That was my conversation with the emperor, which I found was worth recording in detail.

  I felt that the atmosphere around the palace was less heavy than the last time I visited. Yet, I felt a bit suffocated and hostile.

  This time, rather than his office like usual, the emperor chose to meet me in the throne room.

  “I heard about what happened at the main church.” After I gave a formal greeting, the emperor addressed me. I wondered why he brought up this topic. “It was truly unfortunate.”

  “Indeed.” I think Marquise Larose already gave him the full account of the event.

  “I heard she felt deeply hurt.” The emperor solemnly said so.

  “You mean the saintess?” was my reply. I have no clue what he was trying to say. Did my conduct cause any discomfort to the saintess? As I thought about it, she did show me her dissatisfaction at the last minute. Though I thought it was her acting to dissuade Duke Ellon’s suspicion.

  The silent fell into the throne room. After a while, the emperor muttered, “Yes, you can say that.”

  Then, he inquired about my purpose today. “So, what is it that you request a private audience with me for?”

  “Firstly, I would like to congratulate Your Majesty on your good health.” I tried to celebrate with him regarding the first prince.

  “Secondly, I found the need to apologize for not attending the previous ball. I have to oversee the South after all.” Then I tried to confirm with him about the rumors, as I also projected my power.

  “Oh,” the emperor replied as if understanding.

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  Thus, I tried to express my dissatisfaction. “I could not help but feel neglected.”

  In response, the emperor tried to express his regret. “You do not have to apologize. I understand your difficulty. Indeed, it was regrettable that you could not attend the ball.”

  “I believe it is necessary for me to come here to give our apologies in person.” That is why I need to confirm the fact with him in person.

  “Indeed. The ball schedule will not be changed. So, do join it next time. We are expecting you.” The emperor was saying that there won’t be any changes in his standing. Just this fact alone has reassured me.

  “………………. I would be honored by your invitation.” However, I had to confirm the latest rumors.

  “………….” The emperor, too, was waiting for me to bring out the topic.

  “I would like to witness your dancing skills in person. Your last dance was so captivating that the news was spreading to the South.”

  “You gave me too much credit…. It was all thanks to the loveliness of Lady Aria.” The emperor gave me a depressing laugh.

  “Lady?” I knew that there were many more aspects that I needed to take note of, but this one, strangely enough, caught my interest the most.

  To my question, the emperor just closed his eyes. He stayed silent for a while before he replied.

  “She is more than qualified.” The emperor solemnly said that.

  “Is this your standing?” Why was everything the emperor said so contradictory? It was puzzling.

  “I always separate personal matters and state affairs. However much one wishes, it won’t be materialized.” The emperor showed his melancholy face as he said that.

  As I thought, it was his political maneuvers.

  “…. I heard you met Lady Aria during your visit to the main church. How was your impression of her?” After a while, the emperor asked me.

  “I think she is a lovely and obedient child. She is a role model for the saintess candidate.” That was my honest evaluation. She looked lovely to the other. She was also an obedient child to her father. And her conduct was………. as expected from the current situation of the saintess candidates, ……… suitable for the current church.

  “……………. I see. So that is your view on her. Unfortunate, truly unfortunate.” As if agreeing with my evaluation, the emperor expressed his regret.

  That was my memory of my audience with the emperor.

  Thinking of it, I asked myself, what would the emperor think if he met Lilia? As a father, I could not help but think about it. I would love to show off my Lilia to others. I imagined how the high society would be captivated by her liveliness and kind soul. However, I told myself it wasn't time yet. It was still too early. We were not strong enough to protect her.