It was exactly only after an hour and twenty-five minutes later that the Queen was allowed to step inside Kalcions room.

This was because Selena, who was used to having naps frequently, only opened her eyes after that much time passed.

I must be out of my mind!

Having realized that as soon as she woke up, she shouted.

Since the Queen rushed into the patients residence, she should at least observe the virtue of patience and wait for the patient to open his/her eyes.

Why are you so shameless when youre not even a patient?

Its an act.

Wow.

Selena stood up in a hurry, dumbfounded. She hurriedly tried to fix her appearance while looking at the mirror, but it did not make any difference.

Ughhh, what do I do? I slept so soundly that my face looks swollen. What do I do with my hair? My hair! Whats more, my dress is wrinkled.

You look the same as usual. You need not worry.

Oh my gosh, how is this fine? Forget it, I asked the wrong person.

She wasnt joking. However, she couldnt afford to be the director of their act now. She had made the Queen wait long enough.

She had no choice but to apply water to get rid of flyaway strands and roughly fix her hair. She then sat down on a chair next to the bed.

Im ready.

Let her in.

At the command of Kalcion, the servant bowed his head and stepped out of the room. Soon after, the door opened and two women entered the room.

?!

Selena was surprised.

Both the Queen and the Princess?!

The other guest they had was a young girl.

Since Kalcion said she was similar in age to the Crown Prince, she was under the impression that the Queen was as old as Selenas mother and that the Princess was slightly younger than her.

However, the Queen looked a few years younger than expected, and the hesitant girl behind her seemed to be much less than in her mid-twenties.

As if she had just entered puberty, her face and forehead was covered in acne marks. Anyone could see that she had just entered her teen years.

Shes the Princess who wants to marry Kalcion? There isnt another Princess, is there?

In no way was she a match beside Kalcion. If she was any younger, she would have looked like his daughter.

..No way, no way, no way.

She was at a loss for words at what seems to be common in this world.

Queen Mariah, with bold red lips, approached with a smile while fluttering her eyelashes.

Duke. I came as fast as I could upon knowing that he wasnt feeling well But he doesnt seem so sick though?

Selena was taken aback again, in many ways possible.

Shouldnt it have been what happened to you instead? Did she just openly say what she genuinely thought?

Her young appearance and lively tone convinced her that she was indeed young in age.

I knew she was the second wife of the Emperor.. but shes so young!

It was difficult for her to discern the Queens age difference with the Emperor, but it was even more difficult for her to accept the fact that she had a daughter, who was now a teenager.

The Queen seemed one or two years older than Selena, but if she had a teenage daughter, wouldnt it seem as though she gave birth during her teenage years?

What the hell is the king doing?

Selenas mind, which suddenly became tired of this worlds chaotic moral notions, decided to go on a strike, but that only lasted for a while.

Ah, so the Duke avoided it because he felt uncomfortable with the girl he came with?

However, the Queen with her bright criticism had no time to waste.

Selena blankly glanced back at the Queen. When their eyes met, the Queen smiled brightly, her feelings perfectly concealed. No, she wasnt hiding it. It didnt seem she had any towards her in the first place.

Your Majesty, Your Highness. Forgive me for not welcoming you properly.

Despite Kalcions insincere greeting, which seemed as if he were reading a line from a book, the Queen showed no sign of disappointment.

I forgive you. It was my mistake to rush in here without an invitation even though you were sick. I never knew youd decline my invitation with the excuse of being sick, which shows that I only rushed in here because I was worried about your well-being. Im glad theres no issue with it, though.

She answered in an incredibly honest manner.

Selena couldnt figure out whether or not her answer was genuine. She has yet to find clues so far, so it was difficult for her to figure out the Queen.

She seemed easy, but was actually difficult to understand.

Your Majesty. My name is Selena.

Selena greeted the Queen.

The Queen looked at her face directly and smiled.

The Duke doesnt seem to be the type whod always bring a lady from Renbird with him to the Capital. Amazing. Ive never seen a beauty as pretty as you in my life.

Thank you.

Since she hasnt decided on how shed treat her, she kept her reply as short as she could. Then, the Queen folded her eyelids and chuckled.

Do not be so cautious. Someone as beautiful as you has the right to spend time with the Duke before his marriage is fixed. I dont plan on ending your life, so dont worry.

.I beg your pardon.?

Each word that came from the Queens mouth directly made Selenas head throb in pain.

More importantly, she implied that she had the authority to kill her. It wasnt so polite to mention her control over her life as soon as they met.

Does she have something to do with Irelles death?

She came back to her senses.

Marriage? What marriage?

She could not hide her curiosity.

Wouldnt the Duke get married someday? I wish for him to marry my Jerryel the most.

At the Queens words, Princess Jerryel blushed and lowered her head.

At the age she was in, it was common for anyone to feel shy around someone they liked. How embarrassing would it be to hear about their own marriage in front of them?

Whether or not the Princess was embarrassed, the Queen was as confident as a fait accompli.

Im going to stay beside the Duke forever.

Yes, it may be because of your burning love. Does the Duke feel the same?

Her question was suddenly turned to Kalcion.

I wish to wait and see. I dont intend to let her wander off and marry anyone else.

It wasnt an answer that deserves full points, but its at least worth fifty points.

No one can know how the other feels.

Im sure of what I feel.

The Queen laughed cheerfully at Kalcions firm reply.

Everything in the world doesnt comply with the hearts desires. Did you say your name was Selena? Dont hold faith in what your heart wants.

I do not. Im trying my best to hang on.

It wasnt an appropriate remark to say in front of the Queen, but the Queen showed no interest. Instead, her face had a rather comfortable expression.

Love and marriage are two different aspects. Marriage is a matter handled between adults.

In that case, the Princess seems way too young.

You can be considered an adult even if youre young. I myself have been in such a place.

What about the Princess?

Princess likes it, too. Jerryel, you want to marry the Duke, do you not?

Princess Jerryels face, who received the gazes of the three adults in an instant, turned red.

If I was in her place, I wouldve denied it even if I liked him.

Selena laughed inwardly at the Queens recklessness.

However, even in the midst of the tension, Princess Jerryels head nodded in agreement.

..Yes.

..What?

Selena was puzzled at the Princess response.

She expected the Princess to hate the idea of political marriage. Was this prejudice, too?

Princess, think carefully. I dont know how old the Princess is, but the Duke is almost twice as old as her. Does that not trouble you at all?

Not at all.. Im quite fine with it.

The Princess seemed timid, but she was able to state her opinion clearly. For that reason, Selena was stunned once again.

Do you really like him? If so, what is it that you like about him?

Selena was so stunned that she forgot the Queen and Kalcion was also present in the room.

That scary old man, who is twice as old as the Princess, speaks bluntly, and doesnt have a clue of what he does when he loses his temper? To make matters worse, he doesnt even know the true meaning of love. That being the case, even if the Princess gets married to him, I bet hell only leave you alone until you die of old age.

Upon hearing my words, it was not Kalcion, but the Princess who was furious.

But.. hes handsome.

And the Duke is not old, its me who is young. The Duke isnt even married yet.

The Princess, without doubt, was hooked on Kalcion. Selena knew better than anyone how intensely a teenager felt during the blossoming period of their life. After all, she, as a celebrity, had experienced the craziness of teenage fans firsthand more clearly than anyone else.

They would have been easier for her to handle if it had been an older queen and a poignant princess, but this Queen who has survived a garden full of poisonous herbs and her fearless teenage daughter were too overwhelming.

Does the Duke like the Princess?

Urk.. Hell like me soon.

I can tell from her voice that she had no confidence. From her expression, on the other hand, it seemed that she had already been rejected by Kalcion numerous times.

The Duke likes me, so it wont happen soon.

When I grow up, I will be prettier than you. Even now, Im already wealthier than you! My status is higher, too.

She was childish. Of course, it was sad that most people in this world have the same childish attitude as her. At least, Kalcion was an exception.

I dont think thats the reason the Duke likes me.

..What? Then why would he like you? What else do you have other than your beauty?

He thought its you! the moment he saw me.

Because youre pretty.

No. Aside from that, he felt something else. Youd feel it too if a person is the right one for you. Like fate. Yes, something like that.

Is it true, Duke?

The Princess turned her head to face Kalcion with a shocked expression.

When he met her eyes, Kalcions face hardened, and he nodded his head.

No, you have to say it. When you saw her, did you think its you!?

Selena clenched her fists in a way that Kalcion would notice.

Say it!

Was he going to repeat the same mistake he did at Dunfel?

Unable to take his eyes off Selena, who was staring at him intently, Kalcion opened his lips.