At Killian's answer, Julietta nodded. "Your Highness. Then, I'd like to make a suggestion because I'm not the only one who can receive help in a partners.h.i.+p. Why don't you hold the fas.h.i.+on shop opening party to coincide with the opening date of the jewelry store, and show off the jewelry in your jewelry store at the same time?"

Killian happily looked at Julietta's sparkling eyes as she explained her plans for the business.

'How lucky it is that such a gem fell in front of me.'

Now that he found a gem called Julietta, his new jewelry business would be a success.

Killian looked back at Oswald. "Let the Marquis discuss it with the princess and take over the jewelry business. I think Valerian and Adam will be busy with other things for the time being. There will be a lot of work, but isn't it the favorite field of the Marquis?"

"Yes, I'm confident that I'll work enough to break my body. But, Your Highness, I really like this annex. I feel like I'm getting out of the complex world and enjoying my vacation."

"I agree. It's a perfect place for a secret meeting," Killian agreed, looking around the cozy family interior.

"No, this is not a secret meeting place, Your Highness. This is the employee's quarters. Please don't say such harsh things."

At Julietta's protest, Killian prompted Sophie to sit down, but Sophie refused and was standing by the door, so he called her. "Sophie, don't you like us visiting here? If you don't like it, I have no choice but to choose the dressing shop as the place for the secret meetings with the princess."

Oswald had guessed Killian's thoughts and quickly began to agree enthusiastically.

"It won't be long before the rumors of Your Highness and the princess are going to make the capital very noisy. It's only a matter of time before the eyes of His Highness Francis are turned upside down."

"Yes, I'm afraid I don't know what kind of plot he's up to. Do you think he's going to get rid of the dressing shop?"

"Well, if His Highness Francis doesn't, then Lady Anais may."

Killian had intentionally tried to spread rumors with Princess Kiellini while going in and out of the dressing shop, but had decided to change his plans after yesterday's conversation with Maribel.

---------------------

"Your Highness, please make Julietta the Empress."

The heavy breathing of Oswald at Killian's side rang out through the quiet VIP seat in the theater. Killian, despite Oswald's raucousness, kept silent with no response.

Afraid of Killian's emotionless gaze staring at her without a word, Maribel fell on the floor as if she were seeking forgiveness again.

After some breathtaking time, Killian's mouth finally opened. "Is that your plan?"

"Yes, Your Highness. It's the biggest dream and wish I can hope for right now." Maribel implored with tears in her eyes, banging her head against the floor sincerely. Killian remained silent for a long time again, and then answered as if he had finally decided.

"Okay. I can make the best lady of the Empire my own Queen, and I don't have to refuse the power of the Duke, her father, just because she is a b.a.s.t.a.r.d, because I can control him perfectly in my hands."

With Killian's permission, Maribel rose to express her grat.i.tude, pressing down on her beating heart.

"However, you and everyone involved in this will have to pretend to die at my word if I order you to die. Just remember that if you dare to get away from me and devise another scheme, you'll die on the spot."

Maribel returned to her graceful form of the owner of the theater and answered politely when the gamble which had cost her life succeeded, "That is a matter of course, Your Highness. How dare I have a different heart. I'm just a subject who gave my life to you."

Killian smiled contentedly at Maribel's answer. "Your Majesty, if His Majesty learns this... if the second Queen finds out... Oh, my G.o.d," continued Oswald, but Killian simply ignored him.

"Now that I've heard of your big plan, let's hear the rest of it."

"I told you the Duke of Kiellini is going to kill Julietta, me, and my grandson, Sir Caren, after this. The list also appears to include Mrs. Raban."

"Do you mean he decided to kill his own sister?"

"That's right, he is going to kill her after this. I didn't think that he would go so far as to kill her, but he thought of this incredible plan that would fool the whole empire, so I don't know what he can't do. I only know for sure that the Duke doesn't keep anyone who knows his secrets alive."

"So did you tell the Marquise about the plan?"

"Not yet."

"When are you planning to tell her?"

"I'll follow your instructions."

"Is Marquis Anais in the plan?"

"I haven't decided yet. I was just thinking about talking to Mrs. Raban."

"All right. Tell Mrs. Raban, as you say. But I'll tell the Marquis; you can call the Marquis of Anais."

"But I'm afraid the theater is under surveillance by the family of the Duke."

When Killian thought for a moment, Oswald next to him stepped in.

"Your Highness, how about the princess's dressing shop? It's still quiet and unseen, so if we gather a certain amount of time apart, that's the best place for us?"

"Julietta shouldn't learn about this yet. She might run away again."