Can you please leave now? I demanded, clearing my throat.

I had a right to challenge him since he ignored and laughed at me.

You have no reason or right to intervene in my matters. Im sorry for the trouble I caused the other day. I wont bother you anymore. So, please leave.

Hey.

Though it was brief, I value our first meeting. In that respect, let me tell you one thing. Even if you are called a genius in any specific field, it doesnt mean you can cover your weakness in other areas. If you value the honor of your father and your family, you had better pay attention to your words and deeds and show due manners.

What? What the heck are you talking about?

I pulled the line. As if she was on standby nearby, Lina immediately appeared before he could refuse. I instructed her to escort him out of the mansion and bowed slightly as he left.

Im sorry, but I cant see you off because Im not feeling well. Goodbye.

Hey! How dare you!

I will escort you, sir, Lina said.

While his yelling faded away, I pulled the blanket over me. I didnt want to see or talk to anybody. I slowly closed my eyes and went to sleep.

Was it because I fell sick from excessive training? Or was I depressed? After I expelled Lars rather rudely, I was very sick for some time. I had a fever and my whole body ached as if I had been beaten by somebody. I had to change bed sheets several times a day because of the cold sweat, and I couldnt eat anything because I felt nauseous. Lina expressed her concern and the butler was also pretty concerned about my condition. Ive never been sick as much as I am now even when I was physically weak.

When there was no change in my worsening condition, the butler said he would send a letter to my father, but I told him not to. I didnt want to worry him, and I think I knew why I was sick. It was because my feelings got hurt.

The reason I was obsessed with fencing was because it was the only way I had come up with to avoid repeating my past life. I was desperate because it was so difficult.

I knew that I didnt have any outstanding talents like Allendis or Lars. I knew that it was difficult for me to achieve the desired results within a given time. So I made a self-fulfilling prophecy that there was nothing impossible, and I couldnt progress quickly in fencing. Despite that, I kept practicing excessively. It was inevitable that I got sick.

I sighed. As I was pressed for time, I couldnt shorten the training time to make any progress.

As the promised deadline approached each day, I felt more and more frustrated.

I thought about asking for a deferral, but there was little chance of my request being accepted. There was no chance that the emperor, who wanted to tie me to the imperial family in one way or another, would agree to my request.

I felt hopeless. I had to stick it out until Jiun appeared, but the time was too short. Even if I could hang in there, it posed another problem. If I didnt have the minimum qualifications, I wouldnt escape the fate of the next emperors concubine when Jiun arrives. Didnt I already experience it in the past?

The more my desire to get out of my doomed fate through fencing became weaker, the more gloomy and frustrated I became. I smiled bitterly. I vowed I would reject my given fate, and that I would lead a new life even with the denial of God. Was it just my arrogance? Is there really no way for me to get out of my past?

Lady Tia, youve got a letter.

On the seventh day while I was sick in bed, Lina, who brought me medicine and gave me a letter.

I noticed the crest on the outer envelope. It was engraved with a roaring lion. It was none other than the crest of the imperial family.

My heart sank. I put my hand on my chest as my heartbeat beat nervously and took a big breath. When I opened it with a trembling hand and read it, I tilted my head. It had just one sentence on the luxurious paper saying that I had to see the emperor.

What is going on? Typically it would mention the reason, but I didnt find it.

Lina?

Yes, young lady.

I think I should go to the Imperial Palace. Please help me get ready.

Really? But

You know I cant disobey the emperors order. Please.

Although she hesitated for a while, Lina reluctantly nodded. As I was sick, I didnt want to go, but I would feel uncomfortable if I didnt go. The emperor might have omitted to mention the reason why he wanted to see me, but what if it was so serious a matter that he couldnt mention the reason in the letter?

I raised my body, feeling dizzy. I took a bath with warm water, put on thick layers of clothes and stood in front of the mirror seeing my pale face, dishevelled hair, and cracked lips.

Can I really go see the emperor like this?

Do I have to reply even now that I cant go? What if I get blamed? After hesitating for a moment, I headed for the Imperial Palace, leaving Lina behind, looking at me worriedly.

I, Aristia La Monique, am honored to see Your Majesty, the Sun of the Empire.

Its been a while, Arisia. By the way, are you sick?

I havent been feeling well. Im sorry to let you see me like this.

Oh, if I knew you were sick like this, I would have called upon you another day. Im sorry. Let me send a royal doctor to treat you.

No, you dont have to, Your Majesty. Im fine.

This is my order.

Thanks for your considerations, Your Majesty.

When I answered reluctantly, the emperor nodded.

You must feel lonely as your father is away now. How are you doing?

Im keeping well, all thanks to Your Majesty.

Well, I wanted to see you as I have some questions. Who is serving you as your bodyguard? Are there any knights around in your house?

No, Your Majesty.

Alas! He should have left a couple of knights to protect you. How inflexible he is! How can you keep the house without any guardians? Let me dispatch a royal knight to you as of today.

I opened my eyes wide. A royal knight? They exist to protect the royal family alone. The emperors measures were highly extraordinary. Except for legitimate royal family members, nobody can be escorted by the royal knights. Even though I am the crown princes fiancee, I am currently a daughter of a marquis family.

Please withdraw your order, Your Majesty. Thats an extraordinary special treatment for me.

No, its not. You are the next empress, arent you?

Your Majesty.

Let me promise you I wont ask you for anything more because of this. How about that? Are you still going to refuse it?

Im deeply touched, Your Majesty. Im endlessly grateful to you.

I barely expressed my gratitude, clearing my throat politely. When I was moistening my dry lips, I heard somebody announcing that the crown prince just arrived. A boy with blue hair stepped in through the door silently.

Only

After glancing at me quickly, he said, Did you call me, Your Majesty?

Oh, yes. Come on in. I called you to have tea with you and your fiance.

I hurriedly opened my mouth when the emperor looked at me, I am fine. Please dont worry.

No, I cant have you join in this tea time as you feel sick. You can go back home and take a rest. Lets do this. Hey, crown prince, why dont you escort her back home? Let me have them prepare tea for when you come back.

Oh no, please. Im fine:

Okay, Your Majesty. Let me escort her then.

Although I tried to refuse by all means, the boy cut me off with a cold voice.

I stiffened when I saw his expressionless look. I awkwardly got up as his cold blue eyes seemed to urge me to stand up. I barely showed manners to the emperor as he looked at me kindly and left the reception room quickly.