Ahead of the big event, Arya asked Castro to help her prepare eighty expert-level knights.

In fact, the Castro empire complained to Arya when spies planted in Leipsden were executed in the process of clearing up Aryas case. On top of that, she demanded as many as 80 knights, so the Castro empire refused at first, calling it a ridiculous demand. But in the end, as she expected, they decided to send the knights.

It wasnt just because Arya offered to hand over considerable land and interests after the event.

Castro had already fought a war with Carl. And as a result of the war, the army led by Carl had come right up to Castros capital, or the countrys Adams apple. Carl was called the one loved by the God of War for a reason.

They knew they couldnt face Carl in an all-out war. The value of the eighty expert-knights was enormous, but the sacrifice was relatively light if they succeeded in removing Carl from the Leipsden Empire. They thought it wouldnt be difficult to deal with the centerless Leipsden Empire where Carl was not part of.

Of course, even without Carl, the national power of the Leipsden Empire would still be strong, but the story would be different if Arya ruled the empire with a young emperor.

Arya also knew that Castro had decided to support herself with such interests. She knew it was time to pay more than ever. Now, it was necessary to act so.

Yes, have you found the mothers?

Arya asked the maid in a low voice. After Carl took away the knights she had planted and filled the door with royal knights, everything had to be done cautiously.

But this life was close to an end. If this plan was successful, she doesnt have to worry about anyone. She would sit on the throne with a scarecrow.

Its hard to find people with olive eyes. Im trying to find out as much as I can, but even if Im looking for a mother with olive eyes, I cant guarantee the color of the kids eyes.

Olive-colored eyes and golden hair were rare enough to be a symbol of the Imperial House of Leipsden.

Such a fool! Then you should find a child who looks like the second empress!

Thats silver hair isnt common either

Arya wanted to raise her voice and admonish her maid with a whip. The only thing thats left was this idiot! She said with a gnarled tooth.

Okay, any color of hair and eyes are fine. Sometimes children who dont look like their parents are born! But those involved should keep their mouths shut, forever!

Arya didnt want to mess things up again because of those light-mouthed like Bronis.

Whatever the hair color or whatever the eye color! Its the only bloodline of the imperial family thats left, and whos going to raise the issue?

Arya laughed with joy at the mere thought of it. If the day came, she would wield absolute power.

Its frustrating to stay in the palace. Im going to go find out how the second Empress is doing with the prince she holds. Let them know that Ill come and visit Empress Bluebell.

Arya stood up from her seat, ready to step out.

The empress palace, which did not pull the curtains, was dim with no light. Even the windows were not open well, so the interior of the castle smells stale and gloomy. Whenever the maids tried to open the window or close the curtains, the owner of the palace began to yell. The atmosphere of the empress residence was like a deserted house.

Bluebell, the owner of the empress palace, was hanging on the sofa in the living room, closing her eyes. The maids held their breath and stayed away from her.

They found their owner acting strange, but they couldnt find a solution. After her beloved nanny died, Bluebells personality turned violent. No, it seemed that shes been eccentric since she got pregnant.

One of the maids, who was worried that it might be because of a problem with Bluebells baby, called in a physician but was severely beaten by Bluebell, and she quit her job. Since then, no one has stopped Bluebell from doing anything.

A maid approached Bluebell with a frustrated face. There was a cold sweat all over her neck, even though she was merely passing words to her master.

Your Majesty the Empress.

The maid called her master carefully. Nevertheless, Bluebell did not respond.

Believing that the master was asleep, she called her up a little more. Only after the maid called her five or six times did Bluebell stand up nervously.

Why the hell are you being so loud! Is the castle on fire?

No, no Empress Arya informed us that she was visiting

Bluebell frowned at the maids words. She didnt want to meet anyone at the moment. She was in pajamas, and she didnt even wash her face properly.

However, she could not refuse her visit. The reason for her visit may be a serious matter.

Eventually, she ordered the maids to clean the living room and then went into the bathroom to take a bath. As the maids took off their clothes, Bluebell put herself into the bathtub.

There was a scent of fresh fruit. The maids filled warm water with fresh-scented fruits and flowers.

She used to like this scent very much, but now she felt a headache. Though she wanted to change the bath bombs, theres not much time left for Arya to arrive. She ordered the maid.

Get me a cold wine.

The maid said she would bring it straight away. Bluebell smiled bitterly at the reaction.

If my nanny was here, she would have nagged not to drink instead, she would bring me a warm fruit tea.

Until she entered the castle, Bluebell did not drink at all. But now she couldnt sleep without alcohol.

Alcohol was also needed when she wasnt sleeping. She felt like she could live only after she drank a strong drink that heated her heart.

Its all because of Sienna that Ive become like this!

Bluebell gnashed her teeth. Sienna ruined everything. It is because of Sienna that Bluebell has come to tell a false pregnancy.

You stole Carl from me

Bluebell used most of the day to blame Sienna. Emotions piled up every day, so she felt sick and helpless even without doing anything.

She couldnt even call a physician for her sickness for fear of being caught that she was not pregnant. After all, all she could do was lie down all day long or spend the day under the influence of alcohol.

She spent a lot of time in the bathroom because she had a lot of miscellaneous thoughts. When she came out in her gown, the maid informed me that Arya had already arrived and was drinking tea in the living room.

Though Arya had to go back or wait outside because the palace master didnt allow her in, Bluebell didnt react much to Aryas rudeness. If Arya wasnt polite, Bluebell didnt have to be polite as well.

Bluebell slowly chose her clothes, knowing that Arya was waiting. Her pride had already been hurt. She didnt want to look shabby in front of Arya.

She put a lot of effort into dressing up. It wasnt until Aryas tea cooled off and the maids came back several times before Bluebell came out to the living room.

Whats going on? I didnt know you would come so suddenly.

Aryas forehead was briefly frowned by Bluebells rude speech.

I dont have to have something going on to visit you, do I? I think we are close enough to have a quiet conversation anytime.

Arya looked around and said. Bluebell made the maids go away. The only stories to share with Arya were stories that should not be leaked out. The maids working under themselves were completely unreliable.

After confirming that the listening ears had disappeared, Arya frowned, scanning Bluebell up and down.

Whats with your clothes?

Bluebells face was wrinkled by Aryas attitude of pointing out the costumes.

It was a carefully chosen dress. She chose a bright red dress to make her face look lighter, so that her pale face that had not seen the sun for a while would not catch attention. She tightened her waist with a corset and added a lot of wrinkles to make her hips look rich. Bluebell cared about even the smallest things.

Bluebell said in an irritating voice, Whats wrong with my clothes?

The one carrying a royal baby should not wear so tight on the waist. There are many eyes inside the castle. If you act as usual, people will definitely suspect.

At Aryas point, Bluebell pouted her lips. She wanted to say something back, but Arya was right.

Until now, Bluebell had acted as she wished in her own castle. Even though the maids were around, she changed her clothes and got drunk. Surely there are some of the maids who doubt her pregnancy.

Its been quite a while. Well, then youre supposed to have a bump

Arya grabbed a cushion next to her and handed it to Bluebell.

This should be the only way to avoid doubt.

It was just a cushion, but Bluebell felt it was hideous. If she puts that over her stomach, shed definitely look ridiculous.

Do I have to? Some pregnant women might have no bumps.

Its not common. Moreover, wouldnt it be strange if you conceived a child before the Empress Sienna and yours isnt as full as hers? Theres not much time left. Please be more careful.

okay.

Arya squinted her eyes and asked, as Bluebell answered in an unpleasant way.

You havent changed your mind now, have you? Or you have lingering feelings about Carl?

At Aryas words, Bluebell looked dumbfounded.

No way! Im going to watch them fall into the abyss.

She told Arya strongly, but in fact, she changed her mind twelve times a day. The animosity towards Sienna still lingered, but her affection for Carl was too complicated. The resentment was great, but on the other hand, she thought he might change his mind.

After Aryas rebellion was over, itll be hard for Carl to survive. No, only when he dies can he and her family live. She has already made an irreversible choice.

Only

Nevertheless, Bluebell still had remaining feelings. If its not for nasty Sienna, she wonders if Carl will look back on herself, or if she only deals with Sienna, not Carl, in this matter, he would have no choice but to choose herself. But she couldnt confide her feelings to Arya.

Well thought. The one who laughs at the end is the real winner.

Will it be me and you who will laugh at the end?

Bluebell was surprised at what she said. It was a disgraceful remark to make before a big occasion. Nevertheless, Arya smiled vigorously and said, Dont worry. Ive prepared for this not to be a failure. We have eighty expert knights, weve prepared crossbows, and weve trained archers.

She was already told that a considerable number of knights had been secured. She was curious about where Arya got eighty people, but she didnt really care. She thought that if they gather one by one from the territories that cooperate, they might fill that number.

However, Bluebell was surprised to hear that they had saved the crossbow. Owning a bow, a long-range weapon, was forbidden. The crossbow was a state-controlled item and was a weapon that can only be used in the military.

Because the bows power on the battlefield was enormous, Leipsden Empire regulated that it could not be owned by individuals. Only the frontier forces fighting wars with other countries and the emperors immediate unit, the Central Army, had archers who knew how to shoot arrows and bows.