Chapter 381

The news that Riersha had returned the family seal reached even the imperial palace.

“He doted on his daughter so fiercely, and yet the young duke is no different from the rest.”

The Emperor sneered and lifted his cup.

Isierd, standing alone at the center of the audience chamber, replied with quiet composure.

“It is not what Your Majesty imagines.”

The hand lowering the cup paused. The Emperor’s expression shifted to one of puzzlement.

Those cold pale-blue eyes turned toward Isierd.

“Are you suggesting she returned it of her own will?”

“If I know Riersha, then yes. That is exactly what she did.”

“Nonsense.”

The Emperor shook his head, dismissing the idea entirely.

In all his years, he had never once witnessed a noble willingly relinquish power. Coveting something greater — that was simply human nature, and those who stood at its very center were the imperial family themselves.

“You…