Due to the Emperors unannounced visit, the Royal Palace soon became chaotic. Of all things, Arthur, the King, was on his way to the Vatican to seek advice, so that there was no one to welcome the Emperor in person. But, of course, there was no way for Fabian to consider such a situation.

His Majesty?

Hes on his way.

Listening to the Chiefs report, Evelyn exhaled and stepped into the hall. Because the King was not present as a princess, she had the right to replace her father. Moreover, given that she was the new finance minister, the visit of the Emperor could be defined as part of their business.

Ill meet him.

Wait, Princess Ill be with you.

Liam hurriedly caught up with Evelyn. Since the one who came was the Emperor himself, who blocked the trade route for a week. So it had a high possibility of getting angry. Even though he was only a Duke, the Akshire Family had a position that couldnt be ignored, and he was going to help Evelyn.

No, Akshire dont have to get involved with the Empire.

Its more painful to not be able to do anything.

Sir Liam, Im fine, His Majesty. Suddenly, Evelyn stopped talking. I know His Majesty very well. She almost said something like that. Actually, she just realized that she didnt know anything about him.

His Majesty is coming!

However, the trumpet sounded without further consideration. Evelyn nodded helplessly, and the Chief opened the door and greeted the Emperor.

Dressed in a black robe and simple plain clothing, Fabian passed through the royal hall.

I see you, Your Majesty.

Evelyn and Liam gave a light example, and Fabian looked directly at Evelyn, and walked towards her, ignoring Liams existence.

Evelyn was afraid to look up at Fabian. It was only in the beautifully decorated palace that the Empress could see the Emperor, so that it was hardly possible to know what kind of expression he was making now.

After all, Evelyn didnt know Fabians face as an Emperor. Well, she was too arrogant even though she didnt know him as a husband.

I have something to say to the Princess, so get out of here. After a while, Fabians voice was as low and cold as ever.

Your Majesty, as Duke of Akshire, I would like to assist the Princess and listen to your words.

Fabians eyebrows, looking at Liams calmly speaking face, were frowned.

I said get out of here.

Forgive me, Your Majesty, this is not an Empire, but the Felice Kingdom.

Liams bold attitude made Evelyns heart beat unsteadily. It wasnt wrong, but Fabian would get irritated with that.

So, are you, King Felice? Fabian twisted in the corners of his lips. Then he sat on the throne of Jade beside Evelyn. His acts were natural because he had the highest status here. Still, Liam did not hide his challenging eyes, and it was intolerable to Fabian.

Im the Duke of Akshire, a long-time friend of the Felice royal family. I have pledged to share my fate with the Felice Kingdom, so I can assist her on a critical issue.

thats what you say.

From the beginning, Liam was a man Fabian didnt like. He had no grudge against Akshire, but there was a sense of resentment that could be felt when he faced him. From the start, Fabian had labelled Liam as an enemy.

Yes. Then the Kingdom of Felice can make a decision.

The Kings Majesty is not currently in the royal palace, Liam said.

I didnt ask you. One more unquestioned answer, Ill show you how the Empire works. Fabian, who was acrimonious, turned his eyes to Evelyn.Princess Evelyn?

The decision was passed on to Evelyn, the Kings substitute. She had to make a decision, but Evelyn couldnt bet on dragging Liam into a dangerous situation.

Sir Liam, please go and look at the present situation.

Princess?

Without Evelyn knowing, there was sadness in Liams eyes. Meanwhile, Fabians mood had become uncomfortable.

Please.

There were many meanings in that one word. It meant, Evelyn, asking him to do what she told him to do, and asking him not to be stubborn anymore.

Liam looked at Evelyns eyes and nodded, then stepped out of the door.

You picked up and raised a strange person.

Evelyn did not respond to Fabians obvious criticism.

Even though I am an uninvited guest, can you say hello to me?

I gave you an example earlier. Actually, Evelyn didnt mean that. She was only sad that he didnt speak to her first even though he went through a difficult path. But Evelyns face was cold when she said that.

Fabian swallowed her bitter answer and asked her to sit down because Evelyn looked even more tired than him who rode a horse to get here.

How did you come here without a message? Evelyn sat down and asked him to the point. Looking at his dishevelled attire, he had to be pretty busy and had a hard time.

It was faster for me to come here directly than to send a message, Fabian said. His impudence was no longer a new attitude Hmm, is this tyranny too? Even when he said that Evelyn still looked calm. And Fabian couldnt understand her.

His wife, who always had a gentle smile, suddenly declared a cold divorce, and now she looked like a completely different person. It wasnt enough to send such a bold letter, but she was also amazing in some way not to blink her eyes even in this situation.

I came here because I wanted to have a conversation with you, said Fabian.

I have nothing to say.

Hmm. Fabian let out a strange sound. Looking closely, Evelyns skin seemed dull. Even though he was angry when he saw her face, Fabian felt sorry for her, and he couldnt control his heart.

Is it because I blocked the trade route?

No.

Then, why?

The problem with trade should be answered by the Empire instead of Finance Minister, Evelyn replied calmly.

Even if I put aside public affairs, isnt it too much that you have nothing to say to me?

My personal relationship with Your majesty is over. I have only received you on behalf of the Kings absence.

Right. Fabian even aware of her assessment of himself. A heartless, cold-blooded man who didnt even take kindly to his mother. Such assessments were common, and some of them were true.

But now that he saw it, Evelyn was tough and wasnt too easy.

Then, as Finance Minister, listen to me. I am the will of the Empire and also the answer. Fabian said in a calm voice, and Evelyn lifted her eyes and stared at him.

The trade route is not blocked. Fabian said that with an unreadable expression, Tyranny and exploitation werent ordered by me, either.

Suddenly, Evelyns eyes widened a little.

But its my Empire, so its my fault.

Evelyn couldnt believe that Fabian admitted his mistake so gently.

I have received your personal letter and started the investigation. You said it was tyranny and exploitation, right? Thats a very appropriate word to describe it. After all of them were true, I blocked the trade route for a while because there was no one to manage it.

Evelyn frowned unconsciously. She immediately imagined how many people were killed by him in this case.

Its true that The Empires people were involved in destroying my honour.

Evelyns eyes shook. Its too much to kill everyone who had made mistakes. It was terrifying to imagine that a single letter she sent to the Empire would flood the whole harbour with blood.

You dont have to make that face. Because what I did isnt murder.

Because everything Your Majesty does is right?

Yes.

Fabian closed his eyes for a moment and then opened.

As of today, the trade route will be re-opened, there will be no more tyranny and exploitation, and the trade agreement between the Empire and the Felice Kingdom will be fair as promised.

When Evelyn heard that, she felt strangely relieved and strange in her heart. Even though she vaguely imagined him as a fair Emperor, he was too heartless. He was once her husband, but the reason she felt so lowly about him was that the Emperors name was the highest and most honourable in the world but also the loneliest.

Let me ask you one thing.

Yes?

I want to know what you thought when the trade route blocked, Fabian asked as if he was reading Evelyns mind. Did you think that I, who knows the disaster in the south, used this opportunity to take revenge on your personal letter?

Evelyn couldnt deny or lie in front of him. Fabian already read the answer from her cold attitude.

Yeah.

I see.

Fabian said nothing for a moment. There was no anger or sadness in his dark eye, looking at Evelyn.

Dont you blame me?

Should I do that? said Evelyn.

The question sounded a little lonely.

If anyone who stayed closer to me thinks of me as a cruel and cold-blooded Emperor, I wouldnt blame you.

Evelyn wasnt making excuses. She thought Fabian was cold-blooded. Since she thought, as the noblest person on this continent, he would not hesitate to take advantage of the difficult times.

Did you feel sorry? asked Evelyn.

Yeah, but Id like to apologize if you give me a chance. Fabians eyes looked at Evelyns face a little puzzled.

If you give, Ill accept it.

A low voice sounded bitter and deep. Its always been like that when she looked back. Evelyn always took what Fabian gave calmly. No affection, no resentment, no parting. Only once, without asking why, she just received it silently.

It cant be said in return, but I brought medicine to cure the disease of the crops. I already sent it to the south.

This time, Evelyn could not hide her surprise.

Its not for you. Im like the owner of the whole continent, so its my job to save them.

Although Fabian talked casually, Evelyn could have guessed his distress. It was strange to think that while Evelyn was gone, Fabian would have had a busy and exhausting day as well.

Well, if thats what you give. I have no choice but to thank you, said Evelyn.

Fabians smile was faint. After breaking up with him, Evelyn looked into his eyes slowly for the first time. She wanted to know what kind of man she was looking at right now. She wanted to remember the father of the most loving child was like.

Only

I still dont know you, Your Majesty.

It was a little sad.

And I dont know you either, Fabian said. But his voice was no longer cold, So, I want to know about you.

Before Evelyn realized it, Fabian, who got up from his seat, was in front of her eyes already.

But the relationship between Your Majesty and me.

We dont have to be a couple anymore. Still, I want to know what kind of woman you are. No, I think I can only live if I know that.

Fabian looked down at Evelyn. Slowly, a large hand was placed in front of Evelyns eyes.