(PART 2) Shadow Queen

(그림자 황비)

"O-Oh, my God!"

Bell, who arrived late and participated in the battle, could

not shake his eyes from Hurelbard. Hurelbard was running
wild in the middle of the enemy's camp. He'd only seen it in
novels, but it was the first time he'd ever witnessed a 180
degree change in the war situation.

Bell felt goose bumps on his forearm. He often ran into

Hurelbard at the command of Sian and Count Lyndon. He
didn't pay much attention because he only shared formal
greetings. He never felt him strong. Rather, he was so
ordinary that he even underestimated them. Only today did
he realize how big an illusion it was. Hurelbard was a strong
man who can't keep up with ordinary knights like himself.

"Kol!"

The commander of the division stumbled as Hurelbard's

sword drew a trajectory. He, who was leading the attack to
avenge the dead Duke Whit, was reduced to prey.

"Kol."

The knight commander, who showed his bloody chest with

even an iron armor cut down, collapsed with blood throwing
up.
"D-Don't back off. Revenge the Duke and the Leader!"

The vice knight encouraged the knights and surrounded

them more. This is because even if they have
swordsmanship, they are vulnerable to attacks from behind
as long as they are human. However, Hurelbard did not
move or back down. Rather, he chose to move forward.
Hurelbard's eyes filled with life, and in an instant he came
out narrowing the distance.

"Hyuk!"

The vice commander was embarrassed and swallowed his

breath and prevented a thunderbolt from falling.

"Now, strike!"

The knights attacked Hurelbard at the shout of the vice

commander knight who succeeded in preventing the
surprise attack.

Bell's complexion turned blue. Even if it is Hurelbard who

flies and crawls, he will be helpless in such a situation.
However, worries were nothing but groundless. Hurelbard
didn't seem to have any intention of stopping the attack.
Forward. Only forward.

"C-crazy!"

Hurelbard swung the sword fiercely at the deputy

commander. The vice commander, who had been on guard
after blocking the blow, barely took the sword and stepped
back. The more he got scared and stepped down, the more
relaxed the siege toward Hurelbard.

"Argh!"
After Hurelbard's persistent attack on the vital point, the
vice commander screamed desperately and his heart was
penetrated.

"S-sir!"

When the knights shouted urgently, the vice commander

was not a living man. The impact of his death was huge. The
knights were in a state of confusion when they lost their
chief and vice-captain to lead the Order on behalf of Duke
Whit.

This is because they were afraid that Hurelbard's eyes, cold

and indifferent like ice, like they might die the moment they
touched his body.

Hurelbard persisted in targeting only the conductor, from

Duke Whit to the head knight and vice knight. As a result,
Hurelbard's target hit the mark. Count Lyndon, knights, and
mercenaries, who were in high spirits, attacked
indiscriminately at the rear, breaking down the ranks.

The discouraged knights of the Duke Whit did not even dare
to resist, but were busy blocking them. They died screaming
one by one as if it was not possible. The total number of
remaining knights was about 20 people.

"Listen, knights of Duke Whit."

Count Lyndon, who felt that he had won, went on to urge

negotiations.

"If you step down now, I will restore Duke

Whit's body and you can return. But, if you refuse, no one
will survive. What would you do?"
It was Count Lyndon's feelings that he wants to slaughter all
his enemies. Not only did they appease the dead knights,
but if they were left alive, there was a high possibility that
they would become trouble.

'We have to go to Your Highness before it's too late.'

But the important thing now was to hurry up and go to the

Crown Prince. He's already behind schedule to join.
Considering the difference in power with the elite knights
led by Grand Duke Friedrich, the priority was to finish the
situation here as soon as possible and help Sian.

"... We'll step down."

"Go."

The knights recovered Duke Whit's body and left the Arc de
Triomphe.

"Gone."

Count Lyndon sighed with relief. Due to the unexpected

surprise attack, it was hit. He was still dizzy to think that he
would have been wiped out without Hurelbard's help.

"Count Lyndon."

Count Lyndon's head turned away at a faint voice that did

not match the blood-stained scene.

"L."

The woman on the white horse was Elena. In case it would

interfere with the battle, she visited the scene over time,
and her expression was gloomy.

"I made a mistake and a lot of people..."

Elena bit her lips hard. She blamed herself for her
complacency for not noticing Duke Whit's involvement.

"Miss."

Hurelbard, covered in blood, approached and was polite. His

appearance of wielding a sword with an expression colder
than ice was so polite and gentle that you could not find it
after washing your eyes.

"We have saved Count Lyndon as you ordered."

"Good work, Sir."

Hurelbard bowed his head. One word is enough for him.

Elena's one word was enough to risk his life.

"I'm glad I'm not late."

"That's what it is."

Count Lyndon's nodding gaze did not fall from Hurelbard,

who was standing next to Elena's white horse. It was
surprising that the superman, who was moving the
battlefield vertically and horizontally, was so obedient in
front of her.

"You have a great knight by your side."

"It's too much for me. I thank Sir for always being there for
me."

Elena smiled a faint smile.

"I don't have time for this. We have to hurry up and go to

Your Highness."
For a short time, Elena returned to reality and urged the
Count. Count Lyndon, who was aware of the urgency of the
situation, also agreed.

"We'll move right away."

Without hesitation, they drove away from the Arc de

Triomphe.

'I hope I won't be late...'

Elena swallowed her worries and speeded up the horse.

***

Bastache mansion.

Along with the sound of the soldiers' organs, there was a lot
of fishy blood stabbing in the nose. Contrary to the
expectation that they would not overcome the difference in
power and would be unilaterally slaughtered, it was the
knights of the Grand Duke on the backlog.

"I've heard he's strong, but I can't believe it."

James, the second knights commander, still trembled at the

vibration that had been delivered as soon as he hit the
sword.

Ren was one beast that didn't get tamed. The sword was
wielded with an animal sensibility regardless of the form
and specifications of the sword. It was very difficult.

"Kol."

No, it was good he was tricky. The unpredictable sword

made the Grand Duke's knights helpless. The knights were
killed by Ren's sword, to the point that even their reputation
as the most elite knights of the Empire was overshadowed.

"Damn, we're gonna have to attack."

James wanted to overpower Ren at once, but the situation

was not good. The Bastache family's knights were formed
around Ren and completely prevented from being isolated.
The support of Majesti's members, who were hiding in the
mansion using crossbows, could not be overlooked.

Under cover, Ren ran wild like a hungry predator. It was

James and the second knights who were embarrassed to get
help from others when it was not easy to overpower Ren.
The situation in the rear was not much different.

"The Imperial Guard was this strong?"

The first knight, Pelin, spoke out against the unexpectedly

strong resistance of the enemy. Little was known externally
about the newly established force of the Imperial Guard.
There were only rumors that the majority of the guards
belonged to the disciples, local aristocrats, and even
commoners who were abandoned in their families.

"No, the swordplay of the Imperial Guard is not that great.

What's great is, the Crown Prince."

The first knights commander, Pelin, had a cool

understanding of the situation. Objectively speaking, the
sword skills of the Imperial Guard are not very outstanding.
It was not systematic and had a large deviation from
individuals. Compared to the knights of the Grand Duke and
the individual, one to two were below. Nevertheless, the first
Knights of the Grand Duke were being pushed back.
It was Sian who made the difference. If Ren is supported to
bring out the maximum amount of individual
swordsmanship, Sian, on the contrary, focuses on raising
the power of the Imperial Guard by more than twice as
much based on his swordsmanship. In each individual's
ability, he saved the emergency situation of the Imperial
Guard members who were pushed by the Grand Duke's
knights, or dug into the exquisite timing and attacked to
subdue opponents.

"Don't let the formation collapse! Sir Paul, Sir Venice, turn
right!"

In the midst of this, Sian drew out excellent leadership and

cared not to let the siege collapse. Rather than standing
out, he chose a way to deal with many enemies efficiently,
minimizing the damage of the Imperial Guard.

It was possible because he was Sian. Because he uses

elegant sword technique that is not so cumbersome that it's
wanted be used as a textbook for swordsmanship, and
possesses both the ability to read situations and the ability
to judge cold situations.

"I can't believe the maggots are wiggling."

Veronica twisted her lips with an uncomfortable look. Sian

and Ren's performance in dealing with the Grand Duke's
knights was surprising to her, too. Maybe that's why. As time
went by, Veronica's forehead was distorted. She was upset
to see them running wild with their energy alive when they
were short of begging for their lives with their knees boiling
in front of her.

"Sir James, how long do I have to wait and see that

rebellious look?"
"The resistance is stronger than expected..."

"Don't make excuses. That means you're incompetent."

"I'm sorry. I'll take care of it right away."

James, the second knight commander, fixed the sword in

Veronica's reassurance. James calmly peeped at the
opportunity. He was under cover, but since he was
outnumbered, he was about to aim for that time when the
gap between Ren and Bastache knights widened.

'Now!'

James stretched out his sword, sticking out like a spring.

This is a sword aimed at Ren who came in deep.

"Prince!"

Mel, who was standing behind, noticed the surprise and

shouted urgently. By then, James' sword had already
touched Ren's heart.

'It's a success.'

Ren grinned as soon as James was sure.

'Smile?'

It was when he wondered if he had lost his mind ahead of

his death.

Ren straightened the sword, turned around and pushed

James' stabbing away. It was an incredibly animalistic and
instinctive movement.

James bit his molar tightly. Surprise fail. The move was as
big as it was a perfect attack. It's not Ren to miss it. If he
didn't stop it, he'd die. That thought made James passive
and defensive. At that time, Ren kicked the ground and ran
out at a tremendous speed. Ren, who was narrowing the
distance in an instant, murmured low.

"If it's me, I'm fine because I've done so many things to be
blamed for..."

Ren's movement toward the prey was wide-spread. After

hitting all the swords of the knights hanging in front of him,
he took off with all his might.

"I can't stand insulting her."

"...!"

Veronica's face was white. Ren's blade, which flew like a

flying hawk, was falling with the momentum to crush her.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

It was a perfect surprise. There were two knights guarding

Veronica, but they couldn't even respond. Ren grinned at
Veronica, who was gripped by the fear of death. Failure was
not counted. Even if it was known, it was difficult to stop.
Ren's sword tip touched Veronica's collar as if it were a
skewer.

Veronica instinctively closed her eyes tightly. The heavy

vibration that came up from the tip of the sword made Ren's
whole body cry. The black tip, which should have been stuck
in the heart, hit something strange and lost its direction.
Ren's body, which was floating in the air, was also tinged
out. If he were a regular knight, he would have been
sprawled without even being balanced, but Ren, who had an
animal sense, landed on the ground sliding.

"Uncle."

Near Veronica's heart with her eyes closed, a sword with a

pattern symbolizing the Grand Duke was stuck. It was one of
the best swords in the empire, Planverge known as the
sword of Grand Duke Friedrich. The appearance of Grand
Duke Friedrich reaping the sword was pretty cool. Even in a
situation where everyone accepted Veronica's death as a
definite fact, he did not shake and easily pushed Ren's
sword away.
"That was a good surprise."

Grand Duke Friedrich evaluated Ren's sword as if teaching

him.

"What's this development? I thought you were an old man in

the back room, but that's not it."

Ren used his sword as a support and raised his body flexibly.
He was impressed by the thrill being delivered on his
fingertips. He just lightly hit the sword, but it felt heavier
and harder than the rock. It was the first time he'd ever had
such a heavy sword even though he'd had a fight with so
many knights. Veronica responded more violently, perhaps
ashamed of herself, who was very scared and crouched.

"You're crazy, aren't you? Do you dare to kill me?"

"The crazy bitch is you."

Ren hit back, shrugging his shoulders. Nevertheless, his

eyes were still on Grand Duke Friedrich. It was only one time
that he faced the sword, but the strength of Grand Duke
Friedrich was real.

'I can't guarantee a win?'

Ren's hand with the sword was sweaty. It was the first time
in his life. He was confident that he wouldn't lose no matter
who came, but he was so nervous.

"Like a beggar... Father, please do something about him. I

can't stand it anymore."

Veronica, who was huffing, couldn't stand it and complained

to Grand Duke Friedrich.
"I was about to."

Grand Duke Friedrich got off the horse and stepped on the

ground. With an age-ignorant physique, he walked in a
coercive manner and looked down at Ren with an arrogant
look.

"You should know it's an honor. You will die by this body's
sword."

"I'll return it literally."

Ren smiled, fixed his posture, and was nervous. He was such
a strong opponent that he had to pour out all his energy.

"Don't let them approach Your Highness!"

James, the second knights commander, blocked the

Bastache knights. Majesti members, who were hiding in the
mansion, wanted to support him with crossbows, but Ren
was too far away to reach.

"Help."

Sian, who had been fighting fiercely with the Imperial Palace
Guard at the rear, suddenly stood next to Ren.

"Do you need to? I'm good enough on my own."

"She said. Go after the king."

It was a deceit that Sian, who caught Grand Duke Friedrich's

tail, built a siege by lengthening the Imperial Palace Guard.
In the first place, it did not make sense to surround the
enemy with fewer troops than the knights of the Grand
Duke. In line with the siege of the Imperial Guard, the
knights of the Grand Duke were also aiming to be scattered.
Sian prevented enemies from concentrating on the siege. In
response to the signal, the Imperial Guard was concentrated
in a spiral, breaking through the knights of the Grand Duke.
With such a meticulous strategy, Sian was able to stand
next to Ren.

"What do you mean, king? She never told me that."

"You must have been unreliable."

Ren slipped his bangs back over the blunt, witty remark of
Sian.

"Why are you coming in so suddenly. I want to vent my

anger on my uncle."

"For the first time in a long time, you're right."

Ren and Sian faced Grand Duke Friedrich as if they had

promised. As they openly showed their murderous intent,
Pelin, the commander of the 1st Knights, and James, the
commander of the 2nd Knights, stood on both sides of
Grand Duke Friedrich, who had previously recognized that
they were tough opponents against Sian and Ren

"Get away."

"But."

"They're not worth seeing."

"I told you to get away."

The two knights swallowed their concerns and stepped back

to the irreversible authority of Grand Duke Friedrich. They
began to move to exterminate the Imperial Guard and the
Bastache family, whose balance had collapsed as Ren and
Sian fell out.

"Don't we need to get the king fast?"

Ren growled as if he were about to rush onto Grand Duke

Friedrich. Meanwhile, the bodies of the soldiers were
increasing one by one on the sword of the enemy.

Grand Duke Friedrich provoked with his arms wide open.

"Your Grace, why are you standing still? Isn't it a game that
ends when you kill me? Come on."

"If you wish."

Before the lingering feeling of the words disappeared, Sian

rushed in.

"Let's go together."

Ren also kicked the ground. At once, the distance was

narrowed and the two men's threats continued. Despite the
fact that it was their first time working together today, Ren
and Sian pushed ahead with the attack on Grand Duke
Friedrich if they had been in a long-running standoff.

When Ren drove a sword storm with animal senses and

instincts, Sian, who pursued traditional wave
swordsmanship, sought the gap with minimal movement. It
was a perfect cooperation to the point where the beholder
spoke his tongue.

But there was something bigger. Despite the surprising level

of censorship, it was the remarkable swordplay by Grand
Duke Friedrich.
"What, this monster?"

"..."

As the competition continued, Ren and Sian were surprised.

Grand Duke Friedrich had won all the storms of the sword
that had been raging like a mountain that firmly stood for
hundreds of years. But he wasn't just defending himself.

"Keu."

The sword that Ren had struck heavily was blocked by the
sword of Grand Duke Friedrich and struck out. Vibration was
transmitted to his forearm, as if hitting iron, and his senses
became dull.

'The sword is heavy.'

He felt it when he ambushed Veronica, but Grand Duke

Friedrich did not recklessly wield his sword. He doesn't even
launch an offensive enough to feel very defensive. The
attack was on this side, but Sian and Ren, who were
strangely burdened and overloaded, were given a greater
amount.

"I'll admit it. You're both good."

Grand Duke Friedrich did not change a single expression and

calmly received an onslaught from the two men.

"Where's the evaluation. On the subject that will die soon."

"Your swordsmanship relies on your instincts."

"So what."

When Ren's blow was blocked, Sian pushed the sword in for
the side. Even if it was a single move, it was a pile of stabs.
However, Grand Duke Friedrich turned and dropped the
attack.

"The Crown Prince's sword is the standard."

Grand Duke Friedrich turned his body around and put his
weight on it and kicked him. Surprised by the unexpected
attack, Sian blocked both arms reflexively.

Puck. Sian's body was pushed out with a dull sound. After
shaking off Sian, Grand Duke Friedrich did not stop and
struck a sword at Ren like a bolt of lightning.

"Ugh."

A groan came out of Ren's mouth. His legs were shaken by

the force that weighed down his body. If his blade was not
laid down with both hands, his shoulder might have been
cut in half. At the moment he thought he had managed to
stop, Grand Duke Friedrich kicked Ren's abdomen, which
was exposed side by side. He was so distraught by the pain
that seemed to burst his intestines. In the meantime, if he
had not instinctively spread the distance, he would have
been killed by the subsequent attacks.

"You won't know in another decade or so. It's still not

enough to stand up to me."

"Monster bastard."

Ren spit out the blood in his mouth. He wanted to beat that
cheeky face right away, but he rarely saw a gap. Grand
Duke Friedrich looked down on Sian and Ren, who were
staring at him like they were going to kill him.

"Blame the heavens. You met me before your talent

blossomed."
Grand Duke Friedrich's stance, which had focused on
defense so far, had changed. Unrefined bloodthirst, sharp
enough to cut down everything without leaving any shape.
Sian and Ren took a deep breath and took a pose. There
was no place to retreat. It was a crossroad of death or
death.

"Support Your Highness! Kill the Grand Duke who caused the
rebellion!"

The knights, led by Count Lyndon, joined in a timely manner.

Under his excellent mercenary tactics, the spirit of the
Imperial Guard, which was in inferiority complex, revived.
The 1st Knights faltered and the casualties began to
increase.

A horse crossed the heart of the blood filled field.

"H-Hurelbard?!"

When the knights of the Grand Duke found Hurelbard

running, they opened their eyes. It was impossible not to
know the dishonorable knight that left the Great House
without any sound rumors.

"That failure!"

"A traitor who doesn't even know the honor of a knight. I'll
kill you with my own hands."

Hurelbard ran forward without hesitation as if he could not

even feel the need to answer back. He cut down the knights
without hesitation by blocking them with hostility. They were
once in the same boat, but there was no personal affection
left. The only thought that moved him was Elena's words.

Ttuk.
It was in front of Sian and Ren, who exchanged battles with
Grand Duke Friedrich, where Hurelbard, who broke through
the center with phenomenal magic, stopped.

"I'm sorry. My nerve has left blood being spilled."

"Don't say that. This is the battlefield."

On the saddle, which was supposed to be empty, a slender

woman was wearing a robe and hiding herself hugging
Hurelbard's back tightly. When she reached out her new
white hand and leaned back the robe, her red gold hair and
face were revealed.

"This is how I see you, Father, no, Grand Duke Friedrich."

"You."

Grand Duke Friedrich's eyes narrowed, facing the stand-in

who once lived as his daughter on behalf of Veronica. It was
not enough to sway the Grand Duke on the subject of a
single stand-in, she also forced him to rebel. Now, she was
Elena, the hostess of the salon, renowned not only in the
Empire but also in the continent.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"Would you trust me if I was happy to see you like I saw my

birth parents?"

Elena's eyes bent like a crescent moon. Her heart shook

uncontrollably. In the past life, the eyes of those who were
looking at Elena came back to her. The cold touch that was
stealing the inside, and the contemptuous look like a bug.
Then she realized it. She was on par with him enough to
smile before Grand Duke Friedrich.

She no longer looks up at him, struggling on the floor. Joy

poured in as she climbed up to where she could grab his
neck.

Grand Duke Friedrich spread his arms and acted like a

caring father.

"So am I. Will you be in my father's arms?"

"I might stab you in the heart, is that okay?"

Elena grinned as she pulled out a dagger from a leather cut

on her thigh. Grand Duke Friedrich burst out laughing low,
and soon hardened his face.

"Is Duke Whit dead?"

"It is the law of the Empire to rule treason by death."

Elena smiled and hardened her heart. When she saw that
arrogant face was getting smaller, she felt like she was
losing her mind. Leaving such Grand Duke Friedrich behind,
Veronica drove her words out to the front.

"Welcome. You've saved me the trouble of visiting you?"

"Veronica."

"You, the Crown Prince, Ren. I won't just kill you. I'll make
you feel how terrible it is to live."

Veronica looked at Elena, Sian, and Ren with a gruesome

smile. The mere imagination of pulling out three people's
fingernails, crushing bones, and cutting off limbs made her
spine thrilled.

"Hurelbard, you son of a bitch."

2nd Knight Commander James grinder his teeth while

watching Hurelbard suddenly appear. When he saw the rude
act of competing against his owner of the second knight's
with a sword, he was filled with anger, as his immediate
subordinate of the 2nd Knights ran away from the Great
House without permission and tarnished his honor.

"A disgraceful fellow who doesn't even know his honor. You
were a knight! I want to dig out my eyes for accepting you
from the grassland tribe to the knights who have no roots."

"..."

Hurelbard remained silent. He didn't give a single glance to

James' threat. A vein formed on James' forehead, which was
ignored. The thread of a long bad relationship could only be
solved by the death of either side.
"Amazing."

Grand Duke Friedrich calmly threw a word. It was a small

voice, but no one could not hear it because they focused
their whole mind on him.

"The Crown Prince and Ren who were born with more than
meets the eye. Identity, ancestry, people. Because of them,
you were able to stand up to me."

After the two, Grand Duke Friedrich's eyes were fixed on

Elena.

"Unlike the two, you were empty-handed. A girl on the far

side with no open arms. You struck Leabrick and drove me
all the way here."

"Because I was desperate."

Elena responded. If she didn't kill him, she'd be dead.

'And I had to remember Ian that you took from me.'

For Elena, revenge was not a choice but a reason for life.

Grand Duke Friedrich fixed his sword and looked up at the

dark night sky. His eyes were indifferent.

"It is people who decorate, but the sky is what makes it."

"..."

"Hate for being born in the same era as me."

The momentum of Grand Duke Friedrich's eye contact with

Elena changed. An intangible murderous intent that
resembles the storm of a blade raged toward Elena. It was a
wild and exciting bloodthirst that even most knights could
not endure.

Elena's face turned pale. She was suffocated. Although she

was said to have experienced a lot of difficulties, her fragile
physical limitations could not be helped. She might have
difficulty breathing or damage her head if she got caught up
in that wild bloodthirst.

"You'd better stay back."

"Hey. That's foul play."

"Are you all right, miss?"

Elena's breathing has regained stability. In an instant, Sian,

Ren, and Hurelbard came forward and blocked her from the
bloodthirst. It was not clear what happened, but it was clear
that the three protected her from Grand Duke Friedrich.

"Thank you."

Elena had a faint smile on her mouth. They were so reliable

that she almost forgot for a moment that it was a battlefield
full of blood and flesh.

"Thanks, all three of you, for trusting me and following me.

Thanks to you, I was able to get here."

"What, that pessimistic feeling? It feels like we have to die."

Despite Ren's slyness, Elena didn't lose her smile.

"There will be no such ending."

"Of course."
Sian said firmly as if he didn't even need a little
consideration. Hurelbard showed his sacrifice and loyalty to
Elena with a calm look. Elena expressed her last words of
encouragement to the three people with her thoughts.

"It's a turning point for the times. Will it change, or last. It's
up to the hands of three people."

"I'll prove it."

"She keeps giving me pressure. I want to do my best."

"Yes, miss."

Sian, Ren, and Hurelbard moved forward, fixing their

swords. Grand Duke Friedrich and James also sharpened
their stance and showed a strong sense of the whole body.

It was the last battle. Elena's palm, who was bound to watch
from afar, had become damp with sweat. Trust in the three
was absolute, but there was nothing she could do about
being nervous.

'I'm glad he got here on time. Count Lyndon tied up Pelin's

feet.'

The First Knights Commander, Pelin, was struggling to deal

with Count Lyndon, who was relentlessly attacking him. In
the meantime, as he tried to command the 1st Division,
which was on the defensive, he seemed to be struggling.

Sian and Ren attacked and pressed Grand Duke Friedrich.

They weren't overwhelmed by the monstrous dance, but he
wasn't pushed back.

'This is it. The reason May failed to assassinate.'

His unconscious and monstrous strength transcended
Elena's common sense. The reason why May's surprise
assassination failed was understandable.

'I heard he was a knight, but I didn't expect it to be this

much.'

It was enough to withstand the pincers of Ren the Wolf of

the Wilderness, who is called one of the Three Swords of the
Empire, and Crown Prince Sian, who is equivalent to him.
She hated to admit it, but Grand Duke Friedrich was clearly
a superman born of the heavens.

"T-this jerk!"

Hurelbard had the upper hand over James, the 2nd Knights
Commander, and pushed him mercilessly. James, who
tended to ignore Hurelbard, who was only a fresh knight,
seemed embarrassed by the swordsmanship that
overwhelmed him.

'They won't lose. Those three will definitely win.'

Elena's faith gradually became a reality.

A sword stuck like a skewer in James' chest, who was in a

hurry to defend himself without enduring Hurelbard's
onslaught.

"Kol. You're the kind of guy... I-I..."

Hurelbard pulled out the sword stuck in James' body without

hesitation. Hurelbard, who was looking down at his dead
body with emotionless eyes, turned around.

"I can't believe it."

The eyes of Grand Duke Friedrich stood open. The post of
2nd Knights Commander is not a title that can be just given.
Although he is not as good as Pelin, James is a competent
knight with swordsmanship, leadership, and intelligence.
Such James was killed in vain. To a knight from a commoner.

"I'm sick of it. Leabrick deserved it."

Grand Duke Friedrich's eyes did not fall from Elena. Elena,
who appointed him as a knight after recognizing the
possibility of Hurelbard, which even he had not noticed, was
truly astounding

"I'll assist you."

When Hurelbard, who overpowered James, joined the attack,

the initiative changed at once.

With Ren's animal and instinctive swordsmanship, the

complete swordsmanship of Sian, which is close to a
swordsmanship textbook, and Hurelbard's practical
swordsmanship aimed at the vital point, even Grand Duke
Friedrich, who is close to the superhuman, had no talent to
endure. In addition, the three men's agreement was so
perfect that it was doubtful that they were not united for
decades. The process of blindfolding, creating a gap, and
aiming for a vital point continued naturally as if it were
flowing smoothly.

"Your Highness!"

Several knights jumped in to help the defensive Grand Duke

Friedrich, but they were not good enough. It was a battle
between those with different levels of strength, so they were
rather cumbersome and unhelpful.

"Father."
Veronica bit her fingernails as Grand Duke Friedrich was
pushed back. Her lips were dry with extreme nervousness.
She was worried that the worst ending she had never
thought of would be realized. It had been a long time since
composure was lost on the face of Grand Duke Friedrich,
who was receiving a threat.

It was a miscalculation. Even if only Sian and Ren were

alone, it was difficult to have one child born in one era, but
he did not expect that there would be even Hurelbard. The
desperate urgency to lose everything made Grand Duke
Friedrich more impatient. Because when he died, everything
was over. He, Veronica, and the Great House of Friedrich,
who had been in prosperity for hundreds of years.

'I need to break the balance.'

He had to kill one person even if it was too much. In the

process, even if one arm was lost, it would not be a matter
of winning again if he could create the structure of this
versus.

They were not three people who could not expect such an
ulterior motive. Rather than confront the onslaught of Grand
Duke Friedrich, they focused on defense and waited for the
Grand Duke's physical strength to fall. However, whenever
there was a gap, they threatened the enemy with a
threatening attack.

"Haa, haa."

Grand Duke Friedrich was out of breath. As his physical

strength fell, the tip of his sword gradually became soft. The
evidence was that the small wounds increased.

"Kirsten, Farrell! Help me, come on!"

In a hurry, Grand Duke Friedrich called the knights fighting
at the base. This is because if he bought a short time, he
could preserve his physical strength, even if the power
difference is not very helpful. But the three refused to allow
it. They struck the last blow in line with the old and weak
lion's footsteps.

Sian's sword penetrated Grand Duke Friedrich's left chest as

it was. Ren's sword, which caught the back of the Grand
Duke who had never given up, drew a trajectory and cut his
back diagonally. Hurelbard, who was aiming for a gap, drew
the blood vessels of his neck.

"F-father!"

At the same time as Veronica's one-word cry, a fountain of

blood rose from Grand Duke Friedrich's body. Grand Duke
Friedrich stumbled by grabbing his neck. He struggled to
stop the blood vessels flowing between his palms.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

He was struggling with regret. The eyes that couldn't accept

death. Despite his pathetic gesture to live, his sobbing body
collapsed. The fingers of Grand Duke Friedrich, which
stretched out to the ground, wriggled. As if he couldn't die
like this, his body, which was staring at Elena, lost all its
strength. He died with his bloodstained eyes open.

"Grand Duke."

Elena didn't take her eyes off him until the end of his breath.
The Grand Duke, who was rich in one era, had such a
shabby and futile death.

"You're no different. That's what it's like to die."

Elena caught his last eye with a calm look. Death was not a
long story. Everyone was the same. So she fully knew how
Grand Duke Friedrich would feel now.

Moreover, Grand Duke Friedrich is the head of the Great

House, who is called the Sky of the Empire. The more people
have more to lose, the stronger their attachment to life. It
took only a few seconds to stop breathing, but the despair
he felt at that moment must have been so large that it could
not be expressed in words.
"No, it can't be. Does this make sense? Wake up. What are
you doing? Get up and kill them!"

Veronica, who got off the horse, used evil as if she were

denying the reality. While she was approaching her father
with slow steps, Grand Duke Friedrich did not budge.

"Y-Your Highness the Grand Duke!"

Pelin, the first knight commander who belatedly recognized

the death of his master, showed his back.

Count Lyndon did not miss the gap and drew a sword
diagonally from Pelin's shoulder to his side. Pelin, who was
reeling with a ragged body, bent sideways and died. It was
an absolute death.

Not only Grand Duke Friedrich, but also the knights Pelin
and James died, and the knights of the Grand Duke's family
were shaken as if they had lost their will to fight.

"Surrender. If you resist, I'll cut you."

When Sian stepped up and threatened, the knights of the

Great Duke, who lost their will, surrendered, abandoning the
sword. Veronica, who was watching the scene, screamed.

"Are you crazy? What are you doing? Hold the sword again!
I'm Veronica von Friedrich alive. Look, I'm the new Grand
Duchess. So grab the sword. Come on!"

"Hey, my cousin. That's about it, right? You're a total loser

right now."

Veronica trembled as Ren grinned and sarcastically laughed.

"Can't you hear me!"

Despite Veronica's order, the knights lowered their heads
and did not hold the sword again. Veronica had never given
or shown any trust to them. They didn't want to risk their
lives just because she was blood.

"I'm sorry, Your Grace."

"There is no point in fighting any more."

The knights turned a blind eye to her. Veronica was evil at

the sight.

"Beggar bastards! You put the sword away when the master
is dead? Are you guys still knights? Can you say you're a
knight of the Friedrich family?"

"You gotta stop, right? What's wrong with you?"

"Shut up."

Veronica stared at Ren like she was going to kill him. There
is only evil left for her now. Even Grand Duke Friedrich, who
had been a strong protector of her, and the knights, who
had been a supporter, turned around, and the loneliness left
alone in the vast sea was eating her.

"It's all because of you. It's because of you."

Veronica pulled out a rapier from her waist and stared at

Elena as if she were going to kill her. It was a sword close to
decorative, but it was threatening enough because the
blade stood.

"Veronica."

Elena got off the horse, calling her. Hurelbard, who robbed

the blood off the sword, was right behind her to prepare for
Veronica's sudden situation.

"I should have killed you. If I had killed this bitch, this
wouldn't have happened!"

"You couldn't do that."

Elena's sarcastic voice was colder than the ice. The situation
has changed, but Elena's feelings now were in the extension
of the bleak prison before her return.

The devil who took Ian away, laughed at Elena who was
dying of abuse, and even talked about Ian's death. The devil
was now in front of Elena in the opposite situation.

"Don't talk like you could."

"You!"

Veronica's eyes were turned upside down by an insulting

disregard. She picked up the rapier that she couldn't even
hold properly and ran toward Elena.

Ren, who was ahead of Hurelbard in the back, stepped in

and slipped out. Veronica, who was rushing forward, tripped
and fell unsightly. She turned her head and stared at Ren as
if she were going to kill him.

"T-this!"

When Ren shrugged his shoulders, Veronica, who was

huffing, picked up the rapier again and moved on. She only
had hatred for Elena, the origin of all this work. But it wasn't
Ren to watch it. He quickly turned around and walked again
before Veronica noticed. This time, she fell in front of a dead
body and was soaked in blood, not dust.
"You gotta be careful, right? Why does your foot keep
getting stuck?"

"Ahhhhh!"

Veronica, who couldn't overcome her temper, shouted at her

throat. She was furious at the situation where she could not
even respond to such contempt. Elena approached such
Veronica. Hurelbard tried to move forward as if she were in
danger, but Elena smiled and said it was okay.

"You said that didn't you? It's not easy to kill."

"You bitch..."

"So will I. I'll make you struggle with despair to the point
where death is a luxury."

Elena's voice was colder than the frost in the middle of

winter. It was a time she lived for today. She gave
everything to see their destruction. She was determined to
make Veronica feel the same helplessness that she felt
when she was deprived of the inside.

"I-I'll kill... Hyuk!"

There was a heavy shock behind Veronica's neck as she

rushed to Elena. While looking for a moment, Ren struck her
defenseless vital spot and knocked her out.

"Because she's too loud."

"Good job."

Elena had nothing more to do with Veronica. She'd show her

with her actions, not with her mouth hurting.

"Subdue them all."

Sian commanded the Imperial Guard to capture the knights
of the Grand Duke. Even though the center of gravity was
lost, as the Grand Duchy was still in existence, he couldn't
relieve himself because he didn't know how the remnant
party would change.

"I'm going to the Imperial Palace."

It was almost dawn. Sian was planning to recover the

imperial palace swept away by the Grand Duke before
sunrise. The body of Emperor Richard, who chose to make
noble sacrifices, also had to be recovered. It was necessary
to hold a meeting of the nobility to publicize the work of the
Grand Duke and regain the leadership of the political
situation.

"Your Highness, hold on a minute!"

Elena urgently called up such Sian.

"What's wrong?"

"There's a drop by before you go to the Imperial Palace."

"Where to drop by? Oh!"

Elena nodded as Sian reacted as if he had thought of

something.

"Go to the House of Buckingham. You don't have to hesitate

as long as you're sure of your power. Break the centuries-old
balance between the Grand Duke and the Four Great
Houses and open a new era that Your Highness desires."

"You are truly..."

Even in this situation, Sian was speechless to Elena's vision
of reading the game with cool and rational judgment.
Suddenly, that thought passed. If she becomes a member of
the imperial family and expands her capabilities, wouldn't
the empire enjoy an unparalleled peace of mind?

'If it's for you, I...'

He thought he wanted to live as someone's supporting role,

which he had never thought of before.

"I will."

Sian did not hesitate to lead the Imperial Guard and leave to
the House of Buckingham. Ren grinned at Elena looking at
his back.

"The kid so smart."

"Get drunk if you should."

"That means it's strong."

"I don't have the power to play with words. Go ahead and
clean up. I'll go back to the salon..."

Elena stumbled as if she had felt dizzy at the moment.

When surprised Hurelbard was about to help, Ren burst in
and held Elena's waist. No matter how agile and fast the
move was, Hurelbard had no time to work.

"What's wrong? Are you sick?"

"I'm a little dizzy. I guess I'm relaxed."

Elena was smiling faintly, but her face was pale.

It was a life that ran only for revenge. She seemed
reasonable and calm, but she has always lived close to the
limit. Therefore, it was only natural that tension was relieved
and mental exhaustion came.

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to sleep a little bit."

Elena lost consciousness that she no longer had the energy

to endure. It was not easy to maintain a complete spirit in
this battlefield, where even healthy people are full of blood
and flesh and death. It was a miracle to have endured so far.

"Where does this guy sleep?"

Unlike the words, Ren was cautious that Elena might wake
up. But Hurelbard didn't listen to it.

"I'll take her to the salon."

"Don't you trust me?"

Instead of answering, Hurelbard held out his hand with a

wary eye. However, Ren held Elena if she had no intention
of handing her over. Very nicely.

"That's enough? And I can't do anything about it."

Ren grinned at Elena, who was fast asleep.

***

The sky of the Empire has been overturned. It was the first
time that Grand Duke Friedrich attacked the imperial palace
and killed the emperor. Although they failed to prevent the
death of Emperor Richard, the response of Crown Prince
Sian and the Imperial Guard was brilliant.
Sian and the Imperial Guard, who urgently returned to the
capital after receiving information that they were plotting
treason, occupied the Great House and succeed in killing
Grand Duke Friedrich. In addition, they killed Duke Whit,
who was involved in the rebellion, and overpowered the
Buckingham family.

The nobles were astonished. The fall of the Great House,

which had been together since the founding of the empire,
has been largely suggested to the aristocracy. The axis of
the empire, which had been revolved around the nobility,
became a momentum for the imperial power.

The shocking news continued. Ren Bastache, who even had

a funeral due to his disappearance, returned and took
control of the family. Ren's position as the next new
aristocrat turned out to be true when rumors turned out to
be true that he helped bring down the Grand Duke in line
with Sian.
It became firm.

The rest of the work was carried out in order. Sian

dispatched the Imperial Guard to seize the Great House and
the House of Buckingham. He also searched the mansion
and confiscated property that he had seized in a dishonest
way, and based on the payment books he received from the
aristocracy, he began to investigate the behavior of looking
after darkly rampant payments.

Sian concluded his relationship with the rebellion and held a

funeral for Emperor Richard. In the meantime, he had to
tighten his belt due to the lack of sufficient imperial
finances, but it was not unreasonable because he recovered
the property of the family who committed treason to the
state coffers.
Veronica was imprisoned in the imperial dungeon. Her
death, who participated in Grand Duke Friedrich's treason
and was present on the scene, became a prerequisite.
However, it was only speculated that she would be executed
after the funeral of Emperor Richard is over.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

The royal protocol carriage, which was very spectacular,

arrived in front of the salon.

"I'm here to see you, L."

The commander of the Imperial Guard, Hwigin, was polite.

His body was filled with respect for Elena.

Elena smiled awkwardly after dressing up. She said she

would go on her own feet, but Sian adamantly insisted to
invite her with the Imperial Palace Guard.

"Don't say that. It's a great honor for me to meet L and have
a conversation."

Hwigin smiled silently and escorted Elena to the carriage.

When she sat in the carriage, he closed the door carefully
with courtesy.

As the white horses of the beautiful manes stomped, the

carriage moved forward. It was natural that people's
attention was focused on the addition of more than 20
Imperial Guard escorts, which were not enough for the
Imperial Family.

"What's the procession?"

"The Crown Prince must have sent them to fetch L."

"Again? Don't you really think of L as the Empress?"

"I agree. Honestly, is there a nobleman who cares about

commoners like us as much as L? If she can't be the
empress, who can be?"

"That's right. If you forget, you can help the poor, and
thanks to her, our John can study for free."

"That's what I mean. She's a saint."

When Elena, who arrived at the palace, got off the protocol

carriage, the great members of the Imperial Guard, who
were residing in the palace, held up the swords in restrained
movements and held a welcoming ceremony.

"... I told you not to."

Elena muttered, as if it were very embarrassing. The grand

welcome ceremony is Sian's work. This was the case before,
but it was exactly this way when Elena was invited to visit
the Imperial Palace.

"Your Highness is in the garden of the main palace."

Hwigin led the way. Hurelbard, who was away because of

the procession, appeared and guarded Elena.

The main palace garden is one of the few places Elena

remembers as a good memory in the imperial palace. This is
because the late emperor Richard often called Elena, who
was suffering from loneliness, to comfort her over tea.

"You're here."

When she reached the entrance to the garden, it was a day-

ripe face that greeted Elena.
"Mr. Jacqueline."

Elena's face brightened when she faced him. Jacqueline,

who became a close aide to Sian at Elena's introduction,
was serving as his advisor. He was also the principal of the
school established with Elena's support and has been
teaching, so it has been difficult to see his face in recent
times.

"I've always been told. You made a big contribution?"

"What do you mean, big. It's not fair. I just helped you."

"You're still modest. Let's go inside. He's waiting."

Elena stepped into the garden instead of answering with a

light silence. Hurelbard remained at the entrance as well as
Jacqueline, as the palace patronage was only accessible to
the royal family and invited guests. It was a small scale, not
so big. Maybe that's why. It gave her a warmer feeling.
When she reached the center of the garden, Sian was
waiting.

"Here you are."

"I'm here to see you, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Sian smiled and stood up by himself to pull out a chair.

"Take a seat."

Sitting face to face with the table between them, Sian

poured tea that had just been brewed in Elena's teacup.
From that she could see his excellent skills in tea ceremony.

"I'm not as good as you, but I practiced because I wanted to

treat you myself."
"Practice?"

"Yes."

Sian smiled faintly. It was a busy situation enough to lack

even two bodies, but the time he practiced tea ceremony
while reducing his sleep to serve Elena was a vitality of life
and happiness for him. Elena, who looked surprised, picked
up a teacup and took it to her lips. Elena admired the
deeper flavor than it seemed.

"Is it right for you?"

"The aroma and taste are excellent."

"That's a relief."

Sian smiled again. Has he ever smiled so often, even though

he was expressionless. Elena couldn't shake her eyes off
him because she was awkward and didn't hate the smile.
Sian asked as if he felt such gaze.

"Why do you look at me like that?"

"Your Highness's smile is unfamiliar to me."

Sian's hand, holding a cup of tea, paused at Elena's honest

answer.

"That's what I thought. My father wouldn't want me to live

without a smile, suffering from my duties and
responsibilities."

"I'm sure Your Majesty would have. Because he loved you

more than anyone else."

There's a saying. The end of love is sacrifice. Elena

understood the word deeply. Sian savored the black tea with
a deeper smile.

"So what do you think? Is it awkward to smile?"

"No, it looks good."

Elena smirked without realizing it. It was because it did not

fit that Sian, who succeeded in killing the monster Grand
Duke Friedrich and strengthening the imperial power, which
no one has done, was worried about such things.

"Ren said he couldn't make it. Oh, I'll correct myself. Count
Ren."

Ren, who officially inherited his family and became count,

was also having a busy time. He expected to see his face
because Sian had prepared a place for the first time in a
long time, but he was disappointed.

"He must have a lot of work to do."

"I heard there's a must-see place today."

"Oh."

Elena nodded and took the teacup to her mouth. Ren, who
hates Grand Duke Friedrich as much as Elena and Sian,
must have seen him only now that he has officially inherited
his title and settled his family.

When the tea cooled down, it warmed up again several

times, and Sian and Elena had long conversations with each
other for a long time. Among them, there was also a story
about Elena's reward for making a great effort in
suppressing the rebellion.
"You will receive the medal, but refuse the title and
territory?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

"A baronetess in the empire is nothing but a formal honor. It

is a clumsy position that is not treated as an aristocrat by
law or as an aristocrat in aristocratic society. Are you sure
you're okay?"

"That's why I like the baronetess. It means that nobles and

commoners can't be mixed, in other words, they can be
mixed anywhere."

"You are indeed..."

Sian sighed, blurring his words. He couldn't recommend it

anymore because he knew the eloquence she had.

"That's what your will is, so I won't force you anymore.

However, it is also true that I feel sad that you don't receive
anything."

"I'm sorry."

"This is not a sorry thing. I think it's homework. To find what

I can for you."

Sian savored black tea. Already, something he wanted to do

for Elena was in his head.

"Oh, Your Grace, I have a request."

"Tell me."

"I want you to praise Sir Hurelbard for his brilliant work in
suppressing the rebellion."
On the day of the showdown, Elena was heartbroken to see
Hurelbard, who was cursed at by the knights of the Grand
Duke as a disgrace. Hurelbard said he had no regrets and
said that he would have followed Elena even if she went
back, but she did care that he, who was called one of the
Three Swords of the Empire in his previous life, was treated
like that. So, in recognition of his merit, she wanted to wash
away his disgrace.

"That's what it was like even if you didn't say it. Lord
Hurelbard will be awarded a medal, a baron's title, and a
lordship. Also, give him the title of knight of the empire and
wash away his dishonor."

"Your Highness..."

Elena lowered her head as if she were dazed. She could see
that Sian had put his mind to it more than she thought.

"Also, if Lord Hurelbard agrees, I will entrust him as the head

of the Imperial Guard."

"H-head?"

"He has all the conditions that a knight should have. If he

takes over, the Imperial Guard will be stronger. Of course, it
is the premise that Lord Hurelbard allows it."

Elena was happier than when she was given a title. She can
restore the reputation of the knight that was tarnished by
her. She was relieved to meet him and put his honor and life
back in place.

"You're leaving tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'm visiting my parents in the North."

"Are you bringing them here?"

"I will."

Even after learning the news, she hadn't thought about

looking for them. As long as she couldn't destroy the Grand
Duke, she pretended not to know that even her parents
would be in danger. Now she could see the two of them with
the burden of her heart down. Sian looked very sad that he
couldn't go with her.

"When you come to the capital, bring them to the Imperial

Palace. If it's your parents, they are my parents to me."

Elena thanked Sian for his kindness and asked for his
understanding.

"Your Highness, I'm going to get up now. I've got a place to

stop by."

"It's been a long time since we've seen each other, so I've
been talking without knowing time has passed."

"Me, too."

Elena said goodbye by lifting the skirt. The north is far from
here. Considering the distance, there was a high possibility
of not seeing each other for quite a long time.

"We will proceed with Veronica's execution after you come."

Elena had never visited Veronica, who has been imprisoned

in the palace. Feel despair in such a hopelessness that no
one looks for or saves her like her past life, which never
existed. The oppressive pain was Elena's punishment.
"Thanks for your consideration, Your Grace. I'm leaving
now."

"Please take care of yourself."

Elena turned her back and walked out of the garden with an
elegant walk that could be called textbook etiquette. Sian
couldn't take his eyes off for a long time even after Elena's
back, which was moving away, disappeared out of sight.

***

At that time, in the capital, the noble cemetery managed by

the Gaia Cathedral. Ren found a place where only the great
nobles who had quite an influence in the capital could be
buried. The name Spencer Bastache and the year he lived
were engraved on the tombstone made of fine marble.

"A stupid undutiful son is here."

Ren greeted calmly. Like when he was dealing with Viscount

Spencer when he was alive.

"I was going to come early, but I was a little late to get this."

Ren put the bag in one hand next to the tombstone.

"It's uncle's head."

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

The head of Grand Duke Friedrich, who committed treason,

was valid in the Arc de Triomphe. Hanging his head on the
Arc de Triomphe symbolizing the founding of the empire was
an expression of Sian's desire and will to open a new
empire. Ren brought it secretly around the time when the
public's interest in Grand Duke Friedrich's neck, which had
long been valid, cooled.

"It's the neck of the uncle that my father hated so much. Are
you satisfied now?"

In front of the tombstone, Ren spoke as if he were

grumbling. But the only answer was still silence.

"I inherited the Bastache family. The handsome Your

Highness bestowed me the title Count for my efforts to stop
the rebellion, and he said he would give me a lordship. You
should be interested in that."

Ren talked about it in a blunt way as if he were talking about

him. Like what the Count, the lordship, and territory mean.
Ren's eyes, looking down at the tombstone, were filled with
loneliness.

"Father."
He sang to Viscount Spencer in a calm voice. He didn't even
want a compliment. Why didn't he ask for more? He wished
he'd yell or get angry. Viscount Spencer didn't say anything.

"It's all over. We did everything we wanted. Damn it, why is

it this vain."

A lonely smile spread around Ren's mouth. It seems that the

emptiness that was flooding like a wave had emptied his
mind. There was no one left beside him when it was all
done. Mother and father.

For hundreds of years, it was time to run for the wishes of

the Bastache family, had been forced to sacrifice because of
the collateral relationship, so there was no room to look or
search elsewhere.

"I'm gonna take a break. I'm going to take a break and find
out what it means. How to live, why to live."

Ren grinned as he swept up his bangs.

"Of course it's not the life you want, so don't expect it. I
couldn't do anything. It's annoying and cumbersome."

Ren did not want to flourish the Bastache family. It's just to
keep his place as a housekeeper and hand it over when it's
time. It was just enough to stop there.

"I'll go. I won't come often. I'm not a rich man who is kind
enough to see you often, right?"

Ren gave a silent salute, put his hand in his pocket, and
turned around. Even if he looked back once, he did not turn
his back away from the tombstone.
Suddenly, Ren stopped walking. Then he raised his chin and
looked up at the blue sky without a single cloud.

"It's always like this. It reminds me of something."

Ren, who was looking over the high sky, laughed like a
foolish person. He didn't know, but... the meaning of life, the
next thing, the way to live. It seemed that there was no
need to find the answer from a distance.

'Maybe I already know.'

***

"No?"

"Yes, I don't want to."

Elena, who stopped by the salon to change the carriage,

was talking to Hurelbard, who was riding with her. Originally,
the knight had to sit in the horseman's seat or lead a horse
to escort, but Elena put him in the front seat, saying she had
something to talk about. It was to tell the title and land to
be granted in recognition of the repression of treason.

"And the Imperial Guard Captain?"

"Yes, miss. I'd like to keep you company as I am now."

"..."

Elena, who reported the news with joy, was struck by an

unexpected backlash from Hurelbard. Hurelbard said he
would not accept the title of knight of the Empire, a medal,
a title, land, or even a post of imperial guard captain.

"Don't do that. You're too big to be with me."

Hurelbard said with an unshakable look and expression, as if
he were a knight of the ice.

"I left the Great House to serve you and thought a lot about
the honor of a true knight. The chivalry I learned was a lie."

"Sir."

"The real honor of the knight is that it doesn't matter if the

world doesn't recognize them. Only one person, if I have the
heart of my lord. That's what you are to me."

Elena sighed deeply as she watched Hurelbard, who

sincerely asked her to stay with her. His talent was a waste,
and she was sorry for the years he spent meeting her, so
she tried to give him bigger wings, but he opposed it and
hoped to stay with Elena.

"Are you sure you really don't need anything? Title, medal,
estate, everything?"

"Yes, miss. My wish is to serve you until you die."

Hurelbard's polite refusal showed no real signs of shaking or

conflict.

"Are you confident you won't regret it? Even if you beg to go
later, I won't let you go then."

"It won't happen."

"Okay, if that's what you want, I won't talk about it

anymore."

Elena took a step back. No matter how much it was for

Hurelbard, she couldn't resist because he said he didn't like
it.
'Thank you, and you're foolish.'

Elena caught Hurelbard in her eyes with frustration. She was

so grateful and sorry that he was able to keep her side.

"I need to live harder than anything else."

"What do you mean?"

Hurelbard, who did not understand what she meant, tilted

his head. Elena flipped the side of her hair over her shoulder
and said meaningfully.

"I have to fly higher and farther so that Sir's name will be

popular among future generations."

"You don't have to do that because of me. You've already

been..."

"It's my choice, so please respect it, Sir. Just like you chose
to stay with me."

"..."

Elena, with a mischievous smile as she looked at Hurelbard,

turned her eyes out of the window. The carriage, which was
far out of the capital, ran along a deserted road on the
outskirts. It was a place where no one was looking for
enough to be called an abandoned forest, but it felt artificial
somehow.

As they reached the end of the road, which led to dozens of

branches, she could see a mansion that did not fit in the
deep forest. It was a secret shelter built by the Grand Duke
throughout the continent. The location was revealed by
Artil's testimony, who was looking at the actual work of the
Grand Duke, as the site was discovered when Sian, who
occupied the Great House, conducted a massive
investigation.

"Welcome, L."

When Elena got off the carriage, a guard of the palace, who

was guarding the safe house, was polite.

"I'm sorry to bother you when you're busy."

"No. Your Majesty's request was made to serve you without

any inconvenience when L came."

While continuing his words, the Imperial Guard was busy

peeking at Hurelbard behind Elena. He was in awe of
Hurelbard, who showed outstanding performance
comparable to Sian and Ren in the showdown with the
Knights led by Grand Duke Friedrich.

"Shall we come in?"

"Oh! Yes, this way. I'll show you around."

Elena, who entered the mansion along the Imperial Guard,

was headed for the entrance leading to the basement.

"The prisoners are still under investigation, and they are still
in custody."

"I see. Would it be okay if I and Sir Hurelbard were the only
ones who wanted to come in?"

"There's Lord Hurelbard, and there's no way he can't. The

prisoner L mentioned is locked in a cell at the end of the
third basement floor. Then, I'll stand by here."

Elena, who asked for understanding, went down the

basement stairs. The sound of heels broke the still silence
and rang the cellar. The prisoners in the bars, who felt the
presence, reached out and begged for their lives, saying
they were innocent. Some used evil to yell or showed
aggressive behavior when their entreaties did not work. Of
course, those people were frozen in the deep bloodthirst of
Hurelbard, and they quickly calmed down, only their mouths
wiggled.

Elena stopped and visited the last room on the third

basement floor. Darkness that cannot be driven out by a
lamp and mold that pierces the tip of the nose vibrates. The
fact that most people were trapped here was such a terrible
place that it was suffocating.

"Leabrick."

A woman's head, which had been drooping like a corpse,

was slowly raised beyond the bars. Her previous intelligent
and neat appearance was so hideous that it could not be
found.

"If I knew you were stuck here, I should have come earlier."

"Are you here to laugh at me?"

Leabrick's voice cracked. She didn't see her old confidence.

She was only soaked in despair and misery.

"Yes, I'm here to do that."

"It's childish. Yeah, laugh at me as much as you want. Why,

why don't you spit? Didn't you come here because you
wanted to?"

"You're ruined."
Although she dug her chest, Leabrick burst into cynicism at
Elena's undeniable criticism.

"Yeah, I'm ruined. But am I the only one who's broken?

That's not true. The Grand Duke went down."

Leabrick, who was pouring out self-help words, gasped as if

she were tired. The murky air in the goutless dungeon was
eating away at her lungs.

"I shouldn't have brought you back then. No, when you took
your parents away, I had to be suspicious. At least then..."

Leabrick regretted the past when she made a plan to play a

role. There were many opportunities to stop. Elena was
forced to obey herself at that time.

"I'm the one who brought down the Grand Duke. It's me."

She was doing it now that she was the most shameful and
pathetic regret. Leabrick, struggling with despair, stained
with regret, suddenly stood up and grabbed the grate. Then
she wore evil and shook it.

"What are you doing? I'm here. Why don't you slap me?
Won't you feel better that way?"

"..."

"Why are you looking at me like that? Look, you can't even
resist. You want to bully me, don't you? Untie it. Untie it all."

Elena looked at Leabrick, who forced sadism without saying

a word. Elena's eyes made her more miserable and terrible
than a hundred insults and any contempt that broke her
dignity.
"No. I don't want to."

"What?"

"Let's go back, Sir."

Elena turned coldly. Now Leabrick was broken. Not worth

laughing at. It was enough to see her with such a mess.

'She's not worth dealing with.'

She'd never see her again. Leabrick had no value left for her
to feel superior and enjoy the joy of revenge.

"Wait! Stand there!"

Leabrick grabbed the bars and screamed. One strand of

pride that sustained her was trampled. She hoped Elena
would abuse and harass herself as much as she had been
hurt. The fact that she had such feelings meant that Elena
acknowledged herself. But Elena didn't do that. Leabrick
couldn't stand the moment.

Bang! Elena's head turned reflexively at the dull sound of

the cellar ringing.

"...!"

Leabrick's body, whose skull was crushed into the wall, was
drooping. Her pupils became blurred and her forehead sank.
Leabrick laughed grotesquely.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"Now you see me..."

Leabrick couldn't keep talking until the end. But even in the
face of death, the look in her eyes never disappeared. Don't
forget me until you die.

Jureuruk. Leabrick, who was holding onto the wall, collapsed

and died. Unlike her bloody hair, her eyes and mouth were
smiling eerily.

"That's your exit."

Elena looked down at Leabrick, who had died, with dry eyes.
Until the moment she died, she wanted to be recognized as
Elena's opponent. She was the only one who could stand up
to Elena, and she was proud of herself.

"Once upon a time, I respected you."

She threw out her tongue at Leabrick's witty conspiracy. She

wanted to be a smart and intelligent woman like her. She
was the one who put herself at the height of misfortune and
a woman who was hateful enough to want to be shattered,
but she was also the woman who made Elena today.

"Good-bye, Liv."
Although it was after she died, Elena left the best goodbye.
As if to respond to Elena's praise, Leabrick's body trembled.
Even though it had already become a cold body...

"Sir, let's go back."

Elena, who drew attention from Leabrick's body, turned

around. There was no reason to stay here anymore.

***

"Farewell?"

"It's over, I think I can leave right away."

Elena, who was standing in front of the mirror and checking

her clothes, nodded at May's answer. Elena, wearing a dress
that's not fancy but had a good figure, was scheduled to
leave for the North today. The destination is the Kingdom of
Dian, a three-nation alliance in the northern part of the
Empire. It was where her parents, Baron Frederick and
Chesana, were staying.

"What about you, Emilio?"

"I understand you've been checking the carriage for a

while."

Emilio will accompany this schedule. Emilio was scheduled

to visit the Kingdom of Belkan, one of the trilateral alliances.
He, who had been helping Elena get revenge and taking
charge of the salon's overall work, will also take this
opportunity to check the top and meet his daughter Lucia.

"You're a hard worker. I'm the only one who delayed."

As Elena left the bedroom with May, her walk was cheerful.
Although she had to go on a long journey that took nearly a
month, she was excited to meet her parents. She will be
away from the salon for a while, but she didn't worry much.

'Salon, Khalif will take good care of it.'

She'd seen him flirting recently because he's in a

relationship, but he was not so sloppy that he couldn't tell
the difference between public and private.

"If you're going, say you're going. You're about to disappear

again without saying a word."

A familiar voice caught Elena's footsteps as she tried to go

downstairs around the corner of the hallway.

"Ren."

As she turned her eyes, Ren, who was leaning obliquely

against the wall of the aisle on the other side, raised his
hand.

"How long has it been? I haven't heard anything. Are you

too busy to stop by the palace now?"

"Hey."

Ren put his hand in his pocket, smiled and approached

Elena, popping his face.

"What's up with you."

"Nice to meet you."

"..."

"Nice to meet you."

Sian has often been seen in public appearances. Although
they couldn't talk comfortably because the construction was
so busy, they could afford to exchange eye greetings. But
not Ren. He has not been confined to his family since the
day of the showdown. It was in the name of dominating and
cleaning up the family, but it was too much.

"It's nice to welcome you."

Ren grinned. Does she know. Elena is the only one who
makes Ren smile like this.

"What's going on all of a sudden? Is everything all right?"

"What's going on. It's better to be here all of a sudden. I'm

still happy to see you."

Elena smirked at Ren's silly joke.

"That's enough. I'm leaving today. I'm going to empty the

salon for a while."

"I've heard a lot about it. You're going to the north?"

"Yes, my parents are there."

Elena's smile spread all over her face. Ren also loosened his
mind with a comfortable smile he's never seen before.

"Do you want me to follow you?"

"What?"

"I'm very free."

"Are you telling me?"

When Elena stared at him, Ren smiled and shrugged.

"No, kidding."

"What's that."

"I have nothing to do, and I'm crazy free, but I'm not
following you. I will not be a villain who interferes with the
emotional encounters."

Ren gave up company. She was going to see her parents,

not any other schedule. She was attracted by the hand of
the Grand Duke, and he guessed the longing she had
experienced while parting, so he was considerate for her to
go alone.

"Who would think you were getting permission?"

"I have to be allowed. You've been to the academy before."

"When I was in academy? Oh. What else."

Elena burst out laughing at past stories. Is this what

memories are like in the past? Until then, she pretended to
be Lucia, avoiding the eyes of the Grand Duke.

"I was worried I couldn't see you, but I'm relieved to see
you. Go ahead."

"It's going to be quite a long schedule."

"It's better. It'll be twice as touching next time."

Elena smirked again. His speech, which was like the truth,
now felt pleasant.

"Anyway, your personality is weird. I'm going. Ren is doing

well, too."

"Go."
Ren pointed at the bottom of the stairs with his chin. Elena
greeted lightly and went down the stairs. When the backside
disappeared, he sat on the window frame at the end of the
hallway and looked down. Soon after, Elena, who came out
through the back door, was seen climbing into a waiting
carriage. There was May, Emilio, and Hurelbard, but Ren's
vision remained solely with Elena.

"Well, this isn't bad either."

The carriage carrying Elena started with a loud sound of

wheels. Ren liked the carriage moving away with a calm
smile that he had never built before. And it wasn't until he
saw the carriage smaller than the dot leaving the gate that
was far away, he left.

***

Elena and her companions arrived at their destination, the

Kingdom of Dian, within a month and five days. Unlike the
empire, which belongs to the mild side even in winter, the
air cooled as it moved northward. The reason why it was
delayed five days than scheduled was because the road
froze due to the snow.

"There you go, benefactor."

Is it because of the cold? The carriage had stopped at the

tip of the capital of the Kingdom of Dian, where practical
and thick-looking brick houses are the mainstay. Elena
looked in the direction Emilio pointed. She could see a sign
with Marigold written on it.

"Marigold."

"It is a flower of happiness that must come."

Emilio was quietly told by Elena's recitation. Emilio, who was
watching Elena, who couldn't take her eyes off the wine
shop where customers came and went nonstop, said.

"I'm going to get going."

"I'm sorry you took a detour because of me."

The Kingdom of Dian is the northernmost of the Three

Kingdoms. To get to Emilio's destination, the Kingdom of
Belkan, you must make a detour and move south again.

"Don't say that. It's because I wanted to, isn't it?"

"Still. You must have missed your daughter a lot."

"From now on, you can go in a month. I'll pick you up when
I'm done with my urgent business."

After Emilio, who said goodbye, left, Elena took a light deep
breath. She was excited to see her parents soon.

"I'll go alone. It's okay, right?"

"Yes, I'll be watching from here."

Elena, who left May and Hurelbard, lightly pressed down on

her hat. It was a fur hat for warmth, but it was said that
young children in the northern part of the country often
wear it when they go out because of its wide brim.

People's eyes were on Elena when she stepped into the

store. Even though it was comfortable to move and dressed
for warmth, they felt an elegant atmosphere and spirit that
they could not describe.

Elena picked up a bottle of wine while looking around the

display case. Marigold's signature wine was the most
popular wine with brandy, although the production year was
short.

<Elena.>

Elena's mouth caught a faint smile when she saw the label
on the wine bottle. It was because she could feel the hearts
of the two people who are so clumsy that they can put her
name on the wine.

Elena with wine lined up to pay. As evidenced by the

popularity of port wine, the line to the checkout counter was
quite long.

"Thank you, come again."

When she finally reached the checkout counter, a familiar

voice lingered in Elena's ear. It was the voice of her mother,
Chesana, who felt longing when she closed her eyes
because she missed her so much.

"Would you like it wrapped?"

"Yes."

Elena barely answered, holding back her emotional feelings.

Chesana, who was taking out a small box and wrapping
wine, spoke friendly.

"You remind me of my daughter."

"Daughter?"

"She should be your age by now. She had such beautiful

hands with red blond hair like the customer...."

Chesana, who had a bitter smile and blurry words, held out
the finished wine.
"It's done. Pay for... Customer?"

Elena, who couldn't overcome her overwhelming emotions

and kept her lips shut, barely wore it.

"It's me."

"Pardon?"

"It's me, Mom."

Her voice was too small to be heard without listening, but

Chesana didn't miss it.

"E-Elena. Are you sure you're Elena?!"

Elena took off her hat, swallowing tears that seemed about

to burst immediately. It was time for the eyes of Chesana,
who faced Elena, who became a woman after her girlhood,
to become moist.

"Can't you see anyone waiting behind you? Without paying

quickly..."

When he saw Elena standing in front of the checkout

counter, Baron Frederick, who became more flexible than in
the past, dropped the books he was holding.

"Elena?"

"Right, honey? Our daughter Elena, right?"

Elena swallowed her tears while looking at her parents. She

was so happy. She wanted to laugh, but why was she
choking up?

"Good thing. You're healthy, you look good, you're doing

well, so I wanted to see more... I tried not to cry. It's so nice,
why do I keep tearing."

Baron Frederick and Chesana ran out towards Elena showing

tears and hugged her.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

Elena stretched out her arms and hugged her parents

tightly. The body temperature that surrounds her, the
familiar smell. Everything was healing and rest for her.

"Thank you, Goddess Gaia. For letting me see my daughter

again."

Not even aware of the customers' attention, the three of

them did not know they would fall for a while. Only after the
lingering emotion was over, the three moved upstairs.
Although it was small, it was a cozy room that felt warm
enough to drive out the cold in the north.

Chesana handed over the heated milk like when she lived in
the Duchy in the past.

"If it's a miracle, it's a miracle."

"I promised. I'll see you again."

Elena smiled, wrapping a cup of warm milk in both hands.

"You don't know how much I regretted letting you go. Your
dad was sorry for the trouble."

"Don't do that. I told you I was fine."

Baron Frederick looked sorry.

"Even if you are okay, it's not to us parents. Because my
incompetence drove you to the extremities."

"It was inevitable."

"Even so, I couldn't do anything."

"Dad..."

Elena choked up. Elena couldn't stand the pity and regret of
the appearance.

"Now put it down. I grew up this well, right?"

"That's what it is. I'm relieved to see you."

There was a comfortable smile on Baron Frederick's mouth

that he had never built in the past few years. However, it
was also for a while.

"Is it true that the Grand Duke Friedrich was destroyed after
causing a rebellion?"

"It's true."

Baron Frederick's face hardened.

"Then you came here..."

"I didn't run away. I came here on my own. I have a lot to

talk about. It's not enough to stay up three days and
nights."

When Elena smiled and said, Chesana gently stroked her

daughter's forehead.

"Tell me everything. Don't leave anything out. Everything

good and everything bad. Okay?"
"Yes, I have people to introduce first."

"Introduction?"

Elena smiled brightly and nodded.

"They're so precious to me."

***

Elena stayed in the Kingdom of Dian for nearly a month. The

family spent their time eating together as if they were
compensated for their years apart. It was a small routine for
some, but it was a series of precious days that could not be
exchanged for a thousand gold for three people.

Then one day, Emilio came to visit. It was time to go back to

the empire.

"It's good to go with you, but what about here?"

Chesana's footsteps did not fall for the fact that he had
gone a long way with a thriving wine business. The
business, which was devoted to meeting Elena someday,
was now life and vitality for the couple.

"Don't worry about that. I've hired a heavy-mouthed, wine-

savvy man."

"But still..."

"Port wine is slowly becoming known in the Empire. Think of

it as expanding your sales network and going for market
research."

Elena specifically asked Emilio for a favor. Jean Seri from the
central part of the country was famous for producing
continental grapes. He was a wine expert and lover who first
developed and published Port Wine in their history.

'You're the one who lost your seat because of me. I have to
help.'

Jean Seri's life changed overnight as Elena gave him the

recipe for making port wine from her parents. Even if it was
due to moral responsibility, he hoped they would go with
him as a companion to the wine business.

"Wife, let's go to the Empire."

"Is the store going to be okay? There are a lot of things to

manufacture due to the backlog of orders..."

"Isn't Elena the one who introduced us? Let's believe her."

The couple, who left the wine shop to Jean Seri, followed
Elena and left the Kingdom of Dian. Although the two of
them wanted to move to the empire, they could no longer
be stubborn because they had lived in the northern part of
the country.

The group said goodbye to the northern snow that covered

the world in white and moved south. Even though it was the
same winter, the coat changed as they headed to the lower
part of the country, and they became lighter by taking off
their outer clothes that they wore in layers one by one.

After a month and a half, they reached the capital of the

empire.

"Honey, look over there."

"That's not comparable to the Duchy or the Kingdom of

Dian."
Elena invited the two people to the salon who were
surprised by the dignity of the capital. The couple were
surprised by the huge salon, which was comparable to the
imperial palace, and were twice surprised that the owner of
this place was Elena. They were surprised three times when
they saw aristocrats who recognized Elena and showed
respect. Elena's popularity, fame, and reputation, which she
felt before leaving the Kingdom of Dian, far exceeded the
common sense of the couple.

"Thank you. I didn't do anything for you, but you grew up so

well."

"Why didn't you do anything for me? You made me born."

"Oh, my daughter speaks so beautifully."

They stayed in the salon for a while to relieve their fatigue.

As it was a long time, rest was essential because there was
not much accumulated fatigue.

A message came from the imperial palace when they heard

of Elena's arrival in the empire. The invitations brought by
the Imperial Palace Guard had a phrase saying that it
wished for her to visit the Imperial Palace with her parents
sooner or later.

"Y-you mean the palace?"

"Are you sure you don't mind us going?"

"Sure. Your Highness invited me."

Baron Frederick, who was only a fallen aristocrat of the

Duchy, was ill. It was a great honor to cross the imperial
palace of the empire that dominated the continent.
Entrance to the Imperial Palace. Dressed in a top-notch
dress and chin suit tailored specifically by Christina, the
couple smoothed their clothes awkwardly.

"I have a good daughter, so I can enjoy all these luxuries."

"That's right, wife."

The couple, who left the salon, were wide-eyed when they
saw the royal-only full carriage.

"Your Highness sent it. Get in."

The protocol carriage carrying Elena and her parents

crossed the streets of the Empire and arrived at the palace.
The couple could not keep their mouths shut as they saw
the palace worthy of the dignity of a millennium empire.
Elena felt good because she was glad to bring her parents
who couldn't shake their eyes.

As they got off the carriage and headed to the main palace,

Jacqueline, Sian's aide, visited them.

"Your Highness has asked me to delay the presentation due

to urgent matters. So, why don't you look around the palace
first?"

"I'm fine, so don't mind."

Sian was in a hurry to deal with the overall affairs of the

Empire. This month, construction was so busy that even two
bodies were lacking as the emperor's enthronement
ceremony was just around the corner.

"Then, I'll guide you."

"Jacqueline himself?"
"Your Highness had a special request. Let's go this way."

Jacqueline took Elena and her parents to show them every

corner of the palace with sincerity. The couple looking
around the Imperial Palace, which is a product of imperial
history, couldn't take their eyes off of it, and gave an
exclamation.

"The meal was prepared by the royal chef as a hand-made

dinner."

Dinner is a dish that is served only when a special guest

visits. It was a part of how much Sian cared and treasured
for Elena's parents. She was going to eat with gratitude for
Sian's heart, but a person who was not on the previous
engagement came to Elena.

"Aren't you the Empress's maid?"

"Her Majesty the Empress wants to see you because she has
something to say to L."

"Your Majesty is looking for me?"

Elena's expression spread curiosity. In the past life, there

was no reason for Empress Florence to find herself in this
life without a connection.

'What's the reason?'

She thought it over, but she couldn't point anything out.

"Her Majesty is looking for me, and I have to go. I'll be right
back. Mr. Jacqueline, you two."

Elena asked her parents for their understanding and went

straight to the palace. When she arrived at the Empress's
palace, the maid went over the door.

"Your Majesty, L has arrived."

"Let her in."

Elena stepped inside when the standing maids opened the

door. The Empress's Palace, which felt like a large reception
room, was a multi-purpose space for Empress Florence to
greet guests or handle the affairs of the imperial family.

"Greetings to Your Majesty."

"Have a seat."

Elena sat on one sofa with her head down. It is the imperial
etiquette not to raise your head until there is an order.

"Put your head up."

Elena raised her chin when she was given permission.

Empress Florence stared at Elena.

"You look alike."

"..."

"Don't get me wrong. I mean, just your appearance."

Empress Florence did not specify who Elena looked like. It

was not polite to mention Veronica, who is about to be
executed as a traitor.

"Looking at you like this, I can see why. Why the Crown
Prince fell so deeply. Why His Majesty, who locked his heart,
gave you the brooch."
Elena's expression hardened slightly at the brooch's
mention. She was both curious and surprised at the same
time why she was telling her this.

"I told you to come to give this."

It was a small box that Empress Florence offered. The

dragon's design was engraved with a seal symbolizing the
imperial family, and it was assumed that it contained a
noble object at a glance.

"It's the Imperial seal."

"...!"

Elena's eyes, which were not surprising at all, opened wide.

A seal. It was an omnipotent object that symbolized the
emperor's authority. It was known that the seal that only the
emperor of the Empire could have had disappeared.
However, she never dreamed Empress Florence would keep
it. The eyes of Empress Florence, who looked down at the
box containing the seal, were filled with bitter feelings that
were not like her.

"Your Majesty is a cruel man. He's going to go like that and

entrust this seal to me who doesn't even mix blood with
Sian."

"Such a thing."

"Please bring it to the Crown Prince. It's the coronal

ceremony soon, so he'll need this seal."

Elena looked up and stared at Empress Florence. She didn't

understand why she gave this through Elena.

"Why are you giving this to me instead of giving it to him?"

"Because I don't want to be funny."

Empress Florence laughed helplessly.

"It's weird that I'm a mother who didn't even love His
Majesty and never hugged the Sian who looked at me."
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"Your Majesty..."

Elena blurted out the end of her speech. Empress Florence

dropped her gaze and gave a grim look. Elena had never
seen it before.

"Your Majesty gave you a brooch, didn't he?"

"What? Yes, I did get it..."

"I'm sure you don't know what that means. Even more so, I
think it's right for the qualified L to return this item."

Elena was surprised that Empress Florence knew the whole

story about the brooch, and was once more surprised to
discuss the meaning and qualifications of the brooch.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that for you."

Elena pushed the seal toward Empress Florence. It was an

obvious rejection.

"L."

Empress Florence raised her eyes slightly and called her

name low.
"It's something His Majesty has entrusted, so I think it's right
for Your Majesty to return it."

"Do you really want to see me miserable?"

There was a chill in the voice of Empress Florence. In the

past, she called Elena, the queen, and scolded her so much
that she could shed tears whenever she could. She was
once intimidated by that look, but Elena, who is now, has
long been free from the remnants of the past.

"If you allow me, may I say a word?"

"Do it."

Elena, who cautiously sought the permission of Empress

Florence, put her eyes on her chin according to imperial
etiquette.

"I don't think that the relationship between parents is a

continuation just because you have a stomach ache from
birth."

"Are you teaching me?"

Empress Florence's face turned red. She allowed it, but she
didn't expect her to talk about such arrogant things.

"The child born from the heart is also a child."

"I can't listen to you anymore. Get out."

Empress Florence got up, perhaps feeling insulted. However,

Elena continued to speak clearly. Once, she was a mother,
too.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince will not show it, but he will
be lonely. I'm sure he felt like Your Majesty had passed away
and left him alone in the world."

Empress Florence, who turned around with a cold wind,

stood in place. Sian's heart was not a consideration for her,
who only tried to escape. Therefore, Elena's words caused a
stir.

"Please protect the Crown Prince. Just like you've done so

far. You're an adult before the empress. You're the mother of
the Crown Prince, no matter what anyone says."

"You..."

Elena bowed her head with courtesy. So that her heart can
be conveyed to her even a little. That was the only way to
convey her true feelings.

Did she reach such earnestness? The coldness disappeared

from the expression of Empress Florence, who was only cold
as ice.

"You're a really strange person. You don't have to do this."

"..."

"I think I know a little bit why Your Majesty gave you the
brooch."

Empress Florence turned her head. She looked out the

window and was lost in longing. She didn't know whether he
was thinking of the dead Emperor Richard or Sian, who she
hurt when he was young, but she was definitely regretting
something.

"I'll give him the seal."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince will be pleased."

Elena must have been relieved then, and the fever smiled
and raised her head. The Emperor's seat is lonely. Even if
she was not mixed with blood, even if she did not give love
to him, she believed that the presence of the empress would
be of great strength to Sian just by staying firmly and
supporting him as an imperial adult.

When Elena, who finished the conversation, tried to step

down with courtesy, Empress Florence, who was still looking
out the window, suddenly spoke out.

"If it were you, maybe I could welcome you."

"Pardon?"

There was no return answer to Elena's objection. It was

ambiguous to ask further, so Elena left the empress's palace
after leaving a bow while looking at Empress Florence's
back.

On her way to the reception room to find her parents, Elena

found a procession in the hallway. As she narrowed the
distance gradually, she greeted the welcome face at the
front of the approaching procession.

"Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"I've been neglecting you for a matter of urgency. I

apologize."

"What apology. I was worried if I couldn't see you, but I'm

glad I saw you."

Elena was more polite than usual. This is inside the palace.
Her minor mistakes were also largely talked about and
scratched. Elena didn't want to be that person to Sian.
"I heard you went to see the Empress..."

Sian strangely blurred the end of his speech. Knowing the

character of Empress Florence well, he seemed worried that
she might have harmed Elena.

"The Empress served me tea."

"Tea?"

"Yes, I'm on my way out with the words of blessing engraved

on my heart."

Elena didn't mention anything about the seal. She trusted

and waited for Empress Florence to return the seal herself.

"I see."

Sian also did not ask questions in detail anymore. As always,

he trusted Elena's words, and he didn't want to know if
there was anything to hide. If she didn't tell him, there
would be a reason.

"Your parents are in the palace. I'll come with you."

"Your Highness, I have a request before that."

"Tell me."

Despite his permission, Elena hesitated without opening her

mouth, so Sian quickly bit his surroundings. Then Elena
opened her lips.

"I'd like to meet Veronica."

***
Imperial dungeon. This place, which only gathered high-
ranking criminals who committed profanity to the imperial
family, was famous for being impossible to escape from. As
the imperial regime weakened and the aristocracy gained
power, it became difficult to find prisoners, but recently
there were so many sinners that there were not enough
rooms. It is because even the aristocrats who participated in
Grand Duke Friedrich's rebellion and committed illegal
activities in the process are being investigated for their
involvement.

"Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

The Imperial Guard, who guarded the entrance to the

imperial underground prison, greeted with restraint. In
addition to felons related to treason, many influential
aristocrats in the empire were imprisoned, so the members
of the Imperial Guard directly managed it.

"Guide me to Veronica."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The Imperial Guard, ordered by Sian, took the lead in

walking. It was only after walking in for a long time that
there was no end that the guard of the palace stopped
walking.

"That's the room."

"Stay back."

The Imperial Guard had a polite manner and fell far away.
Sian looked back at Elena, who followed him and said.

"I'll here. Go and see."

"Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness."

Sian insisted on waiting and not being with Elena. Veronica,

who is about to be executed, and Elena, who has lived as
such a stand-in for Veronica, had no place for him to
intervene in the conversation. As Elena approached the
room at the end, candles fluttered on the lamp in the
hallway.

"...!"

A woman who loosened her hair beyond the empty iron

cage suddenly popped out and reached out her hands. It
was threatening as if it was digging into the neck.

"Veronica."

Elena called her calmly. Veronica, who had poison in her

eyes and tried to reach out her hands over the bars and
harm Elena, ended in vain.

"I'm gonna kill you! I'm gonna kill you! I'm gonna kill you!"

Veronica, who was filled with hatred, screamed and wrote

evil.

"Because of you! If it wasn't for this bitch, neither would I,

nor my father, nor the Grand Duchy would be like this!"

Veronica's eyes were bloodstained. She was filled with

resentment as if she would tear Elena to death if she had
touched her hand. Elena laughed at Veronica.

"Yeah. Fake just dumped the real thing."

"What? You, you, beggar bitch!"

Veronica, who was supported by evil, grabbed the iron bars
and shook them like a madwoman. However, the rigidly
fixed bars did not budge in her struggle.

"I'll never let you go, bitch. I'm going to peel off your scalp
and pull out all your teeth. I'll tear your knuckles apart and
make you cry in pain!"

"While you're locked up, your delusions grow."

"Shut up! Soon the Duchy's vassals will be leading the

troops. Do you think I'll leave you alone then? No!"

Elena laughed at Veronica who couldn't give up her lingering

regrets. The Grand Duchy has long disappeared from the
Imperial Land. The imperial palace recovered the lands, and
the vassals were either fleeing or being hunted down and
being put in an imperial prison for questioning. She didn't
know if she didn't know such reality or if she was denying it,
but it was pathetic.

"I'm relieved. I was worried if you were broken like

Leabrick."

"What?!"

"Stay as you are now. Wailing, ranting, screaming in more

evil. Don't lose hope. Until the moment you die. That's how
it's fun to watch you."

Elena's remarks, which seemed to be playing with an

interesting toy, were sincere. The more hatred she has, the
more she can't give up, the greater her despair. There will
be no more despair than taking even false hopes from her,
who lost everything for a moment.

"What the hell?! Open this cage! I'll kill you I'll kill you!"
Veronica shook the bars with her whole body. As if to jump
out right away, put her fingernails on Elena's neck and
strangle her to death. Elena's smile became stronger when
she saw it. Like Veronica who laughed at Elena while she
was dying. As if to return what has been suffered.

"Okay. I'll tell you one thing to be considerate."

Elena took a step closer to the bars. Then she whispered like
a devil. Just like Veronica did.

"You're about to die. You'll be executed in front of all the

Imperial people."

"...!"

Veronica, who had been fighting evil until now, shuddered at

the word of execution. That whispering death shattered
even her easy hope.

"So wait. I hope that someone opens that iron bar and
comes to you. Because that day is yours."

Elena looked at Veronica with a smile full of laughter and

turned away. Veronica, who stared blankly at Elena's back as
she was moving away, realized that she had insulted her,
but Elena had left.

"Hey, hey! Wait! Wait there before I kill you!"

Veronica's minute scream rang through the prison, but Elena

did not look back. No matter how evil and cruel she is, she
can't reach her. She let her struggle with despair. In
addition, it made people suffer from the fear that death
brings. Whenever she hears the footsteps of guards who
bring her meals and the footsteps of sinners going to be
investigated, the word "execution" will imprison her. There is
nothing like fear that one might die at any time, that can
wind up a person and cause them to suffer psychologically.

"Let's go."

When Elena returned, Sian nodded and turned around.

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"Do I look good?"

Elena, standing in front of the mirror, turned around and

asked May.

"You look like a butterfly in a flower."

"I'm glad I look pretty."

Elena smiled, putting her baby hair in order. Her smile,

which was thicker than ever, made her more brilliant.

"Time flies. Today is the day of execution."

Veronica's execution will be held today after the

investigation related to the rebellion is over. The vassals and
relatives involved in the conspiracy have already been
executed. Now that Veronica, the only blood and heir of
Grand Duke Friedrich, the leader of the rebellion, will be
executed, they will cut off the line and set the imperial law
straight.

"Well, Veronica managed to hold on. I was worried about her

going crazy or dying."

Despite being an infinitely benevolent Elena, she did not

offer any sympathy to Veronica enough to be considered
more cruel than the devil. Apparently, she was nervous all
the time until the date of execution was decided. She
suffered from the fear of death, and her body was grimly
thin. However, the psychological torture that bothered her
ended today. Capital Arc de Triomphe, the symbol of the
Empire. Veronica's execution will take place at the site
where the head of the rebellion, Grand Duke Friedrich, was
set to take place.

For today, Elena wore a custom-made dress by Christina.

Color and brightness were killed because too fancy could
make it seem like she enjoyed Veronica's execution. Instead,
she showed off her unique lines in a mermaid dress, saving
both her elegance and dignity.

Unlike her miserable death, how will Veronica feel when she
sees Elena shining more than the stars in the night sky? She
must be terrified by the despair and misery that comes from
the difference. And she wouldn't be able to close her eyes
until she died. Elena waited for today to enjoy the end.

"Are you done?"

"Yes, miss."

May, who was checking that the hem of the dress might
crumple, touched it. Elena, who finished perfect preparation
without a single mess, left the bedroom.

"Miss."

Hurelbard, wearing a white uniform specially designed by

Christina, spoke.

"What's wrong?"

"In the next room, Count Ren is waiting."

"Ren is here?"

Elena's eyes widened.

"Yes, I couldn't post it because he was so proud not to say

that he was waiting."

"In any case. It's the truth."

Elena smiled. The smile that came to her mouth was

brighter than ever. It had been more than a month since she
returned to the capital, so she had not met Ren. She even
sent a letter as Count Bastache, but she didn't get a reply. It
was so nice to hear that he came on his own because he
was worried about something bad.

Elena entered the drawing room after opening the door of

the drawing room that Ren was waiting in.

"Ren."

Ren, who was sitting cross-legged on the sofa like his own
house at Elena's call, waved his hand.

"Long time no see."

"What happened? There's no reply. Did something happen?"

Ren smiled with a peculiar grim smile.

"There isn't."

"But why weren't you replying? I was worried."

The smile hanging around Ren's mouth became thicker.

"I saw you."

"When?"

"Sometimes, no, often."

The day Elena came to the capital. The day she participated
in the salon's discussion. The day she took her parents to
the palace. Besides that, he met Elena more often than he
could count with ten fingers. So this meeting was as natural
as meeting her yesterday.

Elena was curious as if it was ridiculous.

"No, if you see it, you have to pretend you know it. How do I
know if you pretend not to know me?"

"A kind of moderation."

"Are you going to be a priest? I didn't know that. But you

know yourself that you're far from restrained, right?"

Ren smirked.

"It's true. I'm holding it in because I can't handle it."

"Don't be weird. Let's keep in touch. I can see your face."

"I want to know how to come out and contact me and see
my face. I want to sit down here and live."

Ren laughed his head off. Perhaps even after death, this
woman like this lark will not know. He was not joking about
what he was saying. Not wanting to make Elena
uncomfortable by showing his true feelings, Ren always
made a joke.

"I'll move the luggage later, go. You'll be late for the
execution."
"Isn't Ren going?"

"I'm not interested in a crazy bitch's death."

Elena burst out laughing at the word crazy bitch that sticks
to his mouth.

"Okay, then. It's hard today, but let's have a meal

separately. Or I'm going to rush into the Countdom."

"You are always welcome."

"Pft. I'm going to go. See you later."

Elena said goodbye and left the reception room in a hurry.

She was sorry to see Ren after a long time, but there was no
time to delay to meet the execution time.

Ren, who was left alone in the empty drawing room, got up
stretching.

"Are you really going to come? I don't think I'll want to send
you back."

Spilling a serious joke, Ren left the drawing room.

After leaving the salon, Elena rode a carriage and headed to

the Arc de Triomphe. As Veronica's execution ceremony was
announced by the imperial family, the streets were crowded
with people heading to the gate to see how the enemy was
dealt with.

The area around the Arc de Triomphe, where Elena arrived,

was crowded with people. Dozens of aristocrats as well as
commoners visited the ceremony. They are bat-like people
to look good to the emperor as the aristocracy is broken and
the imperial power is strengthened.
Kkiiik. When Hurelbard opened the stopped carriage door,
Elena appeared, dressed in an elegant yet still manner.
Many nobles and commoners poured their eyes on Elena,
who was escorted by Hurelbard. Her appearance was also
beautiful, but her reputation was bound to attract people's
attention.

"Your Highness is wanting."

Hwigin, the head of the Imperial Guard, greeted Elena in a

polite manner as if he had been waiting. The execution
stand was installed in the center of the building with the Arc
de Triomphe, and the podium was installed on the left and
right. On the left side were the nobles below their own, and
on the right were the royal family and the top nobles above
the count. In principle, Elena, who is a quasi-noble, is right
to sit on the left. However, Sian arranged Elena's place so
that she would not be subject to such aristocratic
formalities.

"Greetings to Your Highness."

"I prepared it for the most visible seat."

Sian's seat was next to her. In principle, Elena was also

cautious because it was a seat only for the Crown Princess
and special women.

"Yes, Your Grace, I will sit with thanks for your

recommendation."

Elena didn't refuse. She wanted Veronica to fall more than

anyone else, so at this moment, she wanted to focus
entirely on the execution ceremony without being conscious
of others' eyes.

"There she comes."

Elena turned her eyes to the execution table. Veronica, who
was confined to a carriage, was being led out by the
Imperial Guard.

Her skinny face, skinny arms and legs, and her eyes were
shaking with fear.

Veronica didn't feel alive. She couldn't admit her death, and
even the poison that had come from the drug seemed to
have gone out of her mind.

"Kill that bitch!"

"How dare you disrespect His Majesty's jade body?"

"It's said she wanted to poison our drinks at the salon? I

finished drinking that time. Terrible."

"She's a devil. You can't do that in a human mask. You have

to kill a bitch like that!"

As her misdeeds were known by the imperial investigation

team, the people of the Empire gritted their teeth. Some of
them, unable to overcome their intense emotions, grabbed
rocks and threw them hard at Veronica. Most of the stones
were out of reach, but some hit Veronica on the head or
shoulder.

"Argh!"

Veronica flicked her head, which had been bowing down,

screaming at her deathbed. Madness was seen in the eyes
between the long hair that had been untied. The imperialists
who met their eyes shrugged their shoulders without even
knowing. What kind of eyes are so bloody in the midst of
dying? Veronica, brought by the Imperial Guardsman, was
taken to the execution.
"Kneel."

When Veronica rebelled with a deadly stare, the Imperial

Guard hit the back of her knee and forced her to kneel.

"Let go! Let go!"

When Veronica, who regained her old evil, struggled, the

Imperial Guard pressed her shoulder to force her. In the end,
the only last attack she can do is to open her eyes and
curse Elena on that podium.

"L, this bitch to chew and kill! This is all because of you.
How dare you bring something that you don't even know the
fundamentals of!"

Despite the distance, Veronica's words were clearly heard in

Elena's ears. Veronica cursed with bloodshot eyes.

"Don't think this is the end. I'm gonna kill you. I'm going to
go and chew every night. If you die, I'll drag you to hell and
throw you into a pit of fire."

Elena looked down at Veronica with no expression on her

face, and showed no reply or response. Sian, who couldn't
watch, kicked up his chair and shouted sternly.

"Count Lyndon to take the guilt of the sinner."

Count Lyndon, who received Sian's nomination, came to the

front of the podium and unfolded a scroll.

"Participation in the rebellion is one sin, participating in the

assassination of the emperor is two sins, damaging the body
of the emperor, apology of the aristocracy, attempting
murder of a nobleman... Six other additional charges are
charged with the crime. I order the execution according to
Imperial law."

Veronica's fall from Count Lyndon had reached eleven

counts. They were all felonies of poor quality and
unforgivable, starting with treason, which is a great sin.

"Execute."

Upon Sian's order, a member of the Imperial Guard took

Veronica and fixed her on the execution table. The
shimmering blade hanging high shone creepily in the
sunlight.

"Let go. Untie this! I'll remember you all. I'm going to be a
demon and kill you all!"

That's all Veronica had to do. A member of the Imperial

Guard hit a rope that supported the blade on the ceiling of
the execution platform.

Teuk. The blade that came down faster than lightning cut
Veronica's neck. Her head rolled under the execution table.
Veronica's face was miserable because she couldn't accept
death until the last minute.

Elena watched the process of execution, which could be a

bit cruel, without taking her eyes off it for a moment.
Because she ran without breathing for this moment. She
had an obligation to watch the end of this revenge.

Elena looked up at the clear sky. Memories of past and

present life intersected and evoked countless emotions.

"It's over."
She was confused, but she didn't cry. It wasn't even
touching. She was grateful that she would finally be able to
live her life completely after being released from the
shackles of her previous life, but she was also feeling the
weight. Revenge is not the end, but the beginning.

Elena was going to do her best to live. She was not

ashamed of God's miracle that gave her two lives, and she
would live strong even in an unstable future where she did
not know what was at the end. Until she doesn't even have
the energy to take one or two steps further toward her life,
which is finally living properly. Live so that she can smile at
the footsteps left when she turns her head.

(End)

________________________________

(T/N: There are still side stories, so sit tight.)

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

Side Story 1. Post Love

"Did you just say to elect a concubine?"

Sian, who takes care of the affairs on behalf of Emperor

Richard, whose health deteriorated, asked back as if he was
dumbfounded by the nobles in the emperor's palace.

"Yes, Your Grace."

"As the Crown Prince, there's a concubine. That's

unreasonable."

Sian flatly refused, saying it was impossible. Two years have

passed since he married Cecilia in order not to have the
Grand Duke or the four largest families as outsiders. Now, if
a concubine is put in as they requested, such efforts will be
in vain. However, despite Sian's opposition, the nobles did
not seem to want to withdraw their demands.

"Since ancient times, the peace and prosperity of the royal

family originated from later generations."

"Your Majesty's health is deteriorating day by day. Since the

Crown Prince has had no heirs for many years, it is believed
that it is right to have a concubine to strengthen the
imperial family."
"There are nobles lined up to present their children for the
imperial family as well as me. Please do not be bitten by a
pleasing request."

Sian looked down at the nobles with an expressionless look.

The detestable nobles. They were packaged as if it were a
sacrifice for the imperial family, but there was no way that
he could not know that the original intention was to take
care of his succession.

"Do you think so, Grand Duke?"

Sian pointed to Grand Duke Friedrich, who was consistent

with silence. It was already a public fact that he dominated
the aristocracy behind the scenes.

"Is my will important? It's just the blessing of the Empire

that the nobles will serve the royal family."

Sian stared at Grand Duke Friedrich, who was bowing down.

It's always like this. He only puts the nobles first, but he
doesn't come forward. What a terrible and clever man.

"Let's talk about this later."

It was when Sian got up from the chair he had temporarily

placed right below the throne.

"Your Royal Highness!"

"Please, I want you to understand the deep loyalty of our

children."

"If Your Highness's Will is the same, we will discuss in-depth

the matters related to the election of the concubine and
discuss them again."
Sian exited the emperor's palace, ignoring the opposition
and pleas of the aristocrats from behind. Sian, who arrived
at the office, touched his forehead with a headache. The
stiff face guessed his discomfort.

"We need to reform the Imperial Guard as soon as possible."

Sian's wildness, which he had hidden in indifference,

gleamed. His determination and ambition to regain the
authority of the collapsed imperial family and strengthen
the imperial power were contained in the rust.

"It's me, Your Grace."

Count Lyndon, who visited the office, gave a light silent

salute and showed courtesy. He was the father of Crown
Princess Cecilia and the father-in-law of Sian.

"The nobles are gathering at the palace to discuss it. It

seems that they are trying to raise a concubine to the
Crown Prince and push ahead with the election ceremony."

"Of course they are."

Sian's stomach boiled. How much to belittle the imperial

family and would not even ask for permission.

"Your Highness, why don't you do what the nobles ask?"

"Are you serious?"

When Sian stared at him, Count Lyndon replied with an

unwavering look.

"The biggest challenge facing us is the reform of the

Imperial Guard. Pretend that you didn't win and allow them
to elect the concubine to turn their eyes around. Now we
have to get down and save our strength."

Sian bit his lips and closed his eyes tightly. He chose Cecilia,
the only daughter of Count Lyndon, as his wife, not to leave
the Grand Duke alone. But now that he brought up the
concubine, he was sorry to Count Lyndon and Cecilia, and
he couldn't raise his head. Count Lyndon calmly said,
looking at Sian that could not make a decision.

"I knew this day would come one day. It is something that I
and that child mentally prepared for."

"I don't have the face to see you and the Crown Princess."

Sian had nothing to say even if he had ten mouths.

"The aristocracy goes through an elective ceremony, but the

leading candidates are narrowed down to two. Lady Avella
and Veronica Princess."

"Lady Avella is unique, Veronica is authoritative and

vicious."

He couldn't forget his first impression of Veronica when he

was young. Even though he was the Crown Prince of a
country, the arrogant gaze that looked down as if he was a
subordinate, and even the cruelty of killing birds and
animals as if it was a small thing. She was a kind of human
that he would never want to see again.

"It is highly likely that Princess Veronica will be chosen in

the end."

Sian nodded as if he agreed. If the Grand Duke was

determined to run, Veronica's entrance had to be regarded
as a given fact.
"Bringing the worst woman into the imperial family."

***

After a fierce election ceremony, Princess Veronica was

elected. She was equal to Lady Avella, but other candidates
could not exceed Veronica's manners, which were superior
to expectations, and the influence of the Grand Duke.

The ceremony was held magnificently because it was

unprecedented to greet a concubine in the status of Crown
Prince. Compared to Cecilia, who made a surprise national
marriage, it was hard to tell who was the Crown Princess
and the concubine.

Throughout the marriage, Sian did not make eye contact

with Princess Veronica. It was because he didn't have to,
and she was not worth it.

What the two faced was a formal first dance at the after-
party dinner banquet.

"Your Highness."

Veronica, who was taking steps to the waltz, called out Sian
with a crawling voice. She called him several times, but Sian
openly ignored her. He didn't want to mix up words so that
when he got closer to her face, her cruelty came to mind.

Throughout the two songs, the two people who couldn't

speak a word moved away. After receiving the ceremonial
congratulations of the noblemen who flocked, he left the
dinner earlier.

For the first night, Sian cleaned himself up and visited

Veronica's bedroom. It was his duty to spend the first night
in the bedroom of the palace where his wife would stay.
"Welcome, Your Grace."

Veronica, dressed in sky blue underwear, sat shyly. Sian's

eyebrows were frowned at the rather gentle but calm way of
speaking. The abominability of Veronica, who hides her
nature, is disgusting. Sian sat on a table chair, holding back
the urge to leave the bedroom immediately.

When they sat face to face in one space, there was an

awkward silence. Veronica took courage and rode the words.

"Are you okay with the wine?"

"..."

Sian ignored her words with his eyes on the window across
from her. Frustrated by the cold attitude of the cold air,
Veronica quickly recovered her hand trying to hold the wine
bottle. An uncomfortable atmosphere flowed between the
two. Sian treated her like an invisible person. Veronica tried
to open her lips, but she couldn't open her mouth because
of Sian's coldness.

In the meantime, time went by endlessly and the sun

burned. Around the time the sun was shining through the
curtain, Sian got up from the chair. His expression, which he
didn't touch Veronica all night, showed no regret or sorry.

Following Sian, who left the room without goodbye, Veronica

rose from the chair. Covering her chest with one hand and
politely crossing the goodbye line.

"Please take your time."

Sian was horrified by Veronica's farewell from behind his

back at the moment.
'Sounds like you're going to pay me back.'

Her pride was in the sky. Today's insults and humiliations will
never be let go easily. She didn't know, but Sian imagined
she would do something beyond common sense that cannot
be imagined.

'I'll have to live with her, too.'

It would be better than mixing his body with Veronica.

***

"Your Grace, did you hear it?"

After the official royal ceremony, Sian and Cecilia sat face to
face and drank tea. Since it was a political marriage, there
was an invisible sense of distance between the couple.

"The concubine is learning tea ceremony."

"Veronica?"

Sian's hand, which was taking a teacup near his mouth,

stopped.

"Yes, Madame says she's working pretty hard. She's

talented, too."

"That's unexpected."

Veronica, who entered the imperial family, remained quiet.

The first night he was insulted, which was likely to be a
disaster, was quiet. What do you mean, tea ceremony? He
was more anxious because he couldn't understand what
was going on.

"Oh, the tea is bitter."

"It's worth a drink."

"I'm sorry. I'm trying, but I'm not getting any better."

Cecilia laughed bitterly, embarrassed.

Tea ceremony was a rat poison to her. Her duties, customs,

etiquette, and sophistication that she had to have as a
Crown Princess were uncomfortable as if she wore clothes
that did not fit her. As a result, he noticed that she was
losing vitality day by day. The face of Sian looking at her
darkened.

"I'm always sorry."

"No, and it's too late to go back."

Cecilia tried to smile, touching the handle of the tea cup.

Her smile was filled with indelible pain.

Leaving his sorrow behind, Sian stopped by the Palace's

patronage of the Versailles. In order to organize the
complicated screening process, the court decided to move
to the main palace through the patronage of the Versailles.
The patronage guards tightened their heads in surprise at
Sian's unscheduled visit.

"G-greetings to Your Highness."

Sian nodded his head and stepped into patronage. Then the
guard quickly added.

"With all due respect, the concubine is here."

"Veronica?"

Sian's eyebrows wiggled. Sian has often sought the

patronage of the Versailles since he was a child. Compared
to the small and narrow main and western palaces, he felt
free for a while from the responsibilities and duties that
weighed down my heart when he walked through the vast
palace of nature. Sian was not in a good mood because
Veronica was in such a place. He felt like his precious place
was dirty.

"I'll go back."

It was time for Sian, who turned around, to turn to the main
palace along the railing overlooking the garden.

Sian, who happened to have his eyes on the patronage of

Versailles, stopped.

The laurel tree, which spent hundreds of years with the

imperial palace, caught his eye. Veronica was standing in
front of it. She looked up as if she was possessed by
something, and turned around, sweeping down the laurels.
The appearance was clearly seen in Sian's eyes with
superhuman five senses.

"Why are you making that face?"

Sian murmured as if he didn't understand. Veronica's lonely

eyes and sad smile that deeply missed something. He was
confused if the woman he saw now was really Veronica.

Sian turned away, ignoring such annoyance. It's just a

passing question. For Sian, she was nothing but an object of
unrequited disregard.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"Haa."

Sian, who was reading financial reports from local nobles,

gave a deep sigh. Financial stability is as important as
excellent knights to reform the Imperial Guard. He couldn't
force their loyalty if they didn't pay well.

"Your Highness, get some rest. You haven't slept much in

the last few days."

Den, an aide and servant, was anxious that Sian's health

would be damaged. He was the only one that Sian could
trust in the imperial palace full of watchmen planted by
Grand Duke Friedrich.

Despite Den's dissuasion, Sian did not let go of the

documents. He was nervous. The uncertainty about success
made him concentrate on his work.

It was time for Den's concerns to deepen as he saw Sian

eager to examine again with his eyes closed. The maid who
was waiting outside the main door quietly came in and
whispered to Den. Astonished, Den took the handmaid and
reported it straight away.

"Your Grace, the concubine has come to see you."

"Concubine?"
Sian, who had never taken his eyes off the document,
responded. The distorted eyes showed discomfort.

"Yes, she would like to offer warm black tea to you, who is
busy with work..."

"Send her back."

Sian replied coldly and moved his eyes back to the

document. Tea time. Considering the relationship between
the Imperial family and the Grand Duke, how embarrassing
it was. Before they were married, the two could never get
close. He didn't understand what the hell she was thinking.

"..."

As he concentrated again and read the documents, Sian's

forehead wriggled. Perhaps because of the interference, he
could not concentrate well. Although he thought it was
enough to ignore her, Veronica with the laurel tree in his
head was shaking. The desperate smile and story-telling
glance was so different from the true appearance of
Veronica that Sian knew, so it was constantly disturbing his
heart.

A few days later, Veronica came to see Sian, who was

looking into state affairs.

"The concubine wishes to see you."

"Tell her I don't want to meet her."

Sian sent Veronica back without even giving her any room.
He was not relaxed enough to see a face he didn't want to
see.

Then two days later, Veronica visited again.

"Your Highness, I want to get the finest tea leaves from the
East and serve you tea..."

"Tell him I'd like to see his face for a moment."

"I'll wait for you in sponsorship, so feel free to ask me to find

you whenever you have time."

Veronica came every two days without skipping a day. Sian

didn't really understand. Veronica, lumped together with a
sense of authority and arrogance, never acts out of favor.
Even if the opponent is Crown Prince Sian. This kind of
Veronica didn't lose her temper in spite of the successive
closed doors. Always respectful, low profile.

'What kind of dream is it? What do you want?'

The more he ignored her, the more annoying Veronica was.

He began to care about her words and actions that might
explode at any time. It was one day when it became Sian's
daily routine to send Veronica back.

"I'm tired."

Sian looked as tired as his dry skin. Recently, as he secretly

left the palace and met people who could be selected as
members of the Imperial Guard, he lacked sleep time. Sian's
gaze, which was chasing fatigue while rubbing his
shoulders, turned to the pocket clock.

It was just around this time. After a brief lunch in the office,
Veronica came to the office when the exhaustion peaked
while working.

"How long has Veronica been here to see me?"

"It's been three months since the first day of her visit."
"Three months..."

He knew it, but he didn't know it. Veronica continued

despite the constant refusals. She was so consistent that he
wondered if she really had no pride or if she had another
dream.

'It's unpleasant.'

As the time for Veronica to come passed, Sian's

concentration fell. She was such an unpleasant person, and
she's been at his door constantly, but he's worried when she
doesn't come. Is there anything more comedic than this?

"It's past time, but she's not coming. What's going on."

"Look."

"Pardon?"

"Find out where Veronica is."

Den, who had blinked several times at Sian's blunt

command, moved quickly. After Den went out, Sian, who
was left alone in the office, twitched his cheeks. He didn't
know himself why he asked him to check where Veronica
was.

Soon after, Den jumped in and reported.

"The concubine is having a private meeting with His

Majesty."

"What?"

At the moment, the dark green eyes of Sian settled deeply.

It was poisonous. Until now, he thought he was off guard at
the appearance of her visiting him.
"I must see His Majesty now."

Sian did not hesitate to leave the scene. If Veronica met

Emperor Richard, there must be a clear reason. He was
nervous because he didn't know the reason. Upon arriving
at the main palace, the maids who recognized Sian bowed
down.

"I'm here to see His Majesty. Go."

"With all due respect, His Majesty is not in the emperor's

palace. He's having tea time with the concubine in the main
palace."

"Tea time?"

Reflexively, Sian asked back.

'Father and Veronica are having tea time?'

It was not possible whether to believe this nonsensical and

ridiculous story.

"I'm going to the garden."

Sian hurried to the main palace garden to confirm. It was

small, but it was often visited by Emperor Richard in a
compact and cozy atmosphere. He heard laughter as he
reached the inside through the well-decorated conifers and
flower gardens.

"Hoho, what a pleasant story."

Sian, who reached the source of laughter, doubted his eyes.

He was Emperor Richard, who lost his laughter when his
health deteriorated and the brutality of the nobles went too
far. Maybe he is smiling faintly.
"Isn't that the Prince?"

"Pardon? Your Majesty, who has come now... Y-Your

Highness, greetings."

"..."

Veronica, who was pouring tea into Emperor Richard's

teacup, quickly put down the teapot and got up from the
chair to be polite. She was embarrassed by Sian's sudden
visit, but she paid attention to the manners that did not lose
her dignity.

"I have something to tell you for a long time, so I came

without hesitation."

"It's quite urgent to see the Prince here. Sit here."

Sian took a seat with a light silence. Then he glanced at

Veronica, and she said with her hands folded and her head
down like a sinner.

"Your Majesty, I'm going to leave you alone."

"Hoho. You're going already?"

"I'll visit you often and say hello."

"..."

Sian stared at Veronica, who got up asking for

understanding. The blatant gaze met Veronica's turning
eyes. Veronica was embarrassed and at a loss as they
looked at each other as if they were aware of each other,
and then left the garden as if she were running away.

'She's hiding something.'

Sian confirmed his anger by watching Veronica, who was
embarrassed as if she had been caught cheating.

"Would you like a drink? That child made a fuss about it, but
she's very skillful."

Sian looked down at the water and put the teacup near his
mouth. He only wet his lips slightly, but Sian's eyes opened.
The deep scent and taste that stabilized the mind and body
were deeper than any other tea Sian had in his lifetime.

"Aren't you surprised?"

Sian couldn't hide his surprise. Although aristocratic young

ladies learn tea ceremony as a basic skill, it was possible
only after years of grinding and polishing to show such a
noble skill.

"It's urgent. Say it."

"Actually, it's because I heard from Den that Veronica was

alone with His Majesty. May I ask you what kind of
conversation you had?"

"She talked about you."

Sian's face, which had been expressionless at Emperor

Richard's words, cooled down. He was suspicious of what
she said to Emperor Richard.

"What did she tell you?"

"She complained that you didn't meet her."

"Complained?"

Sian blanked out. If that story had been told by someone

other than Emperor Richard, it wasn't so contextual that he
would have ignored it as a nonsense lie. Complaining. Is
there anything else that doesn't suit Veronica more than
this?

"She's a good-natured kid."

"..."

Sian stared silently at Emperor Richard. He acknowledged

Emperor Richard's view, but he couldn't agree with it. Sian
knew better than anyone what kind of heart Veronica had.
Moreover, human nature does not change easily.

"Daughter of the Grand Duke."

"Yes, the daughter of the Grand Duke. You can't deny that.
Hoho."

"I don't trust her."

"My dear, natural blood is not a sin. The more I see her, the
more than I think she is the daughter of the Grand Duke, I
think she looks like a good daughter-in-law. Cough, cough."

Emperor Richard coughed violently for an unreasonable

time with a cold wind. Blood stains were clearly smeared on
the palm of his hand, which was covering his mouth. Sian's
expression darkened when he saw Emperor Richard getting
sick day by day.

"You're not ashamed of yourself. I just put duties and

responsibilities on your shoulders. I couldn't teach you how
to receive or give love. Cough."

"I think you should go in."

Sian himself left the garden, assisting Emperor Richard.

Love. He'd never thought about it seriously. He wondered if
there was another more extravagant word for Sian, who
always lives under pressure from duty and responsibility.

Three months later, Emperor Richard ascended.

***

The funeral of Emperor Richard was held at the cathedral

under the auspices of the Gaia Church. The capital was in a
state of anxiety, and events such as banquets and festivals
were strictly forbidden for three months.

Sian looked down at the body of Emperor Richard in eternal

sleep. His eyes looked empty. He left the position of
emperor and was a father to Sian. Even the emperor, who
was criticized for being a puppet, was a valuable and
reliable person to Sian. As he turned around with the last of
Emperor Richard in his eyes, he saw Veronica.

"..."

Sian couldn't take his eyes off her for a moment. Everything

about Veronica, who mourned the death of Emperor Richard,
was reverent. To dismiss it as acting, her moist eyes were
covered with sincerity.

Following the doctrine of Gaia, 10 days of funerals and three

months of mourning ended. The imperial family became
busy without a moment to breathe. It was because of the
preparation for the coronation of the emperor of Sian. After
three months of preparation, Sian became the emperor.
Crown Princess Cecilia became the official empress and the
owner of the inner palace. Veronica, who held the position of
concubine, was elevated to queen. Congrats from all over
the continent visited, and local nobles came to the capital
with true goods for the first time in a long time. A
commemorative banquet was held at the palace for as
many as 10 days.

Sian regarded the celebratory banquet as an opportunity to

establish a friendship with neutral nobles who were
alienated and neglected from aristocratic society. There was
no better opportunity than this to reform the Imperial Guard
and establish friendship with the nobles who would stand on
his side. Empress Cecilia and Queen Veronica were also
accompanied. They were obliged to greet guests as
members of the imperial family.

That day, too. It was when Sian, who met and talked with
aristocrats who could help reform the imperial family on one
side of the banquet hall, stopped by the general office for a
while. He was walking alone around the corner of the
hallway, and he heard the sound of a man and woman
talking.

"Will you keep doing this? It hurts my feelings."

"I-I'm sorry. I worked hard, but I couldn't figure it out."

Sian, who tried to ignore and pass by, stopped walking.

'Is this voice Veronica and Ren?'

Their conversation caught up with Sian, who was about to

go back because he didn't want to bump into them.

"You want me to blow it all? What happens when you get

caught? Will the Grand Duke abandon you?"

"Don't do that. I beg you, please."

Sian stopped.
'What do you mean? What's the catch, the Grand Duke
abandoning Veronica?'
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

There were many suspicious parts of the conversation

between the two to pass it lightly. In particular, Veronica's
embarrassment was not convincing. Ren was a year older
and independent from the Grand Duke, however, as the
direct and defense ranks remain, the current conversation
was too one-sided.

"This, I was trying to say hello to my cousin, and there's an

uninvited guest?"

"..."

"If you don't finish, we'll talk about it next time."

Ren left a meaningful remark and stumbled across the

hallway.

"Ah."

Veronica, whose pulse was relieved, touched the wall as if

she were falling down. Her pale complexion was so
dangerous that there was nothing strange even if she
collapsed now. She was barely breathing when Sian
appeared over the corner.

"Y-Your Majesty!"

"..."
Sian glanced down at her. Unlike her dazzlingly beautiful
appearance, her face was frightened as if she were a deer
chased by a wild beast.

Sian turned his head and passed by pretending not to see it.

"Your Majesty, wait!"

Veronica tried to hold Sian for an excuse, but he didn't look

back. Veronica, who was left alone as if abandoned, shook
her head.

Sian, who avoided his seat, came out to the outdoor terrace,
not the hall. Sian, who walked up to the front view of the
imperial palace, caught the railing.

"What the hell was I thinking?"

The moment he saw Veronica, Sian was overwhelmed by

strong impulses.

He wanted to comfort her. However, Sian overcame the urge

and turned a cold eye on her. He ignored her more harshly
because she would shake his heart if they met eyes.

But he knew it was a good thing to do with his head, but he

was frustrated as if his heart was stuffed up. He came out to
the terrace to see if it would be better if he put on the cold
wind, but the suspicious conversation between the two
continued to circulate in his ears, adding to the confusion.

"Your Majesty, here you are."

"You're Viscount Roman. I've heard about the manor. You

recently discovered a coal mine?"
Sian began to have a deep conversation with him on the
terrace. It was much better on that side than being
obsessed with useless thoughts.

***

"Your Majesty, I think you should refrain from going out for a
while."

Count Lyndon, who visited Sian's office, spoke down.

"Is it because of the surveillance?"

"Yes, I think it's better to leave it to me and Lord Hwigin and

focus on the affairs."

Sian nodded silently at Count Lyndon's advice. A few

months after he ascended to the throne as emperor, the
surveillance and checks of the Grand Duke intensified. As a
result, the reform of the Imperial Guard, which was secretly
pursued, and the recruitment of nobles, were also slow.

Count Lyndon, who had in-depth talks on reform measures

for a considerable amount of time, stood up.

"I'll leave you alone."

"Isn't the Empress going to see me?"

"... It only hurts her heart to meet. Your Majesty, please look
into it a lot."

Count Lyndon turned around with a bitter smile. For free-

spirited Cecilia, life in the imperial palace was nothing short
of imprisonment. Count Lyndon was always sorry to know
that.
Sian, who left and wrapped up urgent matters, also left the
office. He visited Cecilia, who became the victim of an
unwanted political marriage, whenever he had the time. It
was also because of his moral sorry, but she was also the
only one in the Imperial Palace who could share her heart.

Sian's eyes toward the Empress Palace showed a slight

crowd. The crowd who found Sian nearer bowed their heads
and greeted him.

"These are the maids serving Queen Veronica."

As Den quickly added his words, Sian looked at the door

decorated with marble. Then the quick-witted maid quickly
said.

"Queen Veronica is learning to paint from court painter

Raphael."

"The Queen is learning how to paint?"

Sian appointed Raphael, who published the famous painting

"The Fall of Angels" at the recommendation of Count
Lyndon. It was a consideration to raise the authority of the
imperial family and comfort Cecilia as he was close to her.

'I don't know what's what.'

Sian's expression toward the Empress Palace was very

confused. He couldn't believe the cruel Veronica was
painting.

'I'm going to have to check it out.'

A few days later, Sian ordered Raphael to be brought to his

office.
"Greetings to Your Majesty."

"Take a seat."

He wasn't unfamiliar to him because he had encountered

him many times through Cecilia during his academic years.

"I heard the story. You're going to be the empress's

companion, right?"

"... As Your Majesty may know, Her Majesty is my old friend."

"Don't get me wrong. I wanted to say thank you, so I wanted

to see you."

Sian took a sip of the tea water and put down the cup.

"The Queen is learning to paint, too?"

"I couldn't refuse the Queen's request because she asked

me repeatedly."

"The Queen asked for it. That's unexpected."

Sian's attention was on Veronica even though he pretended

to be indifferent.

"With all due respect, do you mind if I say something?"

"I'll let you."

"Pictures are a means to draw out and express human

potential inside. Even if you try to hide it, the more you
draw them, the more things inside will be revealed."

"Unfamiliar but interesting. Keep going."

"... Queen Veronica is suffering from severe loneliness."

"Loneliness?"

Sian's eyebrows wiggled. Veronica, who had left the world at

her feet as the successor to the Grand Duke. It was
confusing to hear that Veronica was suffering from solitude.

"I'm just a painter and I don't know much about static

relations. I'm just looking inside the painting and telling you
what I felt."

"..."

"I judged that the Queen is never an evil person."

Sian, who was bitten by Raphael, was deeply lost in thought.

The words of the people around Veronica were so different
from what he thought.

"I need to find out."

Sian fixed his thoughts. He had consistently ignored

Veronica. He didn't even want to marry her. The bigger the
problem is, the bigger the doubts about Veronica. He didn't
know if that's why, but he kept paying attention to her.
Which is what she really is, and whether Veronica has
changed in the time he didn't know. He thought this
question would be solved only after checking it in person.

Sian sent a man to Hwigin outside the palace to investigate

Veronica. The investigation was further carried out, but he
didn't mind it because he was also in charge of reforming
the Imperial Guard.

The past three years when Veronica disappeared from

society. The incomprehensible conversation between Ren
and Veronica.
Veronica's eyes that couldn't be understood.

If he could find this answer and solve the question, he was

willing to wait patiently.

In the meantime, the season changed, and the heat

withdrew, and cold winds from the north blew, and snow fell
in the capital for the first time in a decade. Empress Cecilia
died on the day when people ran out to the streets and
looked at the snow.

***

"Poison?"

As a result of an autopsy by an outside doctor, Sian looked

serious.

Poisoning. Sian turned his head and glanced at Count

Lyndon. In anger over the loss of his precious daughter,
Count Lyndon had a scary look on his face that would have
engulfed the world.

"It's a spider's poison that lives in the eastern jungle. It

looks like a heart attack, but if you look at the head here,
you can see that the venom came up toxic and turned blue."

"Are you sure?"

"I can assure you with my life."

Count Lyndon, who stood silent on the doctor's affirmation,

came to the bed. His feelings of holding his daughter's cold
hand after losing her temperature were devastating as if his
intestines were going to break.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Your father was so incompetent that I
let you go like this."

The dead don't talk. Count Lyndon's heart collapsed when

he saw Cecilia lying like a doll as if she were asleep.

"I promise you. I won't live under the same sky with the
person who made you do this. I will surely tear their limbs to
pieces and make them beg my forgiveness."

"Count."

Count Lyndon left the room without even making eye

contact with Sian. Looking behind him, Sian turned his head
and swept away Cecilia's pale face. His eyes were filled with
regret.

"Empress, my wrong stubbornness eventually led you to

death."

Sian couldn't raise his head with guilt. He couldn't protect

her unwanted life because he was not strong enough.

The murderer was obvious. The family that benefited the

most from Cecilia's death, the Grand Duke Friedrich. If it
were not for them, nobody would have dreamed of or even
executed such poisoning in the Imperial Palace.

The question is how to identify the poisoning. There is

psychological and circumstantial evidence, but revenge is a
long way from finding conclusive evidence. Sian's eyes filled
with life that had never been seen before.

"I swear. I will surely take revenge and appease you."

The imperial family officially announced the death of Queen

Cecilia. The cause of death was a heart attack caused by a
chronic disease. Sian secretly ordered to track Cecilia's
whereabouts before she died, acting externally like an
incompetent emperor. Although he was angry and unjust, he
was able to induce a chance to squeeze in.

"..."

Sian's eyes were dead when he saw Cecilia in the coffin.

Looking at her speechless, he felt a sense of hopelessness
when Emperor Richard died. Her death, the only one on his
side in the palace where there was no one to trust, was
enough to give him a heart-breaking sense of loss.

Sian looked up and stared at Veronica across from him. One

day before Cecilia was poisoned, it was revealed that she
had tea with Veronica. As a result of the investigation, it was
found that the time for poison through the blood vessels to
the lungs was only one day. Although it was still early, it was
clear that she was also a prime suspect.

"Your Majesty the Empress."

Veronica's eyes were moist when she saw the dead Cecilia.
Although she did not shed tears, she seemed to swallow her
sorrow. However, he was horrified at the thought that she
might have been the suspect who poisoned Cecilia.

Shortly after that, Sian met secretly with the doctor who was
tracking the source of the poison.

"Have you found out?"

"I went through several paths, but the place to buy it seems
to be the Great House."

Sian's eyes became cold. This made it clear what the Grand
Duke's was doing. The question is who poisoned her, and as
the Grand Duke took control of the Imperial Palace, he has
not yet produced such achievements.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

Wandering knight Hwigin, who was moving as Sian's hands

and feet outside the palace, secretly visited Sian.

"Long time no see, Sir."

"Greetings to His Majesty."

It was the first time in nearly half a year that Sian and
Hwigin had met face to face. Even this was barely possible
because Den was posing as Sian in his bedroom.

"What's your progress?"

"An additional four nobles agreed to share their will. I sent

them to Count Lyndon, saying that they would add the
principal after a little bit. I also recruited three of the fallen
nobles to be useful."

"That's a lot of hardships."

"And as you ordered, we looked into the Queen. Should I

report it?"

Sian nodded. The reason he came out of the palace at risk

was to hear directly from Hwigin about Veronica.

"Two years ago, the Queen, who had been suffering from a
fever, returned to society and there was a strange rumor."
"Strange rumor?"

"The Queen had turned into someone else."

At that time, Sian was a student at the Academy. It was a

time when he was constantly trying to persuade Cecilia to
marry him. He also couldn't afford to be interested in others
because he was acting as an incompetent prince.
Considering the academy's connections to the social world,
information was inevitably dark.

"Shall I say that she had become naive? It is said that there
is a history of almost being eliminated in the social world."

Sian frowned. Veronica, whom he knows, is not a woman

who will be eliminated, even if she will abandon society.
She's not a good enough character to tolerate it.

"But the funny thing is, a year later, she became a queen
who swallowed the social world. It's like going back and
forth between extremes."

Sian's thoughts were not organized. Veronica was an

unregulated kind of human being.

"Maybe it's the aftermath of the fever or something?"

"I've already looked into it, but doctors say there are no
aftereffects."

"Your Majesty, it's true. The aftereffects can permanently

degrade intellectual ability. But I don't think that's right,
given that she's made a name for herself in society again."

The doctor, who had been listening silently, also supported

the remarks. Hwigin continued again.
"But there was a rumor going around at the time. Queen
Veronica didn't actually have a fever, she was poisoned."

"Poison?"

The doctor repeatedly moved the poison as if something

had come to mind.

"I remember. At that time, most of the doctors who were

called to the Great House had a strong opinion of poison. My
junior was one of them."

"Can you reach them?"

When Hwigin suddenly asked, the doctor shook his head.

"No, I haven't seen him since."

"Not long ago, we found the bodies of doctors who are

believed to have been called to the Great House. It's been
about a month since he was killed, assuming it's
corruption."

"T-That kind of thing."

The doctor had lost his mind. Sian asked, mulling over the
kinds of accidents.

"If so, are you saying that the doctors could have been
involved in the poison that killed the empress?"

"I don't think so. Spider venom is sensitive, so if you want to

artificially combine it, toxicity dies. Moreover, what the
Grand Duke bought at that time was a poison deciphering
drug."

"Maybe it's true that Veronica was poisoned."

Sian based it on the circumstances so far. The deeper he
thought, the more questions arose.

'Veronica returned from poisoning a few years ago. But now

you're killing the doctor she used to see? Is there any
reason for that?'

Something doesn't add up. The imitation of the Grand Duke

who is famous for her conspiracy, Leabrick. There must be a
good reason why a woman who plots everything creepily
killed doctors.

"Shall I blow up? Will the Grand Duke abandon you if your
identity is revealed?"

For a moment, what Ren had said passed through Sian's

mind. At that time, he couldn't understand the meaning of
the words, but he felt like he had found a clue.

'No way, Veronica...'

Sian's face, which had something on it, hardened. If he

guessed right, the puzzle that went wrong fit perfectly. The
expression shown below the laurel, the nature of Veronica
seen by Emperor Richard and Raphael, and her heart toward
Sian were also somewhat explainable.

With a serious look on his face, Hwigin asked anxiously as

Sian was lost in thought.

"What's wrong, Your Majesty?"

"I needed to clean up. I've been delayed too much. I have to
go back to the Imperial Palace. Sir Hwigin will continue to
investigate and report on Veronica."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Sian covered himself in a robe and left the secret place.
Many thoughts crossed his eyes as he walked at the mouth
of the steep alley.

***

Cecilia's vacancy did not feel great. It was the death of the
national mother, but Veronica, who participated in the
imperial ceremony, played the role of the empress without
any flaws.

With the official schedule, Sian and Veronica's time together

naturally increased. Veronica shook her head, not knowing
what to do when she happened to meet his eyes. Every time
he saw the embarrassment, Sian's doubts grew more and
more convinced.

'If Veronica is a stand-in... Then the crime of the Grand Duke

is never light.'

It was dangerous enough to bring political isolation on its

own, even though he is the Grand Duke that does not know
how high the sky is, it is a great deal to appoint a substitute,
not his real daughter, as a Queen. Although authority has
fallen to the bottom, the act of annihilating the imperial
family cannot avoid criticism from the nobles. Furthermore,
the Reinhardt family, who put Avella in for the selection
ceremony for the concubine, will never pass it lightly.

'Maybe it's a chance to fight back.'

There may be a gap to squeeze into the Great House like an

Iron Fortress. Sian, who was lost in thought while spinning a
glass of wine, looked at the fake Veronica, who was talking
to a foreign envoy. As the suspicion of being fake grew
stronger, there was an explanation for Veronica and her
surprisingly similar appearance. He'd believe if it was said
they were twins since she looked just like her.

That's not all. The fake Veronica was communing with the
envoys in good manners that he wanted to take her as an
example. The graceful gestures, laughable smiles, and
unbelieving speech were incredibly dignified.

But only that. Fake can't be real. He didn't know what the
story was, but it doesn't change that she is a person of the
Great House.

Veronica turned her head and their eyes met in the air,
perhaps conscious of Sian's eyes. Unlike Sian, who looked
indifferent, the fake Veronica, who was showing signs of
embarrassment, smiled awkwardly.

"...!"

For a moment, Sian's face was stained with embarrassment.

Facing that smile, it shook his heart to the point of
displeasure with a strange feeling that he couldn't describe.
Sian flipped his head away to look away from the unknown
emotion. Of course, Sian didn't see the disappointed fake
Veronica's expression.

'Why the hell am I like this?'

The sudden beating of the heart and the tug-of-war of

strange emotions made Sian feel very confused.

After that day, Sian intentionally avoided the fake Veronica.

However, many events with the emperor and empress have
led to more frequent encounters with the fake Veronica. He
tried not to make eye contact as much as possible, but she
smiled awkwardly whenever she encountered him
unintentionally.
Thud. Yes, that's the smile. Without permission, she
suddenly squeezed in and left a trace deep inside Sian. Her
smile made him think of her when he closed his eyes and
did other things.

This happened during the National Foundation Day event.

Sian, dressed in pure white royal robes, was just coming out
of the parlor when he encountered Veronica, who often ran
with a skirt in the distance.

"I-I'm sorry I'm late, Your Majesty."

The fake Veronica, who breathed hard, was not understood.

It was a good idea to go directly to the South Gate, where
the National Day Memorial Gate was announced, and he
couldn't understand why she would take the hassle of
returning to the main palace. Sian, who could not overcome
the curiosity, asked Veronica for the first time.

"Why are you here?"

"I'm going with Your Majesty."

"...!"

The shy but fake Veronica answered surprisingly clearly. Like

she'd practiced answering this question hundreds of times.
Seeing her like that, Sian was in a strange mood. It was an
unfamiliar sensation he had never felt before, a feeling that
something inside that was rigid and full of boundaries was
loosening.

Sian walked without even giving an answer. He was nervous

about whether this strange feeling would be revealed with
an expression. After that, the fake Veronica followed closely.
With a faint smile that Sian couldn't see.
After the ceremony, the capital became a festive mood. On
behalf of the imperial family, which lacked finances, the
Grand Duke celebrated National Foundation Day and
released alcohol and meat. It was intentionally a shallow
trick to make them feel more grateful to the Great House
than the Imperial Family.

That night, a dinner was held in commemoration of the

National Day at the Imperial Palace. It was the highest
banquet in the imperial family, as the local nobility also
admired it.

"Oh!"

A drunken nobleman made the profane mistake of pouring

wine onto Sian's robes.

"I-I'm guilty enough of death, Your Majesty!"

"Everyone can make mistakes. Never mind it."

Sian left the banquet hall without saying a word of

bitterness. The aristocracy laughed at the emperor, who had
no authority to reprimand, but he ignored it. The more they
looked down on him, the more opportunities Sian had.

Entering the drawing room nearby, Sian took off his wine-

soaked coat. Seeing the smell on his body, he thought he
should wash it.

Knock knock. He heard a knock.

"Come in."

Just half-unbuttoned his shirt, the fake Veronica came in. He

was sure he told a maid to bring extra clothes. Sian's face
hardened.
"Why would you bring it?"

The face of the fake Veronica, who encountered Sian without

his top on, was red. She bowed her head and spoke in a
crawling voice.

"I-I wanted to bring it to you..."

"It's useless. Whatever you want, there will be nothing to be

expected."

Sian drew a cold line fiercely. It was no use trying to

approach, so stop it. No, that was like what Sian said to
himself. Don't be shaken.

The fake Veronica, who was hurt, tried hard and smiled
lonesomely.

"Nothing to look forward to."

"What?"

"I just wanted Your Highness to see me once, and in rare

cases, he did, and it was good."

"..."

The fake Veronica, who was standing close to collapse, left

the drawing room with courtesy. Sian, who was looking at
the shirts and robes brought by the fake Veronica, frowned
and touched his forehead with an impression.

What she said. Why was she shaking him so much that he
couldn't handle it. Also, even though he knew she was a
fake Veronica, he felt frustrated and couldn't bear it.

"Damn it."
 ***

Sian, who safely held the National Foundation Day event,

lay down. His fever was boiling and his consciousness was
hazy. There was a stream of cold sweat all over. The court's
doctor advised him to rest well, saying that he had body
aches and colds caused by overwork. He was embarrassed
by the fever he had never experienced. The source of the
trouble was that he was blind to his health after entering the
ranks of superhuman.

'I should've taken a break when Den told me to.'

Sian, who had been sleeping as if he had died from heat,

opened his eyes. There was a cold sweat on his forehead
and his back was wet. His body was still as hot as a ball of
fire as if the fever had not gone down.

Sian's pupils were blurred out of focus. There were some

things that weren't good, but he also seemed to have a lot
of thoughts. The deterioration of Sian's health had a greater
mental impact than external factors. After the death of
Emperor Richard, the duty and responsibility given to him,
the sense of loss that Cecilia's death gave, and...

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty. Are you awake?"

Sian slowly turned his head. It was dreamy, but he could tell
who the woman was in front of him. She dug deep into
Sian's heart without permission and took root like the laurel
which had endured hundreds of years. The fake Veronica
was looking down anxiously at him.

"Who are you?"

"What?"
The fake Veronica's eyes shook violently.

"I asked who you are."

"..."

Something he'd never asked you before. However, he

wanted to ask her more than a thousand times. Who are
you? Sian used his hazy consciousness as an excuse to ask
the question without realizing it.

The fake Veronica was silent for a moment when asked

unexpected questions. Soon, she smiled. A sad and painful
smile.

"It's me. Empress Cecilia."

"...!"

Cecilia. It couldn't be Cecilia. Because she's dead.

Nevertheless, the fake Veronica called herself Empress
Cecilia.

Why? Why is that? The answer could be guessed by the sad

smile of the fake Veronica. She was worried that Sian might
kick her out of the fact that she was Veronica, so she
wanted to be next to Sian even if she lied, so she couldn't
leave his side because she was so worried about Sian, who
was sick.

Sian couldn't say anything. His heart seems to hurt so

much. Because her sincerity toward him was so sad. And
Sian's heart, which he had kept deep in his heart, was not
different from her, so it was heartbreaking.

Maybe that's why. Why Sian wanted to lay down his duties
and responsibilities on his shoulders for the first time even
though he was in a daze. He had no confidence to ignore
her mind.

The latch, which was tightly surrounding Sian, slowly melted

down. She was precious as if he had forgotten even his
fever-stricken body.

Sian pulled her hand.

"Y-Your Majesty?"

The fake Veronica's upper body bent down as if she were

falling. Her surprised face briefly closed her eyes and soon
the lips of the two were overlapped. They gave each other a
sad kiss that would only remain through wounds.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"Your Majesty?"

"..."

"Are you listening to me?"

Sian, who was sitting like a man who was mesmerized at

Hwigin's continued call, came to his senses.

"I'm sorry. Go on."

"Your Majesty knows him. It's Raphael, the court painter. He

donated a huge amount of money to help reform the
Imperial Guard."

"..."

Sian couldn't concentrate on the conversation like a man

whose soul escaped. It would be so, but now Sian's head
was full of thoughts of the fake Veronica.

Sian was able to face up to what he had been turning away

from last night. It was an excuse that his fever rose and his
mind was hazy. It was his will and his choice to hold her
hand. Sian would make the same choice even if he went
back to that day. Sian already knew she had a place deep in
his heart.
"Your Majesty?"

"Raphael was close to Cecilia. Tell him I won't waste it."

Sian, who regained his concentration, calmly said.

"Okay. And, Your Majesty, I need to report something."

"Speak."

"We found a safe house of the Grand Duke."

"Safe house?"

Sian's eyes were wide. The safe house was considered to be

a hidden stronghold of the Grand Duke. It's a great
achievement to have found that place.

"Yes, I didn't expect him to have such a mansion near the

capital. I couldn't get close to him because of the tight
security around me, but the Grand Duke was in and out
regularly."

"Tell me the details."

"According to research, rare medicines and herbs are

usually delivered there, and items have changed recently. A
dress, accessories, or shoes that a nobleman would like."

"...!"

Sian's eyes shook.

Doctors well-versed in poison that are dead and the

changes in items that went into the house. Judging from the
circumstances given, Sian made a hypothesis.
'What if Veronica was alive? And if she's preparing to
return...'

She was only a stand-in, and she was likely to be removed.

No, she'd die no matter what. Grand Duke Friedrich and the
conspiracy Leabrick are not so clumsy as to keep her alive.

"Did you tell Count Lyndon about this?"

"Not yet. I'm going to visit him separately and report it."

Sian was relieved inside. Hwigin, who is innocent to the

point of having no goal to steal, lacks the ability to analyze
information. Since he had never actually seen Veronica,
there was a limit to his guess. But Count Lyndon is different.
If this kind of clue is given to him, he is likely to know that
Veronica is a stand-in.

'The Count shouldn't know.'

Then Count Lyndon would try to use the fake Veronica by

any means possible. Defeating the imperial family with a
stand-in is a crime that can't be easily forgiven, even if it's
the Grand Duke. But, then the fake Veronica wouldn't be
safe.

"It's better to keep silent to Count Lyndon about just now."

"What? Why?"

"Not going is a secret place. When the Grand Duke visits

there, I'm worried that the Count will act arbitrarily in the
hatred of the loss of the Empress."

"Oh, yes, Your Majesty, I will."

Upon receiving the report, Sian hurried to the palace. All the
way back, Sian couldn't shake off his anxiety. Even at the
moment of emptying the palace, the idea that Veronica
might return and kill her followed like a shadow.

'I need to tell Den and take action. No, that's not enough. By
attaching people separately...'

Sian's mind was filled with thoughts of her. There was only a
single thought to protect her, and there was no room for
other thoughts to squeeze in.

Not long after that, happy events that were not happy came
to the royal family. It was news of Veronica's pregnancy.

***

Sian felt puzzled and strange. Being a parent was an

unfamiliar feeling that he'd never felt before.

'I can't stay still.'

The strange feeling paralyzed his mind. He tried to

overcome it with patience, but it didn't work out. He kept
making ridiculous excuses and went to see her.

"I need to see Her Majesty."

Empress Florence and the Queen were living in the West

Palace. Although she wasn't his biological mother, it was
part of the Imperial Court's law to greet her regularly as she
was the wife of the Sun Emperor. Upon reaching the west
palace, there was no time to step by with socialites who
visited to celebrate the pregnancy of the fake Veronica.

"Your Majesty, congratulations."

"The Imperial family successor is coming."

"..."

Sian's expression was hardened by the celebration of the

nobles who were heard from afar. Externally, she was the
princess of the Grand Duchy and her name was Veronica.

"Y-Your Majesty."

In the drawing room, the fake Veronica, who was celebrated

by the nobles, ran with a skirt as if she heard that Sian had
come near.

"...!"

Sian's body flinched. Be careful. What if you fall down like

that? Where did you leave your usual elegant behavior?
Countless words circulated in his mouth and stabbed him
like a thorn stuck in his throat.

However, Sian quietly lowered his hand reaching for her. He

couldn't express his feelings because there were so many
eyes around them.

"There are a lot of guests."

"Pardon? Ah, congratulations on hearing the news..."

When she blurted out, Sian looked around and said bluntly.

"It's rude. Considering the stability of the queen and the

fetus, they shouldn't have been so thoughtless."

"I-I'm sorry about that, Your Majesty."

"I'll leave you alone."

The nobles greeted Sian's apathetic point one by one and
left there. Most of them were small and medium-sized
aristocrats to look good to Veronica, so there were no
people who stretched out. It was only until the last person
was sent back that he could face her.

"You look tired."

"No, Your Majesty."

"Take a rest."

Sian turned to leave a short, plain word. There was a feeling

of sadness on her passing face, but she couldn't help it.

According to the report, stability is more important than

anything else in the early stages of pregnancy. In addition, it
was good to avoid contact with many people as much as
possible as it increases the possibility of exposure to the
disease. So he sent them back. He didn't want to keep them
any closer because he knew most of them didn't sincerely
congratulate her, but came to look good to her.

"Your Majesty, is it true?"

Upon hearing the news of the fake Veronica's pregnancy,

Count Lyndon came to the palace and asked the truth.

"Your Majesty can't do that. The queen must have

committed adultery with a man who went out. Isn't that
right, Your Majesty?"

"..."

"Say something! Do you really want to see me go crazy?

What?"
Count Lyndon shouted in an angry voice. Sian, who had
been consistent with silence, slowly opened his lips.

"It's my child."

"...!"

Count Lyndon, who was denying the reality, couldn't

overcome the shock and reeled.

"Count."

"Why did you do such an irresponsible thing? My daughter.

Shouldn't you do that for Cecilia?"

Count Lyndon's last words were close to howling. Knowing

how he felt, Sian couldn't easily speak.

"I have never forgotten the Empress."

"Do you want me to believe that in this situation?"

"Believe it or not, it is my freedom. I pledged to hold her in

my eyes and swear. I will surely get revenge. I will erase the
Grand Duke from the land of this empire."

Sian had no intention of living with the Grand Duke under

the same sky. To appease Cecilia, to protect her, and his
child who have become so precious.

Did such sincerity reach Count Lyndon? His anger, which

was trembling with betrayal, eased a little.

"Even so, the fact that I am disappointed in Your Majesty will

not change."

Count Lyndon turned and left the emperor's palace. Sian's

expression, which was left alone only after a storm, was
dark. He managed to appease Count Lyndon, but not
imperial nobles.

Not knowing that Veronica was a stand-in, they had no

choice but to question Sian's willingness to reform. To
prevent their agitation and persuade them, he had to walk a
thorny path.

"I can't believe I'm glad in the midst of this. I'm crazy."

There was a faint smile on Sian's hardened mouth.

"Now that you're pregnant, the Grand Duke won't hurt you."

In the meantime, it was funny and pathetic that he was

worried about the fake Veronica, but he couldn't help but
feel rested in comfort. He had no choice, even if it was the
Grand Duke, which is the will of heaven, as much as the
fetus is in her stomach. Due to the birth period and other
issues, Veronica's return is highly likely to be postponed. In
other words, the fetus in the belly becomes a safety device
to protect the mother.

***

Sian took advantage of the night to find the queen's

bedroom. It was not difficult because Den briefly turned the
eyes of the maid and the knight working at night.

"..."

Sian, who approached the bed, glanced at her sleeping face.

Was today a tough day? Or is it because she was hurt by the
day? She seemed to suffer from something throughout her
sleep. Sian's heart throbbed as he could not even say a
word of warm words.
Sian reached out and swept her face down. His touch was
very kind and careful when she fell asleep.

"Forgive me that I can only do this."

Sian sang in a sad tone pretending to be calm.

"Only then can I protect you."

The reason why he had to treat her harshly even though he

knew that it hurt her. It was to protect her from Veronica,
who will return to her place one day.

"I made a slip of tongue. We have a child."

He once considered strengthening the imperial power as a

duty and responsibility to be pointed out as an emperor. But
not anymore. In order to protect what was precious, Sian
wanted to succeed even if he sacrificed his life. That way he
can protect her and her child from the Grand Duke.

***

Sian had never visited her since news of her pregnancy.

Fake Veronica regularly visited Sian, but he sent her back
under the pretext of being busy. There were no official
events in the imperial family. Because overwork is not good
for the fetus and mother, he stayed away.

It was an inevitable choice for Sian. There are many eyes

and ears in the imperial family. Every move of Sian is on the
lips of the nobles. As a result, Sian could not help but be
conscious of the pro-Imperial nobility.

The day when the two could officially meet was the day of
the Gaia church priests' visit once every two months. From
the birth of imperial descendants, the Gaia order held the
ceremony of blessing the birth of a healthy child, Sian and
her child were no exception.

"Your Majesty and the Queen must hold hands."

Sian pretended to be reluctant and held her hand tight. Her

hand, barely held, was too cold. Enough to be worried.

The fake Veronica prayed eagerly with her eyes closed. Just
by looking at her extreme attitude, he could see how much
she devoted herself to the child in her stomach. Sian had
her in his eyes for a long time. This time to be with her was
the only joy and comfort for Sian.

"Now open your eyes."

After praying, she opened her eyes. She opened her eyes
from the beginning and made eye contact with Sian, who
was only looking at her. And she gave Sian the awkward
smile she always wore.

Sian avoided that look. Sian's heart seemed to be torn apart

when he saw her expression, which was instant but bitter.
He knew how terrible it was to hide his heart for her, turn it
away, and hurt her because it wasn't enough. It hurt so
much that he thought it would be better to cut his body.

Sian clenched his teeth and endured it. There's not much
time left. Her stomach was swelling and the birth date was
approaching. Sian planned to take her and her child out of
the palace one step ahead of the Great House.

He had already set up a shelter for escaping. If he succeeds

in reforming the Imperial Guard and strengthening the
imperial power, she and the child can be brought in as much
as possible later. With the conviction to protect her and his
child, Sian abandoned every day. It was so hard that his
body was ruined, but it didn't matter. Because she was the
first person he thought was worth throwing away everything
for.

But people don't know the future. She began to feel pain
seven weeks earlier than her due date. It was a premature
birth.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

Sian wandered around the office and was restless. His

mouth was burning with anxiety about her and her fetus
ahead of delivery. A doctor said that premature birth is
dangerous enough to take not only the fetus but also the
mother's life.

"I must go to the Queen's place."

Sian, whose patience reached its limit, eventually kicked out

of the office. For the first time since the fake Veronica
entered the imperial palace, he visited the queen's
bedroom.

"Here you are, Your Majesty."

The maids in the tense hallway were surprised and polite to

Sian. Sian tried to ask bluntly, pretending not to be
interested.

"What about the child?

"She's still in labor. In the midwife's words, tonight is a

crisis..."

The maid's words didn't last. Beyond the wall, a cry rang out
to announce the birth of life.
Den and the maids bow their heads in unison and pass
congratulations to Sian.

"Your Majesty, congratulations."

"Congratulations."

Sian's expression, which had been heightened by tension,

became subtle. It was awe-inspiring to know what the
rumbling child's cry was talking about.

'Is she all right?'

The moment the joy of becoming a father and his worries

crossed, the closed bedroom door opened. The maid, who
came out to announce the news of the birth, bowed her
head quickly in surprise at the unexpected visit.

"Go back in and ask the midwife. I want to see the baby
right now."

Sian tried to suppress his desire to ask about the child and
her personal safety. He wanted to make sure that she and
the child were safe with his own eyes, not someone's
mouth.

"Your Majesty, they say it's okay to come in."

Sian entered the bedroom, suppressing his desire to run in.

The warm heat that hasn't gone yet gave him an idea of
how much her pain from childbirth might have been.

"Y-you are here, Your Majesty."

Her face was pale as if she had lost all her energy. Although
she looked tired and exhausted, fortunately she did not look
dangerous.
"See? It's a prince who looks just like you."

The midwife carefully took the child she had in her arms and
pushed him to Sian.

"..."

Sian stared silently at the child who fell asleep. If there's an

angel, it would look like this. The child, who resembles his
sea-like eyes with black hair symbolizing the blood of the
imperial family, seemed to burst into tears, even as he
looked at them.

"Hug him."

At her words, the midwife handed out the child wrapped in a

blanket. It was when Sian stretched out his arms, possessed
by the child's loving appearance just by looking at it. A
thicker and more transparent reason than glaciers
prevented Sian's behavior.

'If I hug this child now, I can't go back.'

Sian glanced around the room. There were four maids with
midwives and a few feet, and as many as six doctors waiting
over the partition in case of a situation. There was a high
possibility that Sian's words and actions would flow into the
ears of the Grand Duke and the nobles.

'I'm.'

Sian was in conflict. At this moment, he wanted to

encourage her, who poured everything into giving birth. He
should have crossed a warm word that she had worked
hard. However, the cold reason drew a line saying that it
should never be.
In a situation where the breath of the Grand Duke is
inevitably stronger due to the birth of the prince who is
qualified to succeed the emperor, there is fear of a backlash
from the imperial aristocrats who have barely pacified the
nuances of defending the fake Veronica or rejoicing in the
birth of the prince. If so, the risk of shaking the support base
to protect her and her son from the Grand Duke cannot be
ruled out.

"Your Majesty?"

She looked uneasily at Sian, who was standing still. Sian

firmly grasped his heart that became extremely fragile in
her eyes.

He had no choice but to hurt her. The wound can be healed

no matter if it leaves a scar. But if he lost her, he couldn't
bring her back again.

Sian turned coldly away from the child. Her face, which
would have been hurt, was white in his eyes. The fact that
he had to hurt her even more wasn't letting his mouth fall.

"My momentary mistake ended up driving the millennium

empire to the abyss."

"Y-Your Majesty. How."

Despite her shocked voice, Sian never looked back. He left

her bedroom, leaving his wife and son as if he were cold-
blooded. The maids, who saw Sian with a demon-like scary
face, swallowed their breath and bowed their heads.

Sian, who passed them and went back to the main palace,
clenched his fist hard. Angry at himself for not being able to
protect his wife and child. So he couldn't stand the way he
hurt her because he was so pathetic.
 ***

"Your Majesty, I don't think it's time to put it off."

"The National Mother's seat should not be empty for a

moment."

"It is believed that it is right to have Her Majesty as Empress

as soon as possible."

Since the fake Veronica gave birth to the prince, a flurry of

requests have been made by nobles who have been given
orders from the Grand Duke. It was necessary to recognize
the credit of the empress who gave birth to the Prince and
officially promote her to the empress.

"We'll discuss this later."

"But, Your Majesty. We can't put it off until."

Sian resisted the earnest requests of the nobles in the

emperor's palace. At first glance, their argument was
reasonable. Having given birth to a prince who will succeed
the throne, there is enough justification to upgrade the fake
Veronica to Empress.

However, if he does so, they will be able to attach wings to

the shoulders of the Grand Duke, who is well-established as
the outer face of the imperial family. Pro-Imperial aristocrats
were suspicious of Sian's willingness to reform. It was
argued that if it was necessary to keep the Grand Duke in
check, it would not have been possible to sleep with a fake
Veronica, and if she was pregnant and gave birth to a
prince, they claimed that it would have been even worse.

After returning to the office, Sian called in Den.

"Ready?"

"I'm done."

"Remember. There should never be a mistake."

Sian advanced the escape plan. Now that the safeguards of

pregnancy are gone, the Grand Duke will try to get
everything back in place in a hurry.

"Your Majesty, it may be presumptuous, but will Her Majesty

really leave the palace?"

"She has to go. If she doesn't go... I'll have to drag her away
at least by force."

That's the only way for her and her son to live.

Sian changed his clothes and visited the Gaia Church in the
Imperial Palace. Today is the 11th day after the birth of an
imperial family member. The Gaia denomination, a state
religion, was named by the Pope of the main group when
the descendants of the imperial family were born from
generation to generation and passed on the name through a
cardinal.

As Sian entered the cathedral, cardinals and priests were

seen under the statue of Gaia in the front. As he
approached, the prince fell asleep in the cradle, and she
stood across from him.

'You're very thin. Are you eating well?'

Sian felt so bad for her who looked blue. He felt like he was
going crazy because he wanted to pat and comfort that
tired face.
Then, she looked at him with her head up.

"...!"

Sian's heart froze in her cold gaze. The awkward smile that
she always made wasn't there, and his breath seemed to be
taken away.

The cardinal recited the congratulatory message and soaked

the holy water in a golden bowl with his hands, dripping
water on the prince's forehead. Then he held out the golden
parchment on the pedestal that the priest brought.

"Goddess Gaia has given her holy name to bless the royal
family. His Majesty and Her Majesty will politely see the
honor of the Crown Prince containing the words of the
Goddess with their eyes, put it in their mouths, and
remember it with their ears."

"Claudius de Ian."

"May the grace of Goddess Gaia be with the noble prince

Claudius de Ian."

When Sian and the fake Veronica engraved Prince Ian's

name on their hearts, the cardinal responded with a
congratulatory speech.

Ian. Ian. Ian. Sian was overwhelmed by the mere mention of

the name. He also had a love that was incomparable to
anything on his way to see the sleeping child.

The cardinal and priest quietly left the cathedral. From now
on, there will be an organ performance that mimics the
sacred words of the Goddess Gaia for a short time. During
that time, two people will pray sincerely for Ian. She closed
her eyes and clasped her hands. The appearance, which
even seemed desperate, made him guess the depth of
endless affection.

"I have something to tell you."

Sian carefully opened his mouth. More important than

prayer was her and Ian's life. If it wasn't now, he had no
time to ask for understanding and persuade. But she didn't
answer anything. Nervous Sian called her again.

"Queen."

"No, don't."

"..."

"What other harm do you want to do to me?"

She opened her eyes, which she had gently closed. Beyond
the cold-looking gaze, there was the pain of a brutal wound.
She said, pressing down on the blessings of that feeling.

"I knew it from the beginning. It was an unwanted marriage.

And my presence and background alone is a hindrance to
His Majesty."

"Queen."

"Even though I knew that, I was clinging to Your Majesty.

Because I liked you. Even my pride was not important.
When His Majesty embraced me and Ian was formed, I was
so happy that I cried out."

Her voice trembled thin. Sian couldn't say anything. He

couldn't even say anything to console her because he
couldn't even guess how much she must have been hurt.
"But I'm going to stop now. I can bear all the scars you give
me. But it's not Ian, is it? Even if you didn't want to, even if
it's a momentary mistake, he's Your Majesty's child."

"..."

Sian was full of words up to his throat. It was a

misunderstanding. It was an inevitable choice to protect
them. He also deeply...

"I'm not going to hang you anymore. I can't see Ian getting
hurt because of me."

"Queen, please let's talk for a moment..."

It was when Sian was going to make a belated excuse.

"I loved you."

"...!"

"I really wanted to say this."

She smiled. Tears fell from the tail of her smiling eyes. Sian
regretted to death. He was resentful of himself for giving her
an indelible wound.

Sian reached out. He wiped those tears and decided to be

honest with her even now. Otherwise, there was no
guarantee that Sian would not collapse like her, who had
been ruined. However, such a wish of Sian did not come
true.

Kung. After the organ performance, the cardinals and priests

returned to their final ceremonies.

"His Majesty and Her Majesty, please hold the hand of His
Highness the Crown Prince."
All ceremonies ended with a toast to good health. She held
the inside of the cradle in her arms without even making
eye contact with Sian.

"Ian, that's your name."

Talking as if it was being imprinted, she left a formal

goodbye to Sian and turned around. Sian could not bear to
catch her as she was moving away. He had to endure it so
as not to ruin the plan that he had been preparing even
though it hurt her.

"Queen."

He didn't know then.

That it would be the last conversation he had with her. If he

had known, he wouldn't have let her go like that.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"Is it morning already."

Sian's face was dark with his eyes open. So far, Sian had
tried to create an opportunity to encounter fake Veronica.
This is to persuade her to leave the palace and confess his
feelings honestly.

However, the meeting was out of order as if someone was

interrupting. Although they ran into each other a couple of
times under the guise of official events, all they saw was
passing by. In the past, she hesitated to stay in one place
longer with Sian, but she went straight back as if she was
trying to widen her distance of mind. As he missed the
opportunity to speak, Sian became impatient.

Finally, Sian got up from his seat. He decided to visit her and
persuade her.

"Where is Den, he's waiting isn't he?"

When Sian wondered because he couldn't see Den, which he

had always seen, the head maid replied.

"He hasn't entered the Imperial Palace yet."

"Den?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I sent a maid to find out what's going on,
and there will be an announcement soon."

Sian's expression hardened. He wondered if it would be a

big deal, but he was worried because he had never done
this in years. Den lived in a separate palace and was also
tasked with understanding the circumstances and dynamics
of the imperial palace. Recently, when he heard that
Veronica was a substitute from Sian, he was sorry and he
was watching the West Palace for escape.

"Let me know as soon as you get the news."

He was worried, but Sian was not rash. Den was competent
enough to trust Sian in his work. He also planted close aides
inside the palace in case of emergency. If there was an
unexpected accident, he would have been contacted in
some way.

Sian, as usual, headed to the West Palace under the pretext

of Empress Florence. He'd already figured out that she
spends the day in Ian's room, finishing it off,

Sure enough, there were maids serving the fake Veronica in

the hallway in front of Ian's room. Sian calmed down by
slowing down the pace of unknowingly fastening. He'd
reorganized his words thousands of times where to start and
how to confess and persuade his true feelings.

It was time for Sian to stop walking.

Kkiiik. A visit, which preceded Sian's will, caught his way.

"Aren't you His Majesty?"

"Grand Duke Friedrich, why are you here?"

Sian's face confronted with an unexpected character
hardened. Grand Duke Friedrich said to be polite in silence.

"Isn't she my daughter before the Queen? I stopped by

because I was worried about her body."

As if he had oiled his tongue, Grand Duke Friedrich revealed

the reason for his visit with a fluent speech. Sian's eyes
became thinner. It is not wrong in principle. Why do parents
come to see their children? Of course, under the assumption
of a normal father-daughter relationship.

"Oh, is His Majesty here?"

From the opposite side of the inclined door came a clear

woman's voice. The slightly raised tone was subtly different
from the one Sian knew.

"I guess he's here to see you. Come and say hello to His
Majesty."

The door, which had been half-closed horribly for Grand

Duke Friedrich's words, opened and she came out.

"...!"

Sian's eyes opened wide. Wearing a elegant dress to be

dignified as the queen, she was wearing a mermaid dress
that showed her figure. She wore a colorful tiara on her
head and decorated her whole body with earrings,
necklaces and bracelets. It was a surprising change
considering the simplicity of taking care of Ian since giving
birth.

However, it was a subtly changed atmosphere that Sian was

annoying, apart from the external changes. Last time she
tried to distance herself from Sian, but she couldn't hide the
pain behind it.

However, he could not feel such feelings from the woman in

front of him. A proud and arrogant smile. It was an
authoritative look that even looked down on Sian, the
emperor. She looked overlapped with a devilish woman who
was in Sian's memory. Sian felt that something was wrong.

"Father is also true, if Your Majesty comes, you should take

him inside. What if you let him stand?"

"I've made a mistake. Your Majesty, come inside."

Veronica smiled. The reluctant smile hardened Sian's heart

into conviction.

"Your Majesty, please come inside. I was enjoying tea time

because the sun was so bright in the palace."

"..."

"I think it's going to be a better time with Your Majesty

here."

Sian's face became serious when he realized it wasn't her.

'Why are you here.'

The woman in front of him is not her. It was really Veronica.

They looked similar enough to believe they were twins, but
Sian did not miss the subtle gap. They were married. He
couldn't treat her as gently as he felt for her, but he never
closed his eyes for a moment.

'What about her?'

Sian's mind turned white. If Veronica is here, it means that
there was something wrong with her, who was the stand-in.

"What's wrong, Your Majesty?"

Sian bit his lower lip hard enough to leak blood. He wanted
to get rid of Veronica, who was pretending to be her
abominably. And he wanted to ask. Where is she? Bring her
while I can say good things. But he knew that it would make
things worse, so he put up with it for now.

"I'm not interested."

Sian, who coldly refused, headed toward the Empress

Palace.

"Then there's nothing we can do. Go ahead, Your Majesty."

Veronica was consistent with ignoring Sian rather than being

hurt. Then, she looked into eyes with Grand Duke Friedrich
and laughed at him, dismissing Sian's disregard as the
emperor's petty pride. Regardless, Sian, who reached the
Empress' Palace with a scary face, suddenly turned around.

"Your Majesty, where are you going?"

When the immediate maid asked for his destination, Sian

replied with a voice that killed his feelings.

"Get Den."

"Pardon?"

"Quickly!"

The maids under direct control were surprised by the

intimidation of Sian, who had never shown his feelings, and
told them to find out quickly. He was sure Den knew
everything about the situation in the Imperial Palace.

'I'll find you wherever you are. So please just be safe.'

Sian did not believe in the Gaian denomination despite

being a state religion. However, for the first time in his life,
he prayed to Goddess Gaia with desperation.

May she be safe. I've never thought of a world without her. If

she is safe, I will die and dedicate my soul to Goddess Gaia.

***

Den was dead. The killer dumped Den's body around the
palace. It was a kind of warning against crossing the line
toward the emperor of the empire.

Boom! Sian hit the table hard while shaking his fist tightly.
He didn't take his eyes off her for a moment. Although his
plan went awry due to her premature birth, he moved the
plan forward as much as possible to avoid the eye of
surveillance. If she and Ian succeed in escaping, he planned
to reform the Imperial Guard in the hope of a time when the
Grand Duke was confused by the absence of the Queen and
the Crown Prince. It was close to half the success. All he had
to do was persuade her, but how did it get to this point?

"You're saying that even Sir Damon was killed?"

Sian secretly planted a man in the Imperial Palace. This is

Damon, a knight who is quick to notice and is responsive to
improvisation, and will be a member of the Imperial Guard
in the future. Even that Damon went missing. Anxiety
increased. Even at this time, he couldn't guarantee her
safety.
"Your Majesty, Count Lyndon wishes to see you."

"Let him in."

Count Lyndon's expression, which came in when the office

door opened, was also serious.

"Sir Damon's body has been found."

"What?"

Sian's eyes shook. Ominous speculation had become a

reality.

"Your Majesty, what are you hiding from me? Why did Sir
Damon keep an eye on the queen, and why was he killed in
pursuit of someone late at night?"

"Pursuit? Who did Sir Damon pursue?"

"That's what I want to ask. What is Your Majesty's thinking

with a rebellion on the verge?"

"Answer my question first. Who did Lord Damon track

down?"

"I don't know either. But Sir Damon disappeared after he left
a mark from the palace to the outskirts of the capital."

Marks are traces left when pursuing an enemy. Each knight

has its own method, so you don't know it unless you are the
knights' family.

"Where did he leave the last mark?"

"I'd like to ask you before I answer that question. Why did
you keep the safe house secret?"
"You're saying that the direction the marker is not to go to
the Great House?"

"Your Majesty, answer me first."

Count Lyndon did not back down. Although he was

disappointed when Veronica was pregnant, he stood by
Sian. It was the best choice for the revenge of Cecilia, the
late Empress. However, from some point on, Sian's actions
have become more incomprehensible.

Sian was also impatient. In the meantime, something could

have happened to her. Sian stared at Count Lyndon, who
was not convinced. He had a hunch that he could no longer
hide it, and confessed the truth.

"The Queen Veronica seen by the Count is a stand-in."

"...!"

Count Lyndon was frightened by Sian's subsequent

confession. He was shocked by the arrogance of the Grand
Duke, who had made a stand-in, and he learned the reason
why Ian was born with her. And the reason for the death of
Den and the knight Damon.

"Why did you hide it from me! If you had been honest, you
could have found another way."

"Because I had to protect her."

Blinded by the revenge of the Grand Duke after losing

Cecilia, he almost tried to politically isolate the Grand Duke
by using her by any means. Sian tried to stop it. In order to
do so, it was best to hide that she was a stand-in.
"Even if you don't agree, today I am reforming the Imperial
Guard."

"Your Majesty!"

It was a plan that he'd been preparing for several years.

Count Lyndon's stomach burned as he said that he was
going to move ahead of the board even if he did everything
he could.

"Even if the Count does not agree... I will proceed with the
event today. And I'll go to the safe house and save her."

Sian refused to compromise. It was too much to bear the

desire to save her even now.

***

Night came to the palace. The tightly gate tightly was

closed, but the annex was an exception. A secret social
gathering of aristocrats and a late-night masquerade were
under way. There were people who shed sharp eyes among
the aristocrats who visited there.

Tonight, these are new sources to occupy the palace and

replace the rotten Imperial Guard. Under the leadership of
the masked Count of Lyndon and Hwigin, they were mixed in
among the nobles.

Some of the guards who had infiltrated the interior of the

imperial palace suppressed the soldiers guarding the back
gate of the separate palace and opened the passage to the
main palace. The Imperial Palace Guard, who pushed in
there, moved to the area as instructed, handled the guards,
and subdued the current Imperial Palace guards who were
on duty at night. All of them were the sons of nobles, so
they kept as much as they were worth as hostages.
"Your Majesty, where are you going this late at night...
Hyuk."

Sian, who left the bedroom, also revealed his hidden teeth.
The knights planted by the Grand Duke in his
swordsmanship, which were not inferior to those of
Hurelbard and Ren, who were famous as the three swords of
the empire, died without even fighting properly.

"Your Majesty, we have received the main palace."

Count Lyndon, who succeeded in occupying the imperial

palace, ran over and reported.

"Please take care of the aftermath."

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! What are you doing? Your

Majesty, please. Come on!"

When Sian ran away without looking back, he was surprised

and attached three members of the Imperial Guard
separately. Sian's phenomenal swordsmanship has no
disagreement, but his own behavior was certainly
dangerous.

Arriving at the stable, Sian rode out of the palace on his

horse.

"Please, you must be safe."

Sian sprinted so that his eyebrows fluttered. He left the

capital in no time. The sky was dark and he was on the first
road, but he ran without hesitation because it was the
geography he had seen on the map and memorized
hundreds of times.
A mansion was seen in Sian's view, where even the noble
stallion was exhausted. It was not suitable for this deep and
subdued forest, so he could see that it was a safe house at a
glance.

"What a bastard!"

Knights guarding the mansion blocked Sian's front. Although

there was a report with extraordinary strength, it can not
accept an inspection on Sian. Sian, who quickly defeated the
enemy, ran into the mansion. Anyone who showed hostility
was killed. Except for one person.

"There must be a woman who was brought here a few days

ago. Tell me where she is."

"S-she's in the last room of the dungeon. Please, just let me

live... Kol."

Sian killed the butler without any hesitation. Then he ran

into the dungeon he told him about. Numerous prisoners
trapped beyond the bars shouted for help, but they could
not be heard by Sian.

"Only be safe."

As he reached the far corner of the third basement floor, he

saw a cage over the other path. It was the last room the
butler told him about.

"Queen!"

It was her. He saw her lying over the bars.

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

Sian lost his breath. Despair rained down to dampen his

thoughts. His heart left nothing but empty cries. Please, he
hoped it wasn't too late. Sian ran praying earnestly for her
to stay alive. The steel bars that should be tightly closed
were half open for some reason. As if it didn't matter if she
ran away. He wouldn't have been so anxious if the iron bars
were closed tightly.

"Queen!"

Candles swaying over her lying down without motion. Sian's

heart fell to the reddish blood stains on the hem of her
dress. Sian held her lying face down in his arms. Her skin,
touching his hand, was as cold as ice. Sian bit his lips hard.
He believed it was because it was cold here. However, at
the sight of her face, which was pale and lifeless, Sian
collapsed.

"Wake up."

Sian's voice trembled weakly.

"I was wrong. I won't hurt you again. I promise, can you look
at me?"

The voice of Sian, who had been begging for it, gradually
changed into a feeling of fainting. He tried to look away. And
he wanted to believe it. She's alive. She just lost
consciousness for a while. He waited for her to smile to
purify his weary life as always.

However, it didn't take long to realize that it was a useless

wind. She didn't smile. Keeping the coldness, she didn't
even move in his arms.

"... Was it so painful that you couldn't even close your

eyes?"

Sian's throat was dry. Her bloodstains were clear inside the
prison. Her eyes were white as she crawled toward the cage
with a sword stuck in her abdomen.

How unfair was she to die without even closing her eyes?
Thinking of the fear and hopelessness she must have felt
when she was killed, Sian grabbed her dress tightly.

He promised to protect her. He couldn't stand it because he

was so pathetic that he made it into a false truth.

"I'm sorry."

Sian, who was sobbing silently, finally showed tears. The

fact that there were so many things he wanted to say that
he couldn't tell her again made him crazy.

He should've been more honest with her. If he was, she

wouldn't have been hurt. Every moment he couldn't deliver
anything and even ask for her name, he regretted it so
much. Sian was sobbing. Without any sound.

"I'm sorry..."

Sian's empty apology, which hugged her strongly, echoed

through the prison.
 ***

Sian returned to the imperial palace at dawn. In the

meantime, the newly organized Imperial Guard took
complete control of the imperial palace. Based on the
information collected by the deceased Den, the maids,
servants, and guards, who served as the leader of the
aristocracy, gathered them in the training center of the
annex and summarily disposed of them. It was a blood
purge.

"It's a success, Your Majesty."

"It's early, but I'm congratulating you."

Count Lyndon and the new Imperial Guard Captain Hwigin

pass congratulations to see Sian return. It was still too early
to pop champagne, but there was no doubt that they had
achieved remarkable results just by taking control of the
palace and reforming the Imperial Guard. But Sian's
expression was frozen cold. Despair, sadness, and anger
seemed close.

"What about the Grand Duke?"

"He's quiet."

"What about the four great families?"

"Likewise, there's no particular movement."

By now, he must have already been briefed on the reforms

that took place inside the palace. Nevertheless, the fact that
there was no particular movement was likely to have judged
that they had missed the time to move now.
"Send people to the capital nobles. All of them come to the
Imperial Palace."

"They won't come."

From the moment the palace was occupied, they had to

save their lives. After coming to the Imperial Palace for no
reason, they could have been harmed by the Imperial
Guard.

"If they don't come, it'll be a good cause, too."

Count Lyndon carefully advised, seeing Sian who did not

hide his bloodthirst with a wild madness.

"Your Majesty, you're just one step away. Don't push the
nobles too hard."

Instead of answering, Sian turned around and ignored him.

Count Lyndon, who felt something chilly, asked.

"Where are you going, Your Majesty?"

"I need to see Veronica."

Sian did not name Veronica the Queen. For him, the only
queen is she. Upon arriving at the West Palace, Sian headed
straight to Veronica's bedroom. Lorentz, a direct knight from
the Great House, had long been killed by Hwigin. Veronica
was also trapped in the bedroom as if she was being
detained.

"Your Majesty."

As he entered the bedroom, Veronica turned around and

looked at Sian. A woman who looks like her but is too
different. An authoritative, arrogant, and absolutely cruel
woman. It was disgusting that Veronica, who didn't even
want to do business, was using her place as hers.

"The palace has been noisy all night?"

"..."

"I can't see Lord Lorentz. What did Your Majesty do?"

Veronica smiled, pretending not to know even though she

knew everything. While feeling nervous about the situation
of the imperial palace, she was able to remain calm because
of her firm belief in the background of the Grand Duke.

"Can I give you one advice to be blood and flesh for Your
Majesty?"

"..."

"That's enough. If you cross the line, we get tired, right?"

Veronica left a significant comment and hugged Ian, who

was asleep in the cradle. Ian, who had fallen asleep, cried
loudly as soon as he was hugged by Veronica. As if he didn't
like the fact that he was hugged by Veronica and felt
uncomfortable.

"Look. Your Majesty is surprised by the smell of blood."

"To say that."

Sian strode toward Veronica, squeezing the handle of the

sword tightly. Veronica, who was relaxing at best, asking
what he could do, suddenly swallowed up in vain. She saw
the sparkling madness in Sian's unusual eyes.

"W-Wait a minute, Your Majesty."

Veronica stepped back and was nervous. She didn't know
why. There was a cold sweat on her back. There was a
breathtaking fear. Veronica's body, which was stepping
backward, hit the window frame. Veronica was nervous. He
was so mad that she wondered if this man was really right.
There was a fear that she could be killed.

"I-If you touch me, my father won't let it go."

Step.

"I'm your wife. I'm Ian's biological mother. You're not going
to treat me like shit, are you?"

As Sian approached, composure disappeared from

Veronica's face. Soon after, she realized that Ian was the
only way to protect her body from Sian and tried to deal
with it. Ian, who was in Veronica's arms, was taken away by
Sian.

"Ian."

Sian looked down with a warm look, calling the child's name.
A woman that no one in the world would remember. She
couldn't even leave a trace just because she was a stand-in.
He didn't even know her name.

Ian was the only precious thing she left in the world.

"You will never see Ian again."

"W-what?"

Sian left a one-sided notification and turned around, holding

Ian in his arms. Although he couldn't keep her, he would still
try his best to protect Ian. That was Sian's only atonement
for her death.
"Y-Your Majesty, wait a minute! Stand there!"

To Sian, who turned around and moved away, Veronica only

raised her voice and could not move a single step. Sian's
cold eyes hardened her legs.

"You sleep well."

Ian, who was in Sian's arms, was asleep quietly. Even

though it was his first time hugging him, he was as
comfortable as if he knew it was his father's arms.

Sian told Ian everything he couldn't say. He didn't stop even

though his throat was choked up. Keep sobbing tightly and
calmly...

"Ian, your mother. She was the most beautiful and wise
woman in the world. I've never stopped loving her for a
moment. So let's remember. Although she may have lived
as a shadow, she was a great Queen. You and I must not
forget, Ian. Do you understand?"

Side Story 2. In the Future

"... Is it a dream again?"

Elena, who had been tossing and turning all night without
sleeping, opened her eyes. She thought she took a nap for a
while, but she guessed she had a dream.

"Another dream from those days."

Recently, the frequency of dreaming about her past life has

increased. After the regression, she wondered why she had
been dreaming of dreams that she had never dreamed of
even in the days when she was only good at revenge.
"Is it because I'm upset?"

A few days ago, Elena's parents left for the northern part of
the country. Elena wanted them to stay, but her parents
wanted her to live there, saying that the northern part of the
country seemed like their hometown. Elena was
disappointed, but she respected both of them. Then a few
days later, a feeling of emptiness came. She didn't know
where they were, but she knew where they were. It was
chaotic after the two left.

"I have to get up."

When Elena rose from her bed, May, who was outside, came
in.

"You were out there? Why are you having a hard time? It
would be hard just to digest the schedule. You can leave the
service to another maid."

Elena was always sorry for May. As external schedules

increased, Elena's overall schedule was managed by May. As
a result, May was the case to sleep later than Elena and get
up early.

"Don't say that. I do it because I like it."

"I can't stop you."

Despite Elena's dissuasion, May did not let go of the job of

serving her. Somehow she was stubborn over there.

After finishing the grooming, Elena moved to the drawing

room and checked her daily routine by eating black tea,
bread, and salad for breakfast.
"There's a school opening ceremony in the morning, and
you're supposed to be the opening teacher on behalf of the
principal, Khalif."

"And."

"In the afternoon, we have a meeting to discuss how to use

Noblesse Street. The capital's leading nobles and merchants
also participate."

Elena relaxed and took a sip of black tea. Noblesse Street,

which started the fall of the Grand Duke, was neglected. As
the salon and basilica area have been reborn as the center
of the capital, even the aristocrats have cut off their feet,
making it difficult to operate. Noblesse Street was the same
as the Revelation in the imperial family, which seized the
assets of the Grand Duke. It was a waste of time, and it was
not easy to activate it.

May kept reading the schedule in her notebook.

"Afterwards, there will be a special lecture on Enlightenment

at the Academy, and in the evening you will be attending
Renier's poetry reading at the salon."

"It's tight. Oh, didn't I have lunch plans with Senior today?"

"Yes, you have a previous engagement with Khalif and Lady

Kate at the restaurant Pieta."

Elena nodded.

"The more I see it, the more amazing it is."

"Pardon?"
"... That it's meant to be. I never thought they'd continue
again."

Elena was surprised when she first heard the name Kate
through Khalif. In the past life, Khalif entered the family of
Viscount Daryl through a woman. Elena's intervention
naturally disappeared the contact point with Kate as Khalif
dropped out. She was feeling sorry for himself, and in the
meantime, the Khalif was splitting time to date Kate, and
decided to sign a hundred-year contract next month.

Today's meal was for Elena to deliver the wedding gift in

advance with her gratitude before the wedding.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

Elena picked up the newspaper. The newspaper also

contains news from inside and outside the Empire that
cannot be accessed through social circles. Furthermore, it
was suitable to read the trend of the times as it was written
mainly on facts that did not involve self-interest or
subjection.

"Your Majesty's national marriage is causing a stir in the

Empire."

Elena's eyes sank calmly to the national wedding article of

Sian, which decorated the front page of the newspaper.
When Sian ascended to the throne, it was said that the
imperial family should be stabilized by welcoming the
empress and seeing the future. It was perfectly right and
irrefutable.

However, the problem has emerged that Sian had already

passed the ceremony of the Crown Princess when he was
the Crown Prince. Veronica, who was most likely a Crown
Princess at the time, was executed for defamation as she
did not attend the election ceremony without permission.
Although there was Elena's intervention in the middle, the
conclusion was that it reduced the sense of trust in the
selection ceremony of the crown princess.
However, raising Lady Avella of the Reinhardt family, who
was lagging behind Veronica by a narrow margin at the time
of the election ceremony, was also not good. It gives the
impression that she falls down on the rank of the national
mother.

As a result, opinions were divided and sharply confronted

among the nobles. The name of L, who Sian had been
interested in since he was the Crown Prince, was also raised.
Considering her influence of the cultural and social circles
with enough dignity and knowledge to be called the modern
woman, it was judged that the empress had no shortage in
her time.

However, there was only one thing that hampered L's

ascension to the Empress. It was her status. Even though
she was known to be an aristocrat of the Trilateral Union of
Northern Provinces, the noble families of the capital were
not pleased with her. The aristocrats, who value blood,
insisted that a woman who has been proud of her blood for
generations should take the post of empress.

Nevertheless, most of the nobles showed a position that

they could accept and approve if Emperor Sian showed
willingness to seat her as empress. As the imperial power
became stronger after the fall of the Grand Duke and Duke
Buckingham, the leaders of the nobles, tried to please Sian
by looking at the emperor's eyes.

However, Sian did not comment on the appointment of the

empress. As such, the number of aristocrats questioning the
relationship between Sian and L gradually increased. Some
even said that Sian and L may not be as close as they are
known to the social world.
In the meantime, a national marriage proposal came from
the Kingdom of Royer, which divides the continent along
with the Empire. Her opponent was one of the three
daughters of King Rashid, Princess Amelia.

She was a woman who was proud of her graceful beauty

and nobility enough to have encountered the name of the
imperialists at least once. In order to promote national
marriage, Royer's royal family was eager enough to send
Edmund, the Crown Prince who had the right to succeed the
throne, to the empire.

"Is it the butterfly effect?"

As Elena remembers, Edmund at this time should have been

appointed Crown Prince on behalf of his brother, an
incompetent and prodigal prince. Since Edmund was still in
the position of a Prince and came as an imperial envoy,
much has changed compared to the original history.

'What does this national marriage mean for that kingdom?'

Elena was in thought, savoring black tea. It was a small

pleasure for her to read and grasp the situation with her
own eyes while living in a reality without milestones.

"Does it bother you?"

"Bother?"

Elena, who could not read the meaning of the question,

asked back.

"National marriage."

"National marriage is a matter of the state, and there's no

room for me to intervene? It doesn't change whether it
bothers me or not."

Sian was once her husband. Although it was a bad

relationship, the two were definitely married and had a son
named Ian. The national spirit came to Sian, and he might
face a new role. It would be a lie if she said it didn't upset
her, but the past wounds made her mature.

"I only have one wish. Whoever you meet, I hope you'll be
happy."

Elena made up her mind as soon as she got back. She won't
hold Sian back again. Even now, the mind remains
unchanged. She didn't have it, but she didn't know why she
was so upset.

'It's more because of my dream last night.'

Elena stopped the thoughts by putting down the teacup

quietly. A dream is a dream. It was true that she was upset,
but she thought nothing is more pathetic than spending her
emotions because of it. After breakfast, Elena left the room.
She didn't have time to be lazy to digest all the schedules.

"Sister."

As soon as she left the door, Elena turned her head at the
friendly title. A woman, who looked shy with short hair,
stood.

"Hi, Lucia."

Elena happily called her name and greeted her. Lucia, who
treated the fever with Elena's help, returned to the
academy. A year younger than Elena, she was staying in the
salon, not a dormitory, during the vacation.
"Are you going out already?"

"Yes."

"You went to bed late last night. Aren't you tired?"

"It's something I like, something I want to do. It's fun even if

it's hard."

Lucia shone her eyes at Elena smiling. Her eyes were filled
with admiration.

"But why did you come out?"

"That's... That... I want to talk to you if you're not busy. But

it's okay. I shouldn't interfere!"

"What do I do? I have to go out now... Oh, come on. Do you

want to come with me?"

"T-together?"

Lucia looked at her with her eyes wide open. Elena said with
a gentle smile.

"Yes, it could be boring, but if it's hard, I'll take you to the
salon first. There's also a lecture at the academy this
afternoon."

"I'm coming with you! Please take me with you."

"Then let's go together."

"I'm coming with you! Please take me with you."

"Then let's go together."

Elena happily smiled and accompanied Lucia. It was not a
difficult task, and it was not something to be considered this
much because of the gratitude that she borrowed Lucia's
name and status when she was a student at the academy.
Lucia, who got out of the salon and got on the four-wheel
carriage, looked excited. She talked nonstop like a lark. The
formation of Lucia also gave Elena positive energy.

"Oh! Sister, do you know what they're building?"

Outside the carriage, they could see the construction site

covered with cloth all over Elena's gaze. It was not a large
building, but the site was quite large.

"No. It's been almost four months since construction, but it's
still like that."

"I don't think it's an ordinary building."

"Do you have a guess?"

"No, I don't. Should I just say it's just a feeling?"

"Feeling? What's that."

Elena picked and laughed. Although she was only one year
apart, Lucia seemed like a free-spirited girl. She was lively
and warm and treated the world with a sensibility that only
people of her age could have.

'She's so different from me.'

Maybe that's why Elena liked Lucia like that. Looking at her
for the time she missed living as Veronica's stand-in, she felt
rewarded instead.
'What are they building, anyway? Emilio said it belonged to
a solitary family that was not well known...'

As it was near the salon, Elena was curious about the

building. Since the land price nearby is so high, it was
common to rush construction, but there was more progress,
and it was strictly private.

While talking with Lucia, she arrived at her destination in

the southern part of the capital. Students and parents who
were about to enter the school were crowded near the
podium ahead of the opening ceremony.

"You're here, L."

Principal and teachers, who are holding the opening

ceremony on behalf of Jacqueline, rushed to greet Elena.
The title of president is Jacqueline's, but it was to look good
to her as Elena was to set up and run the school.

"I'm not late, am I?"

"How can that be? You're exactly here. We've arranged a

table, so let's go this way."

Lucia followed closely after Elena, who was guided by the

principal. Lucia, who was looking around with her eyes
rolling, was amazed. This is because the size and
environment of the school is as big as the academy. Respect
for Elena has also grown. It is not easy in itself to build as
many as seven schools and provide free education in the
capital alone. L did all of that with a grain of salt.

When Elena looked around the school, students gathered in

the playground. Including parents, the number reached
hundreds. The principal, who was conducting the opening
ceremony smoothly, asked Elena to give a congratulatory
speech. When Elena stood in the middle of the podium,
applause and cheers poured out.

"Wow, it's the first time I've seen commoners greet a

nobleman like this."

Lucia blinked as she saw her nation go wild. As the status

system was clear, the common people were reluctant to the
aristocracy, and the noble treated the common people like
livestock. Breaking such prejudice, Elena was respected like
a great person.

"Hello, distinguished. It's L. Today, I replaced the president

Jacqueline as the opening teacher. It's so exciting and
reassuring to see the children who will be reborn as the
Empire's talents."

Elena continued the opening of the school honestly and

plainly. As the majority of those who visited the school were
commoners, she felt that it was important to appeal to the
need for learning rather than to use a fluent speech.

"That's all I'm talking about. I hope you all become great
adults, and I'll say goodbye now."

Elena gracefully lifted the skirt and said goodbye. The

people were at a loss, but they quickly bowed their heads
quickly. They were embarrassed because they had never
heard of the aristocracy being polite to the common people
in their lives, and it was the first time they saw it with their
eyes.

A silhouette familiar to Elena's vision from the platform was

reflected. Despite being mixed with countless crowds, she
was able to identify the man at a glance.

"Ren?"
Was Ren aware of the eye contact? He grinned at Elena,
then turned around and disappeared into a crowd.

"Thank you for your hard work. L!"

"Oh, I didn't do anything. The people who prepared for the

event had a harder time."

Elena finished by greeting the principal and teachers one by

one.

Elena, who promised to serve a meal at the next

opportunity, accompanied Lucia to the carriage. Naturally,
Hurelbard left school while escorting the carriage.

Elena talked to herself as she watched the school moving

away from the carriage.

"He's like that again. Pretending not to know I'm here."

"Who?"

"There's someone like that. Stubborn as a child."

Was it two days ago? Elena, who went to the Gaia church's
officiating ceremony, ran into Ren there. While pretending to
be welcoming, Ren went into the crowd and quickly
disappeared. Elena was speechless. She couldn't believe he
was hiding like this all the time.

Lucia seriously pondered and gave her own answer.

"I don't know who he is, but maybe it's because he's shy."

"... Shy?"

"Yes, it's embarrassing to stand in front of L!"

"That human?"

Elena unknowingly picked and burst out laughing. As she

imagined Ren being shy and ashamed of himself, it made
her laugh.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

While they were talking, the carriage arrived at the next

destination, the restaurant.

"I couldn't tell Senior and Kate about you. If they're waiting
inside, let's ask and join. It's okay, right?"

"Oh, never mind me! Just treat me like I don't have

anything. It's best to eat alone."

"How can I do that."

Elena smiled at Lucia's energetic appearance and entered

the restaurant. When they arrived in the room with a good
view on the second floor under the guidance of an
employee, a neatly dressed Khalif waved his hand in an
orderly manner.

"Welcome."

Elena sat down with a laugh as if he was absurd. Lady Kate

greeted with a nervous face.

"H-Hello, I'm Kate Crichis."

"I'm L. I've heard a lot from Senior. That you're so pretty.

And that you have a prettier heart. I can see why Senior fell
in love with you."
Lady Kate waved her hand at Elena's compliment.

"N-no. Compared to L, I'm no wild flower on my feet."

"I'm serious. You're better than me because you're not

dressed up. Senior, will you do well?"

Elena narrowed her eyes and shed Khalif. As if he didn't hate

such a look, Khalif looked at Lady Kate with a hazy look.

"I'm going to do well until I die."

"Until you die? See. Senior is this kind of person. You have to
get caught up in the field."

"Yes, I'll try."

Lady Kate nodded with a more comfortable look than the

first time. As she was staring at Khalif, honey fell from her
eyes.

"Senior, Lucia is here with us."

"What? Why did you come up here alone?"

"Because it's polite to ask for your understanding."

"Hey, Lucia's not a stranger. Tell her to come up."

Lucia, who was waiting downstairs at Khalif's permission,

was present. The four people had a friendly conversation
over the consensus that the academy was an academic
institution. Lady Kate carefully opened her mouth when she
was about to get full with a nice course meal.

"I just wanted to say thank you to L."

Elena, who was savoring the tea served as dessert, put the
tea cup down on the pedestal and made eye contact.

"Dress. L requested Christina directly."

"What do you mean 'request'? I did it because I wanted to.

Why is Senior so weird and embarrassing."

"That's true. Is Christina busy? New development, orders,

fashion shows. Because you're asking, I guess she'll do it for
you."

With the success of the fashion show, Christina's reputation

has also gone up to the top. Mermaid dresses spread not
only to the Empire but also to three other countries,
including the Kingdom of Royer, leading the fashion trend.
For this reason, Christina was busy day after day, pouring
out orders from other royalty and nobles.

"Thank you for the ceremony, too. This guy said that L to
hold a wedding in the salon.... And I wanted to have some
kind of luxury on my topic."

"You don't have to thank me. It's all because you're

capable."

"Still."

Although noble, Lady Kate's family was just that of the

province. As a revolutionary designer, it was unimaginable
that she would have a wedding ceremony in Christina's
dress or salon.

"I wouldn't be here without Senior's help."

"I was a little helpful."

Khalif said a hateful remark. If it were normal, she would
have said something, but in his position, she smiled and
turned it over.

"I'm always grateful. To the point where it's not a waste of

anything."

Elena muffled and pulled out a small box from the pouch
she brought.

"What is this?"

"Open it."

Elena smiled significantly. Lady Kate opened the box with a

puzzled look and was surprised.

"I-It's a ring, isn't it?"

"It's the work of the designer Colton."

"H-how do you do this... Ah! Have you put off the ring

without putting it on?"

"Yes. L said she really wanted to do this, so I couldn't

refuse."

A smile also hung around the mouth of Khalif, who looked at

Lady Kate, who was moved. It was not because of the ring,
but because he was happy just to see the woman he loved
happy.

"Try it on."

Lady Kate hesitated and looked at Khalif. Khalif nodded and

put it on her finger. Elena smiled happily.

"It's perfect."
"L, I don't know how to thank you."

"Have a happy life. That'll do."

She meant it. Aren't these two people who have continued
their past relationship to the present? She hoped they could
be happy for a long time by holding a stronger link to their
relationship.

Lady Kate, who wore the ring and liked it like a child, said.

"Oh, come to think of it, it's L's birthday soon?"

Elena nodded with an open smile. It's her birthday in 10

days. Her parents also planned to go to the northern part of
the country and spend her birthday quietly, but they were
forced to accept the persuasion that the party must be held
because of L's reputation and the salon's status.

"I'll definitely go and congratulate you."

"Thank you."

She wanted to talk more, but Elena, who had a next

schedule, got up from her seat. She felt sorry for it, but it
was her birthday soon and their wedding next month. There
were many opportunities to see them, so she promised to
do the next.

While traveling in a carriage, Elena stared silently out the

window. The scenery changes every minute, but it did not
come into Elena's eyes.

"Sigh."

She kept sighing. I felt strange and strange all day. It was
even more disturbing to see Khalif and Kate who did not
change even though they lived in the present life that had
changed significantly from the past.

"Sister."

"Yes."

"Is there anyone you like?"

"Why are you asking me that all of a sudden?"

Lucia replied, scratching her cheek.

"You're pretty and intelligent. If I were a man, I would have

fallen in love with you the moment I saw you. But when I
see you, you always stay away from men."

"I don't stay away. I'm just careful."

Even if the wound healed, the scar remained.

Lucia looked at her head as if she didn't understand.

"Why are you careful? The more men you meet, the better!
That way, you can find out who is true."

"Who said that?"

"I learned it from a book!"

While talking about small things, the carriage reached

Noblesse Street. Noblesse Street, where ownership was
transferred to the imperial family after the fall of the Grand
Duke, was gloomy despite the daytime. When the salon and
the basilica lost its competitiveness, all the artists and
merchants who entered the store went out and became
empty.
"It won't be long. Wait here. Sir."

Hurelbard, who escorts like a shadow, bowed his head

lightly.

"Take care of Lucia."

"Okay."

"Am I a kid? I can do well by myself."

Elena answered with a smile and went into the conference

room.

Members of the royal family and aristocrats gathered

together over the treatment of Noblesse Street. Shortly after
Elena sat down, the meeting began in earnest.

"It's really hard to deal with. Even if we dispose of it, we'll

have to offer it at a bargain price."

"Is there anything else we can do?"

Even in the imperial family, Noblesse Street was a

painstaking complex. It must be worth using, but there was
no proper measure.

"It's not like there's no way."

"L, do you have any good ideas?"

Elena nodded at the eyes of the young people.

"Turn Noblesse Street into a hotel."

"Are you asking it to stay in business?"

"But it's..."
As soon as she spoke, there was a backlash. But Elena didn't
care.

"Recently, the number of nobles visiting the capital is not

small. It is fortunate if there is a connection, but the nobles
who do not are forced to stay in hotels. The problem is that
there is not enough accommodation facilities for the nobles
to stay."

"I agree. My nephew also came to the capital and stayed at

our mansion, saying there was no place to stay."

"I would recommend converting Noblesse Street into a

single hotel. The Gothic style is like a symbol of imperial
architecture, and it is also a good way to promote our status
to royalty and aristocrats in other countries."

Elena expressed her will calmly. The renovation of the hotel

will help revive the architectural style of Noblesse Street
and help finance the imperial family. It will no longer be
treated as a nuisance.

'Perfect for visitors to the salon.'

The idea stemmed from Elena's hardships in running the

salon. As the salon's reputation spread across the continent,
not only the nobility in the empire but also the royalty and
aristocrats of third countries visited, and there was a lack of
accommodation in the capital city due to paralysis. The
meeting continued over Elena's agenda. Opinions for and
against were sharply divided. What's ridiculous is that they
are opposed but cannot come up with other alternatives.

'Should I have told His Majesty myself?'

She suddenly thought so, but Elena shook her head.

'No, it's right to go through the procedures.'

If Elena says it herself, it is possible to handle things quickly

without this difficulty. However, it is highly likely that there
will be backbiting. Asking for favors, whatever. It was absurd
to say that she uses her relationship with Sian to increase
her boat. Elena didn't want to get into such a rumor. For that
reason, it was troublesome, but she had to endure such
hard work.

At the end of the meeting, the people dispatched from the

imperial family returned with bright faces. They were clearly
pleased as if they had taken out a sick tooth.

Elena on the carriage moved to the academy. There was no

time to delay because the meeting was prolonged.

"It's the same here."

Elena was impressed by the scenery of the academy she

visited after a few years. Looking back, so many things
happened here. She already had a disturbed face, but when
she got to the place where her past footsteps were buried,
she felt more confused.

"Wow, look at people. Someone might think it's an academic

festival."

"See you later, Lucia."

"Yes, sister. I will listen to the lectures hard too!"

Elena took the podium. The students applauded her

appearance and gave her a welcoming and envious look.

A person they want to use as a role model selected by the

academy students. A woman of many modifiers, including
the modern woman and intellectual. A great person who
does not mind opening a school for her people and spending
her money to teach them for free.

It was such a great asset and honor for the students to be

able to face Elena in front of their eyes and listen to the
lecture.

"I was worried about being late, but I got here on time. Let
me catch my breath for a moment."

Elena took a good breath and looked at the students.

"Hello, I'm L."

Elena was surprised at the grand welcome. She didn't know

because she was in a hurry, but it felt different to see the
students gathered enough to fill the auditorium and not
have time to squeeze in.

"I was surprised that you welcomed me so enthusiastically. I

feel pressured. My speech may or may not be special to
you."

Elena made the atmosphere inside the auditorium mine with

her fluent speech skills. Rather than forcing them to
persuade them by using the complex and difficult theme of
Enlightenment, she solved it with wit in connection with the
changing times. As a result, the students responded well
and continued to smile throughout the lecture.

"That's it for my boring talk. Lastly, I'll take three questions.

The girl in front of me."

Elena pointed to a female student who raised her hand high

and even jumped when she wanted to get in her eyes.
"This is a personal question, can I ask you?"

"Yes, it's okay."

Elena smiled. The girl who asked for permission said as if

she had gained confidence in her voice.

"Isn't it officially going between the kingdom and His

Majesty's marriage right now? I want to hear what L thinks
about His Majesty's national marriage."
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"National marriage. It's a sensitive topic from the first

question."

Elena's face was full of relaxation. She said it again, but

there was no way she could not have known that it was a
question that was conscious of Elena and Sian's relationship.

"I'm careful. The state marriage is an important ambassador

of the country. It's something that I can't dare say. But
you're still asking my opinion, so I have to answer it, right?"

The eyes of the students were shining brightly. Contrary to

the expectation that she would give a theoretical answer to
the rude question, Elena expressed her opinion.

Elena opened her lips calmly.

"I've heard that Princess Amelia is so elegant that she is

famous. Her beauty is also beautiful and wise."

Elena's eyes deepened as she continued to talk. Her eyes,

which had been deposited, scattered the scars of her past
life that were still not healed.

"She can take the weight of the crown Your Majesty is

wearing."

Once, she was a heavy burden on Sian.

"If she can make Your Majesty forget his hardships for a bit."

Even though she tried so hard, she never made Sian smile
even once.

"I want to cheer for this national spirit."

Elena smiled brighter than ever. She sincerely hoped for

Sian's happiness. If Sian could live a better life than
repeating her unhappy life again, that would be enough.
Although Sian may not remember, his share remained a
scar in Elena's heart. It seemed healed, but it was a scar
that could be elongated at any time, and it was a wound
that could not be erased, so she thought it would be better
to rejuvenate alone.

"I think my answer was enough. Can I move on to the next

question?"

"What? Yes."

The female student, who was wide-eyed by Elena's

meaningful answer, nodded and sat down.

"The boy in the second row there can ask a question."

"Oh, yes. I would like to give you a speech that has become
a hot topic recently."

Unlike the previous rude question, the following question

was very common sense. Now, under the influence of
Jacqueline, who became a close aide to Sian, who ascended
to the throne as emperor, speakers gathered every day in
the capital square to emphasize ideas.

"I think it's a natural phenomenon. Speech is the starting

point of communication. From a similar perspective, I can
listen to Raphael's work <Belladonna>."

Elena explained the change in the times she was feeling.

Changes in the times are bound to be insensitive to people
living in those times. This is because it was difficult to read
the flow properly unless it was from a future perspective.

"I think my answer was too difficult. Time will answer what's
lacking, right? Now, let's take the last question... Huh?"

Elena, who was looking around the table, blurted out the
end of her words. There was a man standing among the
students who sat in a hundred seats, stealing her attention
at a glance.

'I can't live. Did you follow me all the way here?'

They saw each other at the opening ceremony, and it's

already their second encounter today. It would not be a
coincidence, and it would be right to say that he followed
intentionally.

'Anyway, his personality is unusual.'

Elena's laughter leaked out because she was speechless.

She used to pass it on just to do so, but honestly, she didn't
understand Ren's unconscious behavior.

"The student sitting in the back. Ask me a question."

"I want to ask you something about the salon. What made L
think about opening a salon?"

"I think this is what came across my mind. I wanted to

change the culture of the capital. So where should I start?"
Elena kept her eyes on Ren throughout answering the third
question. Indeed, Ren was an unpredictable person. There
were times when he suddenly came for four consecutive
days without notice. Last time, Elena wrote a letter because
he didn't contact her so much, but she didn't get a reply. But
now, he was following Elena around and secretly peeking.

Elena didn't look away from him until the end. He couldn't
disappear again soon.

"That's it for my answer. Today was a very useful and

meaningful time. I hope to see you all at the salon anytime,
and I'll greet you."

Elena lowered her head. The students saw Elena off with a

standing ovation as if the lecture time passed by like
lightning was disappointing.

"Sir."

Elena, who came down from the platform, called Hurelbard,

who was waiting behind.

"If you go to the auditorium now, there will be Ren. Please

stop him from running away."

"Understood."

The knight of the ice flew into the auditorium without a

word. In the meantime, Elena greeted the president of the
academy, the vice president, and several professors who
she was unable to greet each because she was in a hurry.

"I've heard of L's reputation. I didn't get a chance, but I'm

seeing you today."
"I am truly grateful to the distinguished president for this
opportunity."

Just by looking at their steps, which would be sad if they

were the second to the high nose, they could guess the
current status and reputation of L in the Empire. They
invited her to tea time without any problem. They wanted to
build a connection with Elena. Elena politely declined the
invitation and came out of the auditorium.

"Huh? Uh! Isn't that L?"

"Really. She's coming this way?"

"Oh, I want to see her up close!"

Students who were just leaving the auditorium found Elena

and flocked like a tide. Students who approached her as if
they were rushing right away could not talk to her
recklessly, only looking at her at a certain distance.

When they faced Elena's elegance of walking and graceful

smile, they felt as if she was of a different class.

"Ren."

When Elena's shoes stopped, Hurelbard stood behind her

with a silent salute. It was to concentrate on her escort after
his mission.

"That's foul. You're gonna come and catch me, and send
that monster?"

Ren grinned. His free-spirited attitude, a grim smile, and his

unique way of speaking, which was hard to see as a Count,
remained the same.
"What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing. Well, I came here for a lecture and I

happened to see you by coincidence. I'm glad you found
me."

Looking at Ren, who was being cheeky, Elena talked as if

she was full of energy.

"What kind of coincidence. I saw you earlier. I've seen you

the day before, and I've seen you last week."

"Hey, if you remember all of that, it's difficult. Shame on

you."

"Do you know I'm embarrassed?"

Ren smirked as Elena snapped at him. Even this nagging

was as pleasant to him as a lark's chirp.

"Look, isn't that Count Ren?"

"I think you're right?"

"Wow, up close, it's no joke. He's so handsome.

"Who wouldn't like a Senior like that? What if his personality

is a little bad? I would give my soul to someone like him."

As if they had entered the school this year, female students

bent down while looking at Ren. In the academy, Ren's
notoriety was only heard through rumors, so there were
more favorable views than rejection.

Elena narrowed her eyes and ran Ren.

"You're very popular?"

"I'm so scared of the illusion. They think I'm a good person."

"You're not a bad person either."

Ren laughed at Elena's spitting words. Not a bad person. He

wondered who she was talking about knowing that it was
limited.

"Oh, come back to the point, what are you doing here? If
you're here, pretend you know me or just go away. Do you
owe me?"

"Hey, what kind of misunderstanding is that scary. I'm afraid

I'll be chased around in debt."

Elena sighed lightly. The more she spoke, the more she felt
like she was taking a picture of a repeat.

"Are you really not going to tell me?"

"I told you. It's a coincidence. Oh, I went to see you last
week."

"..."

Elena narrowed her eyes and glared at Ren. Ren shrugged

his shoulders at the look of asking if it was true.

"What about yesterday and today?"

"Someone was looking at you, so I followed."

"Who's looking?"

"I know. Who could it be?"

Ren asked back with a meaningful smile. Elena didn't miss

the seriousness hidden beyond the playfulness.
"Is it a dangerous person?"

"Maybe, maybe not."

At the vague answer, Elena turned her head and looked at

Hurelbard. She wondered if there was anything in his eyes.
Hurelbard shook his head silently. If someone was aiming at
Elena, or if he felt even a slight discomfort, he wouldn't
have missed it.

"Relax. It's not what you think it is."

"Then what? You have to say it right."

Elena questioned him, but Ren only grinned and did not
answer properly. She wished he could tell her more clearly,
but it was frustrating not to. It was when she thought that
she should somehow make Ren tell and find out what
happened.

"Excuse me."

Even though it was low, Elena's head turned to a voice that

stuck in her ears. Despite the first meeting, she was amazed
by the dignity of the other person, which was inherently
embedded in the body.

Dignity doesn't work just because you learn manners. It

permeates the growing environment, learns naturally, and is
ingrained in the body. In that context, the silver-haired man
was born with nobility.

'Who was... a silver haired noble?'

Elena hid her curiosity and smiled and looked at the silver-
haired man.
"My name is Ed. It's a great honor to be able to speak to L,
who I've always admired."

'Ed? I don't remember.'

She listened to his pronunciation, but she couldn't find any

peculiarities. There was no difference in pronunciation
unique to foreign aristocrats who spoke continental official
terms.

"You were Sir Ed. I'm glad to see you."

Elena greeted without losing her elegance even though it

was informal. On purpose, she was polite to her opponent
under the honorific title of 'sir.'

"..."

Ed stared at Elena like that. He was very rude, so Elena was

surprised.

"Sir Ed?"

"Oh, I'm being rude."

"I thought I had something on my face."

"I'm sorry. I always thought it was a mixture of

exaggerations, but when I got close to L, I thought I'd fix
that thought."

Elena smiled quietly.

'You're a player.'

From the eye-catching process of eye contact as if he fell in

love at first sight to the way he turned around and praised
her, he was exquisite. She didn't know, but if a guy this big
approaches like this, she thought nine out of ten people
would like it. Of course, she didn't meet that standard.

"Ah... I know this can't be done, but if you don't mind, can I
have the honor of kissing my lady on the back of her hand?"

"Here? There's a lot of eyes."

Elena's eyes turned round at Ed's reckless request.

"I know it's not polite, but I'm a little greedy to remember
today when I met L, so please don't say no."

"..."

Ed even lowered himself, hoping to kiss Elena's hand.

'Are you from the kingdom?'

Elena's eyes became thinner. A kiss on the back of the hand

was remembered as an example of affection or respect for a
lady in the Kingdom of Royer. Ed, who misunderstood
Elena's silence as a sign of permission, took a step forward.
It was the moment when he stood on the ground and bent
his upper body and knees to hold Elena's hand.

"Shall we stop?"

"..."

Ren and Hurelbard blocked him.

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

Ed's eyes grew bigger at the reaction of the two bloody men
who separated her from him. He felt embarrassed by their
attitude as if he had to get their permission first.

"Oh no. I was blinded by L and forgot there were black

knights."

Ed took his hand out and smiled. He faced an unexpected

backlash but took it for granted. Because she was worth it.

"We've met before, right?"

Ed turned his head and looked at Ren. His mouth was

smiling, but his eyes weren't.

"Someone might think we're close?"

"That's a welcome misunderstanding. Wouldn't anyone want

to be friends with Count Ren?"

Ren smirked. He couldn't believe he knew his name. It

sounded like he was conscious of Ren's existence from the
beginning.

"I don't have friends because I'm not sociable."

"That's too bad. I thought we were a good match."

"You and me? Let's not get involved. It's uncomfortable for
each other."

He was definitely talking with a smile, but a subtle war of

nerves ensued between the two. Ed shrugged his shoulder
and looked inward at Hurelbard and said.

"You've got a great knight. To the point where I want him."

"It's too much for me. I'm always grateful to Lord

Hurelbard."

Elena's eyes narrowed. Not many people know Hurelbard's

skills externally. At best, it was the Imperial Guard and
Count Lyndon's Knights. It was because he wanted to
remain in the dark and feel honored to remain by Elena's
side rather than the reputation of a knight.

'Have you seen Lord Hurelbard's skills?'

Elena had no choice but to think so. Otherwise, he wouldn't

say that he wanted her knight, who is only the owner of the
salon and a baronetess.

"I took too much time. I'll officially visit you soon, L."

"I look forward to seeing you again, Sir Ed."

Ed left a simple goodbye and turned around. It was a neat

break-up compared to the aristocrats who somehow mixed
up and talked with Elena.

"Ren, follow me."

As soon as Ed disappeared, Elena led Ren to the back of the

deserted auditorium. Ren grumbled and followed what was
good.
"Are you trying to beat me up now?"

"I'm not in the mood for mischief. You know who that is,
don't you?"

When Elena crossed her arms and asked this question, Ren
surrounded her.

"I don't know?"

"Ren."

"Really?"

"Can't you be serious?"

"Ignore him. You just need to know his name is Ed. Why do
you want to know more? I want to bust it out."

Unlike his smiling face, the words and eyes from Ren's
mouth were rough. She didn't know why, but he seemed
very annoyed.

"Why. You know it well, but I don't know anything. Do you

know how disturbing that is?"

"You shouldn't be nervous. That's why I'm doing this."

Ren said something meaningful and swept away his curly

bangs. Elena's eyes sank.

"It's Sir Ed who's watching me."

"Correct answer."

"It was annoying to your eyes because he kept lingering

next to me."
"Yes."

That means it's been a while since a man named Ed kept a

secret eye on Elena.

'Why are you watching me?'

Elena put her thoughts back to square one. Rather than

asking such questions, the order was to find out about the
opponent.

"Just tell me this. What you know about Sir Ed."

"What Sir."

"Is he Prince Edmund of the Kingdom of Royer?"

The nobility of one's natural birth. Silver hair symbolizing

the royal family. The manners of a kingdom imbued with air.
It was Elena who hated the guesswork, but it was presumed
to be so based on some circumstances.

"I don't know?"

"I guess I'm right."

Elena was sure of Ren's sour answer. Ed was clearly Prince

Edmund, who should be king of the Kingdom of Royer by
now, according to the original history.

'He's never a light person to see.'

Only two years after he ascended to the throne, he took

possession of the title of the Lion King. In order to cover up
the mess caused by his second son's ascension to the
throne, he was called the lion symbolizing the kingdom,
decorating the northern and south with victory.
Elena's intervention in history still retains his status as a
prince, but she was sure that he was one of the most
successful men of the Kingdom of Royer.

"I don't understand. Why is Prince Edmund watching me? He

came all the way to this faraway empire, and he did it
himself."

Elena didn't understand that the most. She could think of it

as a simple interest or favor, but was it necessary to keep
an eye on her at the risk of such trouble?

"Hey."

Ren woke Elena up from her thoughts.

"You're not thinking about him, are you?"

"How can I not. I need to know what he intended to

approach."

Elena, who has just destroyed the Grand Duke and is living a
decent life, had no choice but to be concerned.

"Don't."

"..."

"It just doesn't work. Don't."

"No, you don't know what I'm trying to do."

"You can't do that."

Elena twitched her cheeks as if she was dumbfounded.

There was no such force.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

"He's bad luck."

"Prince Edmund? How come?"

"How is he unlucky? I don't like his face, I don't like his

voice, and I don't like talking to him."

Elena shook her head as if she was sick of it. She stopped at
this point because she thought she would only get a stone
ticket if she kept talking.

"No, I'll just say hello. How have you been? Are you okay?"

"Don't say hello when you separate."

"Better than not asking. I'm leaving."

Elena said goodbye and turned around. If she delayed more

time here, she would be late for the poetry reading. Lucia
was waiting when Elena, who separated from Ren, returned
to the carriage.

"Sister, why are you so late?"

"I was meeting someone."

"Somehow. I made up my mind today. I made up my mind.

This is what I want to do. I want to be cool like sister!"

"What's that."

Perhaps because of Lucia's bright energy, Elena was able to

forget the complicated examination and fatigue for a
moment.

As soon as she arrived at the salon, Elena participated in the

poetry recital.
The salon greatly contributed to reevaluating the value of
literature as well as poetry recitals. This is because it was
evaluated only for its popularity and value, not for its
reputation, as it presents literary works with masks and
hidden identities and names. Thanks to this, unknown
poets, writers, and writers made their debut through the
salon and became very popular.

Elena shared emotions with visitors and engaged in literary

discussions by reciting poems she had memorized
beforehand. It was a meaningful and deep time to look
inside human beings. Elena's birthday, which was just 10
days away, was a major concern at the banquet she
participated in after the poetry recital. As it was Elena's first
birthday, the owner of the secret salon, they seemed to
expect how big an event would be held.

"Don't look forward to it. The salon belongs to all of you. I

won't spend much time celebrating my birthday."

Elena didn't put much meaning on her birthday. Had it not

been for L's status to affect the salon, it would have passed
quietly.

"It's over again today."

Elena's expression on her way to the bedroom after finishing

her schedule seemed satisfactory. Although it was
exhausting and hard, it was a fruitful day.

"Miss."

May, who had been up first while Elena attended the poetry
recital, spoke low.

"What's wrong?"
"Your Majesty is in the drawing room."

"At this hour?"

Elena was surprised. Looking at the clock, it was late, well

past 11 p.m.

"He's been waiting for a while."

"It's not the right time to be like this. Let's go to His

Majesty."

Elena headed to the drawing room without any time to

catch her breath.

Kkiiik. When she opened the door, Sian was looking back at
the salon with his hands on his back. Old memories passed
by as she faced the black hair and brilliant eyes like the
night sky over the window.

'Your Majesty remains the same, then and now.'

Elena was polite as she took control of her heart that had
become so disturbed by her recent dreams.

"Greetings to Your Majesty."

"Here you are."

"Now I hear you're here. I'm sorry."

"I told you not to say that. It's a nuisance for me to come so
suddenly, I don't want to hinder you."

Sian smiled faintly. It was a smile that seemed lonely today.

"Your expression looks dark."

"I tried not to show it, but I can't fool your eyes."

'... Is it because of the marriage?'

For Elena, Sian was her ex-husband. She loved him deeply.
Although the end was not good, the fact that they were a
couple did not change, so she did not miss minor changes.

'I wish he could be happy now.'

She couldn't move on casually because she wanted it more

earnestly than anyone else.

"Elena."

Elena looked up at the low call. Sian's eyes were deeper

than ever.

Sian opened his mouth in a low voice.

"Can you tell me about your brother?"

"...!"

Elena's eyes shook at the question that flowed out between

Sian's lips. When she was a student at the academy, she
painted Ian's paintings to help Raphael. Sian once saw the
painting, and Elena, who couldn't say it was her son, said it
was her younger brother.

"Why do you ask me about my brother?"

"I saw your parents. But, I couldn't see your brother."

"He couldn't come with them because of circumstances."

"Is that so."

Sian looked calm, but she didn't seem to know where he
was.

'Why Ian...'

Elena was deeply disturbed. Sian, who is not a stranger to

Ian, who remains the only pain for her, mentioned it. That in
itself was enough to shake her.

"I had a dream."

"... Dream?"

Elena's shoulders shivered. Recently, her heart had been

disturbed by making up old dreams, but just in case.

"A woman was crying. Crouching under the laurel."

"...!"

"It was so blurry that I couldn't see her face. Nevertheless, I

felt it instinctively. I've hurt this woman. So I was hurt, too."

Sian put his hand on his chest. His face looked painful as if
his heart was pounding.

'H-how? It's a coincidence. A terrible coincidence.'

Elena couldn't come to her senses. It came to her in a

different meaning when she remembered her past life.

"There was one more person."

"Who?"

"When you hear this, I don't know if you're going to speak ill
of me."
Sian smiled bitterly. It was just a dream. It was also a dream
that was empty. He didn't understand himself saying this to
her like a person possessed by something even though he
knew the fact.

"The child in the picture I saw was in the arms of the

woman."

Elena collapsed.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

'I-I can't believe it.'

Elena's mind was confused by Ian's mention. She felt as if

she had a panic in her head. Sian's story was so vivid that it
shook her mercilessly. Ian, who had been left alone, was sad
and pitiful, and she was sorry, so Elena seemed to be
breathless.

"I was standing still, and the woman called me with her
hand. I approached her like I was bewitched, and she
handed me the crying child."

"...!"

Elena, who was barely holding out from the whirlpool of

emotion, looked up at Sian.

Why? Sian's expression didn't seem unfamiliar. In the past

life, the look at her was numb.

"Strangely, I could tell by instinct the moment I held the

child. That he was very precious to me."

'H-how...'

"And when I realized that, the child stopped crying as if it

was a lie. And then he smiled at me. And it cut it out of my
dream."
Sian put his hand on his chest.

"It's just a dream. I don't know why my heart aches so

much."

"Ah."

Elena was heartbroken. Words didn't come out. Tears were

about to pour out due to the surge of emotions deep in her
throat.

'You know, Ian.'

He had never hugged or looked at Ian affectionately.

At that time, Elena couldn't stand Ian, who was not loved by
Sian, because he was so pitiful. But she thought it might not
be that.

'Your Majesty may have loved you more than your mother
thought.'

Otherwise, he wouldn't have felt Ian was precious in his

dream.

"Elena, the child's smile couldn't leave my head."

"..."

"That's why I brought it up. Because he looks so much like

your brother. Will you let me meet him?"

"The child..."

Elena bit her lips and blurted the end of her words. A silent
roar lingered in her mouth.

'Is Your Majesty and my child.'

The feelings that she had turned away and suppressed
exploded in a moment. Memories and feelings from her past
life had been revived. She lived in the present, but it was
still an extension of the past.

"The child's name is Ian."

"Ian, warm name."

Sian said his name again. As if he was reflecting on what he

was like. Elena swallowed her breath when she saw Sian.
Her heart was terrible. He only said Ian's name, but her
heart fluttered as if she had a few breaths. Elena couldn't
keep talking easily, only her lips were sweet.

'I can't tell you.'

She was no longer confident to say anything to Sian. It was

not common sense just to go back, but how could she
explain the fact that they were a couple in their previous
lives and that Ian was their child?

Moreover, Sian showed the qualities of an emperor, even

though he had not been enthroned as emperor. In addition,
the royal daughter Amelia, who is both beautiful and
elegant, and the national marriage is going back and forth.
She didn't want to shake up the story of her past life that he
couldn't even remember to him, who lived a better life after
quitting the bad relationship.

'I'm the only one who needs to be hurt. Then, Your Majesty,
one person can be happy. Can you understand how your
mother feels, Ian?'

It was enough to know what Sian really meant now. Ian's

wounds that weren't loved by his father came before her
wounds.
"You can't meet anywhere in the world."

Elena nodded at Sian's do-or-die look. There was some

misunderstanding, but she didn't explain it. Ian's existence
would not be explained by any common sense.

Sian sank low.

"It's such a pity..."

"I don't know why Your Majesty had such a dream, but it's
just a dream, so don't keep it in your heart."

"..."

"My immature painting has disturbed His Majesty. I'm sorry."

Elena turned her head, apologizing as if nothing was wrong.

Looking at Sian now, she felt like she would lose control of
her emotions.

"I guess it's what you say."

Leaving behind a brief silence, Sian agreed.

A man of consistent character. Despite the lack of

refreshment, it was Sian who took Elena's words without
questioning or having doubts. Elena felt guilty because of
the true appearance of Sian. Her mind and body were
exhausted, and it was hard to even sit still.

"Your Grace, with all due respect, can I get up first? I'm not
feeling well today."

"Is it bad?"

"Yes, I'll be fine if I rest. Don't worry."

Elena, who was barely holding out, got up first, asking for
understanding.

'I feel dizzy. I feel like I'm getting a fever.'

Elena's consciousness was confused. It was heavy as if it

were not her body. The mental shock had become an
overload as the mind and body had failed to accept it. It was
when Elena got up from the sofa and took three or four
steps as if she were running away.

"It's a dream."

Sian's words caught her step.

'Don't look back.'

That's enough. She shouldn't be tied to him anymore. For

him.

Sian put one hand on his chest and closed his eyes to give a
silent salute.

"I hope Ian will be happy in the arms of Goddess Gaia."

"...!"

As soon as she tried to hold the handle, a word from Sian

broke the embankment of emotion that was barely
supporting her. Elena couldn't overcome her emotional
feelings, and eventually shed hot tears. She wanted to tell
Ian what he said if she could. However, she had no choice
but to swallow it alone because she couldn't. Elena's mind
was dizzy because of the swirl of overwhelming emotions.
Her body reacted to the mental shock. Her head was
spinning, and her legs were loosened.
"Elena!"

Sian, who saw Elena collapsing, hurriedly flew. Before

reaching the ground, Sian managed to hug Elena. His touch
was soft.

"Are you okay?"

Sian's eyes shook when he saw Elena. A stream of tears

were flowing from her gently closing eyes. He didn't know
what hurt her so much, but he could clearly see this one
thing. His heart was responding to those tears. There was a
story he didn't know.

"... Your Majesty."

Elena reacted unconsciously to Sian's voice.

"Yes, it's me. Wake up."

"..."

"Elena! Is anybody there? Bring in a doctor. Quickly!"

Sian, who hugged Elena who had lost consciousness,

shouted.

***

Was it a dream. Or was it a fragment of a lost memory.

Elena couldn't discern which one. Obviously, she was in the
imperial palace now, and she could only recognize her
status as Queen.

She saw Sian in the distance. Elena, wearing shoes, walked

quickly, anxious that she would fall behind.

'Oh.'
Her feet got tangled while she was walking in a hurry. Her
sprained ankle was throbbing because of the false step.
When Elena walked around, Sian looked back. When Elena
smiled awkwardly, Sian turned his head coldly and walked
away.

Elena felt bitter when she saw Sian moving away from her.

'No matter how hard I try, I can't reach him.'

Her heart ached as much as it could not be narrowed.

Elena, who rested for a while and calmed the pain, walked
again. Her ankle was still sore, but she couldn't stay here
forever.

'Huh? Oh!'

So she crossed the corridor of the imperial palace, and she

saw Sian in the distance. He was talking to Den on the
railing.

'Good thing.'

Elena was relieved, quietly standing behind Sian. She didn't

know what they were talking about, but they could go
together thanks to Den. Sian, who did not give Elena a
single look, walked toward his destination again. Elena was
so close to falling behind. She couldn't give up because the
time she could walk with him was a precious time that Elena
couldn't exchange for anything for.

Something was strange in following Sian like that.

Obviously, her ankle was sore from rushing to come here
only when he came here, but the pain was much less than
before.
'Your Majesty's walk is...'

She felt that his walk was clearly slower than before.

'I'm mistaken. That can't be true.'

Elena dismissed it as a delusion and erased her thoughts

from her head. He turned coldly even when she sprained her
foot. He didn't even expect him because he's never been
warm for a moment.

It was then. Suddenly, the wind blew over the railing. Elena
turned her body, closed her eyes tightly, and then opened
them.

"Ah."

A familiar ceiling was seen in Elena's view. She was also

familiar with the touch of the blanket that touched her body
dampened by cold sweat. It was her bedroom.

"I had a stupid dream."

Elena's eyes were dimmed as she looked up at the ceiling

with her arms on her forehead. Perhaps because of the
dream, the memories of the past and the present kept
confusing her. Perhaps Sian was being considerate of her
because of his lack of consideration. She said she
understood the situation she was in, but in reality, she was
confused because she saw only what she wanted to see.

'Then why would I be here... Ah!'

Elena, who barely regained her sense of reality, was

surprised. She remembered the moment when she lost
consciousness last night.
"You're awake."

Elena's eyes widened at Sian's voice coming from the

corner. Sian sat by her bedside and looked at her with a
worried look.

"Y-Your Majesty?"

When Elena tried to raise her upper body, Sian blocked her.

"You've been sick all night. The doctor said stability is

important, so lie down more."

"B-but."

"I have always followed your will, but forgive me that I

cannot today."

Sian wrapped his hand around Elena's shoulder with a

careful touch and gently laid her back down.

"You've been here all night?"

"Yes."

"What about the palace? Go. Come on. It would be crazy to

know that Your Majesty is gone."

Who's Sian? He was the Emperor of the Vescilia Empire.

Then he secretly left the imperial palace, and the day
changed and the sun rose in the middle of the sky, and he
did not return to the palace until now. It was big enough for
the palace to be overturned.

"Den would have handled it on his own. You don't have to

worry."
Sian spoke calmly and wiped the cold sweat off Elena's
forehead with a towel next to him.

'Strange.'

Elena felt a contradiction in her emotions.

Obviously, the situation to be awkward and low was

strangely comfortable.

"But Your Majesty still has to go. I don't want to bother you."

"Why would I think you're bothering me?"

"That's..."

If it was known that Sian entered the salon, it could have

been rumored and dealt a serious blow to the national
marriage. That was no different from her being a stumbling
block to Sian's life and happiness again. She didn't want to
do that this time.

"Is it because of the national marriage?"

"..."

"You always did. You worry about my well-being without

taking care of yourself."

'Because, I was your wife once.'

Elena swallowed something she couldn't bring up.

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

She couldn't know what he really wanted and what she

wanted. She didn't know if that's why it was like this. She
didn't want him to be unhappy over and over again with the
same mistakes.

'Is that really the reason?'

Elena answered the question without hesitation. It was true.

She just wanted Sian to be happy, but she didn't want more
than that. That heart remained unchanged even now. No,
her heart didn't matter. Because he must be. That was the
best. But there are often times when such determination is
shaken. Just like now.

"Don't do that anymore."

"Your Majesty."

"You can be selfish to me. No, you should."

"...!"

Elena's eyes were shaking. It was always like this. In a sweet

and steadfast way, Elena's comfort was the top priority.

It was then. Sian reached out his hand unannounced and

touched Elena's forehead. Elena's embarrassed face turned
red. The warmth of Sian was conveyed to her.
"Y-Your Majesty."

"I'm just measuring if you have a fever. Fortunately, the

fever has gone down a lot. Then I'll get going. I want to stay
longer, but I don't think you'll be able to rest if I stay here
longer."

Sian forced a smile. Even if he wanted to be by her side, it

was sad that he couldn't be there. Sian looked at Elena lying
on the bed and continued.

"I don't know if it's right to talk about now, but I don't think
I'll have a chance, so can you listen to me?"

"Yes, it's fine. Go ahead."

Elena pretended to be calm to hide her embarrassment.

"When I find stability, there's a place I want to go with you."

"Where?"

"It's not a big place. But, I really want to go together."

"Wait, just us?"

Elena, who felt a subtle nuance in Sian's words, asked again.

"It's just you and me."

"...!"

Elena was embarrassed to see Sian emphasize the two

people casually.

'U-us. Why are you doing this all of a sudden?'

Sian was always friendly and polite. Today, however, it was
subtly different from what he had shown before. Like not
telling her the place, he was very active. As if he had
experienced a change of heart while Elena was lying down.

"But, Your Majesty. Any carelessness..."

Elena hesitated, unable to give an answer. It was not

because she was shy or embarrassed. Concerns about
'national marriage' were hidden in the words that were
getting smaller and smaller.

'I have to say no.'

She hated the way reason precedes emotion, but she

couldn't help it. The national marriage was a serious matter
between countries. It doesn't matter where the destination
is and why. The fact that Emperor Sian and L, accompanied
each other, would raise controversy and affect the national
marriage.

"You..."

Sian tried to bring something up, but he shut his mouth. He

tried to approach her constantly, but Elena didn't give up.
But, he didn't blame her. Because he knew that even that
was her consideration for him. So Sian swallowed the words.
Even if it took time, he wanted to show his sincerity with
action rather than words.

"I know what you are concerned about. So, I want to go with
you but with a woman who is not you."

"What? I don't quite understand. It's me, what do you mean

it's not me?"
Elena looked at the mysterious words. She thought about it,
but she couldn't think of a suitable answer.

Sian smiled faintly at Elena like that. The smile seemed to

be walking somewhere in his memory.

"It's been a long time since I saw them."

"What? Who are you talking about?"

"She was smart enough to point out my misdeeds, and she

was a junior who kept her loveliness."

"Junior? Ah!"

Something passed through Elena's brain, who was chewing

on the word junior. When she looked at him just in case,
Sian nodded.

"Will you come with me? Lucia."

"...!"

Elena's eyes grew as big as a flashlight.

***

Elena, who woke up after a day off, had a tight schedule

again. Since she was not a person who puts off work, she
had to spend five days tighter to have a day of free time.
Even after discussing with May, some schedules were
manageable because Emilio played them instead.

"Now I'm low in appearance."

Elena smiled awkwardly when she saw the disguise in front

of the mirror. Her eyes were slightly drooping with makeup,
her round jawline, and her neat brown bobbed hair. And
intellectually-looking black horn-rimmed glasses and a
bright yet comfortable outdoor dress were worn. As it was a
rare masterpiece, she was Lucia, another figure of Elena,
who was a model of Raphael's work "Belladonna" and a
walking scholar at the academy.

"Lucia's gonna freak out? It's so different, how did I imitate

her?"

Elena laughed without realizing it.

Except for the commonality of bobbed hair, Elena's disguise

and Lucia's actual appearance were very different. In
particular, Lucia's energy, which brightens people around
her, was not something she could imitate. Elena, who had
her hair tied neatly, asked Hurelbard in the mirror.

"What do you say, Sir? Don't you think it's perfect?"

"..."

Hurelbard was silent. Even though it was him who didn't

listen to Elena's small words, he was uncomfortable as if he
had a heartache or something.

"How long will you be sulking?"

Hurelbard bowed his head as if he had felt dizzy. However,

he said again that he was not relieved.

"Miss, please allow me to accompany you. I'll keep my

distance so that His Majesty doesn't notice."

"Sir."

Elena, who was talking to Hurelbard in the mirror, turned

around and looked at him. Hurelbard's eyes were filled with
anxiety and worry. Since he was a noble ice knight who lives
only with Elena as the center of the world, it was not
desirable to send her alone. Elena said good words to him
because she knew the truth.

"Don't worry. Public security near the capital is one of the

best in the Empire."

"But."

"Even if something unpleasant happens, Your Majesty is

there. Even though it's not up to him, I'm sure he'll be able
to protect me enough."

Elena acknowledged Sian, and did not forget to cheer him

up so that he would not be offended. History changed and
the name Hurelbard, the Knight of Ice, was omitted from the
Empire's Three Swords, but he was the best knight in
Elena's mind.

"Look at me. Who would think I was L? If you see me on the

street, you wouldn't recognize me."

"I can recognize you at a glance."

"Lie."

"It's true."

"You didn't recognize me and I saw you squirm."

"That's!"

Elena's teasing broke Hurelbard's poker face. Elena burst

into laughter because his face was so cute that he couldn't
laugh or cry.
"So feel free. It's just today. I promise I won't leave you
behind again."

"Ha, understood."

Hurelbard was still not relieved, but he was no longer

stubborn. After persuading Hurelbard, Elena's expression
became comfortable as if she had put her heart's burden on
her face.

"Think of it as a vacation. You never took a rest because of

me. May, you're the same. Get some rest."

"Yes, miss."

May answered that she would do so in a gentle manner. She

didn't know if he'll really rest because she's the owner and
the aide.

Elena left the room when it was time to meet Sian. When
she reached the hallway at the end of the annex, she sent
May and Hurelbard back.

"From here, I'll go alone. If you two go together, it'll be

suspicious."

"Have a nice day, miss."

"Please be careful."

Elena greeted with a smile and went down the emergency

stairs. It was an aisle where only key positions in the salon
could go, and it was possible to enter and exit secretly.

Elena, who left the salon, headed for a shelter created

between the basilica in the form of facing each other. As the
fountain was constructed, it was popular as a meeting
place.

"Awkward."

Elena's walking alone on the street was too low. Except for
her academic years, she was always accompanied by
Hurelbard or May, which is all the more so.

Elena, who arrived at the angel statue outside the fountain

to avoid the crowd, looked around. She couldn't see Sian
because she arrived a little earlier than the appointment.

"It has to be today. It's just a vicious circle for each other to
meet like this."

Elena cracked herself down. Sian is now the face of the

emperor, showing the emperor's qualifications. National
marriage is a good opportunity to strengthen relations with
a kingdom comparable to the empire and continue the
reign. She didn't want to ruin it.

But the contradiction is that Elena came here even though

she knew it. It was because she couldn't refuse Sian's
request, but she knew that wasn't all. She just ignored it and
pretended she didn't know it.

"Lucia."

Elena turned her head reflexively at the familiar voice.

"Y-Your Majesty?"

Elena's eyes widened. It was shocking to see Sian dragging

a black horse. On the other hand, he wore a fedora hat and
glasses to hide his noticeable black hair, and he looked too
old. In addition, he had a dress jacket and a gentleman's
cane in one hand, but he was so antique that she was
speechless. It felt like they went back to the empire ten
years ago.

"That title is dangerous. You'd better call me Sian."

"..."

"Why do you look at me like that?"

When Elena couldn't take her eyes off and kept looking, Sian
asked back.

"It's too much. I've never seen you like this before."

"Is it strange? I tried to dress as plain as I could with Den."

Sian looked up and down at Elena's point. Nevertheless, he

looked as if he didn't know.

"It's normal. It's a little old. But you still look good."

Elena meant what she said. It was clothing that would be

worn by middle-aged nobles, but it was stylish in its own
way. The look went well with the gentle and intelligent Sian.

"I'm glad I look good. I was worried inside."

Elena smirked at the relieved Sian. Would anyone believe

that Sian, the emperor of the Empire, agonized over his
clothes?

"Let's go. There's a lot of eyes."

It was quiet compared to the fountain, but this place is also

the center of the capital. Moreover, Sian's polite
gentleman's attire attracted the attention of the young
women around him. It was precisely because of the
sculptural original version that could not be hidden even
with politeness.

"Sure."

Sian, who put a gentleman's cane on the saddle, politely

extended his hand.

"W-wait. We're not going to ride it together, are we?"

"Why don't you think so?"

"T-that's..."

Rather, Elena was embarrassed by the question he asked

back. Of course, she expected to use a carriage or go on
their own horses, so it was even more so.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"I'm sorry if I embarrassed you. I chose a horse because I

thought it would draw less attention than a carriage."

"Pardon?"

Elena doubted her ears. Aside from the attire, if a man and
woman, who are believed to be aristocrats, ride a horse
together and cross the capital in broad daylight, that will
draw more attention. She was even more curious because
the brilliant Sian could not know it.

"It's strange if I think about it."

"Your Majesty."

"... Would you please pretend you don't know?"

Sian, who had no mistakes in everything, was

uncomfortable. He couldn't do this or that, and he was so
embarrassed that Elena's laughter leaked. It was enough to
see the human side of Sian that she had never seen.

"My hand is numb."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

Elena put her hand in Sian's palm. Sian helped her put her
shoes on the saddle's footrest, holding her hand, and lightly
put her on the horse.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. No, Sian."

Elena, who unconsciously put the title "Your Majesty" into

her mouth, quickly changed her words.

'Awkward.'

She called him Sian, but she was nervous. His name was not
familiar to her mouth because he had always been called
His Highness or His Majesty for a considerable amount of
time, including not only the present life but also the
previous life.

"Can you balance?"

"Sure."

Elena put the footrest on the horse and kept it balanced.

Sian, who lightly hit the ground, landed behind the saddle.
Then Sian reached out and held the reins.

'Ah.'

Elena swallowed her breath. Her heart beat faster and her
face turned red. She was close enough to hear Sian
breathing.

'I-It's too close.'

Elena naturally thought Sian would sit on the front of the

saddle. But, what's going on? Sian got on the back of the
saddle. As a result, Sian unintentionally looked like he was
hugging Elena from behind.
"We're about to leave."

Elena quickly recovered her embarrassment and nodded.

Rather, it was fortunate that he could not see her heated
face sitting back and forth.

Sian slowly took the reins and drove the horse.

It kicked the ground with frequent steps and quickly crossed

the streets of the capital. She felt people's eyes, but she
didn't pay much attention.

"Tell me now. Where are we going?"

"It's outside the capital."

It was a vague answer. Large and small villages and towns

were clustered outside the capital of the empire. Given the
area where movement can arrive to go a half a day, even on
horseback, too.

'I'll find out when you get there. I don't have to rush him.'

Elena didn't cling to the destination. Even the curiosity was

considered as a play. After her regression, she wanted to
enjoy the first relaxation she felt.

As they left the capital through the east gate, a vast field
unfolded. As the area was dominated by farms and livestock
farming, the view was wide open.

"I'm going to try running lightly, is that okay?"

Elena, who turned her head reflexively at Sian's question,

nodded when her eyes met him. However, she got used to it
and could not be embarrassed.

"Yes, I'm fine."

Sian, who asked for permission, grabbed the reins and sped
up. At least it was a little faster than before, but the feeling
was clearly different.

'It's cool.'

There was a sense of freedom that she had never felt in the
salon. She felt like her heart was being pierced by the wind.
The strong and reliable chest of Sian, which was felt behind
her back, gave Elena a sense of stability. This moment was
so comfortable that she thought it was strange.

Elena, who had been running for a long time, thought while
looking at the familiar road.

'I thought I was used to it, but we're on the way to the
Vatican, right?'

Although she had never visited since her regression, she

often visited the Vatican, the headquarters of the Gaia
Church, the state religion of the Empire, and held official
ceremonies or events.

'Why are you going to the Vatican? I remember that His

Majesty was not a faithful believer.'

They arrived in Verona, adjacent to the capital. It was

crowded with believers who came to see the Vatican, the
root of the Gaia denomination. It could be guessed how
much influence the Gaia church had on the empire.

"Come down."

Sian got off first when he reached a relatively quiet place on

the right side of the Vatican. He stepped on the ground and
escorted Elena by holding her hand.
"What about here?"

"There are many eyes to see in the capital, but this place is
different. Also, there are many things to see and eat as the
congregation gathers from all over the country."

It was as Sian said. Verona, seen from the public's

perspective, was completely different from what she saw in
a carriage during her time as a queen. In the past, it was
just the scenery that passed by, but now she could see the
ascetics of the priests and the buildings with their own
history lined up. And the facilities where they stayed
gathered in one place to form a culture.

Sian looked from place to place and kindly explained. He

was surprisingly well-informed. From Polo Square, which has
a long tradition, to the origin of the Pantheon, a temple
dedicated to God, and the street food that poor priests
enjoy.

"Have you been to Verona often? I was surprised that you

knew it so well."

When Elena admired, Sian's mouth was filled with a heated

smile. In fact, this is the first time Sian has walked the
streets of Verona. Nevertheless, what can be seen clearly is
that it was read in a book called <Verona Memorandum>.

"It's already time. Let's eat something."

"There's something I want to eat."

The two went to the stall pointed by Elena. There, they sold
boiled eggs wrapped in minced meat and then breaded and
fried.

"Do you know what this is?"

Sian was in trouble when asked. There was no record of
such food in the book.

"It's a scotch egg. It's a dessert I liked to eat in Duchy. I

didn't expect to see this here."

"I see."

"Can I eat?"

Sian nodded and paid for four scotch eggs. It tasted

different depending on the ingredients added, such as
sausage, minced meat, and barbecue.

Elena took a bite of the scotch egg with sausage. She

chewed and swallowed, and soon opened her mouth wide
and ate it.

"Delicious. Try it."

"Okay."

Sian could not take his eyes off Elena, just doing the ability
to eat. It was so lovely to see her returning as a young girl in
the Duchy, who had never lost her elegance. It was even
more precious because it was something he'd never seen
before.

Elena's eyes became sentimental.

"It's a food of memories for me. I was kicked out of the room
and couldn't eat enough eggs. I said I wanted to eat scotch
eggs instead of a birthday cake."

"..."

"I think I'll go to the Duchy when I get the chance. I have
more bad memories, but now that I look back, even that's a
memory."

They ate all the scotch eggs they bought and walked around
the street. Without a destination, they just walked as far as
they could, enjoying the city of Sumin, the history of the
Gaia Church.

"Elena."

Sian stopped walking and turned his head and stared at

Elena.

"Do I make you uncomfortable?"

"No."

"But, why do you keep walking behind me?"

Elena opened her eyes round. That's what it's always been.
From the time of being Queen, Elena walked only looking at
Sian's back. That's why it was naturally ingrained. But Sian
reached out to Elena. Very affectionately.

"I want to walk side by side."

"..."

"Will you come next to me?"

Elena's eyes overlapped with the past and present Sian. He

was first telling her to narrow the distance that she couldn't
reach no matter how hard she tried to reach.

Elena took the hand. Then she turned her head and glanced
at Sian. She felt strange while walking side by side next to
Sian. Why couldn't she do such an easy job then?

"Mom, Dad. I want to eat that!"

"Come on, I'll buy it for you."

While walking side by side, Elena saw three families who

were happy with her eyes. The laughter didn't go away from
the mouth of the parents, whether it wasn't enough even
with a candy in one hand, or whether the son's greed for
asking for other snacks was pretty.

'Ian.'

She had forgotten for a few days, but she saw Ian in the
child's appearance without realizing it. If Ian was alive, he
would be just as old as him. It was a pity that Sian and
Elena, who lived in the present, could not see Ian again.

"Elena."

"Yes?"

"What are you thinking about?"

"N-nothing. I was thinking differently for a while. Why are

you doing that?"

He received the impression of hiding something from her

attitude, but Sian did not ask.

"We have a place to go together. It's also the real purpose of

visiting Verona."

"Really? Let's go, then."

Elena willingly responded and walked with Sian. Turning

around on the wall on the right side of the Vatican, they
reached a small entrance where priests entered.

"You're here."
An old priest approached the two people and was polite. His
polite manner seemed to know Sian's identity.

"I know at a glance."

"Stop being sloppy. It's this person."

"Yes."

The gaze of the old priest stopped at Elena for a very short
moment.

'T-this is Cardinal Benedict, isn't it?'

Elena was surprised. With a gentle personality, desperate

faith and noble spirit, he would become the 51st pope in the
election later this year. He was a highly respected figure
within the church, and she remembered that he was elected
unanimously in the shortest period of time.

"There are a lot of priests coming and going. Go inside."

Such Cardinal Benedict personally greeted them and guided

them. It was a deep place that she had never even stepped
in during her time as Queen, past the cathedral located in
the Vatican.

"I don't want to be interested, but it's difficult because I

keep getting interested."

"What do you mean?"

An unexpected answer came to Sian's question.

"With all due respect, the young woman, who accompanied

you, is a truly mysterious person."

"Me?"
Elena looked at the back of Cardinal Benedict walking ahead
in surprise. Perhaps he felt that look, and he stopped
walking and looked back at Elena. The gaze was clear
enough to make the viewer reverent.

"I don't know why, but I can feel the grace and protection of
Goddess Gaia from the young lady."

"...!"

She was a believer in Gaia, but she was not very religious. It
was no other person to Elena, but it did not sound light
when Cardinal Benedict said he felt grace and protection.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

Elena, who died a miserable death in the past life,

miraculously returned.

'No way the reason I went back is because of...'

The thought passed by that it might be because of the

Goddess Gaia.

'But I'm not a desperate believer?'

Elena has believed in Gaia since she was young. However,

as her grandfather failed to do business and her life became
difficult, her faith was put on the back burner.

It had not been much different since she became the queen.
Although she participated in imperial religious events, she
was not deeply religious. Although Ian was born and
improved, she was far from being compared to the
desperate believers.

Cardinal Benedict smiled warmly after reading Elena's

subtle facial expressions.

"You must have something to point out."

"No."

Elena smiled bitterly, leaving a vague answer.

"If the grace and protection of the Goddess Gaia were given
to me, I would rather ask. Why did you treat me so cruelly?
What's the point of giving a bottle and medicine. My heart
has been in a mess for a long time."

She succeeded in regressing and changing her life. She

destroyed the Grand Duke and did so much as to leave her
name on a page of history. It was even progressive now. It
was clear that life was a better life compared to the past
life, when she was only a stand-in.

Nevertheless, there was only one thing that could not be

reversed, so she couldn't be happy. Ian. A child who she
couldn't reach even when he was called was stuck like a nail
in her chest.

"You have a lot of pain."

Cardinal Benedict spoke of Elena with a gentle voice.

"Goddess Gaia is mischievous, but she is tougher than

anyone else. The grace, protection, and miracles felt by the
spirit were never obtained by the whims of the Goddess
Gaia."

"Then what?"

"Miracles are the product of desperation. Not only with the

young lady, but with the desperation of someone else."

Elena blinked her eyes. She died a miserable death after

being used only by the Great House. She shed tears of blood
as she watched Veronica moving away from Ian. If this
miracle and return are not the desperation Elena had at that
time, then whose sincerity caused the miracle.
"The young lady must have been more loved by people than
she thought."

"Me?"

"That's what desperation is. If they didn't love, they

wouldn't be sad, they wouldn't be hurt, they wouldn't miss
you. God thinks that way."

Elena was dazed. This is because she heard a word that is

common to all of the world, but not to her. For Cardinal
Benedict, who will soon become Pope.

'I've been loved enough? By whom?'

It was a life that she had lived as a stand-in for Veronica.

She was nothing but a doll to the Grand Duke. She lived a
life of shadow that had never been known in the world. Who
loved her, remembered, and grieved? She couldn't think of
anyone except her parents.

'It's not you two.'

In the Gaia denomination, the love of parents and children is

regarded as absolute and unchanging. As it was written in
the Bible, it would not be parents.

'Then who is it?'

Elena didn't get a clue. During her time as Veronica's stand-

in, there were some young people who courted her, called
her the flower of society, but what they loved was Elena's
shell, and she knew better than anyone else that it was the
background of the Grand Duke.

'No way.'
Elena's eyes shook uncontrollably as she turned her head
reflexively and looked at Sian.

'No. It can't be His Majesty.'

Elena denied it. It couldn't be true. Sian in her memory was

never that person. There was no way she didn't feel it. But if
it wasn't for Sian, there was no one to guess.

'Your Majesty truly...'

Seeing Elena with a close look on her face, Sian asked

anxiously.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I was just thinking of the old days."

Elena smiled awkwardly. Sian's affectionate look and past

and present life overlapped, making her more confused.

"There are precious people here, and the old man's nagging
is getting longer. Let's go."

It was not until they arrived in front of the small prayer room
that Cardinal Benedict stopped walking.

"Let's go in."

There was the Statue of Gaia on the front of the guided foot.
Below it, a golden passage containing holy water was seen,
and a cushion was laid in front of it.

"Your Majesty, please stand over here."

Sian nodded and stood under the statue and gave a silent
salute. Elena also went sideways and stood side by side.
"I will pray for rest from now on."

'Rest prayer?'

A rest prayer was a prayer that the living could pray for the
dead to rest in the arms of Goddess Gaia. Sian calmly said
to Elena, who was embarrassed without knowing what was
going on.

"This is Ian's rest prayer."

"...!"

"This is the only thing I can do."

Sian closed his eyes tightly. He prayed with all his heart as if
he had lost a precious person. Elena was choked up. There
was no contact between the current life Sian and Ian.
Nevertheless, when she saw Sian being attached to him, she
realized that it couldn't be cut off. Moreover, she hoped Ian
would know this kind of heart of Sian now. Elena prayed with
her hands tightly together.

The sunset was setting when they left the prayer room after
completing the rest prayer in accordance with Cardinal
Benedict's consciousness.

"See you again."

"Have a safe trip. The young lady, too."

Elena showed respectful courtesy in Cardinal Benedict's

farewell speech.

"Thank you very much, Cardinal Benedict."

It was no one else, but a rest prayer organized by Cardinal

Benedict, who would be appointed as the next pope. She
hoped that Goddess Gaia's touch would embrace Ian a little.

"It's a great pleasure for me to thank you. But, young lady.

How do you know my name? I don't remember introducing
myself."

"Pardon? You're very famous."

When Elena blurted out her words, thinking that she had
made a mistake, Sian asked.

"Wasn't it your first time in Verona?"

"I-It's my first time."

Cardinal Benedict smiled significantly as Elena hesitated to

answer.

"It's late. Let's get going, Your Majesty."

"Sure."

Cardinal Benedict no longer bet on that point. The same was

true of Sian. As she was previously blessed and protected by
the goddess Gaia, they passed on.

'Thank God.'

Elena came out of the Vatican with relief.

They left Verona on the stallion they had left behind. The
way back to the capital was quite different from the
morning. In the morning, if you felt liberated while running
through the vast field, the red sunset moistened your
emotions.

"I have something to tell you."

Elena slightly raised her head and looked at Sian. When
they came, they were so close that she could hear the
sound of breathing that she didn't know what to do.
However, as they spent time together in Verona, she was
now comfortable enough not to feel awkward.

"It's about the national marriage."

"Tell me."

"I refused."

Elena opened her eyes wide and looked at Sian, who talked
as dry as anyone else. His reddish eyes with the sunset
were determined.

"The reason I haven't announced it officially is because of

Edmund's request. He hadn't thought of rejection, so he
asked me for time to prepare for his position in the
kingdom."

'W-why?'

"Because I didn't want it."

Sian pulled his chin and stared silently at Elena. The

profound look contained Sian's sincerity toward her.

"I didn't tell you because I don't want to burden you. It's the
same now."

"Your Majesty."

"So don't dwell on the national marriage anymore."

Sian strengthened the reins and sped up the horse. It meant

that he no longer wanted to talk about the national
marriage. Elena couldn't have not known why Sian, who was
not a fool, refused.

'I'm scared of getting close to Your Majesty.'

Elena had not been able to face her feelings and look
straight so far because of the painful wounds. She just tried
to avoid and turn away from it. It was also because of the
vague fear of getting hurt.

'But I'm trying to get out of it now. I'm not tied to the past
anymore, and I'll be honest with my feelings.'

It wouldn't be easy. The wound was so big that it bolted

itself and hid deep. She knew she couldn't change it
overnight. But she would try. Because it was hardly Elena
who lived now.

It was a long time after sunset when they arrived at the

capital. However, despite the fact that it was evening, it was
as bright as day, to match the reputation of being the
capital of the empire.

"We're here."

"It's been a long day."

"It was a short day for me."

Elena laughed. Even though they spent the same time, she
thought that feelings like this could be different.

"Your Majesty, do you know that building?"

"Building?"

"Yes, it was a land owned by the imperial family, I thought

you might know it."
Elena, who was passing by the salon, pointed to an
unidentified building.

Until late at night, the last construction was in full swing, but
it was still impossible to figure out the appearance or use
because it was covered with a curtain.

"I don't know."

"..."

Elena felt a subtle sense of incompatibility. Sian's behavior

and tone were very awkward, unlike usual.

"Let's hurry."

It was certainly strange to see him rushing like a man who

had to go a long way in the near future. When they arrived
at the back door of the salon, Hurelbard came out and
waited for her how he knew.

"Sir."

"You're here, miss. Hold my hand."

Elena got off the horse gently, holding Hurelbard's hand.

Then she was courteous, seeing Sian, who had to return to
the palace.

"Thank you for giving me a wonderful day, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, too. I'll see you again."

After saying goodbye, Sian turned his head and left. Elena
turned away only after a long time with good eyes until he
disappeared from sight.

"Why are you here. It's difficult."

"I wasn't relieved. Come on in. You look tired."

"My body is tired, but my mind is more relaxed than ever."

At that time, a man leaning against the entrance of an alley

near the salon was watching Elena.

"It's a foul. I'm struggling with one of the gangsters, and

you're dating all day?"

The man who mumbled to himself was Ren. He was paying

attention to Prince Edmund, who was hovering around Elena
like a fly, so he didn't know that Sian would hit like this.

"Well, it's good to smile."

Ren grinned and turned around. He saw a relaxed smile on

Elena that he had never seen before. Even if it wasn't
necessarily because of him, Ren thought it was enough.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

'Senior!'

Elena's hectic voice was full of life two days before her
birthday. Raphael, who had been struggling to draw a new
work in a quiet basement outside the capital, visited the
salon.

"How have you been? I heard you've been to the North."

"When are you ever saying hello? I'm sad. The wind comes
out in the capital as a seal. How can you live in a studio only
for nearly half a year?"

"It just so happened."

Raphael drank tea with a unique human-looking smile.

"Are you done with your work?"

"So I'm here, right?"

"I'm looking forward to it. Let's see what kind of masterpiece

it will be. I'll talk to Khalif and have a big presentation for
the grand finale."

Elena looked a little excited. It was a new work by Raphael,

who is known as a rare artist and not just someone else. It
was a great honor to be able to present through the salon.
"Don't do that. I didn't draw this work to show others."

"No, absolutely not. No, are you just keeping the work that
might become a masterpiece of the times? I need to take a
packed lunch and cancel it before tearing it apart. Come
on."

Raphael laughed when Elena even rolled up her wrist.

"Do you want my work to be kept in a warehouse?"

"Sure?"

"I thought I'd give it to my muse as a gift. As a birthday

present."

Elena's eyes widened at the unexpected gift Raphael

prepared.

"I'm not the birthday girl, am I?"

"Why don't you think so?"

"Senior."

Elena didn't know what to do with the excessive gift. It was

because she was grateful and burdened by Raphael's
willingness to give out the masterpieces he had completed
for half a year.

"I can't take it. <Belladonna> alone is too much for me.
How can I get it again?"

"That's one thing. This is another. <Belladonna> is a work

that would not have been completed without the help of a
junior. So this is the first gift I'm giving you."

"Senior."
"Don't feel pressured. Because it's my heart."

Elena, who was touched, nodded. When she refused, she

couldn't because she felt like she was turning a blind eye to
Raphael's heart.

"I'll give you the artwork at the banquet. It's a birthday

present, and I want to give it to you on your birthday."

"Then I'll get it. I'll be glad to receive it."

Raphael emptied the teacup and got up from the sofa.

"I've been holding on to a busy person for too long because

I came suddenly."

"Are you leaving already? Let's at least have a meal

together."

Elena's schedule was tight today as always, but she was

sorry to send Raphael back, who even brought a birthday
present.

"Don't push yourself too hard. And I have a prior

engagement with Cecilia."

"How's Senior Cecilia doing?"

Elena had rarely seen Cecilia since she graduated from the
academy. Elena wondered how she would be now, once an
unwanted empress.

"She said to take care. She'd come see you later. She also
wanted to give greetings."

"Greetings?"
At Elena's objection, Raphael left the parlor with a
significant smile. As soon as the trail disappeared, May, who
was waiting in the hallway, came in.

"Miss, you have to leave right away."

"Yes."

Elena moved without delay. The unscheduled visit by

Raphael made time tight.

"I've rescheduled it, but I don't think lunch is going to be

easy."

"I can't help it. Let's make it light in the carriage."

It was her daily routine to skip meals when her schedule

was tight. After falling down, she was advised by the doctor
not to neglect her meal no matter how busy she was, so she
ate bread or fruit in the carriage.

Elena traveled in a carriage on the Arc de Triomphe. A

charity bazaar was held to support street artists working
here. The response was good. Many people bought the
product because it was used by L.

Items offered by artists managed by art broker Khalif for

their juniors were also traded at high prices. In particular,
Elena sold things by herself, attracting many people's
attention.

'Good thing I opened it on Arc de Triomphe.'

The majority of street artists are unknown who have not

crossed the threshold of the salon. Elena held a charity
bazaar and participated in it because she wanted to
somehow revitalize the area to open the way for street
artists and provide opportunities to bloom their talents.

'I hope it will be an opportunity for the aristocracy to

sponsor talented artists.'

In a moment, all the items put out at the charity bazaar

were sold out. It was sold out in a blink of an eye, so Elena
was surprised.

"You've got to go, miss."

In May's whisper, Elena said goodbye to the people with her

apron untied. She skipped lunch, so it was a shame, but if
she delayed it further, her next schedule might be
disrupted. Elena, who left the charity bazaar, was about to
get on her favorite carriage.

"Please wait a moment."

Hurelbard blocked the front.

"What's wrong?"

"There's someone in the carriage."

Elena was nervous. It was scary to see someone with an

unknown identity riding in a carriage used for extremely
personal purposes.

"Let me check."

"Be careful."

Hurelbard nodded and put his hand on his waist with the
sword. He stepped back, opening the carriage door with the
other hand. It was to make room for a counterattack.
"Hi."

A man was seen inside the carriage that was clearly

exposed. As if lying on the back, he leaned his back and sat
with his legs crossed. Elena, who recognized the man at a
glance, narrowed her eyes and glared. It was Ren.

"What are you doing here?"

"Well, I've been waiting for you. There's a lot of snow

outside."

"Since when have you been arguing about that."

Elena sighed lightly and touched her forehead. Hurelbard's

expression gave a chill, perhaps because he didn't like what
made her feel uncomfortable.

"Shall I pull him out?"

"Ha, I'd love you to."

"Hey, be nice."

As Ren struck it well, Elena shook her head.

"I have to go now. Are you coming with me?"

"That's why I rode it."

"Sir, it's okay."

Hurelbard reluctantly backed down. There was no time to

delay, so Elena got on the carriage right away. Due to the
lack of internal space, May was forced to sit in the driver's
seat.

"Where are you going?"

"You didn't even know that?"

"No, I know. You're going to the imperial administration."

Elena looked at the fact that he knew and asked.

"I know everything about you."

"Do you know it's a waste of talent and manpower?"

In the process of destroying the Grand Duke, she realized

the intelligence of Majesti, a member of the Bastache family.
For them, figuring out Elena's schedule would not be a task.

"What do you think? I'm the master. No one's there."

Ren, who smiled subtly bitter even though he was smiling,

took out the package he had left next to him.

"What is this?"

It was the lunch box that Ren unpacked and took out the
package. When the lid was opened, there were delicious
sandwiches and seasonal fruits that were good to eat in one
bite.

"I'm asking you to make ends meet, do you think you should
starve yourself? You'll hurt yourself."

"Did you bring it for me?"

Elena stared at Ren's unexpected favor.

"No, I'm going to eat with you."

"Ren."

"Stop staring at me and eat, right?"

"Thank you. I'll enjoy it."

Elena picked up a sandwich and took a bite. The texture of

the butter-soaked bread and the taste of vegetables and
ham were harmonious.

"Delicious, huh?"

"It's delicious."

"Nice."

Ren grinned and picked up the sandwich, put it in his mouth

and chewed it. Elena's appetite also came to life as she
enjoyed eating as if she had no face.

"This is tea water. It's a little cold, but it's better than a lump
in your throat. Drink like water."

"Thank you for the drink."

She was already choked, so she drank tea. The deep smell
and taste refreshed her mouth. It was the most satisfying
meal she had in the carriage while moving.

"Thanks for the meal, Ren."

"I'm glad you ate well."

Ren grinned and stretched. As the space in the carriage was

small, his arms touched the ceiling, but he did not care and
loosened his back and shoulders.

"What are you doing now?"

"Warming up."

"So why are you warming up now."

"Why. I'm going to go. You're not going to be in trouble if it's
known that I accompanied you to the Imperial
Administration?"

It was already known that Ren and Elena are close friends.
However, accompanying the imperial administration to an
official event scheduled for could be misinterpreted
differently. Ren took care of that first.

"You don't have to pull over because of me."

Ren looked out the window, which changed moment by

moment with his side eyes. As it happened to pass along
the wall of the palace, there were few people except for the
other side.

"Hey, I'm leaving. See you on your birthday."

"Where are you going... Ren!"

Ren, who left a one-sided goodbye, got up bent and opened

the door of the running carriage. Elena stood on the footrest
without being surprised by the dangerous behavior and
jumped off the running carriage.

As Elena looked through the window, she could see Ren's

back as he lightly landed on the ground and walked. It was
so natural that She thought he was walking on the street
from the beginning.

"I don't even know. I think he's being considerate of me, but
he's trying to surprise me and make me sick. What's your
plan, this human?"

Elena, who was relieved only after confirming that he was

safe, put her hips back on the sofa. She didn't know when it
was there, but when the person who was just there
disappeared at some point, she felt a sense of emptiness.

"But it's nice to see you."

A faint smile bloomed around Elena's mouth as she looked

out the changing window every minute.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"I can't help but be impressed. I don't know how deadly L is

no matter what she wears."

On Elena's birthday, Christina prepared a new dress as a

gift. The line of the mermaid dress was taken as it was, but
covered up to the collarbone. It was made of lace cloth and
contained both elegance and sensual beauty.

"Your dress is really great."

"Right? Men might faint after seeing L today."

"Doesn't the color stand out too much?"

Elena looked at herself in the mirror and felt awkward. She'd

worn more than hundreds of dresses, but it was the first
time she'd worn a red dress like a rose. It was burdensome
because it was an intense color that she had never digested
in her previous life.

"It can't be easy. It's L's birthday, and she should shine more
than anyone else!"

"Still."

"I believe it. The moment L wears it and appears, the color
will soon be in fashion and a trend. They're going to follow
you, so don't worry."
Elena nodded at Christina's constant persuasion.

Even though orders were pouring in from all over the

continent, she couldn't say anything more considering
Christina's sincerity in preparing the birthday gift for several
nights.

'I wanted to pass my birthday quietly.'

Something went just the opposite of Elena's wish. Christina

prepared a gift with congratulations, but considering her
status, it had a significant impact on the social community.
It wasn't just her. The new work, which Raphael completed
with all his heart, will shake the art world at the same time
as the release.

'If I knew this would happen, I wouldn't accept gifts.'

A sincere congratulation was important for Elena, but she

didn't put much meaning on the gift. However, contrary to
her heart, she felt so sorry when precious people prepared
excessive gifts.

Elena, who sent Christina down first, checked her clothes for
the last time to attend the banquet. At first, she kept looking
at the scarlet dress, which was awkward, but she thought it
was okay.

"Miss, this. There is a package from the Baron and his wife."

"Mom and Dad?"

Surprised, Elena hurriedly opened the package. She opened

the envelope on the paper box and took out the letter.
Elena's eyes turned red as she was reading along the
familiar handwriting. Although they were far away, she
could feel her parents' heart of always worrying about their
daughter's birthday.

Elena, who folded the letter back in the envelope, turned to

the box. Elena's eyes dimmed when she opened the lid and
saw the items in the box. Elena, who was running around at
night to the periphery when she was young, was holding a
bear doll. It was a precious item containing memories of her
childhood when she couldn't sleep well.

"My favorite headband, a bracelet made of pebbles. This is

the flower crown I made on my mom's birthday. When did
they get all this?"

Elena's eyes became moist. She could feel the love between
the two of them who would have packed these items while
fleeing from Leabrick's pursuit.

"Oh, this is not the time. Shall we go down now?"

It was when Elena, who carefully cleaned the box, turned

around.

"Miss."

"What's wrong?"

"Happy birthday."

May, who does not show her feelings well, smiled shyly and
took something out and hung it on Elena. It was a
handkerchief with a tulip engraved on it.

"When did you make this?"

"When I was free. It's not as good as I thought it would be,

but I wanted to complete it with my own hands. Because
you like tulips."

Elena was touched by the handkerchief. It was because she

could feel May's sincerity in preparing this gift even though
she had a hectic schedule.

"Thank you."

"That's what I want to say. My lady took me away and made

me feel the joy of living. Thank you very much."

May smiled more sincerely and brightly than ever. Facing

the smile, Elena couldn't say anything. Her heart for Elena
felt too much.

Knock, knock. She heard Hurelbard's voice.

"May I come in for a moment?"

"Come on in."

Opening the door, Hurelbard came in. The knight of the ice
couldn't take his eyes off Elena, who wore a dress as colorful
as a rose, but he barely came to his senses.

"Happy birthday."

"Thank you, Sir."

Elena's eyes drew a line. There was nothing more valuable

than the congratulations received from the two people who
she spent the most time with since her return. But
Hurelbard didn't look like that.

"I'm sorry. I've been trying to get you a birthday present, but
I haven't found one that suits your character."

"Don't say that. I am satisfied that I received your heart."

She was always grateful, and sorry for the fact that a noble
knight who was beyond the flavor of the times stood by her.

"I can't do that. If it wasn't for my lady, I would have lived as

the sword of the Grand Duke, oblivious to the honor of a
knight."

"Sir."

"How can I repay my lady's kindness and make it a more

meaningful gift? After much consideration, I came to a
conclusion."

There was a great deal of solemnity in Hurelbard's eyes.

Elena was nervous about what he was trying to say.

"I will not marry for the rest of my life and live with my
lady."

"S-sir!"

Elena's voice went up in an unexpected bombshell.

"I'm so embarrassed. What do you mean no marriage? I'll

pretend I didn't hear you."

"I've made up my mind. There's no point in persuading and

stopping me."

Hurelbard drew a line and was well-mannered. Then he

smiled faintly.

"Happy birthday again, miss."

Elena was tingling. She was at a loss what to do with this

upright man who knew that chivalry was everything.

'Sir, why are you smiling like that. I'm sorry.'

Hurelbard, who rarely reveals his feelings, had a subtle
smile. He was satisfied and happy with his choice without
shaking a single point.

"Let's go down."

As Elena, who delayed persuasion, left the drawing room

and moved toward the main hall of the annex, Emilio and
Lucia, wearing masks, were waiting at the corner.

"Happy birthday, benefactor."

"Happy birthday, sister! I'll give you a separate present. I'm

a little embarrassed to reveal."

Even though she spoke lowly as if whispering, Emilio who

heard everything was blaming.

"Lucia! I've told you so many times. Be polite to your

benefactor."

"It's fine. All right, Lucia. Give it to me when there are the
two of us."

Elena smiled. After the return, the best thing to do was to

save Lucia. Thanks to this, Emilio, who died after losing his
daughter, was now able to live.

"Today on behalf of Khalif, I will serve the benefactor."

"I look forward to your kind cooperation."

The salon event was mainly hosted by Khalif. However, he

was as considerate as his fiancée Lady Kate visited the
salon.

Elena went down the stairs with Emilio's escort. The

classical music welcoming Elena's appearance was played,
and visitors welcomed it with applause. Elena, who stopped
by the stairs, greeted the visitors.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the guests
who came to celebrate my birthday in need. It's a big
congratulation to me that you took the time to find this
place even though you may be busy. Let's drink to celebrate
this meaningful time."

Elena raised the glass of champagne given by Emilio high.

The VIPs raised their glasses as if they had made a promise.

"For this night."

"For."

Starting with Elena's toast, a full-fledged birthday banquet

opened.

Elena, who came down the stairs, greeted the VIPs and
received congratulations. Although they were wearing
masks, their names and status were unknown, so she could
not feel their self-interest under their congratulations. She
could feel the sincerity of their words of congratulation.

Even though they wore a mask when the banquet was ripe,
two people who could recognize her at a glance greeted her.
It was Khalif and Lady Kate.

"Happy birthday."

"Congratulations, L."

"Thank you."

Lady Kate took out a small box and opened it to Elena, who
was smiling.
"It's a bracelet. I said I cared, and there's nothing like this."

The bracelet was woven by color with strings as thin as

thread. A thin round medal was used as a point in the
middle.

"It's so pretty. It goes well with the dress. Can you put it on
yourself?"

When Elena was happy, Lady Kate, who was hesitant to give
her a gift that was too early, nodded and tied it to her wrist.
As Elena expected, it suited the dress more harmoniously
than expensive bracelets and accessories. She was relieved
that Khalif was worried about it.

"Look, I told you she'd look good, right?"

"I'll keep it preciously and use it well. See you at your

wedding."

She wanted to talk more, but she couldn't take any more
time because there were many VIPs waiting to congratulate
Elena.

There was a picture on the stairs. The painting was covered,

so it was not yet possible to confirm what kind of painting it
was. Emilio stood next to the painting amid attention.

"On L's birthday, painter Raphael sent her a meaningful

painting as a gift. So I'm here to show it for the first time in
front of you all and L, who soon visited the salon."

The crowd was jolting. It was not anyone else, but the wave
of the name Raphael was huge.

"R-Raphael? I didn't hear wrong, did I?"

"Oh, what a windfall is this? I can't believe I'm seeing a new
work by painter Raphael today."

"I wonder what the relationship between L and Raphael is. I

don't think it's a public relationship to give a painting as a
gift."

Opinions were divided as little is known about the

relationship between L and Raphael. Elena just smiled and
said nothing. There was no reason to explain or want to tell
them about Raphael's relationship with her, which had been
going on since her previous life.

"Let me show you."

Emilio pulled back the cover that was covering the painting.
When the painting was released, exclamations erupted here
and there. Even at a glance, the orphan expressions and
colors were artistic enough to impress even those who
lacked an eye for painting.

Elena's eyes shook as if there was an earthquake when she

saw the picture. The background of the painting was the
square. It described the crowd realistically by expressing
them delicately. Elena paid attention to a woman who went
up to the podium of the square and gave a speech. The
public who listened to, defended, and followed her speech
as if she were a saint was both fanatical and reverent.

The problem was that her dress and face were too much for
Elena. The portrait that revolutionized the world of painting,
and the woman who became the model for Raphael's debut
film, <Belladonna.>

"It's me, senior."

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

Elena couldn't raise her head because she was shy. Leading
the crowd with the fictional character Lucia was a figurative
portrayal of Elena, who led the cultural development close
to a revolution by setting up a salon.

"I'm not as great as you think I am, senior.'

Elena, who interpreted the meaning of the painting, wanted

to hide even in a mouse hole. It was embarrassing that she
was considered too great a person for what she had ever
done.

"Let's see! Look at this color and description. I can't help but
admire it."

"Look over there. A woman who leads the people. Doesn't it

look like the model of <Belladonna>?"

"Oh, it is. Did he want to describe the model of

<Belladonna> as a saint?"

Fortunately, the painting of Lucia and Elena look different,

no one found that he was describing her.

"L."

Elena's head turned at the familiar voice. Even though he

was wearing a mask, she could tell that he was Raphael just
by looking at his eyes and atmosphere.

"Painting. What am I supposed to do to surprise people like

this... Huh? Oh!"

Elena's eyes widened when she saw a woman who came

with Raphael. It was Cecilia, a woman who could not hide
her goodness even when she was wearing a mask.

"How are you, Miss Lucia?"

"You think it's me."

She was a little surprised that she knew who she was, but
she had to accept it quickly.

"I recognized the opening day of the salon. There's an aura

that my junior can't hide."

Elena's eyes got bigger. The fact that she found out on the
opening day means that she already knew it.

'I was blindfolded.'

She thought she had deceived her in disguise as Lucia, but

she laughed at the fact that no one was actually deceived.

"Were you surprised at the work?"

"If you're not surprised, you're lying. I know what you want
to say, but I think you really liked me. I'm not that great a
person..."

Raphael smiled mildly at Elena's denial. It was the smile that

made her comfortable from the past to the present.

"Where should I start talking. I wouldn't have been here if I

hadn't for L."
"No. I'm sure it wasn't for my help."

Raphael would have made a mark in the art world. It had

been like that in her previous life.

"I could have been a famous painter. Maybe even the

current reputation. But that's all."

"..."

"I couldn't have helped turn the empire into a better time. I
wanted to capture you in the canvas who did what no one
else had done. I hope the future generations will remember
after hundreds of years."

Elena's face was burning when Raphael praised her. The

future generation. It's true that she's done a lot of things,
but she didn't know what to do when he said she's done
more than that's all.

Cecilia touched Raphael with her elbow with the hot gazes
she felt behind her back.

"Look back. The others are waiting to say hello to L."

"Yes. L, we're leaving tomorrow."

Elena's eyes got bigger.

"What do you mean? You two are leaving together?"

"Yes, it just happened."

Raphael and Cecilia looked at each other in a mask, but the

eyes of Raphael and Cecilia were at a loss.

'I can't believe they're connected like this.'

She knew it, but she thought it was something she didn't
know. It was only a political relationship with Sian, which
was mistaken for a natural relationship, and she didn't know
that Raphael would be located deep in her heart.

"I'll come see you later. Happy birthday."

"Happy birthday, L."

"Thank you. Have a safe trip. If you come to the capital city,
you must come to see me."

Elena said goodbye and saw the friendly back of the two
people moving away.

Khalif and Lady Kate continue their relationship. Raphael

and Cecilia found a different relationship from their previous
lives. She didn't know what the answer was, but their happy
smiles were meaningful to Elena.

"Now it's my turn."

A man wearing a pure white butterfly mask approached with

a noble step and greeted with an elegant gesture. Judging
from the nobility of etiquette, she couldn't help but
recognize him.

'Prince Edmund.'

Elena was greeted with her high-quality manners.

"I see you again."

"You must remember me."

"I didn't want to, to be honest. Because you're too noble for
me to handle."
Elena secretly appealed that she knew who her opponent
was. As Ren said, Prince Edmund has been watching Elena,
and she wanted to know why.

"I can't believe you knew. It's scary to try to cheat under the
pseudonym Ed."

"You don't look like you're going to cheat anymore?"

"Because I got caught."

Prince Edmund smiled charmingly, raising the corners of his

mouth. He was confident and polite.

"In fact, I was so curious about what kind of woman L, who

was famous even in the kingdom, was."

"So did you solve your questions?"

"Yes, of course."

Prince Edmund, who smiled significantly, gestured. Then a

middle-aged man wearing a mask walked up and opened a
box with a luxurious pattern on it.

"You love tea, don't you? This is a tea ceremony guaranteed

by the Royal Family of Royer. I'll give it to you as a birthday
present."

"I don't know if I can accept this precious thing."

She didn't show it, but Elena was quite surprised. This tea,
engraved with royal symbols and patterns, is a luxury item
made by a master craftsman guaranteed by the Royal
Family of Royer.

Another middle-aged man approached and saw the box as

Prince Edmund gestured with his other hand.
"It is a black tea called Haroz, which is handled by the royal
family. It is a tea-leaf that matches the tone of L."

"It's too much."

Elena smiled. But she was complicated inside.

'What is this guy.'

She couldn't figure out why the hell he was doing this so
favorably.

"You're confused. What's wrong with me."

"I tried to hide it, but there must have been a ticket. Yes,
that's right. I don't know why you're showing me this favor."

"You're honest."

"Isn't it better this way than that?"

Prince Edmund burst into a pleasant laugh at Elena's

provocative backlash.

"Would you believe me if I said I fell in love with the

seductive rose?"

"No, I don't think you're as emotional as a flower."

"You sound like you know me well."

Prince Edmund's smile deepened.

"I'd like to invite you to the Royal House of Royer, would you
like to visit?"

"W-what?"
Elena stopped being embarrassed by the endless
development. It was simply tremendous that she was
invited to the royal family of the Kingdom of Royer, which
divides the continent along with the empire.

"I will send a formal invitation soon. Then I'll get going. Oh, I
almost forgot what I had to say. Happy birthday to you."

Prince Edmund turned around, greeting like a gentleman. He

left with only a good impression for a short or long time.

'A royal invitation. What the hell are you thinking? Do you
really have a crush on me or what?'

It was when Elena's expression, which she couldn't

understand the truth, was deeply confused.

"Aren't you going to make a friend?"

Free clothes, crooked hands, and flamboyant walking. What

does a mask mean? She recognized that it was Ren at a
glance.

"That would be difficult. I've been friends with someone and

the standards have become ambiguous."

"Who's not me?"

"Keep pretending you don't know. It's not a good thing."

Ren grinned. Elena's mischievous sarcasm was a great

pleasure to him.

"Take it."

"What?"

"Birthday gift. Open it."

Elena, who had changed the small box Ren put out, opened
the box after receiving it. In the box was a black but golden
key-shaped pendant. It was as beautiful and delicate as if it
had gone through the hands of three craftsmen who were
close to artisans.

It was time to close the box with confidence that Ren, which
transcends common sense, belongs to the ordinary axis.

'Wait, this is the Bastache family symbol, right?'

She was checking again because she was chewing

something, and she found that the pattern was clearly
engraved in the middle of the pendant.

It felt cheap. A golden key pendant with a symbol of the

family. If Elena's guess is correct, the meaning was never
light to dismiss as a simple birthday present.

"What does this mean?"

"What?"

"Key."

"What. The key to open my heart?"

Ren replied playfully, shrugging his shoulders.

"Then what's this pattern?"

"You have a good eye. Did you know that in the meantime?"

"I'm asking you what it is. It's not what I'm guessing, is it?"

"What do you think is right?"

Elena lost her patience momentarily and almost took out
the name Ren.

"Are you serious?"

"I've never been sincere with you."

"I can't take this."

Elena firmly expressed her refusal. If it was a pendant

shaped like a gold key, she would receive it without
worrying. However, if the family pattern is engraved, the
meaning changes.

"Just take it. I give it to you because it's worth it, and I give
it to you because it's you."

"Really... Ha. Go up to the drawing room because there's a

lot of eyes to see. If you just leave, I won't let it go."

Ren grinned at Elena's cry.

"Am I being scolded?"

"Then did you think you'd get a compliment? Go up."

As Ren stumbled away, Elena sighed deeply. She knew what

it meant, but it was too much for her to receive the gift Ren
prepared. She felt like she should return it with good words.

"Happy birthday, L."

"Happy birthday."

Although they were wearing a mask, those who had

established friendships in and out of the salon delivered
congratulatory remarks. As it was a sincere celebration
without hypocrisy and pretense, Elena was able to say thank
you with a grateful heart. By the time a scab landed in her
ear for congratulations, Elena thought of one person.

'Your Majesty can't make it?'

She thought it would be like that's what she thought. Sian is

the emperor, the sun of the empire. There will be no case in
which the emperor himself visits to celebrate a baronetess's
birthday, even if she goes through the history of the empire.

'He can't help it.'

Elena accepted calmly and greeted the visitors who visited

the salon and left the hall. She went up to the upper floor of
the annex and found the drawing room where Ren was
waiting.

"Are you here?"

"Why wine?"

"It's boring to wait. It's your birthday, too."

She sat across from him, clicking her tongue at Ren's

deftness. Then she pushed the box with the golden key
pendant toward Ren.

"Take this back."

"Just take it?"

"It's not something I deserve. If you find someone really

precious later on, give it to them."

The golden key pendant with the family's pattern

symbolizes the family storehouse. In other words, it meant
that it allowed them to use the family's wealth and finances
at any time. So she couldn't get it. It was an item that
should never be accepted even for someone who will one
day become the hostess of the Bastache family.

"Someone precious? I can't get it, so take it."

"Ren."

"Elena."

Elena appealed by calling his name, but Ren didn't back

down and stared at him.

"Why can't you take it? Did I ask you to date or marry?
You're just supposed to take, it's okay. I like giving it to you,
and I like it better if you laugh and be happy, that's a
pleasure. Is it hard to get it?"
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"That's not what I'm saying."

"Then what?"

Ren asked back and stared Elena in the eye. Elena didn't
avoid eye contact. She looked at Ren with a straight face in
his eyes.

How could she not know. What Ren thinks of her, why he's
so nice to her, sacrificing himself, and hovering around her.
She knew that, but she pretended she didn't know.
Everything was careful for her who lived in the lines of
extension of the past and present.

But not anymore. Elena believed that she had to be honest

with her current feelings to get out of the past.

"I'm sorry."

"Hey, what are you sorry about. You just need to take it?"

"That's all. I'm sorry about that."

Once, her heart would beat while looking at Ren. She

thought he was a good person. She couldn't even remember
the remnants of the past.
Nevertheless, she felt more sorry. She hated him to death,
but now he was a man who sacrificed his life on behalf of
her and fell unconscious after being shot, but.... She now
seemed to know that the feelings she felt toward this man
without the middle was love and hatred.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

Ren pulled his disheveled bangs up. He smiled so low that

she didn't know where he was.

"I really don't know. Why are you sorry? I said I'd give it to
you."

"Ren."

Elena's look at Ren with her name in her mouth became

more pathetic.

He doesn't know how to approach, so he just gives it to her.

An infinitely clumsy man. She thought this was the real
image of Ren that Elena had never seen in her previous life.

"Okay, let's say you're sorry. Let me ask you a question."

"Speak."

"Do I look like an angel to you?"

There was confusion in Elena's eyes. She was wondering

what he was trying to talk about.

"I'm selfish. I wanted to die saving you and be remembered

by you forever."

"W-what?"
Elena was surprised and stuttered until she spoke. Ren's
eyes and facial expressions were more serious than ever
when he stared at her for real.

'You're serious, aren't you?'

At first, she thought it was a pun. She couldn't believe he

wanted to be remembered for being dead. It was beyond
common sense. It was ridiculous what kind of mindset he
could have such a crooked idea.

"So don't be sorry, will you? It's natural for me to give it, and
it's natural for you to receive it. I'm a bad guy."

"..."

In the meantime, Elena couldn't say anything when she saw

this man smiling at what was good. He was a fool who didn't
know how to treat his favorite person or what to do with
something precious.

Ren continued to talk again, looking at Elena who couldn't

speak again.

"If you behave like this, don't you pretend you don't know?"

"Ren."

"Hey. I don't even have this. It's not fun for me to live."

Ren hung on without speed, but didn't lose his smile around
his mouth. Elena was the meaning of life that made him live
now, so he couldn't let go. Her smile and happiness made
him live.

"What the hell are you talking about? Shame on you."

Ren smiled self-helpfully and emptied half the wine in one
gulp. Then he got up from the sofa.

"I'll go. I'll go even if you catch me, so don't catch me."

"Ren."

Elena pulled the box containing the golden key pendant

forward.

"Thank you for the gift. I'll keep it."

She received it for now because she couldn't even turn a

blind eye to it, but she didn't think it was hers. She would
keep this item preciously until the day it would be returned.

"It's yours, so take care of it. Oh, I forgot to mention this."

Ren, who put his hand in his pocket crookedly, grinned.

"Happy birthday."

He left the drawing room with a bright smile more than ever
before. Elena smiled faintly in the silence he had gone and
came.

"Thank you, Ren."

He was a man who she hated so much. Even after

regression, she tried to avoid him without encountering it if
possible. But Elena's efforts changed a lot. She could only
laugh now because there was no past lesson that she was
worried about.

Knock knock. Elena reacted from her mind.

"When are you going, do you still have something to say?"

Elena got up from the sofa and turned her head at the
sound of opening the door. Elena, who thought it was Ren,
was blinded by Den's unexpected visit.

"Mr. Den?"

"Long time no see, L."

Elena was nice to him.

"How have you been? I was surprised to see you without

any notice."

"Your Majesty is waiting. Could you come with me?"

"Your Majesty?"

Elena nodded and left the drawing room along Den. Already
aware of Den's visit, Hurelbard silently followed suit without
questioning. As they went down the side door, which was
used only by the head of the salon, an ordinary carriage was
waiting.

"I couldn't prepare the protocol wagon because we're

avoiding eyes."

"It's fine. Then, Den, is Your Majesty far away?"

"No, he's nearby."

Shortly after leaving in a carriage, the vibration of climbing

on the ground stopped.

"Have we arrived yet?"

Den nodded, took out his watch, checked the time, and was
relieved.
"That's a relief. I can pick you up before the end of the day.
Shall we get off?"

Elena, who got off the carriage along Den, was surprised at

the place.

"Here?"

It was in front of an unidentified building near the salon.

When the cloth was removed, the entrance and walls of the
single-story building, which looked graceful and elegant,
were erected.

"Go inside and Your Majesty will be there."

With a smile, she looked at Den, recommending her, and

Elena looked at Hurelbard. Hurelbard took a step back,
giving a silent salute as if he would not follow.

Elena turned and stepped into the entrance. Elena looked at

the scene as soon as she crossed the small bridge and
passed the double door, turning the corner.

"Ah."

Fireflies that seemed to have displaced the stars in the night

sky spread out like the Milky Way. The brilliance caught her
attention, and the cool night breeze fluttered. The scent of
flowers comforted her tired mind and body. The sound of
water that was very familiar made Elena's ears comfortable.
It's as if she came to the place in her childhood when she
was playing with her feet in a stream flowing deep in the
mountains.

It was an incredible garden that existed at the center of the

capital. This place, which is artificial and contains the
beauty of nature intact, felt like being healed just by being
here.

"Elena."

When Elena turned her head, there was a man standing with
his back against the laurel.

"Your Majesty."

On Sian's face lit up by fireflies, there was a clearer smile

than ever.

"Happy birthday."

'Ah.'

His congratulations were so sweet that her heart was

moved. Sian's new appearance, which she had not seen at
any point, including her past and present life, caused a stir.

"How do you like the garden? I tried to make it look like your
hometown."

He was asking as if he was calm, but what if she didn't like

it, Sian was worried. The sincerity was conveyed to Elena as
much as she could not ignore it.

"There's nothing I don't like."

"That's a relief."

Sian smiled. Elena couldn't take her eyes off the look of him
in the fireflies. His smile was so natural that she wondered if
he was a person who smiled so well.

"You don't know. The closer I approached, the more you

pushed me away."
"Did I?"

"You pushed me away as if you were hurt by me. It's been

more than a day or two that I stayed up all night thinking
that I might have given you a new wound that I didn't even
know."

"...!"

Elena's eyes were shaken by Sian's honest confession. She

didn't know that her struggle not to follow up on past
mistakes would make Sian suffer.

"So I hesitated."

"Your Majesty."

"But I don't want to hesitate anymore."

Sian looked at Elena and approached. Sian stood at a

distance that could be reached when he reached out. The
distance that Elena did not reach in her last life, no matter
how hard she tried... Now Sian has narrowed and reached
out his hand.

"Will you be my lover?"

"...!"

Elena's heart dropped like a thump. Her heart pounded so

fast that she couldn't control it.

"I will not burden you. I promise you, we will keep our
meeting secret until you allow it."

"Y-Your Majesty."

"Will you meet me like this?"

Sian's sincere confession made her feel that the barrier she
built herself gradually collapsed. Little by little, it was so
insignificant that it was not noticeable, but it was clearly
cracking.

Sian stood with his hand out without saying a word. The
fireflies stayed at his fingertips and reminded her of the
distance between the two.

'I...'

Elena hesitated. Now, which has changed so much

compared to the past, she was happy and scared on the
other hand.

She was afraid she'd repeat the same mistake. As it had

changed now, she was worried that the relationship
between the two, which started anew, would face a tragedy.
Elena needed great courage because she could lose what
she had accumulated preciously.

'I want to hold that hand.'

However, the emotions that she had suppressed were

overwhelming. She felt pathetic when she tried not to look
back at her wounds while forcing herself to turn away,
avoid, and push away.

She wanted to change it. She wanted to get out of the past.
And she wanted to be honest.

Elena put her long fingers on top of the hand that Sian put
out. Fireflies flew in unison as if they had promised,
embroidered the air beautifully like stars in the night sky.

"Let's meet."
Elena took courage and held Sian's hand tightly.

"Let's get to know each other. You may be disappointed, but

you won't regret it."

They were farther than others to be married. They lacked

understanding of each other and were clumsy. So she
wanted to start all over again. Just like everyone else did.
Elena wanted to correct the roughness.

Even if it wasn't necessarily right, she wanted to know about

this person. Even if she regretted it, she could keep it as a
good memory.

"Ha... Haha."

Sian laughed. With the brightest smile.

"You wouldn't know. How happy I am. I'm so happy that I

want to hold you and run around the capital like a
madman."

"Please be careful."

Elena smiled shyly. What she said. She didn't hate him, who
was so happy that he even forgot the status of the emperor.

"Would you like to walk together?"

"Yes."

Sian kindly led her hand to his side. The shoulders of the
two people standing side by side showed a different present
from the past.

"Later, I'll tell you my story."

"It's okay now, though."

"No, I'll do it when I get a little more... I'll do it then. When
the memory is thick enough to fade away."

By then, everything would have changed. The moment that

she stayed in the memory of the past was so pathetic.
Looking forward to that day, Elena walked in the garden
with Sian.

She felt the warmth of his hand for a long time.

<Completed>

______________________________

(T/N: Sit tight. Third side story incoming.)

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

Side Story 3. Pure Love

1.

"It's the capital soon. Miss."

As Elena stepped out of the carriage to give her horse a

rest, Hurelbard, who was known as the 'ice knight' said
without hesitation.

"In retrospect, it seems to have been a very long journey."

Elena felt a sense of nostalgia and familiarity with the

familiar landscape.

It's as if this place was now more like home than the duchy
where she was born and raised.

She had been out of the Empire for half a year.

It was an unscheduled journey, so it was hectic.

'Prince... No. Who knew that Edmund, who is already the

Lion King, would actually invite me.'

Edmund, who was visiting the Empire to discuss national

marriages, attended Elena's birthday party at the Royal
Salon.
In addition to birthday gifts from the kingdom, he added
that she would soon be invited to the kingdom.

Four months later, Edmund returned to his kingdom, won a

power struggle with the Crown Prince, and ascended to the
throne.

A little later than before the regression, Edmund, who is

known as the Lion King, returned to his original position.

Edmund hoped that he would "maintain deep relations with

the Empire" and send a large congratulatory delegation.

The reason is that after a fierce struggle for the imperial

throne, the second son became king instead of the first son,
who was the official successor, and thus was recognized as
legitimate enough to receive the celebration of the empire.

Elena had thought that Edmund would have talked about it

when he met Sian.

'The problem is that he wanted me to be sure to accompany

the congratulatory delegation.'

If the Lion King of the Royer Kingdom, which divides the

continent in two along with the Vesilian Empire, had chosen
Elena, a mere quasi-aristocrat without even a territory, to
accompany him on his congratulatory delegation,
something unprecedented in history would have occurred
that would have created a tremendous breeze.

Emperor Sian disagreed with the decision that the Kingdom

of Royer was not yet stable.

This is because she could be endangered by the aristocracy

or the remnants who do not recognize Edmund.
However, Elena said she would accept the invitation.

She saw it as an opportunity to publicize the salon culture of

the empire, which was undergoing a period of recovery
despite Sian's reluctance.

After leaving the capital, Elena was able to return for the
first time in six months.

"Sir, you've been through a lot."

Elena thanked Hurelbard, who hadn't let up for a moment.

There were a couple of disgraceful events due to a few

nobles who did not support the Lion King as per Sian's
concern.

Of course, thanks to the efforts of the Royal Knights and

Hurelbard, whom Edmund escorted to the border for safety,
no damage was done.

"I just did what I had to do. If anything, that one seemed to
be having a harder time than I was."

"Who are you talking... Oh, don't get me started."

Elena touched her forehead with a headache.

"It's true that a lot of danger has been reduced thanks to his
unknowingly taking steps."

Elena sighed quietly.

Ren followed her to the Kingdom of Royer.

He was like a shadow, darting about.

She presumed that Ren was the unidentified prosecutor who
swooped in behind the attack on the delegation.

According to Hurelbard, Ren was the only one who could

make use of such an anomalous sword that is outside the
set stone.

'If you're following me, you should at least show your face.'

If he had acted as if it had been a coincidence, Elena would

have pretended not to know about it.

However, she was grateful but annoyed that he didn't show

his face clearly, just showing his presence like that.

"You know what, miss."

May, who accompanied her to the Kingdom to take care of

her, carefully opened her lips.

"Don't we have to give His Highness the Lion King an

answer when we get to the salon?"

Something troubling spread across Elena's face.

When Elena visited the capital of the kingdom, she was

given a warm welcome by the Lion King Edmund.

Anyone could feel discrimination from other nobles who

accompanied the delegation.

In particular, the Lion King himself gave her a tour of the

Royal Palace of Royer, and when she told him that she liked
the cuisine of the Duchy, he even invited a chef from the
Duchy from outside the country to join them for dinner.

Everyone knew that he came three times to see her, who

was staying in the capital of the kingdom and spreading
culture.

When such news spread to the capital of the kingdom,

rumors even circulated that Edmund was in love with L, the
mistress of the famous salon.

Elena strongly denied that this was possible, but on the eve
of their departure, Edmund hinted at his secret feelings for
her.

'When I look at L, I can't stop myself. You're nice to see, but I

don't know how time goes when we're together. I know it's
unseemly, but I want to keep you from going. Would you
please stay with me?'

Elena declined Edmund's confession, saying she was sorry.

It was because she had someone in mind.

Edmund smiled, asking for one more thought while

returning to the empire, although his pride could have been
hurt.

"I'm going to say no. It's not good for His Highness Edmund
to leave any unnecessary room."

Elena was ready to reject Edmund's feelings again as soon

as she arrived at the salon.

'How did His Majesty spend his time?'

Sian's gentle smile flickered before her eyes.

Three and a half months after she and Sian officially began
dating, she left for the Kingdom.

Both of them spent time in between even though they were

busy, but they spent an overwhelming amount of time apart
from the time they were together.

Of course, they exchanged letters every three to four days,

but the hundred words expressed in writing and the
greetings of safety... Were nothing compared to the look in
each other's eyes when they stared at each other.

"Let's get going."

Elena, who had enough rest, got on the carriage.

The coachman drove the carriage, and Hurelbard escorted

next to it.

That afternoon, Elena, who had left the capital for a long
time, returned to the Royal Salon.

2.

"... I overslept."

Elena, who arrived at the salon late last night, fell asleep as
if she was unconscious.

This is because her body couldn't hold out due to

accumulated fatigue.

Eventually, it was not until the sun rose in the middle of the
sky that Elena woke up.

"It's comfortable at home."

Despite the near opulent hospitality at the royal palace, she

could not get the same sense of peace as in the salon.

The familiar ceiling, the familiar furniture, the view out the
window, all brought a sense of relief.
"Are you awake?"

Feeling Elena's presence, May knocked and came into the

room.

"Den paid us a visit from the Imperial Palace. He said that

he has tried to dissuade His Majesty from coming now."

Elena had a faint smile on her mouth.

She didn't hate Sian's desire to leave national politics

behind because he wanted to meet her.

"He told me to make sure to tell you that he would meet you
in the garden in the evening."

"Okay."

Elena, who remembered the promise, dressed up with May's

help.

During the six months she was away, Christina sent ten of
her own dresses, so she didn't feel out of fashion at all.

"Benefactor, why did you wake up already without sleeping

more?"

Elena, who was on her way to the office, met Emilio in the
corridor as he came upstairs after finishing his business.

"I slept soundly. I'm going to rest in my office from now on."

"Anyway, it's no match. I organized what happened while

you were away and put it on the table."

"Thank you, Emilio."

She could be relieved even after emptying the salon
because Emilio fills the vacancy.

"And now I don't see Lucia?"

"'Please don't say anything. She doesn't care about her

studies, and I'm not sure if she's in love these days, but
she's out so often that it's hard to see her."

Emilio's wrinkles deepened.

Did they say that children don't do what their parents want?

It seems that Lucia is just like that recently.

"She's a good-natured kid. I don't think you need to worry

too much."

"I wonder why my benefactor is so different from her..."

Emilio shook his head.

In fact, Elena and Lucia are only a year apart.

However, she lacked in every aspect such as behavior,

speech, thinking, and elegance.

"Lucia is normal. I'm the weird one. So don't blame her."

Elena went through more than anyone else when she went
through a regression.

Although the pain and wounds were much healed and piled
up now, the pain and scars remained in the heart.

'Maturity isn't always a good thing.'

Rather, Lucia, who has a bright side of her age and positive
thoughts, envied Elena.

"My benefactor says so, so I understand. But is the rumor

true?"

"Rumor?"

"There is a widespread rumor in the capital that the

benefactor received a proposal from the Lion King."

Emilio carefully brought it up.

"How did that rumor come all the way here?"

"It was originally said that a horse without a blind would go

a thousand miles."

"It's all true."

Elena sighed with anxiety.

'If the rumor had spread, would it have gone into Your
Majesty's ears?'

She was worried that he might have cared.

"I'm going to write Your Highness Edmund a letter of refusal

in a little while. Emilio, please take care of it and deliver it to
the palace."

"Okay."

Elena broke up with Emilio and headed to the office.

She had been away for six months, so there were many
things to understand.
Emilio was in charge of the operation of the salon, but Elena
could not neglect her studies if she did not want to fall
behind the current trend of culture.

Time flew by like an arrow.

She overslept and started the day late, so it felt more like
that.

"I'm about to go see Your Majesty."

As the appointment was almost over, Elena left the office.

It felt awkward without Hurelbard, but she didn't care much.

This is because she asked him to take a good rest and not
come out today.

"I'm here to see you, L."

"Long time no see, Den."

Den, who is Sian's senior aide, bowed his head.

"How have you been?"

"I haven't been well."

Den made a face to cry.

"What's the matter?"

"No, it's nothing. It's just for me to handle alone."

Den had a tired-looking smile.

She felt something, but seeing that he was saving his words,
Elena didn't ask anymore.
Elena followed Den out of the salon and took the waiting
carriage to the light blue garden that Sian had given her as
a birthday present.

"You can go in."

Elena, who broke up with Den, set foot in the garden.

Maybe it's because the seasons have changed.

Unlike the heartwarming spring when flowers were in full

bloom, the lonely atmosphere of late autumn was quietly
sprinkled in the air.

"Elena."

Sian, who was standing in the moonlight falling on the

bridge connecting the two ponds, called out her name in a
gentle voice.

"Your Majesty."

It had been six months since they had seen each other.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

Elena stood in a daze, looking into Sian's dark eyes, which

had turned away from the moonlight.

Even though they were lovers, they were still in the process
of getting to know each other, just as if they were beginning
to walk.

Even then, Elena had to leave for the Kingdom, and they
had to live apart.

They had spent more time apart than they had spent
together, so she was worried that they would be awkward
when they met again.

However, when she actually saw Sian's face, she had the
idea that such worries and fears were unfounded.

Far from being unfamiliar, the welcome was greater.

And the strange relief of meeting this person and the small
excitement that bloomed in it.

"Greetings to Your Majesty."

Elena lifted the hem of her skirt and greeted him gracefully.

Etiquette was a means of conveying one's sincerity to a

person.
She was still not very good at expressing her emotions, so
she wanted to express her feelings this way.

"I was worried."

Elena smiled vaguely without realizing it at the words that

flowed out of Sian's mouth.

It was a low greeting for a lover she hadn't seen in a long

time.

Elena, however, felt the sincerity of Sian in the words.

Someone might not be able to understand two people like

that.

He looked too rigid and cautious to be a lover.

However, Elena didn't mind it now that they got to know

each other because it was a relationship that started anew
with the scars of the past covered upheaval of the past.

"I heard you were about to be in a lot of trouble?"

"A lot... Of trouble?"

"The attack of nobles who rebelled against the Lion King."

When Elena finally understood what he meant, she told him

not to worry.

"As you can see, I'm fine. I had the guard that His Majesty
gave me, and most importantly, Lord Hurelbard protected
me. And..."

Elena blurted her words.

There was also Ren, a man who followed her to the kingdom
and unknowingly protected her from enemy threats in an
invisible place.

"I was nervous. Maybe it's because you were out of my

reach, but I was more anxious."

Elena wouldn't know.

Upon hearing the news of the attack, Sian's eyes were

turned upside down and Count Lyndon and Den managed to
stop him from crossing the border with the guards.

"But... I'm relieved to see such a safe face."

Only Elena was captured in Sian's eyes.

He was the emperor, but it was this woman who supported

him and made him live.

"You won't have to worry about it anymore."

Elena reassured such a Sian.

This is because there were no plans to leave the empire for

quite a long time.

"Prince Edmund..., no, now he is king. Was there any neglect

in your stay in the kingdom?"

"No, he did a great job. To the point where it was

burdensome."

"I'm glad you didn't feel uncomfortable."

Elena felt subtle discomfort in Sian's attitude.

He was saying it was a relief, but she felt like he was paying
attention to something.

The rumor that had been in the capital for a moment

flashed through Elena's mind.

"Your Majesty, have you heard the rumor?"

Elena asked straightforwardly, and for a moment Sian's eyes

shook.

Elena didn't miss it.

'You've been paying attention.'

Rumors that Edmund, the Lion King, was fond of L, the

mistress of the Royal Salon, spread widely to the capital of
the Empire.

Rumors have even swirled from being already proposed to,

to being told that she will soon clean up her salon and leave
for the kingdom.

Even Emilio, who was in charge of salon management,

asked her whether it was authentic.

"Is it rumored that your beauty has dazzled the royalty and
nobility of the kingdom?"

"You're joking."

Elena smiled without realizing it.

But for a moment, Elena, who smiled, felt sorry.

"I'm sorry to have caused such a rumor."

"It's not for you to apologize. I know you're too good a
woman for me, so I trusted you, but I was still insecure."

Sian told her how he felt raw.

If Den had told her, he would have expressed how hard

people around him had been because of the anxiety, but
Elena had no way of knowing that.

"His Highness Edmund wanted me to remain in the

kingdom."

"Edmund?"

Elena nodded at Sian's objection.

"It was a confession."

"He's really..."

Sian's expression hardened slightly.

Edmund explicitly asked the delegation to accompany

Elena.

He also knew that when he visited the Empire, he wandered

around Elena.

By all accounts, he had a thing for Elena.

Maybe it was natural, depending on how you look at it.

Elena was the kind of woman a man could only fall in love
with.

That's why he didn't want to blame Edmund.

"So I refused..."
"Elena."

Sian called her name affectionately.

"You don't have to talk anymore."

"Your Majesty?"

"It was answered by the fact that you were in front of me,
looking at me with those eyes, and having this conversation
with me."

A soft smile hung around Sian's mouth against the

moonlight.

"I missed you a lot. Elena."

Sian, who was standing in front of Elena, bent slightly and

hugged her with both arms.

"Y-Your Majesty."

Elena stammered in embarrassment.

All of this was sudden, so she was nervous about whether

he would be able to see her face with redness or hear her
heart beating fast as if it were broken.

"Your Majesty, now..."

"Can't we just stay like this a little longer?"

Sian hugged Elena tightly so that she wouldn't get hurt, but
as if expressing his longing for her.

Just by feeling her temperature like this, the anxiety he had

felt so far disappeared, and a sense of relief came.
It was not until after a while that Sian relaxed his arms
holding Elena.

Elena, with her head down, couldn't look at Sian's face.

She couldn't raise her head because she was afraid of

showing her face bursting with shame.

"I want to... Walk a little."

Elena somehow managed to quiver her lips as she didn't

have the courage to see Sian.

If they walked side by side, he wouldn't be able to see her

like this.

Sian watched Elena as if piercing, then took off his coat and

draped it over her shoulders.

"It's windy at night."

Only then did Elena feel the chilly wind blowing through her
earlobes.

'Warm.'

The warmth of the coat, which retained Sian's body

temperature until a moment ago, gave Elena a sense of
stability.

For Elena, who lived fiercely without any time to breathe, as

if she were being chased more than anyone else... Sian was
a small haven for comfort.

"Do you want to hold hands?"

Sian reached out his hand.

Elena would hesitate for a moment and then take his hand.

"Yes."

Two people, who held hands tightly like that, walked in the
garden.

As if they were compensated for the time away.

They kept walking, not knowing that their feet were hurting
or that the night was coming to an end, and exchanged
many stories as they walked.

3.

Elena returned to the salon after a long conversation until

dawn when the dew fell.

Elena's mouth, lying in the bathtub with her eyes closed,

had a subtle smile on it.

She couldn't feel the fatigue of staying up all night.

'It was fun.'

Communication to get to know each other by talking about

their past memories.

The communication between the eyes and hands.

It was a precious time that made her forget all the fatigue
accumulated during her trip to the kingdom.

"Miss, why don't you take a few more days off... Aren't you
overdoing it?"

May was worried, drying Elena's hair sitting in front of the

dressing table in a gown.
"It's okay. And when you rest, you get loose."

Elena looked a little excited, let alone tired.

'I can't wait to work.'

Secret Salon and external affairs were not work for Elena.

It was proof that she was alive now and the reason for her
life.

"May, tell me my schedule."

"In the morning, we have a visit to Hotel Illuni, which is

scheduled to open on Noblesse Street, for inspection. In the
afternoon, we will visit Cristina's shop, and then we will
attend a public debate, after which we will have an
impression of Piccentino's violin solo in the salon."

It was a tight schedule just by listening to it.

However, this was a daily routine for Elena before she came
back from the kingdom.

"When do we have free time in the middle?"

"We have some free time after the hotel inspection. I think
you can enjoy a tea time as well as your meal."

Elena nodded as if she knew.

With May's help, Elena finished dressing up.

Considering the chilly weather, she wore a bolero and the

cloche hat that Christina had shown her.

There was no excessive or eye-catching splendor, but it was

a style full of sophistication with a warm feeling.
After having a light breakfast, Elena left the salon,
accompanied by May and Hurelbard, according to her
schedule.

Clattering. Clack.

Elena, riding in the four-wheeled carriage, caught the

streets of the capital she missed.

It was a nostalgic time for her, as if she had come home to

the familiarity of busy people living their lives.

"Noblesse Street."

Outside the car window, she could see Noblesse Street,

which had been renovated.

Elena's suggestion at the conference to find ways to

improve Noblesse Street with the collapse of the Grand
Duke was transformed into accommodations for tourists
visiting the capital.

It had not yet been completely transformed, but as hotels

opened one by one, the streets of Noblesse, which had been
dead, began to become lively.

"We're here."

Elena got off the carriage with Hurelbard's escort.

Elena, who purchased the building from the imperial family

in the heart of Noblesse Street, transformed it into Hotel
Illuni.

"You're here?"

Elena's head turned at the welcome voice.

"Senior."

At Elena's request, he was in charge of the hotel's Illuni-

related affairs.

"What, I thought you'd be half-faced after a long trip, how

do you look better?"

"Senior has gained a lot of weight, haven't you?"

It was Elena who was more surprised.

What kind of upheaval did he experience in half a year, and

his flesh rose plump and looked fluffy.

"I have to take good care. As I keep eating, I only gain

weight."

Khalif scratched his cheek because he felt awkward.

"It sounds like you're doing well."

"Something like that."

"You've become mature."

Elena saw a different Khalif after his marriage, one who was
low and dependable.

When you become a patriarch, you become more sensible

and feel like an adult.

"Let's go inside. I paid attention to what you said, but I think

there are many places to inspect before opening."

"Let's get in there."

Elena followed the guide, Khalif, into the hotel.

She couldn't wait to see what the inside of the hotel would
look like.

It was time for Hurelbard to silently follow after her.

Hwek.

Feeling a disturbing look, Hurelbard quickly looked back.

"..."

There was nothing special about the aristocracy who came

and went, and the workers who were busy reorganizing the
streets.

He was sure there was something unpleasant...

Hurelbard, who had been standing there for a while, turned

around and entered the hotel.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"This curtain is too dark. It feels like it's out of sync. I think it
would be better to change it to the Herringbone pattern that
Mr. Carlo announced."

"Okay, I'll replace it."

Khalif wrote down every word Elena said in his notebook.

Elena went around the main hall, which is called the face of
the hotel, and looked for the weak part.

"This wall feels so empty. I think it would be good to hang a

picture."

"I'll consider it mainly for rookies."

"The lighting is good, but there are a few areas where the
light doesn't reach. I see it as too puffy, so please install
some candelabras here and there to give a hint of
ambiance."

"I'll take care of that, too."

Elena, who looked around the main hall, thought.

'It must have been difficult for you, Khalif. As I said, it's
obvious that you took care of the preparations.'
Hotel Illuni was Elena's first field of challenge.

With the development of culture and art led by the Secret

Salon, the number of aristocrats visiting the capital
increased.

Elena prepared the Hotel Illuni with a gesture of selling

emotion.

Of course, many aristocrats were wealthy and already

owned luxury mansions.

In order to differentiate herself, Elena made sure that each

room had a different cultural feel to it.

Furniture, braziers, closets, carpets, curtains, ornaments,

etc... It embodied their cultural style based on Elena's
firsthand experience with duchies on the other side of the
continent, as well as kingdoms, three northern countries,
and the independent city of Sylence.

Elena believed that such diversity would be a competitive

advantage for the Hotel Illuni to open in the future.

"Let's go to the banquet hall."

There was not a single popular spot for guest rooms,

lounges, or banquet halls.

After looking around there, time was running out to discuss

improvements and scattered issues with working-level
officials.

"You can go this way."

It was time for Elena to follow the leading Khalif.

"Sir?"
Hurelbard, who had been standing near the entrance since
earlier, had been watching outside the hotel.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Hurelbard was reticent as if it wasn't a big deal.

Elena also turned away without paying any more attention.

Hurelbard, who was looking at Elena's back, raised his chin

and looked at the railing on the second floor.

There was no one there, but... his ferociously agile hunch

told him that there had been someone here a short while
ago, and that they had left there in a hurry.

After a series of inspections, Elena gathered working-level

officials to discuss the direction of the hotel.

The schedule, which started early in the morning, ended a

little after lunch.

"Then I'll see you at the salon tomorrow."

"Oh, if you have time, I'd like to see sister. I miss her
because I haven't seen her for a long time."

The sister Elena referred to was Khalif's companion, Lady

Kate.

"I'd love to, but she's been having a hard time keeping
herself."

"What? Is she sick?"

"No, that's not it."

Khalif scratched his cheek.

"She's pregnant."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Twins. It's still a little bit past the last month, but her
stomach is a little too busy... It seems like twins."

"Congratulations, senior!"

Elena was delighted with a big smile as if it were her job.

'Good for you.'

From previous life to present life, Khalif and Lady Kate have
been in a relationship.

Even though Elena twisted the axis of history, the two were
miraculously attracted to each other and reached this point.

"Thank you, but I'm still in a daze."

Khalif didn't seem to realize that he was about to become a

father.

"If it's twins, you'll have a hard time. I'll tell Emilio, so please
take your time and stay with her."

"Can I?"

"Yes, it's okay because I'm here."

Khalif was all over the place.

Elena's absence inevitably added work to Khalif.

Now that Elena was back, he could take his breath away and
stand by Lady Kate.

"Thank you for caring. My wife will be happy."

Seeing her favorite Khalif made Elena feel cozy.

A child is the fruit of being with a loved one.

A child can't be everything, but she couldn't deny that they

were more precious than anything else in the world.

'Ian.'

A corner of Elena's mind went jittery as she thought of Ian,

who she had kept in her heart.

"Look at the time. I forgot I had an appointment. I'll go."

Khalif and Elena, who had a tight schedule, said goodbye.

Elena, who left the Hotel Illuni, called Hurelbard.

"Sir, please go to the Countdom of Bastache."

"Understood."

Hurelbard replied and set the next destination to the

horseman.

The carriage ran nonstop through the capital.

It passed the Arc de Triomphe and crossed the central

square.

It was the Count Bastache capital mansion.

Viscount Bastache, who had made great achievements in
the process of suppressing the rebellion of the Grand Dukes,
was raised to the rank of Count and became one of the most
popular families in the capital.

Drrrrrrrr.

When the carriage carrying Elena arrived in front of the

main gate, the iron door opened.

"Welcome, L."

The knights who were guarding the entrance looked at the

patterns of the secret salon carved on the carriage, and
they were very polite.

Normally, the order of business was to make a prior

commitment or ask the purpose of the visit, but for some
reason, Ren made an exception for Elena.

Clatter. Clatter.

Metasequoia trees stood in a row outside the window of the

carriage that ran through the Count's mansion.

Even the cool and refreshing trees reminded her that this
was where the last battle was fought and where Grand Duke
Friedrich died.

"We're here."

Elena got off the carriage under the escort of Hurelbard.

Then a man in his 40s, believed to be a butler, jumped out.

She could feel the urgency of the sweat on his forehead.

"I-It would have been better if you had sent a message

before coming."
Elena sighed quietly as she looked at the butler, who
flinched at her politeness.

'How the hell did you tell him to treat me, man?'

Even if the Emperor Sian visited, it was unlikely that he

would show such a figure by adding a little lie.

He was worried that Elena would be in a bad mood and that

his neck would run away when he got out of her eyes.

"... I stopped by. Is Ren here?"

"Yes? He's here... Let's go in."

Elena's eyes narrowed by the butler's hesitation.

It seems that there is something to be hidden, as well as to

notice, but she pretended not to know.

The butler said to Elena as he led her to the drawing room.

"It may take some time, as the master has some business to
attend to. Dessert and tea will be served."

Elena sighed low as the butler left.

"I don't think he's in the house."

"I'm sure."

Elena agreed with Hurelbard's words.

"... If he said no, I would leave, so he just gave the order."

It was ridiculous, but Elena pretended not to know.

She had come to see him anyway, and she intended to meet
him if it wasn't too late.

'I have something to say.'

But as expected, Ren did not come soon.

Instead, she was treated to an array of the finest teas and

desserts that are hard to find even in the salon, and the
word "master" was not too generous.

The butler brought a violinist to play, whether it was not

enough.

The flowing melody made Elena's ears comfortable.

'There may be a musician, but for some reason it doesn't

look right with Ren.'

If you are a Count, you may have separate musicians.

From the standpoint of the musicians, they could earn a

steady income through patronage, and from the standpoint
of the aristocracy, it was easy on the ears, so the interests
of both parties were aligned.

But why?

She didn't know how they knew what songs to play, but they
were all in Elena's favorite style.

Just as if he had purposely recognized the songs.

How long has it been?

Knock, knock.

She heard a knock outside the room, and the door opened.
"Why do you come here unannounced? I don't know why I'm
so excited."

Ren, who put one hand in his pants pocket, grinned.

From his free-spirited clothes, to his messy brown hair, to

his wobbly figure, he looked the same despite the fact that
it had been a long time since she had seen him.

"Where have you been?"

"I was at work. Even after all this, I'm still a Count, and I'm
busy with construction."

Ren sat cross-legged on the sofa across from Elena.

Hurelbard gave a light silent bow and avoided the table so

that they could have a conversation.

"You'd spit on it and lie about it, wouldn't you? You were in a
hurry, your hair fluttered in the wind, and the dirt on your
shoes came off a bit."

"Won't you pretend you don't know? Do you know all the
shameful affectations?"

Unlike his words, the smile on Ren's lips grew thick.

Elena grabbed her forehead with a rushing headache, as if

she thought even that was of interest.

"What the hell is wrong with you? If I ask you to make an

appointment, you avoid it."

"I hate appointments."

"What the hell is so hateful about that?"

"Waiting?"

Ren laughed as he swept his bangs over.

It is customary for aristocrats to set an appointment date

through letters before meeting.

That way, the meeting will take place at least two to 15

days later.

The capital nobles were also on a tight schedule, dealing

with tasks coming up from local territories and holding
meetings to strengthen the social atmosphere.

So she adjusted the time to set the appointment time.

It was a courtesy to respect each other.

But Ren was away from that.

Frankly, she doubted that there were any nobles to interact

with.

"Ha. Don't talk. Why did you follow me in the Empire?"

Elena asked with a tired look.

"Who? Me? Following you"

"Then who would it be."

"That's funny."

Elena shook her head as she looked at Ren, who was

pretending to be innocent.

She had already identified the characteristics of sword

techniques believed to have been used by Ren through
Hurelbard.

It was only after he was caught pretending not to know.

"No, why didn't you just go with me if you were going to?
Why didn't you even show your face?"

"It's not me?"

"Not you. What do you mean it's not you?"

Ren's lips were twitching even though his mouth was in

extreme denial.

Elena sighed because she knew her mouth hurt after talking
more.

"I came here to say thank you, so maybe I don't have to?"

"What kind of embarrassing words do you have between

us."

"Seriously..."

Elena eventually raised the white flag as if she had lost.

"Thank you. Thank you for always protecting me."

"It's not me?"

"That's enough."

Elena, who finished her business, put on the cloche hat

again, which she took off for a while.

"Already leaving?"
"I'm busy. I took time out of my day to come and talk to you.
And I'll see your face."

"Let's use some more while we're at it?"

"Do you have anything to do?"

"Why not? I can make it."

Elena asked back at Ren's confident words.

"So what are you going to do?"

"Let's have lunch together."

Finally, Elena remembered that she had come to the Count's

house to have lunch with him.

Although she ate dessert as she waited for Ren, she was
hungry because she had consumed her mind power while
checking out Hotel Illuni.

"Oh. It's working?"

Ren grinned at Elena hesitating.

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"Yes. Let's eat."

Elena accepted it because she thought it would be better to

have a meal together since she came all the way here even
though it was urgent.

"Let's go to a restaurant."

"No, I just want to have a light meal here. You know what
I'm saying, right? Lightly."

Elena emphasized with strength.

Because of Ren's nature, he scolded the head chef, so the

meal was set to be an array of delicacies from the
mountains and sea.

Ren, who readily accepted, instructed to serve the dish.

After a while, the maids dragged their carts into the drawing
room.

On the other hand, the marble table was moved constantly.

"I said we'd eat light."

Elena frowned at the dishes on the table.

In a blink of an eye, more than 20 feasts were served on the
table.

"You heard that earlier, didn't you? I'm sure I told them to
set it up lightly. But the lower ones don't listen to me like
this."

Ren laughed half-jokingly, as if this situation pleased him.

Elena sighed low at the sight.

"That's enough, just eat."

Elena picked up her fork and knife and started eating

because she knew she would have to fight more.

The main dish, lobster, was full of flavor.

The buttered flesh was rich in taste and texture as if it

contained the sea.

"Isn't it good when you eat well?"

Ren put his chin on one hand and smiled, turning the fork
round and round with the other.

"Let's eat together, shall we?"

"You eat it all. My share. Lobster, do you want more?"

Elena refused Ren's favor.

"If I eat alone, there's no reason to eat together, right?"

"I'm full without eating."

"... Really."
Elena shook her head as if she was sick of Ren's
stubbornness.

Elena held back in the end because she knew it would never
change again.

When the meal was over, the maids served tea.

"I wouldn't call it a return, but the tea is on me."

Elena picked up the tea leaves by hand and made tea with
skillful hand movements.

Elena's skills were impeccable, considering that even the

same high quality tea leaves can taste different depending
on how they are brewed.

"Here you go."

Ren accepted Elena's teacup.

"It smells good."

Ren, who smelled as much as he could, took the cup to his

lips.

"It tastes good, too."

Ren laid the teacup still on the pedestal.

"That's a relief."

Elena got up quietly as the teacup was about to empty.

"You're going?"

"I have to go."

"Can we not see off between us?"

"I don't want it."

Elena said goodbye wearing a hat.

"I'm going."

"Go safely."

As Elena left the parlor, Ren quickly got up from the sofa
and sat on the window frame by the window.

Elena got on the carriage waiting under the window frame.

"Pretty from afar."

Ren didn't miss Elena being escorted by Hurelbard until the

carriage started.

"Pretty even if I don't see you?"

Ren smiled at the carriage moving away.

However, he recalled Elena's words earlier and muted them.

"Why don't you eat?"

Ren smiled at the carriage moving away.

"That way, I'm looking at you at least a little bit."

Why.

There was bitterness around Ren's mouth, which he had

always built.
It was something he knew, but maybe he was turning a
blind eye to.

"It's me, Count."

"Come on in."

When Ren allowed it, Mel, the head of Majesti, an

intelligence group under the Bastache family, paid silent
tribute.

Mel sighed at Ren, who could not take his eyes off the
carriage outside the window, which had become smaller
than the dot.

"You said you'd stop tying yourself, didn't you?"

"Me?"

"Don't you remember? It was after you visited the kingdom."

If he couldn't remember, Mel spoke in a way that reminded

him.

"Oh. I did. I remember."

Ren admitted mildly, but refuted again.

"But I didn't go, and she came."

"..."

"Really. I didn't call her."

Mel sighed deeply.

Mel was bothered, it had been days since he'd followed

Elena to the kingdom.
He thought he really swore he wouldn't do that anymore...
Seeing that he ran in a short time, he guessed he didn't feel
like his heart even though he knew it from his head.

"But more importantly, I think I caught a tail at the Imperial

Palace."

"That's fast."

Ren opened his eyes wide as if he was surprised.

Sian quickly established an information-gathering system as

he ascended to the throne.

As a result, Majesti was able to gather information and

narrow it down to one day's time.

"The Imperial Family has made an official request for

cooperation."

"Oh, this is enough for me alone, but our emperor always

tries to put a spoon on it?"

Ren was not pleased that things weren't going well.

He was the only one who knew about all this, and he was
the only one who wanted to take care of it, but it looked
inconvenient with Sian intruding.

"And I added, let's keep it a secret from him."

"What is so natural, do you take it for granted?"

Ren solidified his bond. His eyes were cool.

Grand Duke Friedrich fell.

However, there were still many remaining parties that could
not forget the glory of the Great House.

They crowded together, eager to behave in a cocky manner.

"Let's get the bugs together. Don't let it bother her."

Ren didn't want to see Elena's face frown because of this.

She's pretty just the way she is, but she's even prettier
when she smiles. How worried she would be if she heard this
news, as she had to be sensitive to the Grand Duke.

4.

Elena toured the basilica area after completing Picentino's

violin solo.

There was a store of masters and craftsmen in the basilica

that could be known by the name.

The buildings built on the additional land purchased were

also filled with a variety of stores, and the Secret Salon area
was within striking distance of becoming a famous part of
the empire.

"Let's just go back."

Elena, who was slowly looking around the area in the

carriage, ordered the horse to turn back to the salon.

Elena arrived at the back of the salon and got out of the
carriage.

It was time to climb to the top floor of her stay through the
back gate.

"Sister!"
"Lucia?"

Elena opened her eyes wide in surprise.

Lucia, who didn't know where she had popped up from,

looked at her and happily pretended to know.

"I know how much I missed you! I tried to come yesterday,

but my father was tired and told me not to disturb him, so I
held still."

"Did you?"

Elena smiled warmly at Lucia.

Although they were only one year apart, seeing Lucia's

liveliness and resilience, which Elena could not have,
seemed to cheer her up as well.

"Did you wait here to see me?"

"What? Yes... It's like that! I'm going to sleep with sister!"

"With me?"

Elena's eyes widened.

It was true that she was happy, but it was somehow

unnatural to suddenly ask her to sleep with her.

"Or I could just sleep in the next room..."

Lucia's voice grew faint.

Elena was quick to notice that there was something wrong.

"Let's go up first. I haven't seen you for a long time, we

can't just stand here and talk about it until now, can we?"
"Yes? Yes! Let's go, sister."

Elena came up to the salon with Lucia.

The two washed and changed into pajamas.

"Can I really sleep with sister?"

"Sure, but only if you tell me the truth."

"What..."

"It's Emilio's fault that you came here instead of going

home, isn't it? You've made a mistake."

"T-that's why. Sister."

Lucia stuttered. It was obvious that she was embarrassed as

if she had hit the nail on the head.

Elena waited for Lucia to speak up first.

Lucia, who couldn't overcome the silence, spoke frankly.

"It's the break period of the academic year, as you know. So

I had a date and came home a little late. And because of my
father's glare..."

Lucia confessed that she was in a relationship with a

Viscount's son she met in a group assignment.

They both lived in the capital, so they met every day.

As they did so, they didn't want to leave, and they were
slow to part.

Eventually, more days of returning home late caused

Emilio's anger.
"Lucia. It's because Emilio is worried. You have to keep the
time to get home."

"Yes, sister. I'll do that from now on."

When Lucia bowed her head, Elena smiled and soothed.

"So what kind of person is he?"

"What?"

"The person you meet. Who stole our Lucia's heart?"

Lucia's face brightened when Elena showed interest.

"He's kind. And good to me. What happened the other day
was..."

Elena listened to Lucia, who had been talking like a child for
a long time.

'I don't think he's a bad guy.'

There were countless words that were truly unmanageable

among the nobility.

It was hard to judge by Lucia's words of affection, but his

personality did not feel bad.

No, Emilio wouldn't have kept quiet if it had been a

problematic thing in the first place.

"Sister, I think I've been talking too much about myself. Tell
me about the kingdom!"

"Should I?"
Elena told her what she felt while forgetting the tiredness of
having a tight schedule.

"So His Highness Edmund really did confess to sister, didn't

he?"

"It's not a confession, but a thought."

"That's a confession!"

Lucia was ecstatic with her eyes shining brightly.

Although it was about Elena and not herself, just the fact
that the masters of the empire and kingdom that divided
the continent in two were showing interest and affection
made her heart flutter.

"Is it because of His Majesty that you rejected His Highness

Edmund's feelings?"

"No matter what."

"I understand. I've heard that His Highness Edmund is also

handsome, but he's nothing compared to His Majesty. If I
look at him sometimes when he meets sister, you'll see that
he can make people look sad like that."

Lucia was enthusiastic.

"Oh, right. Have you met His Majesty?"

"Yes."

"Wow. That sounds great."

Lucia wrapped her hands around her cheeks and imagined

the meeting between the two.
"You hadn't seen him in six months, and how sad you felt.
While holding hands tightly in the garden in the moonlight,
he kissed you... Ah. It's so romantic."

"K-kiss me?"

Elena was quite taken aback.

For Elena, who had a healthy (?) reunion, kissing somehow

sounded shameful.

She only thought it was time to get to know each other.

It was good to hold hands, see each other in the moonlight,

and walk together.

But she was embarrassed by Lucia's sudden remark.

On the contrary, Lucia, who had been immersed to the point

of flushing, opened her eyes at Elena's reaction.

"You haven't? When you've been apart that long?"

"You know what, Lucia. Your Majesty with me..."

It was time for Elena to make an excuse without realizing it.

"Sister. Don't tell me you've just held hands until now?"

"..."

"I don't think so. Right?"

Elena hesitated at Lucia's persistent questions.

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

'Not really, but...'

Before returning, Sian and Elena were a couple.

Of course, it was a political marriage by Grand Duke

Friedrich and Leabrick.

Just once, anyway, the two had a relationship.

And between the two, an angelic child was born, Ian, who
wouldn't be sick even if he was put in the eye.

"It's possible, sister!"

Lucia's voice, which was holding the pillow tightly, was

pointed.

"Lately, even the first-year students are doing everything

they're supposed to!"

"Really?"

"Sure. Kissing is a process of romance that confirms love,

and you can't do anything about it!"

Lucia said enthusiastically, her throat veins stretched.

Elena was the one who was rather puzzled by that look.
'Is that so?'

Elena had come a long way in this direction.

No, the cautious expression was right.

She wanted them to get to know each other slowly and

slightly because of the scars from the past.

So she thought it was not bad, but when she heard Lucia,
she thought it made sense again.

"This is just a guess. I think sister won't give His Majesty any
room?"

"Room?"

Elena inquired back.

"You know what. When His Majesty tries to create an

atmosphere and kiss you, she hits the iron wall and pulls
everything out! That's why His Majesty can't even think
about it."

"That's not..."

Elena, who was looking back on her memory, blurted the

end of her words without realizing it.

'You don't mean I didn't know about this too?'

She thought she had never done that.

But upon further reflection, she realized that it might not be

that way again.

Sian was always considerate of Elena.

In a way, consideration between lovers is natural.

However, Sian's consideration was a little different.

He always approached her cautiously and hugged her as if

he knew her scars that were still there.

Elena had always been amazed by it.

Sian was considerate as if he knew what kind of wound she

was carrying in her heart.

She let Sian open up and heal her little by little as she
soaked in the light rain.

But listening to Lucia changed her mind a little.

"See, sister didn't give any chance, did she?"

"Surely."

Elena smiled faintly.

Not necessarily, there were some circumstances that she

couldn't tell him about... She couldn't talk about that many
things.

"Actually, I like him a lot, and I'm sorry."

"Why is that?"

Elena wondered.

"You just can't handle it, right? My head is full of thoughts

about him all day."

"I'm sure it's the same for him."

"I hope so? Ah. I really hope so."

The trouble between the two women continued into the late
night.

5.

"It looks so good on you, L. It's the muse I was imagining!"

Christina was excited and exclaimed one after another.

As the craze for the mermaid dress, which had been an era,
died down, Christina repeatedly struggled to come up with a
new masterpiece.

As a result, this housedress was born.

It was a fan piece of dress rules that respected formality,

with skirts that went down to the knees and belts that made
them fashionable.

There, Christina boldly introduced the clothing styles of the

eastern continent across the sea to dresses that tended to
be rather plain.

It was sleeveless and tight-fitting, but it harmonized with the

plain skirt and looked very cute.

"How can you be so lovely? That's why the Lion King fell in
love with L!"

"Christina, that's a rumor."

"Hey, I have ears, too. And if you don't fall for L, is that a
man?"

Christina waved her hand as if to say that Elena had fixed

her appearance.
"L even looks good in an updo. It's like a combination of
loveliness, elegance, and grace..."

Christina gave Elena a compliment for a moment with

ecstatic eyes.

"I have to get out now."

"Look at my mind. I've been holding on to someone too

busy. I just want to chase after L and see people's
reactions... but I'm so sorry I couldn't."

L's clothes become fashionable.

These words were taken as official in the capital.

If Elena wears an ambitious housedress and schedules it,

rumors of a new dress will spread in the capital.

Then, it will attract many people's attention.

Elena, who said goodbye to Christina, had another busy

schedule.

In particular, she visited a school on the outskirts of the

capital that she hadn't been to for a long time, and spent a
lot of time with children from commoner backgrounds.

She then stopped by the plaza and listened to the orator

talk about the importance of learning.

Although it was very slow... Elena could see the empire

growing in civic consciousness.

After a grueling itinerary, it somehow became dark.

"It's hard."
Elena's face was filled with fatigue.

Elena was having a busy day without a chance to relieve her

fatigue.

Furthermore, she had a lack of sleep because she was

talking to Lucia about Sian all night.

"Are you all right?"

Hurelbard, who had been quietly accompanying Elena, also

expressed his concern. It was obvious that she was tired.

"I'm a little tired."

"I think it'd be better to rest your eyes for a moment."

"Yes, it's a little far from the salon, so I can rest in the
meantime."

Elena got on the carriage and took a short break during the
journey.

Her eyes were closed, but she couldn't rest properly.

A new musical will be unveiled at the salon today.

Khan, a new composer and playwright who is almost

unknown, wrote about satire and love.

Elena put a lot of effort into putting this work on stage.

This is because the musical genre itself is still unfamiliar and

unestablished.

In particular, Elena herself paid close attention to stage

facilities and equipment to save the background of the play.
Through an interview, she discussed with Khan and selected
the main actors, and formed a band.

After six months of practice alone, they were finally ready to

go on stage.

"Is His Majesty here?"

Elena invited Sian to the salon today.

However, she planned to spend some meaningful time

together, just the two of them, in the only VVIP seat that
exists.

When she arrived at the top floor of the salon through the
back gate, she met his aide, Den, in the hallway.

"Nice to meet you, Den. Is His Majesty in there?"

"Yes, let's go in."

Elena nodded her head into the drawing room.

Sian, who was looking out the window, looked back.

"Here you are."

"Greetings to Your Majesty."

Sian couldn't take his eyes off Elena's face as she greeted

him gracefully.

"You don't look well, are you sick?"

"No, it's nothing to worry about."

Elena even smiled, saying she was okay.

Nevertheless, Sian could not easily shake off his worries.

"You haven't had a good rest since you traveled so far, so

why don't you finish up today's schedule and get some
rest?"

"Thank you for your words. But I want to see the musical
coming on stage with my own eyes."

Elena smiled and dispelled Sian's worries.

"And Your Majesty is here. I want to enjoy it together."

Eventually, Sian could not break Elena's stubbornness.

He was worried about her pale complexion, but he wanted

to respect what she wanted to do.

"May will show Your Majesty to the VVIP seat. I'm going to
introduce my work on stage for a while."

"I'll wait."

The two separated for a while and returned to their

respective positions.

When she came down to the annex wearing a butterfly

mask, the theater was crowded with guests who came to
watch the musical.

Expectations were high in their eyes as to whether word of

mouth had already spread.

"You're here? I think you can just go up."

Elena took the stage when Khalif gestured.

Then she was greeted with applause from all over the place.
"Hello, my name is L. Today I'd like to present a special
musical to the guests of the salon."

Elena introduced the work with fluent speech.

Then, Khan, who wrote the play, the lead actor, and the
conductor went on stage together and had a time of
communication.

"The musical "Thorn", then, is now ready to be presented to

you."

Elena spoke her last words and left the stage.

Then the theater darkened and curtains closed.

Elena followed the stairs behind the stage to the second

floor VVIP seat.

Sian stood up and welcomed Elena.

"I could feel your passion. I wonder what kind of work it is."

"I hope Your Majesty won't be disappointed in his

expectations."

Elena sat down on the sofa that was made for two people.

They sat close enough to reach each other's shoulders.

Rattling.

At that moment, the curtain was drawn on the darkened

stage and the lights illuminated the center of the stage.

The play began with the woman in the ordeal weeping sadly.

Elena glanced away from the stage and glanced at Sian.

Sian was watching the musical in an undisturbed manner.

Although it was early in the play, she had no idea what was
going on inside, perhaps due to his royal upbringing that did
not allow him to express his emotions.

"It's only the first act, and we'll have to see more to know..."

"Yes?"

Sian turned his head and made eye contact.

"I keep wondering what's behind you."

Ah.

Elena, embarrassed that her gaze had been detected,

stared at the stage.

Why?

It may have been a musical produced with special affection,

but that one word from Sian felt meaningful to Elena.

The more the musical went into the middle and later half of
the story, the more conflicted and critical it became.

People held their breath and couldn't take their eyes off the
misaligned love.

Elena, however, could hardly concentrate on the drama.

'Comfortable.'

It was always like that.

With Sian, she felt a sense of relaxation and stability that

rivaled, and in some ways surpassed, the feeling of
excitement.

Having lived a life of anxiety in both her previous and

present life, she probably craved rest more than anyone
else.

Maybe that's why.

'I shouldn't be like this...'

Her eyelids were heavy.

Her eyes kept closing and her consciousness became cozy.

She had to watch the musical, and Sian was next to her.

Her body could not withstand the fatigue and lack of sleep
accumulated while failing to properly relieve the fatigue.

Eventually Elena fell asleep.

Ah.

For a moment, Elena's mind slowly returned.

"...!"

Her head bowed to one side touched Sian's shoulder.

More surprisingly, after the musical, all the VIPs who visited
to appreciate it were leaving.

'D-didn't I just sleep briefly?'

Elena came to her senses.

"You looked very tired."

Sian opened his mouth when he noticed she had woken up.

"Why don't you get some rest?"

The tentative Sian reached out and touched the other side
of Elena's head. Then, he pulled it gently and leaned her on
his shoulder.

"Y-Your Majesty, I'm out of sleep now. So..."

Elena was embarrassed.

She was once a Queen, so how could she show such a

disorderly appearance to Sian.

"It's the first time."

Sian opened his mouth quietly.

"You, who are more like royalty than the royal family,
showed this."

"W-well."

Sian turned his head and looked at Elena.

With a gentle glance as if she were going to be sucked in,

Sian looked Elena in the eye and covered one of her cheeks
with a soft hand.

"So if you were more lovely, would you believe it?"

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"So if you were more lovely, would you believe it?"

"Your Majesty, that is..."

Elena couldn't figure out what to say.

She didn't think of anything as if her usual intelligent head

had hardened.

It was a scandal.

No matter how tired or exhausted she was, it's against the

rules to look disorganized.

And she feared that she may have made a disgusting

display of dazed, sleepy saliva.

However, this did not seem to be the case for Sian.

"I still can't believe it."

Love dropped sharply in Sian's deep eyes.

"The fact that you and I are lovers. It's like I'm living a
dream every day."

Elena seemed to be drawn to Sian's eyes and voice, looking

at her.
The warmth of the hand stroking down her cheek seemed to
somehow find its way to her chest, and her heart ran
helplessly fast.

"There's nothing that's not beautiful about you."

"..."

"That's why I'm greedy. Because I want all of you, even

though I know I shouldn't do this."

Sian touched her chin with the hand covering her cheek and
lifted it carefully.

Sian and Elena's eyes crossed in a diagonal line.

Sian would slowly put his lips on Elena's lips as if time had
stopped.

'Oh.'

Elena felt her breath catch in her throat as Sian's lips

touched hers softly.

Elena felt as if this moment was a lie.

An affectionate kiss that made her heart flutter and made

her anxious.

It made her forget all the pain of her wounds and reminded
her that she was living in the present, not the past.

Maybe that's why.

She was fond of even the sadness that was delivered at the
end of the kiss.
She was not the one who had been living in the shadows,
Sian was entirely in love with the woman named Elena.

Ssk.

Elena unwittingly reached behind Sian and hugged his neck.

It was as if she was the one who craved this kiss more than
anyone else... She was rather active.

Remember this kiss, which no one will understand, no one

will know.

Sian was momentarily startled, but immediately followed

her into a violent kiss.

He gave Elena a crushing hug.

Strong enough to feel his will to never lose her.

When such Sian was delivered, water formed around Elena's

eyes.

It was not her one-sided affection anymore.

She was so happy that they wanted each other, they didn't
let each other go.

As if time had stopped, the two people, who were sharing a

deep kiss, relaxed their lips without saying who was the
first.

"Why are you... crying?"

Sian's eyes shook when he found a drop of water around

Elena's eyes.
He was worried if he did something wrong or if he made a
mistake when delivering his heart.

"I'm happy."

Elena smiled more brightly than ever when she saw Sian
wiping away tears around her eyes.

Sian felt an unknown lump in her tearful smile.

"Remember? You cried in front of me when we first met."

Sian's heart ached strangely when he saw her tears.

Like there was a story he didn't remember, forced to be

forgotten by someone.

"Looking at that, it seems like I only look like this in front of

Your Majesty every time."

In retrospect, it seemed that she really embarrassed herself

in front of Sian, and not just today.

"As I said earlier, you..."

Sian's eyes widened as he tried to say that she had never

been ugly for a moment.

This is because Elena kissed him as if she were blocking his

words.

As if not to say anything.

Sian closed his eyes again as if he knew her mind.

'Maybe...'
For Elena, kissing did not simply mean confirming each
other's affection.

It was a feeling that she could not convey in a hundred

words.

They reaffirmed through their lips the feelings they had not
been able to convey to each other.

The day Ian was born.

Sian treated her more preciously than anyone else.

So far, she only thought that the memory of the day was a
mistake by Sian, who mistook her for Cecilia.

If he didn't, he wouldn't be able to treat her so well as

Veronica.

'Miracles are words. It's the product of desperation. Not just

the young lady's, but for someone else's desperation.'

Cardinal Benedict's words lingered in Elena's head and did

not leave.

Looking back, she couldn't forget the words of Sian who

asked her who she was.

The day when Elena, who was hurt by his harsh words that
had turned away from Ian, closed her heart towards Sian...
The expression of Sian, when she had put her heart in her
speech, shuddered in front of her eyes like a lie.

So Elena couldn't stop this long kiss.

Sometimes in life, intuition is swept away by vague and

unstable emotions.
Elena's intuition kept whispering to her as she looked into
her broken memories.

The miracle that broke down the wall of time and brought
her back to the past.

She thought that maybe it was this man, Sian.

Elena began to check again and again, though she could not
confirm anything further.

Therefore... This kiss was a relief to her and healing.

6.

Elena returned to her daily routine and was as busy as ever.

After a breathless schedule and inviting celebrities to attend

classes to improve the cultural standards that were
developing every day, she fell asleep, exhausted and ready
to collapse.

In the meantime, Elena split the time and met with Sian.

Although it was difficult for both of them to spend a lot of

time, they were satisfied just by looking at each other's
faces.

"Is learning for the common people! Have you tried to give
them even a slice of bread to fight their hunger? Do the
letters feed them! That in itself is humiliating and
nonsense!"

An unknown speaker on the platform of the capital's central

square barked with a loud voice.

Elena, who had stopped the carriage for a while to listen to

the speech indoors, did not look good.
Sian was working to make a republican system of
government, with the imperial family, nobility, and citizens
in check, the foundation of its empire.

In that case, citizens' learning is important just as Elena

establishes a school and teaches commoner children free of
charge.

The growth of consciousness based on learning, in other

words, is the foundation for producing wise and mature
citizens, and for them to become representatives of the
people.

But for some reason, a growing number of speakers have

recently been pumping out such a ritual.

"It was true what they say about the nobles paying off
orators to incite people."

It was none other than the nobles who opposed the

republican system promoted by Sian.

As if they were vested, they did not want commoners who

were low in status and treated like livestock to be treated
equally with them.

However, it was not easy to express antipathy to the

imperial family at the time when Grand Duke Friedrich, who
served as the center point of the aristocracy, collapsed.

As a result, they bought the speakers with money and

denounced the truth in this way.

"Learning is not something that can be learned in a day or

two. On the other hand, if you skip just one meal, you won't
be able to suppress your hungry stomach. This is a serious
attack on the blind spot of the commoner's hard life."
Elena's whole face was filled with regret.

In addition to Elena, Sian was building a school near the

capital to teach the common people with the assets
recovered from the Great House.

But for some commoners, things like bread, meat, and milk
that are given in the state can be more touched than
learning.

"You'll have to live with the labor pains."

Elena also considered this a process of a better empire.

Sian was already discussing a "rescue policy" for the poor.

No less, Elena was sponsoring orphanages and slums with

her income from the salon and basilica.

"Sir, let's go."

"Okay, miss."

When she told Hurelbard, who was standing outside the

carriage, the wheels of the stationary carriage rolled.

"Time flies. It's already opening day."

Elena dressed up in a dress more formal than usual.

It was the opening day of Elena's new Hotel Illuni in the

capital, following the Secret Salon and the basilica.

As rumors spread that L had already worked hard to

prepare, reservations for the next three months were full.

As of noon today, customers from all over the continent will

be crowded.
"It's going to be a hectic day."

There are more than fifty rooms in Hotel Illuni.

Absolutely many of the reserved customers are aristocrats.

The aristocracy can't help but bustle about, accompanied by

their full-time attendants, horsemen, and knights.

Celebrities, aristocrats, merchants and artists were also

scheduled to visit there to celebrate.

"His Majesty said he was coming today."

When she recalled Sian, a faint smile spread around Elena's

mouth.

After that day, the relationship between the two felt closer
than before, as if the wall had collapsed.

"It's officially his first visit."

Sian was always careful not to be exposed to the outside

world when visiting the Secret Salon.

It was because Sian didn't want everything Elena did with

her efforts to be pumped down because of himself.

However, the opening ceremony of the Hotel Illuni was an

exception.

Noblesse Street had many sites and buildings that are

seized and sold by the imperial family or rented.

In other words, the Hotel Illuni was able to play a role in the
revitalization of the revitalized Noblesse Street.
Of course, even considering its symbolism, the visit by the
emperor, Sian, was on the excessive side.

Nevertheless, Sian said he would visit as he has at least the

right cause.

Noisy.

When the carriage arrived near the Hotel Illuni, it was

crowded with people who had gathered there.

Recently, Noblesse Street had been revitalized, but she was

sure that it had never attracted so many people.

Elena got off the carriage under the escort of Hurelbard.

"Are you here?"

Khalif, who had arrived at the Hotel Illuni earlier than Elena
and prepared it for renovation, was happy to see her.

"Yes, I'm surprised there are more people than I thought."

"They've been flocking. Especially, the lobby of the hotel

has a lot of interest from artists."

"It's a good sign."

The buzz was enough.

It would be a problem if it didn't live up to their

expectations, but they wouldn't be disappointed since Elena
and Khalif had asked the masters to join them.

"As you said, the lobby will be open for just an hour after the
ceremony. We can't cause any inconvenience to our guests."
"I like it. You have to make a considerate impression on the
guests."

A hotel is a healing space. Public relations are important,

but you should not lose the mood.

"In any case, I have to admit that you're good at what you
do. Time's up. Did you prepare the commemorative
speech?"

"Yes, of course."

Elena and Khalif moved to the podium for the ceremony.

In the crowd, there was a suspicious man who never took

his eyes off Elena.

He was expressing his blatant hostility toward Elena, who

was laughing and talking.

"May Grand Duke Friedrich... Be everlasting."

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"May Grand Duke Friedrich... Be everlasting."

For the man, Grand Duke Friedrich was heaven and the only
justice.

Discrimination of status is the foundation of the empire.

The nobility and the royal family were the chosen ones, and
the commoners were nothing but the untouchables who
were to support them.

It was a world worth living in, and it was a world that was
right.

However, because of that woman, the principles that must

be followed began to shift.

The only justice, Grand Duke Friedrich and Princess

Veronica, died.

Grand Duke Friedrich had fallen.

This led to the downfall of the family of men who had been
the hands and feet of the House of Friedrich for generations
and had enjoyed the Holy Land.

No, not just the man's family.

Dozens of families that had served the Grand Duke bowed
to the Imperial Palace and begged for forgiveness.

What could never happen had become a reality.

It was all because of her.

She also preached learning as an imitation and took the

lead in urging the common people to teach.

For commoners, who were nothing more than dogs and pigs,
to learn was in itself an impure and impious act, and a
violation of the status system.

That's why he couldn't forgive her even more.

Today's plan was also to correct the sprain.

"We'll start the opening ceremony now."

When it was time, Khalif took the podium and held the
opening ceremony.

The artists who participated in the interior of Hotel Illuni's

interior came to the podium one by one and talked about
how they participated.

The more artists who have reached the position of artisans

in their respective fields, the more the introductions
continue, the higher the expectations for the hotel.

"Now, I would like to welcome L, who has taken overall

charge of Hotel Illuni by allowing us to be here, to the
stage."

Clap, clap.

People went wild here and there.

It is no exaggeration to say that the L moved the culture of
the capital city had made her appearance, and the applause
was continuous.

"Hello, my name is L. On a day as auspicious as today's, the

Hotel Illuni was inaugurated to the delight of all
distinguished guests. This hotel is not enough, but this hotel
is directly attended by me..."

Elena's words revealed her attachment to Hotel Illuni.

Next to the Secret Salon, it was a space that was filled with
so much love, as it was a space that was filled with her
thoughts, preferences, ideas, and sincerity.

"Then we'll proceed with the cutting."

At the entrance to the Illuni Hotel, there was a long strip of

five-colored tape.

Elena and Khalif, as well as many of the participating artists,

wore corsages on their chests, and with white gloves on,
they took scissors and cut the tape.

Claps poured out from all sides once again.

This concluded the opening ceremony to announce the

official opening of the Hotel Illuni.

"Let's start with the guests with reservations."

Khalif began by checking the list of customers.

Elena also welcomed them by the entrance.

"Welcome. Please rest up and go."

Guests who were welcomed as their first customers admired
the eye-catching lobby.

Sandstone and natural granite formations mounted on the

high ceiling, paintings and sculptures that give a sense of
space but are filled with no sense of blank space.

The lobby, which was not too much, made a good first
impression on the guest.

"Are you here?"

"Let's see in the reservation list... We've got everyone

except Baron Palleon. Apparently he's running a little
behind."

From the unfamiliar name, he didn't seem to be a capital

nobleman.

The Illuni Hotel became a topic of conversation for the

aristocrats of the periphery.

"We have no choice. As soon as check-in is complete,

outsiders will be allowed to enter."

"Okay."

Elena, who had asked him to take care of things,

accompanied Hurelbard into the interior of the hotel.

"What's wrong, sir?"

Elena could feel Hurelbard's blade standing up somehow.

He had been so nervous during their recent visit to the Illuni

Hotel, and this time was no different.
"I'm not sure, but I feel like someone's been keeping an eye
on you since the last time."

"Me?"

Elena's eyes widened.

She trusted Hurelbard deeply.

His instincts were always right and never missed.

If Hurelbard hadn't protected her, she wouldn't have been

alive until now.

"Nothing's going to happen."

"Yes, in the worst case scenario, I will protect you even if I

give my life."

Elena felt firm in Hurelbard's solemnity.

"Your life is precious, so don't give it to me. I might cry."

Elena went up to the seventh floor of the Hotel Illuni with

Hurelbard.

The two royal suites divided the U-shaped hotel into two
separate rooms.

Between those two rooms was Elena's office.

She mainly stayed in the Secret Salon, but as it was her

important place of business, she needed a space where she
could work.

At that time.
After checking in the reserved guests, Khalif admitted the
waiting dignitaries to admire the Illuni Hotel lobby.

"Oh, my God. I can't believe they put stone as a sculpture.

That's unconventional."

"Look at that statue. The fluidity of the curves is

remarkable. What does it mean?"

"It's definitely L. It's not too much... It's not too tightly
packed, and the beauty of the blank space is enhanced."

Celebrities and artists from all walks of life admired the

lobby.

To someone else, it may be just an ordinary lobby, but the

eye for selecting artifacts and the harmony in the use of
space is astonishing enough.

Even now, Elena said that every six months she completely
changes the concept of the Illuni Hotel's lobby and room
space.

It aimed to be a new cultural space of rest and healing,

different from the Secret Salon.

"You must be Baron Palleon."

A man approached a female employee who was checking in

at the lobby.

Did he just come to the capital from the countryside?

He wore a tacky outfit that defied the times.

Especially the wide pants and coat, and even the short
glasses on top of the fedora that were too out of fashion to
be used much.
Nonetheless, his sharp jawline and nose that could not be
hidden, as well as the intelligent atmosphere, drew gazes.

"Oh. You have a reservation. We'll have you checked in right

away."

The employee collected her unintentional gaze from the

alien man and did what she had to do.

"I'll show you to your room."

A well-dressed male employee was courteous.

It was time for Baron Palleon to follow him in his hat.

"Kkak!"

A scream of a noble lady echoed in the lobby.

"Do not move! I'm going to kill everyone that moves!"

A middle-aged man pulled out a sword made in the form of

a cane and shouted threateningly.

"Do you want to go behind? Go over there and kneel them

all!"

"Block the entrance right now! Don't let anyone get out of
here!"

A dozen or so of the men, led by the middle-aged man, who

had entered the lobby pretending to be noble guests, drew
their hidden swords and pressured the people.

"We've been waiting!"

Some guests also responded to the reactionaries who

caused the disturbance.
They dragged several guests from each floor into the lobby.

"W-what the hell."

Khalif's face turned white as he saw the reactionaries

locking the entrance.

The situation was serious.

Artists and VIPs watching the lobby were crouching in one

corner.

"You are hostages from now on. The moment you do

something stupid, you're going to die."

The eyes of Baron Haque, the middle-aged man who led this
hostage crisis, were murderous.

"There you are."

"M-me?"

The nominated Khalif turned to contemplation.

"P-Please help me. I have two unborn children..."

"Where is she?"

"Who..."

"I mean L! L!"

Baron Haque grabbed Khalif by the head and put his sword
to his neck.

Khalif tumbled and shivered.

His half-turned eyes looked like those of a madman who
could kill a man right now.

"Baron! L is in the office on the seventh floor!"

"You, bring her right now!"

"Yes, sir!"

The men who had been instructed by Baron Haque ran up to

the upper floor, their eyes glittering.

They were knights who guarded Grand Duke Friedrich's

domain.

When they heard the news of the fall of the established

Friedrich family in the capital, they returned to the
wilderness, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to avenge the
death of Grand Duke Friedrich.

Then, several nobles and knights gathered around Baron

Haque to prepare for what would happen today.

They were going to execute L and her gang for bringing

down the Grand Duke, take revenge by killing all the
celebrities and artists who are just like her cronies, and die
themselves.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

The sound of the knights' excited footsteps rustled the stairs

of the Illuni Hotel.

"W-we're in big trouble!"

Elena was working in her office on the seventh floor when

she saw the butler suddenly open the door and enter.
Despite the teachings to always conduct oneself with
decency, the butler seemed to have no time to spare.

"It's reactionaries! Now they've taken over the first floor

lobby and are holding prominent people hostage."

Elena jumped from her seat reflexively.

Reactionaries!

With the downfall of the Grand Duke, she had never seen
anything like it.

She couldn't feel who on earth had caused this mess.

"The knights are rushing towards us now! We have to avoid

them."

Just listening to the butler, she could sense that the

situation was not normal.

"Miss, I think you should avoid them."

Hurelbard advised cautiously.

Hurelbard's eyes, which were otherwise upside down like a

forged sword, shone with the coldest light of all.

"Where to? The enemy has been preparing for a long time.
They must have taken care of the emergency exit as well."

"But if it's my lady alone, you'll be thin enough."

Hurelbard said so with an expressionless face.

The safety of others was not important to him.

It was Elena he decided to give his life for.

As long as she was safe, he was prepared to accept any
insult or disgrace.

"Even if I wanted to live, I couldn't abandon the hostages."

Elena calmed herself down and agonized.

Her choice was at an important point.

Minor mistakes can lead to irreversible results.

"I'll have to go to the first floor."

Elena made a tough decision.

"It can be dangerous."

"Don't worry. I have you, sir."

Although she couldn't smile, Elena had the deepest trust of

anyone in Hurelbard.

He was the ice knight Hurelbard, once called one of the

three swords of the empire.

With the change in history, he turned down the position of

Commander of the Imperial Guard and stayed on as a knight
for Elena, but there was no doubting his strength.

'It's not just Hurelbard.'

Elena thought of a man.

By now, it was highly likely that he had hidden himself and

was at the Illuni Hotel.

'We can rescue two people.'

He was also a strong man in the same class as Hurelbard.

"Let's go to the lobby."

Elena, who was determined, left the office with a grim face.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"Let's go to the lobby."

Elena, who was determined, left the office with a grim face.

"I'll take the lead."

"Yes. Please, sir."

It was an urgent situation, but Elena nodded her head.

She didn't know who did this to her, or why they did it.

Any danger to her, as well as the hostages, was

unacceptable.

Nevertheless, Elena could remain calm because she

believed in Hurelbard, the man in front of her.

Kiiik.

As she opened the door and stepped out into the hallway,
she heard footsteps from far away.

"It looks like excitement is coming this way. From the sound
of their footsteps, it looks like there are about a dozen of
them."

"It's more than I thought."

Elena's expression stiffened at the mention of ten people.

The ruffians were taking over the lobby.

If she excluded the dozen or so people coming up to the

upper floors, and took into account the personnel
monitoring of the hostages and alerting them to outside
intervention, she assumed that nearly twenty enemies had
intervened in total.

'Who the hell... Why did they do this?'

Elena could not easily guess.

Because she didn't do anything to deserve someone's

grudge.

The only one at war with Elena was the Grand Duke.

However, he had already fallen and disappeared into the

midst of history.

'It's not just a money-seeking act.'

It was time for Elena's thoughts to continue.

"I'll go ahead and organize it so as not to cause any trouble.

Please follow me with a normal gait."

"I will."

Hurelbard spoke in an expressionless, nonchalant voice in

accordance with the title of Knight of the Ice.

"This way!"

With the growing footsteps, Hurelbard laid his hand on the

sword he was wearing on his waist.
He showed signs of contemplation for a while, but instead of
pulling out the sword, he held it in his hand.

If he chose to use a sword here, it would be easier to face

the swarming enemies. Because even the touch of the
sword can be fatal.

But if he does, they will inevitably see blood.

Hurelbard, who knew how much work Elena had devoted to

the Illuni Hotel, did not want to defile the place with their
blood.

'They can't have a numerical advantage because the space

is small.'

The corridors of the Illuni Hotel and the circular staircase

leading downstairs were not as wide as outdoors.

In other words, because of the small space, the number of

enemies who can deal with Hurelbard is only two to three.

Of course, it may not be easy to deal with several enemies

who may be skilled knights alone.

But she was confident that he could handle it because he

was Hurelbard, the knight of ice.

"That's L's escort!"

"Be careful. He's a tough nut to crack."

"Still, the numbers are large for us. Kill him."

The assailants rushed forward with terrifying speed.

However, as Hurelbard had predicted, the corridor was just

too small for them to attack, and only the three in front of
them did.

Ssk.

Hurelbard, who was speeding up, bent his upper body and
knees and tinged the floor when he left the enemy near
him.

"Hyuk."

Before Hurelbard could be surprised as he closed the

distance for a moment, the swordsman struck the knight
first in the ribs.

Pajik.

The man who was hit by Hurelbard's blow, who had even
put on weight with his propulsion, fell to the ground.

The attack did not end there.

Hurelbard was moving his body like a beast and quickly hit
the three's vital points with the sword.

One shattered a bone in the process of dislocating his

shoulder, and someone else was hit in the back of the neck
and knocked unconscious.

They staggered to the floor in such terrible pain that they

couldn't imagine jumping on him with a sword again.

"Damn it. What the hell is everybody doing! Put him in a

pincer!"

"But that's..."

A middle-aged man who seemed to be an expert in the field

urged them on as three people were quickly beat.
However, the space was so small that there was a limit to
the number of personnel who could pin down the Hurelbard.

Without knowing if it was an attempt, two felons were beat.

"I-I've never heard of a monster like this."

The middle-aged man backed away with a sword.

Hurelbard's sword skills, which were unacceptably superior,

made him shudder.

Hurelbard made a surprise attack without giving a break.

Scared by the ferocity of the attack, the ruffians turned

away and fled rather than confront him.

Hurelbard closed the distance in an instant with a glare that

was even colder than ice, and nipped them in the back of
the neck.

"S-save me."

The man at the far end jumped down the stairs, terrified and
lost.

He rolled around the stairs for how long, but he didn't even
feel the pain.

At that moment, Hurelbard retook the sword fold in reverse.

Then he threw it with all his strength.

"Ah!"

The sword which left Hurelbard's hand attacked the back of

the head of the fleeing thug.
He couldn't believe how big the impact was, and his mind
instantly went blank with dizziness.

In the aftermath, the stricken thug was knocked out of

consciousness by hitting his head into the stairwell.

Ttogak. Ttogak.

Elena walked slowly from over the hall.

"Ugh."

"Y-you..."

Some of the thugs, who were distorted by pain, were

overpowered and groaned.

They found Elena within arm's reach and cringed, but

couldn't move from the pain that grew greater the more
they tried.

"Sir."

At Elena's low call, Hurelbard bowed his head with an

expressionless face.

"Don't worry about it. They won't be able to move."

Hurelbard reassured Elena whether she was worried or not.

All of them just fractured the bones in the major areas, so

they won't be able to move.

"I'd like to interrogate the author."

"Understood."
As soon as Elena's words fell, Hurelbard grabbed a sword
scattered in the hallway and held it close to the most
vulnerable man's neck.

"I will not ask again. If you don't answer my lady's question,
you will die."

The man with a broken rib swallowed dry saliva at

Hurelbard's warning.

He risked his life while plotting a great deed.

But when he met Hurelbard's cold eyes, he felt like he was

freezing.

He couldn't even breathe properly as if he had met a natural

enemy.

"I'm listening. Who are you people and why have you done
this?"

"T-that's."

Hurelbard stared silently at the hesitant man.

That awful indifference drew the fear inherent in the depths.

"W-we... Are going to kill you... For the sake of Grand Duke
Friedrich..."

"The Grand Duke?"

Elena's eyes narrowed.

This is because she did not expect to hear an unexpected

object of hatred come out of the author's mouth.
"T-that's right. You're the reason for the downfall of the
Grand Duke. The Emperor is mad and tries to shake the
people... The status system, which is the foundation of the
empire."

"Is that the reason for this commotion?"

"Yes. Citizenship? That's bullshit. A girl like you needs to die.

You have to die!"

The man's words became harsh, perhaps because he

became emotional.

"Sir, I think I've heard everything I need."

"Yes, miss."

As Elena spoke quietly, Hurelbard hit his neck hard with the
back of the sword.

It was a sword made for cutting, but Hurelbard was not

bound by such things.

Leaving behind the man who had fallen with a frothing

mouth, Elena turned without regret.

There was no reason to be tied to him just because she had

no more business to attend to.

'He put Grand Duke Friedrich in the forefront... he

represents the discontent of the nobles.'

The status system is the foundation for aristocrats to

become aristocrats.

They did not want to share the vested interests they held
with anyone else. It was Grand Duke Friedrich who served as
the focal point.
The fact that they did this to Elena could be said to be
based on such complaints.

"It's like they only know one thing and not two."

That this kind of illegal and coercive behavior will only have
the opposite effect.

"Sir, let's go down."

"I'll take the lead."

Elena walked down to the lobby with Hurelbard walking

ahead of her, his back to her.

"What? You said they all got beaten up?!"

Baron Haque's eyes shook.

Ten knights were sent up to bring Elena.

Even though Elena's escort knight, Hurelbard, was a good

one, he was not capable of competing with ten skilled
knights.

"Go back. Something must be wrong. Go ahead!"

Beyond the gaze of the urging Baron Haque, he saw a

couple walking through the central circular staircase.

"L!"

Even with the lobby occupied by the rebels, Elena's walk

down the stairs and her expression did not show a trace of
impatience or agitation.

As always, she had elegant and arrogant eyes.

Her back posture did not collapse.

"You're the mastermind."

Elena's voice, however, flowed through her lips and was as

cold as could be.

"Yeah, that's me. To kill the bitch that shook the very
foundations of the Empire! For the sake of Grand Duke
Friedrich! I, Baron Haque, risked my life to plot this."

Baron Haque did not hide himself.

Rather, he expressed himself confidently.

That's how right he was in his beliefs, and that's how much
he believed that Elena was the one who must be killed.

"What you're doing for a grandiose remark is disgraceful."

"Shut up. I'm ready to be evil to kill the bitch and fix what's
wrong."

Elena's face didn't change at all in Baron Haque's roar.

Rather, she exchanged glances with Hurelbard so that he

wouldn't notice.

'What do you think?'

'If we move too quickly, the hostages could get hurt.'

They've been together ever since Elena came to the Empire.

Even without daring to speak, this level of communication

was possible.

'It won't be easy.'

Elena's eyes sank.

Celebrities from all walks of life, guided by Khalif, gathered

on one wall.

Around them were three men holding sharp swords and

watching to stop any nonsense.

They had to be as careful as the hostages could be hurt if

they did something wrong.

"Why? You're worried the hostages might get hurt?"

"They have nothing to do with me. All you want is me, right?
I'll stay, so please send them."

"It's the same thing, really... I guess you really know what a
bitch can do?"

Baron Haque grinned at Elena's request.

He really didn't like it from one to the other.

What's the point of worrying about the hostages?

"I don't like it. Do you feel like anything is okay because
people support you? I'll remind you. You're nothing."

Baron Haque looked back and beckoned.

Then one of his men dragged a hostage from the front row.

"H-help me."

Elena was faced with a familiar face, Khalif.

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"I don't like it. Do you feel like anything is okay because
people support you? I'll remind you. You're nothing."

Baron Haque looked back and beckoned.

Then one of his men dragged a hostage from the front row.

"H-help me."

Elena was faced with a familiar face, Khalif.

'Senior.'

Elena's lips pursed as she looked at Khalif, who looked as if

he was possessed by something and trembled with fear.

"You're close to him, right?"

Baron Haque already smirked as if he knew Elena and

Khalif's relationship.

"Isn't it me you want? Let the rest of them go."

"Why would I do that? I'm going to kill the humans here one
by one, and I'm going to appreciate your messed up face."

With nothing but evil left in him, Baron Haque was not afraid
to act like a demon.
He intended to destroy what she valued one by one.

"Heueuk, I'm not going to die like this, am I?"

Khalif sobbed and wept.

He felt as if the heavens were collapsing at the thought that

he might die like this, leaving only his wife in the month of
childbirth.

'He's not the type to communicate in the first place.'

Elena's expression hardened.

First of all, she was going to try to talk to the mastermind

behind the hostage situation.

It's good to communicate, but otherwise, she had to figure

out the situation and respond accordingly.

But things turned out worse than she thought.

"A nobleman, taking hostages and threatening them? Isn't

that too shameless?"

"You're a clumsy talker. It won't make any difference if you

take your time."

Baron Haque laughed, twisting his lips.

This is because Elena's obvious trick to buy time somehow

was visible to the eye.

'He said he would come.'

Elena found the person who was supposed to come today.

This is because if a person with the same skills as Hurelbard
helps, the situation can be reversed at once.

'Don't rush. Don't move rashly, or the hostages may be

injured.'

Baron Haque faintly looked at Elena's nervous expression.

"Shall we kill him first? I think your face is worth seeing."

"L, save me. I don't want to die."

Khalif cried and snotted.

He had lived a happy life, and he really didn't want to die

here.

"Hey, let go of that hand?"

A crooked voice from somewhere spread in the lobby.

Everyone's eyes turned to the source of the sound.

At the top of the circular staircase, there was a man leaning

diagonally against the second-floor railing with his back to
it.

"You're Ren Bastache!"

Unkempt brown hair and unpalatable free-spirited attire.

The blunt tone of voice made it clear that he was Ren of the
independent House of Bastache, although it was an
independent member of Grand Duke Friedrich's family.

"You should call me Count. Do you want to be a match?"

Ren, who was whistling, turned his head and looked down.
Despite the hostage situation, he seemed to enjoy the
situation.

"Ren."

Elena gladly called his name.

The stubborn man who had chased her all the way to the
empire, who had made her both weary and grateful,
appeared in front of her.

And he always appeared to be more villainous than the

villains.

"Why the hell are you here? I'm sure they've sealed off all
the entrances!"

The unexpected appearance of Ren smeared Baron Haque's

eyes with embarrassment.

All the entrances and exits were guarded by Baron Haque's

men to prevent him from approaching from the outside as
well.

The response was perfect, as he had planted a few minions

to work inside the Illuni Hotel beforehand.

But the fact that Ren was here means that the control
blocking the outside world had been broken.

"Essentially, if you close the door to keep people out, their

psychology will make them want to come in more."

"What have you done with my men, you bastard!"

"Them?"

Ren grinned.
"What happened?"

"Y-you traitor! A man blessed with Friedrich's bloodline has

joined forces with the imperial family to shake the very
foundations of the empire! You're still a nobleman!"

Baron Haque spewed at Ren with enthusiasm.

The Bastasches, who helped Sian to drive out Grand Duke

Friedrich, were aristocrats who were considered to be pro-
imperialist.

In other words, he had to become hostile to Baron Haque,

who emphasized the aristocratic-centered status system
and supremacy.

"Pro-imperialist. Such a lamentable thing to say. You're

going in the wrong direction."

"What?"

Baron Haque's expression relaxed, albeit slightly, at Ren's

denial of the pro-imperialist faction.

He was hoping that if he could talk his way out of it, he

might be able to win him over to his side.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm on L's side. Over there."

Ren leaned against the railing with both hands and put his
chin out.

Elena, who was pointed out, looked at him with

bewilderment.

Ren laughed, enjoying even the look in her eyes.

"How dare you make fun of me!"

"Really. Why don't you believe me?"

Ren said it openly, but even to Baron Haque his words and
actions seemed to be an attempt to gouge him.

"This bastard is so."

It was time for Baron Haque's eyes to be turned upside

down in insult.

Ren's eyes flashed, and his hands quickly went into and out
of his chest.

Small iron beads were inserted between his fingers and he

threw them to Baron Haque's men who were holding the
hostages.

"Kkkak."

The iron beads flew at great speed and hit one of the men in
the forehead. At the same time, it hit both of them.

As it was, the minions, whose upper body was as white as a

bow, fell unconscious.

He knocked down two of them, but one of the iron beads he

threw at the end regrettably grazed his forehead past his
earlobe and got stuck in the wall.

Plunk.

The men, who had luckily survived, sat down on the floor in
a daze.

"Well, one of them was off, wasn't it?"

It may be regrettable, but the smile was not erased from

Ren's mouth.
"It doesn't matter. There's a lot of iron beads."

Ren grinned as he showed the iron beads between his

fingers.

"You lunatic. Do you think he will be safe if you come out

like this?"

In a sense of crisis, Baron Haque threatened Khalif with a

knife to his neck.

"Heuk, please don't kill me."

The frightened Khalif begged.

Elena was surprised that she felt like she had been poisoned
or that he was really going to kill Khalif.

"More violence. There are too many hostages. Kill this

bastard, then kill the others."

"Really?"

Despite Baron Haque's deadly threats, they had no effect on

Ren.

"Kill him."

"Ren!"

Elena shouted reflexively without realizing it.

Ren said what he wanted to say.

"But if he dies, you die."

"What?"
"I don't want to see anyone else grieve, even when I die."

Ren erased his laughter and warned coolly.

Despite the distance, Baron Haque balked at Ren's killing

intent, which made his flesh slick.

"Ha."

Elena felt a headache from Ren's behavior.

'It's not important to kill him right now!'

She wanted to scream right then and there, but she held her
ground, thinking that she should just show a good figure.

"Crazy bastard, do you think that kind of threat will work?"

Just as Elena had feared, Ren's stimulus inspired Baron

Haque to break the bond of reason.

He did this to prepare himself for death anyway.

It wasn't scary to die now.

'If I kill him, you kill that bitch.'

Baron Haque turned his gaze to his men in the rear.

The men, who were on the outside looking in and monitoring

the hostages, nodded.

Baron Haque knew.

If he did harm to Khalif, Hurelbard and Ren wouldn't stand

still.

Knowing this, Baron Haque supervised.

'If I'm the target, I'll kill that bitch while I'm at it.'

He just started this to kill Elena.

If he killed her, he'd be able to fix this twisted course of

history a little bit.

"You did it because the threat worked, didn't you? Look at

you now. It worked, didn't it?"

Ren spoke in a whisper.

Elena's insides burned at the sight.

'What's wrong with him?'

This is because nothing good could come from provoking

Baron Haque in this way.

"I see. Then I'll show you."

Baron Haque squirmed his eyes and pressed Khalif's neck

with the blade, inch by inch.

"Heuk, save me. Please."

Khalif's body trembled at the cold touch of the iron on his

neck.

If Baron Haque used a little force to draw the sword, Khalif

would die.

"Look. It's all your fault that he dies."

As soon as Baron Haque finished speaking, he was about to

slit the sword on Khalif's neck with all his might.
"If you're not happy with the royal family, why don't you tell
me."

Baron Palleon, who had been blending in among the

hostages, moved quickly.

He was dressed in clothes that reminded you of a remote

country nobleman and even wore a fedora, and in no time
at all he had struck the hostage-taker in the neck who was
blocking his way.

He fell unconscious, and before he sank to the ground,

Baron Palleon rushed and grabbed Baron Haque's wrist.

"What the hell are you?!"

Confused by what happened in an instant, Baron Palleon

twisted his wrist in a moment.

"Euaaak!"

He screamed as Baron Palleon did.

He lost the strength in his hand and lost the knife he was
holding.

"K-kill them! Kill them!"

Baron Haque shouted desperately in the face of oppression.

It didn't matter what happened to him.

He had to be killed somehow as much as that woman, the

purpose of this event.

The men who were watching the hostages, and the men
who were guarding the outside from the window, rushed to
kill Elena.
"Avoid!"

Cried Khalif, who managed to escape Baron Haque's threat.

However, Elena's eyes did not waver as she looked at the

flood that was attacking her with their terrifying force, filled
with killing intent.

Without moving a single step, there stood a pin. Like a noble

lily.

Ssk.

Hurelbard stopped the ruffians that were attacking her

head-on.

He simultaneously stopped three enemies rushing in with

his sword.

"Take a detour and attack!"

Enemies were also experienced as they were knights.

They admitted that Hurelbard's skills were extraordinary and

focused on killing Elena based on numerical advantage.

"There are so many villains in the world."

Ren, who was leaning on the railing, threw the iron beads in
his hand.

However, unlike what was done in vain earlier, the enemies

read the direction of the iron beads flying in and turned
away.

As if Ren knew that iron beads could not defeat the enemy,
he grabbed the railing and jumped to the first floor.
Thump.

Falling sharply in front of Elena, standing on the edge, he

bobbed his knees and waist from side to side.

"Be careful."

Looking at Ren like that, Elena snapped.

"Did you worry about me? That's exciting."

Ren grinned as if he were in a good mood.

 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"Did you worry about me? That's exciting."

Ren grinned as if he were in a good mood.

He came here to hear that one word, but it seemed he got

everything he wished for.

"Oh. Let's get rid of that fancy stuff. She'll be surprised."

Ren grabbed the iron and smirked at the men that were
furiously attacking him.

But that was short-lived, as the smile on his mouth

disappeared and he darted forward like a bolt of lightning.

His fist, which came down like a rapid-fire cannon, hit the
face of the man who was running from in front of him.

The dizzying shock caused the head of the ruffian to recline.

While Ren's nerves were on edge, two men, split from side
to dude, went after Elena.

"Who's going to let you go?"

Ren's new form moved, leaving a hazy afterimage.

In no time at all, the two wicked men who had run to him
went out to strike and kick Ren, and they fell in a heap.

"D-damn it."

Baron Haque, who was watching the scene, gritted his

teeth.

It was a perfect plan.

Thoroughly calculated, and there was plenty of time.

But everything was going against each other.

It was all because of those three guys.

Hurelbard.

Ren.

And this man, a mysterious nobleman who had been

blending in among the hostages without presence, but
suddenly overpowered Baron Haque.

"What the fuck are you doing!"

Baron Haque glared at Baron Palleon, who was in no mood

to be intimidated.

"You can indulge in insulting me and accusing the empire.

Because that is my position."

The voice that came from the mouth of the man with the
wild fedora and out-of-fashion glasses was chilling.

"What nonsense... Argh!"

Baron Haque let out a painful scream.

He grabbed his wrist, which had already been broken, and
crushed all the bones.

"She was the only one who should not have been touched."

"What?"

Baron Haque did not understand.

He spent a long time hovering around Elena to capture the

hotel and kill Elena.

But there was no mention of her having any dealings with

this nameless nobleman from the middle of nowhere.

In the worst case, it was a surprise, but the arm strength

and technique that had subdued him so swiftly and broken
his wrist so quickly that Baron Haque could not even react
was a struggle beyond comparison to most knights.

"How dare you."

"T-this voice... Don't tell me!"

Baron Haque's eyes opened wide.

He felt a strange sense of incompatibility with the familiar

voice.

In particular, the melancholy green eyes and the jet black

hair that flowed down from between his fedora made it
possible to guess his identity.

"The Emperor?! Why are you here?"

Recognizing Sian's identity, Baron Haque screamed in

dismay.
The hostages, who were shivering in fear, looked at Sian in
surprise at the word "emperor."

Sian didn't seem to have any intention of hiding any more,

and he took off the hat and glasses he was wearing.

His garments were still rustic enough not to be worn on the

periphery, but his natural nobility, dignity, and flawless
appearance buried that.

"H-His Majesty the Emperor?"

The eyes of the hostages, who were holding their breath in

fear, widened.

He was just like Sian's appearance at the coronation.

Especially with that black hair, it was a symbol of noble

bloodline, meaning that he was of imperial blood.

"Your Majesty."

Elena already knew that he was Sian.

This is because Sian, who disguised himself to go to the

Vatican with her, was like that at the time.

'To avoid doubt, he drew attention.'

Elena's eyes touched Sian, recalling the memory of the day.

'I can't believe he's so angry because of me.'

Sian had always lived by suppressing and controlling

emotions.

He looked too rigid to be human, but the royal family

members receive such an education obligatorily.
As for the others, it was Elena who had spent her life in the
imperial palace as Queen, so she knew such physiology
better than anyone else.

This made Elena happy.

It meant that she was so important to Sian that he had to

destroy the behavior that he had acquired through his
education since birth.

"Baron!"

At that time, the remnants, who had been guarding the area
from outside invasion, came to the lobby after hearing the
disturbance.

Because of the sheer size of the Illuni Hotel, there were

scattered personnel that Ren could not handle.

The group had nearly twenty people.

"There's more?"

Despite the arrival of the enemy support troops, Ren's

expression did not show any sense of danger. In fact, he
seemed to be enjoying himself.

"..."

Hurelbard had no change of expression, as he was called

the Knight of Ice.

He was just quietly fixing his sword.

Then one of the remaining men, Sian, kicked Baron Haque

forcefully in the ankle.

Pajik.
The baby bird's leg was bent as if it were broken even with a
slight touch.

"K-kill him. He's the emperor. Kill him along with her!"

Baron Haque, who had become in a position of immobility,

cried.

Then the eyes of the rest of the pack changed.

Emperor Sian.

He is the one who, along with Elena, defeated Grand Duke

Friedrich.

And the initiator, the emperor, tried to defy the status quo
and aristocracy that were the founding principles and
foundation of the empire.

If only they could kill him, they would be able to settle the
grudge of the dead Grand Duke Friedrich and put things
back in their place of displacement.

"Attack!"

The man, who appeared to be the head of the group, raised

his sword and ordered an attack.

Then, as if the other men had been waiting for him, they
rushed down the stairs.

Hurelbard changed the inspection location and defended to

the death to prevent the enemy from getting close to Elena
like that.

Quickly.

At that moment, Sian took off with surprising speed.

Then he stopped the men coming down the stairs in an even
manner.

Although not glamorous, he performed practical physical

arts without any clutter and priced the key points.

Obstructed by Sian's overwhelming power, the men could

not descend down the stairs.

This is because even when they attacked, swinging their

sword furiously, they were knocked down by Sian's fists and
kicks, and he avoided them with ease.

"Ugh. Kill... Kill him."

"Hey."

Ren looked down coldly at Baron Haque, who seemed to

have not given up.

"Why are you causing trouble? You can live in silence like a
dead rat."

"You bas... Aaack!"

Ren stomped hard on the smashed Baron Haque's wrist.

Still rubbing his leg, Baron Haque screamed in unbearable

pain.

"W-what a monster."

"The Emperor was this strong?"

The men collapsed without being able to take a step down

due to Sian's blockage.
Even though he didn't even hold a sword, they were
helplessly beaten by Sian's physical techniques that did not
place circumstances in their hands.

Due to Sian's stubbornness, the ruffians hesitated as if they

had lost their will.

"What are you waiting for! Come on... Ugh."

"Why don't you shut up?"

Ren stepped hard on his broken ankle this time.

Even the hostages averted their gaze at the sight of Baron

Haque's ankle, which was broken in such a deformed way
that it raised an eyebrow.

"So why do you pour vinegar on a good day? If you lived in

seclusion like a dead rat, this wouldn't have happened to
you?"

Ren didn't mind the sadistic abuse he was inflicting.

He couldn't leave Baron Haque alone, just as Sian had been

so indignant.

Kung!

The main gate of the Illuni Hotel, which was tightly closed,
slowly opened.

A sword was inserted from the outside through a gap in the

door to cut the lock.

Dressed in uniform with the wide open main gate, they

pushed into the lobby in unison.

"T-the Imperial Gaurd!"

"I'm alive. I'm alive."

The faces of the hostages, relieved by the performances of

Sian, Ren and Hurelbard, were brightened by the
appearance of the Imperial Guard.

They felt like they were really alive.

"You're late."

As Sian looked back at them and said, the Imperial Guard

Captain Hwigin approached and bowed his head.

"I'm sorry. I was afraid that forcing my way in would

endanger the hostages."

The Imperial Guard avoided the eyes watching outside

inside the Illuni Hotel and focused on subduing Baron
Haque's cronies who were stationed outside.

In the process, Hwigin, who identified internal chaos,

attempted to enter.

But why?

All the cronies were down, as if the situation had already

ended.

"Report?"

"We have captured 21 followers of Baron Haque. We have

also taken the identities of the employees who sold
information inside the Illuni Hotel, as well as the noblemen
and upper level masters who tacitly supported him."

Sian nodded at Hwigin's report.

In fact, he was aware of the presence of forces following the
Grand Duke of Friedrich.

This is because he exchanged information in advance

through collaboration with Ren, the master of the Bastasche
family.

In the process, Sian never took his eyes off Elena.

In case of emergency, the Imperial Guard would be by her

side at all times.

And today, the opening day of the Illuni Hotel, he came to

celebrate in person.

Behind the scenes, a plan had been put in place to take into
account the mishaps that may occur.

The prediction was right on target, as can be seen.

His mind wanted to take action before then, but he couldn't

because Baron Haque was watching too closely.

Ren was also one step behind in understanding the

situation, only because of the careful and meticulous way
Baron Haque handled his business.

"Clean up the situation."

Hwigin, who was instructed by Sian, led the Imperial Guards

and moved in unison.

"The darkness who drove the empire into the abyss! You
were the emperor while you did it! The day to see the
previous emperor and nobles... Uup."

Baron Haque raged, but Hwigin shoved the sword in his

mouth and contained him.
As the whole situation quickly cleared up, Sian approached
Elena.

"You're not hurt anywhere?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"I'm sorry I couldn't stop this unsavory thing on a happy

day."

Sian apologized for not being able to prevent it with his

hands in advance.

It was inevitable, but it seemed to him that it was his fault

that Elena was exposed to danger.

"Don't say that. It's more like it's my fault that this
happened."

"You really are."

Sian's eyes looking at Elena deepened.

She rejuvenated everything in person, and her feeling of not

wanting anyone to erase the blame was very beautiful.

'It's okay to blame me.'

Sian felt a sincere desire to be by her side forever, for the

work she wanted to do, for the life she was trying to live...
And for her happiness.

He wanted to be persistent and share everything that she

was trying to do young.

Sssk.

In that situation, Ren sneaked out.

"It's time to leave."

Ren didn't want to stay in the hotel and get any more
attention.

Elena's words of concern for him earlier had been enough to

fill him up.

Khalif who came to life after death dragged on like a child.

"Oh, I'm alive. I'm alive."

"I'm glad you're okay."

"Thank you for not abandoning me. Sir Hurelbard, I would

also like to thank His Majesty. Count Ren... Eh? Where did he
go?"

Elena was surprised to find that Ren had disappeared while

she was still in a hurry.

'Again, again.'

She wanted to say thank you, but she was frustrated with
Ren for disappearing.

But Elena didn't have time to care about such Ren either.

This is because as the owner of the Illuni Hotel, she was

obliged to take responsibility for guests who had been
involved in unsatisfactory work and had suffered mental
hardship.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

"I'm sorry to have troubled the VIPs with an unsavory

incident. I apologize."

Elena bent down deeply.

A noble guest visited to admire the lobby.

A guest who must have been terrified while visiting the Illuni
Hotel on its opening day.

And the employees.

Elena felt responsible as this situation was caused by her.

"I'm not good enough, but I'll come up with compensation

soon to ease the burden on our guests."

People's eyes changed when the word compensation came

out between Elena's lips.

The fear and dread of possibly dying slowly faded, and

anticipation flooded in.

Elena, who was at the center of imperial culture, mentioned

compensation.

They didn't know what compensation it would be, but it

certainly wouldn't be disappointing.
"Well, that's all..."

"It was an accident. It's not like I was hoping for

compensation."

An old aristocrat had the ability to refuse out of courtesy.

"No, it's the right thing to do."

Elena lowered her head and waist even more.

Such an appearance only made the VIPs laugh, but they did
not say anything more.

"That... I'll definitely have to compensate."

"Humph. This has reduced my life span by years."

Of course, some of the nobles questioned Elena and

complained about her responsibility for the situation, but
they only said a few words.

The dark-haired man standing next to Elena.

This is because of the presence of Sian, known as the Sun of

the Empire.

If Elena and Sian were really lovers, they all had to spare
themselves, because talking too much here was nothing but
an action that would be seen by the emperor.

'Is it really like that between L and the Emperor?'

'If the rumors aren't real, there's no way the Emperor would
come to the opening ceremony of a hotel himself?'

'What is this, then, His Majesty, King Edmund, and L's love
triangle?'
Just half a year ago, there was a rumor in the Empire that
Sian and Elena were lovers.

This is because the close relationship between Sian and

Elena was known during the collapse of Grand Duke
Friedrich.

Furthermore, Sian went so far as to postpone the selection

of an empress until the last minute, despite the wishes of
the nobility that the position of national mother could not be
vacated.

Later, however, Sian showed little action.

He concentrated only on the political affairs as if to deny the

rumors.

Meanwhile, rumors had faded away.

This is because no one witnessed the two together.

By the time it was forgotten, Elena had left the capital at the
invitation of the kingdom.

And rumors spread that King Edmund treated Elena very

well and showed favor.

The fact that the words had come from the mouth of the
delegation made them even more credible.

In the meantime, Sian showed up on the opening day of the

Illuni Hotel.

'And now Count Ren's here, too?'

'That was no joke earlier.'

'What the hell is L... so many black knights!'

Those who belatedly realized that Ren was there were
shocked.

Count Ren, known as the head of the emerging nobility, also

spared no bones to save Elena.

The cranky, selfish Ren who was in touch with nobody.

As not only Sian but also Ren had publicly stepped up to the
plate, there was a high possibility that the social circle
would be on fire for a while.

"I know you won't be able to relax after going through this
kind of thing. Please give us the tail end, and we will take
steps to have you stay at another hotel of the same class."

After speaking, Elena glanced at Khalif.

Khalif, who was quick to notice, tried to move to find a new

hotel where customers would stay.

'It can't be helped.'

Elena's mouth was bitter.

It was a life-threatening hostage situation.

The traumatic experience was so bad that the Illuni Hotel

was no longer a place of relaxation and inspiration for them.

"L."

Sian, who had been silent, called her at the last minute.

"I'm putting part of the Imperial Guard here. I just need an

investigation."

"Your Majesty?"
"The Imperial Guards are the best knights in the Empire. It's
the safest hotel in the capital."

Elena's eyes grew as big as the full moon.

Speaking bluntly, he used the investigation as an excuse,

but this was Sian's unique consideration.

He left the Imperial Guard there, trying to take care of the

safety of the guests who were worried that something like
this might happen again.

"You don't have to."

"For investigation. The Imperial Guard will be stationed, and

nothing more unsavory will happen."

Sian nailed it in front of everyone.

It was announced by the Emperor, and the fact that the

Imperial Guard stood guard alone meant that it was a safe
zone comparable to the imperial palace.

"I think it would be good to just stay..."

"How is that possible again, when the Imperial Guard will

protect us?"

"We finally made a reservation and came from elsewhere.

We're just staying."

The nobleman who disliked staying at the hotel gradually

changed their mind and changed their attitude.

Many of them won the fierce competition for reservations to

visit the Illuni Hotel to stay for its opening day.
It was true that they had been taken hostage by Baron
Haque's gang and experienced extreme fear, but they could
not deny that it was the safest place in the capital right now
if the Imperial Guard was stationed there.

'Your Majesty.'

Elena caught the eye of Sian.

It had to be a big blow to Elena to promise compensation

and reopen the place after the reorganization.

Therefore, she was even more grateful for Sian's

consideration.

"For those who wish to stay overnight, we will provide the

best service in addition to compensation."

Elena promised in a strong voice.

Then she instructed Khalif to arrange services for guests

early.

The majority of the guests returned to their rooms.

Those watching the lobby were also sent back after a brief
investigation.

"I don't know how to thank you."

Elena, who moved to her office, thanked Sian politely.

Then, Sian, who had been staring at Elena with a

melancholy gaze approached.

As he lifted Elena's chin to meet his eyes, Sian quietly

hugged her shoulder.
"Y-Your Majesty?"

Elena was quite embarrassed by the sudden hug.

"Just like this for a second."

Sian held Elena in his arms with strength.

He cared for her like a baby bird, but he couldn't help but
think of her in danger, even for a moment.

"Your Majesty..."

Elena felt the desperation delivered beautifully through the

warmth of Sian.

Sian wouldn't have known either.

That she'll never get hurt as long as Hurelbard's around.

Knowing this, Sian worried and worried about Elena's safety

more than anyone else.

Elena felt a little sad because she knew that.

Being worried about someone, that was Sian's mind.

"I'm glad you didn't get hurt."

"Thanks to Your Majesty."

"I can only do things like this for you... I am so angry at

myself."

Sian's expression was as dark as could be.

Even though he continued to work with Ren through

collaboration, in the end, it seemed that he was responsible
for not being able to stop this unsavory event.

"Don't say that. If it weren't for Your Majesty, it would have

been a real disaster."

If Sian hadn't saved Khalif at that critical time if he hadn't

left the Imperial Guard behind... Elena would have
remembered it as the worst day of her life that she couldn't
wipe away.

"I couldn't see Count Ren."

"Originally, such a person... No, he was always like that. Just

popped out, walked away without saying a word."

Elena, who almost made a mistake for a moment, corrected

her words.

Sian also nodded his head as if he agreed with the

statement.

"Rather than make you up and down in the mouths of

others."

Sian showed little concern.

Up until now, Sian kept the fact that Elena and he were
lovers thoroughly secret.

Everything Elena had done so far would fade into Sian.

It was in the same vein that he visited the Illuni Hotel in

disguise.

But the incident broke out, and he had no choice but to

reveal his identity.
As a result, there was a strong possibility that the dormant
scandals of Sian and Elena would reignite.

"I hope you don't mind."

"Yes. I don't care."

Elena smiled brightly as if she contained light.

Lover.

It was a very unfamiliar word for her, but now she felt she
had to accept the weight of the relationship.

'I don't want His Majesty to think he's hurting me anymore.'

Sian put Elena above all else and was considerate.

He was also cautious that Elena, who stood at the center of

the imperial culture that had bloomed brilliant flowers,
would be given a bad label of the Emperor's Halo.

But Elena didn't want to be tied up with that.

She didn't care what other people said.

She was confident of herself and confident that she could

quell such gossip with a lot of work ahead.

Therefore, she wanted Sian, who became a precious person

to her, to be a little more comfortable.

That was Sian's consideration and Elena's consideration.

"Yes."

A warm smile spread around Sian's mouth.

It was because he felt Elena's heart that cared for him.

Sian looked at Elena lovingly and swept her side hair over
her ears.

He took note of Elena's eyes, lips, nose, every inch of her

face.

This was the way the two loved each other.

If Lucia, who had started again and was frank with her
emotions, had seen it, he might have taken her heart out of
frustration.

But that's the case with a normal relationship.

Elena had a long time gap that no one knew.

Sian was not aware of such a story, but he was as careful as

she was.

It was precious, they would care more about each other.

It was as careful as that caring heart.

Rather than blazing hot like a red flame, it was as quiet as

the surface of a lake, with no tremors.

"I'll stay a little longer. I won't bother you, I'll watch."

"You must be very busy with work. You don't have to do

that."

"I want to stay a little longer."

In the past, she would have found it burdensome and

uncomfortable to have Sian remain.
But not anymore.

She knew that the reason Sian was going to stay was to
psychologically reassure and relieve her if only a little.

Knowing his true feelings, Elena didn't hate Sian's

stubbornness.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

With a smile on her face, Elena grappled with the handling

and compensation of what happened today.

Sian folded his arms and watched her in silence.

A silence that didn't go back and forth.

Nevertheless, the two people felt for each other.

Just being in one space with a loved one was soothing, and
being able to check in with each other at any time was the
greatest joy of all.

Sian's eyes deepened as he looked at Elena, who was

absorbed in her work.

'To protect you...'

To protect her.

To preserve her honor.

By him, in a way that wouldn't bother her.

As soon as he knew the answer, Sian was ready to take

another step closer to Elena.
 (PART 2) Shadow Queen
(그림자 황비)

7.

"It's already been three months."

As Elena stopped by the Illuni Hotel to settle the paperwork

for her work, she suddenly realized that the season had
changed by the thicker clothes of her clients and the cooler
air outside the window.

"It seems like it's been half a month since I've seen His
Majesty."

For the past three months, Sian and Elena have met
frequently.

The time was young as they split the time apart and were
barely together.

Even if they didn't do much.

Even if they didn't do something special.

Just looking at each other in one space and being together

was so precious.

Maybe that's why Elena felt empty because she didn't see
Sian for nearly 15 days.
The weather might have been chilly, but it was even more
so.

"I'm sure you're in the middle of parliamentary

preparations."

Elena, on the one hand, understood Sian.

It would not be easy just to solidify the foundation of the

system of citizens and parliament at the base of the status
system and the aristocratic center.

"Looks like it's time to head out to the slums."

"Is the time already up?"

At Hurelbard's words, Elena finished what she was doing and

rose from her chair.

Today was a day of activity in the slums.

Although Sian assumed the position of emperor and

enforced the relief of the slums, there were still quite a few
poor people in the outskirts of the capital who needed
someone to help them.

Elena regularly sponsored to help them.

And she visited there once with intellectuals and artists to

hand out bread and soup and listen to their stories.

It was to understand their troubles and to help them.

Artists served and tried to sublimate the sorrows of their

lives into art, and intellectuals tried to grasp the real
situation and discuss improvements to overcome the
current problems.
Elena moved to the slums and handed out free lunches.

Thick clothes were also provided free of charge in

preparation for winter.

Children in the slums laughed and rejoiced as they wore

coats whose sleeves were longer than their arms.

Elena was happy to give them a laugh for a moment,

although she had yet to come up with a fundamental
solution.

"Miss."

When she was about to go back from volunteer work, May

approached.

"Den from the palace is here."

Elena opened her eyes wide.

Sometimes she asked Den to telegraph or pass on news, but

mostly he visited her in the salon.

She was worried because it was the first time he visited her
outside.

'There's nothing wrong with His Majesty, is there?'

As anxiety rose, Elena hurried to where Den was.

"Please wait inside."

The carriage May pointed to was plain. It was intended to

hide that it was from the palace.

Kkiik.
Den welcomed her as she climbed into the carriage.

"Are you here, L?"

"I can't believe you're here. What happened all of a

sudden?"

"No other than that, His Majesty asked me to tell you that
he would like you to visit the Imperial Palace today."

"The Imperial Palace?"

Elena asked back what Den said.

"Yes, he added that he really wants you to come."

"Wouldn't that be an inconvenience to His Majesty?"

"It's not really. But he said there's something he really wants

to say to L."

"I got it."

After finishing all the slum schedules, the sun was setting.

After letting May take the carriage back to the salon, Elena
accompanied only Hurelbard to the Imperial Palace in Den's
carriage.

Meanwhile, the day was over, and night came to the capital.

When they arrived at the Imperial Palace, the members of

the Imperial Knights, who had examined the carriage, led
the carriage towards the Eastern Palace.

'You're going to the Eastern Palace, not the Main Palace?'

Elena was questioning but didn't show it.

There must be a reason for that.

When they arrived at the Eastern Palace and dismounted

from the carriage, Den took the lead.

"This place is... isn't it Edmund's sponsorship?"

Elena asked, pondering where Den's feet could reach.

"Yes, Your Majesty is waiting for L."

Elena blinked her eyes.

She couldn't guess why Sian suddenly wanted to see her in

Edmund's patronage.

"We'll be here waiting for you. You'll be safe inside the

palace, so, Sir Hurelbard, please stay with me."

"Do it, Sir."

At Elena's instruction, Hurelbard stepped back with a light

silence.

"If you follow the stone wall straight down, His Majesty will
stand before you."

Elena nodded and walked into Edmund's patronage along

the stone path.

'I've been here a lot.'

In her past life, she had lived as a shadow queen, the only
resting place for Elena that resembled the environment of
the Duchy.

But not anymore.

Elena was not lost in the scars of the past when she came
here.

As the saying goes, wounds heal, and she was neither lonely
nor isolated in this world... Where she was completely
changed even though her scars remained.

"Your Majesty?"

She could see a single laurel tree from the top of a small hill,
beneath the Milky Way that seemed to descend into the
distance.

There were lanterns on the path that led out of the stone-
walled road and up to the laurel tree.

A man stood at the end of the lanterns... Where she felt

warmth, knowing that it wasn't enough to get rid of the cold
air.

"Your Majesty?"

"I've been waiting."

Sian, who was standing under the laurel tree, came down
and reached out to her.

Elena grinned and put her hand on his hand.

"I missed you."

"Me, too."

"I missed you... more."

The words tickled, but Sian emphasized with a more serious

face.
A smile was drawn around Elena's mouth.

"Here, it's so beautiful. Milky Way, lanterns. And the laurel

tree."

Elena's eyes were colored with emotion.

She was very grateful for everything he had prepared for

her, and for Sian's thoughtfulness in taking care of it all.

"I don't know why, but it was the only place I could think of."

Sian looked at Elena with a gentle look.

"I thought you'd like it here."

Long ago, Sian had a dream.

It was a dream in which he saw a woman crying under this

laurel tree, and it hurt so much that it was like picking at his
chest with a thorn.

He knew that the woman couldn't be Elena, that she was a

false image in his dream, but for some reason, they seemed
to overlap.

"Yes, that's right. I love this place."

Elena grinned.

Sian, who had been caught by the smile, met Elena's eyes.

"Elena."

Sian's voice calling for her was as grave as could be.

He was usually serious, but she felt something subtly

different today.
"People call me emperor and look up to me. But I know. It's
all thanks to you that I became emperor."

"Your Majesty, what do you mean?"

Elena was surprised.

Sian was born with the qualifications and lumber to be

emperor more than anyone else. He even tried harder than
anyone else.

But Sian was turning it all into Elena's ball.

"It's true. Even if it's not you, even if the world denies it, I
think so."

"Please take your word back, Your Majesty."

"Elena."

Sian put her name in his mouth again.

"People say I'm the sun of the empire. But my sun is you."

"...!"

"Because of you, I could be who I am now."

Sian's eyes on Elena were so mellow and tender, she

couldn't say anything.

Sian swept Elena's cheek with a gentle touch.

Sian didn't want to be someone in the way Elena wanted to

walk.

People knew the emperor as the supreme authority, the

supreme position of all people, the one who can give them
everything, but they were half right and half wrong.

Just because he was the Emperor didn't mean he could give

her everything she wanted.

If she was like a star who could shine alone in the night sky
without any help... Rather than the position of emperor, his
status could hide the light that was hers.

Sian did not want to do that.

"Finally, today... I can bring up the words I had in my heart."

Sian took a step back and took something shiny out of his
pocket.

It was a ring encrusted with jewels that shone brilliantly as if

they had been taken from the stars of the night sky.

Sian bent his knees and looked up at Elena.

"Elena, will you be my companion?"

"Y-Your Majesty."

Elena's eyes shook.

Sian's sincere proposal went beyond embarrassment and

crept in with a wave of emotion.

The hard feelings, pains, and wounds that had been building
up since the past life.

His heartfelt proposal was enough to melt the pieces of

emotion that were deeply ingrained in her heart.

"I... have no intention of keeping you in the palace or in the

position of empress. Because you are a woman who is
ahead of her time and leading the way."

Sian had been struggling for a long time.

If she accepts the proposal, Elena will become the Empress

and Mother of the Empire.

That means she'd be a member of the royal family.

The words were likely to be shackled by an invisible fence,

holding Elena back from what she was trying to do.

Sian, who truly loved and cared for Elena, felt the need for a
new position just for her.

Thus, Sian renewed a position unprecedented in history

despite opposition from the aristocracy.

First Lady.

Even though she would be a member of the imperial family.

Although she was a nobleman.

Nevertheless, capable of being representative of citizens.

Beyond a position of bondage and constraint, it was a

perfect match for her, the leader of enlightenment ahead of
her time.

"I promise not to get in the way of your expanding

ambitions."

"Your... Majesty."

Elena felt emotional.

Sian did not stop at simply expressing his cherished heart
and hoping to share it with her one day.

No less than their relationship, he felt a sincere desire to

protect her precious life so that it would not lose its light.

"Will you accept my proposal?"

Elena's eyes turned red when she saw Sian asking again.

She was surely crying, but the smile on her mouth was
happier than ever.

"Of course. It's no use backing out now."

Lovers and couples are different.

The more they knew each other, the more they were able to
overcome that time, which was much more difficult, and the
more they were able to take another step forward, a bond,
love, trust, was born between them.

Elena recovered from her past and found the courage to

start her marriage over again.

Elena held out her fair hand.

Sian grabbed the hand more carefully and put the ring in
the box on her ring finger.

It was as if he knew the size of her finger.

"Haha."

Only then did Sian smile as if he was relaxed. Then he

hugged her gently.
"I'm so happy that I feel like I'm going to fly away... There's
no way to express it."

Elena felt the warmth of Sian's chest as he held her.

As overwhelming as excitement, she felt comfortable and

stable... It was love and compassion for her who had lived a
near turbulent life.

"I love you, Elena."

Elena thought in his arms.

'I don't think His Majesty knows.'

From the moment they first saw each other until now.

Everything from the time Sian couldn't remember, to when

she was in so much pain she wanted to die.

"I love you more, Your Majesty."