That evening.

The procession, which moved at speed since the beginning, easily left the capital and its vicinity and entered the mountain road.

“We’re resting here. Get ready to camp.”

“Prepare for camping!”

Although it is a mountain, it is at the top and there were no dangerous animals because it was a road that soldiers always used.

Rather, there are places where the ground has been flattened for camping.

If you pass by here, you will have to spend a full day to find another place to rest, so it was good to end today’s schedule at this point.

“Your Excellency!”

Ernst, who was looking at the unfinished documents in the commander’s barracks that was set up first, looked up at the call.

The barracks used in spring and autumn have a thin fabric, so silhouettes of people were reflected in various lights.

Noticing who it was, Ernst put the documents down.

“Come in. Don’t stand there.”

“Yes!”

Immediately after obtaining permission, a man with light brown hair appeared. Silver-rimmed glasses are added to the sharp face, so it is the look of a strategist no matter how you look at it.

Seeing the bright olive-colored eyes twinkle with joy, Ernst opened his mouth with a frown.

“Looks good.”

“Okay! Very! Well done.”

“Sit down, Sebastian.”

Neither of them spokes of ‘what’ went well.

From the moment I received the official document asking for a peaceful marriage, I have a plan.

To that end, Ernst set aside Sebastian and his loyal elite soldiers and entrusted them with his duties.

Instead, he entered the Imperial Palace with his successor officers, even if they were still children.

Originally, we were planning to meet after moving a little bit more than here, but it seems that things worked out more easily than expected.

“The harvest was quite large. This ‘cargo’ was entrusted to other guys and sent directly to the ship.”

“Good job. Good job.”

“It’s nothing.”

I asked him to sit down, but Sebastian made tea clattering sounds instead.

He’s competent in both literature and martial arts.

If there’s one thing the perfect assistant can’t do, it’s to make tea.

Nevertheless, Sebastian persevered and made two cups of tasteless tea.

“This time, I will be able to do it, for sure.”

“You shouldn’t waste the food.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t burn it.”

In some ways, it sounds like just a conversation about food, but the truth is different.

Ernst has been looking for it ever since that terrible day, six years ago.

He was the one who took his wife from him.

The way to destroy the First Prince.

Although he is the first prince who is good at cutting off his tail and likes to blame others, he must have done a lot.

Most of the ‘cargo’ Sebastian captured were people who would be the witnesses to overthrow the first prince, and some were also objects.

“It’s Madame’s anniversary soon. She would like the present for the altar this year.”

“…. Sebastian, be careful here.”

“Oops, my mistake.”

Sebastian put down the teacup and shuddered.

But could he be wrong? Of course it was on purpose.

Although the marriage was made as necessary, no one, including Sebastian, intended to treat the princess as their master.

Ernst sighed briefly and comforted his men.

“I told you so many times. The Imperial Princess did nothing wrong. Rather, you should thank her for helping us.”

“It is true, but… my mind does not work that way.”

Sebastian’s eyes suddenly became serious.

“Do you know how much we all respect our deceased madam?”

“I know.”

“Of course, I have completed the investigation of the princess completely, and I know that she is not a person who can cause harm.”

Ernst recalled a report written about Peony before his marriage.

[She has a good personality. She likes flowers.]

[Has child-level intelligence and communication skills. Therefore, there is no imperial dignity.]

[She did not have the level of learning required for the imperial family.]

[The sociability is bad. Strong impulsiveness. She has a temperament for being selfish from time to time]

[She was frequently assaulted by the second prince since childhood.]

[Note: She has suffered from sleepwalking since childhood. The sleepwalking appears to last from night to day.]

Ernst had no intention of bringing any ‘woman’ with him other than his widowed wife.

He accepted Peony because he does not see her as her woman or rational.

Peony, who is said to be at the level of a child, is probably the same.

If the princess was to help him avenge his revenge by her very existence, he would make her live in a safe place completely out of reach of the Second Prince, and treat her like her lifelong comrade and take good care of her.

She will be able to live in an environment where she wouldn’t be scared, sick, or bother anyone.

‘But really, is she at the level of a child?’

Ernst tapped the table lightly, remembering what had happened as he left.

If Sebastian had seen the scene together, we could discuss it.

It’s unfortunate, but for now, it seemed like it would be better to leave it alone as a suspicion.

Until he’s sure.

“Well, but as expected, I am not used to calling someone Madame now.”

“Try it.”

“Well, I understand. However, after arriving at Eques, I will be able to call her Madame without any awkwardness. It is true that the Fourth Princess has been of great help.”

“As long as you know. Don’t forget that she has to be honored…”