Chapter 68

It had been a long time since Lilith faced such a difficult problem, but the time it took her to reach a conclusion was just a moment.

"Indeed, based on my experience in Freud, I did offer some suggestions for this policy, but ultimately, it was the Emperor who decided on the final plan. Of course, I don't deny that my knowledge of Shana's production method was the trigger. And regarding my health, it's quite complicated. I might seem energetic, but in reality, I feel good only when I'm in good health. If I push myself even a little, I end up bedridden. Does this answer your question?"

"...I understand."

It was a cautious and safe response, but Hans must have had his own thoughts, yet he accepted it sincerely.

Of course, there was no way he could reveal the secrets about Toyzen, which he hadn't even told Jesarde. Hans probably had some idea about Lilith's secrets, but he must have expected them to some extent.

The tense atmosphere began to ease, and Lilith let out a sigh of relief at that moment—

"Hey! Just standing there silently, you've been incredibly rude to Lady Lilith all this time!"

Rase's rare angry voice echoed in the room. It seemed she had been growing increasingly angry at Hans's attitude and had finally reached her limit. Approaching with quick steps, Rase pointed her finger at Hans. However, Hans gave her a wink.

"You're right, Rase."

Hans, who had answered, turned to Lilith and suddenly knelt, bowing his head.

"H, Hans?"

"I—no, I must apologize to Her Highness the Empress."

"Apologize?"

"Yes. To be honest, I had been underestimating Her Highness. I apologize for my rudeness. I am truly sorry."

"Huh?"

Confused, Lilith let out a puzzled voice. Hans's sudden action left Rase and Edgar equally bewildered. As the three of them stared in shock, Hans, still kneeling, raised his head and smiled wryly.

"Wasn't it written in my resume? The reason I left home was because I refused to marry into a certain noble family."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. It seems even Her Highness didn't know this. My father must have covered it up. I was already disliked by my parents as an unworthy son, and when I left home, I was harshly scolded for bringing shame to the family."

"That's... "

"No, it's mutual, so I don't blame my parents. At the time, I detested the upper class. Moreover, the young lady I was engaged to was extremely selfish and had a terrible temper, often hitting the servants. I was hit many times as well."

"Really? You mean... "

"My experience with so-called noble women was always like that. My mother was also cold to the servants. I just couldn't adapt to that world... Even so, when I told my parents I didn't want to marry that young lady, they said, 'There's no better match for a useless third son like you. Even if you're beaten or mistreated, you must endure until a legitimate heir is born.' That's why I left home."

"That's... "

Hearing Hans's confession, Lilith finally understood. Even if one spends years in the common world, one's upbringing often shows in one's manners, but not in Hans's case. For him, his past was his true black history.

"If that's the case, why did you suddenly change your attitude? I am someone from the class you dislike, right?"

"As I said earlier, I had already made up my mind about Her Highness before meeting her. I thought she was just a spoiled princess who was meddling in this project for amusement. What I didn't understand was why Her Highness allowed it. To me, Her Highness is not the cruel and ruthless person people say she is. That's evident from the country's development. I wanted to know the reason, so I treated Her Highness rudely from the start. But as I got to know Her Highness, I realized my assumptions were wrong. It was arrogant of me to look down on all noble women. Not everyone is the same. Rase, you ignore me simply because you're not interested, not because you look down on me as a potter, right?"

"Uh? W, well, I... "

Caught off guard, Rase stumbled over her words. Hans, looking at her kindly, was the epitome of a gentleman.

"I understand, Hans. Can you please stand up now? It's just the four of us here, so you can be yourself."

Lilith bent down and took Hans's hand, helping him to his feet. She then looked up at him, now at eye level, and smiled mischievously.

"I don't really like being treated with such formality or giving orders. But that's my position. Still, I don't intend to just enjoy it. I am who I am. My wish is for everyone to be happy. I don't expect to make everyone in the world happy, but I want to make those within my reach happy. This project is a step towards that. I want to be useful. So, Edgar, when no one is around, you don't have to be so formal either."

"No, that's... "

"Well, I'm not forcing you. —So, have we resolved our doubts, both of you?"

"...Yeah."

"—Yes."

Hans, with a wry smile, had returned to his usual tone. Edgar, with some hesitation, nodded in response to Lilith's question.

"Then, let's move on to the final firing to create new specialty products for Toyzen and revitalize the town of Bunmini. Hans, can you take care of it?"

"Got it."

Finally back to his usual self, Lilith promised to come again the next day and left the scene. She then returned to the inn with the waiting knights and told Frederick, who couldn't accompany her, about the day's events.

"Hmm. That's a shame. I wish I had been there."

"Yes, I think it would have been more fun with Mr. Fu. So, how was Mr. Fu? I heard you met an old friend?"

"It was indeed a long time, but he was just an acquaintance. I hadn't seen him in about twenty years, and I didn't expect him to come all the way here. He seems to have found out where I was from a disciple in the palace. But he hasn't changed much, which is quite disappointing."

"Oh, disappointing that he hasn't changed?"

"Yes, very disappointing."

Lilith chuckled at Frederick's clear nod. Frederick was unrelenting with everyone.

"But still, Mr. Fu... an acquaintance, right? To think he can come and go in the palace..."

"He has always been a smooth talker and cunning. It seems he has managed to secure a position in the Fontae Kingdom."

"Fontae?"

"Yes. He was part of the delegation that met with the Emperor and the Crown Prince. Instead of returning with the other members, he made a detour to Toyzen just to see this old man, without considering my inconvenience. He said he would leave tomorrow, which is a relief."

Frederick sighed and grumbled, but Lilith thought he might not have been entirely displeased. Meeting an old acquaintance must have brought back some fond memories.

After Frederick left her room, Lilith had an early dinner and went to bed, falling asleep quickly. She must have been quite tired. However, when she woke up next, it was very early in the morning.