Fabian at once received both good news and bad news.

She asked her to marry the Duke Perth? Its beyond common sense.. Even Fabian was profoundly impressed with what Rebecca said.

Shes not wrong. Because my brother is currently single. Serus said calmly as if Duke Perth wasnt his brother. But its surprising. I didnt know the Princess would give such a threatening warning to the noble wives.

There was a satisfied smile engraved on Fabians lips. Evelyn wasnt a weak woman. But the burden as the Empress and the obligation to the unfamiliar Imperial family were so heavy, so she was very cautious in everything.

The Imperial nobilitys wives were known for their babbling, and Fabians eyes werent wrong; Evelyn could make those women bowed their heads without saying a word.

If they violate etiquette, the Palaces owner must punish them. Only now were those words spoken. Evelyn was too generous.

But actually, Fabians heart was very nervous. As an Emperor, he couldnt get involved in the Inner Palace and womens affairs. Still, he was afraid that Evelyn would again be harassed by those noblewomen. Luckily he checked it himself, and his calculation was wrong.

Theres one more thing.

Again?

Serus slipped away from his gaze. But Fabian could guess it already without having to listen to him.

Her Majesty the Empress .. she requested to meet.

Reject, as usual, he said.

Now shes outside the door.

Huh, Fabian spat out laughter. Her mother seemed severe this time. Well, she had been patient for a long time as she couldnt see Fabians face so far. And Fabian also needed to meet his mother once. To make sure whether she was an enemy or not.

Earlier, it was said that Lady Metis ran away in tears and met Duke Metis after the tea party, complaining that she got insulting remarks.

Shes too young. Young and foolish. Fabian gave a cold exclamation and then folded his hands. Bring the Empress in. After that, you go and deliver my message to Duke Akshire.

Yes.

Soon, the Vatican party would arrive at the Imperial Palace. Fabian would do everything he could, even if he had to join hands with Liam.

It will be a tough meeting Fabian, who was left alone, spoke to himself quietly.

Soon after the Chamberlain made an announcement, a large door of the Emperors office opened, and the Empress Dowager walked in alone.

Fabian stood up reluctantly after seeing his mother walked upright without the maid, who usually was by her side.

Forcing to wait in front of Emperors office is not a visit but a raid. Fabian opened his mouth first and spoke to his mother with an icy voice.

I cant help it. If I wait for you to visit me, Ill grow old and die first. Monica retorted her sons nonchalant words without a blink of an eye.

I know why youre here.

Really? Her red lips twisted slightly. Fabian was a perfect Emperor in every way. Still, he wasnt a man who knew how to examine the details of other peoples feelings. He resembled his late-father a lot. Thats why Monica couldnt believe him.

You can say it yourself if you dont believe me, said Fabian, trying to avoid an argument with his mother.

Well, Duke Metis wont stand still.

Did you come all the way here to tell me that obvious fact?

Your Majesty, you have grossly underestimated Duke Metis ambition.

He is a person who wants Metiss blood to be thicker than Royals blood in this Imperial family. Is there any other ambition beyond that? Fabian laughed coldly.

Monica didnt answer him back since she also agreed to that statement. She was Metis daughter, and Fabian was the Emperor with Metis blood. If Stella ascended to the Empress throne later, the Imperial familys blood would be blurred.

Her Majesty Empress, do you still not know? Fabian slowly sauntered away from his mothers sight, What kind of person I am. He sat on the throne with his noblest gesture. A gesture that was full of symbolism. I wonder if you dont even know me. I never feel that Metis blood running inside me. Its the same as your blood. Even if my future Empress is Metiss daughter, dont even think she can change anything.

Monica looked up at her son, who was sitting on the throne with serene eyes. It felt like the years had passed like flowing water. It seemed only yesterday that Fabian was in the nannys arms and was breastfed. But since then, the distance between mother and child had never narrowed.

Im nobodys son.

Yes, Your Majesty is just the Emperor.

After being crowned in the Empire, the Emperor was reborn as a different human from others until his death. He was the ruler of the world, and he was no longer someones son.

I dont care how big the Dukes ambition is. If he crosses the line and leads to rebellion, he will be obliterated by the Emperors power.

Monica nodded quietly. As the Empress, she understood the risk well, but her brother, Duke Metis, seemed to have no idea. Sagan seemed vaguely confident that Fabian wouldnt impose harsh sanctions because Metiss blood flowed within him.

Even though such a thing didnt exist in the Imperial family.

I dont expect much from Your Majesty, said Monica.

Fabian held his chin in one hand and looked straight at his mother, Then why did you come here?

Honestly, Im in a difficult situation because my family is involved like this.

Its you who brought your niece, Lady Metis, to the Palace, and you want me to believe that? Sadly, Fabian didnt know much about Monicas life in the Metis family as they didnt have time to talk heart to heart.

Didnt that Lady Metis enter the Palace to take the Empress seat?

No, thats not true. Monica quickly drew a line. It wasnt what I wanted. Do you know what I did for the Metis family?

Fabian pauses for a moment. Looking back, yes, his mother didnt do anything for the Metis family.

She was very quiet in the Imperial family, as was her attitude towards her son. She wasnt interested in politics as well as in society. During her stay in the Imperial Palace, she only gave birth to successors and did nothing.

I only did my duty by giving birth to Your Majesty. And now what I want is a peaceful daily life, said Monica with firm determination.

So youre now telling me that youre not the mastermind after you brought her to the Palace yourself?

Yes, but it just because I couldnt ignore the familys coercion.

What a plausible excuse. Fabian hissed.

The gap between them couldnt be easily filled had created a moment of silence.

In the first place, Stella Even though shes my niece, I know she doesnt have the Empress fate.

Fabians eyebrows wriggled a little at those remarks. Somehow, he didnt think his mothers words were a lie.

More than anything, I know for sure that you want Princess Evelyn. Monica looked closely at Fabians black eyes. You never wanted anything first since you were little..

Monica never gave anything to her son. Fabian was breastfed by a nanny and raised by the Duchess Perth until he received the Emperors crown. Back then, she didnt know that she would regret it someday.

As a child, I had everything, so there was nothing I wanted.

Maybe.. Monica blurred the end of her speech. No, Im glad to hear that. But I think you have something you want now.

Fabian seemed didnt understand what his mother said. But those words led to Evelyn and his child, so he nodded at once without hesitation.

Im delighted to see Your Majesty fighting for something that you so desire

I dont know what you mean.

Well.

Monica gave a bland, silent smile. Now it seemed that Fabian no longer needed a mother. Yet, she didnt have a sad heart because her son found the family he deserved.

Ive never done anything for Your Majesty. Thats what I know best.

Fabian always thought that his mother was a selfish person. So his face frowned slightly when she said something unexpected. He would understand better if his mother talked about the Metis family. But right now, he had no clue what his mother was thinking about.

Why, suddenly..

Would you give me a chance to help you at least once? asked Monica.

I dont understand what youre saying.

Monica had no choice because Fabian was her son. Please give me the Elders position in Inner Palace just once.

Fabian narrowed his eyes, wondering, did his mother come here to make such a request?

No matter what happens, there cant be two Empress in the Palace, even if its her mother-in-law.

I already know that. But, even if I become an Elder in Inner Palace, I have no power.

In fact, Inner Palaces authority was in Evelyns hand. Besides, if his mother became an Elder, she would have become a stranger to the Imperial family.

When the Vatican comes, I will ask them to crown the Princess as an Empress.

Fabian knitted his eyebrows, Empress-mother, whats wrong with you?

At least once, I want to do something as a mother.

Is there any more sincere explanation other than such a ridiculous reason?

To be honest, I want to end all these arguments by marrying Stella off to another noble family when she grows up. But the thing is, Duke Metis wont give up because he doesnt have any more daughters. So, let me go around and come out on Your Majestys orders.

His mothers idea was brilliant. Because it didnt make sense for Fabian to arrange or force marriages between noble families. But it was possible if there was someone who could represent him to do so.

When the Vatican troupe arrived, it seemed better for his mother to welcome them than to ask Evelyn, the party involved in the matter.

What do you get by doing that? questioned Fabian curiously.

Monica smiled bitterly in response to her sons unfriendly reaction, Its simple. I will break free as the backbone of my family and return to a peaceful life in a separate Palace. You will keep me safe for the rest of my life in exchange for my cooperation.

Thats all? Do you want to cut ties with the Metis family?

Your Majesty, you know nothing. Monica laughed. Fabian never knew about her mothers life. The fact that she hated Metis more than anyone else, how disgusted she was when facing his ambitious brother, and how happy she was when Fabian was born.

The Metis has used me to gain enough power. My days are already over, so I have no desire to serve them anymore.

After all, Stella was an unsuitable figure to become an Empress. Monica didnt wish any strife in the Inner Palace and opposition control over parliament.

Duke Metis and Monicas thoughts were completely different in this matter. Sagan looked for ways to protect his familys glory. But for Monica, her sons safety and peace were above all else.

Well, Ill wait for Your Majestys decision, said Monica.

What do you want to say Is that all?

Oh, I almost forgot.

At the moment, there was tenderness in Monicas eyes, looking at Fabian warmly, Congratulations for having the Prince, and please take care of your health.

Only

Fabian was still confused, but he nodded unwittingly, Thank you.

Briefly, Monica opened her eyes wide in one of surprise, then smiled. But that moment wasnt long. She turned around like she did when she first entered the room and disappeared from Fabians sight.

Still, the meeting between that mother and son felt cold and stiff. However, something was different today.

Really I dont understand.

Fabian, who was sitting on the throne, muttered alone. The Empress Dowager, whom he met a while ago, wasnt the mother he was familiar with. However, her bold proposal made him took the assumption that his mother was sincere.

Its a problem to think about.

It was only a matter of time before the Vatican party arrived. Fabian quietly cleared up his mind, looking at the finish line that was already in front of his eyes.