Fabian remained in one place that day until the moon had completely disappeared. It was the first time in his life that he despised and wanted someone so much.

It was also the first time he realized with his body that he missed her terribly. The sad thing was, the Emperors grief shouldnt be shown.

Unlike the young man in his prime, he couldnt drink alcohol and lay in his bed the whole next day, and he even couldnt find consolation since he couldnt talk to anyone about it.

Only the moon stood by Fabian.

The silver moonlight that was soft and also cold at the same time comforted him all night long.

At dawn, the emperors morning-dressing started again. Fabian left his body helplessly to the Chamberlain. Serus said that he had important news today, but he wasnt interested in it now.

Schedule?

Ah The Empress Dowager is coming, and there will be a tea time together in the living room.

Lets get it done quickly, Fabian said without enthusiasm. But Serus was a little nervous. Whatever the information, judging by Logans attitude, it looked like the news he was going to deliver would erase Fabians sluggish attitude. However, he couldnt urge the Emperor for anything, so he had to wait for the right time.

Fabian stood up from the Oval Office after finishing his early breakfast and checking the documents that had come up until yesterday. Then, he followed the schedule to meet his mother. Thats their relationship. The bond between mother and son was always like that.

The Empress is waiting in the parlour.

Fabian nodded at the servants words.

Your Majesty the Emperor!

After the greetings, the officers opened the door on both sides. Fabian indifferently entered the parlour. When he saw the Empress, Fabian could see a lady dressed like a flower next to his mother who was wearing a brighter dress. He had the confidence of an Emperor. But Fabian wasnt stupid enough to ask who she was.

Are you here? Fabian coldly said to his mother. He didnt even glance at the lady next to her.

I guess shes still shy and stiff when she sees Your Majesty. Stella, why dont you set an example to His Majesty?

Ah Yes. Its an honour to meet your Majesty.

Stella lifted the hem of her dress slightly and bent her knees to give a perfect example. Monica smiled gladly as she looked at her. However, Fabians face was still emotionless.

It looks like youre tired with the Southern Palace.

No, I came to meet my sweet niece because she was coming.

It was a funny saying when she never even said that to Fabian, the son she gave birth to.

It looks like youre idle. Im envious of you.

I was a little busy because of Your Majesty, Monica replied without hesitation. Although Fabian was an Emperor, Monica could do it because he was her son.

Then, this lady must be the daughter of Metis, recommended by the nobles at the great congress. They forced her to my face, pressuring me to accept her. Is there anything I missed?

Even after she heard Fabians icy words, Monica didnt blink her eyes. However, Stella, who saw this for the first time, overwhelmed by their intense atmosphere and couldnt say a thing. She just stood still, hiding behind the Empress.

But youre my mother. You didnt come here to put pressure on me, did you?

Even so, Stella couldnt take her eyes away from Fabian. His height, sturdy body, strong jawline, and stern facial features gave him a cold impression, but his handsomeness went beyond that.

Moreover, although he spoke harsh words, his voice was low and deep, reminiscent of his charm. Even though he wasnt an emperor, he was a man whom a woman would want to marry without hesitation.

In other words, Fabian was much cooler than Stellas imagination.

Pressure? This is just tea time. Should I ask your permission to bring my niece around with me? It was a misleading excuse, but Monica sat down comfortable and poured the tea. Fabian was forced to sit across from her. And Stella, who was shy, clasped her white hands tightly and couldnt lift her eyes.

Seeing your suspicious nature, I wanted to tell you beforehand. Your mother has absolutely no intention of siding with the Metis family.

And .you brought Lady Metis, who was an Empresss candidate.

Fabians answer was calm but accurate. Monica slowly took a deep breath as if to reflect her patience and looked at her sons face.

I mean it. I dont want to get involved in either faction, either now or in the future. I dont fit into this damn Imperial life. Can I get a reward for being free now?

Then If Empress-mother was very unhappy, why you bring your niece? You shouldnt bring her then.

Monicas concern was that she treated her son as an adult because she was too awkward with him. Even if he became an Emperor, even though time had passed, and he grew up as an adult, Fabian actually was still her son. But she didnt have that feeling at all.

Thats why Monica could say casually in front of Fabian that her time as his mother was unhappy.

Obligation comes with pain. Above all the lady whos sitting here is a big fan of Your Majesty.

Fabian turned to Stella with a sour look. The 18-year-old girl blushed shyly as if what Monica had said were true this time.

Just being an Emperor was enough to win the hearts of girls of that age, but when Stella saw his beautiful appearance close by, it seemed like a moment she fell in love.

Im exhausted on a long trip, so Your Majesty, can you bring her to take a look at the palace garden?

Fabian looked at my mother and frowned, Are you serious?

You should show your sincerity, too. Please think about helping your mother after a long time.

It was a chilling sound, but Fabian didnt want to be in the same place with his mother anymore. Besides, if he took her to walk around the garden, he could leave this place. It was obvious which one was more efficient.

Lady Stella, would you like to see the garden?

Yes? Yes! Its an honour.

Looking at Stella, who was pitifully shy in front of his eyes, caused Fabians heart became complicated. He remembered Evelyn, who looked like that in the past.

Evelyn didnt tremble too badly, but there was a moment when she blushed with shyness and couldnt look straight at Fabian. At that time, for the first time in his life, Fabian felt that he finally understood the meaning of spring season.

The Imperial Garden is so beautiful.

Fabian started walking along the artificial stream. His pace was so fast that it was hard for Stella to follow him. But she worked hard to keep up with his pace because she didnt want to be further away from Fabian.

Yes, it is.

Stellas cheek was reddened once more, even with his short response.

But these are things that you can easily see in Metis.

Fabians words had a thorn. It meant that even if she didnt become an Empress, she could enjoy many things and live a nice life.

And you dont have to be unhappy like my mother.

Stella must have realized the meaning of his word, so she bit her lower lip tightly. Fabian glanced at her and stepped forward again. He thought Stella wouldnt chase him this time, but he caught up by her also.

Fabian was sorry for Stella, who tried not to show her disappointment. It wasnt a rational feeling, absolutely, no. Yes, he felt like he saw a short-legs that was recently brought to the palace.

Lets sit down and rest.

Your Majesty, Im fine.

Stella felt so breathless, but she was all right.

But I want to rest.

Yes. Stella looked confused, didnt know where to sit, and then Fabian pointed to a seat a little far from him. When she sat down, Stellas small breath came back little by little.

Do you still want to be an Empress? Fabian asked the question first. Stella fluttered her finger and nodded loudly, Yes, I want to be.

Theres no shortage for Metiss daughter.

Its not like that I mean I want a marriage partner

Listening to her, Fabian tilted on of his eyebrow. Stella opened her eyes wide to see if she had made a slip of the tongue and looked at his expression.

You really want me? Didnt you hear what my mother said a while ago? It was an unhappy marriage.

Thats what my aunt, no, the Empress said but Im a different person.

No. The problem is with me.

Fabian looked far away.

You know that Ive already been married?

Yes

The person, who was my Empress, broke the couples ties, who swore to the god of marriage and left without any reason. Perhaps.. I made that.

Still, Fabian couldnt figure out exactly what made Evelyn did that. However, as he had been facing the moonlight all night, many memories came, blowing his mind. And he wondered, even if it was the same day, would Evelyn remember the same thing?

Fabian was never sure about that. But theres only one thing to be sure that he never revealed his feelings or expressed it properly.

I dont want to have another miserable woman by my side. Fabian wouldnt say that if Evelyn was the woman in front of him. He didnt want to part with her even though it was an unhappy marriage, as long as he could live with Evelyn.

Im not unhappy. Its not going to happen. Stella said with an innocent smile. Because I am. She couldnt finish her shy words. Instead, Stella took a luxurious handkerchief out of her arms.

I made this myself. Im not good enough, but

Fabian looked at Stella with puzzled eyes.

In truth, I thought I didnt know before I met Your Majesty. Maybe its because Im greedy, but I want to have a happy marriage, even if its a political marriage.

Fabian also seemed lost and couldnt keep up with Stellas words.

But as soon as I saw Your Majesty today, I have already come to like you.

Her white hand pulled out the handkerchief. Stellas initials were engraved on the edge.

So I want to give you this.

Stella would give him a handkerchief if she liked her partner. But if she wasnt, she would go home and rebel against her father.

It seemed that Stella wasnt an ambitious Lady that Fabian expected. Even though it was the Duke Metiss daughter, she was so different.

I want you to take it

Stellas hand was still waiting in the air. The tips of her fingers turned a little white because of the strength in her hand holding the handkerchief. Fabian didnt want to take any more time, so he grabbed hers. Then there was a big smile on her lips.

Thats strange.

What?

Fabian shook his head at the thoughtless talk to himself. Stella was the same age as Evelyn when they first met. A little shy but bold, full of smiles, flushed cheeks, talking about small things.

Only

Nevertheless,.. it felt so different. It was hard for Fabian to understand.

I have no intention of taking an Empress right now.

Fabian said firmly, but Stellas eyes revealed no disappointment at all.

Still..

No, thats what Ive decided. So, I want you to find your happiness.

As if that was the greeting, Fabian got up first and walked out of the garden with a quick pace so that Stella could no longer follow him.

And Stella, who was left alone, couldnt catch Fabian while crying and only could watch his back faded away.