“If Estelle is going through the same pain I did…”

“I should clarify; I don’t know much about their relationship either. When Estelle got married, I was preoccupied with my own problems. I was practically kicked out of my family and had to fend for myself.”

“Oh.”

“But as far as I know…”

Christine began explaining what she knew about Estelle’s circumstances.

Originally, Estelle was engaged to a different man, the heir of the Marquis of Sibore, but he had a chronic illness. As their wedding day approached, his condition worsened to the point where he wasn’t expected to survive much longer. In the end, they broke off the engagement, and before things became more complicated for Estelle, her family hurriedly arranged a new match with the Count of Marseille.

“Estelle was originally engaged to the heir of the Marquis of Sibore. In comparison, the Count of Marseille is a step down. So I suspect that the Count harbors some inferiority complex about it.”

“How petty.”

Eve crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed with the Count of Marseille. Christine frowned as she recalled those times.

“There was so much gossip when they married. Rumors said Estelle was already carrying the child of the Marquis of Sibore, or that the Count of Marseille had a mistress. With all that, it’s no wonder their relationship is strained.”

“Yet, despite that, the Count seemed somewhat protective of Estelle earlier.”

“Well, that’s to be expected. Any man would act like that.”

Any man? Just because Estelle was beautiful? That didn’t seem right.

“Christine, what do you mean—”

“You had the Duke of Fontaine, didn’t you?”

Eve paused. Christine continued.

“No offense, but with *that* Duke of Fontaine around, what man wouldn’t be on alert?”

Eve couldn’t help but chuckle at that.

“Please, he’s not like that.”

The emperor had always been known to distance himself from women.

But to others, Charles wasn’t the emperor, just Arsen.

“…”

Realizing her mistake, Eve froze.

“No, what I meant was…”

“Sure, you both seem close today, but still…”

“I’m not defending Arsen! He’s a scoundrel who deserves to be beaten into the ground!”

“Oh.”

“But this time… I mean…”

How was she supposed to explain this?

‘Why did I let that slip?’

Eve mentally scolded herself. What was she thinking, defending Charles? She should have just let him be known as the womanizing fool everyone thought he was.

Thankfully, Christine broke the tension with a smile.

“Well, rumors aren’t always true. From what I saw today, he didn’t seem as bad as the gossip. Although, to be honest, I’m still not a fan.”

“Isn’t a playboy the enemy of all women?” Christine added with a wink.

“If your husband ever gives you trouble, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

Eve stared at Christine, then murmured to herself.

“…You’re quite kind, Christine.”

Christine’s response was unexpected.

“You’re the one who’s impressive, Yvonne. You’re strong and bold, completely different from the rumors. I can’t help but root for you.”

“…”

“I’m a former merchant. I always calculate things to my benefit, so supporting someone like you isn’t an easy decision. You should feel proud.”

Proud to have her support, huh? Christine’s blunt remark made Eve smile.

‘I wish I had met you both sooner.’

For the first time, Eve felt grateful not only for the second chance she had been given but also for meeting Estelle and Christine.

<b>* * *</b>

The preparations for the ball were coming along smoothly. There was no husband restricting her spending, and no mistress trying to steal her power.

Of course, the staff had been gossiping about Eve’s sudden change, but thanks to Charles and Emma keeping them in check, none of that reached her ears.

Eve was aware that the servants were starting to tread more carefully around her. But she no longer cared about losing herself in worry about others’ opinions. She had bigger concerns.

The newspapers were full of articles like:

“Lady Girard to unveil a new dress at the ball?”

“Future Empress Cecilia to showcase royal treasures at the upcoming ball?!”

Eve impatiently tapped her fingers on the table as she read the news. 

Though there was coverage of the Iris’ first ball, co-hosted by the Duchess of Fontaine, the headlines still focused on Cecilia. Eve worried it was only a matter of time before Cecilia overshadowed her completely.

“Estelle will take care of the dress, so that’s no problem.”

But the dress alone wasn’t enough.

As Eve pondered, an all-too-familiar face appeared in front of her.

“Hello, Eve.”

“…Charles.”

He casually sat down across from her, observing her expression.

“You look troubled.”

Eve almost brushed it off, but then she recalled what Charles had said before:

“Focus on the ‘husband’ part. As long as we’re in this contract, I’m your husband. Isn’t it normal for a wife to ask her husband for help?”

‘It’s not wrong to ask for help,’ she reminded herself. After all, they were in this together, working toward a mutual goal.

“I feel like something’s missing.”

“Hmm, I thought so.”

“I haven’t even said anything yet. How can you say, ‘I thought so’?”

“You’re talking about the ball, aren’t you? You’re worried you’ll lose to Cecilia.”

Eve’s eyes widened. Charles answered her unspoken question before she could ask.

“How do I know? The newspaper you’re holding is all about Cecilia.”

“…You’re perceptive.”

“A good emperor needs to be perceptive.”

“Well then,” Charles propped his chin in his hand, “Do you want my help, Eve?”

“…Are you implying you have a solution?”

“I do. And if you ask for help, I’ll give it to you.”

“We’re in a contract. We both need to work toward our goals.”

“Exactly. Just say the word, and you get to use the emperor’s brain for free.”

“Why are you so fixated on me asking for help?”

“Because it’d be cute.”

Eve eyed Charles skeptically as he smiled playfully.

“This might be rude to ask, so I’ll phrase it politely. Your Majesty, do you really not like women?”

Charles burst out laughing at the question.

“Haven’t I proven I’m the emperor?”

“It’s not that I doubt that. I’m just wondering if the rumor about Your Majesty avoiding women is wrong.”

“There are plenty of wrong rumors in the world. Like the ones about you. But that one’s true. I don’t like lies being spread about me.”

“Then why…”

‘Why are you so kind to me? Why are you trying to charm me?’

Eve swallowed her words.

‘There’s no way the Emperor is interested in me. He’s just being playful, like always.’

Even if Charles *were* interested in her, Eve knew she couldn’t reciprocate. Not with Arsen’s face looking back at her.

“Fine. Help me, Charles.”

Eve finally gave in, and Charles smiled brightly.

“Alright.”

For a moment, Eve wondered what it would be like if he smiled like that with his real face. She quickly brushed the thought aside.

‘Focus on revenge, Yvonne.’

Charles tapped the newspaper and continued.

“There aren’t actually any royal treasures. I got rid of them.”

“What?”

“Technically, they were spoils of war. Who wants to keep trophies from defeated enemies?”

Were trophies of fallen enemies something to brag about? Eve silently questioned as she listened.

“So, what will Cecilia be bringing?”

“Probably some expensive necklace she bought. She’ll just claim it’s a royal heirloom. But what if I have something even better?”

“…Something better?”

“A jewel given to Emperor Alexander of the Ruric Empire. If you’ve studied your history, you should know.”

“Alexandrite?”

Eve was stunned. Alexandrite, the rare gem so precious it was practically priceless—Charles had it?

Yet Charles spoke of it as if it were nothing.

“I’ll give it to you. As a gift.”

“No, thank you!”

“You won’t use it?”

As Eve reflexively waved her hands, Charles raised an eyebrow and asked.

“I’ll only borrow it. I’ll pay for it, too.”

“The price will be a dance with me.”

Eve shook her head.

“That’s something I’m going to do anyway.”

“Hmm, I wouldn’t be so sure.”

“…What else are you plotting?”

“Just make sure you practice your waltz.”

Despite the fact that Eve and Estelle had planned everything for the ball, Charles seemed to be preparing something on his own.

Eve glanced at him suspiciously, but he just smiled.

“Where did you get the Alexandrite?”

“Hmm… I suppose you could say it’s one of the real royal heirlooms. It was passed down to me by my father.”

“…”

Eve had heard that Charles’ father was a quiet man who lived in the countryside, but little else was known about him. He had died early, after all.

After his death, Charles and his mother had returned to the palace. Not long after, his mother passed away as well.

Eve couldn’t imagine what it would be like to lose a parent, let alone both. But Charles had lost them both.

Could he have been lonely? It must have been hard becoming emperor with no one to lean on.

‘I was lonely, and I had both my parents.’

After a pause, Eve asked softly.

“…Are you okay?”

Gazing into Eve’s blue eyes, Charles gently stroked her hair.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

“I’ll only borrow the Alexandrite. I’ll use it carefully and return it.”

Charles smiled, seeing the concern on Eve’s face, as if she was worrying more than him.