Although Fabian was frustrated that he couldnt go to the Empresss Palace often because he had to do his official pile of work postponed, Evelyn checked Adrians sleeping condition. She toured around every corner of her Palace, which she had long left behind.

Nora, please call Rebecca, Evelyn said, after confirming everything was perfect.

Soon, Rebecca came into the living room with a happy face. She was worried about their reunion, but Rebecca was relieved when she watched it through her own eyes.

Princess, did you call me? Oh, I was about to forget a gift.

Gift? Evelyn asked in wonder, but Rebecca nodded excitedly, Nora, bring her.

Ive been waiting.

Before Evelyns still puzzled expression disappeared, she saw a little girl shyly come in and giving an example.

Lily!

Princess I asked Lady Rebecca and came here to meet you.

Evelyn hugged Lily, who cried out for joy. She wanted Lily to stay in the Palace with her, but she couldnt say it because she was sorry for her. But now, when she came to her first, Evelyn was more than satisfied. Why didnt you tell me if youve arrived?

That I wanted to regain my status as a palace-maid first. I wanted to see you like this. said Lily with tearful eyes.

When Evelyn looked at her, she saw a blue ribbon on Lilys hair. It was an indication of the status granted to the Empress high-ranking maids and servants.

Because this Palace hasnt changed, I should look the same.

Evelyn laughed as she looked at Lilys smile. No words were needed, as they both spent a long time together. So, four people gathered together to have a warm afternoon tea time. To celebrate a new beginning of the Empress Palace.

I have a lot to say to everyone.

The rest nodded at Evelyns words. Actually, they were waiting for Evelyn to bring it up.

She took something out of her arms and showed it to them. It was a ring, engraved with the Empresss seal.

Unlike Nora, who had already seen that ring, Rebecca couldnt hide her relieved smile, while Lily couldnt conceal her delighted face.

Thats perfect.

Rebecca said something meaningful. Even if the Emperor said that he would reappoint Evelyn, an Empress again, he couldnt guarantee her future without giving her substantial power.

Your Majesty said he wouldnt have to wait for remarriage to give me this seal, said Evelyn, recalling her conversation with Fabian.

Thats a brilliant idea.

I took it because I thought it would be useful, too. Im not alone anymore. I have to protect Adrian.

Yes, thats right.

Fabian now also had affirmed Evelyns ambiguous status as the Princes birth mother. That title gave more power that was much stronger than her previous Empress status. Now, Evelyn had a double title, as the Crown princes birth mother and the next Empress.

Tonight, when the edict is promulgated I will be the next Empress, Evelyn said calmly. And, His Majesty said that he would give me full authority over my Palace considering my status.

Hoo I feel good about everything. Rebeccas honest thoughts made everyone laugh. Of course, youre going to use it, arent you?

Yes. Because His Majesty gave the authority to do so despite opposition.

At least, now, Evelyn wouldnt wear a vague-Empress-coffin as meaninglessly as before.

Even if theres a rebound, it can be justified. The Empress Dowager has lived in the Southern Palace for a long time but has never taken care of the Inner Palace at all, said Rebecca.

Rebecca was right. Initially, Fabians mother had to take care of the Inner Palace when Evelyn wasnt here. But Monica never fulfilled her duties. Thats why, even if she lived in the same Palace as Evelyn now, she didnt have the right to protest.

His Majesty said he would overcome any backlash, but I also have work to do.

Ok. Its the womens job.

The second thing is if I say I can do better Am I too arrogant? asked Evelyn with a faint smile. Youll do well, Rebecca spoke sincerely in response.

Princess, if its the current you, you can do well enough.

But not alone. Evelyns blue eyes pointed at Rebecca. Its a selfish request, but I still need help from Rebecca and everyone.

Ill be sad if you dont need me.

Then, Rebecca. May I use my authority to appoint you as the chief maid of my Palace instead of the Countess?

The Palace chief maid had been owned by a noblewoman from generation to generation. Previously, Evelyn had no chance or ambition to choose it, but it was different now.

I have the confidence to do better than my predecessors, said Rebecca confidently.

Good.

By the way, Im not a noble wife right now. Would it be fine? Rebecca maybe had a playful attitude, but she wanted to make sure everything was clear.

Evelyn shrugged her shoulder, Im not an Empress now, either. She decided not to care about trivial things anymore as she didnt want to waste time by being stuck in detailed etiquette and rules.

Now that I have the full authority of Inner Palace, its my job to serve our guests.

Ah I see.

Now in Inner Palace, there were Empress Dowager and Stella. It was initially important to make it explicit that Stella, who had initially entered the Palace to become an Empress, had been downgraded to being a guest.

If youre going to entertain a guest anyway, why dont you call the other ladies and wives? Rebeccas green eyes shone brightly. It was clear to Evelyn that Rebecca was already planning to take revenge.

Its a good idea. Ill repeal Lady Satins punishment, so please tell her to participate.

Leave it to me. I wont leave anyone out. Rebecca gave a confident smile. Evelyn was very relieved to see that she had found the right person.

Now, Evelyn was taking back her own things one by one.

***

That evening, at the same time as the Imperial Bell rang, a new edict was issued.

It was only this morning that she received the news that Evelyn had returned to the Empress Palace. Before she even accepted it, Stella was being told another thing: Evelyn already had the full authority of Inner Palace.

Really Is it okay? Stella stared anxiously at her aunt.

Although Monica tried to calm her down, no matter how persistent her fathers wishes were, this situation was totally unfavorable to her in Stellas eyes.

At this rate, shell be the Empress tomorrow.

Yeah, maybe. Monica spat carelessly.

What?

Monica glanced at Stellas crumpled face, biting her long pipe. I dont know His Majestys way of thinking. In the first place I didnt even know there was such a way.

As she knew, Fabian had never been obsessed with anything, whether items or people. He was a cold, dry man who never gave his attachment to some object.

It was the same to his Emperor-father, and even his biological mother, Monica, was no exception. So she was surprised when Fabian was obviously obsessed with Evelyn.

Well, what should we do? asked Stella.

I dont knowThe opponent will move soon anyway.

Suddenly, Stellas heart burned more because her aunt was so calm and relaxed. Then Didnt you say she couldnt adjust to Imperial life? Shall we meet her now?

Hmm. Monica was lost in thought for a moment, spewing smoke. It reminded her of the time when she was the owner of the Empress Palace.

Now, to move forward There is no choice but to break through head-on. Even if you were in my position, you would make the same choice. said Stella.

Looking at her, Monica imagined the expression of her brother, Duke Metis, and it made her laugh.

I really dont understand. She left because she didnt like him, so why is she now coming back and trying to become an Empress again?

Its different from before. The same goes for me. I never ruled my Palace because I wanted to. Monica said calmly. She was originally a girl who didnt like to come forward, loved to daydream and decorate little things.

However, Monicas family and her fathers will was different. What she realized was that she had to use her own power to defend herself.

Well, the former Empress is from a noble family. Shes a Kingdom Princess, and no noble wives dare to mock her status , muttered Stella in a low voice.

In front of her, they wont. You, too, you also have no choice but to smile when Princess Evelyn calls you right away. Or you choose to show your modest pride and act like a dog that lost the fight?

No, I cant do that

If you know, dont get into a fight of small things, but stay back. Monica crawled out of her annoying niece. But Stella wasnt wrong as it was definitely different from their original plan. But now, they couldnt predict what choice Fabian would make now.

If he was the son, she had known all along. Fabian would hand over his own son, who was now his successor to Duchess Perth, to be raised.

I really dont know the mens thoughts in this Imperial family.

The autumn night was quite chilly. Monica already missed her warm Southern Palace.

Somehow, her purpose was a little different from his older brother, Duke Metis. No, from the start, their mindset was already very different.

For Monica, who had already enjoyed everything when she was an Empress, it was the best choice right now to get out of these complicated battles and lived peacefully in a separate Palace.

Sarah.

At her low call, the maid appeared quietly and bowed politely. When Monica was married, Sara was an entourage maid brought from the Duke. Until now, she was also a person who shared almost her life by Monicas side.

How I can get back to my warm Palace as soon as possibleI think we should think about it.

Well, you cant use the Duke Metis men, then. Sarah, indeed, knew Monica very well. Lets find Sir Serus.

In case that would be nice. Monica smiled faintly. Sagan didnt know, but the Empress Dowager presence was a big variable. Unless if they had the same purpose, there were no rules to cooperate with her own family.

Perhaps, that child has changed.

Do you mean..His Majesty?

No, the former empress.

Sarah had a curious look on her face. She had seen Evelyn herself as well. But her impression of her was faint except that she was a beauty. There was no sense of dignity as the Imperial Empress.

When you have a child, you will feel different. Monica had experienced it herself. Even if you live aimlessly, you suddenly draw a future for your child to grow up.

It was a story from a long time ago when Fabian was born.

Once you have a child, everything changes. Cause you definitely want to survive. Monica squinted her eyes, remembering the past. A Feeling that Sarah, who was childless, couldnt understand.

But one thing that Sarah knew, Monica never treated her son affectionately.

And you want to give your child a better future. To do that, you need the power you dont wish and make compromises with the world.

Well, I see.

No one else knew, but Sarah was.

Monicas expression was from the side, looking at Fabian breastfeeding in his nannys arms. Also, when she persuaded the Emperor several times, Fabian wasnt raised by the Metis family. And when she secretly left, holding Fabian to meet the Duchess Perth, and asked that woman to raise him.

Sarah remembered all of them and agreed.

Only

But His Majesty doesnt know anything. She added sadly. But Monica looked fine. There were no parents in this world who gave birth to their children, hoping to get a reward. No matter how noble their status, the feeling was the same.

Im curious about how she has changed.

You mean the former Empress?

Monica nodded.

What if she has changed?

Well, maybe Ill change my side a little bit, Monica gave a vague smile, putting down her long pipe. I just need to go back to the Southern Palace anyway.

Sarah asked nothing more. She bowed her head, following Monicas will