I shed tears full of emotion at Estelle's kindness.

Though, I wasn't as worried about the empress dowager as Estelle was.

'I've seen mothers-in-law make a fuss and threaten that they'll die before in kdramas. And, not~ a single person died.'

In my mind, I ought to keep quiet during situations like this, but I just can't do that.

I know how persistent the empress dowager is.

In the original, the empress dowager went on a hunger strike when she found out about their relationship, and she actually collapsed from it.

TL note: hunger strike- nonviolent resistance method performed by intentionally fasting to achieve their purpose

The empress dowager's rapidly deteriorating health caused a stir among the nobles and priests.

See! This is the result of the saintess' selfishness.

A saintess is supposed to save people from death, not drive them to death!

As expected, a relationship between a saintess and the crown prince was absurd to begin with. I sincerely ask you to break up.

How hard it was for Estelle to hear those harsh words.

Estelle eventually ran away from Carlix.

'But, their separation has made their relationship stronger..but the Estelle right now shouldn't need to have to do that again.'

I said, holding Estelle's hand in my hand.

Don't worry. The Empress Dowager won't stay mad forever.

I'll make it so.

How can I change the mind of the empress dowager?

'I know the easiest way to do it.'

I looked at Lucian.

He rubbed my legs with an innocent face like he knew nothing.

Beneath this harmless appearance, Lucian was the most fearful man in the world.

If Lucian goes to the emperor and says something, everything will be solved.

'That would do it.'

The emperor will somehow keep the empress dowager quiet so as not to endanger the empire.

'But I don't want to ask Lucian such a favor.'

I don't want to provoke a lion napping in peace.

Other than that, such a forceful method would only be effective for a short amount of time.

The empress dowager may pour out her hatred for Estelle again in the future.

So it was best to try to change the mind of the empress dowager.

Because warm sunlight changes people's minds more effectively than strong winds.

Just like the other time, when Lucian had brought an olive tree branch to improve the empress dowager's opinion of me.

'But that was in the past. She won't have any mercy now.'

The empress dowager, who was compelled to become Lucian's fan that day, was no longer his fan anymore.

Not only that, she turned to anti, which is even scarier than leaving the fandom.

Because Lucian was cursed by the devil.

It doesn't matter if we claim that the curse has been purified, the empress dowager was adamant that anyone cursed by the devil should never be acknowledged.

If Lucian appeared before the empress dowager, it would only have adverse effects.

'What then?'

After a while, I laughed at the thought that came to mind.

If not Lucian, I can find someone else.

* * *

I went out on my day off. Of course, Lucian followed me like a goldfish.

We headed for a mansion in the capital.

Welcome.

The one who greeted us was Pew, the most popular actor in the empire.

A face that is pure white, eyes as black as obsidian. Mystical green hair.

He certainly had the beauty that could steal the hearts of high-standing aristocratic women.

Lucian, who had been very obedient, reacted strongly for the first time in a while.

Lucian whispered in my ear.

I want to kill him.

He looks uglier than Lucian's toes.

Only then did Lucian become quiet.

I bowed my head to Pew.

Thank you for allowing me to visit. You're probably the busiest man in the capital.

I didn't mean it for show. Pew is a huge celebrity.

One would have to go through a highly competitive competition to book a ticket for his performance, and it was absolutely impossible for ordinary people to have a private meeting with him.

So I was very surprised when he approved of my request to meet him.

'I thought I would have to beg him more than ten times, so I didn't expect him to give me permission at once.'

Pew said with a warm smile.

It's an honor for me, too. I'm happy I get to see the two most famous people in the capital.

I was flustered.

'I thought he'd be more arrogant since he's the most popular actor in the empire, but he's not like that at all.'

Far from being arrogant, he was as innocent as a teddy bear.

I spoke in surprise from Pew's unexpected personality.

I sent you a letter beforehand so you know what I'm here for, right?

Pew nodded.

Yes, you said you have a favor to ask of me. What is it?

I said, swallowing my saliva.

Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks

Can you visit the empress dowager in place of me?

Of course, I wasn't asking him to just visit her in the hospital.

What I was really aiming for was to melt the empress dowager's heart with Pew.

The empress dowager was such a huge fan that it was said that she was his hidden fan club's president.

'Of course, it won't be easy to do such a favor.'

Once again, he was the best actor in the empire.

He's not in a position to simply grant such a selfish request.

I tightened my grip on my pocket.

'I brought some money, but would it work on him?'

It may not.

'If money doesn't work, I'll try to persuade him with a tongue full of honey.'

Pew nodded as he made up his mind.

Very well.

What?

I'll grant you the favor.

His cool answer made my eyes wide. I couldn't believe it.

His face turned serious when we met eyes.

Of course, I'm not granting you the favor for free.

Obviously. I know not to be brazen and ask you for this for free.

As soon as I was about to say the amount I had prepared, Pew said.

I-I'd like to get Lord Kardien's autograph!

Huh?

My eyes widened at the unexpected remark. Lucian had the same reaction, who was sitting beside me with a blank face.

Pew stretched out his two fingers with a firm look on his face.

T-two signatures.

.he-he's blushing.

I knew only then what for and why he had decided to grant my request.

He was a big fan of Lucian.

I've admired Lord Kardien ever since he made his name known as a knight. After whenever Lord Kardien stood in the front row and waved his hand as the army was dispatched to battle, I hung yellow ribbons in the capital's entrance every day in hopes of his safe return.

Wow. He's a real fan.

Pew continued, fanboying.

I didn't think that I would get an opportunity to meet someone so admirable and honorable. Lord Kardien's signature will be the best gift I'd ever receive in my life.

Is it because he's an actor?

Every word was as sweet and sorrowful as a scene in a play.

But Lucian's face had no emotion.

Nothing ever affects Lucian unless it had something to do with me.

Pew's face was filled with anxiety from Lucian's cold response.

I think it's because he thought Lucian might not do what he asked.

But Lucian nodded.

Ok.

As long as he doesn't bother Nia anymore.

It was evident what Lucian was thinking from his reluctant expression. Nevertheless, Pew's face was as bright as a child.

T-thank you! Thank you very much!

Pew rushed to get paper and pen he had prepared before Lucian could change his mind.

Lucian signed with the most insincere gesture in the world.

Nevertheless, Pew hugged the paper with Lucian's signature on it with a tearful face.

It's a great honor to have your autograph. I'll have no regrets if I die right now.

You can't. You can't die before doing what Nia asked of you.

Oh, that's right. I got it!

If you're done, don't look at her anymore. It's annoying.

Of course!

Don't say anything more than what you need to say to her in the future. It was unpleasant to see her talk to an ordinary man, but it's even more unpleasant to see her talk to a man like you.

Yes!

What's this? Handsome men training? Human puppetry?

When did Lucian learn such a scary skill?

I scratched my face as I looked at Pew nodding his head several times with a soulless face.

Anyway, I was glad things went smoothly.

* * *

My plan is called:

Operation: Pew pays a visit to the empress dowager.

The empress dowager denies any food and drink brought to her, and says she won't see anyone who visits her, but she won't reject Pew.

She's a huge fan of Pew.

As expected, the empress dowager allowed him to visit.

Pew smiled gently at the empress dowager, who was lying in bed.

Empress Dowager, it hurts my heart to see someone who cares so much for the people of the empire lying in bed like this. Is Her Majesty saddened by the Crown Prince?

Ho ho ho. You're the only one who understands my heart.

The empress dowager looked at Pew with an emotional expression.

As she should.

Since her favorite person came to comfort her during her hardest times.