Mountains are mountains and water is just water.

TL/N: It basically just means “it is what it is”.

I have reached a state of nirvana, I feel as though I am a calm lake… Bullsh*t!

I am now observing the exquisite beauty in this breathtaking space.

In front of me was a handsome man who looked as if he were carved from marble.

In particular, there was something about Cassius, who was savoring his tea with neat movements that looked like something out of an etiquette textbook, that made the other person feel intimidated just by looking at him.

Because I knew very well what lies beneath that beautiful face, I could not let go of tension even for a moment.

The young prime minister of the empire called the Duke of Areta, was famous for his angel-like face and his ability to kill people with impunity.

Although I have never been cut to pieces by his invisible blade, I had no choice but to protect myself as I watched countless victims fall right in front of my eyes. 

While I was fretting inside, Cassius, who had put down his teacup without a sound, finally spoke.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay. I’ve gotten a lot better.”

“That’s a good thing. I was very worried. I desperately begged His Majesty to see you, but he did not permit it. But now I’m finally seeing you. Please forgive me.”

“What do you mean, forgiveness? Thank you for coming here despite your busy schedule.”

Look! The uncovered face of a member of society who has perfectly adapted to high society!

As soon as he finished speaking, I smiled brightly.

We were tied together as the emperor’s left arm and right arm, but when you think about it, Cassius and I were the difference between heaven and earth.

He, the heir to the Areta duchy and who has walked the path of becoming an elite, is different from me, who as an illegitimate child rolled through the floor to get to this position.

The reason I was able to escape from the point of his sword was all thanks to this brilliant social skill.

Cassius laughed satisfactorily at the same laughter as my own.

But there was a problem.

Unlike Cassius, who had a satisfied face, Julia’s gaze glaring at me became even colder.

She didn’t say a word during my conversation with Cassius. Not only that, she wasn’t even touching the teacup in front of her, and her attitude was so cold that it was difficult to mutter even a word.

‘As expected, my sudden presence as a candidate for empress must be bothersome.’

Julia basically didn’t get along with me.

From the first time we met, she didn’t even try to talk to me. She would always glare at me from a distance, with her face half-covered with a fan.

I didn’t know exactly why Julia hated me before, but I definitely felt that hostility.

Even now, Julia did not stop glaring at me for a single moment.

‘I’m really scared…!’

I tried my best to avoid Julia’s gaze, but her glares stung my face.

“But what brought you to see me?”

“Oh my. Do we really need a reason between us?”

Cassius, who spoke softly, was extremely friendly.

The skill of influencing people with sad, curved eyes as if they were disappointed was truly unusual.

However, even if we drew a line on the dirt floor with a tree branch, we would need to draw it 15 more times to emphasize that we were strangers.

I couldn’t agree at all, but I nodded vigorously.

“That’s right. I said something unnecessary.”

“I just came here out of concern. Am I disturbing you?”

“No. Not at all!”

Anyone who knew Areta or who has ever been retaliated by them at least once would sympathize with my attitude.

“My concern is sincere, but there is actually a reason why I came here.”

“…!”

As expected, there was business.

The low voice was enough to scare people.

“W-what.”

“It’s related to the position of empress.”

The smile disappeared from Cassius’ face and darkness fell. I could even feel a faint chill in his expression.

It has finally come.

‘Is that it? I can’t forgive someone like you for becoming empress instead of my younger sister. ‘Isn’t this the situation?!’

Since the two siblings came together, I had a hunch that this might be a problem.

I waited for Cassius’ story to continue with a pounding heart.

But the moment our eyes met, Cassius began to say something strange.

“Please ascend to the position of empress as soon as possible.”

“As expected… What?”

You’re not saying I shouldn’t, but that I should?

Even though I opened my mouth with a confused expression on my face, Cassius’ face was serious.

“I already know that Madam, or rather Dame Lindel, is turning down the position of empress. But!”

Cassius shouted resolutely.

“His Majesty, as well as this empire, absolutely needs Madam Lindel!”

I couldn’t answer the sudden development right away.

I hate it. I like it. It was a matter that he should not speak his mind about. I didn’t think that Cassius would talk about it.

‘Wasn’t he pushing his younger sister to become empress?’

Even though his sister, a former empress candidate, was right next to him, his eyes were only focused on me.

Thanks to this, I was the one who noticed Julia Areta.

I turned my eyes and looked at Julia, and sure enough, a fire appeared in her eyes.

Anyone could see that his eyes were radiating strong hostility, and she was glaring at me as if she were going to kill me.

Her lips, which had been as hard as marble the whole time, moved.

However, the words that were coldly uttered were more unexpected than Cassius’s words.

“Rice.”

“What?”

“Are you hungry?”

I instinctively nodded before even understanding Julia’s words. I was hungry even at this very moment.

It happened the moment I felt apologetic so I reacted unconsciously.

But when Julia saw my nod, her expression hardened fiercely.

“Let’s eat now. It would be best to talk later.”

Julia stood up without even looking back.

This web novel has a webtoon adaption now!