/
“Omen, what a rude joke.”
After the Grand Duke and his wife left, only Omen and Entry remained in the dining hall.
Along with the ruby that had turned to black stone.
“I was fooled, too, Your Majesty. I bought it because it was said to be an expensive ruby.”
Omen stroked his chin, still looking intrigued.
Isn’t this funny?
“Since you were rude today, be sure to apologize.”
“Do I have a choice, Your Highness? I shall follow your command.”
There was an unmistakable tension in Omen’s voice as he spoke, his eyes leisurely downcast.
His mouth twisted, his voice cold, his eyes icy.
“Your Highness seems to like the Grand Duchess very much.”
“Do not say that. She is the hostess of the Grand Duchy of Noctis.”
“Haha, yes, who am I to talk about such things.”
You are such a great man, Grand Duke.
Omen’s words are prickly.
Entry hated this tension, as if he’s walking on thin ice.
He should have just accepted his fate and lived his life.
What is it that you desire so greedily, and what is it that you find so tempting?
“Omen, go to the Queen. She was not feeling well.”
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty, she is resting well, and my presence will only disturb her.”
With that, Omen rose from his seat.
He walked over to where Flotty was sitting and ran his fingers over the ruby that had turned to pulp.
“Those who dare to cheat the royal family out of their money deserve to die, don’t you think?”
His glowing red eyes curved into half-moons as he turned to face Entry.
Why do Omen’s words sound like they’re aimed at someone else?
He can feel the intimidation in his slow steps.
Whoever it is, the man who brought that ruby will probably have his head cut off tonight.
He’s just the latest victim of Omen’s rage.
“Omen, who the hell are you

.”
How long will you continue to harbor ridiculous desires?
The last words never made it out of Entry’s mouth.
There was only one thing he could think of to say in the midst of all of this.
“Your Majesty does not know. If I don’t do this, I won’t even be considered royalty.”
“

.”
“I must show them my authority, so that they will worship me at my feet.”
It wasn’t that he didn’t understand his sentiment, as Omen had been a minor courtier until the Empress’s death.
Colorful uniforms, head-turning nobles, sumptuous food.
Entry, who had grown up without lacking for anything, thought Omen was merely twisted by his unhappy childhood.
“I hope you will overlook this with generosity of spirit.”
Omen bowed gracefully and placed a hand on his chest, no longer the small, timid child he had been.
“You 

 may go.”
He couldn’t even indulge in the childlike antics that could only be done when he was a child, all for the sake of becoming the emperor.
Everyone has their own pain.
If Entry’s pain is being born and bred for the throne,
Omen’s is the pain of not having it.
“I thought that was it

.”
Where did he go wrong?
It’s too much to call it childish jealousy.
The queen and the prince.
When did they start to show such venomous behavior to covet his position?
Thinking back, maybe

.
“There was never a moment when they didn’t covet.”
Entry clutched his forehead as he stood alone in the dining room.
It was a painful position.
A hard one to endure, the imperial crown.
***
“It’s a snake.”
Back at the Grand Duke’s residence, I sat across from him in his office that late night.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I saw it with my own eyes, so you can believe me.”
It was a very appealing snake.
I can still remember its slithering tongue. It gave me goosebumps.
Its shiny, scaly skin and red eyes were creepy.
“A snake. It doesn’t look like one.”
“It has a very powerful aura. I don’t know how they found out about it, but

.”
On the way back from the palace, the old lady had told me.
【It’s an insignificant creature, but it can change when it harbors evil.】
I said.
If it’s a god of blood and death, its evil aura is even more powerful.
She snorted.
【That’s how insignificant they are】.
The old lady’s words reassured me for a moment, but the question was whether they could protect the crown prince.
“Maybe they’ve realized something’s wrong, and now they’ll start making their move.”
“Good. Time is running out.”
The aging emperor now awaits death.
The affairs of the empire have long since been taken over by the crown prince.
“I can’t read the thoughts of the queen or the prince right now, so I’ll try to keep an eye on their entourage.”
“I agree, you take care of the Queen, and I’ll take care of Omen.”
“Understood, but please be careful. The prince is also 

.”
As I trailed off, picturing Omen’s face in my mind’s eye, an unpleasant sensation washed over me.
“Don’t be so forthcoming as you were today. Concern yourself with your own well-being, not mine.” (Denver)
The Grand Duke frowned and turned to me.
“You’re worried about me?” (Flotty)
He didn’t sound friendly at all, but he did sound peculiar.
I sensed camaraderie, or something.
“It’s nice of you to say so, but don’t worry, I’ll survive until His Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne.” (Flotty)
I’ll survive at all costs, and I’ll get out of here.
The moment the crown prince puts that glorious crown on his head, it’s all over.
No more stakes, no more choking nerves.
“You’ve still got it. I like it.” (Denver)
The Grand Duke smiles, apparently pleased with my answer.
“I’m going to retire to my bedroom now, do you have anything else to do?”
I glanced at the stack of papers on his desk and sighed softly.
“You go first.”
“I’ll go first, then.”
I turned to leave, leaving the tired-looking Grand Duke behind.
I wondered if I’d exerted myself too much.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so dizzy in my life.
“Flotty!”
I was saved by the Grand Duke, who called out to me in an urgent voice and supported my back.
Nearly falling to the floor, I grabbed my head and squinted.
“I’m just a little dizzy

.”
My vision is blurry and I can’t think straight.
“I told you not to push yourself.”
I didn’t think I was pushing myself too hard.
I didn’t realize my body was taking such a toll.
The bell tinkles along my swaying body.
“Ha

.”
I heard the Grand Duke’s low sigh very close to me.
I look up at his face through blurry eyes, but I can’t see his expression.
“Are you okay?”
“I don’t think so

.”
My words twitch in my blurred vision.
‘Move, my body.’
Contrary to my expectations, my staggering body acts as if it’s going to collapse at any moment.
It’s like the feeling of drowsiness overtaking me.
Slowly closing eyes and fading consciousness.
The Grand Duke called out to me in a low voice, gently cradling my body.
“Hold still. I’ll carry you.”
“No, I’m fine, put me down.”
His wide arms felt like a cozy bed.
Words came out of my mouth, but my body didn’t listen.
‘What a disgrace

.’
After all, I’d done so much to help him.
Holding me, I was stretched out, barely opening my eyes.
“I’m sorry, I can’t move

.”
“It’s okay.”
The Grand Duke’s brief reply was enough to keep my eyelids closed.
I must have been awake all the way to the bedroom.
I couldn’t remember what happened after my body touched the fluffy sheets.
The only thing that lingered in my mind was the touch of a hand tidying up a stray strand of my hair.
***
“My lady, the Countess of Pessia is here.”
“A welcome visitor.”
I smiled brightly, closing the book I was reading.
I had slept soundly since returning from the palace, and my body had returned to its normal state.
'' Flotty, are you feeling well?''
'' Yes. I'm fine now. I'm sorry about last night.''
'' You should rest for a while, and don't push yourself too hard.''
He sounded harsh.
One would think it was a felony to fall like that.
“Grand Duchess Noctis, I hope you’ve been well.”
A less-than-pleased-looking Armédie greeted me in the parlor.
The Grand Duke had told me to take it easy for a while, but what could I do?
I’m an outsider who can only get out of here by crowning the hero.
“Yes. How are you, too?”
“I’ve been well Your Majesty,” Armedie said gracefully, lifting the hem of her skirt slightly.
“Have a seat. There won’t be much to tell.”
“

May I ask why you invited me here?”
“The tea is getting cold.”
I picked up my teacup, oblivious to the trembling Armedie in front of me.
“I understand that I am not well-liked among the noblewomen.”
“

.”
“That’s why they bow to you, not me.”
If I can’t get to the queen and the prince, I will start with their entourage.
Not just Armédie, but everyone who has ever spoken a word with them.
“That is not the case, they all honor the Grand Duchess.”
She put her foot in her mouth.
Like a maid who had been favored by the queen.
She’s very skilled at ruffling the feathers of her opponent’s feathers.
“I didn’t call you here to listen to that, so you don’t have to do it.”
ArmĂ©die doesn’t exactly deny me.
“I would love to become part of your social circle.”
“It would be a pleasure to have Your 

 Highness join us.”
“I see, I’ve been worrying for nothing.”
“Of course not. You can call me any time you like. Everyone will be happy to oblige.”
I glanced at Armédie through my gleaming silver lenses.
''I have an invitation from the Grand Dushess.
'' You should be happy to accept. She is the hostess of the Grand Duchy of Noctis.''
As expected.
The Queen’s eyes were on me now.
‘Yes, Armedie. Eagerly bring what you have seen and heard to the Queen.’
It will be poison to you.
“I’d better get going, it’s time for another guest to arrive.”
I looked at the clock on the wall and smiled languidly.
They’ll be here soon.
The moment the hands pointed to two o’clock,
“My lady, I beg your pardon. The Duchess of Kellus has come to see you. She has no invitation, but what can I do?”
“Ah, she has arrived, please show her to the parlor.”
“Yes, my lady.”
I gave my goodbyes to Armédie, who looked at me with a puzzled expression.
No wonder she’s wondering what’s going on, she moves slowly and tarries.
“Madam, you can’t just walk right in here

 hik!”
The maid at the door is pushed aside.
Then, boom, the door swings open.
“Your Grace, do you not have something to say to me?”
The Duchess of Kellus appears, her voice fierce.
“What?”
“What the hell did I do to

!”
Now, Armedie. You saw it coming.
All you have to do is convey this to the Queen.
My mysterious, extraordinary abilities.