“And if the Emperor visits the Northern region, it’s only natural for the Northern Lord to receive the Emperor.”

Iellie bit her lip. She didn’t want to hinder Zachary with her personal feelings.

“That’s both your duty and right.”

“But, Len…”

Zachary gazed at her with sorrowful eyes. He continued his words, running his finger gently over her lips.

“You are much more important to me than all the duties and rights I possess.”

“Zachary…”

“So, I would prefer it if you considered yourself the most important.”

His voice was earnest.

Iellie gazed at him, sensing just how highly he regarded her, and she held him in high regard as well.

“Thank you, but I’m really okay.”

Despite the fact that she responded with a slightly lighter heart, worry was still etched in her husband’s gaze.

“Are you sure? You can reject the Emperor’s proposal…”

“No, really.”

Iellie gave a soft smile as she reassured him. Leaning her head against Zachary’s chest, she whispered softly.

“Because you’ll be by my side.”

He was left speechless by the pure affection contained in those words.

Iellie continued gently.

“You can replace bad memories with good ones.”

“…Len.”

“Because you’ll be by my side, I’m sure it’s possible.”

Eventually, a faint smile appeared on his lips upon hearing her words, and he playfully asked.

“Just as you did to me so far?”

Zachary, who had said so, plucked a rose blossom and placed it in her hand.

“I hope this rose becomes a good memory for you.”

“…Thank you.”

Holding the rose, Iellie felt like she might burst into tears. Zachary must have already known about the tension that had arisen between the Emperor and her before she spoke. That was probably why he gave her this rose.

‘Perhaps he already knows how the Emperor treated me at the New Year’s ball, so…’

She held the flower and smelled its scent.

The sweet scent of the rose calmed her heart. Even though it was the same type of rose, it felt different, mainly because the one who gave it to her was her beloved husband.

‘When the Emperor gave me a bouquet of roses, I wanted to throw it away immediately.’

Zachary simply smiled without saying a word.

As she gently touched the petals, Iellie blushed softly.

* * *

The date chosen for the Emperor’s visit was August, known as the mildest weather month in the Northern region. Not only the Emperor but also the Princess and the Empress were set to come down. It was welcome news amidst all the hustle and bustle.

“I’ll finally get to see Princess and Empress after a long time.”

Iellie grinned. Despite being busy, Zachary, who had taken time out to see his wife, asked with concern.

“Aren’t you being too hard lately?”

“Hmm, not really. Why?”

“You’ve been constantly busy, it’s bothering me.”

Iellie burst into laughter upon hearing his earnest response, but he was sincere.

‘Even now, I wonder if you’ll go off if I hold you or fly away if I blow it…’

His wife was the most precious thing in the world to him. He wanted nothing more than to place her in a comfortable and safe place, bestowing upon her the most valuable things in the world. Nevertheless, the situation kept taking unfavorable turns.

He furrowed his brow deeply.

“That Emperor b*st*rd, always bothering people unnecessarily.”

“Though we can’t help it. Still, it’s nice to see the Princess and the Empress after so long.”

“However, you’re busy with various affairs and the salon.”

Since she was the mistress of the Duchy, Iellie had no obligation to entertain guests, so it was natural for her workload to increase. With the Imperial Family visiting, preparations for a celebration were in order.

“It’s okay. Everyone has their own tasks.”

Iellie replied confidently, as if she knew his feelings. Zachary found her determination both admirable and somewhat sad.

At that moment, she brought forth a document and showed it to him.

“Rather, I’m working on selecting the nobles to attend the celebration.”

“Oh, are you planning to invite Father-in-law and Mother-in-law too?”

“No.”

When she shook her head, he had a slightly puzzled expression as he asked.

“Why not? Most of the Northern nobles are seeking wealth, aren’t they?”

“That’s true, but my parents are exceptions.”

“Why?”

Iellie narrowed her eyes as her fingers tapped lightly on the document. After some hesitation, she finally opened her mouth.

“They said that receiving the estate this time is already enough, and they’re okay with skipping this event.”

Zachary’s face turned displeased. Well, it’s not like that. Iellie’s words continued.

“If they attend this celebration, they might appear differently from what my parents intended, that they’re Hessenweitt’s maternal relative.”

“I know perfectly well that Father-in-law and Mother-in-law are not like that.”

“I understand, though you know how people’s perceptions can be.”

She shrugged her shoulders in response to his firm words. Then, she straightened her index finger and lightly waved it back and forth.

“There might already be some vassals who were uncomfortable with my parents receiving the estate.”

At her words, Zachary tightly shut his lips.

To be honest, he couldn’t deny it. Iellie had established herself as a gracious mistress and was well-liked throughout the Northern region, so everyone kept quiet. Moreover, the unspoken truth that he couldn’t survive without her added to their silence.

“Just the fact that Hessewbeitz is trying to bring in the new maternal family is enough to create the impression.”

“But…”

“Besides, there’s already a precedent with County Laurent.”

Iellie curled her lips. Zachary stared at her lips, completely forgetting what she was talking about.

“I just want to reduce the risk a bit. This time, the Imperial Family is attending as well.”

“…Really?”

“And my parents don’t really wish to attend. They find events like these quite bothersome, to be honest.”

As she smiled, Zachary, who had just managed to regain his composure, sighed and focused on her words.

“By the way, they wanted me to tell you how much they are grateful to you.”

When she flashed her charming smile like that… did she have any idea how much his heart trembled?

“Rather than that, I plan to invite County Laurent as well.”

Regardless, behind her sweet smile came a practical statement.

Upon hearing her words, Zachary instinctively furrowed his eyebrows and responded with an exasperated tone.

“If we’re inviting them as maternal family, I’d much rather not invite them at all.”

“Zachary.”

“And since Father-in-law and Mother-in-law won’t be attending, why should we invite County Laurent?”

“Of course, there is a reason for that, but it’s not the only reason.”

Iellie’s expression remained calm. As she scanned the documents she had prepared, she casually continued.

“If we don’t invite County Laurent at all, the Emperor will eventually notice.”

“Notice what?”

“That County Laurent has lost all influence in the North.”

Her voice was chilling.

While he stared at his wife intently, Iellie inquired with a hint of sarcasm.

“In that case, wouldn’t the Emperor try to recruit the new nobles in the North? Wouldn’t that also be something you dislike?”

“While that may be true… I still really don’t like it.”

Zachary, who replied in this manner, touched his forehead. Under the shadow cast by his raised hand, his blue eyes gleamed coldly.

“Even if it’s like that now, it’s better to seize the opportunity and clean things up someday.”

“I agree with that. There will be a right time for it.”

__