The venomous rumors about her were simple at heart.

She was a villainess who could sway the future emperor with just a simple flick of her skirt’s hem and shake the entire empire.

A monster that would devour the nation.

A beauty that could upheave a country, her title not merely for her beauty but imbued with intent.

And those rumors reached even the people who should have remained untouched.

“Why… is it always you…”

* * *

Rajaden was aware of the gossip swirling around him but did not pay it much heed.

Rumors could be advantageous if manipulated correctly.

The immediate concern that occupied his mind was different.

The empress smiled gently as she looked at her son.

“What could it be? It’s rare for Your Highness to ask for an audience with me.”

The empress, guessing why Rajaden had requested the meeting, feigned ignorance and sipped her tea.

“I seek your wisdom, Mother.”

The matter Rajaden broached was not the main point.

Despite being the first to speak, he hesitated to bring up the topic.

How could he explain the situation he found himself in?

Unsure of how to start, he lowered his gaze and merely fiddled with his teacup.

The empress did not rush her son, instead patiently waiting for him to speak.

After much deliberation, his story was simple.

“I wish to ask what I should do.”

There’s someone I’ve been concerned about lately, and I can’t seem to handle my duties properly because of it. I’m not sure how to proceed.

Moreover, I wonder what this person thinks of me.

From their usual behavior, it seems they don’t like me much.

In the end, it turned out to be a love consultation—albeit much context was lost.

The empress guessed the omitted details with her experience.

If he’s not handling his duties well because he’s so distracted, he must really be smitten.

Rumors had already been circulating that the crown prince was acting oddly.

Knowing the rumors, the empress easily surmised there was more to her son’s explanation.

“What would you like to do?”

“I…”

That’s what he had come to ask the empress, but the question was turned back on him.

Rajaden’s lips twitched, and a gentle smile formed on the empress’s lips.

One ought to know one’s own heart best.

“I’m not sure.”

“Really?”

“…Yes.”

Yet Rajaden answered with uncertainty, which caused the empress’s eyes to narrow.

Deceiving oneself about one’s own feelings was indeed a difficult task.

“Then let go. If that person has said that she has no particular thoughts about Your Highness, there is no need to force it.”

“That is…!”

“Not something you agree with?”

“……”

The advice was necessary, but the reaction was quite vivid. The empress, having rightly gauged her son’s heart, smiled gently.

Rajaden made a peculiar expression at that. As if sighing, she said,

“I knew it would come to this.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your Highness resembles His Majesty greatly. Thus, I anticipated this would happen.”

“……”

At the empress’s words, Rajaden fell silent.

There was no one else besides the empress who could dare speak so disrespectfully about the emperor and the crown prince.

Unable to retort to his mother, Rajaden maintained his silence. Observing her son, the empress’s eyes moistened.

She already knew who Rajaden was speaking about.

Moreover, she knew that this person’s preferences were far removed from Rajaden.

He was her exceptionally talented son, but what could she do if he was not to that person’s taste?

It would be good if this opportunity helped correct his haughty nature.

He was a son she could not bear to hurt, and she was proud of him, but this aspect was truly regrettable.

He was too much like the emperor and always thought he was right.

Having never experienced failure, how could he understand its pain?

If he had ever been rejected by someone, he wouldn’t have kept all that suffering only to himself.

“If you desire it, then take it. You have the power to do so.”

“……”

“But you don’t want to, do you? It’s not about owning that person by force, but winning her heart as well.”

“You’re teasing.”

Only then did Rajaden realize the empress was teasing him and frowned.

The empress laughed as if his reaction amused her.

“Then do your best. So that you have no regrets later, earnestly face and act upon what you desire.”

Finally, proper advice was given.

After much roundabout discussion, Rajaden realized he had not explained himself properly and his expression soured.

Seeing this, the empress’s smile deepened.

“Do not earn the dislike of others. You must understand what consideration is. Do not insist and push forward only your will just because you want something. You should not force something she dislikes. Everything should be because you want to do it, so you must not blame her if she does not reciprocate.”