Astelle understood the reason behind her grandfather's words. Her mother had given birth to Fritz, and the process had weakened her to the point where she could no longer bear children. Despite the doctor's warnings against having more children, her father, the Duke, had insisted that her mother give birth to Astelle.
"Do your duty, for I need a daughter to become the Empress," he had declared. It was said that her mother had been tormented daily until Astelle was born. The Marquis had advised against the birth, but her mother had wanted to bring the child in her womb into the world.
Tragically, her mother passed away shortly after Astelle's birth due to complications. The Duke had always told Astelle that her mother's death was her fault, and that she must strive to become an Empress to ensure her mother's sacrifice was not in vain.
Astelle had followed her father's instructions, burdened by the guilt she felt over her mother's death. Despite losing his daughter, her maternal grandfather harbored no resentment towards Astelle.
Observing the escalating tension, Astelle intervened, addressing her grandfather. "Grandpa, don't waste your time with him. Go to Theor. He's waiting for me alone under the parlor table." Astelle was concerned that Theor might wander in while waiting for her.
Understanding Astelle's intentions, the Marquis quickly turned to leave. "Indeed, there's no point in engaging with him," he agreed.
As the Marquis exited, the Duke of Reston, now alone with Astelle, furrowed his brow and asked, "Who is Theor?"
Astelle responded with a hint of disbelief, "After all that's been said, you don't even know his name? Theor is the name of Sigmund's son."
The Duke of Reston clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Why should I bother to know the name of a child of such low birth?" he retorted.
Astelle, unfazed, responded, "Once you've said all you need to say, return the late Empress Dowager's belongings and return to the mansion. Otherwise, I'll have the attendants escort you out." It wasn't an empty threat; Astelle was genuinely prepared to have him removed.
Perhaps sensing the seriousness in Astelle's demeanor, the Duke finally relented, raising his hands in surrender.
"I've brought the belongings here. They're nothing more than trinkets. I'll leave them here, and you can take them to the countryside or do whatever you wish with them." He then signaled the servants he had brought with him.
Two servants entered the room, carrying large boxes. Astelle questioned, "Is this everything?"
"Do you suspect I've hidden some?" the Duke retorted.
Astelle responded, "Given your nature, it wouldn't be surprising."
The Duke looked taken aback. "You've changed a lot," he observed.
Kaizen had made a similar comment. Did they expect her to remain the same after six years? How could she have experienced so much and not changed?
Just as Astelle was about to open the box, a maid from the mansion entered the room. "A gift has arrived for Lady Astelle," she announced.
"A gift? Who sent it?" Astelle asked, wondering if Kaizen had sent something else. She had left all the dresses and jewelry that Kaizen had gifted her untouched in Dentsu Castle.
However, the maid mentioned a completely different name. "It's a gift from Count Ecklen to Lady Astelle."
"Ecklen? The Count of Ecklen? Why would he send a gift?" The Duke's voice rose in surprise and anger at the mention of Ecklen's name.
Astelle wondered if her father had a strained relationship with Ecklen. After all, Count Ecklen was a trusted ally of Kaizen and had become the Minister of the Military. It was unlikely that he would be on good terms with her father, who had lost his power in a struggle against Kaizen.
Moreover, given their contrasting personalities, it seemed unlikely that the two men would get along. Astelle frowned at her father's sharp reaction.
"I'm not sure. I met him at the temple this morning and mentioned that I would be leaving tomorrow. Perhaps he sent something as a gesture of goodwill," Astelle explained.
The Duke of Reston pondered for a moment before asking, "Did he say anything else?"
"What else could he have said?" Astelle responded.
'I declined his offer to accompany me, so he must have sent a gift instead.'
Count Ecklen was a kind man. During her time in Dentsu, Astelle had met his adopted son, Sir Seibel, who had also treated her with kindness and respect.
However, the Duke of Reston didn't share her simple interpretation. His pale green eyes, so similar to Astelle's, held a distinct glint. Astelle, noticing her father's expression, issued a warning.
"I don't know what you're thinking, but I'm leaving here tomorrow. I have nothing to do with the Count of Ecklen or anyone else."
"If you need money, I can provide more. Why not stay here for a while?" the Duke of Reston suggested, hoping to persuade Astelle to reconsider.
Astelle firmly declined, "No, I don't need it. Father, please just stop and go home. I have a lot to do packing my things."
The Duke's anger flared in his eyes as he was openly told to leave. However, Astelle remained unfazed.
"Yes, go somewhere in the countryside and enjoy your life with that dying old man!"
"Don't worry, because I am much happier living away from here with my father." Astelle retorted.
The Duke stared at Astelle for a moment before abruptly standing up and walking away, clearly indicating his disdain.
'I don't want to see you again, Father,' Astelle mused as she watched her father leave.
Left alone, Astelle opened the box containing the late Empress Dowager's belongings. The first item she laid eyes on was a picture frame. It held a drawing of a pure white acacia flower, a gift she had once given.
'You still kept it,' she murmured, a mix of emotions washing over her.
The painting, created during Astelle's teenage years, was not considered exceptional. Like other girls from noble families, she had learned art as a societal requirement rather than acquiring professional skills like a court painter.
However, the late Empress Dowager had held a deep appreciation for Astelle's delicate and beautiful artwork, always displaying it in her room. Even after Astelle had left the capital, she had no idea that the painting had remained in her possession.
Placing the painting on the table, Astelle was interrupted by a knock at the door. Startled, she turned her head to find a young man with silver hair standing before her. Astelle stood up, surprised by the unexpected visitor.
"Sir Seibel?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with astonishment.
Seibel, the same person Astelle had met at the ball in Dentsu, stood before her. He was the leader of the Lanberg Knights and the son of Count Ecklen, whom she had encountered earlier that morning. Seibel greeted her with utmost politeness.
"It is an honor to see you again, Lady Astelle," he said respectfully.
Curious about his purpose for visiting, Astelle questioned him, "What brings you here?"
"I have come to deliver a gift on behalf of my father," Seibel replied.
Astelle realized that it was Seibel who had brought the gift she had received. "Ah, it was you who delivered it," she remarked.
Seibel's smile turned shy as he lightly touched the tip of his chin. "I thought you had headed north," he admitted.
Astelle's curiosity piqued, but she maintained her composure.
"The orders suddenly changed, and I returned to the capital," Astelle explained.
Seibel nodded in understanding. It was evident that something had happened to alter her plans.
The gift Seibel presented to Astelle was a book. It was a beautifully crafted volume on Eastern history, adorned with a soft leather cover embellished with gold leaf and delicate jewels nestled between the back and the cover.
"My father wanted to present this book to you upon your return to the East," Seibel explained.
Astelle found the gift to be quite thoughtful. It seemed that Count Ecklen was aware of the difficulties she faced and wanted to offer his support. If he had sent money or jewels openly, she would have politely declined.
It would have been improper to accept such lavish gifts from a nobleman she had only just met that day. However, a book like this was a more appropriate gesture to receive on her journey.
The jewels adorning the cover of the book, though small in size, were undoubtedly valuable. Astelle contemplated taking it with her, appreciating the beauty and significance of the gift.
"My adoptive father asked me to deliver this gift to you."
Astelle replied, "Please convey my gratitude to him."
Seibel smiled warmly, "I'm glad I could fulfill my duty."
Astelle couldn't help but admire his handsome appearance, comparing him to her own brother, Fritz. In her eyes, Seibel seemed even more attractive.
As Seibel prepared to leave, he noticed the painting on the table.
"This...?"
Astelle confirmed, "Ah, it's a picture I drew a long time ago."
Seibel nodded knowingly, "Yes, I was aware."
Astelle wondered, surprised, "You knew?"
She pondered if he knew that she had drawn the acacia tree at the temple and gifted it to the late Empress Dowager. She wondered if her artwork had gained some level of fame.
While it was not a secret that Astelle had painted the picture for the late Empress Dowager, it was not a widely known story that had spread among the general public. The tale did not hold significant importance or intrigue to be widely circulated.
Seibel shared a bit of his own past, "About seven years ago, I was assigned to protect the temple as a cadet for the Knights Templar."
Astelle realized that Seibel had been a cadet candidate, which meant he had undergone a different process compared to children from prestigious families who were simply appointed as knights.
She understood that this was likely because Seibel did not come from a prestigious lineage. Count Ecklen, being from a foreign country, must have faced challenges in securing a favorable position for his adopted son.
Seibel's voice carried a calm tone as he reminisced, "I remember seeing Lady Astelle painting this picture in the temple at that time."
Astelle responded with a hint of surprise, "Ah... is that so?"
Astelle couldn't help but find their connection somewhat peculiar. During that time, she had been so absorbed in her artwork that she hadn't even been aware of who might have been observing her. Given that the Holy Knights often roamed the temple, it was likely that they had caught glimpses of her painting.
She was going to say it was a strange relationship, when the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted their conversation.
"Astelle," a familiar voice called out from the open door, capturing her attention.
Astelle's eyes widened as she saw the figure who stepped into the room—it was Kaizen.
For a brief moment, she almost didn't recognize him. Throughout their journey, he had been dressed in plain attire. However, now Kaizen stood before her adorned in a magnificent court robe.
The garment boasted intricate gold thread embroidery on the collar and sleeves, contrasting against a rich black background.
It was only fitting for the Emperor to be dressed in such regal attire within the confines of the Imperial Palace. During their tour, Kaizen had opted for more casual clothing, resembling that of ordinary nobles.
"Greetings to the Emperor, the Lord of the Empire," Astelle greeted respectfully as Kaizen approached.
Kaizen's gaze shifted towards Seibel, his expression betraying a sense of discomfort. He asked, "Sir Seibel, what brings you here?"
Seibel responded with equal politeness, "Your Majesty." He explained, "I have come to deliver a gift to Lady Astelle at the request of my father."
For some reason, Kaizen appeared uneasy. His sharp eyes turned to Astelle, their intensity causing her to feel a slight unease herself.