Chap 7

Of course, aside from the situational reasons, Ermedillin had her own reasons for being drawn to the maids.

Looking at them, she was reminded of the fierce and desperate years of her late teens when she had to face the harsh world all alone after leaving the orphanage.

'It's an age to study, date, and play.'

She knew that her world's age concept was different from this place's, but it had only been a few days since she possessed Ermedillin.

She still had much of the way of thinking as Hyeyoung.

"If I have ever made you feel bad, I apologize. I also don't like people around me changing. From now on, I will be as considerate as possible, so let's get along well."

In reality, the age difference wasn't much, but somehow she felt like a big sister, and a friendly smile appeared on Ermedillin's face.

"Her Majesty the Empress apologizing! It's unheard of!"

The eldest, Loony, clapped her hands and jumped up.

Mago was wearing a nonchalant expression, and Helen was still trembling with fearful eyes.

'Just being a little kind doesn't mean their thoughts about me will suddenly change. To change the image of the original, more definite change is needed. Kind words and actions are important, but first, I need money. I need money to do relief work and change the people's reputation. I must get back the borrowed money while dealing with my rotten family!'

Ermedillin found Count Batistian, who was in charge of legal affairs, after working with Loony, who was trying to help, to write a complaint.

The count, who seemed like he wouldn't bleed even if pricked with a needle, received the Empress with an upright posture.

"I did not expect to see you here, Your Majesty the Empress."

There was no emotion in his voice, but it clearly contained a sarcastic remark asking why she was here.

Now that she had been treated this way for several days, she didn't even get angry.

"I came to file a complaint."

"A complaint? Who are you accusing?"

Instead of answering, Ermedillin handed over the document she had written.

The count's face gradually grew serious as he suspiciously reviewed the document.

"If it's the Duke of Franshuar… Surely, Your Majesty, you're not accusing your father directly?"

"Yes."

"Doesn't the strength of the Empress come from the family? This will completely sever ties with the ducal house. You haven't even produced an heir yet, won't there be problems with your position?"

The count pointed out Ermedillin's situation without even trying to be polite.

'Well, if I was clinging to the position of Empress like in a novel, it would be ridiculous, but I want to divorce quickly. I have no intention of relying on such trash family.'

But she couldn't just tell the truth.

"It's as written. The borrowed amount is astronomical, and even includes the budget assigned to me from the national treasury. Moreover, multiple acts of violence on a royal body is an unforgivable crime, isn't it?"

"Indeed. Even if he pays back the borrowed money, the fact that he threatened the Empress with a knife could become a serious problem. Will you really proceed with the lawsuit?"

"Yes."

"Do you have witnesses?"

"The priest who treated me said he would testify."

"Is it Louise?"

'Louise? Is the priest's name Louise?'

"He resides in the palace, so hasn't he treated me several times?"

She deliberately answered a little off the mark, but fortunately, Louise seemed to be the right priest.

"Should we pursue legal action if we can secure a witness whose identity is confirmed? But once the prosecution is initiated, it cannot be turned back. It's a case of injuring a member of the royal family. Your Majesty the Empress, are you really considering gambling everything you have?"

The question from Count Batistian to reconfirm her intentions momentarily shook Ermedillin's heart.

'If I break off all ties with my family, will I truly have no one on my side?'

A momentary thought of the novel's ending.

In both the royal court and the execution ground, none of Ermedillin's family members ever spoke in her defense.

Though Ermedillin's crimes were heinous, in the novel, not even the Empress's supplies were rescued, and it was written that she became prey for wild dogs and crows.

Suddenly, the scar on her neck that had already healed began to throb again.

'My side? Not all family are on my side, I suppose.'

In the orphanage, she had so longed for family, but having found it, she realized that such extremes had never before been seen.

A father who could nonchalantly slash his daughter with a blade.

A determined resolve gleamed in Ermedillin's purple eyes.

"Proceed."

"Yes, I understand. But have you found a lawyer?"

"Lawyer?"

A lawyer, she hadn't even thought about it.

'I should have watched more legal dramas. Isn't the prosecutor supposed to handle everything? Do I even need a lawyer?'

Reading Ermedillin's perplexed expression, Count Batistian sighed softly and stared at her.