Proofreader: somnium

Natalia said,

His Highness Bernat said that this ornament would be made for at least twenty years.

In the Kingdom of Iantz, once you discover one material, you have the ability to continue to lead new trends using the same material.

Artizea answered.

That is the power of the Iantz. You dont have to thank me. It was just a good thing for each other.

Then Natalia laughed.

His Highness Bernat said the same thing. The Grand Duchess probably thought it was in exchange for the promotion of wolf fur.

.

Even so, I want to thank you. Even on behalf of the people of my hometown.

Artizea stroked the teacup without answering.

She felt uncomfortable.

It was not difficult for her to use Natalia.

She was a strong person to the strong and sympathetic to the weak.

Artizeas past was easy to win over her sympathy. The babys presence will be able to buy sympathy.

She was actually going to do that and that was why she had brought Leticia along.

If shes reluctant in tricks, shell be honest with her on the deal.

If Bernat was the opponent, Artizea would have used both without much hesitation.

The political world of the Kingdom of Iantz was as dirty and dark as the Empire, and the upper authorities systematically exercised enormous power.

Bernat walked the tightrope in the midst of it, on behalf of the dull king and practically leading the state affairs.

Artizea liked such a person. In fact, he was easier to deal with than anyone else.

She didnt have to say much. The contract will be upheld as long as the mutual interests are met.

There was no burden of deceit and betrayal. Because the one who was deceived was simply more foolish.

But Natalia was different.

She didnt even know that maybe this was the only change in her mindset from before she returned.

She didnt feel comfortable using such a person. Because she now knows that there are people with whom you can be honest and ask for help.

Artizea lowered her eyes and picked up the teacup.

Natalia glanced at her slightly. To be honest, she had been so tempted by tea biscuits before, and it was embarrassing to eat alone.

But Artizea didnt even think of lifting a fork.

It should be fine. Were here to eat.

Natalia raised her fork.

The flower-shaped sugar cookies were so beautiful that it was a pity to split them.

Natalia carefully pulled off one of the green leaves with a fork.

No matter how delicious it was prepared, she couldnt eat it all. Except in front of her family or close friends, it was common to eat food only as a courtesy.

Moreover, she cant finish the refreshments by herself when shes invited to the Princes Palace.

She was going to save it.

The sugar cookies were harder than expected and not sweet. It gently brushed the inside of her mouth like a feather and melted away.

Natalia took a sip of the tea to calm her mind. It was happiness itself when the sweet and fragrant taste of sugar cookies left in her mouth blended with the tea.

Natalias eyes and lips were dazzled.

She thought that the chefs of the Royal Palace of Iantz had great skills, but the chef of the Princes Palace seemed to be more skilled.

Natalia reached out with her hands this time to the lemon madeleine.

Artizea tried to get her words out, but she stopped. It was because a small but certain happiness remained on Natalias face.

Do you like it?

Ah, yes.

Natalia made an embarrassed face.

The chef is so good.

Im glad you like it. I called for someone to retire from Evrons stronghold, and he was worried as he wasnt sure if he could do well when he didnt know the Capitals trends. He will greet you later, so please compliment him.

I think I should give thanks, not just a compliment.

As Natalia said so, she cut the madeleine in half. The soft and fluffy madeleine was smooth.

Artizea also lifted her fork. She didnt really want to eat, but she didnt want to break the mood because Natalia ate so well.

The teapot was emptied while they were speaking about diplomatic envoys, who had arrived in the Capital, about the ceremony and commerce.

Natalia was a bit sad, but she couldnt help but put her fork down. It felt very good.

Artizea fiddled with the handle of the teacup. And she eventually decided to be honest with her.

Actually, I have something to ask of you.

Natalia tilted her head.

Is there anything I can do for you?

Artizea waved her hand.

The employees who were nearby to attend came out like a low tide. The escorts took more than fifteen steps back and widened the distance.

Hayley persuaded the surprised Natalias lady-in-waiting to step back. It was possible because Natalia is someone that does not need an escort.

Natalia tilted her head. Artizea said,

Could you please stay at the Princes Palace until the Coronation Ceremony?

No, this was not an accurate expression either. Artizea thought that the way she spoke was wrong.

Why did you ask me such a request?

She couldnt understand.

It was no easy task to bring people into the Princes Palace, and especially foreigners.

After all, she was a princess. If she stays in the Princes Palace with Bernat or alone, it will be a political controversy as it is.

Artizea spoke slowly, as if hesitating.

Because Natalia, because you are one of the best knights in the Kingdom of Iantz.

Where did you hear that?

Natalia couldnt hide her embarrassment and asked so.

It is true that she was a knight before her marriage. She also had confidence in her skills.

However, her skills have never been rumored. It was because Bernat recognized her first, and she immediately quit the Knights Order.

So, even if they did a background check, they would at most be able to know only about a woman who went to the Capital from a remote area and joined the Knights Order rather than the general army and became a topic of discussion of officials.

Natalia bit her lips tightly.

She didnt think much of it, and she thought about making friends.

But if Artizea knew who she was, the problems were different.

Artizea said,

There was no hole in Crown Prince Bernats counter-intelligence. If you think I came across it by chance, its almost certain.

She couldnt be honest, so Artizea said that it was just a coincidence.

Natalia grabbed the fork.

Dont be so wary. If I wanted to attack Prince Bernat, there would be no need to use force at all. There is no need to try to separate Your Highness Natalia.

What is the purpose?

As I said, I am asking you. I want you to stay in the Princes Palace.

Artizea said in a subdued voice.

So thats why Im asking the purpose.

Your Highness Natalia will not be the only one to watch over the baby. Even if that baby is entangled in all sorts of political interests.

Natalia wrinkled her nose and looked at Artizea.

A complex shadow was cast over Artizeas face.

Natalia said,

I know that Evron has many great knights and loyal vassals.

Yes. But the limits are clear. The number of Knights of Evron in the Capital was limited by law. So anyone can guess the power.

Even if it was increased by an expedient method, it could not be inflated in a short time.

Another problem was that the organization was simple and the members were homogeneous.

There were people like Hayley and Freil before, and it was changing rapidly as a generational change took place.

But it was still a long way off.

Artizea did not doubt Evron, but was well aware of its limitations. Now, Evron alone could not defend the entire Imperial Palace.

So, she thought it was too early when the Emperor told her to enter the Princes Palace.

If there is a raider, I will fully consider Evrons strength. But if I have Your Highness Natalia.

Its a power that no one thought of.

Natalia muttered.

Because of that, Bernat also had her skills hidden, married her and put her by his side under the name of wife.

Besides that, Natalia was the Crown Princess of a foreign country. Attacking her could become a diplomatic matter.

Conversely, her defense could be a humane reason to protect the baby.

She was also valid as a witness.

Even if Evron testifies on her behalf, it will be ignored. But Natalias words could not be ignored.

Artizea lifted her gaze, then she met Natalias eyes. Natalia was looking at her with straight eyes.

Artizea eventually lowered her eyes again.

It was then.

A knight ran in with harsh footsteps. An escort knight caught him on the way, but he did not mind and shouted at Artizea.

Your Grace! Please go to the audience room now!

Whats going on?

Artizea pulled the hem of her skirt and stood up. The knight said with a reddened face.

Count Eison has accused Grand Duke Evron of treason and heresy!

What was the basis?

An internal communication with Karam!

Artizea sighed.

It was a sigh of relief.

Natalia looked at her, half standing up with a frown.

If you could do me a little favor, would you please stay until I come back?

But.

Let me write a letter to His Highness Crown Prince Bernat. I think the Crown Prince will understand everything I mean.

Artizeas voice was cold and unfeeling, unlike before.

Natalia nodded her head.

She commanded the escort knights to tighten the guards of the Princes Palace.

Hayley jumped out and followed her. Artizea spoke softly to Hayley.

Did you hear the story? Go to the temple yourself. Its fine for you to summon all the bishops, and you have to bring the Archbishop as well.

Yes.

Hayley answered and walked away.

Artizea headed to the audience room.