For several days, the exterior of Kalspelliver had completely changed.

It was to the point that no one would ever believe it was the same sword. Not a single trace of its original appearance remained—from color to design.

Though it felt odd to say this myself, if someone else had done it, it would have taken much longer; but because it was me, the work progressed smoothly without any hindrance.

Now, once I finished the final touches, the exterior transformation would be complete.

While I had been living solely in the workshop for some time, Zen returned after briefly stepping out to deliver a letter to Noxia Brellof.

Zen hadn’t personally traveled all the way to the Arwen Empire, but since the Brellof family’s intelligence network was currently unusable, the journey had still taken him far.

“This is Miss Noxia’s reply.”

Zen handed me the letter respectfully the moment he arrived.

Even without him saying anything, I could guess it had taken longer because he’d waited to bring back her response.

“You’ve worked hard.”

I spoke as I took the letter from Noxia. Immediately, I unfolded the sealed letter and read it with my eyes.

[I’ve dispatched the private soldiers within the Brellof household to the most likely locations where Father might be. I’ll contact you again as soon as I confirm anything.

Also, I’m preparing contingency plans in case anything unexpected happens, so please don’t worry too much about Father.

After reading Sister’s letter, I’m re-investigating everyone who was at the villa on the day Mother was murdered.

Once Father’s situation is resolved, I plan to visit them personally—if there’s anything specific you want to know, let me know.

From now on, leave all matters within the Arwen Empire to me.]

Merely receiving Noxia’s letter made me feel much more at ease.

I had already wanted to re-investigate those who were at the villa on the day Charles was murdered, so it was admirable that she’d proactively taken care of it without me even asking.

‘She’s so reliable.’

Unconsciously, I smiled as I finished reading and burned the letter in the fire.

Since the true culprit hadn’t yet been revealed, I was being cautious to prevent any possible leaks to others.

Initially, I thought there was no need to burden Noxia—who always sank into sorrow on Charles’s death anniversary—with such matters, but ultimately, requesting her help this time had been the right decision.

I looked at Zen, who seemed to have rushed straight here, and said,

“You look like you came straight here—go rest at the mansion for a bit.”

“I’m fine. More importantly, was there anything unusual while I was away?”

I hesitated to answer immediately.

During his absence, I had learned that the Royal Guard had secretly been protecting me.

Neither Zen nor I had known, but assassins sent by the Manoko family had been coming—not just one or two.

“Actually, not long ago, I caught some men following me. After investigating, they turned out to be sent by the Manoko family.”

“Is that true?”

A murderous glint flashed in Zen’s eyes.

“I didn’t realize it before because Ascan was protecting me, but it seems assassins from the Manoko family have been coming nonstop.”

“Were you in any danger while I was gone?”

“Fortunately, thanks to the Royal Guard, nothing required my direct intervention. But… I’ve decided I can’t let this continue.”

Zen showed clear displeasure at the mention of the Royal Guard, but I didn’t pay it much mind.

I already knew he distrusted Ascan and the Royal Guard.

The real problem was that the Manoko family kept targeting me.

I had anticipated that even rejecting Helsion’s marriage proposal might not resolve the issue, but experiencing it firsthand revealed many aggravating complications.

If I had to keep devoting attention to the Manoko family like this, my actions would inevitably become restricted.

Moreover, passively enduring attacks didn’t suit my temperament at all.

Zen asked with a troubled expression,

“Since this situation arose due to Emperor Karua’s marriage proposal, it’s difficult for us to mediate effectively. Do you have any good ideas?”

Truthfully, I felt wronged—it was like a shrimp’s back breaking in a whale fight; I was caught in the crossfire despite not being at fault, and now Seruna had taken a strong dislike to me.

“I’m not sure if dialogue will work, but I plan to meet the Empress first and talk things through.”

“But the Manoko family can cast hypnosis spells…”

“Oh, Ascan already took care of that.”

I took out the perfume bottle I’d been treasuring and shook it gently.

There had been multiple reasons I’d avoided contact with the Manoko family, but the biggest was fear of not knowing through which channel they might cast hypnosis.

Thanks to the perfume Ascan gave me, that worry had vanished.

“Isn’t that just perfume?”

“Yes. More precisely, it’s perfume that builds immunity against hypnosis.”

Ever since receiving it, I’d been spraying it every morning and evening, trying to grow accustomed to the scent.

At first, my head throbbed and my stomach churned, but gradually, I felt nothing—apparently, immunity was slowly building.

“The Royal Guard Captain truly has remarkable skill—to even create such a perfume…”

Zen made a remark that sounded unusually like an acknowledgment of Ascan.

My shoulders involuntarily lifted with pride. I knew from reading the novel that Ascan was exceptionally intelligent and a tremendous asset.

Conversely, that also meant he’d be a terrifying opponent if we ever became enemies.

“Now that you’re back, it’s time to arrange a meeting with the Empress.”

“What will you do if dialogue fails?”

Honestly, the likelihood of peaceful resolution was slim.

If that happened, I no longer intended to remain passive. I’d have no choice but to return Seruna’s hostility in full measure.

“I’ll make sure the Empress understands clearly—what terrifying consequences arise when you turn the continent’s greatest arms dealer into your enemy.”

At my words, Zen’s eyes widened briefly, then softened into a faint smile.

He bowed his head and replied,

“Yes, I shall obey your command.”

Not long after, I formally requested a private audience with Seruna.

On the surface, the stated reason was to apologize for missing the welcome banquet arranged at the Imperial Palace party, but she surely sensed my purpose was more than that.

Surprisingly quickly, a reply arrived from the impregnable Empress’s Palace.

“Her Imperial Majesty the Empress proposes a private tea time tomorrow afternoon. What is Lady Brellof’s schedule?”

The messenger Seruna sent was none other than Yuera, Chief Maid of the Empress’s Palace.

Though not a major character, I knew from the novel that Yuera was Seruna’s closest confidante.

Pretending ignorance, I nodded with a gentle smile.

“Very well. I’ll come to the Empress’s Palace tomorrow.”

“Understood. I shall relay this to Her Imperial Majesty.”

Having received my answer, Yuera departed from the mansion with proper etiquette befitting a royal messenger.

Being Chief Maid to the Empress wasn’t a position anyone could hold. I escorted Yuera—who was also a Countess—to the entrance before returning.

At that moment, I spotted Ascan leaning casually against the wall. Just from his slightly furrowed brows and tightly closed lips, I could tell he was brimming with dissatisfaction.

I didn’t ask why—he likely already knew.

‘As expected, he found out fast.’

He must have heard I’d arranged to meet the Empress alone.

This was Ascan’s mansion. Since Yuera had come here, it was natural he’d find out.

I was only surprised he’d learned of it even faster than I’d anticipated.

Without hesitation, I walked toward where Ascan stood. As I drew close enough to see his face clearly, he spoke as if he’d been waiting.

“Why didn’t you consult me beforehand?”

“Because I can handle it myself.”

“The Empress’s Palace is incredibly dangerous—”

“That’s something you should tell the Empress. Who’s the one poking a sleeping lion’s whiskers?”

Ascan looked at me and chuckled helplessly.

“I gave you that perfume not as encouragement to confront the Empress directly.”

“But now that I’m no longer afraid of hypnosis, I have no reason to fear her. I can’t just sit back and take it forever.”

“What do you plan to do when you meet her?”

“First, I’ll try to reason with her gently. If that fails, I’ll teach her a sharp lesson.”

I didn’t elaborate, but Ascan seemed to understand the meaning behind my words.

His golden eyes narrowed slightly, glinting with amusement.

“I wouldn’t mind if you just kept relying on me.”

Indeed, continuously accepting protection from the Royal Guard was essentially relying on him.

I shook my head firmly. His protection so far had already been more than enough.

After meeting Seruna, I planned to soon reject Helsion’s marriage proposal. Until now, I could use the Emperor’s decree as an excuse, but by then, that excuse might no longer hold.

“Enough. I did say before—even without the Emperor’s decree—I’d ask you to protect me, but if I keep relying on you like this, I’ll owe you a debt I’ll have to repay later.”

“That’s exactly what I want.”

“Then it’s even more reason not to. You’re an unpredictable character—I never know what kind of compensation you’ll demand.”

Ascan frowned slightly as he laughed. His unique smile was incredibly charming.

“What are you worried about? Whatever I want… it’s you.”

I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

His complete lack of effort to hide his ulterior motives toward me felt oddly adorable.

“I didn’t realize you were playing such a big game.”

“I told you—I’m constantly wondering how to earn your affection.”

“What, is this also part of earning affection?”

“Of course. It means I’ve done well enough that you feel compelled to repay me.”

Thinking about it, he was right.

No matter what Ascan asked for, I wouldn’t accept it unless I wanted to.

I hadn’t realized before how sweet it was—his efforts to earn my love. I was in trouble—he was becoming more and more likable.

Ascan spoke.

“I won’t oppose your decision—just concede this one thing.”

“What?”

“Let me accompany you to the Empress’s Palace tomorrow.”

“It’s fine. I can go alone—”

“I know you can handle it yourself. But I’m too worried to let you go alone. I’ll wait outside—do whatever you need to do, then come back.”

His every word radiated genuine care for me.

His love was so sweet that I could only smile and nod in response.

Seruna was seated before her mirror, touching up her makeup.

Knock, knock. At the sound of someone knocking, she didn’t even turn her head, speaking in a soft, lilting voice,

“Come in.”

Upon Seruna’s permission, Yuera entered the room. She had just returned from meeting Tanashia at Ascan’s mansion.

“Your Imperial Majesty, Lady Brellof will enter the Imperial Palace tomorrow.”

“Oh?”

Seruna paused her eyebrow pencil and smiled deeply.

She had exhausted every effort to eliminate Tanashia, but time and again, the Royal Guard had blocked her attempts.

If it had been any other faction, it wouldn’t have been this troublesome—but偏偏 it was the Royal Guard, leaving her unable to act freely.

During the past conflict between the late Emperor and Helsion over imperial authority, the Royal Guard’s demonstrated capabilities had been beyond imagination.

Seruna, having witnessed their prowess up close, knew exactly how formidable their hidden strength was.

That was why she couldn’t recklessly provoke them. She needed a strategy to eliminate Tanashia while avoiding any friction with the Royal Guard.

“…I was just wondering how to handle this, and now she’s walking right into the Empress’s Palace herself. How convenient.”

She had long heard rumors of Tanashia’s intelligence. She’d been meticulously preparing a trap, never dreaming Tanashia would request a private meeting first.

To boldly propose meeting alone in the Empress’s Palace—

For Seruna, this was a perfect opportunity with no reason to refuse.

“Your Majesty, should we inform Marquis Manoko of this?”

To Yuera’s concerned question, Seruna answered decisively, as if the idea wasn’t even worth considering.

“Father already had his perfume confiscated by the Royal Guard Captain last time. If I entrust this to him again, who knows what mistake he’ll make.”

“But I worry he’ll be angry if he finds out later.”

“Don’t worry. What can my father possibly do to me, the Empress of an entire nation?”

At Seruna’s authoritative tone, Yuera closed her mouth and bowed her head.

Seruna, silently gazing into the mirror, resumed drawing her eyebrows.

‘Yes. Father can no longer control me at will.’

Being forced to dance like a puppet to Luphilmo’s whims had been enough during her days as a Marquis’s daughter.

She’d been ruthlessly managed since childhood under the belief that beauty enhanced her value as merchandise.

From birth, she had been nothing more than a tool for Luphilmo’s power—her food, drink, clothing, everything strictly controlled.

Not only that.

Her speech, gestures, every single action—none were truly hers; all were molded precisely to Luphilmo’s desires.

The meticulously chosen son-in-law had been Helsion, and ultimately, even her marriage had been to the man Luphilmo selected.

Even her current habit of never leaving her mirror was a remnant of those days.

‘But I don’t resent Father.’

On the contrary, she was grateful. Though she’d felt suffocated to the point of wanting to die during her youth, now she stood at the highest position possible—the Empress.

Until she grasped power herself, she hadn’t realized how sweet it truly was.

She no longer needed to watch anyone’s expression. From trivial matters to decisions over life and death, everything could be done entirely at Seruna’s whim.

No one could criticize her right or wrong; instead, everyone scrambled desperately to please her.

Everyone she met bowed their heads to her. It felt as if the entire world revolved around her.

If only her future son became the next Emperor, this life could last until her death.

‘I’ve barely climbed to this position—I cannot fall back into the abyss.’

All she needed was to eliminate Tanashia.

Then, Seruna’s path ahead would be smooth and unobstructed.