Perhaps I should have apologized first for being angry about priest RoyIndeed, it would hurt him if I just came and asked for a favor after breaking up with such anger.

Sienna apologized to Carl.

Im sorry about the other day.

Huh!?

At Siennas apology, Carl burst into laughter as if dumbfounded, and said in a shrill voice.

Youre so careless. Do you know what kind of situation youre in? This is not the time to worry about Queen Marie, but about yourself. Do you have any idea what happened at todays meeting?

Sienna could guess from his words. It was something she didnt want to hear.

Sienna avoided Carls gaze and threw her eyes into the gardens sellum. She wondered when the rich yellow buds burst. Now they were showing off their dark green leaves, with all their heads drooping and shiny. Just as it was natural for flowers to bloom and fall and for sprouts to sprout on the barren branches, so was her own fate.

When he saw Siennas self-help smile, Carl was upset. Every time she smiled resignedly with a face that seemed to know everything, he felt a fit of anger because she doesnt seem to have any lingering feelings for himself.

They want to take in Bluebell as the second empress!

Sienna didnt react much to his words. Because she already knew it. But it wasnt that she didnt care. Her mind was shaken with anguish, even though it had already been experienced.

Did I hope for something different this time? That unlike in the past, Carl and Lady Ferrer wont be married

Much has changed from the past, but the big trend of fate has not seemed to change. This time as well, seeing the marriage with Bluebell went on the way.

In the past, Carl pressured herself to welcome Bluebell as the second empress, but that wasnt his own idea. As the strengthening of the imperial power went smoothly, the Ferrer began to gain strength and that story came up.

For Carl, it was love for Bluebell, but also it would have been necessary to renew his relationship with the Ferrer family. Thats why he pushed herself even harder for her to refuse divorce.

Now, Jamie showed power at the Imperial Knights competition and showed off the good standing of the Waters, but there was no such thing at that time. Carl must have thought that it would not help strengthen the imperial power since Sienna came from a duke family who believed to have only his name left.

Are you okay? It was said to receive Blue Bell as the second empress!

why arent you saying anything?

He looked at Sienna with a look of hope. She asked dejectedly.

What should I say?

You should say that there is only one empress in this country! Youre going to tell me not to let Bluebell in as the empress!

At Carls words, Sienna burst into laughter.

The Emperor is such an innocent man. You eventually got her as the second empress, even though I begged and prayed so much not to do so in the past. Are you telling me this because of your affection?

But Sienna didnt just hate what Carl said. She asked Carl, knowing plainly that her fate wouldnt change.

Then, if I ask you not to, you wont welcome Lady Ferrer as the empress?

If you want, thats what I will do.

She thought he couldnt answer so easily, but Carl answered without hesitation. Because of such a firm tone, saying thats what I will do, Sienna almost clung to him and begged him to do so.

Frankly, Sienna wanted to throw away all her pride and cling to him, hoping that she was the only woman he loved, not Bluebell.

But what he really wants from me is not to beg him not to marry, but to push him to marry. So that he can feel at ease.

Sienna turned to confirm Carls sincerity and made eye contact with him. Carl was looking at her with a very serious look.

Ah!

Sienna uttered a blank exclamation. This was because she could see his sincerity in the way he looked at her. It seemed like he wanted her to tell him not to get married.

No. People see what they want, and I see him this way because I want him to love me.

No, you dont have to.

No need?

You dont have to mind me. Its natural that Lady Ferrer becomes your wife. She was your fiance.

This is the answer you want.

Its true that Bluebell was my fiance, but youre the one I married.

For Sienna, his words seemed reproachful. Like he said he couldnt marry Bluebell because of Sienna. Just as he had criticized in the past.

Im sorry about that. If I could, Id like to divorce you now, but I still have time left.

At least until the time when Empress Arya rebels, Sienna had to be by Carls side. Because she has to stop the incident somehow. So that Bluebell wouldnt die, so would Carls child, who was in her womb.

Do we still have time?

Carl understood what Sienna meant by the time she spoke, and asked back with a harsh voice.

The time you promised me. You remember that, dont you? That promise youll divorce me five years from our marriage. We only have about three years left.

You cant stand the time of being my wife. You must think about that promise and stick to it day by day.

Sienna bit her lower lip at Carls words.

It wasnt that. She felt sad about having to see their time pass by as the sand escapes through the fingers.

The more time she tried to grab, the more she had to practice giving up time. How to give him up. Learning not to be greedy about what she shouldnt have.

Im afraid I cant join you tonight because of work. Lets have lunch together tomorrow.

Carl said so and strode into the castle. Sienna smiled bitterly at his back.

He was angry. Even though he could have left her there saying he didnt want to see her face again, he promised her to meet tomorrow. Hes afraid shell be anxious about the sudden change in the imperial order.

Such gentleness what keeps her from lingering. He should rather tell her as cold as before. I love Bluebell, so I want to be with her.

Then Sienna would be able to shake off even the little lingering feelings that she has now.

A hot wind swirled around Sienna. The palace, where spring had passed, was preparing for a hot, noisy summer. The red sun was setting from beyond the blue sky, where there was no cloud.

*

After that day, Carl had lunch with Sienna every day. She thought lunch time with him would be awkward, but she was having a better time than she thought.

Today, Carl came to the empress castle to have lunch together. Siennas maids, of course, have served to Carls taste.

Sienna said to Carl during the meal.

I know youre busy. So you dont have to come and eat with me every day.

Is it uncomfortable for you to see me visit every day?

Its not that, but Im worried if youre going to overdo it and hurt yourself. I heard from Chancellor Pavenik. You have a lot of work to do, so you dont have enough time to even breathe. He said youre having longer working hours because you came all the way here to eat.

Pavenik must have been talking nonsense to you. It is true that there is a lot of work, but not enough to worry. When the throne is replaced, there is a lot of work going on. If youre really worried, come to the Oval Office for a meal. I hate eating alone.

Its fine to dine with Pavenick, but Carl grumbled.

I will. Ill go see your Majesty when its time to eat.

do that then.

Carl cut the apricot pie with a light touch, as if in a good mood.

Only

The title will be given to Queen Marie in a few days. Its an internal affair of the imperial family, so we dont have to go through a political meeting. The documents will be finished soon.

A title?

Sienna asked back. She asked Carl that Marie be given land to live on, but she didnt expect Marie to receive a title.

In Leipsden Empire, women were rarely honored with titles. Sometimes even women were given titles only when their familys lineage would cut off if they did not take over the line.

Not every family could get such an opportunity. It was because women needed the emperors permission to take over the family.

If I just offer her the land so she can live quietly, there will be those who oppose me and try to kick her out. Empress Arya and her family, the Panacio, will oppose it right away. So I thought itd be better to send her away under the title. Besides, shes a member of the imperial family. Moreover, shes the former emperors wife. We cant let her go without anything.

When Sienna asked, he frowned to the fullest extent. But he was preparing to let Marie go. Sienna was grateful for such consideration, and the good heart hidden inside seemed lovable.