In fact, I have something to tell you, Your Eminence.

Really? Just go ahead. Let me listen to you carefully.

I opened my mouth slowly, fixing my eyes on his hair shining like white snow.

Do you know that my family has the authority to investigate the case involving Earl Laniers poisoning of my tea?

Yes, I heard it. But why are you bringing it up suddenly?

Looking at his unexpected surprise, I caught my breath, trying to think of what I had to say.

Once I decided to make a deal, I was supposed not to show any weakness on my end.

Well, while I was investigating the route of acquiring poison, I discovered something strange.

They cant obtain it through the normal route, but it was not smuggling no matter how much I looked into it. Then, how did it cross the border? I mean, that poison that cannot be made in the empire.

Do you want to say the temple is responsible?

I do not know. What do you think?

When I turned my mouth up slightly, he said, touching his lips as if he was put on the spot,

Oh my, you and your father are so similar in many respects. Not long ago, I was very embarrassed to hear the same question as yours.

I was a little embarrassed, but I kept trying to keep an expressionless face.

As if he noticed my intention, he said with a faint smile, I got it anyway. If the temple was involved, why did you tell me? Even if I am a wandering priest, Im also a priest like them.

Thats why I am telling you. I wouldnt care if this was only related to me, but it is also related to the emperor. As things stand now, the emperor might be involved in controlling the temple and its divine power. You dont want to stay indifferent, do you?

Well, are you now offering me a deal? What do you want? he said, holding his chin with one hand.

Although I was bothered by his attitude, showing as if he knew it already, I bit my lips slightly and opened my mouth again, I want the other High Priest who is expecting to visit the empire soon. Specifically, I want his divine power and testimony.

Um, are you talking about Quartus?

Thats right.

I smiled at him who looked a little embarrassed. Although I was worried that I might be taken in by the High Priest who looked so relaxed and leisurely, I didnt have to, fortunately.

In fact, the deal I presented to him was not what I originally thought of. I suddenly hit upon it after hearing from the High Priest a moment ago.

It looks like you cant trust me completely. Im a little sorry for that, Lady Monique.

Well, that s okay, but what if I or Quartus doesnt accept it?

Well, what would the people think if they tried to harm the emperor, the Sun of the people, who rules them on behalf of our Lord? Can they blame the Sun or blame them who coveted the Sun?

Got it. If you come up with that logic, I have nothing more to say. Good. I accept the deal.

Clicking his tongue gently, he said after nodding, You have to do one thing in return.

What are you talking about?

As you know, I dont have much say at the temple. As you have the investigating right and intelligence power of your family, can you find out who is involved in this incident on my behalf? I will take care of the rest.

WellI would accept it if you could get me the poison in question and its antidote within a month, in addition to the above conditions.

Oh, you give me another trouble. Good. Let me do so.

He nodded while stroking his lips with an expression of embarrassment. Then he said after looking at me quietly, You have not only brilliant beauty but also sharp intelligence. The more I know about you, the more I cant help but admire you.

Is he at it again? When I looked at him as if I was sick and tired of his banal praise of me, he smiled faintly and said, Isnt it time for you to get used to it by now? Well, this is your charm in a way.

Your Eminence.

If you show me such a cynical look, I feel like I want to praise you more. Even though you have already held a ceremony celebrating your coming-of-age, you are still really cute.

He pleasantly looked at me swallowing a sigh and recited a prayer with a unique mystical voice.

Praise the beauty given by the Father of Life. I give you the blessings of our lord Vita.

The soft floral scent was wafting around, and the pink petals were fluttering. A feeling of refreshment that I was already accustomed to wrapped around my body.

Thank you, Your Eminence.

Youre welcome. Shall we stand up now? I think I have to start working right away to meet the deadline.

Ah, yes.

Praying that this deal would come through, I followed the young man walking away, dragging his long hair on the floor.

Lady Whir is here, my lady.

A few days later when I was working at home after I was done with my morning assignment,

the butler knocked on the door and told me that Grace had come to visit me.

Taking my eyes off the documents, I asked him to let her in. As she didnt say why she wanted to see me when she made the request yesterday, I was also curious about the purpose of her visit.

Shortly afterwards, Grace with her glowing hair finely twisted up appeared and bowed.

Its been a long time, Lady Monique. How have you been?

Ive been getting by. How are you?

Im doing fine, thanks to your concern.

I smiled slightly at Grace who expressed gratitude and lifted the teacup brought by the maid. Grace, who lifted the mug and savored the subtle lemon scent, said, You must have been puzzled by my sudden request for a visit. Thank you for accepting it with pleasure.

Youre welcome. Arent you and I close enough to accept such a request, right?

It is an honor if you say that, Lady Monique.

Grace, bowing to express gratitude again, presented me with a small envelope.

In fact, my sister has been engaged to the second son of the Genoa family. So, we decided to hold a banquet to celebrate their engagement ten days later. This is the invitation.

I see. Please convey my congratulations to your sister. I will send an official congratulatory message soon.

I smiled as I accepted the invitation. But my head was a mess, although I smiled at her.

Combination of the Genoa and Whir families?

In fact, my family had a conflict with them over the issue of my breakup of engagement with the emperor recently. Of course, I had no intention of competing with the Whir family with respect to our relationship with the imperial family, but I couldnt turn a blind eye to the two families political marriage because they were against my family.

However, in the present situation where the conspiracy of those who dared to kill the emperor was revealed, I couldnt promote the division within the pro-emperor faction which the Whir family belonged to. Its time to unite, not to split. So, I felt I had better wait and see for the time being.

Only

While I sorted out complicated thoughts and drank tea, Grace said, By the way, are you busy a lot lately? I am sorry to say this, but there is a lot of bad gossip about you because you are not appearing in social circles these days. I think it would be good for you to attend one one of these days.

Got it. Let me keep that in mind. Um, have you heard anything new?

There is nothing special about it, but there are lots of rumors that Lady Jena is working on something. According to the rumors, she was knocking her brain out to do something in cooperation with the temple, but I dont know the details.

I already heard about it from Entea the other day. As I didnt have to worry about what I was already prepared for, I felt I didnt have to worry about Jiun.

Then Grace, who watched me nodding, said suddenly with a smile.

But come to think of it, you dont have to worry about it. The emperor still cherishes your love.

How can she rival you, no matter how hard she tries?

Pardon?