Case 102: With the imperial family, more trouble.

We were immediately summoned to the emperor's study.

''Please, this way.''

Same attendant, same path—I had been here countless times. If I were any ordinary lady, this was something to be celebrated. After all, being allowed in the imperial palace of all places was an honor in itself. It symbolized the family's recognition.

But if someone asked me... I only felt stressed.

Each time I came here, someone would pressure me into marriage, whether it was the emperor or the second empress—Rachael's mother, the latter especially. I kind of understood why.

I mean, having her daughter become the crown princess meant that her position in the court and the harem would solidify greatly. Power was great. The only problem was that the emperor hesitated, seeing Rachael's 'troubling' romantic relationship with me. In short, I was problematic.

Because of that, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I was somewhat frowned upon, both by the pair and their subordinates.

''Let's go in.''

As I stood in a daze like that, Rachael tapped my back, grabbing my attention. She kissed me on the forehead once, smiled, and opened the door.

''You're here. Sit down first.''

As usual, Beatrice was sorting out her paperwork, with soft music permeating the air. The second empress, Eleanor, was also here, quietly staring at us from the couch not far away. Upon our arrival, they both stopped what they were doing and sat down with us.

''It's been a while since I saw you, Lady Orleans. How have you been?'' The emperor softly asked, her eyes ambiguous.

''Thanks to Rachael's care, I have been well, Your Majesty,'' I replied, smiling. ''I'm honored.''

That was the extent of our greetings. We had known one another for almost half a decade already, so unnecessary exchanges weren't needed. Besides, the emperor was too busy for that.

''I'll get to the point,'' She sighed. ''How many times has it been now? Lady Orleans... are you ready to become our family yet?''

''I... I'm not, Your Majesty.'' I nervously replied.

''...''

Beatrice kept her silent, but Eleanor, who was preparing tea on the side, visibly frowned. Yet, perhaps they had sorted it out beforehand, she didn't make a move like she usually did.

Instead, Beatrice briefly glanced at Rachael before turning to me once again, ''Lady Orleans. Do you know what the most important quality for a good monarchy is?''

''Um...''

''It's stability. When the whole nation depends on a single family, that family must remain solid and stable during its reign. In that regard, choosing a spouse for the crown and the first-in-line is of utmost importance. There cannot be any uncertainty.''

''...''

''Rachael is a talented kid. She is strongly suited for the throne... but no ruler is perfect, nor are they supposed to be. She will need someone to rely on, and that person must commit to their role. The fate of a country depends on this relationship.''

Again with this matter. Those were the words I had heard many times, but they made me feel guilty nonetheless. I understood that it was a serious topic. I understood that everything had become stagnant because of me.

But I didn't even want things to turn out like this. I couldn't help it. It was unfair. Sometimes I still cried to myself because of it.

So... frustrating.

At some point, I found myself staring down at my trembling hands. Rachael softly consoled me, but even she couldn't argue against Beatrice's sound logic. And when the silence felt so suffocating that I nearly couldn't breathe, I unexpectedly heard Eleanor's voice,

''There is a way,'' She sighed.

''...What do you mean, mother?'' Rachael furrowed her brows, apparently sensing something.

Locking her cold eyes with mine, Eleanor spoke, ''Let Rachael marry someone else. She doesn't need to be romantically involved. There are countless people—suitable people—who are willing to be wed into our family. You can be her second wife, her lover... whatever you want.''

''Mother, I already objected to that idea!''

''I only said what I needed to. It's for your own good.''

''Cecilia will be my only spouse, and that won't change.''

''Even when she is still tangled with other women?! Give me a break, Rachael. You—''

The argument escalated right before my eyes. Helplessly observing a rift widening between those two mother and daughter, I was... devastated. Eventually, the emperor sternly put a stop to it.

''Hah...''

''...''

One last time, Beatrice stared at me as I teared up, ''Lady Orleans, I take it as you truly want to stay beside my daughter. I believe you are a good person. So, let me ask you this—how long will it take for you to be ready?''

''O-One year, Your Majesty!'' I hastily but determinedly responded. ''Give me one year, and if I still am not ready by then... I'll leave her side.''

''Cecilia! I—''

''Don't say you'll abandon the throne.'' I shook my head at a flustered Rachael. ''You've worked so hard for it. You don't need to... because of me...''

The princess bit her lips, but it wasn't the same intimate motion that I loved. Instead, it was anguish.

''...Understood. I'll take your words, Lady Orleans.''

In the end, the emperor dismissed me to continue her work. Rachael had to stay for a while before she could accompany me home. But before I exited the room, Beatrice called out to me again.

''I hope I can hear you call me 'mother-in-law' again one day.'' She said, her expression still ambiguous.

''...''

I couldn't really discern her emotions with my power—I wasn't in that kind of mood.

''Lady Orleans, may I guide you to the garden?'' The attendant timidly approached me. ''You can use tea and refreshments while Her Highness finishes her business.''

''Thank you, but I'm good.''

I just wanted to be alone for a few moments.

So, I chose the balcony where I could see the bustling Syrus the most clearly. Basking in the early autumn wind, I slowly thought to myself...

It wasn't a secret or anything—the emperor was troubled by the demons' recent movements. It seemed that after one and a half decades, they finally stabilized enough to plot something like this again. Rachael, the most likely person to take the throne, also got dragged in because of that.

Of course, the demons' matter also concerned me. If it progressed similarly to the original game, I shouldn't have to worry about Cecilia's mother at all since she wouldn't make a move. The problem was my interference as Cecilia, or rather the lack thereof.

The original Cecilia defied her mother's decision and deserted, even faking her death in the process, but I didn't. Thanks to that, it took the demons longer to get together, seeing that it was still mostly peaceful at his point. I wondered if they had a leader yet.

In any case, what I had to do was clear—get rid of these shackles, get rid of the pesky demons, and live a happy life with everyone.

The preparations were mostly done. I just needed to plan my actions forward cautiously. By then, the happy ending I had always wanted... wouldn't be so out of reach anymore.

''Hey, you.''

''Hm?''

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice someone approaching me. It was a slightly small, thorny little blond girl.

The fourth imperial princess, Valerie de La Fayete.