Chapter 70

Adel was puzzled by Theseus's request for a private meeting, but she readily agreed to his request. Theseus sat opposite her and quietly looked at the Empress. Although it was an incredibly rude way to address the Empress, Adel did not show any sign of displeasure; instead, she took the opportunity to carefully observe him. A suffocating silence, like a thick fog, settled between them, but neither of them blinked. When she met the Empress, Theseus deeply understood why Lionel had been completely captivated by her. The Empress was like the sun; even if one closed their eyes, they could still feel its intense light, which instantly captivated the other person. Theseus's heart grew heavy.

"Please forgive my rudeness."

"If you have something to say to me, speak clearly. I like clarity."

After a moment of contemplation, Theseus hesitantly began to speak.

"The poison detection paper I gave you earlier is actually a secret item granted only to the direct lineage of the Baldur family. No matter how close one is, it is not something that is easily given to outsiders. Today, I presented it to Your Majesty on behalf of the Baldur family as a sign of trust."

Adel felt a moment of realization.

"Don't worry. I haven't told anyone about the poison detection paper I received from the Minister, and I will be careful in the future."

"It's not a problem. While it shouldn't be exposed carelessly, it's not something that should never fall into the hands of outsiders. However, the reason I brought this up is..."

Theseus trailed off, and Adel tilted her head in curiosity. But Theseus struggled to find the right words.

"Lord Baldur."

"I'm sorry. Um... What I mean to say is, even though Lord Baldur accepted the position of advisor for mutual benefit, if he did not have Your Majesty's trust, he probably would not have given the poison detection paper as a gift."

Adel maintained a gentle expression while keenly observing Theseus's true intentions.

"I am always indebted to the Minister and Lord Baldur. I also have a deep trust in the Minister."

"I am grateful for your words. However, the position of advisor is not permanent, is it? There will come a time when Your Majesty will no longer need an advisor."

"..."

"Even if Lord Baldur steps down from the position of advisor, the Baldur family will always do their best to support Your Majesty in every way. So, as Lionel's brother, I ask you, Your Majesty, to please protect his honor at the right time."

Theseus stood up and bowed deeply. The sincerity of a brother worried about his sibling was faintly visible through the thin veil. Adel was caught in a contradictory emotion, wanting to see it yet not wanting to. It should have been a simple matter to agree, but she found it difficult to utter a single word. Adel squeezed out her voice with all her strength.

"Of course. Don't worry."

But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't manage a smile.

* * *

After Theseus left, Adel remained seated on the sofa, lost in thought. The meaning of Theseus's indirect words was clear.

'Even if Lionel Baldur is no longer an advisor, the Baldur family will support Your Majesty, so please relieve him of his position at the right time, for his honor.'

But why did he come to her, rather than to Lionel, to say this? Adel got up and sat at her desk. She opened a drawer and took out a small, silver case. The woman's face reflected in the case was filled with worry. Adel took a deep, long breath and let her mind drift back to that night, when his face filled her vision, his usually composed eyes disheveled and focused on her. The straight forehead, the deep-set eyes, the sharp nose—she was involuntarily drawn to him as their breaths grew closer. What would have happened if she hadn't regained her composure and called out to him? Why did he look at her with that expression? Why did their eyes always meet when she turned her head? And why did she feel so elated thinking about him? Why did she give so much meaning to all of this? Adel sighed and closed her eyes. At that moment, Lady Gix, who had been waiting outside, quietly entered to announce another visitor.

"Your Majesty, the Advisor requests an audience."

Adel held her breath and quickly took out a mirror. After carefully examining her complexion, she returned to a composed demeanor and nodded. While Lady Gix was outside, Adel pushed the case back into the drawer. But before closing it, she hesitated and took the case out again. The sound of footsteps made her heart flutter. Adel took a deep breath, closed the drawer, and slowly lifted her head.

"..."

But her attempt to greet him casually was immediately frozen. He was smiling softly, looking at her with a tenderness in his long, curved eyes. Adel bit her lip lightly. Lionel greeted her with a charming smile.

"Your Majesty."

Adel looked down and quickly stood up, pressing down on her racing heart and tightening her grip on the case.

"Come in."

"Is something wrong?"

Lionel, sensing a subtle difference in Adel's demeanor, sat on the opposite sofa and carefully observed her. Her cheeks tingled under his cautious gaze. Adel closed her eyes tightly and shook her head.

"No. Nothing's wrong."

Adel opened her eyes and lifted her gaze. His dark blue eyes seemed filled with worry and concern. Adel spoke in a light tone.

"Lord Baldur and Lord Grand just left. They were telling me about the matters discussed at the council meeting. Come to think of it, why didn't you come with them?"

"I had some business to attend to at the residence. I heard that you will be attending the council meeting."

"Yes. I told them earlier that I want to bring up the issue of Calvin's barony at the next council meeting."

"I will prepare the relevant materials."

As Adel's demeanor and tone lightened, Lionel also smiled at her. Adel, who had been staring at him, tilted her head and asked.

"Why have you been smiling all this time?"

Lionel raised an eyebrow in response.

"Didn't you once say you didn't like it when I frowned all the time?"

"When did I say that?"

"You told me to stop frowning."

"I told you that frowning causes wrinkles. Don't change the subject. Why have you been smiling? Is something good happening?"

Lionel smiled and tilted his head.

"Do you dislike it when I smile?"

"Huh?"

Caught off guard by the question, Adel repeated it blankly. Lionel looked down, stroked his chin with his fingers, and then lifted his gaze. His eyes, like a stormy black night sea, seemed to be churning deep within. Adel was captivated by the unnamed emotion swirling in his eyes. She shook her head slightly in response to his silent demand for an answer.

"No."

As if waiting for that answer, Lionel's eyes curved, and his lips lifted into a smile. His curved eyes sparkled like stars, and his neat teeth were barely visible. Adel, entranced by his smile, unconsciously tightened her grip on the case, then remembered its presence. As she looked at the case, Lionel, following her gaze, noticed it.

"Oh, is that the one I gave you? It seems you had some testing to do."

"No, that's not it..."

Adel met Lionel's eyes.

"Lionel."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"You said this shouldn't be given to just anyone, right?"

Lionel, looking surprised, opened his eyes wide, which made Adel feel playful. She smiled and tilted her head.

"Lord Baldur said it's something that shouldn't be shown to outsiders easily."

"..."

"It's not a taboo."

"Really? Lord Baldur said he had to think hard before giving it as a gift."

"Did Lord Baldur give you the poison detection paper as a gift?"

"Yes. He asked me to use it discreetly. You should have told me not to use it conspicuously in front of others. What if I had used it carelessly in front of everyone?"

"Would you have accepted it if I had made it seem like a grand gift?"

"..."

"Anyway, the poison detection paper is something I manufacture within the family. If rumors spread or the poisons on the market change, the detection paper will be updated quickly, so there's no need to worry."

"..."

Adel scanned Lionel's composed face and said.

"Since Lord Baldur and Lord Grand advocated for my attendance at the council meeting, people will now associate me with the two ducal families."

Lionel, listening to Adel, froze. Swallowing hard, he braced himself for what she would say next. Adel, in a cruelly indifferent tone, continued.

"Lionel, I have already achieved what I wanted by having you as my advisor. I believe you have as well."

"..."

"Therefore, you can resign from your position as advisor at the right time."

Lionel felt a chill as if all the blood in his body had rushed to his feet. His breath felt cold, and a shiver ran through him. He wanted to hide his agitation but couldn't pretend to be unaffected. Lionel lowered his gaze and forced out his words.

"..."

"Why suddenly..."

"Everyone knows why you became an advisor. If you step down when your interests are satisfied, the loss of honor will not be so heavy."

'Honor.'

Lionel bit his lip hard. Her consideration felt like a cruel stab to his heart.

"Your Majesty has not yet achieved all your goals, has she?"

"..."

Lionel suddenly looked up at Adel. His eyes, red with emotion, seemed to devour her.

"The words 'this land is like hell' still echo in my ears."

"..."

"I have just taken my first steps and am about to tip the scales. I will stay by Your Majesty's side."

"..."

"Lionel."

"If you decide that I have achieved all your goals, then please command me to resign at that time."

Why are you doing so much for me? Adel's face slowly twisted.

* * *

Lionel fled the Empress's palace as if running away. The waves of emotion were so high that he couldn't even gauge his own expression and eyes, and he was helplessly swept away. His sharp mind had dulled in front of the Empress, and he repeatedly soared and fell with a single word and a glance. Standing alone on an empty street, Lionel bowed his head, buried in his own shadow. It took a long time for the turbulent emotions to subside. A cold autumn wind brushed against his cheeks. Lionel took a deep breath, hoping to cool his burning chest. He felt pathetic and pitiful for being so moved by a single word from the Empress. Lionel thought again.

'Is it wise to quit now? Will I regret it?'

As Theseus said, the end of this relationship is already determined. And the Empress, who has lived her entire life as a royal, values the dignity and honor of the royal family. So Lionel resolved to resolve his affection for the Empress into loyalty. There would be countless days when he would be swayed by a single word, but perhaps, over time, only loyalty would remain. 'Ah, I once adored such a noble person.' Perhaps one day he would recall it that way. Lionel was always someone who walked the path he wanted, even if it meant regret. However, his brother's distorted face kept coming to mind.

"It seems the time has come."

Lionel, with a determined look, straightened his shoulders and took a step forward.