Siennas eyebrows wriggled. She couldnt believe Arya was showing off her friendship with Bluebell. It was funnythough its not what happened yet, Arya was the one who would put a knife in Bluebells belly, killing both her and her child.

Sienna said firmly.

No, Ill do it.

She didnt want to make her feel good by yielding the preparations for the banquet.

Aryas expression was hardened by Siennas resolute rejection. Even if Siennas pride was hurt when she asked for help because she was not on good terms with Arya herself, Arya didnt think that a girl who knew nothing would try to prepare a banquet. She thought Sienna would give in even if she didnt want to.

You mean you would do it yourself? The imperial banquet is not the same as lunch. Its big, and theres more to concern.

Arya once again recommended that she prepare for the banquet instead, saying she would never make it by Sienna herself. But Sienna was not willing to yield.

I know its not easy, but I want to try.

Does the empresss word mean that youre going to host the Coming-of-Age banquet, as well as the wedding of Lady Ferrer?

Yes, I would like to show that much favor to the second empress, Lady Ferrer.

Arya looked at Sienna with a look that she couldnt understand. Sienna smiled and said to her.

Ill try. Theres still time left. It cheered me up when I heard the words of Empress Dowager. Moreover, I think it would be a good practice to have an adult banquet before the wedding of Lady Ferrer.

Is that so?

If you have any difficulties, I will ask the Empress Dowager. You have more experience than I do.

Sure.

Aryas expression in response was quivering. It seemed to be unsatisfying for her that Sienna was taking all the credit as the host of the banquet, and that Arya herself was only a support.

If you dont have a company you know, Ill recommend some.

Arya tried to recommend the business.

Using a close-knit merchant to prepare for the banquet was important in increasing or maintaining support. The events were coveted by many merchants because the imperial family had to purchase a lot of food ingredients and accessories at every banquet. Thats why the host of the banquet was bound to use a business that had a line attached to him.

Arya came forward to see financial gains even if she could not become the main host of the party. But Sienna, who read that mind, refused.

No, its all right. I know a few of them.

Oh, I forgot. The empress contribution to the last grain crisis in the capital city. Of course, theres a company youre close with. I think I said something stupid.

Then Ill keep myself busy preparing for the banquet. If youre done with your business

At Siennas sign to leave, Empress Arya stood up with a cold smile.

Then Ill get going. If you have any trouble having a banquet, please stop by my castle. Ill do my best to help you if I can.

Sienna knew that Aryas words were just words of courtesy. She was not a woman to do things that would not benefit her. It was obvious that Arya would abuse and undermine the self-esteem of Sienna under the pretext of helping, then if Sienna gives up, she would pretend to take care of the big trouble.

Sienna didnt want to let her do that. The plan was to keep abreast of the banquets and weddings that Arya had prepared in the past.

After stepping out the door, Arya mumbled, biting her nails.

Ive been forgetting. The grain shortage in the capital

Arya kept brooding over Siennas words that she had a business she knew.

She had asked someone to look into the Dark Chamber before, but she forgot. At that time, it was not long after Valore became the emperor, so she couldnt care less. Even though it was an incident that struck a heavy blow to the southern merchant community, which was her economic base.

If I had given a little more thought, I would have suspected the relationship between the Dark Merchants and that girl. I was a bit distracted at the time when I was pulling out Valore and Jean.

There were only two people who benefited greatly from the incident of grain shortage. Sienna and this company, which was called Dark Merchants because its unknown in detail who owns the store and where the large amount of capital came from.

The Dark Merchants have seen material gains, and Sienna has gained the support and political base of its citizens. It was enough for Arya to doubt, for only two people benefited while everyone was suffering great losses.

She didnt find any evidence, but she was convinced that the Dark Chamber was in a tight relationship with Sienna.

*

Ten days have passed. Contrary to the initial concern, it was lucky that things went smoothly.

Preparation went smoother than expected thanks to Kellys great help. Sienna almost left everything she needed outside the palace to Kellys market. In the end, all she had to do was solve the internal affairs.

While checking the list of maids to work at the banquet hall, she was told that a guest had come. It was Bluebell. Bluebell visited Sienna today without permission to visit like last time.

Long time no see.

You must be busy. Did I bother you?

When they met before, Bluebell had been looking at Sienna, exasperating as if looking at something dirty, but now she said with a friendly smile as if nothing had happened at all. Sienna greeted her with a smile, though the change seemed embarrassing.

I got the dress and necklace you sent me. I really like it.

Thats good. I thought an apricot dress would go well with the bright, clean skin color of Lady Ferrer.

Bluebell must have really liked the dress Sienna sent to her because Sienna had referred a lot to the dress design that Bluebell wore at the wedding in the past. Back then, the palace didnt give her a dress, so it was prepared by the Ferrer family, but this time, Sienna himself prepared Bluebells dress.

Its really pretty. It has a small waist. Theres a big ribbon on the back. Its so cute. Theres a jewel at the end of the ribbon, so every time I walk, it makes a rattling sound. The necklace also had a much larger jewel than the Ferrers heirloom my mom had at her wedding.

As soon as Bluebell entered the living room, she was excited and showed off her dress to Sienna for the wedding ceremony. She was a young girl who was just about to have the coming-of-age ceremony. She was excited as if she were a child who had received her favorite clothes as a gift.

Oh! I actually came to apologize first, but I just showed off my dress.

Apologize?

Sienna tilted her head, not knowing why she was saying she would apologize for it.

Sienna hasnt made an issue about it because she had a debt to her heart, but Bluebell has been acting pretty recklessly. It was hard to list every mistake she had made, such as coming without asking permission for a visit, raising her voice against herself, and begging to go to the coming-of-age ceremony with Carl.

Last time

Bluebell was ashamed to say, so she fiddled with her skirt with her fingertips.

Only

I thought I said bad things.

At that time, I just accused you of being married without love. At the time, it was a misunderstanding. I thought you, Lady Waters, was a bad person.

Her frank confession made Sienna laugh. No, rather than confessing, the fact that she kept calling Sienna, the Empress, as Lady Waters made her laugh.

Bluebell did not call Sienna Her Majesty. Hain standing behind Sienna didnt look well as if it was annoying.

It didnt seem like she was doing so on purpose. Bluebell just couldnt seem to admit that Sienna was in the position of the empress, who should have been her own. Sienna asked her in a calm voice.

You dont think Im bad now?