The Popes expression looked strange, staring at many secret letters from various places at once.

The old pope couldnt even see the letters details, but he already could guess whats inside from the sender.

David what do you think? He wanted to ask for his trusted Paladins opinion before making his own judgment.

For the Pope, David was a perfect human being, as if he was sent to the world to prove Gods grace. The Pope believed his existence was proof of Gods incarnation.

Everyone has different wishes, but Your Holiness must certainly go to the Imperial Palace and do Gods will.

The Pope nodded at Davids steady voice as it was the same with his own thoughts.

However, the Pope didnt know whether he thought of it first or Davids pleasing voice. He was still a wise Pope, but at some point, his trust in his Paladin was beyond the realm of judgment.

Certainly, they didnt have their marriage certificate. Since I didnt make it clear that time.

But isnt it impossible to remarry without Your Holiness blessing?

No its not. The Pope spoke with a loud voice. Well, its hard to take sides.

You can postpone it.

Duke Metis, one of the Vaticans biggest patrons, not only opposed the Emperors remarriage, but he also sent a petition to clarify their divorces validity. But on the other hand, he couldnt rule out Duke Akshire and the Felice Kingdom, who also sent a different petition.

Above all, the Emperors opinion, the owner of this Empire, was so clear.

Lets pending the issue and see the situation yourself.

Actually, yes, Ill have to see it myself.

Which is worthy of Gods will, is the Your Holiness judgment.

Indeed, your words are correct, David.

David smiled faintly because it was his judgment, and he was always right. The Guardian couldnt be wrong. So now, he had to finish his remaining mission quickly.

Now, I will prepare a procession to leave for the Empire.

The Pope nodded, and David busily moved his steps as he couldnt wait any longer. If he let him be, soon, that stupid Emperor would have caused world destruction. In this time, he could be more extreme than before he used time magic.

Why humans always repeat their mistakes? David, who was left alone, muttered low. He could no longer use time magic. In other words, he had to decide everything now, to finish the knot that was already built by him.

Hes a dangerous man. He thought of Fabian.

An ominous dark eyes, the insight, and coldness that seemed beyond human beings. As evidenced by his ancestors blood, the whole Emperors bloodline was all out of the frame and humans limit.

David didnt want to listen to any excuses, and he couldnt accept anyone who broke the balance of the world. Thats why if possible, he avoided getting into a fight with Fabian.

This should be our last encounter.

David realized that he was helpless. In his long life, he never felt as incompetent as he is now. After using the magic of Forbidden Time, he had a faint result and lost most of his power.

Even when he called the Wyverns to expel Fabian from approaching Evelyn and Adrian, David was already weak. So he had no choice but to save the Emperors flesh, Adrian, and used the childs hard-earned hair to call the Devil Eyes.

Now you cant even control the demon, right. Really pathetic.

Again, he was laughing at his incompetence. Now there was nothing David could do from far away. He could only intervene in this matter by meeting Fabian, the descendant of the sinister emperor, in person.

But I must fulfill my duty. Davids violet eyes filled with willpower. He will defend his balance as always.

And once again, he would save this continent from the sea of blood.

***

On the day that the Pope left Saint Iretta, anxiety rose in the hearts of many people. No one expected that the Pope, who didnt give a clear answer, was coming directly to the Imperial Palace.

Duke Metiss blood seemed to have dried up, and only Fabian remained calm in this situation.

This is the first time Im happy to see that old man come.

Are you serious? Serus asked back with a shocked face.

Because anyway, my marriage is legal only after being inaugurated by that old man. So he better come here.

Fabian surprisingly welcomed his arrival. It seemed true that he had become more tolerant of everything since Evelyns return.

What if the Pope doesnt come at Your Majestys will?

As long as he shows up in front of me on his own feet, he will have to follow my will.

Oh I see.

Serus nodded at Fabians reasonable answer. Fabian didnt respect the Pope from the beginning, and in the worst-case scenario, he was motivated to get the answers he wanted, even by killing that old man.

Fabian would be in trouble if the Pope were hiding in Saint Iretta. But, as he came directly to the Imperial Palace, it was advantageous for Fabian, no matter which side he chose.

More than anything else, the Paladin in question also comes here. Fabian narrowed his eyes.

Yes. This time we have to see the ending.

Serus nodded. Their opponent was incomprehensible and a mysterious being. The more opponents like that, the more it would be at a disadvantage if they were dragged into the long-term battle.

This would probably be their last chance, and Fabian would try to get rid of the Paladin, no matter what.

Those who dare to target my sons life have no right to live any longer.

In Fabians eyes, Adrian was still too young, and he still had a long life. The way he protected his son was different from Evelyns, but they had the same feelings.

Adrian cant hurt anyone.

Sometimes, Fabian had the same thoughts as ordinary people. It was the parents instinct to draw a beautiful future for their children. A future where their children could laugh and play happily. And as parents, he would get rid of anything that hindered it.

So Ill see the end by killing him with this hand.

Still, Fabians conclusion was a bit different from ordinary people.

I think that would be best.

The guard Increase the number of guards in the Inner Palace, and escalate the security to the highest level.

Yes.

A mighty wind blew. Seeing dark clouds coming in the distance, it seemed like it was going to rain soon.

***

The rain and wind that had pored the Imperial Palace for several days suddenly disappeared, and the sky suddenly became clear as a lie.

The Empress Palace, which had always been empty, had a different look every day. Its glowing as if showing off that its owner had returned. It was the result of Evelyns strong will and Rebeccas behavior.

Youre like the Imperial Empress now, Rebecca said satisfactorily as she watched the Royal maids and the shimmering Empress.

Im still not the Empress now.

It doesnt matter. The important thing is that everyone thinks so.

Evelyn nodded at her wise statement. Rebecca was bringing her skill in managing the Akshire mansion to Empress Palace. It was a pity that such a talented woman was trapped in Perths family.

Thanks, Rebecca.

Its just the beginning.

Evelyn agreed with that. It was not enough to trim the Palace in a couple of days. They only had minimal preparation. It was also a preparation time to meet their enemies and let the world knew who had the authority.

Here, the invitations are ready. And this is the list. Rebecca handed over a long list.

The names of Empress Dowager and Lady Stella were at the top. Below them were the names of noble wives and ladies who had an influence on Imperial society.

I had discussed the seating arrangement and detailed tea sets with the maid.

Thats enough, then.

Evelyn checked her list and handed it to the maid beside her. Looks like this was the first time she had been so busy since her newlywed days. Besides, now there was another creature she needed to take care of.

She walked quickly to the room where Adrian was. Sir Philip had finished Adrians treatment just in time. The old doctor saw Evelyn and gave her an example that only he did to the Empress.

PrincessI see you.

Sir Philip, thank you for always working hard, Evelyn replied gracefully. I want to know more about Adrians condition. She pointed at Adrian with her eyes. He was a child who acted childish in Noras arms.

His progress is good.

Gladly, Philips face looked bright when he said so. Naturally, a joy spread in Evelyns heart as well.

The detoxification is still in progress, but if theres no big problem, he will fully recover soon.

What if theres a big problem?

It would be a problem if he is infected by another poison. Detoxification would be ten times more difficult if the amount of poison in his body increased But it wont happen as hes in the Imperial Palace. So you dont have to worry about this. explained Philip.

Oh, I see.

Fabian deployed a large number of knights to guard the Empress Palace. There were many things to keep an eye on, but he also sent his Black Hawk to protect them in secret. The security level was so tightly maintained that it was looked like a watertight Palace.

What about other problems other than poison?

Another problem . Sir Philip looked puzzled.

What I asked you before.

Oh, the Princes development Yes, Ive been watching him, but theres no big problem.

Philip was a little embarrassed by that question. Evelyn sighed briefly as if she had already expected, But he still has a small problem, doesnt he?

a little.

With an honest heart, Sir Philip told Evelyn the truth. Adrian grew smarter and stronger than other children his age. However, at the Imperial Familys level, his etiquette knowledge was almost like a blank paper.

It was too impolite to call the Emperor Jimoo, even though Fabian had allowed him to do so.

Sir Philip, Im sorry to keep asking you. Because I have no one else to ask for help.

To me This old man That energetic Prince Oh no. I cant. Philip shook his head quickly. His sweat poured out, just looking at Adrian. How could he teach that child an etiquette?

But I can introduce you to my disciple, who has received the title as a sage, added Philip.

I dont like having new people around me, but.

Hes not a new person.

Philip glanced his eyes at his assistant holding a bag. The assistant seemed he didnt know anything. But clearly, thats not a new face.

Hans, Philip called him.

Yes? The young man, who had vowed to study science all his life, replied naively.

Philip began to serve Fabian at his age. He suddenly felt a little sorry for his assistant as Philip recalled the hardships in his youth.

Introduce yourself to the Princess as the Crown Princes etiquette teacher.

Yes? Well, Im Hans Tylen, the second son of Count Tylen. I apologize for my late greeting to the Princess.

Unlike his sheepish face, his polite words flowed out of Hanss mouth naturally.

Indeed, it was a fact that a sage wouldnt accept any disciples. In fact, Hans was Philips chief disciple, and he was specially qualified to go to the Palace as his assistant.

When Philip died, Hans would have taken over his role. So naturally, hed stand by Adrian. However, he didnt expect the time came a little early.

Sir Hans. Evelyn saw a young man with a mix of expectations and worries.

Yes, Princess.

Ill tell you in advance, by Imperial standards, Adrian is a very spoiled child. Well, youve seen him often during the treatment, so you know him well.

Yes.

Hans didnt deny it and his answer reassured Evelyn.

Only

An honest person was better than a person who used to praise anything. She knew that such people were rare in the Imperil Palace, so it would make them more precious.

Not because hes my child, but Adrian also very smart. Thats why he learns everything very well, said Evelyn.

Ill do my best once I start.

Become the best teacher for a young Prince. Evelyns request ignited Hanss enthusiasm for more remarkable achievement.

Please take good care of him.

The day for Adrian to graduate from Jimoo was approaching. No one could predict how intense the teaching process would be.

However, Evelyn believed in Adrian. Arthurs rough and fiery upbringing shaped his behavior like that. But he was Fabians son, not someone else. From the fact itself, Evelyn had nothing to worry about