Nia.

I dont want to marry the prince. I want to live with my father for the rest of my life. Apollonia spoke with the utmost sincerity. I-Im really fine.

The emperor did not even hide the fact that he hated her and clicked his tongue. Then he sighed deeply.

I dont want to disturb the two. Since this has already happened, I hope for the best for the two of them.

While focusing on her acting, at the same time, she was immersed in reminiscence. Apollonia gave Bianca, Illona, and Anne a load of gold and silver treasures.

The emperor was angry and reduced the budget allocated to the royal villa every month, but it was too late. Apollonias generosity touched all of them, and they, who were now queens, as well as their husbands, became Apollonias strong allies.

Although she fell out with the emperor.

Youre so pathetic! he screamed, staring down at Apollonia who bowed her head pathetically.

Over the past five years, he had become even crueler. It was common for him to call innocent people and whip them when things went wrong.

He waged a war to protect his position. It was due to the short-term judgment that internal unity could be achieved if there were enemies outside. He wanted to rule the kingdom that opposed his authority and supported the previous emperors policy. Perhaps it was because he only relied on violence in his methods

.

The emperor raised taxes and forcibly incited wars. Due to the large number of people who died in the war, public sentiment became increasingly hostile toward him, and he, who used to be an honorable general, was now called a tyrant.

The conflict between those who supported the emperor and those who opposed him also intensified.

Go away! I dont want to see you! He stormed out.

Apollonia also ran out, and the ministers and the maids who were present clicked their tongues and took pity on the princess.

How pitiful. Her Highness is too kind

I dont know if shes being kind of stupid. I cant believe she hasnt fired Adrian yet.

Whats the point of being a princess if she cant hold on to a mans heart?

At this rate, I think Her Highness brought it upon herself.

Pathetic princess.

A person who couldnt even eat even though a plate was prepared in front of her. They continued to gossip even after Apollonia had left.

***

Its a relief. I thought my father would try to kill me this time.

Adrian and Apollonia returned to the royal villa together after meeting up in the garden. Now that Maya had retired, Adrian was Apollonias closest maid.

Your reputation is not good these days, so we shouldnt raise your notoriety. The idea of marrying you to the grand duke so the imperial family can keep him in check seems to be getting stronger.

Thats true. Apollonia nodded. She took the brush and paint out of the drawer and rolled up her sleeves. There was a reddish burn scar on her long, white arm, but the tip was smudged. It smudges a lot because of the sleeves.

She began to paint on her arm by dipping a brush in pink paint. As the brush moved, the burn scar became clear again.

Youre only wearing long sleeves, so no one is going to see it.

Im just trying to be sure. Apollonia skillfully completed the scar. She was familiar with it because she had been doing it for five years.

After surviving the fire five years ago, she immediately invited an art teacher to study painting. There was opposition from the emperor since it was just a simple hobby.

The artist was actually a person specializing in makeup in the theater industry. She learned from him how to draw, erase and draw fake scars again.

Nobody was curious about her arm, but Apollonia was a meticulous person. After taking a bath every day, she picked up a brush and drew a scar. She didnt want anyone to suspect her. Thanks to this, she was able to escape the emperor and Petras suspicion.

His Majesty wont harm you. Your Highness is secretly popular among the people because of your similarity in appearance with the previous emperor.

Hmm Apollonia nodded again. However, her tone was dry, as if she had another opinion.

Do you want me to guess what youre thinking? Adrian smiled and asked.

Huh?

Youre thinking that we should plant some people next to His Majesty now.

Yeah Apollonia looked at her with a puzzled look.

Its time to plant someone close to His Majesty. Someone who can side with Your Highness in a moment of crisis. Thats what you thought, right?

Yeah how did you know?

Adrian smiled brightly. It was the pretty smile that captivated Apollonias fiances. I know that Your Highness has found the right person for the past five years.

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