Late in the night, Fabian was greeted with an amazing story when he came to the Empresss palace.

It was odd until her mother came here to meet Evelyn and talked about a shocking topic that he never thought about before.

So Empress Dowager is sure that Duke Metis will give up if she marries Stella into another family. Despite many other young women, what Duke Metis wants is for his own daughter becomes the Empress. Evelyn slowly explained, looking at Fabians hardened face.

So far, you understand, right? she asked. Right now, the only marriage partner that fits Lady Metis status is Duke Perth. After all, the Duke is single now.

Single? Rightfor now. Fabian nodded even there was a part he still didnt understand.

Monica wasnt the only one who didnt know Fabian. Vice versa, Fabian also couldnt really figure out what his mother was thinking about.

no, that doesnt make sense. Duke Perth wont agree. If it can be solved that way, Empress Dowager wouldnt have to come here.

Fabians got the point. However, Evelyn had to finish conveying his mothers words.

Theyre a match made in heaven.

Huh? What?

The Empress knows their characters well, and it looks like theyre soul mates to each other.

Ha Fabian spilled his tea, laughing. Hearing what kind of match-making his mother was doing right now, he couldnt believe it. Really, I dont understand.

I dont understand either. But, all we have to do now is cooperate with her. And the Empress also wants to save the Metis family.

So if her family doesnt bother me anymore, she wants me not to let go of her family?

Maybe.

Fabian didnt know whether it was a deal or a negotiation. But for the time being, his mothers plans were out of the ordinary. He then heaved a low sigh. What the hell is wrong with her?

I dont think she has bad intentions.

As Evelyn had said the same thing as before. Fabian looked at her blue eyes full of kindness, Not everyone in the world is as innocent as you.

Im not that naive either.

Evelyn recalled the Empresss eyes. She wanted to give credence to that feeling. It was only a brief moment, but they felt the same way about their sons future.

If theres no need for bloodshed .. If theres another way, wouldnt the Metis Family and Imperial Family relations be more peaceful? Evelyn whispered.

Wow, you have a deep thought. I cant believe, right now, you even thought of a Duke, who is encouraging his daughter to be an Empress candidate.

Its not like that. Im more concerned with Your Majesty than the Duke.

Fabian looked a little astonished at her, and Evelyn also seemed surprised at what she just said. That was quite a bold remarks that she wouldnt dare to say in ordinary times. Its like saying that Fabian was wrong to kill her mothers family.

.Fine. Fabian, who had been thinking for a while, unexpectedly accepted it without a hitch. If possible, I also dont want to see a bloodbath.

A faint smile emerged on Evelyns lips. She was scared at first when Empress Dowager asked her to help forward her request to Fabian. But now Evelyn was relieved that Fabian was accepting Evelyns words as they were.

The Empress said Ive changed a little, Evelyn recalled her memory. And I think your mother has changed a little, too.

I still dont know whats going on with her.

Your Majesty has changed too, havent we all changed little by little?

The line connecting the dots between people could change at any time. Evelyn hoped that one more warm line of ties to Fabian would increase.

Next time, if I have a chance, I want to show Adrian to her.

Fabian flinched his eyebrows but said no rejection.

She will be happy.

I dont think so.

No, Im sure shell be happy because Adrian resembles Your Majesty in childhood.

The little figure of Fabian that Evelyn didnt know. However, it would be an unforgettable memory for Monica. Even though they both deny each other, a mother must have memories of her child.

The Empress doesnt know about my childhood Fabian rested his head on Evelyns lap as if he didnt like hearing stories about his mother. Then he slowly closed his eyes, pretending to be fine.

It cant bemaybe not right now, but if you have a chanceYour Majesty, please show Adrian to the Empress. Evelyn whispered, but Fabian only held Evelyns hand tightly and didnt say anything.

Your Majesty, sooner or later, you cannot avoid this.

Evelyn could only grin wryly as Fabian pretended to turn his head without a word and twisted back again. He reluctantly opened his mouth, even after Evelyn smiled warmly at him.

Fine, if I have a chance.

Only then did Evelyn chuckle as everything was changing in a good direction little by little.

It was a nice day that couldnt last forever.

***

Sagan eventually ordered the disbandment of his army. Rage and resentment, he didnt know which one he felt was greater at the moment. What was certain, everything was going wrong right now.

That greedy sly fox he betrayed Metis only for his territory?

The feelings of betrayal erupted as he recalled the Pope, who nodded calmly at the congress.

It wasnt a matter of a single piece of land. But Sagan had already lost the battle when the Pope had taken all factors into account and decided to support the Emperor.

And now, the Vatican Paladin is here to see me.

Without understanding why Sagan was informed that David had come to his residence by himself late at night.

Did he come to deceive me?

Duke, calm down. You still have a secret agreement with the Vatican. Gale said cautiously, but Sagans serene temper didnt last long.

Secrets remain secret. If he breaks a promise that no one knows, who can blame him?

Since Sagan had a great political instinct, trust or commitment wasnt in his political dictionary.

From the beginning, that old man didnt care who became the Imperial successor. What he prioritized was Saint Irettas behalf! BangHis fist hit the table roughly.

Then, shall I send him back?

Sagan tried to find a reason for Gales question. Actually, he still had room for negotiation. Wait lets hear what he wants.

Ill bring him.

After Gale had said so, soon, David appeared in his living room.

Sagan stared at him without a word, remembering the Popes actions in congress today were tantamount to a betrayal of Metis.

I didnt come here to be an outlet for your anger. David opened his mouth, looking as calm as usual in front of the angry Sagan.

Do you want me to trust the Vatican after what happened at the congress today?

You dont have to believe us.

As Davids tranquil voice rang low, Sagan shouldnt act carelessly. What would Metis rely on if he shook off the Vaticans hand now? Meanwhile, its beyond his prediction that Duke Akshire would appear and set up a new faction in congress against him.

But I dont want you to misunderstand.

Misunderstanding? Was the Popes betrayal today a misunderstanding?

David stared at Sagan with his purple eyes, Did you forget what I told you earlier?

If he thought about it, David never lied to him. The only thing he promised was the death of the Emperors heir, Adrian. After that, he would send Evelyn back to her homeland and choose a new Empress as he wished.

I want to confirm your promise again. As you can see, the Vatican entourage has entered the palace. But do you have access to that little Prince? asked Sagan.

Breaking through Fabians surveillance wasnt effortless. Sagan had already mobilized all the spies he had cultivated in the Imperial family over the years. Still, they couldnt even figure out what the little Princes snack was.

When did I ever say I would meet the Prince in person?

Sagan emphasized his words meaning; first, his long experience of living in a political frenzy made him always be careful.

I cant get close to the Prince, anyway. His Majesty is a cautious person, even he also suspects me, the Vatican Paladin.

So what are you going to do? asked Sagan, who couldnt contain his frustration and had yet to find a definite answer why David wanted to kill Adrian so badly.

Ive prepared the means. What I need now is your help, Duke.

So what can I do? Didnt you say you were going to do something?

Theres no other way, anyway. As long as Adrian was still alive, Metiss blood couldnt coagulate in the Imperial family, considering that they always only had one heir.

OneTheres one person who has access to the Prince, and hes very close to you, Duke, said David.

Sagan frowned at his mysterious remark. But soon, he dawned, as one person came to his mind.

No way.

Sagans voice trembled slightly when David took a small ceramic bottle out of his cloak and put it down on the table, Its an ordinary perfume. It will suit a noblewoman.

You dont have to fool me. Sagan glared at David when he learned what the Paladin was up to.

Its not a poison. The only thing special is that its made with the Vaticans holy water. David told him seriously, but still, Sagan seemed not to believe at all.

No matter what the reason is, you cant poison the Prince with the Empress hand!

It doesnt have to use this perfume. Ive brought a lot of holy water. Didnt you already receive it, Duke? Is there poison on it? You can try it if youre curious.

I dont understand what youre saying.

That little Prince is currently addicted to Devil Eyes poison.

Having come this far, Sagan wasnt that foolish enough to ask how David knew about that.

The amount of poison in his small body is too much, so he needs several years to detoxify it.

So youre going to kill him with holy water?

Yes. David nodded with pleasure. Holy water is very effective in neutralizing demonic poison. Its almost the only helpful treatment it should be if youre a healthy adult

Sagan was voiceless, asking back with his gaze.

The principle of treatment is simple. The holy water will destroy the demon poison left in the blood..as soon as its absorbed, immediately.

David couldnt kill Adrian, even though he had already sent Devil Eyes. However, their poison was still eating away at Adrians small body from within.

I dont know, is it because of such extreme emotional outbursts? But those who are addicted to the poison most of them die because they cannot stand the healing process. It was a tragedy that happened several times at Saint Iretta. Perhaps, if the proportion of poison in the body exceeds a certain amount .. that patients body will self-destruct.

Sagan looked at David with bulging eyes, unable to respond to this great story, So, the reason you came to the Imperial Palace was because of that?

But, Princess Evelyn suspects the Vatican. She didnt use the holy water we gave her.

Then, shes a stumbling block that I have to deal with ..Sagan blurted out his last sentence.

Why? Are you afraid to taint your sisters hand with blood?

Sagan now felt that his life was at stake. The holy water that was said to be a blessing was the same as poison. Helping David, who intended to kill Adrian through the Empress, was tantamount to suicide.

Only

All these crimes must be carried by Sagan alone because if this murder occurred, the Empress would have played a part in murdering her grandson without knowing anything about it.

Its up to you to choose. You can use anything. The medium doesnt matter; the most important thing is that it can touch the Princes skin. But it seemed, David didnt give him time to think.

Ive told you how. Now, what exactly do you want please choose.

As Sagan remained silent, David gave a brief example and disappeared from his sight.

What I really want.

Sagans raucous voice rang in the darkness.

His gloomy eyes were packed with an obsession resembling ambition.