Emperor Sovieshu, Marquis Karl, and Viscountess Verdi returned to the imperial palace first. Everyone who saw their faces knew the answer before the test result became known.

People gathered in groups to try to guess what was to come.

"Will Empress Rashta be deposed?"

"It's fine if she is deposed. She should also be severely punished."

"I am more interested in what His Majesty will do with the Princess."

"Yes. His Majesty loved the princess so much that he always had her by his side."

"What princess? She's a bastard."

As people gossiped, Sovieshu headed for his room, but on the way there he changed his mind and went to his office. Then, he frantically set to work.

Sovieshu read, approved, corrected, wrote and chose which reports to return without even changing his posture. It could be expected, but in this situation it was clearly not normal.

Marquis Karl worried about the future as he watched Sovieshu.

Sovieshu had left Empress Navier, who had been by his side since childhood, for this daughter, who turned out not to be his. At this moment, he must be speechless.

Sovieshu didn't want to throw out the baby he loved so much in an instant, so he was in a difficult position.

People would think Sovieshu was a fool if he kept another man's daughter, but if he threw out the fake princess, he would be considered cruel and heartless.

It was ironic. There was a time when Navier thought that if she exerted her power on Rashta, she would be considered a villain, but if she stood idly by she would be treated like a fool.

The difference was that Rashta would soon be deposed. Her daughter with another man, conceived in her days as a concubine, would no longer be treated as a princess. Even if Sovieshu wanted Glorym to live as a princess, she could not stay in the imperial palace.

However, Sovieshu did not say a word about what he would do with the princess.

Two hours later, when Baron Lant came to report that Ahn was also the child of Rashta and Alan, Sovieshu finally put down his pen and closed his eyes.

A heavy tension invaded the office.

After a while, Sovieshu opened his mouth with a gloomy expression.

News from the Eastern Empire had not yet reached the Western Empire.

Heinley repeatedly knocked over the ink bottle with his elbow or the back of his hand. He seemed to be in a daze due to Navier's confession. Her confession was brief, but it was enough to make his heart race.

Navier's 'I love you' still tickled his ear.

But McKenna was not amused by Heinley's clumsy behavior. He eventually lost patience.

"Your Majesty. Unless you are doing this on purpose to annoy me, please pay attention to your surroundings."

"I'm a loved man, McKenna."

"What?"

"I'm loved."

"What are you talking about?"

Heinley smiled proudly as he stretched his shoulders.

McKenna frowned because he didn't know what happened to Heinley to make him behave like that. He couldn't even guess, so he was uncomfortable that Heinley was so happy.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, McKenna had an idea.

"I know why you feel so happy. Do you expect that when Princess Charlotte marries Koshar, Whitemond will at least give you a port?"

"… McKenna, you have no heart. How can you only think about the benefits?"

When McKenna looked at him in bewilderment, Heinley clasped his hands together and said with excitement in his eyes,

"Think about it, McKenna. At some point my child will ask me. 'Dad, dad, why did you and my mother get married?' Then I'll be able to answer: Your father and mother married for love."

"But that was a lucky case, you can't always marry who you love."

Heinley, who had come out of his dreamy state, looked at him sharply.,

"What I meant was that marriages are usually arranged…"

McKenna didn't want to talk about this any further, so he asked,

"Why do you have that look?"

"McKenna. Don't you want to get married?"

"What?"

"It's not a joke, I'm serious. Isn't there someone you like? Someone with whom you wish to start a family?"

"What are you saying?"

Heinley's expression was serious, so it was obvious he wasn't kidding. McKenna felt embarrassed, smiled awkwardly and quickly changed the subject.

"More importantly, Your Majesty. Did you know that Old Duke Zemensia had a fight with his son?

Heinley noticed that McKenna did not want to talk about marriage. But this new subject was also enjoyable, so he immediately answered.

"Yes. Old Duke Zemensia will be consumed in his wrath. We need only add fuel to the fire."

Heinley smiled as he looked at the ink-stained documents.

He clearly remembered that Old Duke Zemensia tried to harm Navier and his child with food not suitable for a pregnant woman. Heinley definitely wouldn't turn a blind eye.

"Your Majesty has so much on your mind that sometimes… I worry that you can't handle it all."

"McKenna. Are you making fun of me?"

"No, it's not that."

McKenna left the office to take a breather.

Although Heinley took it as a joke, it was not. McKenna was really worried.

Judging by Heinley's behavior, his relationship with Empress Navier was very good, Empress Navier and the baby in her womb were healthy, it was said that the Eastern Empire would soon be rocked by a huge scandal, the incident with Whitemond had been resolved favorably, and the Zemensia Family seemed to be crumbling due to infighting.

Everything was going well, but McKenna felt uncomfortable.

As he pondered about the reason for his discomfort, he saw Grand Duke Kapmen sitting alone against a tree. His brow was furrowed, as if he wasn't thinking of anything good.

"Grand Duke Kapmen."

McKenna had a good opinion of Kapmen because he had helped during Christa's case. So he approached Kapmen and greeted him in a friendly manner. If he could help him with his problems, he would.

Kapmen returned the greeting arrogantly, but McKenna asked without any displeasure.

"Are you worried about something? You don't look well."

'You have your own worries.'

Kapmen revealed a cold smile and answered honestly only inside himself.

Kapmen's frown was due to the fact that Navier's name had appeared several times in McKenna's thoughts.

It wasn't just McKenna. People thought about Navier so much lately that it was hard for him to walk the streets.

"Well, you don't seem to want to talk to me."

McKenna smiled embarrassed by Kapmen's reaction.

Once McKenna left, Kapmen leaned back against the tree again and closed his eyes.

The first trade team had done well, and the second team had done much better, so the future was bright. However, he did not feel the same joy as the others.

Kapmen was so wracked with pain in his heart that he thought Navier had better freeze his heart with her magic.

Just then, he heard Navier's inner voice nearby.

Kapmen jumped up unconsciously. It was as if he saw a light in the distance.

Strangely, I couldn't look Heinley in the face after I told him, 'I love you'.

As I stood in front of him, my heart fluttered and a faint smile appeared on my face.

He'll be back in the evening.

As I took a stroll to soothe my heartbeat, I saw Grand Duke Kapmen not far away, between the trees.

His hair swayed gently as the wind blew. When his eyes met mine, his calm expression became distorted.

He must have read my thoughts about Heinley.

But more than fear, I felt pity.

I felt sorry that Kapmen had to suffer every day from the same pain I experienced when I misunderstood Princess Charlotte.

Grand Duke Kapmen eventually turned and left quickly. Mastas, who was next to me, complained in disgust.

"Why didn't he come over to greet His Majesty? That makes me annoyed."

Rose scolded Mastas.

"He may not have seen her. Haven't you noticed that you've treated people harshly since yesterday?"

"No. It's definitely not like that."

"Ever since Princess Charlotte arrived yesterday, you've been in a bad mood."

"That's…"

"Mastas, is it because Princess Charlotte wants to marry Sir Koshar?"

362

"What?! Why would I care about that?! What do I have to do with him?!"

Mastas immediately refuted Rose, but she was very upset. Her shouts startled me as I tried to clear my troubled mind. I noticed that Mastas' face was flushed.

"Miss Mastas? Are you all right?"

"I, I really didn't think about that."

Mastas' answer to my concern was strange.

"I'm only interested in strong people. Sir Koshar is weak and innocent., I don't care if Sir Koshar marries!"

I remembered that Mastas once asked me to take food beneficial for the body's recovery to Koshar. Besides, it was suspicious that she was so nervous. Could it be that Mastas is in love with my brother?

Mastas usually expressed her opinion firmly. I expected that in a case like this she would say,

'I only like him because he's the Empress's brother!', or 'I only like him because he's a strong man!', or 'No, I don't like him!'

But before I could inquire, Mastas had already walked away. As I looked at her, Rose, who had started all this, muttered with her arms crossed,

"This is suspicious."

"Empress, what will you do if Mastas is in love with Sir Koshar?"

Countess Jubel asked. Unlike Rose's serious attitude, Countess Jubel seemed to find the situation amusing. She knew that my brother had a bad reputation in the Eastern Empire.

For that same reason, Laura said with a smile,

"In terms of personality, I think they would make a good match."

But Rose disagreed, so she spoke realistically and worriedly.

"Mastas is a good girl, but she's a little clumsy. Besides, I don't think Mastas is from a family worthy of marrying Sir Koshar…"

My ladies-in-waiting stopped talking and looked at me.

"My brother's opinion is what matters."

Truth be told, both matches had strengths and weaknesses.

Princess Charlotte was smart and determined, so she would be able to control my temperamental brother, and due to her status as a princess, it would be an honor for Koshar to marry her.

However, my brother became easily angered, so it could be a problem if he became the son-in-law of the King of Whitemond.

In contrast, Mastas would get along well with my brother because she liked weapons, but as they were both easily angered, no one would be able to stop them if they caused trouble…

In any case, my parents were here. There was no need for me to intervene. Still, that night I asked my brother directly.

"Did you hear that Princess Charlotte wants to marry you?"

"Yes…"

"What do you want to do? Do you want to marry the princess, or do you want to marry another young lady?"

My brother was so embarrassed that he didn't even look me in the eye, and he took a while to answer.

"I'm not interested in marriage, but I'll have to do it if I want to help the family. In that case… I think Princess Charlotte is the best choice."

"Do you know Princess Charlotte?"

"No, but it will help the family."

That's true.

"But it could be very stifling for you."

I was worried because my brother lived a lifestyle with much more freedom than most young gentlemen. I feared that he could not endure the traditional life of the nobles.

"I only caused trouble by living my way. I never helped our parents or our family. Now, I want to be useful."

"…"

"Once I marry the princess, I'll have to live in Whitemond. But it will be a shame not to be able to see my nephew often. I have no doubt that your baby will be lovely."

I felt inexplicably moved, and the feeling didn't go away, even after my brother left. I sat in a daze at the dressing table for a while until I heard a knock at the door.

"Come in."

I waited a moment, but no one came in, although I was sure that someone had knocked on the door.

It was strange. Normally, my ladies-in-waiting and guards would announce their names before knocking on the door.

Could it be Heinley? Puzzled, I got up and personally opened the door.

I knew it. Heinley was standing there, carrying my favorite dish.

"Heinley?"

When I said his name in confusion because I didn't expect to see him here, Heinley held out the plate of food,

"Here you go."

"Why are you suddenly bringing me this?"

"I got the signal to bring this."

"I didn't send any signal."

"… Our child sent it."

Liar!

When I narrowed my eyes, Heinley quickly kissed me on my right cheek.

"Give that kiss to our child from his dad."

"Stop joking."

I felt so embarrassed that I spoke firmly, but this time Heinley kissed me on the lips.

"My Queen, that kiss is for you."

Seeing me blush, Heinley laughed.

"It looks like you liked it."

Heinley spoke slyly and wrapped me in his arms. I was worried that our relationship would become awkward after my confession. But on the contrary, I felt more comfortable.

I was resting my head against his chest when I impulsively asked him,

"Would you like to take a walk with me?"

363

It was a dark night. The moonlight was barely visible because of the dense clouds, but thanks to the oil lamp Heinley carried in one hand it was not too difficult to see the path. Also, Heinley was holding my hand firmly, which made me feel very safe.

How long have we walked in silence?

"My Queen."

Heinley suddenly asked playfully.

"My Queen, when did you start falling in love with me?"

"Is it important?"

"I want to write it in my diary."

"Then I won't tell you."

"It's a lie, I won't write it down. Tell me."

"If you're not going to write it down, why should I tell you?"

"Should I write it down?"

"You see. I won't tell you."

"Why?"

"In the emperor's diary, all important events are recorded for future generations."

A knight behind us let out a soft chuckle. It was an insignificant talk, but since it was among the emperor and the empress, he must have found it amusing.

As I thought about not answering anymore because I felt embarrassed, Heinley asked me with a persuasive tone.

"My Queen. Be honest."

"Huh?"

"Do you avoid the question because it is not easy to answer?"

He didn't mind at all that the knight chuckled at our conversation.

In any case, Heinley was right.

"Yes. I don't know when I started to fall in love with you."

It was only when I misunderstood Princess Charlotte's intentions that I realized I loved him. I made an agreement with Sir Yunim and my ladies-in-waiting to keep the misunderstanding a secret.

Heinley shook his head in disappointment.

"That can't be."

"You do know when you started to fall in love with me?"

"Yes, I know."

"Then tell me."

"I've always been in love with you, and with each passing day I fall more in love with you."

Why is he so good with his words?

"Queen. There are many moments that made me fall in love with you, if I had to tell you each one, I could do it."

"Tell me at least three."

"You were the first woman who lied to me about being a man."

Heinley lowered his voice so only I could hear him.

"You were the first woman to pat my rear."

"Stop."

I reached out with my hand to cover his mouth, but Heinley continued to speak with his mouth covered.

"You were the first woman to feed me insects."

"Did you pick those three on purpose?"

His words made me seem like a strange person. When I looked at him, annoyed, Heinley answered cheerfully,

"Yes."

Then he kissed me and asked,

"My Queen, isn't there something for you in which I was the first? No matter what it is."

Really?

"You were the first man I lied to about being a man. You were the first man I patted on the rear. You were also the first man I tried to feed insects to."

I didn't like that he made me seem like a strange person, so I purposely returned his words. However, Heinley immediately asked me with a smile.

"So we're meant for each other?"

He was so cute that I couldn't hold back the laughter. At that moment, I tripped over a rock that I did not see.

Heinley quickly grabbed me. Although I managed to regain my balance, I deliberately leaned against his body. Since my head was on his chest, I could hear his heartbeat. The smell of fresh grass mixed with the night wind made me feel truly happy.

I was also curious.

I wondered if the man who had abandoned me was happy now.

Sovieshu was disconsolate.

"I can't have a child with the title of princess when she doesn't have my blood. Glorym is not even my illegitimate child, so remove her from the position as a princess."

Rashta concealed her past. However, since Sovieshu married her and signed the marriage certificate in front of the High Priest, a formal procedure was needed to remove Rashta from the position of empress.

In contrast, Glorym became a princess only because she was the Emperor's daughter. Since it was revealed that she was not his daughter, a single word from Sovieshu was enough for Glorym to lose her position as princess.

Although both the Emperor and the Empress could legally have concubines, Glorym was conceived when Rashta was not yet the Empress, and worse, Glorym did not have the Emperor's blood.

Even if Glorym was raised as a noble, she couldn't be recognized as a member of the imperial family. Naturally, she couldn't remain a princess.

The only option he had left was to adopt Glorym, but Sovieshu, overcome with anger, didn't even consider it.

Sovieshu might change his mind later, but right now, he didn't even want to see the baby's face. Especially since she looked so much like Rashta.

Still, he did not throw the princess out completely. He asked Viscountess Verdi to take care of her in a secluded room.

Although it had been proven that Glorym was not his daughter, the love and time Sovieshu devoted to the baby would not suddenly be forgotten. This caused Sovieshu to be even more disconsolate about removing her from her position as princess.

He remembered the princess smiling happily, crying in the crib next to his office desk, and making strange sounds like 'abu-abu'. Sovieshu felt a deep ache in his heart after he personally deposed the baby.

But he had no one to talk to about his pain, and no one to comfort him. As he held the highest position in the Eastern Empire, there was no one with whom he could share his worries.

Navier used to play that role, but she was away in another country now. Marquis Karl was a loyal secretary, but not a friend who could share his pain.

After he suffered all day, he returned to his bedroom, leaned his forehead against Navier's painting and sighed heavily.

"Navier… I don't understand why this happened to me."

The cold frame cooled his head a little.

Sovieshu recalled the dinner he had with Navier after he brought Rashta to the Imperial Palace. Back then, Navier had wanted to say something to him, but he repeatedly avoided the subject because it was about Rashta.

Many other fights happened leading up to the divorce, so that wasn't a big fight compared to the ones that followed, and yet it stuck in his memory. He still remembered Navier's expression that day.

"I should have listened to you back then."

Sovieshu slowly closed his eyes and exhaled in pain.

However, Rashta now suffered more than Sovieshu.

After the temple visit, Rashta was full of resentment towards Duke Elgy. At first, she was so shocked that she could not even express it properly. Now, as she remembered what had happened, it all seemed so unfair that she was overwhelmed with emotions.

She still couldn't accept it.

She wondered how the princess had suddenly become Alan's daughter, and why Duke Elgy had appeared with Ahn.

In less than a day, Glorym was no longer the princess and became the laughingstock of the Eastern Empire. This was so painful that it was hard for her to breathe.

"What about the princess?"

After learning that Sovieshu ordered Glorym removed from the princess position, Rashta tried to find out more from a maid, but she was only told that Viscountess Verdi had left the princess's room with the baby.

Rashta wanted to see the princess, but no one would tell her where she was.

A few hours later she asked again, but this time the maid was cold.

"I don't know. Wouldn't it be quicker if you found out for yourself?"

She looked at Rashta as if to say, 'Why do you call your daughter a princess? She isn't anymore.'

Her scornful attitude hurt Rashta's pride. She was disgusted that the maid, chosen by Rashta herself, would act like this. Even if she was to be deposed in the future, she was still the Empress of the Eastern Empire. Even the knights had no choice but to hold back their anger as Rashta beat them at the temple.

"Is that the way to address the empress?"

Unbeknownst to anyone, Rashta had deliberately hired needy women to ensure their obedience. She didn't understand why the maid rejected her now.

The maids she hired were genuinely good to her at first, but when Rashta imprisoned one of their fellow maids, and nearly had the maid's father killed, merely due to a slip of the tongue by the maid, respect for Rashta shifted to fear.

In addition to this, other palace employees decided to stay away from the empress's new maids due to the negative rumors about Rashta.

From then on, the maids stopped following Rashta and just did their jobs. Now that the princess, who was Rashta's last pillar, was removed, they began to think, 'Why be polite to someone who will fall anyway?'

They calculated that in order to keep their jobs when a new empress came to the western palace, they would have to distance themselves from Rashta.

364

Rashta muttered in annoyance and bewilderment.

"How insolent you are…"

"It is Your Majesty who is insolent. How dare you deceive the emperor with a cuckoo daughter?"

"Cuckoo? Did you just call the princess a cuckoo?"

[TL/N: A bird that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds.]

"She's not a princess anymore. She also wasn't born to a married noble couple, so she's not a noble either."

The Western Palace maids lacked proper etiquette ,unlike other palace employees, so they didn't speak respectfully.

Rashta couldn't stand it and pounced on the maid, who tried to run away, but Rashta ran and kicked her in the calf first.

"Ahh!"

"It doesn't matter if I'm a cuckoo or if the princess is a cuckoo, you're an insect! An insect that can be eaten by a cuckoo or any other bird. I'm the Empress! Don't forget that I can kill you!"

"Stop it! Stop it! Ahh!"

"Stop it, stop it! Shut your filthy mouth!"

Rashta was not used to swearing, but during the course of her life as a slave she had received many insults.

The maid managed to run away in terror as Rashta insulted and assaulted her. Rashta was so angered by her insolent words that she chased after her, but as soon as she was out the door she collided against Duke Elgy's firm chest. She stumbled and Duke Elgy quickly reached out to hold her.

"Duke Elgy…"

Rashta looked at him in a daze, but soon her expression became distorted.

Seeing him reminded her of the prior day's events, and a sudden feeling of betrayal and disappointment came over her, overshadowing her concern for the future and her anger with the maid. Rashta said between clenched teeth,

"You're a bad… bad person."

Rashta stared at him with tears in her eyes. Duke Elgy was the one who always helped her during difficult times, the only one who gave her strength when everyone mocked her, so although she felt hurt, she was also a little hopeful.

"Why did you do that?"

Rashta asked in a dull voice.

Rather than answer, Duke Elgy sighed as he examined Rashta's face.

"You don't look so good."

"Why did you do that?"

"Let's go inside to talk."

"Why…"

"It's not a good idea to talk here."

Upon hearing Elgy's words, Rashta realized that she was in the corridor. The knights standing on either side of the door were staring at them very curiously.

Rashta flinched, turned, and entered the room. Duke Elgy followed her silently and closed the door.

Then, he naturally tried to sit down on the couch, but stopped when Rashta shouted, "Don't sit down!"

"Alright."

Although it was unpleasant, Duke Elgy answered calmly and straightened his bent knees. Rashta felt more hurt and asked again.

"Why did you do that?"

"What do you mean?"

Duke Elgy smiled before continuing, speaking softly,

"Do you want to know why I didn't do what you asked me to do after I kidnapped Viscount Roteschu's grandson? Or why did I take him to the temple? Or…"

There were thick thorns embedded in every word. Rashta wanted to cover her ears. She couldn't believe what he was saying.

He didn't stop there. Duke Elgy carried a folder with him. He paused, then put it on the table and opened it, revealing a stack of promissory notes and the document in which she promised to deliver a port to him.

'Could it be… '

Rashta looked very surprised at Duke Elgy.

"Or, do you want to know why I'll make these documents public?"

Her guess was correct. Rashta barely managed to speak.

"No, no way…"

"It's time for you to pay me what you owe me."

Rashta stared at Duke Elgy in shock. She would have never imagined this. Strangely, even though he had already betrayed her at the temple, she didn't think he would force her to pay her debts.

'Duke Elgy wasn't so heartless.'

Rashta asked, her voice trembling

"Why? Why are you doing this to me?"

"Your way of speaking has changed."

"What?"

"I liked it when you referred to yourself by your own name."

Rashta did not understand what Duke Elgy meant, she felt that her way of speaking was no different than before.

Rashta could not believe what was going on.

She couldn't see Sovieshu's face, nor did she know where the princess was. Nor could she leave the Western Palace, so it was like she was imprisoned. And Duke Elgy had betrayed her. Nothing seemed real.

Rashta exclaimed angrily,

"What do you want from me?"

"Does it hurt?"

"Did you think it wouldn't hurt?"

Duke Elgy's nonchalant expression made her feel even more detached from reality.

Rashta tried to regain her composure. But as much as she tried to calm down, tears welled up in her eyes. Rashta clenched her fists and cried as she pounded on the couch.

"What did I do to you? Why are you doing this to me? What did I do wrong? Weren't we friends?"

"Aren't friendships lost over money?"

"Did I threaten you?! You offered to lend it to me! Besides, these promissory notes don't even have a payment date!"

"That's true."

Rashta recovered her courage after this last cry. Although she said it spontaneously, it made sense. A ray of hope arose within her.

'Yes, the promissory notes did not specify when the money should be returned. It is a clear act of harassment for him to ask me for repayment right now.'

"If Your Majesty were still in an honorable position, I would not have urged you to return the money."

However, Elgy answered with a slight smile as if he knew what Rashta was thinking. Rashta flinched at Elgy's words.

"What are you talking about…?"

Rashta muttered, confused, but soon understood Duke Elgy's words.

When power is solid, a promissory note with no payment date may not be a problem. But now, there were all kinds of scandals about Rashta.

If the promissory notes were made public at a time like this, everyone would be shocked by their existence. The lack of a repayment date didn't matter.

So Rashta flinched again and asked,

"Did you always intend to collect from me…? You never lent me money just to help me."

"You caught on fast. A lot of them didn't understand until the end."

"A lot of them? What do you mean…?"

"Haven't you heard the rumors about me? I'm a very despicable and evil man."

Rashta frowned and her expression instantly became rigid. She remembered Sovieshu's advice that it would not be good to stay by Duke Elgy's side due to the bad rumors about him.

But back then, Duke Elgy had proven his friendship to Rashta. He supported her when everyone rejected her. He supported her even more than Sovieshu.

Until now, he had been the person she trusted the most. Back then, she believed that Sovieshu's advice was due to jealousy…

365

Rashta opened her eyes in shock and asked,

"I don't understand what happened. What drove you to do this?"

"Like I said, it's for the money."

"Don't lie!"

Duke Elgy still had a friendly smile, which made him all the more scary.

Astonished, Rashta took a step back, and his smile became softer and gentler.

"Does it matter why I did it?"

"It matters… It matters a lot! What did I do wrong?"

Although Rashta had recoiled from him instinctively, she shouted indignantly.

"What did I do for you to do this to me? I could expect it from Empress Navier. But why you?!"

"If I were you, I'd be more curious about something else."

"Something else?"

Rashta's heart pounded and her legs felt weak, so she leaned against the couch. Duke Elgy spoke casually,

"Well. You'll find out later. In any case, you don't seem to have the ability to repay me right now. And I don't think you will be able to repay in the future either. Am I right?"

Rashta looked at him without saying a word. She wanted to tell him that she would give him the money right away, but he was right.

Since Baron Lant managed her money, she had no money at the moment. Most of the jewelry and other valuables she received as presents ended up in the hands of the Isqua couple, Viscount Roteschu, and her real father.

Even after she stopped meeting Duke Elgy as often due to the rumors, the demand for money from others continued. She had also spent a lot of money to hire a mercenary and an assassin.

"Certainly, you can't. However, the port is different. Your Majesty is not yet divorced, so I only have to show this document to the Emperor."

"You… you are an evil man."

Rashta's eyes filled with tears that fell onto her lips, which had turned pale. She looked so pitiful that even the coldest person would sympathize with her.

Her heart ached because she really trusted Duke Elgy. This was completely different from the shock she felt when she found out that Sovieshu loved Navier.

Sovieshu was the man who saved her when she was in despair, the man she had loved. But Duke Elgy was the only person in whom she placed her trust, faith and friendship.

She felt her world crumble as the person she trusted the most acted so distant. Rashta couldn't bear it and asked again,

"What happened?"

"You're insistent."

"Just tell me why you are doing this to me. What happened?"

"…"

"I don't get it! We got along well, right? You said you felt sorry for me, that it wasn't my fault that I was born a slave. I…"

"Of course it's not your fault you were born a slave, miss."

Duke Elgy used to call Rashta "miss" during the days when she had been a concubine. At the time, when he talked this way she felt reassured.

Rashta looked at him, perplexed.

"…"

"I kept it to myself."

"What…?"

"I pondered whether I should use it. In the end, I decided against it."

"What are you talking about?"

"Nonsense. But don't think this is the end of it. The person who gave it to me seemed to have a different opinion than me."

"Wait. What are you talking about? What are you talking about?!"

Duke Elgy smiled and brushed a lock of hair away from Rashta's face.

"I too have felt curious to know why. I know what it feels like. Though knowing the reason doesn't change anything, it's unbearable not knowing why."

Rashta's eyes wavered slightly. It was very difficult for her to understand what he was talking about.

'Has he hit his head?'

However, her disappointment and doubts suddenly vanished.

'What does it matter now? A traitor is a traitor, and this man is scum.'

"Go to hell!"

"Of course I'll go. I've come to take you with me."

Without hesitation, Rashta raised her hand and slapped Duke Elgy on the cheek.

The slap echoed loudly in the room. A red handprint was drawn on his cheek. Drops of blood started to fall from one of the red lines that formed on Duke Elgy's flawless skin. Rashta's ring was stained with blood.

Although it must have hurt a lot, Duke Elgy smiled as if it was nothing. He really looked like a devil that came from hell.

"Don't worry, miss. You won't be alone."

Duke Elgy whispered to Rashta without a hint of anger, then grabbed the folder and left.

'What did he mean by that…'

Rashta thought about it for a while, but soon laughed, feeling empty.

'Never mind what he meant.'

Rashta laughed as tears welled up in her eyes.

Rashta finally came to a conclusion as to when things had started to go wrong. First it had been for Alan, then for this evil man.

Nothing that drives a person crazier than an unknown evil.

Once Duke Elgy left Rashta's room, he headed to Sovieshu's office.

Sovieshu frowned for a moment when he was announced, but allowed him to enter. He also wanted to talk to Duke Elgy.

"I'm glad to see Your Majesty."

Duke Elgy politely greeted him.

Sovieshu looked at Elgy with eyes full of hostility and displeasure.

A few days ago, he had tried to send Duke Elgy back to his country using the excuse of Rashta's scandal.

But after what happened in the temple, Sovieshu was also curious.

What exactly did Duke Elgy want?

At first, he thought the Duke hated him, but after he dared to bring Rashta's first child to the temple, it seemed that his hatred was directed against Rashta.

However, that didn't fully explain his actions either. Now he had a chance to find out the answer.

After thinking about it, Sovieshu hid his scorn and calmly asked,

"Why did you go to the temple on the day of the paternity test?"

"Because I didn't know what to do with the poor kid."

"I'm serious, Duke Elgy."

"I see. Then I will be precise."

Duke Elgy took the folder with which he had surprised Rashta earlier and placed it on Sovieshu's desk. The document and the carefully arranged promissory notes were revealed.

Sovieshu's eyes widened slowly.

"Even if the borrowed money can't be repaid, I at least want to take the port."