Under the deep blue skies, the leaves stained with autumn colors were burning their last vestiges of life. As if he was saddened by its lost intensity, the autumn sun shining on the dusty ground shone brightly.

I picked up a towel and bucket from the corner of the training field while trying not to disturb the knights training there. Then, I sat in the shade and let my sweaty hair hang down. The breeze was very cool and refreshing.

After wiping off the sweat with a dry towel, I gathered the wet hair together, tied it up again, and drank water.

Was it because of my intense training? The water I gulped down tasted very sweet today. As I felt good at that moment, I leaned my back on the trunk of a thick tree with a smile.

Good morning, Sir Monique.

When I basked in the beauty of the clear and blue sky, a man said hi, wiping the flowing sweat on his forehead and coming to me in the shade. He was Sir Feden. His brown hair looked darker than usual because it was wet.

Good morning, Sir Feden. It seems to be a little late to say good morning, but the weather is really good.

Agreeing with me, he sat a little far from me.

Thanks for what you did for me last time. I was so absent-minded at that time that I couldnt greet you properly. I heard that both my wife and baby are safe because of your prompt action.

Youre welcome. As the host of the banquet, I just did what I had to do. How is Beatrices condition?

She was somewhat shocked, but now she is very stable. According to the doctor, she will be okay if she recuperates well for a couple of months.

Im really glad to hear that. Im going to tell my butler to send her some nutritional food for pregnant women, so dont refuse it. Its just a small sign of my friendship with her.

Oh, I cant refuse it as you say so. Thank you, Sir Monique. I receive something from you every time.

Sir Feden politely expressed gratitude to me, then remained silent for a while. As he seemed to have nothing to say any more, I looked at him for a moment before looking up at the sky.

I felt drowsy in the breeze. When I was slowly blinking my eyes, trying to shake off my drowsiness, he said in a subdued voice, I heard that the Lisa kingdom decided to accept the empires demands to take some of its delegation members hostage.

AhYes, thats true.

Adjusting my lax posture, I looked at Sir Feden for fear that he might feel guilty, but his brown eyes were simply staring at me.

As if he noticed I was doubtful about him, he said with a faint smile, Dont look at me like that. My wife and I are both satisfied with our life in the empire.

Really?

Of course. I didnt mention it because I was concerned about the Lisa kingdom. In fact, my wife has asked me to tell you that you dont need to be worried about her and you should just feel relieved.

Feel relieved?

When I tilted my head, Sir Feden explained kindly, Given the temper of King Kriyans of the Lisa Kingdom, he will try to have a princess be included in the hostage list. I also think so. Probably he will try to install her as the emperors concubine.

But dont worry. As far as I know, the emperor is not a pushover. The same is true for the leaders of the pro-emperor faction. Although I havent known them for a long time, I am confident of that.

I see. Thanks for your considerate words.

Youre welcome. I have to go back now, Sir Monique. Goodbye.

Ah, yes. See you next time.

After politely bowing to me, he immediately left the training field. After looking at him for a moment, I also raised my body slowly.

Concubine?

Suddenly, I remembered meeting the emperor a few days ago. I also remembered seeing the crests of the imperial family and the Monique family as well as the official paper that recorded the breakoff of my engagement with him in block characters.

Concubine

Even though I was walking in the bright sunlight, I felt as if I had the same chills that I felt the moment I saw the characters of the breakoff of my engagement.

Hi, Im glad to see you, Lady Monique? Good morning.

I felt a bit better when somebody suddenly called me pleasantly. He was Viscount Faye, the director of the palace affairs office.

When I looked at the side slowly, I saw a man who carried his frame upright smiling at me.

Good morning, Viscount Faye. Didnt I see you a week ago?

I think thats right because I am seeing you again for the first time since the banquet. But what business has brought you to the palace affairs office?

Actually, I came here where my feet took me, so I had no particular business, but something occurred to me suddenly when I saw Viscount Fayes face.

What were their names at that time?

I opened my mouth, retracing my memories slowly. At first, I thought of sending Beatrice some herbal medicine through my butler, but I wanted to use the royal doctor who examined her condition because it would be better for both her and me if I picked up and sent her correct herbs, given the choice. .

Well, Ive come here to ask you a favor. Im sorry to bother you every time.

Thats fine, Lady Monique. Its my job anyway. So, what can I do for you?

Do you remember the royal doctors who examined Baroness Feden at the recent banquet? I heard that one of them was a 40-something woman, a specialist in gynecology, and the other was a man in his late thirties. The man was very skinny, with a medium height.

Ah, you are referring to Royal Doctor Lant and Royal Doctor Senar. Let me bring them here right away.

After nodding at me slightly, he gave a servant nearby some instruction. The servant quickly headed somewhere.

When I was chatting with Viscount Faye, waiting for the doctors, I saw a man was entering the office. He, who checked Beatrices condition, was the very man who notified me that I was infertile.

How come the director of the palace affairs office called me? Oh myLady Monique?

The man who greeted me strangely stuttered as soon as he saw me. I was puzzled because he seemed very embarrassed, but I asked calmly, Why did you come alone? Is the other doctor off duty?

Who are you referring to?

I mean that woman doctor who examined Baroness Feden.

Oh, you are referring to Dr. Lant. Yes, she is off today Whats the matter?

I smell a rat. I knitted my brows. I felt suspicious about him because he was startled to see me, let alone his stuttering.

Can I check out his reaction?

But that was impossible. Since I had no idea of whats going on at the moment, I could not even speculate about this guys motivations. So, hiding my curiosity, I just asked casually, Id like to send some herbal medicine to Baroness Feden, but I dont know what would be best for her. Can you let me know?

Oh, you mean medicinal herbs? Of course. Let me write it down for you.

I stared at the man writing some medicines and quantities on paper. As soon as I heard the matter, the appearance of remarkable relief was suspicious.

Here it is.

Thank you. Let me do my own case.

Only

I saw him writing down several medicinal herbs on the paper. He seemed very much relieved to hear my question, which also made me suspicious about him.

Here you are.

Thanks. Let me pay for your efforts later.

Thinking I needed to look into his background, I received the memo from him and went out of the palace affairs office.

While plodding along the road, I suddenly recalled my conversation with Sir Feden again.

Five days passed since the emperor gave Duke Verita one week to wrap up the investigation. When the big conference is over two days later, my association with the imperial family will also be completely over because they are going to record the official breakoff of my engagement with the emperor.

What would happen after that was obvious. Certainly there would be a fierce competition for empress candidates to grab his attention. If Duke Jenna is found to be the culprit, Jiun wont be able to be the empress even if she has the legitimate cause as the child of Gods prophecy. If so, the woman who wins his heart would be most likely to become the empress. I could already easily imagine young ladies turning to all kinds of means and methods to win over his heart.