“… I understand.”

As I tried to get closer, he responded quickly.

I smiled satisfactorily and stepped back.

Promptly, I gently bowed toward him, who stood dumbstruck, and said.

“Then, see you next time, Duke Heights Henness.”

Leaving him behind, I leisurely walked out of the balcony.

As soon as I entered the hall, Leone ran to me at once, he had probably been looking for me.

“Eureia!”

He called my name out loud, not paying attention to the people around us. Perhaps he was nervous because I suddenly disappeared.

All of a sudden, all attention was shifted to me.

“Your Grace, Duke Finisis.”

Leone was startled when I did not call by his first name but by his surname and title.

It was only then that he came to his senses and was conscious of people’s gaze.

Avoiding the pouring stare, I went out to the garden with Leone.

“Why were you so impatient? It’s unlike you.”

I was implying about his calling my name out loud in the hall.

I smiled lightly, but Leone didn’t. He lowered his head.

“…I’m sorry. I was on the way back, but I couldn’t see you…Nevermind…”

With a deep sigh, he dragged his hand down his face.

I looked at Leone with confused eyes.

Back when I was the Merchant’s owner, Leone was one of my closest aides. How hard had it been for Leone after I disappeared? So much to the point that he was restless when I was out of sight for only a moment?

In fact, I was also aware that Hillary was actually a watchman that he had attached to me to make sure I wouldn’t vanish again.

If Leone is to this extent…

Then the other guy must have been the same.

Despite knowing he’s a tough guy, my heart ached as I felt like I had given him an indelible wound.

Leone seemed to be out of control of his emotions.

I was as sympathetic toward him as when he first appeared.

Perhaps he himself was most shocked by his inability to control himself.

I stretched out my arms, contemplating what to do with him.

And he hugged Leone’s head.

“…Mas-, master?”

Flustered, he forgot to call me by my name and stumbled upon his words.

“It’s alright now. I won’t disappear anymore.”

“…”

“I won’t disappear again, so you can stop being afraid now.”

“…Please let me protect you this time.”

Leone pleaded with a desperate voice, almost pitiful.

I nodded slightly.

“Okay, I got it.”

Only then did Leone heave a sigh of relief.

I hugged him until he was more stable and gently patted his head.

Though I pretended not to know…someone was watching us.

Maybe Leone didn’t notice because he was drowned in joy.

The mysterious presence soon disappeared quickly, and I acted normally all the while in hopes that Leo would find more stability.

Even if Leone and I were to be known as lovers, there was no big deal about it.

That’s how my first ball as Eureia Craycia came to an end.

And the next day, the emperor called me.

♔♚♔

I was supposed to leave the palace today.

Normally, banquets were held for as short as four days or a week at most, but there was no need to participate in them every day.

I had gotten familiar with the faces of major businesses.

I had also formed a relationship with Heights Henness.

It was a great harvest.

In addition, my body was already drained, not to mention I had to do a lot of work, so I had to go back.

I have to be prepared in case the succession approval is not granted.

As I was about to pack up and go home, the emperor summoned me.

Following the servant sent by the emperor, I thought about why the emperor had called for me.

… Actually, there was nothing to think too deeply about.

It’s either for the best or worst.

Unlike the last time when the meeting took place in the office, today was an audience.

“Your Majesty, I have brought lady Eureia Craycia.”

After announcing my arrival, the servant opened the door.

I stepped inside and the door slammed shut.

The audience room was wide and vacant.

The knights supposedly guarding the emperor were nowhere to be seen.

On the ceiling, there was a large inscription of the imperial family, and at the front was the emperor.

He looked as relaxed as a predator looking at his prey as it walked into his den.

However, his gaze was tenacious.

“Closer.”

As he commanded, I moved closer.

“More.”

The emperor, dissatisfied, ordered me to come even closer.

I think I’m close enough already though, how much further does the Emperor want me to get?

I thought to myself and took a few more steps ahead.

The emperor hardened his expression as if this also displeased him.

But at least he did not ask me to come any closer.

For a moment, silence evaded the spacious room. Meanwhile, I was secretly praying that he’d get to the point quickly, so that I can make plans for the future.

“Eureia Craycia.”

When he spat out my name, I slowly lifted my head.

The cold, dark red eyes met mine.

He looked down at me without saying a word for another minute or so before opening his mouth.

“I will allow the succession to the title. From today onward, you are one of my vassals, Viscountess Eureia Craycia.”

My eyes widened at the unexpected words. But I quickly regained my composure and bowed deeply toward him.

“As Viscountess Eureia Crayciia, I pay my allegiance to Your Majesty, Emperor Kaishan Euclid Cliff.”

I did not have a sword, so all I had to do was put my palm on my heart.

“I want to ask you something.”

“Yes, please do.”

I thought he’s going to ask about the ‘pen’ I talked about last time.

But the question that came out was completely different from what I expected.

“Duke Leone Finisis…”

“…?”

“What is your relationship with him? Are you lovers?”