In front of the grand and splendid Emperor's office.
Sunlight filtered through stained glass and dappled the marble floor.
I faced the chamberlain of the Emperor's palace, who stood guard at the massive door.
"His Majesty is currently engaged in important governmental affairs."
Already the third time.
The chamberlain repeated the same words without emotion.
Important governmental affairs...
Even though we'd scheduled this visit in advance, the thick door showed no sign of opening.
Making excuses to postpone an audience—it was an obvious tactic, even to me.
I'd experienced it often enough.
I thought Leopold and the Empress were the only ones who didn't keep their appointments...
"...Let me confirm with His Majesty again. As promised, Grand Duke Vikander has come to state his wish."
A cold voice rang out—sharp enough to cut.
Even I, standing behind Edwin, was startled by the tone that cracked the veteran chamberlain's expressionless mask.
"...I'll check."
Eventually, the chamberlain entered through the solid door.
It was then that Edwin—who'd been intimidating the chamberlain—turned to me.
"Don't your legs hurt from standing so long?"
"It's only been about five minutes?"
"Still. Shoes with heels hurt your feet quite a bit."
"It's all right. I'm used to it."
I, who'd been answering softly, closed my mouth.
Edwin, looking at the hem of my dress with worried eyes, wore a puzzled expression.
"...It seems you know quite a lot about heeled shoes, Your Highness."
It was meant as a joke—but the voice that came out of my mouth was surprisingly sharp.
Edwin's eyes widened, then narrowed with amusement.
"Just by looking, they seem uncomfortable. But why are you calling me 'Your Highness' again?"
"Because we're in the Imperial Palace."
"The Imperial Palace. So?"
"Because it's difficult to call Your Highness's name carelessly in public."
As Edwin's smile deepened, my answers grew more flustered.
I unconsciously avoided his gaze, looking here and there.
But those persistent eyes continued watching me—
"*Ahem.*"
An intentional cough broke in.
It was Winster.
He cleared his throat loudly, then avoided Edwin's gaze.
If I meet those intense eyes, it won't end with just a few laps around the Grand Duke's residence...
But this wasn't the Grand Duke's residence—it was the Imperial Palace, right in front of the Emperor's office.
Winster endured the stinging gaze and praised himself internally.
Meanwhile, I took two steps back from Edwin and smiled as if nothing had happened.
"And... isn't it better this way?"
"What is?"
It was amusing to see his expression—so obviously displeased.
I lifted the tip of my chin, pretending not to notice.
Just as the Grand Duke was about to reply, the office door opened.
"His Majesty is still attending to important governmental affairs. It seems difficult today—why don't you request another audience on another day?"
The chamberlain translated the Emperor's words verbatim.
The Grand Duke, looking at him expressionlessly, turned his gaze to the door.
Eyes as red as blood assessed it, as if measuring something.
He looks like he truly wants to break down the door...
The chamberlain felt a shiver run down his spine.
It's made of carbine—the hardest mineral. Even a Grand Duke with a killer's aura couldn't break down a door reinforced with a magician's protection enhancement spell...
He wanted to dismiss it as a useless thought—but his instincts kept conjuring ominous possibilities.
It was then—
"Then shall we come back next time?"
Edwin looked back at me.
I smiled awkwardly and whispered to him.
"Actually... I'm a little tired."
I glanced at the doorway.
I didn't want to return to the Imperial Palace again—but it was true that I was exhausted.
After facing Leopold earlier, I seemed to have grown tense without realizing it.
"Then let's go."
Edwin walked away briskly, as if the business were concluded.
Winster had already gone ahead to prepare the carriage.
Edwin and I walked after him.
I was thinking that the lake in the rear garden, visible through the open window, looked serene—
When a group of nobles appeared in the distance.
The nobles spotted me and stopped.
That kind of gaze is nothing...
I tried to walk leisurely.
If only Conrad hadn't been among those nobles staring at me with cold eyes.
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