights ceremoniously approached her side to receive her certificate in her stead, but Reinhardt smiled at her.

"your majesty. Seeing you up close, you look better than before. You had a small cough the last time I saw you, but you seem to be in good health.”

At the sudden words, the emperor raised one eyebrow. What Reinhardt just said was quite personal. In other words, it was more like a eldest daughter-in-law meeting after a long time than a great lord under an emperor, and it was not something Reinhardt would say in a very friendly tone. Yes, it was the eldest daughter-in-law I hadn't seen in a long time.

Isn't she the former eldest daughter-in-law who stabbed her only son in the leg and was driven to a barren land?

Suddenly, the air in the room became ethereal. There was a silence in which you could even hear the eye rolls of Earl Mulley and Marquis Pulea. It was the emperor who broke the silence.

"haha. Take care of me.”

So, no matter how moderately well the Alanques Empire was, it was a country.

“Come to think of it, Linke Hu was a very kind person. It's been a long time since I saw Rinke Hu, so I forgot what he was.”

The throne was a very heavy seat for someone who was stupid or not astute to sit in, and the emperor was, in a way, a very good fit for the throne.

“Come closer.”

The emperor waved at Reinhardt with a warm smile like a really normal, kind middle-aged man.

Reinhardt also knelt down in front of the Emperor's lap, smiling like a beloved eldest daughter-in-law, and placed her forehead on the Emperor's hand. The best example that nobles can offer to the emperor. However, since the distance was close, it was an example that anyone but a high lord could not dare to take.

“I am truly thrilled to see you again.”

Is that the woman from whom the cold wind blew in the Amaryllis Hall earlier? The two ministers met their eyes with dumbfounded faces. The knights also moved aside a little shyly, slightly ignoring the meeting between the former eldest daughter-in-law and father-in-law, now the great lord.

The crown prince was really wrong, but unexpectedly, was the emperor a better person than he thought Rinke Hu was? Or did she joy at getting her body back after her predecessor, Rinke, rounded her up a little?

The people present were confused at least for a moment with such thoughts, so they did not see the small stone that passed from Reinhardt's hand to the Emperor's hand.

transparent crystal.

The emperor's face didn't shake at all when he put something in his hand after trying to figure out what the other party was up to.

Even though I can't confirm what it is right now. The Emperor smiled and placed his fisted hand on the armrest of the luxurious chair he was sitting on. The series of movements were very natural.

Reinhardt smiled and beckoned to Wilhelm, who approached and handed the parchment to the knights next to him. Inside the marriage certificate, even stamped with fire, was written the name of the Viscount Colonna's daughter and a meaningless, common man's name. The Marquis of Pullea confirmed the marriage certificate and nodded to restore the name of the Viscount Colonna, which had been erased from the list of nobility.

“Even if it is a collateral, there will always be succession rights.”

"Thank you."

The emperor's eyes scanned the marriage certificate imaginatively. Reinhardt did not pay attention to it. There was no reason for that. From the moment he checked the inside of his fist in an empty place, the emperor's head would be crazy busy.

***

Since the residence of Marquis Rinke had been handed over to the crown prince as alimony, the only place Reinhardt stayed was the imperial palace. A decent lord would be beholden to other nobles with whom he formed an alliance, but now Reinhardt was a new great lord who had an exceptionally large territory. Her emperor, of course, ordered her to stay in her palace.

It was late in the evening when Reinhardt arrived at the welcome palace where the guests of the imperial castle were staying.

Of course, it was smaller than the room she 'originally' used in the imperial castle, but Reinhardt didn't care. He didn't even have the mind to do that. Marc cautiously asked her as she lay prostrate on her bed as if she was collapsing from exhaustion.

"dismissal. Sir Wilhelm was knighted at a banquet, right?”

The emperor, with a calm face, didn't even check what was in his hand, and naturally accepted Wilhelm's appointment at the banquet. Even Reinhardt couldn't help admiring that fox-like demeanor. Lying on her stomach, she vaguely recalled her tea time with the emperor, and gave a rough answer.

"yes. Please prepare suitable clothes.”

"All right. By the way… … .”

Mark hesitated, so Reinhardt raised his head.

“What is it?”

“His Excellency, by any chance, do you need anything else… … .”

Reinhardt slightly furrowed his eyebrows. It meant that she, too, did not need any special attire to bring to her banquet. If she was her normal maid, or if she was the Crown Princess, she was a natural question, but her counterpart was a big one. Reinhardt asked sharply.

“Who asked you that?”

“… … ah."

Mark hesitated. There was no way that Marc, who was guarding the country estate, could have someone around him to take care of that. Someone in the imperial palace must have tipped off Mark. There were so many places like that. From simple nobles trying to bribe her to Reinhardt, it could be that those who were indebted to her linkehu were delighted with her reinstatement and tried to give her her connections. but… … .

'It could be the Emperor's helper, or Michelle.'

Sending poison pretending to be a gift is an old trick. But what came out of Mark's mouth was an unexpected name.

“Sir Wilhelm told me to ask. He said he knew that His Excellency had no clothes... … . Ask if it's okay.”

“Wilhelm?”

It was absurd. Why did he take care of that? Reinhardt pulled up his tired body, waved his hand at Marc, and shouted through the open drawing room door.

“Wilhelm!”

I already knew that he was talking with the other knights in the drawing room. As expected, Wilhelm appeared right through the open door.

“Did you call?”

“Did you tell Mark to pack my clothes?”

Wilhelm nodded.

“Lady Sarah told me that His Excellency does not have banquet attire.”

Sarah? A question appeared on Reinhardt's face, but it was a reasonable answer. Reinhardt soon erased his doubts and beckoned to him.

"yes. Other than that, you have something to say with me. Come and sit down. Mark, will you come out? Close the door.”

“Ah, yes.”

Mark immediately lowered his head, but Wilhelm shook his head and stopped Mark. And he called Reinhardt.

"dismissal."

"yes?"

“There is a lot of snow in the imperial palace.”

Reinhardt's eyes narrowed.

“… … Wilhelm?”

I didn't know what that word meant, but it didn't seem like it was something Wilhelm would say. Could it be that you meant it just now? However, Wilhelm shattered Reinhardt's 'no way'.

"If you're alone in the same room with a man on a night like this, people will make fun of you."

Reinhardt was dumbfounded. what is that saying now

There were two reasons for her bewilderment. It was because her Wilhelm had decided on her and her 'talk', so she could see that her Wilhelm was trying to run away from me now.

The reason Reinhardt had been unfamiliar with Wilhelm for the past six months was not only because of the cruel and unstoppable hands of the boy who behaved mildly in front of him. Wilhelm, who was not good at anything and found it difficult to work with Dietrich, became as quick as anyone else. He approaches her as if to ambush her, courts her, and then runs off without saying anything important.

It was the same even now. If he doesn't catch her quickly, Wilhelm will run away like a lizard in her hand. Without even telling a proper story.

“Wilhelm.”

She called out to the young man in an unusually stern voice. Wilhelm's eyes trembled a little, but he kept his composure in his own way. Reinhardt sat down on the bed and continued with his arms crossed.

“If you were trying to make me laugh, I’ll count that joke as a success.”

"You're not laughing."

"First. Others always look down on me.”

Wilhelm's expression became subtle. Reinhardt tilted his head and smiled arrogantly.

“Even when I was sitting quietly next to Michelle, there were people who scored me everywhere. Would I be afraid of that?”

“… … .”

"second. Anyway, others think I've already attached a boat with you. Even if I'm with you during the day, people who would dislike you will look at you.”

At the second word, Wilhelm's cheeks turned red. After seeing that, Reinhardt belatedly wondered if it was a bit primitive to say to a child much younger than me, but it was already spilled water. She lowered her arms and smiled.

"third. As long as I'm honest, it doesn't matter."

“Okay… … Are you open?”

A question appeared on Wilhelm's face. Reinhardt sat with his legs crossed, clasped his hands in front of his knees, and smiled.

“I washed you naked and skinny just a few years ago. You are an unsympathetic man. It wouldn't happen even if I died, so what? You are like my child.”

It was like a declaration of war.

As expected, Wilhelm's expression immediately frowned at those words. Mark, who was standing on one side, saw the reaction and chuckled. Originally, boys of that age hated talking about my childhood the most. Reinhardt sneered at his face and flicked his hand.

“So don’t think about running away, close the door and come in.”

“Ah, Luden’s thunder looks like a baby in front of the lord.”

Marc said lightly, as if teasing, then pushed Wilhelm in and pushed the door shut with his tiptoe. The door was closed, leaving only Reinhardt and Wilhelm in the room.

Wilhelm looked at Mark in a bewildered way, then turned his gaze to Reinhardt. Reinhardt, who had been laughing at Mark's words, still hadn't erased the smile from his face.

But Wilhelm didn't seem to like that smile.

He walked quickly with a frown on his face and in an instant walked to Reinhardt's bed. Something is strange. A shadow fell without a chance to do anything. The young man, who was twice as big as Reinhardt, though she was sleek, put her left knee on Reinhardt's bed and leaned over her.

In the blink of an eye, Reinhardt met Wilhelm's face as if he was riding on top of him. Where did the frowning expression go, and a crooked smile settled on Wilhelm's face.

“Wilhelm?”

“Have you ever seen a child like this?”

Reinhardt hesitated, then smiled. At that smile, Wilhelm's eyes shone even more sharply. However, even with the beating in his eyes, Reinhardt couldn't stop laughing. She giggled as she leaned against the bed, under Wilhelm's shoulder.

"Oh, I'm sorry. yes. When I was only like you, I was a little embarrassed that my father called me apple pie every time. I didn't do that in front of Mark.”

Every time the Marquis of Rincke called her 'Little Apple Pie' in front of Dietrich, the girl who was suffering from her first love shuddered with embarrassment. Anyway, Wilhelm was the one who raised Luden as a great estate.

'Thunder of Luden.'

He's such a young man, but he's talking about his childhood when he was naked and washed. His pride is hurt. That's what Reinhardt said quite deliberately, but the consequences of her provocation were far greater than she thought.

“I was frivolous.”

“… … Not that.”

Wilhelm whispered as if moaning lowly. The gaze of her looking down at her was too impulsive to be that of a knight looking at her lord. However, Reinhardt did not shrink from that. On the contrary, I opened my eyes straight and looked up at Wilhelm.

“You and I are only eight years apart.”

"Oh yeah."

"You can't have a baby when you're eight."

yes this is it Reinhardt barely held back the urge to bite his lip.

Embarrassing and unfamiliar words overlapped with the young man riding on top of me.

In fact, Reinhardt understood a little why Wilhelm was like that.

Originally, the first love of boys and girls sprouted in their teens. Even more so, to Wilhelm, who was clumsy and was full of everything at first, he must have been almost the only one he could love. Luden was a devastated estate, and as soon as the boy could barely act as a man, she was taken to the battlefield.

So, it is understandable and sad that Wilhelm chose himself as the partner of his hasty first love. She must have known only her body temperature.

So Reinhardt decided to gently push Wilhelm away. The day to push Wilhelm's embarrassing confession out of her plan in the first place was later. However, as he tried to catch Wilhelm, who was quickly running away from her, the answer was suddenly pulled.

Wilhelm did not avoid or avoid her gaze. On the contrary, she looked down at her obliquely with her eyes that were so outrageous. Her well-groomed curly black hair and well-drawn black eyes were new to her while meeting the emperor.

'Perhaps, if I had met you somewhere else, or had met you without knowing it under a different circumstance, I might have fallen for you too.'

He was such a good young man. His mouth, which had not yet been bitten, was red, and his hard shoulders were firm and nimble. Perhaps quite a few women will blush when they see the young man now. In just a few more years he will become a terribly erotic man.

'But Wilhelm.'

Reinhardt tapped Wilhelm on the cheek with a friendly hand.

"yes. Then let's call her brother."

“… … line."

Wilhelm's eyes narrowed. Reinhardt looked straight at that fresh face.

“My proud brother.”

“… … .”

It was a moment, but a silence that felt like an eternity settled between the two of them. However, Reinhardt did not give up. Because it wasn't Reinhardt he had to bend over. Originally, first love is bound to fail, so Reinhardt was not sorry for Wilhelm. It was just pitiful. Wilhelm had to stay by her side, never as her lover.

Of course, there was also the fact that Wilhelm did not feel like someone who would give her love. But that wasn't all. It was a much more calculated reason.

That's what a male-female relationship is.

Even if you don't feel like a man, the fire will light if you pull it. When did Michelle Allanques share a bed because she gave her love? Besides, the current Wilhelm was a wonderful young man that was embarrassing to look at at first glance. He was like that even now. Reinhardt's heart almost sank because of the young man who unexpectedly climbed on top of him. Seeing the young man who was always standing next to me so closely and looking down at me gave me a different feeling of embarrassment than usual.

But Reinhard soon calmed down. It was because the circumstances outside the bed were terribly complicated.

To Reinhardt, Wilhelm means more than just a well-bred young man. If she did something wrong and lost him while playing with fire prematurely, the blow she would have to bear was not small. Wilhelm was the one and only card she had, and she couldn't tear it apart with her own hands.

In this case, some people think that it would be far better to accept that love.

But Reinhardt knew very well how quickly love fades and how ridiculous it can make people look. Michel Alainkes never loved her, but he was exceptional for taking the woman who shared her bed with me very lightly.

Reinhardt never overlooked the fact that there are tens of thousands of times more bad things than good things that happen to a woman when a woman gives her side to a man. So, rather than dragging Wilhelm into bed and pretending to be a lover in order to tie him to him, Reinhardt chose to quickly cut off the branch of the young man's emotions.

There is nothing more painful than what you already have. On the other hand, it is difficult to throw away what we do not have, even though it is regrettable. There are people in the world who will spit on what they don't have, but at least Wilhelm wouldn't be such a man. He studied under Dietrich.

And Wilhelm shrewdly seemed to understand Reinhardt's intentions. A fire lit up in his dark eyes, and Reinhardt watched the fire. Wondering if it would go out or cool down slowly, she said something to say.

“When and how did you know?”

That was exactly what Reinhardt was curious about.

Wilhelm replied, 'I can't tell you yet' to Reinhardt, who asked when he learned about his lineage.

When he first met Wilhelm, Reinhardt thought he was a monster, not a human. He was so filthy, he couldn't even speak human words, and from then on he couldn't have known that he was the emperor's illegitimate son.

If so, since when?

At least not in your own hands. Reinhardt, who was trying to guess the time, decided to ask Wilhelm directly. At least when he's in the capital, he should let the emperor know before he comes into contact again. To play a card game with an opponent, he must know what hand he is holding.

“… … Are you curious about that?”

“Ah, Wilhelm. Did you say you are like a child to me? Of course you claimed an eight year age difference, but at least I do.”

Reinhardt deliberately bumped his forehead into Wilhelm's forehead.

“Parents want to know everything about their children, right?”

At that moment, Wilhelm's eyes grew cold. Reinhardt smiled a little at Luden's cold eyes, as if it had become winter in an instant, but at the same time, one side of his chest felt better. It was clear that Wilhelm had just accepted Reinhardt's refusal. It made me sad to have to give pain to my beloved child with my own hands. Wilhelm replied crookedly.

“Is that so?”

"then."

Saying that, Reinhardt lightly pushed the chest of Wilhelm, who was on top of him, and sat upright. Wilhelm was now pushed out of bed in an instant. The reddish cheeks had gone pale in the meantime.

“Of course not… … .”

Before negotiating with the emperor, I was about to say something I should know.

But Wilhelm didn't even listen to her and just snorted.

"You've never been a parent before."

“It is not necessary to know. my father... … .”

"But you've never been a child, so you know."

The young man standing in front of her spoke in a terribly calm manner.

“The fact that children don’t like to ask every detail about the secrets their parents have kept hidden.”

And Wilhelm turned around as it was. It was a truly peaceful step for a man who had just been rejected, but the door that opened and closed violently with a bang soon represented Wilhelm's state of mind. Only Reinhardt was left in the room now. Opening her eyes round, she sighed long after the door closed.

There's no way you can get a straight answer after kicking away a child's first love.

But there was something Reinhardt didn't know. Sometimes cold is more dangerous than fire.

***

Wilhelm violently slammed the door. As a result, some of the escorts in the drawing room opened their eyes wide in surprise and called out to him.

"kyung?"

“… … Work hard.”

The escorts were taken aback by the trivial words of encouragement that sounded so cold. It was an encouragement, but it was the same as saying not to talk to me. But even among them there were no brave ones.

“Where are you going… … .”

“I’m going to look around.”

Wilhelm, who had cut off the tail before the person who spoke to me could even finish talking, looked coldly at the three escorts before turning around and leaving the drawing room. The escorts were agitated, but that didn't mean they couldn't open Reinhardt's door and ask what was going on. In the end, the escorts exchanged glances languidly before returning to their places and standing.

The Welcome Palace was the place to receive the guests of the Alanques Empire, so its elegance was unparalleled. The hallway, which is dotted with beautiful sculptures, paintings, and decorations, is easy to be mesmerized by first-time visitors. However, after leaving the parlor, Wilhelm strode out without even paying attention to the precious and beautiful things.

Suddenly, the kohlrabat wrapped around my neck felt stuffy. It was worn to see the emperor. Wilhelm pulled the cravat with a rough hand. The soft and fine fibers became taut as if they were going to tear, but soon they could not overcome the force and unraveled.

“Sir Wilhelm!”

It was Marc who called Wilhelm, who strode forward.

Wilhelm looked in the direction where his name was called with a frown on his face. The brown-haired girl who often walked up to her, wondering why she was so busy that night, smiled brightly.

"Where are you going!"

"What's going on?"

Marc was well aware that this young man with his lord was blowing cold winds around everyone except him. Because even on the battlefield he served with this young man. Most of Luden's women have a soft personality and don't stick to small things. With that kind of personality, he couldn't last long in the cold Luden. Marc said bravely.

“I need to pick out clothes to wear to the banquet, so come out tomorrow morning if nothing else happens.”

What to wear to a banquet? Doesn't that matter if it's just rags or something? Even if it's a rag, it really doesn't matter. Thinking that Marc would be surprised to hear it, Wilhelm continued to answer.

“I will wear anything. You don't have to go to such trouble.”

A normal person would say “Oh, okay” at this point and step back. But Marc said, "That's right!" and slapped Wilhelm lightly on the shoulder.

“Shouldn’t you be sworn in at the banquet!”

“I am not the star of the banquet. The lord should stand out.”

Wilhelm said that while trying not to pronounce the word lord too forcefully. Rebuttal came right away.

"No. The lord told you to choose a particularly good one for you.”

In fact, Reinhardt told Marc to dress Wilhelm appropriately. The reason was simple. Really, if he was going to dress him up, he should have had a decent tailor made for him long before he came to the capital.

However, there was no time to dress Wilhelm, who was busy with the Battle of the Territory. However, he could not buy good clothes in one day in the capital city. As he goes through the process of taking measurements and selecting fabrics, a week goes by.

Even the seamstress, who made clothes the fastest in the Imperial City, spent two days making one shirt for a man. So, as the crown princess, she did not place unreasonable orders to Mark.

But Marc thought differently.

Marc already knew that this young man liked Reinhardt. She even thought to herself that this young man and Reinhardt would have a good relationship. Originally, dating someone else was fun, but it wasn't just for fun.

It was because Mark was hoping that their amiable lord would be able to make this young man a little goofy. Even though it was obvious that the young man who behaved very hard had become Luden's light, he was still clumsy when it came to behaving underlings. Then everyone will be uncomfortable. I want to do my best and grow the territory big, but what the hell is that like?

Anyway, Marc wanted to say that Reinhardt was considerate of Wilhelm.

It is clear that the lord he serves is unfamiliar with this young man these days. From Mark's point of view, it was worth it. The boy from three years ago and the young man in front of me now are very different.

However, Mark is the one who has seen firsthand how this young man grows up on the battlefield for three years. And more than anything else, Wilhelm had also recently lost Dietrich. The lord was secretly pushing this young man away because he was unfamiliar, but then this young man might really have no place to rely on.

‘The world isn’t so unkind, Sir. The lord actually likes you too!'

In moderation, don't take it. Indeed, as Marc expected, the young man's frown slowly cleared.

“… … Your Excellency?”

Wilhelm said that as if he was dumbfounded, and then laughed. Marc smiled as well, thinking that the corners of his mouth were pushed up.

"Yeah. He told me to take care of him.”

His laughter was close to ridicule or absurdity, but Marc had seen it well on the battlefield that this young man would smile like that even for good things, perhaps because he hadn't had a smooth childhood. If someone who served on the battlefield saw a mark like that, he would say, 'No, that's not a mark...' … .' He might have said, but that's what Marc thought anyway.

"All right."

Look at that, he's so docile and pure. Marc was confident and tried to show me his room. However, Wilhelm's words continued.

“Your Excellency, don't you need any special preparations?”

“Ah, that’s what I’m worried about anyway.”

Marc babbled as if he had asked the question well. Reinhardt's attendant, her lover, was worried that Reinhardt only wore a black dress.

“Originally, wearing black clothes to a banquet is not a good idea. But the lord only brought a black dress. What do you think? Actually, that's why I was wondering if there was any way to get close with someone among the ladies-in-waiting in the imperial palace and do something about it... … .”

Marc confided in his grievance that, while attempting to make friends with a maid he did not know well, they avoided him, considering them strange. It was possible because he was really a country boy. None of the maids in the imperial palace would want to get close to Reinhardt's right now. Isn't it the return of waste money? If they were to mix up their words, it would have been to insult the crown prince.

“There must be jewels I collected as trophies from other great estates.”

“I see.”

Wilhelm furrowed his brow. Orient was a territory with quite a few artistic craftsmen, so the beauty of the jewels the lord possessed was indescribable. Mark sighed that he had collected them as trophies from the Territory War, but Reinhardt coveted none of them.

“I thought you brought some of them, but I guess not. He said that a single ribbon is enough for a hair ornament.”

“… … under."

At Mark's concern, Wilhelm laughed in vain as if he was stunned.

“It’s tricky.”

“… … Yes?"

Mark widened his eyes at the young man's self-talk, and Wilhelm shook his head.

"Nope. It seems that His Excellency probably didn't fill it up.”

“Ah, maybe so. Come to think of it, our lord was the crown prince, oh my… … .”

After saying that, Marc glanced around as if he thought it was a mistake. However, he confirmed that no one was there and whispered to Wilhelm as if he mustered up courage.

“At one time, you were the second highest person in the empire next to Her Highness, so you must have a tricky eye, right? If you think about it that way, I don’t think people from the countryside like us would be happy with the things they pick up.”

Wilhelm looked over her shoulder in the direction of the drawing room, as if Marc wasn't even looking at him, then smiled.

“… … I don't think it's a man's eye.”

Of course, even at this rude remark, Marc laughed haha. Originally, in a place where there is no master, it is the law to say anything.

“But what! It can't be helped. There was only one crown prince, so it wasn't like you could choose to marry."

“… … .”

"Your Majesty's Majesty could have had the fun of picking out a decent one if there were 15 or so sons, but there's only one option!"

“Choice.”

Wilhelm laughed lightly like a sigh. Then he tilted his head crookedly.

“I don’t think he had to be the emperor’s son. Any other man... … .”

“Oh hey, what are you talking about? Our lord's father chose you.”

Isn't he the best man among men who have the three elements of money, power, and fame? He is the next emperor! As Marc deliberately lowered his voice, Wilhelm narrowed his eyes.

"mind… … .”

“Mark, sir.”

I already knew that this young man had no interest in anyone other than the lord anyway. Mark replied with a smile. Wilhelm asked with his eyebrows raised, motionless.

“The best man among women is the son of the emperor, then?”

"No, actually, he's the emperor, but my grandfather is a bit like that."

It was a sound that anyone who heard it would be dragged into blaspheming the imperial family, so Marc put his hands together and whispered as if it were a secret of the century.

“My mother said that a man is either a child or a dog. If you're going to choose between a boy and a dog, wouldn't the probability of being a good boy or a good dog increase if you're a prince anyway? I heard that pedigree dogs are expensive, too.”

Then, suddenly, as if she had finally recognized that Wilhelm in front of me was also a man, she added awkwardly.

“I don’t know, but I don’t know.”

“… … okay."

Wilhelm was silent for a moment, then smiled, then bowed his head to Mark. And he replied that tomorrow morning he would visit Mark and then turned around. The motion of turning around was unstoppable, and as he strode out, the kohl cravat he had released earlier fluttered and flew backwards. However, Wilhelm walked along the hallway as if he didn't even notice that Cravat had fallen and disappeared into one aisle. 'Kyung, kyeong!' It seemed that he couldn't even hear me calling.

In the end, the cravat was picked up by Marc. It was because she, from Luden, her poor estate, did not see a single cravat flowing easily.

"Wow, he's walking around like he's walking around his own house... … .”

Marc murmured, holding Cravat in his arms. Anyway, when a man is 20 years old, it's time for a storm in his heart. Marc turned around, thinking that it would be nice if my lord would take that handsome man and make him his lover instead of her husband.

***

The garden of the welcome palace was also spacious and elegant. Neatly arranged trees and flowers planted here and there give off a scent. Compared to other palaces, it had a wider shaft. It was interesting to think that most of the guests who came to the welcome palace were busy people who did not have much time to stay in the garden.

Wilhelm walked out without hesitation, not paying attention to the flowers in the garden. In the garden at night, candle-lit lamps were scattered here and there, as if the ladies-in-waiting were turning them on one by one. Among them, there were several spheres of light that had mana put into white crystals in larger places. In a word, it was luxurious.

However, Wilhelm did not stop his gaze even at that sphere of light. Soon the young man reached a small pavilion. A secluded place where you have to walk for a long time even in the garden. Besides, it was hidden by two large trees, so most people wouldn't even know that there was a pavilion there. There were a few small chairs and a table under the white-painted pavilion.

Wilhelm dragged a chair out of them and sat down as if he were drooping. A nimble, agile body like a wild animal, at that moment, it spread like a string connecting the whole body.

“… … under."

Wilhelm let out a long sigh. cold eyes. The sight of a beautiful black-haired young man sighing would probably have attracted quite a lot of attention elsewhere. But no one was there, and the young man muttered again.

“I shouldn’t have done that then.”

Of course, even if there were people, no one would know when that time would be.

The young man's dark eyes stared into space. Beneath the long eyelashes, only a faint outline of light indicated the presence of pupils there. Wilhelm kept his gaze there for a long time, as if someone was standing in the darkness in front of him.

“… … Shit."

The young man spat out a harsh sound, lowered his head and lightly touched his forehead. Reinhardt would have doubted his eyes if he saw a series of extremely elegant movements. He, who had acted rough and clumsy in front of her, moved with moderation and wastefulness like a completely different person.

Some would say that it was a disciplined gesture unique to knights. Of course, things like the slender jawline and broad shoulders played a part in making the young man look like that.

Wilhelm suddenly looked down at the sword he was holding.

The handle of the sword to which Reinhardt's sleeve was tied, now polished. Ordinary people would also tie a cloth around the sword to prevent it from slipping out of the hand. However, what Wilhelm had tied was so thick that it interfered with holding the sword. The surface was almost sunken from how much it was touched.

The man groped the sword and scabbard a few times, then gently brushed the knotted cloth with his hand. And right after that, Wilhelm twisted the fabric and pulled it out like a wringer. It was such a wild and merciless act that anyone would think it would be like peeling off the head of the world's greatest enemy.

Naturally, the knot came loose. The fabric, which had fallen from the sleeve of the woman's dress, was undone, exposing the unstained portion inside. Wilhelm glared at it, then grabbed the fabric with his fingertips again and carefully knotted it.

“… … .”

Immediately after tying the knot, the man's gaze softened again like a lie. Quite different from just before, as if looking at the woman he loves. A kind and warm gaze. Considering who the sword came from, the whereabouts of that love was also self-evident. However, no matter how much he pushed his opponent, the answer didn't come back as if he was blocked by a big wall, and Wilhelm was just nervous and angry.

It was then. A rustle, a sound was heard.

In fact, a little while ago, I heard the sound of several people walking in the garden, but Wilhelm didn't seem to care. But now the sound was too close, and Wilhelm slowly raised his head. The next moment, a pale man appeared through the trees.

“… … oh."

It was a woman. And, she was someone Wilhelm knew. He is exactly the one who knows the face by seeing it in the daytime.

Crown Princess.

To be precise, the woman who took the position of Crown Princess after the lord he served.

She was a Canary Princess.

Her wavy silver hair was braided down, and she wore a dress with less decoration than the one she had seen during the day. However, the tightening of the whole body did not change, revealing the slender and slender body as it was. Her startled eyes were directed right at her, and Wilhelm stared blankly at her. The first to make a loud noise was the princess' maid.

“Who are you!”

A shrill voice cut through the night garden. Princess Canary was accompanied by a couple of her maids, one of whom was dressed in light pants and wore a sword as if serving as her escort. The lady-in-waiting with her sword quickly drew out her sword and spoke loudly.

“Who are you? Be polite. It is the Crown Princess.”

Ordinary people would already know that Princess Canary is a noble person just by looking at her, and would stand up straight away. Even if she didn't know her, she couldn't be calm if her maid spoke so loudly.

However, Wilhelm looked straight ahead with indifferent eyes as if the dog was barking, then slowly stood up. All of a sudden, the lady-in-waiting was alert again.

“Don’t come closer and take an example on the spot.”

At those words, Wilhelm tilted his head loosely and looked in that direction, then got down on one knee and bowed his head in a reluctant attitude. It was the simplest example among the examples taken by the imperial family.

“Forgive me for not being able to properly greet the lowly person due to lack of learning. This is Wilhelm of Luden.”

At once, embarrassment appeared on the maids' faces. They didn't even know Wilhelm's name. The great lord of Luden and his direct knight who had an audience with the emperor today. And Princess Canary also looked at him, apparently recognizing his face. yes it will. Wouldn't it be hard to forget the person you saw just a few hours ago? Wilhelm looked up at him while on his knees.

Princess Canary's eyes looked down at her, and there was even a bit of longing, but as soon as she met Wilhelm's gaze, she quickly erased the lukewarm expression from her face.

“This is the road where Her Majesty is taking a walk alone in the evening. Get away quickly.”

Wilhelm made a puzzled face.

"I'm sorry, but I think this is the garden of the Welcome Palace."

It means that my accommodation is here, so where are you going to go? Yes, that was also true, but it was truly disrespectful for a mere knight to reply to the Crown Princess. Anyway, isn't the Welcome Palace also part of the imperial castle? And the Crown Princess was the woman who would become the hostess of this imperial castle in the distant future. Her lady-in-waiting tried to keep her mouth shut, but Princess Canary, who was next to her, stopped her maid first.

“Gilia. This is the first person to come to the Welcome Palace today. You may not know.”

“I apologize.”

The maid immediately lowered her head. Princess Canary slowly and gracefully turned her head and spoke warmly to Wilhelm.

“I’m sorry. This place is close to the palace where I used to live, so I often go for a walk. So, thankfully, the people in the imperial palace were considerate of me and I was able to spend a quiet time, but I forgot for a while that I also had an important guest at the Welcome Palace today.”

Most of the reactions of people who saw Princess Canary for the first time are similar. Until she sees her, she makes all sorts of guesses about her villain who made her former husband her husband and sat there. However, when she sees her, everyone unknowingly shows her liking. She was the princess of Canary, because she was the greatest and precarious beauty created by anxiety, intimidation, sadness, and tension.

So, the gungnyeo thought that the man would also show a slight liking for me. But the man in front of me just knelt down and answered blankly.

"Yes."

After saying that, the eyes that looked up at the princess were calm and cold enough to be embarrassing. Princess Canary blinked her eyes for a moment as she wondered if she was seeing her vision. During the day he apparently smiled at her. With her black, ripe eyes full of princesses. But there was nothing but cold in her eyes as she looked at her now.

“How majestic!”

The lady-in-waiting erupted in anger again at the extremely rude answer.

“Your Highness responded to Luden's knight with the utmost courtesy that the imperial family could send. What a rude attitude!”

There was a loud noise next to her, but somehow the lady-in-waiting seemed to hear the maid's voice from far away, which had nothing to do with her. That's why she, Dulcinea, just stared down at Wilhelm.

Even though I confirmed that there was no crush that I thought I would take for granted, I was strangely not offended. Dulcinea soon realized that a strange and unfamiliar feeling welled up inside her. Crush? no. It had been in her mind ever since she saw this man during the day.

'This… … It's a good feeling.'

A woman who had never faced anyone, never fought, never even once tried to win, felt for the first time that she wanted to win against someone.

Hoseungsim was specific. For example, I wanted to win a fierce fight and have the man kneel at my feet. Filling her feelings for her in those cold, empty eyes of hers, and... … .

Dulcinea recalled the image of him who had filled her eyes just a few hours ago. After smiling, curling up the corners of her lips, the man's black eyes filled only with her. I wanted to see it again, no, forever. It's the look that is full of himself in those rude and disrespectful eyes. If you make me bend that stiff neck. And with my hands... … . Dulcinea quickly erased the thoughts that were trying to fill her head in an instant.

Something similar has already happened. Such was the case with Michel Alanquez, who came through the rough greenery of Evergreen Palace, which was shunned even by gardeners. Those arrogant eyes, filled with the desire to play with a woman who was only a pawn, instantly became sweet. She never wanted it, but she could have it.

So, how easily can you get what you really want?

Dulcinea raised her hand to block the maid. Her maid winced at her and he took her example to her.

“Sorry to interrupt your rest. For the sake of Your Majesty's valued guest, I am willing to leave. But since it is my only pleasure, may I ask you to clear the garden for me from now on?”

They shared a light smile. The man glanced up at her and stood up and nodded her head. The ladies-in-waiting are stern, stern. She trembled, but Dulcinea said with a strange look on her face, "Don't do that," and shook her hand, and she shut her mouth.

At that moment, the corners of Wilhelm's mouth rose just a little bit.

Princess Canary shrugged, then hurriedly disappeared with a smile on her face. Her ladies-in-waiting followed suit. After a while, I heard a small voice grumbling in the distance.

“Your Highness, there is no need for that.”

“… … .”

I couldn't hear what Princess Canary was saying. She was naturally not a woman with a loud voice, so she deserved it.

Only Wilhelm was left in the garden now.

No, no. Wilhelm looked down in front of him expressionlessly. A beautifully embroidered white handkerchief fell where her princess disappeared. It was an overly visible color in the garden at night. Wilhelm walked slowly, picked up his handkerchief, and held it in his arms.

It was a night when someone's prediction was absolutely right.

6. Reunion

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