BUT I DON'T WANT TO

- HELVETICA -

"You should head back home after three weeks. Make sure you eat and rest properly. I gave you the salary according to your hardwork and it's fine if you spend it all as the carriage ride is complimentary. You're a part of my subordinate. Make sure you'll not do anything that can harm the Empire's image. I'm putting my faith in you. Well then, see you in the next three weeks, Serina." I feel like a parent reminding her child on what to do.

"I will make sure to bring some gifts for Her Majesty." My shoulders move slightly as I chuckle. "Don't even consider me. Think about yourself and have some fun while it lasts." She takes a step into the carriage, waving her hand for the last time.

I return my gaze to Vien as she hands me the documents. "You're still here. I'm impressed. Those feet of yours are IMPRESSIVE, General." She takes a brief moment to close her eyes before speaking. "I'm not here, Your Highness. I'm just merely your hallucination. In fact, just standing here made me feel like a brand new statue." My brow furrowed as I locked my gaze on her.

"Be thankful that you're able to stay by my side. Now stands straight and don't tarnish my beautiful name." She gathered herself as we began to walk. I shook my head, exhausted from attempting to comprehend all of the commerce and trades emanating from the other Empire. They must be looking down on Ethereal, which is why they chose to befriend us. They wanted me to be their ally so that they could eventually replace me.

One word. LAME.

Unfortunately, I'm not as stupid as my sister. Keep on dreaming; it's free.

"You should dispatch the knight out in the evening so that they can rest for the whole duration of travel. Have you already notified them about the plan? They should at the very least devise strategies for how they will operate without being attached to others. If the opposing Empire's knights are friendly, things will get messy." They can't be friends with their opponent. That is why they are referred to as 'enemies'.

Vien nods as response as she looks straightly. "In fact, Augustus, the first knight major, and his forces had already packed their belongings, expecting to be dispatched by now." Fools. How are they able to enter another Empire during the day? With their knight attires, it's suspicious and evident that they've been dispatched as spies.

"I see, then tell those fools they'll have to depart at night—" We came to a halt when we came across the Grand Duke's daughter. It had been hours since she had arrived, so I assumed she had already left. My sister must be having a good time with their TWEETY TALKS.

"Greetings, Your Highness." Devourah curtsied. I saw her a little while ago when she came to see me before speaking with the princess. She's well aware of the word 'RESPECT'. It's a good thing.

"Did you have a pleasant conversation with that pathetic woman?" I can't believe she invited the Grand Duke's daughter for nothing more than a simple talk. Despite the fact that Devourah was permitted to enter and exit the palace, still, she was a past candidate for being my spouse.

And I didn't choose her. It feels too awkward to face her every time I see her. It's as if I'm the one who should be held accountable for not selecting her.

"Yes, Your Majesty. We just talk about business and trading, but she recommended me to come to you instead because you were more expert in this field. However, I'm afraid that you're busy and I can't just see you for that selfish reason—" She stopped when a yelling voice interrupted our conversation.

"HEL!" I turned around to see Camilla rushing down the hallway. This woman wasn't even afraid of tripping. I extended my hand as she embraced me. Is she always this enthusiastic whenever she sees me? It appears that she is also settling into the palace, which is a fine thing. Her demeanor, however, pales in comparison to that of a lady noble.

Despite her flaws, I can't bear the thought of abandoning her.

"Running down the corridor is not a good idea. You might fall since the floor is slick." I said as I fixed her hair. She's also dressed in her nightgown. Did she come into the library with this outfit? Where are those maids who were supposed to assist her?

"Greetings, Empress." Devourah curtsied.

"I wasn't informed about your visit. But I'm glad to see your presence, Lady Devie." Camilla was dusting her dress while I sighed. I can read Devourah's expression as if it was puzzled by just looking at Camilla.

"Miss Le Fleur, please come and see me after 5 days. I won't be busy on that day, so I'll be able to assist you in gaining control of the South." She nods slightly in response.

"Well then, I shall take my leave Your Highness." As soon as Lady Devourah left the palace, the maids dashed across our path, still dressed in their nightgowns.

"Could you explain what's going on? Do you have a nightgown competition?" It annoys my eyes just by looking at these white-colored nightgowns. I'm not ready for heaven. I don't even belong in that place. "Your Highness, if you allow me to explain, Lady Camilla indicated that the weather is quite hot today and that there will be no guests expected, so we may at least wear something comfortable, but we had no idea that the Grand Duke's daughter would be here. We sincerely apologized." A maid said as they bow.

"At the very least, choose a casual outfit. A nightgown was created to be worn at night, which is why it was labeled as 'NIGHTGOWN' not a daygown. You can't just let Camilla stroll around wearing this kind of–"

"Outfit.." I can imagine Vien chuckling on the inside. Take a look at this kind of manipulation they're putting together. Gazing towards me with those puppy eyes, it doesn't even suits them! They look like a stray animals in the street, pleading with passers-by to take them in.

I let out a dejected sigh and shook my head in disbelief. "I'll let this slide for this day, but there will be no second time. The next time will be on the guillotine cutter. All of you, except for the Empress. Of course, I want her to be guilty for her stubbornness." I take off my cloak as I cover it to Camilla.

"Now, you can walk with me. Cover yourself, it's not a hot weather. It's windy." The maids follow us as we approach the dining room. In comparison to the old atmosphere, I both like and dislike how lively it is now.

I like the foods and I'm somehow in good terms with father and Lithia. I may torment my sister and call her names, but it's not as severe as it used to be. She's starting to benefit me after all. Though I would like to make her cry. It's just fun to see her in that situation.

And I hate the fact that Lithia and Vien are being too sweet to a place like this when they aren't even a couple at all. They would just feed each other as if they're children. Lithia seems to have forgotten the restrictions I had given them that time. They should get married after this trouble, they're disgusting in my sight.

"You seemed to be stressed about finishing your paperworks, Hel." I'm glad that he realized how effed up this Empire in his hands back then and now I'm paying the price when it was entirely his fault to begin with.

"Yes I am. Thanks to you, father." He chuckles as if it was funny. The only funny thing in here is when I get to manage to sketch on your face while letting you roam around the capital, NAKED. That's what I called entertainment.

"You must also take a break. Your body might collapse from working, Hel." Mother states as she looks worried.

"I will, mother. Thanks for your concern." But I also have to see the knights off tonight so I can remind them of what they should and shouldn't do if they've already been dispatched to another domain.

"Hel, are you staying up late again?" Camilla asked as she finished her meals. I give a tiny nod in response while eating my food.

"Do you want me to accompany you? I will not be a bother. I promised." I take a drink of water before contacting my gaze towards her. "Then wait for me in the office. I'm going to see the knights off before they leave—"

"Did you happen to escort Serina a little while ago?" This isn't even close to our topic at all. What's with this sudden question? I was only there to see her off. That's it.

"I did. I just reminded her of the critical points she needed to keep in mind. You should've told me that you wished to see her off. I should've brought you along." She smiles while I'm being puzzled in her sudden question.

"I'm not really close with Serina even though she always assists me in many things. Although I want to consider her as a friend—"

"However, I don't want to." She takes my hand as she looks at me directly in my eyes, not to mention the fact that we're sitting at the same table as these people.

"Would you not treat her the same way you're treating me? I'll remind you that Serina and I are not in the same boat. Can I be selfish at once?" It took me a while to respond as I can't recall the question. What's with her all of a sudden? Did she have a nightmare? Did she have a fight with my maid and I'm just the only one who's not aware of it?

I smile as I cover her eyes while I decided to whisper in her ears. "I wouldn't mind, even if you turned into a walking disaster and caused me problems. Remember that I can kill millions of people and rot in hell with you if that's what you wish."