“I want you to take control of it.”
I gazed at her steadily, saying nothing.
“The social world has leaned on the First Consort for everything. With her gone, it’s rudderless and bound to grow chaotic. I don’t want that chaos.”
“You could be its center,” I suggested.
“Perhaps. But I lack the power to unite a fracturing society.”
“Do you think I have that power?”
“I told you—you resemble the First Consort.”
Her eyes crinkled with a smile.
“I believe you could do it.”
“I have no intention of uniting the social world.”
She set her teacup down, her face clouded with confusion.
“A faction held together by one person collapses the moment they’re gone, leaving no time to recover. Just like the social world now.”
“That’s why I’m urging you to take her place.”
I shook my head slightly.
“That’s just a vicious cycle. Besides, I’m not fond of such tedious work.”
“You don’t plan to become empress?”
“There’s no rule saying an empress must dominate society.”
“Don’t you know what happens to an empress who doesn’t?”
Her voice, always impeccably polite, rose slightly.
“I know well. The current empress is proof.”
As I was back then.
“And yet you’ll do nothing?”
“I never said I’d do nothing.”
“Are you playing word games with me?”
She scrutinized me. I lifted my teacup, draining the last of the tea. She waited silently until I set it down.
“When one faction overshadows others, the balance tips. For harmony, multiple forces of equal strength are better.”
“You mean…”
“I don’t intend to stand at the forefront, Countess.”
“…!”
A hollow laugh escaped her.
“I was mistaken. I take back what I said.”
She straightened, fixing her gaze on me.
“You’re not like the First Consort—you’re more like His Majesty.”
“My father is Marquis Eliant.”
“Hah, I know. I meant your political instincts resemble the emperor’s.”
“Your words carry a sting for a compliment.”
“Do they?”
She smiled quietly, though a faint displeasure surfaced whenever she mentioned the emperor.
“It won’t be easy, Lady Eliant.”
“I know.”
“You’re aware of the noble faction’s recent movements?”
“Yes.”
“And you’ll still do it.”
I smiled without answering. She sighed softly.
“Whether you want it or not, the social world will split in two. You know who’ll lead one side, don’t you?”
“Duke Daysha’s daughter?”
“Yes. When she debuts, her temperament won’t matter—people will flock to her. And you’ll stand on the opposing side.”
“You want me to seize control before that happens.”
“Yes. But you seem reluctant.”
She was right—I didn’t relish opposing Daysha’s daughter. I disliked the idea of being forced into that position.
What did opposing her ever gain me back then?
I had no desire to clash with her. Unlike before, Sys was mine now. If she tried to take what was mine, I’d crush her thoroughly, not let her stand as an equal.
Thinking of her, my lips twisted into a smirk.
“I don’t plan to suppress with force like the First Consort. Force breeds resistance—you’re proof of that, aren’t you?”
“Indeed.”
“I’ll let things flow naturally.”
“It won’t go as you hope.”
“Likely not. That’s why I need your help.”
“You want me to lead one of those factions?”
As a veteran of the social scene, she grasped my intent instantly.
I had no desire to form my own faction. A faction could shield me, but it could also become a noose. I didn’t need a double-edged sword or the risks it brought. My trusted allies were enough.
I planned to fragment the social world, letting factions check each other so none could bare their teeth at me recklessly.
“You think I’ll help you?”
“You said you like me.”
Her eyes widened slightly. I gave her an innocent smile.
“I trust you will.”
Her wrinkled eyes narrowed with a smile.
“Shopping with you feels like a dream, Beeonne,” Levina said.
“It’s my first time shopping with someone my age too. I’m a bit nervous,” I replied.
“Really?”
She clasped her hands, eyes sparkling. I nodded.
“I feel so lucky!”
Her radiant smile and excited voice were infectious.
“My heart’s racing thinking about visiting Luiasha. Have you thought about what dress you want, Beeonne?”
“Not yet. What about you, Levina?”
“I’m not sure either… I don’t know the capital’s trends yet.”
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“Madame Miela will recommend something perfect for you. She’s the empire’s top dressmaker.”
“You get her help too, Beeonne?”
“Yes, every time.”
“Will she really help me?”
“Of course.”
Levina clapped her hands, beaming again. Despite being the Second Prince’s maternal family, House Asteya was a small northern house. Few sent her party invitations. Marchioness Engrail’s tea party was her only regular outing. The New Year’s ball was her biggest event since her debut, so her excitement was understandable.
“What’s your ideal type, Levina?”
“…Pardon?”
She blinked, caught off guard by my sudden question.
“I’m curious about your ideal type.”
Her cheeks turned peach-pink. To a naive young lady fresh into adulthood, the question must have felt bold. I barely remembered being that innocent myself, making it hard to gauge what was appropriate.
Well, I’ve said it now.
