Oh Joshua Sanders The girl behind the wall, Sersiarin, seemed equal parts amused and bemused. The way hed introduced himself made it clear he wasnt an aristocrat. No doubt she was confused to find a commoner wandering through the Imperial Palace.

You have a beautiful name

What?

Ive heard it in a book. Sanders, a flower that only blossoms in the Tripia region in the extreme east of the Empire; its said to be more beautiful than a rose in full bloom, but its meaning in the language of flowers couldnt be more tragic

You need to stop. Joshua frowned.

What are you saying? Sersiarin was perplexed. Did I say something wrong? If thats the case, you have my sincere apologies. Please forgive my rudeness.

You did nothing wrong. He shook his head firmly. ...By the way, he asked after a moment of silence, is it uncomfortable going out of the palace without an escort? Are you alright going out alone?

How did you

Joshua smiled sourly. Ive also heard the story of the beautiful yet tragic Princess of the Hwahwa Palace.

Ah Sersiarin gasped. Could you tell me more about the rumors you heard about me?

Hmm Hwahwa Palace is secluded from the world; there lives a beautiful princess whose looks are unmatched in all of history Joshua trailed off into a sigh. ...but it is said that she is blind.

Ah, I I never expected I see.

This is why I didnt want to see you right now. Joshua shook his head. Sersiarin sounded so lonely.

Joshua was well aware of the Imperial Familys hidden troubles; the reality was, the Princess behind the wall suffered the most.

The most likely reason the Emperor imprisons his own daughter is because shes disabled.

The eyes that see the truth thats the most important thing, Joshua mumbled, too quiet for anyone else to hear.

I hope you dont feel sorry for me. Sersiarins voice was laced with bitterness.

Joshua cursed himself. I know my mistakes

I think I understand Young Master Joshuas reaction a little. The rumors After all, my father has a reputation for being overprotective, right? But thats not true. I cant go out because Im weak; I dont know when I could fall unconscious

Joshua bit his lips until they bled.

Master or not, Sersiarin saw right through the Emperor. She almost certainly knew the Emperors true motivation for imprisoning her from the very beginningand the awful truth of the great tragedy that even some of the Imperial Family were unaware of.

If it were me, would I have acted like her when I found out the truth? Joshua shook his head. The reality was, it wasnt the kind of thing you could deal with in a rational manner.

Why am I crying Sersiarin could be heard sniffling behind the wall. Im fine, but why does it feel like you lost something

Arent you sad?

Yes?

You Joshua fumbled for words for a moment before resolving himself.

He had to make sure. Had she really known, all this time?

As for helping her, hed decide afterwards.

Dont you know why you were born with a disability?

What?

The tragedy of your birth.

She didnt answer, but that told Joshua everything. She knew, even before theyd met in his past life.

Damn it!

This wasnt the usual place for the Emperor to receive guests; it was a private annex in the back corner of the Palace.

I greet His Majesty Marcus von Britten, and sun of the Empire and the great Master of Avalon.

Are you the messengers daughter?

Yes, Your Majesty. She bowed. My name is Anna belle Grace.

Emperor Marcus smiled warmly at the young lady. Did you enjoy my present?

I am very grateful to His Majesty for his gift.

Good! Marcus clapped his hands and laughed.

By the way, he whispered furtively. Ive heard things are a bit complicated

Annas expression tightened.

Has he finally shown himself, after all these years?

It was just a normal rumorAvalon has Duke Aden von Agnus, and Swallow has Archduke Lucifer.

Is there any way out of this? Emperor Marcus leaned back with a tranquil smile on his face. No matter how good of a messenger your father is, its not going to be easy on him.

To tell you the truth, Im not sure.

Huh? Emperor Marcus was surprised. It seemed the girl had the same sentiments as her father. No doubt it had to do with the peculiar spiritual bond between them.

Ive never seen them say anything so weakly in all the years weve known each other.

He didnt call someone a messenger on a whim. Her father was an undefeated generalsimply unbeatable.

Draxia belle Grace.

And now, I just want it more Marcuss grin stretched wider.

He was of the same mind. Ulabiss appearance was an entirely unexpected variableeverything went wrong as soon as he appeared. Even the Emperor didnt expect the Swallow Empires latest defeat.

After this, how dare you say youre not confident.

Anna struggled to breath, shivering uncontrollably.

You were one hundred percent confident in victory. That was why I showed you mercy.

Your Majesty the Emperor Anna clutched her neck desperately. With a low level of mana resistance, she was gasping for air.

The Emperor reigned in his mana, allowing the blue-faced girl to fall to the ground.

Ugh! She coughed violently. Haack! Thank you for your eternal kindness

The Emperor laughed at her pain.

Do not interfere, he said. I will reward you with the Dukes seat.

Your Majesty, Annas eyes were wide with astonishment. What do you mean

Your father would understand.

Anna bit her lip as comprehension dawned.

Eliminating the border guards was unnecessary. That is to say

Even this is a game to Emperor Marcus. Hes insane, a madman obsessed with murder and war.

Anna quickly pivoted.

But this is too much, Your Majesty. I dont know if were able to accept.

Marcuss lips curled upwards. Jaken.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Anna broke into a cold sweat when a black figure appeared out of nowhere.

Would you mind answering for me? Who dares to stand in the way of what I want to do in this Empire?

Everything is done according to His Majestys wishes, the spy replied without hesitation.

Tell your father not to be concerned, the Emperor said with a smile. We will proceed as planned.

You mean

No stopping. Not until its over.

The Emperor turned to Jaken.

Jaken. Prepare in secret; make sure nobody notices.

I heed and obey.

I am not a patient person, Marcus said to Anna. I will not be kept waiting for long.

We will return as soon as possible.

Emperor Marcus stood up and walked away, amusement dancing on his lips.

Anna, too frightened to even raise her head, was left to shiver in fear.