"The reward."

"I thought you'd remember... I see."

Even though she looked calm, her lips were quivering a little as though frightened. I could feel Raniero's lips touching my hair.

"Yes."

Raniero had the power to grab people's attention without saying much. My nerves, which did not keep him in sight, were all focused on him.

"As promised, I'll appoint Sylvia Jacques as the maid of the Empress Palace."

Those words continued so plainly and casually. At that, the aristocrats did not have time to be surprised by the treatment given to her, and Sylvia stood up calmly.

"I'm moved to tears by gratitude."

Kneeling down and bowing once to Raniero, she left the banquet hall through the crowd staring at her in astonishment. Most of the nobles were astonished at the fact that the daughter of a sinner was so easily appointed to the high position of the Empress's handmaiden.

An incomprehensible confusion spread between them.

Raniero glanced at the chaos with pleasure.

'Sylvia...'

At the same time, I fixed my gaze on her back.

'She is really clever.'

She could have received the position quietly after the banquet was over. However, there must be a reason why she left her seat, as if the task was over after she came into the banquet hall and asked for Raniero's appointment, and he confirmed her position.

First, to convey to the multitude of people gathered here that she was now a member of the Empress, so do not be reckless.

Second, to entertain Raniero by unseemly embarrassing the nobles.

I was struck with admiration.

'She would have done really well if she became the Empress.'

If it had been so, Angelica could have spent her days comfortably in the Kingdom of Unro, and she would not have survived her day-to-day life like this.

It was only for a moment that I glanced faintly at Sylvia's back.

Soon, people who came to their senses began to recall the desired purpose that they came to me. When I met their eyes, I was startled to see that their eyes still had a strangely sweet color.

'Oh...'

Conceivably, is it because the country was protected by the God of war, Actilla...? Every time we make eye contact, I realize that all of these people have more or less madness. I don't really feel it when these people are trying to politicize because they are the same.

I laughed awkwardly.

"I'm very grateful that you all have welcomed me with such kindness."

It was a little burdensome to have dozens of pairs of eyes staring at me at once.

Breathing in, I paused before exhaling with determination.

"...I'll take turns to greet each person individually."

Please, keep it in an orderly fashion...

My social skills have been exhausted.

Today, both my energy and social skills were drained. I decided to sneak out of the banquet hall where people laughed, chatted, ate and drank, and staggeringly headed into the garden.

"Whoa..."

I slightly pointed out to Cisen and the Duchess of Nerma where I was going so if there was an urgent matter, they would come to find me. Still, unless it was absolutely necessary, I have been told to stay close as much as possible.

"Phew."

I sighed.

How come I was possessed by such a view of the world?

Why had I possessed here in the first place?

Of course, there was no reason.

My face flushed red from the two drinks I drank in the banquet hall. Sitting by the fountain, I glanced up at the sky.

The summer solstice was late at night, so the sky was as red as blood. What happened in the hunting ground spread in my mind like a panoramic picture. The horrible appearance of Roberta Jacques lying around ironically became proof of my survival.

"I feel relieved when there isn't anyone around. Relieved..."

It is challenging to remain a common-sense person in this strange country.

'It is truly a lax and strange country.'

A country that was victorious in war and expanded its territory with an unprecedented reputation. However, the political battles that took place inside were nothing short of child play.

The plot was so simplistic... So obvious it was insignificant.

Although the strange madness of envying the armed forces was real, the formation and maintenance of a great nation are not achieved simply by force and madness. How was the Empire maintaining its position as the most powerful country...?

Suddenly, I could hear footsteps behind me.

I sprang up to my feet and turned around. My body, which had been reflexively vigilant, relaxed in the next moment.

"You recognize me today, unlike the first night."

At those words, I licked my lips and bowed my head deeply.

All the thoughts I had just a moment ago felt foolish. The reason the Empire enjoyed unprecedented explosive prosperity is because of its existence right in front of me.