Despite the opportunity to accuse Askan of treason and make Seira easy to claim, Calrad rejected Isabel’s offer. He even went as far as to kill her inside the temple, so their relationship right now must be strained.

‘Moreover, Calrad would’ve thought I had escaped from being held in the temple, which made him lose faith in them more.’

What was left now was to confirm her hunches and find out why the temple was targeting her. Meanwhile, it would be much easier to confront them if they could identify Bern’s connection to the identity of the Homunculus.

“Why don’t you ask His Majesty if you’re curious? About Bern.”

Louis shook his head at Seira’s words as he said, “It would be better to pretend not to know.”

“Why?”

“It’s not something His Majesty can answer,” he added, “Besides, it would only inform him that Duke Jeff broke into the temple that day.”

Seira immediately understood what Louis meant. Baron had nothing to do with the temple and the imperial family, so he could be the most suitable person to uncover the truth.

“That’s true. I’d rather find out quietly.”

Lost in his thoughts, Baron heaved a long sigh and looked at her.

“It might be better for you not to return to the Askan mansion in the imperial capital until the matter involving him is completely settled.”

Louis also chimed in and added, “That’s right. I can send someone to deliver the things you need, so if you’ll stay in the imperial capital, you should come to Franto.”

“You can come to Jeff,” Baron quickly offered, “You don’t have to tell me in advance.”

Seira smiled bitterly as she looked at the two of them starting another fight.

Even so, she thought it would be difficult to stay comfortably in the imperial capital in the future. The temple wasn’t the only problem. She didn’t know what the greedy eyes of some family heads who looked at her meant.

“It would’ve been better if I had imprinted as soon as possible…”

Baron and Louis, who were quite engaged in their war of nerves, looked at Seira with surprised faces.

“Imprint with who?”

“No… It was just a thought. I’m not in a situation where I can decide on a companion,” Seira shrugged at Baron’s urgent question.

Even if it wasn’t Louis’ request to not imprint with anyone, she had to avoid imprinting in the future with her risky physical condition whenever she used her power. Alpha and Omega, after imprinting, were greatly stabilized mentally and physically, but as soon as they lost their other half, they lived a life that was much worse than death itself.

Maybe the day would come when Askan was revived and entered a stable period, and then she’d no longer have to wander the battlefield herself.

‘It’s like a dream…’

She would be very happy to see a city being created around D-Ark, and people living in peace before they die. If she was lucky enough to marry Aven and have several children, Seira could only imagine the future…

“I’ve kept you waiting too long.”

By the time she thought about it, Calrad had returned to the banquet hall with Aven. Seira, who was staring at Aven without blinking, lowered her head unconsciously when they eyes met. Her face seemed to burn red for no reason.

“I brought this because I thought you might need it.”

Her face burned all the more because of the digestive medicine that Aven handed over as he passed her seat.

* * *

They found out the reason why Calrad and Aven were away after they returned.

“It would be better if you stayed at the imperial palace for a night, but you wouldn’t want to. I’ve got everything consulted with the Crown Prince, so you wouldn’t need to stop by your mansion in the imperial capital and just go directly to Askan.”

With Calrad’s orders, two horses and a large and solid carriage was parked and waiting behind the imperial palace.

“I’ll pick you up in a week, so don’t move alone.”

At his unexpected consideration, Seira couldn’t say a word of thanks and just stood still in front of the carriage.

“At that time… I regretted a lot because I sent you unprepared because I was overcome with sadness. I tried to chase you, but you were already gone,” Calrad said as he wrapped a thick robe that covered his face. “Please don’t say no, for now I will only do what I can.”

Seira looked up at Calrad, biting her lips.

Although arrogant and possessive, and sometimes downright self-righteous, he was by nature fiercely affectionate toward her. To the extent that he made himself the first person to open up to the troubled child who whimpered whenever she recalled the loss of her family.

But then his kindness, which pleased her heart so much, was nothing but a painful memory now. No, in fact, just looking at Calrad was painful as if her wound had barely healed.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I’ll use it well.”

She didn’t refuse and accepted his offer for Aven, who would worry about her, and that was all.