"That's Countess Luvai."

Eusto talked, pointing to a red castle wall in the distance. It was a day, late afternoon, when Count Sepia was left behind. When Julia nodded, Eusto called one of the knights and sent a messenger.

Do you want me to open the gates?’

It came unannounced, so there was a possibility that he would refuse if he didn't want to. I didn't think about it when I visited other lands. Count Rubai's behavior was quite suspicious.

Chloris Rubai, she kept her information as hidden as much as she could from the outside world. At the banquet, he decorated and sent out someone else, not himself.

Of course, there was no particular abnormality with Count Rubai and no connection with Duke Fez. But the fact that it was yellow, not white, caught the attention of King Weddin Brick.

I'd like to see myself as much as I can.’

However, I was not going to force the door open. There was no justification or reason to siege like the castle of Tern. By the time Julia thought she would reject it in her head, the messenger returned.

"Your Majesty, Count Rubai has asked me to say welcome."

"That's very nice to hear."

Everyone around her nodded at Julia's words. Everyone reluctantly opened the gates whenever they visited other castles.

Rather, what's more suspicious is that I have too much on my mind.’

There was nothing easy. Still, he hid the doubts in his mind. Now I know that there are so many people who need to care if you make it obvious.

"Then let's make it easy for the first time in a while."

Articles burst into laughter at Yulia's words. On a sunny day when winter was clearing, the Imperial Army entered the Countess of Lubai in the southern part of the continent.

As soon as he entered the Earl's castle, the neatly dressed servants and maids guided the knights first.

"This is where the Knights will stay. It's old, but it was originally used by the Order of Luvai, so it'll be convenient."

A neatly brick building was seen where the maid beckoned. The site was quite large, and it was a stable and well-equipped building. However, strangely, there were no images of the training knights.

"What about the Order of Luvai?"

The maid answered Julia's question without hesitation.

“전쟁이 끝난 뒤, 자경단을 꾸리며 기사단을 해체하여 현재는 쓰지 않고 있습니다.”

‘자경단…….’

그건 마을 사람 중 몇을 뽑아 치안을 담당케 한다는 소리였다. 율리아는 하녀에게는 ‘그렇군.’하고 답하면서 속으로는 미심쩍게 생각했다.

‘진짜 의심병이라도 들었나.’

I thought it was because I saw many people who committed corruption and covered them up with other things. Julia was guided by another maid after watching the Knights enter. The maid accompanied Julia to the mansion and guided Count Rubai one way or another.

"The Count of Rubai hasn't changed his name in 200 years."

Unlike Count Sepia, who had just passed by, it was indeed a family of ancient Counts. A country that lasted 100 years was a great power on this rare continent.

"It is my great honor to have you here."

There was a small dot in the middle of the maid's cheek. The gently smiling face was impressive. Dark gray hair and turquoise eyes. Julia stared and she bowed slightly with a curious face.

"Maybe I was looking at you rudely.”

"…no, it's not."

She sighed in relief at Julia's words."You don't look like an ordinary maid."

He/she was calm in his/her attitude and speech, and he/she believed that he/she was a nobleman. No, rather, not many aristocrats use such elegant tones as hers.

'Then...'

Julia was wondering if. He didn't show up in person at the last banquet, so chances were high this time.

I don't know if it's a test or a job.

I was going to throw a fastball this time. Once at the banquet was enough to be deceived.

I arrived at the mansion while I was being guided by a clean voice. The maid got off the wagon first and bowed down. Over the carriage door, users lined up on both sides. When Julia got off, everyone lowered to take an example. Along with him, a man dressed in a tuxedo, as expected, stood in the middle and took an example.

"I see His Majesty, the Lord of the Empire."

Normally, it was Yulia, but today it was different.

"Who are you?"

"I am Count Luvai, in charge of this count."

"It's different from what Jim knows."

Julia said so and looked at the maid, who had been lowered from the sidelines.

"As far as Jim knows, Count Rubai has gray hair and turquoise eyes."

"Isn't that so for me?"

The man, who called Count Rubai, answered without panic. His hair color was gray, but it was more blue, and his eyes were more like brown.

Julia stiffened her mouth.

"Are you trying to deceive your baggage once you're not good enough?"

"What?"

"Did you think Jim didn't know that the current Earl of Lubai was a woman?"

On the spot, Julia pulled out her sword and pointed it at the maid who was beside her. Grey hair, turquoise eyes, over-elegant tone. Obviously she was Count of Rubai, Clarice.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

"I want to ask Jim, what made you lie to him again?"

Cloris stared at Julia. The eyes met and there was tension. And it was the next moment. In front of my eyes, an unlong length of metal flew and stuck in the floor where no one was there. With him, a small drop of blood dripped on the floor.

"Jenna!"

It was a wound that Jenna blocked when she saw Cloris rushing toward Julia. Naturally, Eusto moved first to stop him, but unfortunately the knife flew away and left Jenna a shallow wound.

"I'm fine, Your Majesty."

"Why did you do such a reckless thing?"

"Unknowingly enough…Are you okay, Your Majesty?"

She was actually hurt, but Jenna asked with a worried face.

"Of course my luggage is fine. Don't do this from now on.”

"…I'm sorry, Your Majesty."

"I didn't mean to apologize. I appreciate your heart, but I don't want you to be in danger."

Above all, there was no way that Julia could not see the movements of ordinary people like Chloris.

Rather, it took Jenna a while for Eusto to step in and subdue Count Rubai.’

Cloris was kneeling, with both arms bound by Eusto. Julia held the sword and aimed it at the tip of her chin.

"Did you intend to kill Jim?"

Then those who appeared to be the users of Chloris took out the weapons they were hiding. The tip of the sword all at once turned to Yulia. Julia looked at the figure and laughed at the corners of her mouth.

"Funny."

It was originally an unfriendly area, but I didn't think it would come out like this. She set her eyes on Eusto and Felix who stood by. Believe it or not, both were ready for battle at any time."The Knights of the Count of Rubai seem to have been waiting here."

"…when did you know that?"

Cloris slowly looked up and made eye contact with Julia. The emotion in the turquoise eyes was anger and embarrassment.

"Since you sent someone else to the banquet hall.”

'That can't be true.’

Cloris strongly denied it to himself. It was not convincing to her that she had turned a blind eye to it then and now she knows it. I thought the emperor, who had been deceived by Duke Pez for two years, could not have exceeded my expectations like this.

"The Emperor is a wizard... There's a sorcerer, so maybe that's what he's trying to do.'

She thought to herself that Julia might have seen through by dirty tricks, but refused to show in her attitude. She answered Yulia with her chin raised as an elegant and noble aristocrat.

"…I guess it was me who didn't notice the color of the warning."

Cloris sighed a small sigh and waved at the users.

"Master."

"You don't have to sin. I'm the one who ordered everything.”

Clarence said with a detached face. But users opened their mouths as if they were not.

"That's not true. Master said never to take out weapons...….”

Julia looked at the figure as if she was dumbfounded. I really felt like an off-stage audience.

"Nobody has arrived yet."

“…….”

"Give me your weapons, this is an order for the Emperor of Lanchea."

Nevertheless, the users only looked at the count's expression instead of Yulia.

Did you really try to rebel?

If so, it was highly likely that Yulia's own guidance was also intended to examine the trends. Eusto, who was standing by, said quietly.

"Give orders only, Your Majesty."

"Eusto."

"They have already admitted that they are traitors."

Despite his words, Julia shook her head as if to wait for a moment.

Count of Rubai, tell me why.

"You have done wrong for abandoning the empire."

If you say so, I have nothing to say.’

If I blamed him for the past two years, I had no choice but to listen. Even if it wasn't himself, and Julia was originally tricked by Duke Pez.

Now that you're an emperor, you're responsible in a sense for even being so.

But I couldn't say it out loud just because I thought so. He was also responsible as an emperor, called the owner of the empire, whenever he was greeted.

"I've never abandoned my luggage away."

"You gave Duke Pez full power and left him unattended. Can you really say no!"

"I'm not responsible for failing to stop you from running wild. But are you trying to deny it even now that you want to correct it?"

"I'm going to spill the water and pick it up again. Now, even if you pretend to be good, you can't compensate for the years that you've already suffered."

"Then Count Rubai, do you want to kill your burden and bring this continent back to war?"

From the moment of possessed, I felt responsible for things that Julia originally couldn't take care of. So I tried to wake up more and work. Even if it's not his fault right now, now that he's Julia, that's just an excuse.

That's why Clarice's words were even more astounding. Because she was looking at the past, not the present. He pretended not to know that he couldn't handle it, and left a scar on innocent Jenna.

"Do you think all the problems you've pointed out will be solved if your luggage is gone?"“…….”

Count Rubai shut his mouth as if he had nothing to say. Julia was rather angry at the evasive attitude and raised her voice.

"Do you know you're doing things that you can't take responsibility for?"

I was sure it couldn't be unknown. He has pointed out Julia's mistakes over the past two years and has set things up in this way, so he knows his own contradictions. You can't just open your mouth because you know it.

'Of course, there's been a mistake over the past two years, but you're the only one who can ask if it's okay.’

But Julia warned the nobles and gave them a chance. For months, he severely punished those who didn't even think about changing. You had one chance to fix it as soon as you possessed yourself.

Julia sighed and said to her, "I'm upset with her."

"Jim left the Duke of Usdan and came all the way here to visit various lands."

"…did you."

This place was probably not in her ears because of the slow transmission of information.

"I didn't punish them all. "We have confirmed what we need to confirm and punished what we need to punish."

“…….”

"Did you really seek treason to blame Jim? Was it him or was it to keep his place?"

She did not answer that question. It was because of this that I was really angry. I've seen that all her condescending glib words are a means to a real purpose.

Julia took a pocket out of her arms and threw it in front of her.

"That's why Jim visited here.”

"…what is this?"

"The Earl of Weddin, the former King of Weddin, asked you to show him."

"Did you just say Earl Weddin?"

Her stiff expression changed dramatically. Her eyes shook mercilessly, and she hurriedly opened the pocket. I checked and confirmed the authenticity of the letter with Rocket and his seal.

'Brick said we had an exchange when we were young...….’

It didn't seem like such a simple relationship.

Cloris agonized over Julia, where she opened the letter. Tears formed around her eyes after confirming the content. Breathing heavily after reading, she uttered unexpected words.

"Is the Earl of Weddin safe, Your Majesty?"

How could Brick be safe?…?’

I was surprised in two ways. One was that the relationship between Cloris and Brick seemed more friendly than I thought. The other was that she thought Brick was dead.

"The Earl of Weddin is recuperating in the Imperial City. Of course, I told Tae to take care of him."

"…well, are you sure?"

"Does the letter appear to be false?"

At Julia's words, Clarice shook her head from side to side.

'There must be another reason for this.’

Julia was briefly in conflict. Because Clarice had already cheated on her twice. But seeing her teary face, I wanted to hear the story at least once.

"Maybe you'll cheat on your luggage again."

"I'm…."

"You've done what you can to get rid of everyone here.”

Clarice bowed at Julia's words.

"Isn't it worse than the burden you've been so critical of?"

Perhaps because of her strong tone, Clarice's shoulders shrank. Her hands trembled as to where the mettle had gone, as she spoke confidently to Julia. Then he beckoned to the users with weapons."Throw down your weapons as you say."

It was a squeezing voice. Users threw their weapons on the floor, apparently knowing something was wrong. A dull metallic sound hit the floor and bothered my ears.

"Just kill me, Your Majesty!"

Cloris fell down on the floor shouting so.

"Count of Rubai."

"They're really just trying to do what I want."

"Do you mean to rebel?"

"What I wanted wasn't so noble."

She said so in a more elegant way than anyone else.

"I just wanted to save Count Weddin."

"Saving Count Weddin...…?”

At Julia's words, Clarice said with a look of resignation.

"A month ago, another aristocrat who returned from the banquet said. Brick's lost his mind.”

It was nonsense. It was natural for an aristocrat who attended the banquet to know about the water fire. But knowing that also means Brick is safe. Julia looked at her with an absurd face.

"The Earl of Weddin is safe!"

She added words to Julia's words as if Jenna was guaranteeing by treating her wounds.

"Your Majesty's words are true. I treated Earl Weddin."

Slowly, Cloris breathed, looking at Jenna's wound.

"…I think so. I may have misjudged you."

She clenched the letter Brick gave her. She looked earnestly, bringing her neck to Julia's sword.

"I'm the one who caused the trouble with a short thought. So punish me and please save others."

Then I closed my eyes as it was. He looked like he wanted to dispose of it as much as he wanted. There was silence for a moment.

Her users looked as if they wanted to plead right away. I'm begging you to save her. But they put up with it. It was because I felt that I should not intrude intuitively.

I think we should listen to her more.’

There were too many things missing in her words. It was doubtful that she might have calculated it to save her life or to talk to someone else.

It's a big move. I feel like it's contradictory."

Her words and actions didn't add up. Julia repeatedly agonized over and over again with her hand holding the sword. Normally I would have listened to her situation.

'What is it, this feeling?'

It wasn't the kind of disgust she felt because she cheated on her.

'In the first place, such a smart idea would make me a real Yulia.’

Rather, it was a feeling that could not be explained with logic.

'I saw it in a novel, but is there something I've forgotten?’

Julia was lost in thought just in case. However, what usually comes to mind when one holds a clue did not show a single consonant.

"…I think you have more to say to Jim.”

Julia pulled a sword right next to her neck. I could feel the users breathing out loud with relief.

"Felix."

"I'll call the knights right away."

I moved a fountain pen with him.

"Eusto, arrest Earl Rubai."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

When he raised the count, the users reacted as if they were saving her. At that moment, there was a bang on the floor. Julia said, threatening them, hitting the floor with a sword.

"Without Jim's permission, the count's plea will be of no use."It was a low voice. But it was enough. The users of Count Lubai were stiffened by the pressure they had never felt in their lives.

After the emperor's army arrived, the users of the Earl were arrested. Some were embarrassed, but most accepted reality as if they had expected it.

Cloris, Count of Lubai, who did a bold job, was magically bound with both hands. Just as Julia was about to question her, Eusto carefully stopped her.

Why don't we start tomorrow, Your Majesty?

"It's all right."

"You don't look well."

He looked at Julia with a worried face. Eusto lowered a little and looked up at her and held one hand carefully.

"Eusto."

"Do you remember what you said before?"

He whispered in a voice so small that only she could hear.

"When you feel like you're going to be crushed by your own thoughts, you should take a break.”

“…….”

Yulia felt a chill in her head at the words of Eusto. To be honest, I had a lot on my mind.

I felt an awkward contradiction in Clarice's actions. However, he tried to ignore all kinds of signals because he wanted to solve it right away. In addition, the fire of responsibility pulled by Cloris played a part.

I would normally have thought I should look into it slowly. However, I tried to step on the accelerator because I thought she was guilty and admitted it.

'That's what Julia used to say...…?’

Originally, Song Ha-ha himself was often remembered. The day when I was stressed out at work and bought wine with whiskey as soon as I got caught at the mart. When he had to work on a project that overworked himself under pressure from clients and the company's performance. He recalled, determined never to let the situation control him.

"When you're having a hard time, let's do it overnight."

The words were his own words. It was not a memory read as a novel. A strange anxiety came down to my mind like frost.

"Your Majesty, was I rude?"

Eusto asked Julia, as if dealing with frozen ice in the sudden cold.

"No."

It was a reflex answer. However, thanks to the answer that was faster than I thought, I came to my senses.

This is not the time to be a fool.

Julia thought of herself as a whip. But Eusto said, gently clasping Julia's inner hand.

"Please hand it out, Your Majesty."

"I'm already relying on you a lot.”

Even in Julia's answer, Eusto had a strangely sullen face. But I stopped talking because I knew it wasn't good to be longer. Now that you're out of eyes, you can ask her for a story.

"Then... the questioning of Count Rubai is due tomorrow afternoon."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"In the meantime, her surveillance...….”

That's what Julia said, and wondered who to leave it to. He pleaded guilty, but it was still before questioning. As much as I want to get information from her, the results will depend on who's watching.

'Jenna will do well...….’

But she was from another royal family, so it bothered me. At that time, an unexpected figure stepped up.

"Your Majesty, may I take care of you for a day?"

Flena spoke with a warm smile as usual.

'Fleena can be relieved, but...….’

But she was her maid-in-law. There was a psychological barrier. Flena said tenderly, perhaps reading the hesitation.

"For a day or so, there are plenty of people to replace your servant."

"But Flena, are you sure you don't mind?"

The worry prompted Flena to admit Julia in a word."I'm good with Felix, Your Majesty."

"Hang on, Flena! What does that mean?"

Of course Felix's complaints were a bonus.

Felix complained a little, but the story worked out.

"Then, Plena, take care of me."

At the smile, Flena nodded as if it was up to her.

"Your Majesty has entrusted me with it, of course."

Cloris was led to a mansion a short way from the Earl's residence with a knight and Flena.

"Your Majesty is a very generous man."

Cloris said, looking around the room assigned to him. Unexpected work continued. He admitted his guilt, so I thought he would be summarily dismissed today. But Julia's choice was patience.

"Your Majesty will not be able to speak ill of Count Rubai.’

I was proud to have that much history. Most of all, if he was to be treated as a real sinner, he had to be detained in a dungeon. But Julia locked her up in one of the empty houses in the estate.

It was just a lock-up, in fact a little narrower than usual. In addition, there was a sense of warmth in the room. It was a temperature magic that no one could see. I even put a maid of honor on it. Chloris muttered, saying, "I'muttering.

"Maybe it's because Her Majesty's maid is here as a watcher.”

He also said it with honorifics. As if you know you're a sinner.

'We need to have sympathy here.’

Cloris even showed a wistful smile on Flena. Then she'd have to bend over and get a chance to move on, thinking she'd feel sorry for herself.

"Well, Your Majesty cares about me, but he doesn't care about sinners."

Cloris stared at Flena, amazed by the coldness of the tone he heard. She was like such a sweet sister in front of Yulia, but now she is like ice.

Flena was wearing a shirt and pants, not a dress she usually wore to serve Julia. He did not have to pretend to be soft.

"That's an unexpected face."

"To be honest, yes."

Cloris replied, sitting on a hard wooden chair. Still, both hands were not free. He was arrested for being invisible, so he could spread his arms about a span. On the contrary, it was more comfortable for her. Because nothing else shows that you're a sinner.

"Don't be so relaxed, you won't be able to get a step out of here without me."

"…is that so."

I replied in a completely non-crisis manner. Of course, Clarice had no intention of running away. If I had intended to, I wouldn't have done it this way. Above all, I hated the ugliness of running away more than being decapitated. How can a nobleman show such grace?

However, the door behind Plena and the window showing the sunset in the evening seemed to open easily. As if reading the thoughts of Cloris, Flena said, boiling water in a teapot.

"It looks like this, but it's touched by the greatest wizard in the Empire."

"If you're a wizard... Do you mean Your Majesty's servant?”

Flena nodded for a moment with a soft face at the words. Cloris had heard his story, too. But I thought my arms were bent inward about Felix's comments. Rumors about him, including the warmth of this room, were, of course, splendid.

'Looking at what you've seen about me this time, it's not just a false name, but...….’Felix, however, was not guaranteed anything. The magic man himself was not common, but that was not alone in being treated. In some parts of the continent, there is the Tower of the Sorcerer, and there is proof of skill. It's because I didn't work outside, but there was definitely a marijuana wizard there.

So I thought the assessment of Felix was overrated. There's no reason not to get proof if you're really that good.

"You are very rude."

It was Flena's words that stopped Clarice from thinking.

"What do you mean?”

"Don't you use your own ideas as a yardstick? Your Majesty and Felix."

"Don't you think so? That's the same.”

Despite Flena's cold words, Cloris replied with indifference. It was a face that could not even be questioned.

What a noble man you are.’

That part forced Julia to think. On the surface, even though he seems to follow the cause as a noble, there is a contradiction due to the standards such as his habits in strange ways.

I don't know what it's like in Juliana Yusto's eyes, but it was obvious to Plena. Everyone has their own standards. But whether it's flexible or not was a big difference. Whether it was a good meaning or a bad meaning, she felt that she was a man of her own.

'If you're proud, you'd better not do what you think is strange.’

Flena kicked her tongue and poured the well-done tea into two teacups. I put one in front of Clarice, and she looked at it with a curious face.

"If you want to drink, drink."

"…what a generous man you are you?

Flena spoke bluntly at the words of Cloris.

"You'll have to drink to see if it's generous or not."

"What do you mean?"

Flena had already had her share of tea. Cloris looked at her incomprehensibly. It was too dangerous to say that I was poisoned.

I thought Flena was testing herself. It's also a way to scratch my pride. I didn't feel bad about this, but I thought I should keep up with the beat. Of course, Cloris, born and raised as an aristocrat, didn't think it was because of pride.

When she grabbed the handle of the teacup, Flena said with a grim smile.

"When you unified the empire, there was much talk that you made maidens and servants of those who could not prove their status."

"Yes, but I don't think you are.”

"Yes, I can use a perfect aristocratic accent, unlike Felix and other children."

When she heard that, she thought it was strange. She seemed to be proud when she heard the words, but she did not feel any pride in her expression or way of speaking. In fact, her accent now was not changed to that of a nobleman, but to a tone that would only be used by ordinary merchants.

"You know what, Count Rubai."

"What?"

"I can make you drink as much poison as you want without even knowing it."

"You're a good joker."

"Even if I were from 'Auris' would you say that?"

At that moment, Clarice's hand shook. It was none other than the top of the list of well-known intelligence just a few years ago. There was no information they could not obtain. Besides, they didn't even belong to a country. During the war, countries used to pay them huge sums to get more favorable information than anywhere else.

Plena smiled softly and brought a hot teacup inside her elbow."Can you believe this?"

Clink-!

The vivid red pattern was none other than that of Auris. I was told that tattoos using special paints that they use only shines red in response to hot temperatures.

Flena looked at Cloris and said as if she had expected.

"Of course you didn't risk your life.”

"…are you trying to intimidate me?”

"The liar's eyes get murky. If you're not good at it."

“…….”

Cloris clenched his skirt with restrained hands. I thought I'd done it aloof enough. But this was really unthinkable.

'He didn't tell me this kind of man was by the Emperor...….’

I was embarrassed, but I managed to keep my head down. That was the first course of action that Cloris learned as a nobleman, to suppress his emotions and only think of keeping dignity as a count.

"I'll tell you only once, Earl. Don't cheat on your majesty anymore."

"I don't know what you're saying you cheated."

"I'm still barely holding back my desire to steal your voice."

Cloris felt suffocated. It wasn't as high as Julia's pressure, but she felt a more raw threat.

"If His Majesty hadn't told me there was something I wanted to hear from you, I would be happy to."

"…I am Count Rubai. How can you be the master of this time-honoured count...….”

Cloris muttered as if he didn't want to believe it.

Indeed, Flena thought he lived only in a greenhouse. It was a person who was the only standard to hurt himself. Flena held the tea with a grin.

"What I fear is not that you are disappointed, but that you are not helpful, Count."

Plus, Flena owed her life to Yulia. The life-debt will be paid off for life, which was the first principle of the already asleep Auris.

It was a strangely desolate night. It may have been because Felix, Jenna, and Camelia gathered in the room a while ago and chatted. The three acted casually and cared about Julia. The consideration was grateful and bitter.

'Was it that obvious?’

It was probably due to the Duke of Fez. Before that, what I had been looking at from a step away, got closer.

"Well, honestly, when I read the novel, I thought Julia was too vigilant for an emperor.’

The problem was that when she became Julia, she understood her mind. Because of its absolute strength, I became confident that I could be alone. Even though I know it can create a gap.

Julia is leaning against the bedhead. I jumped up from my seat. It was hard because I had a lot of useless thoughts when I stayed still.

'Then everything you put off until tomorrow would be in vain.’

Julia burst open the door thinking that she would rather move her body.

"What's the matter, Your Majesty?"

"…Eusto?"

"Yes."

"I thought you weren't keeping the night tonight.”

He replied to Yulia in a slightly stiff way as usual.

"There are not many assassins or insurgents on this expedition. I'm relieved that I'm standing."

Julia laughed as if she were exhausted by the answer.

'It's so overprotective.’

Eusto cast his eye out and asked curiously.

"By the way, are you going out at this hour?"

"I couldn't sleep."

"…is that so."

Julia had a strange feeling about him at the moment.

"Is there anything you want to say?""…is there anything you can say to me?"

"Huh?"

Julia looked at him with a look of cluelessness. I didn't do anything to keep it secret from Eustoesto. But he had a sullen face.

"It's nothing. That was a slip of the tongue."

Eusto closed his mouth with his usual blunt face.

'I won't tell you if I have this face.’

But I didn't mean to let it slide. It's my second time seeing this sad face.

"Yusto, would you like a drink if you don't mind?”

Eusto looked at Yulia, who seemed to be having fun with wine, and wondered why this happened. The beginning was a word from Julia, who suddenly offered to drink as soon as she saw her face.

"Yusto, would you like a drink if you don't mind?”

"…didn't you drink less?"

"You can't stay away from your life friend completely."

He even opened the cork reflexively at Julia's words and poured it into the glass.

I wanted to tell you something.’

When Julia asked him to spend time with her, he could never refuse. Looking at her delightful face, the words I was about to say kept circling in my mouth.

If it's about state affairs, I'd rather make you feel better.’

I hesitated because I couldn't say that my personal feelings weren't mixed up.

"By the way, Eusto."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Eusto answered quickly, erasing his thoughts straight away.

"Did you forget what Jim said about taking a good rest?"

"…what?"

"The fact that you were guarding now means that your rest was only over for the evening."

“…….”

I felt like I was bursting with heat inside. A face that worries about itself with a calm face, which is good, but not good now.

"I'm sure Jim told me to take a good rest.”

"…Your Majesty."

"Huh?"

Eusto hastily shut up. Because it was hovering in my mouth, words almost popped out. But Julia couldn't have known that. If she didn't tell me, it was always turning a blind eye.

The expression that had been released spinning the wine glass quickly turned into the emperor's face.

"Eusto, if Jim has offended you, just say it."

"I didn't mean to upset you."

"Whatever."

The inside of my mouth seemed to dry up. Of course, I was going to say it, but it became very difficult to say it again if I missed the timing.

"Eusto."

Julia rushed him again. He wasn't good at keeping her waiting either.

"Do you really have anything to say to me?"

"There is no reason for Jim to hide from you."

Julia replied with a face that she had no idea. Eusto felt intense pain in the face. The pain that seemed to be pushed up from the stomach came out as if it was hitting the head.

"Why did you try to hide your injury from me?"

It wasn't big, but it seemed to burst out emotionally. However, he had nothing to guess. Eusto sighed and opened his mouth.

"When I went to another estate, I heard that an assassin came."

"…oh, that's it."

Julia opened her mouth as if she had barely remembered his explanation.

"I came, but it wasn't a big deal, I didn't tell you to hide it."

"Is he to silence the knights?"

"It's not silence...….”

Julia had a face that was somehow unfair face. But the silence was the silence. She told the driver 'You don't have to report because you'll be worried if you find out. The article, who heard it, agonized for a long time before seeking an opinion from another colleague.If it had been up to that point, Yusto could really not have known. The problem was that there was Felix here, who catches the story of Yulia like a ghost. He criticized Yusto, saying, "How did you manage the Guard?" How could Julia get hurt again?

I don't care if Felix speaks ill of me.’

More than that, the words that Julia said she didn't have to report were thrown in.

"You don't trust me that much."

"No, Eusto…….”

"How much... Don't be surprised."

It's been painful, blaming him for his uselessness throughout this expedition. He said he was afraid to worry, but he seemed to be denied his worth by saying that he didn't have to tell himself.

"On this expedition, there were even three men with swords in front of you.’

I felt a sense of shame as the captain of the Guards responsible for her safety. She was hurt twice, as there was no reason to get hurt. It was all his responsibility.

"Eusto, calm down for a second."

"I'm calming down."

"…they said it wasn't really a big deal."

Julia rolled up her wrists as if something was not right. There was a very pale red line of about three millimeters.

"It was a wound four days ago, so I can hardly see it now, and it's only a scratch, so isn't it?"

Julia spoke with a sheepish face. It was her kind of behavior.

Perhaps Her Majesty doesn't know. All those scratches to me...….’

Eusto looked at the mark for a long time. The wound, which I wrote off as not even injured, hurt more than the many stab wounds I had on the battlefield.

When he stared at her with painful eyes for a long time, Julia coughed in vain, looking really embarrassed.

"Well, uh, I didn't really mean to hide it."

Eusto held Julia's hand carefully at the words. It was a careful gesture, as if her entire arm had been injured.

"Next time, please do not hide anything."

"…yes."

Rarely, he looked so embarrassed that he was at a loss. From there, I could see the face of Yulia from her childhood, which had long been hidden.

Half-impulsively, Eusto kissed her wounded arm. As I swore allegiance to her over and over again, I pressed down on other feelings that had become a bonus.

I could hear her swallowing her breath quietly. But I didn't feel anything unpleasant. I was just surprised.

"I am your shield. Don't ever forget that."

"All right, Eusto."

The short answer concealed the expression on her face. Eusto let go of her hand, which she held with regret.

The floor was covered with a clean carpet with a noble pattern. Unlike the outside, which is still cold, it is heated with sophisticated temperature control magic. On the table, there was a cool-scented China tea, and it was a simple refreshment. Even though it was temporarily decorated, the sofa was soft, so it wrapped the whole body gently.

Cloris blinked unexpectedly at this situation. He kept making me forget that I was here as a sinner unless my hand was tightly bound by magic.

You have to get your act together. I am the only deficit of the ancient Count of Rubai.'

In this comfortable atmosphere, I thought I would spit out words without realizing it. I shouldn't have. For Young Jimin who believed in himself and followed his will. Unlike others, Clarice stood upright and stiffened her face.I could hear Julia's light laughter in my ears. Cloris turned his head towards Yulia, slightly lowering his gaze.

"Did you rest well last night?"

It was a ceremonial greeting, but silence fell for a while. Unknowingly, there was a mix of protests against Plena's attitude. Cloris was ashamed of the fact that she had acted like that, so she hurried back.

"I was able to sleep well with generous treatment."

Of course that was not true. She stayed up all night with her eyes wide open at the sharp gaze she had never received since her birth. I had to do everything in my power to keep my composure by looking at the cold blue moon.

Of course, to Yulia, she seemed somewhat underneath. I just forgot because I always had a friendly face in front of me. In the first place, Flena, who leads Julia's maid-in-law and servants full of personality, could not have been a friendly person.

When Julia looked at Flena with such a thought, he responded with his usual gentle smile.

"I'm so glad. Can I hear that you're in good shape today?”

"…yes."

It was a mixed-faced answer. Of course, Julia had no obligation to be considerate of that. She should be grateful for interrogating a sinner who chose to rebel against himself in such a moderate environment.

"Then let's talk about it.”

“…….”

"Jim won't come to a conclusion until you're done talking."

For a moment, her eyes met with Cloris. Julia continued, raising the corners of her mouth.

"So we'll have to talk about it so that we don't feel wronged later. This may be your last chance to defend yourself.”

"All right, Your Majesty."

It was a form of interrogation, but it was practically a trial. Julia asked her first question last night with a clean head thanks to others.

"What is your relationship with Count Weddin?"

"Brick... no, I was originally married to Count Weddin."

"Honest marriage?"

It was the first time I heard that story. It's never even mentioned in a novel.

"It was decided by my parents when I was a child, and the count was weak from an early age, so I didn't have time to make an official announcement."

"Hmmm……."

When Julia responded with a questionable look, Clarice added story.

'Why else would he have sent me a letter?'

"All I've heard is that there's been an exchange since I was a kid.”

"In the first place, I... I've done this kind of scary thing."

After saying that, Clarice breathed heavily.

"Because I heard that Brick was almost killed in the fire by His Majesty."

"There was someone who said that about the water fire."

"Yes."

With the voice of Cloris without hesitation, Julia leaned on the armrest.

I don't think it's a complete lie, but it's a weird tone of acting.’

Although the conditions of desperation vary from person to person, somehow she seemed to talk assuming a situation. It was as if he was playing a man who almost lost his long-time lover.

"So… I wanted to save Brick."

"What is the correlation between saving the Earl and rebelling against Jim? If you kill Jim, you'll find a way to save him."

"It is……."

"Did you just put words into your mouth to save the day here?"

Julia's voice was cold.

"No, no, no!"

Cloris shook his head in strong denial.

"Brick is in danger... That's what the man who told me. Don't you want revenge?"

"Revenge?"

"He told me that if I kill your majesty, the enemy of the marriage, I can save Brick."Julia frowned at the words.

"You're shallow."

She kept saying things that really didn't add up. Julia immediately asked, holding back what she wanted to point out, to see where she was going.

"So who was the one who delivered the message? I believe that if the heir to the ancient Count of Lubai were to move, he would be a man of honor."

Clarice's face hardened at Julia's question. She was a bit of a showy embarrassment, even though she had a slight change of expression.

"Why don't you answer?"

"It is……."

I could see Clarice thinking hard. Julia held her chin, intercepted what she might say and put it in her mouth.

"I'm sure you're not trying to hide his identity here, Earl."

"Well, it's not it."

"Yes, I knew it wouldn't be.”

Chloris' face turned blue.

"Well, that's right, I guess.’

She was such a nice shell person. It would have been rare in life so far that things didn't go his way. There was a status and honor compared to the nobles of the surrounding lands. Although it was not announced, it was enough to have a marriage relationship with the king of a country.

Perhaps he thought this would work out for him and used his brain. I'm sure he was pretty good around here.

'Especially around here, there are many greedy people except where Usdan's influence is.’

Among those who were bent on filling their stomachs, Count Rubai acted common sense to the people of Yeongji. I didn't pay too much tax, I didn't be cruel as a nobleman. So it would have been relatively easy to win people's hearts. The surroundings are so bad that it would have looked amazing if you did the basics.

I could tell from the attitude of the users I met yesterday. In fact, some of the residents of the territories complained to the knights of the emperor's army in the morning. Their lord is innocent.

He's not a bad guy. It's just....'

Her world was just too small and shallow. She was a good person and a wise person here. But that wasn't a reason to pity or let her off the hook.

Julia tapped the armrest three times with her fingers, then straightened her slanted waist.

"Claus Luvai."

"…What? Yes, Your Majesty."

She answered in a hurry, probably the shortest time of her life, out of the tens of seconds of thinking seconds. The lips turned blue, and they didn't seem to have a good answer.

"Why can't you answer?"

"It is……."

"Your attitude changed after receiving Brick's letter."

“…….”

Does that mean he's the mastermind of this?

At Julia's words, Clarice shook her head with a face as if she had been struck by lightning.

"No, I'm not! It's just that he's worried about me."

"I was worried about you?”

"That's……."

Julia thought she should not be given more time to think. Already Brick was also a subject of doubt.

"Why can't you say it right away? Even in this situation, there was something written that I couldn't bring myself to tell Jim."

"Oh, no. It's not that...….”

Before I knew it, there was no luxury left for her that she felt at first sight. She was driven by the pressure of Julia and the sharp gaze she received from Flena last night.

"Brick, I have a tendency to look only at one side, so to His Majesty... You said you don't want me to look bad...….”"He must have seen the right person."

“…….”

Cloris chewed on only his own lips. It was a degrading remark, but by any measure the water had already spilled. I was embarrassed when I remembered only a few weeks ago when I thought I could control the whole situation.

"So you're going to hide who told you that to the end."

"…it is."

"Luvai, Jim actually expected a lot from you when he came here."

I was nervous, to be nervous. Brick, who doesn't know if he's an enemy or an ally, was the one who pointed it out. I thought there might be some intention either way. But she was a smooth-looking girl who didn't even know how to play the little role she was given. He doesn't even know his own dish.

At Julia's words, Clarice looked at her with an unexpected face. Even at that moment, I clicked my tongue because I saw arrogance that seemed to evaluate Julia.

"As you know, Jim had considerable confidence in Earl Weddin and Earl Irene."

"…yes."

"Of course, you must have distorted the burden, but you were the one that Count Weddin had in particular."

She fiddled with her hands nervously.

"In addition, the management of the land was pretty good. I came here for the purpose of inspection, but also to promote friendship with you."

"Well, I... I don't think so.….”

"For you, Jim was a bad man, of course he was."

Julia sighed deeply.

"I'm so disappointed. I thought you'd be wise, unlike any other aristocrat."

Chloris' face is now becoming more and more earthy. He would have been supported from an early age as the only heir to Count Lubai. He must have thought the aristocrats around him stupid when he saw them talking. But I'm sure you've been evaluated as the same as those people.

Self-esteem is the most important thing. You don't have the power to protect it.'

It wasn't worth even sympathizing with. It was all about yourself.

"Even in this situation, you seem to have something to hide. How can I entrust a estate to such a foolish man?"

At the words, Clarice looked up in surprise. For her, it seemed more humiliating to be stripped of her title than to sacrifice her life. Then having her pay off with her life might bring her satisfaction. Because she'll think she's kept her honor to the end.

"Claus Rubay committed a crime of treason when he heard the rumor. Therefore, we deprive him of the Earl."

"I was a man!"

Only then did she open her mouth like fixing a broken barn.

"It was a man?"

"Yes, what you told me...….”

It was amazing that I thought it would be the answer. Then Clarence added hastily.

"Sa, actually, I'm not a nobleman."

"You've cheated on my luggage again."

"But I can trust him. I've been dealing with my family since I was a kid."

Julia waited as if to go on.

"Rain, although…….”

Having said that, Cloris took a look at Julia.

"Though, something."

"Although I don't know the exact name…….”

"The Count of Lubai was such a sloppy family, believing in a man who didn't even know his name."

The most effectively disgraceful words were put into the mouth for Cloris.

"Perita! I said Perita. But I don't know if it's his real name."

I thought Julia was a familiar name.

Where did you hear that?’

However, it was not a situation to think deeply. Clarice said the merchant's name, a face that might escape the worst. Of course it wasn't meant to be."That doesn't answer anything, Clarice."

Julia called her name on purpose. I've already ordered her to be stripped of her title as emperor. Clarice looked at her with a look of incredulity at what she heard.

"And what you've done is treason. Have you forgotten that?"

Cloris mumbled without saying a word. It really seemed to forget.

"- Your face is very different from yesterday. You were truly honorable when you were asked to forgive others and punish yourself."

"Your Majesty."

"Did you change your mind after a day?"

Clarice couldn't say yes or no to that. Shabby pride, deprived, she was still the heart of the nobility. The fact that she's the only deficit in the noble family of her time barely supported her at this moment.

"You don't seem to have much more to say.”

Julia really gave her a last chance but Clarice blew it to the end to end. Julia declared her, with an air of indifference.

"I order Clarice Rubai to serve life in prison term."

"Did you say you were a labor brother?"

She replied with a ridiculous face. Flena, who was next to her, spoke to her like a wedge.

"You should be grateful for your indulgence. "For what you've done is not enough to pay with your life."

"I'd rather sentence you to death, labor……!”

But Clarice was more reticent. Felix frowned and moved her hand to cast a spell on her voice temporarily.

"I cannot thank you enough for your generosity."

Felix kicked her tongue, and Eusto immediately called in the knights to drag her away. Until then, I gave him a chance to say it again and again, but he shut up. But as soon as the knights came in and grabbed her arm, Cloris shook her hand. As if he really had something to say, he looked like he would regret it if he let himself go like this.

Of course, Julia was not swayed by that look. With a cool face, Julia called Jenna out.

"What's the matter, Your Majesty?"

"If we leave it at this rate, it will definitely cause misunderstanding in the territories and other areas.”

Jenna laughed as if she knew what to do just by saying that.

"Leave it to me, I'll tell you why Count Rubai was being dealt with."

"…I'm ashamed of you.”

"Don't say that. That's what I want to do.”

"Is yesterday's wound okay?"

Jenna smiled with a straight face, showing where she had been hurt by the words.

"This is a scratch. Lao, who specializes in minor wounds, fixed it again yesterday, so don't worry about it."

"How could he do that?"

At Julia's words Jenna happily wrapped her cheeks once, and left the room immediately.

"I'll be right back, Your Majesty."

Following Jenna, Camellia sneaked up on the mood and opened her mouth.

"I will also write to the Duke of Usdan.”

"Will you?"

"It's not rocket science."

As she stepped up, saying so, only Eusto, Felix and Plena remained in the room with her. Julia stood up from her seat and looked out the window. Outside, the settlers were watching Cloris being dragged away with ridiculous eyes.

"Do you think Count Weddin has nothing to do with it?”

Eusto asked carefully. Julia shook her head as if that could not be the case.

"But there's no evidence.”

"I'm going to put a man on Clarice Rubai."Julia nodded at the words. The moment she told the truth in front of her, she thought she would surely want a price. I've given you plenty of chances.

Julia let out a small sigh. I felt uncomfortable.

'Peritara……'

Someone who is probably the mastermind must have used an alias because he is such a narrow-minded count.

"I think I saw it in a novel, but why?"

Strangely, I haven't given a hint these days. Like I've already given you all the help I can give you.

It was then.

Beep-Beep-Beep-Beep-

The sound of the communication with Cyril rang in a rare hurry.

Continued in volume three