Proofreader: somnium

Debt?

I didnt point out anything about your remarks.

Amalie looked at Gayan silently. Gayan smiled.

Riagan Duchy was a matter between the Emperor and the Empress.

Lawrence has already turned away from Miraila to win the Empress approval. The Emperor watched it.

Favors for Lawrence are not the same as they used to be. This time, however, he dared to touch the Duke of Riagan, which the Emperor himself had chosen, for the Empress.

Rather, it would be okay to touch a powerful nobleman or a government official.

The Emperor would have been proud if he had succeeded in trampling Chancellor Lin, or if he had developed control over the court by taking Amalie or Gayan as a scapegoat.

However, the Duke of Riagan is the dog of the Emperor.

When a grown-up, hateful son kicks an old dog that has been raised for 18 years, he will get angry. Even if the dog started to disobey.

If hes lucky, hell get everything, but rather, the Empress is more likely to demand more and incur the Emperors anger.

Gayan did not point that out in front of Lawrence.

He did not even point out that Amalie could not make such a high-risk proposal.

.

Amalie turned her gaze without having to deny it.

Lawrence seldom listens even when one gives advice. Gayan knew that Amalie had been feeling skeptical from the beginning.

In fact, her remarks have declined dramatically in recent years.

Putting it all together, what she said today couldnt have been done for Lawrence. Amalie is not a young official in a hurry to build her achievements.

Gayan said.

Lord Lawrence doesnt know how to fear His Majesty. I guess Im not the only one who realizes that.

Did you not know before?

I did.

Gayans carriage reached the front door. Still, Gayan continued to speak without thinking of moving.

Miraila is still alive.

.

To be honest, even if His Majesty is angry, I dont think hes going to give up on Sir Lawrence.

Is that so?

Countess Eunice is someone whose vision is only in her familys troubles, and Countess Josiah ran away from the capital because she was too scared. The husbands, too, were chosen by His Majesty deliberately to be quiet and passive.. Now, it is difficult to teach them about imperialism.

Gayan evaluated the other two illegitimate daughters of the Emperor as such.

So, if the Emperor decides to hand over the crown to his child no matter what, it means there is no other alternative.

Gayan must have guessed who Amalie decided to kneel to. After erasing the children of the Emperor and Grand Duke Roygar, there is only one royal family left.

And when it comes to human affairs, he probably knows that Amalies choice is the best for them.

On the other hand, he also judged that the Emperors will is more important than who the king is.

Amalie said.

Who doesnt know its difficult to get off the boat on a flowing river?

Thank you for your understanding. I trust Dame Harpers eyes. Please leave it to me.

That meant he wouldnt disturb her.

That was enough. He will turn this way the moment he thinks that Lawrences ship is likely to sink.

It could have been better than visually increasing power or even taking a hit on Lawrence.

Gayan waved and said goodbye to Amalie.

Amalie also lightly nodded and greeted each other. Then, watching Gayans carriage, she muttered to herself.

For Sir Lawrence to arouse His Majestys anger.How can that be a simple thing?

There was no one else who could hear that.

***

Countess Eunices eldest daughter Fiona, who turned 16 not long ago, was sitting in front of the piano.

When she dressed up in nice clothes and raised her hair, she looked quite a pretty lady. The Emperor stood next to her with a smile and handed over a sheet of music.

Fionas performance was frankly incompetent. She was sitting next to the Emperor, so she was nervous by the pressure and she made more mistakes.

Even if he is her maternal grandfather, he is also the Emperor. And Fiona was at the age that already knew what power was.

Hayley had never played the piano, and she wasnt familiar with it. However she knows for the first time that when the piano keys were tapped, it could make such a scratching sound.

Even though it was a terrace with an open space toward the garden.

Even Countess Eunice, who was sitting across, didnt look good.

Fiona tried to exaggerate her skills in order to be seen by the Emperor and she failed.

It was a matter of being seen affectionately. But the Emperor smiled.

Fionas insidious attitude resembles Countess Eunice. One way or another, it was cute to the Emperor.

When the performance was over, the Emperor escorted Fiona back to the tea table, and he said.

You practiced a lot,

Oh, yes, Your Majesty.

You dont have to struggle to perform too difficult songs, Fiona. A ladys playing skills should be good enough to entertain her family in the salon.

Yes..

Fiona replied with difficulty. She bit her lips firmly, and looked around the terrace.

And she pointed out to Lysia, who looked easygoing and young, among them.

How about Morten Heir Apparent?

Yes?

Lysia, who was playing with the bunny doll and the ten-year-old younger daughter Larni, was surprised and asked again.

Me?

Yes. What is Morten Heir Apparent learning these days?

Lysias face turned red.

Shooting.

Are you any good at it?

Its a crossbow.

Its not cultured.

Isnt it close to being cultured? Its almost useless in practice.

Fiona gazed at her nervously.

The answer Fiona wanted was something like a musical instrument or embroidery. She must have learned it in some village within Evron. She asked with the intention of laughing at her at whatever came out.

By shooting, let alone a crossbow. As she talked, she didnt show the gap, and Fiona couldnt tell her to try it out here.

The Emperor laughed.

You lost, Fiona. Its no wonder that crossbows are cultured in Evron.

I think Lady Fiona and Lady Larni will be able to enjoy it as much as an arrow throw.

Lysia said with a bright smile.

She thought she couldnt entertain the people in this place with what she had learned, but she was excited because she wanted to come up with a good idea.

Arrow throw?

Larni asked.

Have you never tried it?

No.

Larni, who has a lively personality, sparkled her eyes. Countess Eunice frowned at her.

She is wearing a new dress after a long time.

Its okay. Throwing an arrow doesnt mean running or rolling on the floor.

Rolling on the floor?

Fiona asked back in an astonished voice. No rolling, Lysia replied, as she wasnt able to get the exact meaning of the word.

Grandpa, I want to try it.

Larni said, shaking the Emperors knees.

The Emperor laughed again. Then he called the attendant and ordered him to bring an arrow and a barrel that could be used for throwing arrows.

I cant even remember when Ive done that.

Whos playing with that kind of thing these days? Id rather have taught them how to shoot an arrow properly.

Countess Eunice shed her eyes.

Despite the sudden order, the attendants brought arrows and a beautifully decorated basket.

Lysia kindly took Larnis hand and stepped down the steps into the garden. The attendants put the basket.

Fiona had a nervous face. She was forced to take Larni out instead of the Emperor, who was watching them with a pleased face.

A realization came that it was time to tell the stories of adults.

Hayley hesitated for a moment as to whether to follow Lysia or remain.

Artizea beckoned her with a tired face. Hayley sat there and fixed Artizeas hem.

The Emperor picked up the rabbit doll that Larni was hugging and fiddled with it.

And he smirked.

You have a lady-in-waiting who doesnt match you. Its a precious thing to be comforted by. Cherish it.

Im grateful.

I think you got a smart kid.

Because there are many hidden talents in Evron. And also trustworthy people.

Then the Emperor laughed again.

Hayley lowered her eyes, unable to hide her tension.

At first, Hayley thought that the Emperors call to inviting them into a private space could be ignored.

She thought that he had to courteously welcome the Grand Duchess of Evron.

But she saw that its not. This was the position of real power.

The Emperor did not greet the Grand Duchess of Evron, but received the greetings of his nephews wife, which gave Evron a seat with the imperial family.

All the authentic goods brought from Evron Grand Duchy were officially accepted, and gifts were given in return. That is all the formal courtesy.

You look tired.

The Emperor said to Artizea. Artizea sighed a little.

It was neither polite nor wise to show fatigue in front of the Emperor.

But she couldnt pretend to be calm now. She couldnt even cover it with makeup, so the shade under her eyes turned black.

Artizea said honestly.

Its been a long journey, so I cant get rid of my fatigue.

Its not easy for a winter trip. You must have been thinking about the benefits.

At the Emperors words, Countess Eunice opened her eyes wide. She thought Artizea had escaped the war.

And so she was surprised to think about the profit.

The Emperor continued.

You sounded pretty cheeky in front of Grand Duke Roygar.

I didnt say anything wrong.

Artizea replied calmly. The Emperor laughed with his teeth exposed.

Is Evron Grand Duchy really in danger? Or, was your investment suddenly shrunken and youre scared?

Im flattered, Your Majesty. Ive never had an investment.

Then, did you buy a lot of land and grain in the west because you were scammed by a merchant? You should quit the joke. You know I dont like it.

At that, the Emperor laughed loudly.

Artizea gave a pale smile.

If you really didnt like it, you would have called me to a royal court. Not a terrace.

Then she threw her gaze toward the garden.

The spring breeze carried the scent of flowers. Small petals that had naturally fallen off rolled around the edge of the terrace.

Larni threw an arrow into the basket and shouted cheers. Fiona, with a dissatisfied face, also seemed a little excited. Lysias arrow was deadly accurate.

Artizea again turned her gaze, looked at the Emperor, and politely bowed her head.

Its something we do to survive. Please forgive me.