Fortunately, Fabians wait wasnt that long.

The Palace Chief, sent by King Arthur, guided Fabian through a hidden passage, connecting the separate palace and the main palace.

Every palace had its way to avoid other peoples eyes. Fabian wasnt surprised by the secret tunnels existence, and he followed the chiefs guidance.

This is the exit.

When the chief opened the door, a narrow corridor appeared. Soon after that, Fabian arrived at a parlor that seemed hadnt been used for a long time. It looked like this room was a separate place used only at certain times.

So, everyones here. Fabian joined the people who had gathered first in the room and then sat down on the chair arranged in such away.

I see you, Your Majesty.

Arthur, Miriam, and Evelyn had already known Fabians intentions on his secret visit. However, there was also a useless thing in that room.

Since when did Duke of Akshire become a member of the royal family? Fabian glared at Liam, who remained in his seat, with an unpleasant gaze.

By chance, Ive received an official invitation from the royal family, and I am honored to meet Your Majesty.

Fabian was irritated by Liams green eyes, but the other problems were more important now. He turned his eyes and looked at Evelyn.

As usual, her calm blue eyes made it hard for Fabian to read Evelyns emotions or thoughts easily.

Only the Royal family has the right to discuss this matter. An outsider must stay out.

Akshire is a long-time friend of our royal family. Seeing that Your Majesty has such an urgent need that made you came a long way to this place, I want him to hear it too, said Evelyn.

What the hell are you thinking?

Fabian frowned, but he didnt speak anymore. It wasnt bad for Liam to face reality properly, though, because it happened anyway.

Serus.

Yes.

Serus lowered his head, taking a document from Fabians hand and handed it to the King.

Arthur and Miriam read the document carefully and then passed it to Evelyn.

Thats what I came here for. Fabian clearly said it, Ive already checked the truth so that I wont tolerate lies from now on.

Evelyn, holding the paper in her hand, raised her head, and stared at Fabian.

But if the person concerned had an unavoidable reason I could cover all the past.

It was unprecedented mercy that would never have happened again. And this was the best Fabian could do for Evelyn.

Im sorry, but I dont know what you mean.

Are you denying it? Prince, no That Adrian is my child?

There was an immense power felt when that suspicious doubt came out of the Emperors mouth. Evelyn could read a firm conviction in Fabians eyes. It was much stronger than expected. Yet, Evelyn was determined not to lose.

Huh? Thats thats a ridiculous misunderstanding. Evelyn had a confused expression on her face. Just as with the others.

I knew you were going to do this, so I brought the document with me. Give it up. The midwife has already testified.

Midwife?

Fabian laughed, seeing Evelyn asked him back. Until the end, she still pretended that she didnt know. In truth, Fabian was very upset, even though he said he would cover up all her past mistakes.

Shes the midwife who was with when you gave birth to the Prince. There, I brought back what the Duke of Akshire has concealed.

Yes? I dont know what youre talking about.

Liam stepped beside Evelyn, who was still asking strange questions. And it was an unpleasant sight to see for Fabian.

Indeed, a midwife is living in our residence, but Its because of her close relationship with the Akshire family. I thought she was missing because she has dementia. So Im glad to know shes all right.

Fabian burst out laughing as he witnessed the lies of the two people in front of him.

You make the situation worse by all means. Fabian got up from his seat. There was a dark anger welling up in his heart.

Even though Ive given you a chance to solve it smoothly.

After closing his eyes for a moment, Fabians head became tangled. At first, he thought it was an impulsive mistake when Evelyn left him, knowing nothing.

But he didnt think it was Evelyns brave choice. As if Fabians sincerity, saying that he would forgive her for everything, was meaningless.

There seems to be a misunderstanding. The midwife is certainly a member of our estate. Unfortunately, her dementia is severe, and she is a little insane. Besides, witnessing the birth of a Prince is an honor for the Akshire family.

Shut up. Fabian silenced Liams words coldly. At this moment, everyone could feel the Emperors pressure.

Who dares to get involved in my bloodline matter?

Liams expression hardened at once. He knew this was a very dangerous situation. Apart from personal affairs, it concerned the Empires successor.

Whatever the decision, whether its just a suspicion or a fact. This had been a crucial issue.

Your Majesty, the Prince

Even if youre a King, there are no exceptions. This matter is only between me and Evelyn, the Empress.

As Arthur closed his mouth, its Evelyn who stepped forward. Her blue eyes stared straight towards Fabian.

Then, Ill tell you clearly. This is a misunderstanding. I dont want you to question the dignity of our Royal Family only because of a word that came out of a crazy midwife.

But Fabians eyes were already cold, Of course, if it was a misunderstanding, I will fully apologizeIf..it was a misunderstanding.

Do you believe the words of a mentally insane old woman more than the words of the Royal family and the Duke?

Do you know me as a stupid man?

No. It Couldnt be.

Fabian was the coldest and most rational than anyone else.

Evelyn unwittingly bit her lower lip. Did she think too positively all this time? She felt pathetic when she thought her argument would work for Fabian.

Im telling youIts a misunderstanding.

Thats my decision.

Evelyn, who recently saw Fabians weakness, underestimated her opponent. This was the real Fabian. An Emperor who ruled over everything and didnt hesitate to use his power.

Youre ruining the honor of our Kingdom, the Princes future, with a clumsy misunderstanding. Just by a word from a senile-old-woman..

Who said it was the only proof?

Suddenly, Evelyns heart sank at his cold, questioning expression.

Your Majesty, you questioned the royal honor just by the old womans words. If Your Majesty, who has doubted arbitrarily decides, is that fair?

So, who said that I only listened to the old woman?

Evelyn felt her blood was running cold. If she thought about it, Fabian wouldnt come here with just one old womans testimony without any other evidence. He must be sure about something that he only had or could do.

Ive only brought this testimony to raise suspicion. And regardless of her condition, Ive decided to accept the suspicion. Do you think I will allow my decision as Emperor to reveal the truth to be denied as an old ladys statement?

Fabians power, who had conquered the top tier nobles at the Imperial Congress, was unstoppable. Evelyn had heard and knew it, but this was the first time seeing Fabian like this in person.

Your Majesty, the Princess said that it doesnt make sense to investigate unfair suspicions.

Did you forget I told you to shut up? Duke, you have a terrible memory.

The existence in Fabians black eyes was real. His gaze could instinctively drop the temperature around him in a moment.

I can cut off the useless thing here.

Im trying to tell you the truth. Liam didnt back down, and that made Evelyn even more scared.

Stop. Duke, please step back.

Evelyn forced Liam to back off and intervened in the argument between them. If their debate continued, Liam would have been killed before Adrians matter had been resolved. And Evelyn couldnt see and let him die.

Princess..

Only Evelyn could hear Liams whisper.

She reached out and pushed Liam away. That was a very clear gesture.

Please forgive the Dukes presumptuous attitude.

Why are you apologizing for him?

Because hes a guest of our Kingdom. Evelyn made excuses, but Fabians expression was still displeasing.

And I also think this suspicion is so unfair.

Really?

Its true that I was once Your Majestys Empress, but its a past relationship. So, how could you have such absurd suspicion about the little Princes identity?

Absurd?. Do you really think that way?

Yes. Evelyn looked at Fabian firmly.

I was wrong about you. I thought youre a wise woman. Fabian didnt shy away from her gaze either, even though Evelyns eyes were hostile towards him.

And let me show you your absurdity, the ridiculous suspicion you said before, its you who did it, not me.

What do you mean? Your Majesty is suspicious of our Royal family.

Fabian said confidently. Even though it wasnt the result of love and trust, the child born to the Empress, unconditionally was the Emperors child. And, the childs fate as the Imperial family was unavoidable.

In the long history, there were illegitimate children in the Imperial family. like this Prince.

Listening to Fabian, word by word slipped into Evelyns heart.

No way, will the Imperial family willing to acknowledge its existence just by hearing those words? You know it cant be.

In history, it wasnt uncommon for a child to be executed for claiming as the Emperors illegitimate son. And it was a common occurrence among aristocrats too.

But how did they prove bloodline? This information was known only by Evelyn, the Empress, and the person who gave birth to the child.

Dont worry. I dont intend to hurt the Prince. Just a drop of blood is enough.

What do you mean by that?? Blood!?

Surely, I need blood to prove that hes the bloodline of the Imperial family. Oh, of course, Im going to take him along with you. Once you see it for yourself, youll never call it an absurd suspicion again.

Fabian seemed to have confidence in him.

Your Majesty, hold on. Its too sudden.

Even though the atmosphere was heating up, Arthur couldnt stay still and stepped in. Somehow, he had a bad feeling about this.

Only

So I had told you before, I didnt want to this either.

Your Majesty, this is a matter of suspicion. It can be solved through dialogue.

The King of this Kingdom, too, is a fool.

Fabian spoke low.

Dont you see what I want? Or do you want to fix your wrong-doing now?

Fabian seemed full of faith and gave Arthur a cruel option. Even there was a statement that Fabian would secretly cover up the matter if he admitted.

But that wasnt a question Arthur could answer.