Table of Contents

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
Chapter 73
Chapter 74
Chapter 75
Chapter 76
Chapter 77
Chapter 78
Chapter 79
Chapter 80
Chapter 81
Chapter 82
Chapter 83
Chapter 84
Chapter 85
Chapter 86
Chapter 87
Chapter 88
Chapter 89
Chapter 90
Chapter 91
Chapter 92
Chapter 93
Chapter 94
Chapter 95
Chapter 96
Chapter 97
Chapter 98
Chapter 99
Chapter 100
Chapter 101
Chapter 102
Chapter 103
Chapter 104
Chapter 105
Chapter 106
Chapter 107
Chapter 108
Chapter 109
Chapter 110
Chapter 111
Chapter 112
Chapter 113
Chapter 114
Chapter 115
Chapter 116
Chapter 117
Chapter 118
Chapter 119
Chapter 120
Chapter 121
Chapter 122
Chapter 123
Chapter 124
Chapter 125
Chapter 126
Chapter 127
Chapter 128
Chapter 129
Chapter 130
Chapter 131
Chapter 132
Chapter 133
Chapter 134
Chapter 135
Chapter 136
Chapter 137
Chapter 138
Chapter 139
Chapter 140
Chapter 141
Chapter 142
Chapter 143
Chapter 144
Chapter 145
Chapter 146
Chapter 147
Chapter 148
Chapter 149
Chapter 150
Chapter 151
Chapter 152
Chapter 153
Chapter 154
Chapter 155
Chapter 156
Chapter 157
Chapter 158
Chapter 159
Chapter 160
Chapter 161
Chapter 162
Chapter 163
Chapter 164
Chapter 165
Chapter 166
Chapter 167
Chapter 168
Chapter 169
Chapter 170
Chapter 171
Chapter 172
Chapter 173
Chapter 174
Chapter 175
Chapter 176
Chapter 177
Chapter 178
Chapter 179
Chapter 180
Chapter 181
Chapter 182
Chapter 183
Chapter 184
Chapter 185
Chapter 186
Chapter 187
Chapter 188
Chapter 189
Chapter 190
Chapter 191
Chapter 192
Chapter 193
Chapter 194
Chapter 195
Chapter 196
Chapter 197
Chapter 198
Chapter 199
Chapter 200
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Can you be my daughter?"

I shouldn't have held that hand.
Even the Emperor couldn't treat him recklessly, the Empire's Chancellor, Grand Duke
Friedrich. The issue was that I couldn't resist his request.
I was surprised to hear that I was the only one who could replace Veronica, who died of
fever.
If I had refused at that time, I could have avoided such a miserable death. I ended up
looking ridiculous.
What is the point of being at the height of society and receiving the envy of young women
and the courtship of men? What is the use of a dress adorned with an artisan's precious
jewels? What was the point of being booked as the First Queen?
Princess Veronica, whom I thought was dead, is still alive. As long as she returned, I didn't
exist anywhere in the world.
"You've... been meaning to do this since the beginning."
Whenever I struggled to spit out words, the iron stuck in my abdomen wobbled. The blood
that flowed down from the twisted, bloody dress soaked the floor.
"Don't resent me. I only reached out my hand, and it's you who took that hand."
Grand Duke Friedrich gave a dry answer. I laughed in vain at his clever way of blaming me.
Veronica, who was standing beside him, was heard saying something.
"It was a long-time plan. Because of that, I had to pretend to be dead, and I needed a
substitute. You did pretty good during that time."
I looked up at Veronica.
Oh! When I saw her resembling me like a reflection in a mirror, I was filled with sorrow. If I
die, she will naturally step in my place. Not only in the status of Queen, but even the child
born between His Majesty and I may grow up calling Veronica mother.
No, I'm sure it would happen. It was so unfair that tears poured out of anger.
"Are you crying? Don't be too sad. I'm more compassionate than I look. I'm going to give
you some comfort and consideration for all your hard work."
When Veronica beckoned, the knight standing behind her handed her a baby wrapped in
silk.
Veronica showed the face of the child who fell asleep as if she were trying to be generous.
"Baby, say goodbye to your mom. Mom's gonna die soon."
"...!"
Veronica raised the crying baby's hand and waved it. She really looked more cruel than the
devil.
"I-Ian!"
I crawled towards Veronica with a near-rampaging struggle. Even if I struggled with the
pain of the iron, I could not stop. My son won't be hurt if I put him in my eyes. It drove me
crazy to see Ian in her arms.
"Don't try too hard. I'm not going to do anything to this kid right now. I'm going to hear him
call me "mother" and see his cute actions. By that time, I'll have a child with His Majesty,
right? I'll send him by your side then."
"Y-you devil!"
My hands and lips trembled with indignation.
"You've delayed too much, Veronica."
"Oh, I lost track of time because of the sights. Let's go."
Grand Duke Friedrich glanced at me and turned furiously. Veronica followed suit.
"I can't even say goodbye because I don't know your real name. But I'll tell you at least you
did a good job, fake Veronica."
I stretched out my hand as hard as I could, looking at Veronica's distant back. Even though I
knew I couldn't keep up, desperation kept me from giving up.
"B-baby..."
However, this was the end of the body that spilled too much blood.
Thud.
My hands fell weakly. Veronica's distant back was the last thing I remembered.
Sect. 1. The Rise of Vengeance
"Elena!"
Elena, who was dipping her feet in a low hillside stream, stopped at the sound of her
calling. The waves that were spreading over the water subsided and Elena's image was
projected onto the calm water.
Where should she start explaining? The reflection on the surface of the water was young.
The mature face and cheeks that did not fall out were particularly prominent. It contained
the freshness of a bud waiting to be in full bloom between a girl and a woman.
It was hard to believe, but Elena went back. After posing as Veronica and becoming queen,
she returned to the age of 16 just before her coming of age ceremony.
At first, she couldn't accept this. The betrayal that took all that had been achieved by posing
as Veronica. The chilling sensation of iron through the abdomen. The image of Veronica's
back which was moving away inside, vividly recalled memories made her unable to escape
from those days.
Especially, when she remembered Ian, her heart was devastated. She was choked when she
thought about the time for the child to suffer alone without the care of his mother.
Why did she have to come back all the way to five years ago? If she had gone back a year or
three months back, she wouldn't have been helpless. She could have protected Ian.
For the first ten days, she lived like an enchanted person. It was not easy to narrow the gap
between reality and the past life and admit it. However, as time passed, the fire of emotions
that burned deep in her heart gradually cooled.
Yes, there was no Ian anywhere in this world.
They can't meet even if she searched the entire continent. He's not born, so he can't exist,
can he? It was not until she had accepted it that Elena could bury her heart.
It wasn't just that. She could no longer stay in the past, but face up to her present life. She
realized that she, Elena, could choose the future to come.
"Elena!"
The middle-aged man's call was once again heard loud. Elena turned her head and he came
close.
"Here you are."
"Father."
Elena slightly raised her chin and made eye contact with him. Baron Frederick was a
gentleman who's neat hair and eyeglasses matched well. At a certain point, he was a
recognized administrator in the capital, but his grandfather's business failed, and he lost all
the money and was driven to the periphery. Currently, he was a half-noble aristocrat who
worked as an administrator under the lord, Viscount Claude.
"You don't want a coming-of-age ceremony? What does that mean?"
Baron Frederick's speech method, which brought the main point, was more direct than
ever. He felt urgency when he came here to find his daughter when he had to go to the
official residence. In contrast, Elena was very calm.
"As I told you this morning. I don't want such a grand coming-of-age ceremony."
"But Elena, this is a good opportunity. Although it's sponsored by the Lord, it's a formal
social debut."
Baron Frederick was desperately trying to persuade her. With a tight salary, Elena's social
debut was realistically unreasonable.
But an unexpected opportunity came. Viscount Claude had stepped forward to support the
expenses necessary for her social career to recognize Elena's gender. Baron Frederick, who
was plagued by guilt because his incompetence seemed to block his daughter from getting
married, did not want to miss the opportunity.
"I'm sorry. I know you're concerned, but I don't want to go that far in society."
"It's for your own good. You're still young, so you may not know, but just making a formal
debut in the social world makes your husband feel different. Do you know that?"
"..."
Elena's eyes deepened. The usual but honest and single-minded father had a positive
opinion. At first glance, it was not wrong at all. If you can prove your aristocratic reputation
in society and show off your beauty, you can be wooed by the noble men.
"Isn't that strange?"
"What do you mean?"
Baron Frederick's eyebrows shot up.
"The sponsorship you're talking about. Is it really a pure sponsorship? I don't think so,
father."
"What does that mean?"
Elena squinted her eyes.
"Let's say I made my official debut in the social world. But what if he sends me to be the
concubine of an old nobleman or a merchant on the pretext of a donation? Can you refuse
in my position when you are sponsored by the Viscount?"
At Elena's words, Baron Frederick jumped.
"Concubine! He's not that kind of person."
"You don't know that."
'Because humans can hide a sword behind a smiling face.'
Elena has experienced it painfully. Despite Elena's concerns, Baron Frederick did not give
up persuasion.
"I know what you're worried about. Just relax. This father came out amazed."
Despite his trustful words, Elena's seldom expression opened up. It was not because he's
unreliable, but how she knows he can't do it.
"... You won't stop. They're not going to move just me, but also my entire family."
It was a thoroughly planned trap. In the past life, the patronage of the lord became a debt.
The debt became a shackle, and in the end, the family was shattered. However, Baron
Frederick, who did not know it, felt the frustration of talking to a wall.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Elena, he's not as evil as you think. Maybe he's really trying to help you. I think you're
getting ahead of yourself."
"Maybe so. But..."
Elena blurted out the backstabbing and swallowed the words that she couldn't take out
now.
'What if the one who set this trap was not the Viscount?'
Viscount Claude was a puppet. He didn't have a good enough head to spin to set this trap. It
was so simple that it was a readable sort of thing. Elena's eyes, which were at the height of
society in an empire where conspiracy and plot were rampant, could not be wrong. Elena
thought of a woman hiding behind a puppet smiling.
'Leabrick.'
She was a conspirator who moved the Great House with the funds of graduating from the
Imperial Academy with the highest scores in history. She was good at deception, using
human psychology deftly, or alienation. She played a big role in hearing the public's
assessment that the Grand Duke might surpass the imperial power.
'She did it to me. I must be able to see the thorns hidden in the bright flowers.'
Elena faced numerous challenges while pretending to be Veronica. In particular, the social
world of the empire was a weak system itself. In a place where conspiracy and plot were
spreading, the background as imperial royalty did not have an absolute advantage. She
faced countless dangers of being driven in a corner and was almost eliminated.
It was Leabrick who taught Elena to reign as the queen of society. That Leabrick was now in
the land. To take Elena, who resembles Veronica, to the Grand House.
'It's not going to be the way you want it anymore. I'll be the one taking the lead now.'
What Leabrick wants is Elena. Even though Veronica was alive, the Grand Duke had no
choice but to take Elena and put her on stand. Otherwise, he wouldn't have taken the
trouble of picking her up all the way in the outskirts.
As long as she knew that, she wouldn't have been used and killed miserably like in her
previous life. However, she could not help feeling sorry for her failure to find out the truth.
"Are you sure you won't regret it?"
"I won't regret it."
Elena's answer was firm. She wouldn't have the decision in the first place if she was going
to regret it. She wasn't going to be swayed anymore. She was going to live her life without
being swayed by the intervention and interference of the Grand Duke. To do that, Elena
was going to make the worst, not the best, decisions.
'This plate, I'm going to flip it over.'
Elena's eyes glowed coldly.
***
The face of Baron Frederick had been filled with regret for the past few days. He tried
persuading Elena once again.
"My dear, if you're worried about the lord making any unsavory events, we can make a
written agreement. Why don't you change your mind?"
"I'm sorry, father. My decision remains the same."
Elena shook her head, putting down her spoon.
'What effect would a document have.'
If the lord violates the contract, can he be held responsible for it? It was difficult. It was
difficult for the provision to take effect even if the lord's influence was insisted to be unjust
in his periphery.
"Who do you resemble to be this stubborn..."
Baron Frederick made a painful sound at his daughter's unwavering attitude.
"Honey, don't force it, respect Elena's will."
His wife, Chesana, sided with Elena, serving salads on a plate. She had suffered from her
youth, and her wrinkles increased sharply as she struggled with life. That is why she
struggled with all the housework without a single maid.
"It's too bad..."
"Don't be so impatient. My daughter, she's the perfect child for everything. Even if she
doesn't make a social debut, she'll be able to find a good match."
Chesana slightly frowned and comforted Baron Frederick. It was a signal to Elena.
'I'll make sure he understands. Don't worry about it.'
Chesana's inner voice was heard as if it was a whisper into her ear. Elena also said thank
you with a smile.
"Rather than that, Elena when I was doing the laundry, your clothes were all messed up
with dirt. It looked like they were ripped by something like a vine."
"I went to Mount Rose earlier."
"And? Sweetheart, why don't you be careful about climbing the mountain in the future?
Recently, there have been frequent sightings of mountain animals, and I'm worried that a
woman might go through something bad while climbing the mountain by herself."
Even Baron Frederick, who was silent, came forward and helped.
"Chesana is right. It won't happen, but it won't hurt to be careful."
"I'm not going to do that. There's no reason to go anymore."
Elena, who left a meaningful answer, pulled out her chair and stood up.
"I'll go in first and rest. Sleep tight."
Yes, good night."
Back in the room, Elena locked her door and sat at her desk.
Swoosh. She pulled out a notebook from the bookshelf where the thick cultural books were
neatly in place. When she opened the notebook, which look like a diary, a sloppily drawn
map which was drawn with a pen rather than typeface caught her eye.
"It's a good thing I completed it in time."
Although the picture may be clumsy and bloated, the map's sophistication was more
accurate than any other loose mountain map on the market. This was because the
mountains and geography have changed subtly from the time the map was released 10
years ago.
Elena took the red ink pen out of the bucket and picked it up.
Su. Ssk. Without hesitation, she drew a curve along the mountains and the geography of the
map of Mount Rose. The red line leading to the canyon along the slope without crossing the
mountain did not stop until it reached Igis river which flowed beyond Mount Rose.
"Leabrick can never predict this route either."
Elena dared to affirm. It was the perfect escape.
"Mom, Dad. I will support you in this life. Definitely."
Elena's pupils settled with deep regret. In her past life, as she left for the Grand Duchy, she
didn't care about her parents at all. Leabrick's words that she could escape becoming a
concubine made her only think about her own flesh. She knew it only when the time came
when she was used and abandoned. The night she left the estate, she learned that her
parents were killed at the hands of Leabrick.
Elena's eyes were poison. Now that she had recognized her dark feelings, she would not
expose her parents to danger without defense.
***
At dawn, Elena's eyes were wide open. Even if no one woke her up her body reacted first at
this time. Habits are scary. The habit of living in the Imperial Palace as the First Queen
continued even after her return. She tried to force herself to fix it, but she couldn't fix it.
Elena slowly raised her upper body. She looked so neat that nobody would have thought
she had been lying in bed a while ago. It was the body that was soaked in the days of the
First Queen.
As Elena tied her hair up and left the room, Chesana's eyes widened as she prepared
breakfast.
"Why did you wake up already? Why don't you sleep more?"
"I opened my eyes early. I'll help."
"Will you?"
Elena helped rim the table with skillful hand movements. She took the brown grilled bread
out of the furnace and cut it into pieces to make it easier to eat, and the broccoli soup,
which had a delicious aroma, was transferred to a plate. It was a very strange thing. She
didn't hate the chores that seem to bothersome in her past life. Because she realized the
importance of this time.
"Father, have a meal."
No more sponsorship was forced. Thanks to him, she could have a peaceful and casual
breakfast.
"Honey, isn't it a little noisy out there?"
"Maybe a carriage is passing by."
Despite Chesana's doubts, Baron Frederick ate the soup without any small consideration.
The house was located next to the road, so it was considered something that was always
encountered. However, as time passed, the noise grew. It was definitely too bustling to just
ignore.
"I'll go out."
Baron Frederick rose from the table where the spoon was laid down.
Knock, knock.
He was just opening the door, when there was a quick knock.
"Baron, it's Grace."
"Grace?"
Grace was a butler in charge of all the management and household affairs related to the
private residence of his Lord Viscount Claude. It was rare to encounter Baron Frederick,
who works at the official residence.
"What are you doing here?"
When he opened the door, Grace nodded with courtesy.
"Excuse me for a moment."
Grace, who sought one-sided understanding, looked back and gestured. Then porters
waiting outside the door came in with boxes packed with high-grade silk and began to pile
them up.
"What is all this?"
"It's a gift from the lord."
"Gift?"
As if he could not grasp the situation, Baron Frederick was embarrassed. Many gift
packages were piled up to receive as a simple gift. When he moved all the boxes, the butler
Grace waved the porters off.
"He said these gifts are in the lord's heart."
"What do you mean? I don't need to know the purpose of these..."
Grace took out the envelope he had kept in his arms. The silk cloth with gold thread was
luxurious at a glance.
"He gave me this."
Baron Frederick was handed the envelope and opened it. His complexion slowly hardened
as he read the letters written on the top-quality parchment paper.
"Take this back right now."
His speech was polite, but the anger in it was great. His trembling hands like aspen trees
made it easy to guess how much he was holding back his emotions.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Don't do that..."
"I told you to go back."
"I'm sorry, I can't do that because I was told to deliver it to you."
The voice of Baron Frederick, who was barely suppressing his dissatisfaction at Grace's
disobedience, rose.
"Are you hearing what I'm saying now? I won't say it twice. Take it back right away. Come
on!"
"Honey, what the hell is it?"
When her husband, who had always been calm, became angry, Chesana became nervous.
"You don't need to know. You don't have to look."
The hand of Baron Frederick, which had the parchment, was tightened.
"What the hell! Go take it back!"
"I'm sorry, but I can't comply. I'll leave the note, and just return"
"Grace!"
Despite the screaming, Grace did not budge. Although he had no territory, Baron Frederick
was also a nobleman. His complexion changed from red to blue as if he felt insulted at the
disobedience of the butler. Elena, watching the tense situation, referred to the parchment
paper.
"Can I see it?"
"You don't have to see it!"
Despite the nervous response, Elena's reaction was calm.
"It's about me, right?"
"What?"
"I asked if it was about me."
"...!"
Shocked, Baron Frederick was hesitant to answer. Elena was convinced by the response.
"I guess I'm right."
"My dear."
"I want to know. That's what I have to do."
Elena carefully removed the crumpled parchment from the hands of Baron Frederick. At
first, Baron Frederick was unwilling to stand and hesitated, but when Elena looked at him
silently, he relaxed his grip.
Elena read the wrinkled parchment.
Elena burst into laughter as she read the last sentence at once. This parchment was a
proposal. A package of boxes is a kind of gift sent as a security for proposal. In other words,
be a concubine to the lord.
'Funny.'
If it were Elena in the past, she would have been crying, screaming, and making a huge fuss
at the news. Concubine. She must have felt a sense of despair at the world. But not now.
'I can't believe it, but it's not out of my expectations.'
Leabrick. That's her. Leabrick wanted Elena to despair. That way, she'd pretend to be
comforting her until she grabbed the hand of the salvation. After making Elena believe and
trust her, she would eat everything, whether it was her liver or gallbladder. And if the use
value is exhausted and rendered useless, she would be killed.
'If it were in the past, I would hold your hand. But not anymore. The way you did to me, I'll
give it right back.'
Baron Frederick looked at Elena who was silent, and said.
"Elena, don't come forward. This is one-sided and unfair. I will see the lord and speak to
him."
As soon as he finished speaking, he went into the room and put on his overcoat, and came
out.
"I will see the lord and refuse the proposal."
"Honey, tell me. This is not really it."
It was when Baron Frederick, who was trying to build a negotiation, started to discuss with
Chesana. The alarm went off and Elena's mind.
'I can't let father go!'
Leabrick's snare started with the harassment of her family. In the past life, he was
imprisoned while protesting against the lord who tried to marry her as his concubine.
'I have to create a knot in her string.'
Elena had a strong heart.
"It's all right, father."
"What?"
"E-Elena. What do you mean it's okay?"
"I'll take care of it. Please wait a moment."
Elena, seeking one-sided understanding, turned around.
"Can you pass him this message?"
When Elena suddenly approached and talked to him, Grace, the butler, who was standing
there, seemed surprised.
"Tell him the presents he sent..."
Elena's eyes were bent like crescents. It was the smile that bewitched the social world of
the empire.
"I have received them gratefully..."
"...!"
"Elena!"
It was almost at the same time that the astonishment of Baron Frederick and Chesana
erupted. In the dukedom, accepting a gift for a proposal was the same as accepting the
proposal. Baron Frederick shouted at Elena's rash words and actions.
"What the hell are you talking about?! Elena you're going to be a concubine all your life!"
"... It can't be helped."
Elena was still smiling. However, they didn't know what that smile unfolded.
"I know something scary will happen if I refuse. I don't want that to happen.'
"You..."
Elena's honest thoughts shocked the couple. Even though they were half fallen nobles they
had lived without losing their pride. And her direct words were heartbreaking.
"It's pretty good. Father also wanted me to find a good husband in the social world, right?
I'll accept this proposal."
"..."
"I'm sorry, Mom and Dad."
The firmness in Elena's words had no room for compromise. It was close to a notification.
"H-honey."
Baron Frederick bit his lips hard.
"But even so, there's no reason to be a concubine?"
"It's all right."
"You really..."
Elena bowed her head and asked for his understanding.
"I'm sorry."
"..."
The couple's lips were tightly closed, so they couldn't say anything. It was painful as it
seemed that Elena's choice to recognize their situation calmly and to accept it as fate
stemmed from their helplessness. Likewise, Elena's heart was uncomfortable when she
poured out harsh words.
'I'm sorry for being spoiled. I will only do that today. That way, my family can live.'
Butler Grace, who had read the room, slipped away.
"I will hasten to tell him the good news."
After she left, there was a heavy silence in the house. A somber atmosphere ensued, as if
the laconic and serene breakfast was a lie.
"Elena, no matter how much I look at it, I don't think this is it. What are you short of?"
Chesana couldn't keep her mouth shut. Her eyes moistened as she felt bad for Elena, who
would live as the concubine of an old lord.
"Don't cry."
"I'm sorry, mom. I'm sorry."
"I'll live happily, so don't cry."
Elena held Chesana's hand tight. She knew that warm communion can be a greater comfort
than 10 words.
"But you won't, you won't."
Baron Frederick murmured at the incoming helplessness and distress. He seemed unable to
accept the reality.
"I'll see the lord at least now. A concubine. How did we raise you..."
"It's not father's fault, it's my choice."
"It's not too late. We, the parents, will step up and correct our child's wrong choice."
Elena shook her head.
"Don't do that. If you really love me, please trust me and watch over me."
"You..."
Elena's request lodged deep into the chest of Baron Frederick. heart. If her parents were
unreliable, she was worried about how her parents would be to take care of all their jobs.
"... I'm going to get some air."
"Honey."
Baron Frederick, who was no longer confident in seeing Elena's face, left the house. Elena's
heart was heavy as she watched her father walk away.
"I'm going to take a break."
"Yes."
Chesana turned her head with a somber look. Knowing that nothing could be of comfort,
Elena painfully returned to her room.
Thud.
Elena, who locked the door, leaned her back against the door.
"I hurt you both too much."
She regretted that she had to go this far.
"Let's not look back. Let's just look ahead."
With a strong grip on her weakened heart, Elena walked toward the wall with a determined
expression. And she pulled the curtains installed to prevent drafts in winter. Memo papers
the size of a palm were stuck on the exposed wall.
The future for the next five years! These memo papers were a chronological table of events
that would occur in the future. She dared to say that the future history would go as it was
written here. And at the center of it will be Elena who has changed. Elena removed a piece
of memo paper from the top.
[An invitation to the first head of the Friedrich family Grand Duke Rosette's birthday
banquet.]
This was the biggest reason Leabrick wanted to hurry and take Elena. This important event
was only two months away.
"It was this day, the first day I stood in front of the world pretending to be Veronica."
Bad rumors spread throughout the capital after Veronica did not appear in society for a few
years, saying that she had fled with a servant at night, and that the duke had released
knights to capture Veronica.
The ambitious Grand Duke had no choice but to be sensitive to her reputation in order to
make Veronica the empress in the future. It was necessary to put the rumors to rest as soon
as possible, but the surest way was to show Princess Veronica in good health to the noble
society.
"I'm looking forward to it. I didn't know what to do back then, and I blindly followed your
orders, but now I have no reason to do so."
It was Elena who took the lead on the board. Even the Joker, who could flip the board at any
time, was in her hand.
"It's your turn now."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena thought of the objects of hatred.

Grand Duke Friedrich. Leabrick. Princess Veronica.
These three people cooperated and conspired to thoroughly deceive Elena. As if that wasn't
enough, they killed Baron Frederick and Chesana, who were innocent, and even tried to kill
her son, Prince Ian. She had no intention to follow the same life as then.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. She was going to return as much as she had suffered
thoroughly. Elena was planning to take all of them. The more they have, the more they lose.
The degree of decline would not occupy just the Great House. She was going to completely
destroy their wills to live.
Elena lit a match in an empty glass. She dropped the memo paper she had just removed
over the small fire. In an instant, a fire broke out and swallowed it up. Elena looked back at
the wall.
[Entrance to Frontier Academy.]
[Emperor Richard.]
[Prince's assassination attempt.]
[Election ceremony for crown princess.]
...
Each piece of paper with the future written on it was removed and burned. The value of the
memo paper was exhausted as it was deeply engraved in her head and heart. There was no
reason to leave a trace.
The last memo paper was burned with the flame.
With it turning to ashes, the future ahead had become entirely Elena's exclusive property.
"I'll throw you... All of you away."
***
"Elena."
Chesana looked pitifully at her daughter who had come out of the room early in the
evening. She had no choice but to pretend to be indifferent, knowing that no words would
be comforting or encouraging.
"Do you want something to eat? How about your favorite steak? Mother will make it for
you."
"Mom, you don't have to strain yourself. I'm really fine."
Elena smiled and walked towards the front door. Proposal gifts were laid out just as the
porters piled them up in the morning.
"Let's open this together. I wonder what he sent me."
"But that, if you open it..."
Chesana was worried that if she opened the gifts, there would be no way to return them.
"Don't regret. It's too late to run."
Elena, who gave up calmly, opened each gift wrapped in silk. The first box that was opened
was a dress with lace. It was a bell line design, but the material was poor and the finish was
poor. At least the accessories were worth using.
Because it was produced in traditional ways, it was classified as a specialty in other
countries and was highly appreciated.
"Mom, come here for a moment."
"What's wrong?"
Elena reached out and hung the pearl necklace she had just found on Chesana's neck. The
brilliance of the silver pearl matched her slender long neck.
"It looks good on you. Use this, mom."
"What? There you go. I don't need it, you can keep it."
Chesana looked serious. She was sorry that she couldn't stop her from becoming a
concubine, so she didn't know what she was talking about.
"You haven't had a decent necklace the whole time you raised me. I really want to give this
to you."
"How could I possibly..."
"Come on. If you keep refusing, I'll be sad."
Elena insisted even though she knew Chesana didn't want it. There was a good reason for
that.
'When I leave, you will need money. Remember that time and keep it with you.'
Elena only thought about the future, not the present. This was like the wealth they sold
their child for, but when the time came, the necklace would be a useful cost of living.
"Father is late."
"Yes... Well you know about his sight at night."
Elena's depths deepened as she looked out the window where darkness sank.
'I hope everything's okay.'
Creak. Just in time, she heard the door knob turning. The mother and daughter's head
turned reflexively.
"I'm home."
"Honey!"
Only after confirming that it was Baron Frederick who had opened the door half-way, did
Elena feel relieved.
"Why are you so late? You're hungry, aren't you? Sit down. I'll reheat the soup."
"Wait a moment, honey. I've brought a guest."
"Guest?"
Chesana, just heading for the kitchen, stopped and turned. He had never invited anyone to
the house since he settled here. She couldn't believe he invited a guest all of a sudden. She
was quite embarrassed by the sudden behavior of Baron Frederick.
"Come in, it's a bit shabby though."
Baron Frederick politely offered them a seat, as if he were treating his superiors. The guest
was covering their body with a generous hood that came down to their ankle. Nevertheless,
with their slender shoulder line and pure white skin that shone beneath their hood, it was
possible to infer that it was an adult woman.
"...!"
Elena's eyes grew bigger.
'Don't tell me.'
She tried to pretend to be okay, but the familiarity with the sense of incompatibility stirred
her emotions. And the uncertainty gradually turned into certainty.
"My dear, there is no law against death."
When Elena looked at him in silence, Baron Frederick smiled meaningfully.
"You will soon find out what I mean. Let me introduce you. This is..."
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but could you give me a chance to introduce myself? It's to be
polite."
The woman's voice was clear as she suddenly cut him off. The feeling that was clearer than
dew had a magical power that breaks alertness. Baron Frederick responded happily.
"Oh, if that's convenient for you, it's okay."
"Thank you for your understanding."
The woman's gaze reached Elena. It was covered by her hood, so she couldn't see her eyes
well, but it was a glance that digs into the opponent.
The hood, with her delicate wrists was pulled behind her head. Then, the beautiful yet
intelligent beauty appeared intact. She fixed her alluring gaze on Elena.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Leabrick De Flanders. A noble of the Vecilia Empire."
It was the worst reunion.
***
Elena's heart, which recognized her at a glance, cooled down. What a surprise. Contrary to
the expectation that her blood would heat up in hatred and revenge, her mind was clear.
There was no room for feelings to intervene. The ice-cold attitude dominated her perfectly,
and whispered incessantly. Hold your breath and wait for the right time. When the time
comes, bite the nape of the neck at once.
"I'm Elena."
Elena hid her creeping claws behind an awkward smile. She was at the height of the
imperial society, so she was good at hiding her true feelings under a mask.
"I know. I knew about Miss Elena. I know her very well."
"You know me well?"
Leabrick smiled softly. It was a warm smile that made the viewer feel comfortable, just like
that of an angel.
'The abominable woman.'
Elena almost twisted her stomach in the filling of the area. She was deceived by that smile.
She believed that favor was true. As a result, a sword was struck in her abdomen, and she
died horribly. But not anymore. She was no longer deceived because she knew the truth.
She just pretended to be deceived.
"It's true, Elena."
"Father?"
"She came all the way to see you."
Baron Frederick adhered to her favorable attitude. He had come in contact with Leabrick in
advance, and she guessed that some progress had been made in conversation.
"Honey, what does that mean?"
"She promised to save our Elena. She doesn't have to become a concubine."
"What, really?"
Chesana was very embarrassed at her husband's endless answers. She had a strong sense
of diminishing what, where, from, how to accept. Elena pretended not to know anything.
"... Save? Me?"
"You don't have to become a concubine, dear."
The eyes of Baron Frederick were full of life.
"She wants to take you to the empire."
"...!"
Elena looked moderately surprised. She also didn't forget to look at Leabrick on the path of
anticipation and anxiety. Leabrick, who was waiting for a response, responded with a
feverish smile.
"Before explaining the situation, would you believe it if Miss Elena looked the same as
someone else?"
"... It's hard to believe."
Leabrick took out a pendant with a smile. It was the family sentence on the lid that caught
the eye at once. The X-shaped swords and spears carved over a pair of golden eagles were
surprisingly colorful.
Grand Duke Friedrich. It was an unforgettable name for Elena. The lid opened when
Leabrick pressed the button on the side of the pendant.
"Oh, oh my God, my dear."
Chesana looked back and forth at the portrait and Elena, with her eyes widening big again
and again.
"Isn't this you?"
"..."
The woman in the picture resembled her exactly, as if she had modeled Elena. The twins
were almost as close as they could be. The difference was unlike Elena, the woman in the
portrait had beautiful blonde hair.
"This is the lady I used to serve. She was elegant and had class unlike any other nobleman
in this empire."
"Is she alive or dead..."
"Three months ago, she fell asleep in the arms of the goddess Gaia."
The Gaia denomination was the state religion of the Vecilia Empire. A religion that
worships the goddess of earth, Gaia, and believes that they fall asleep in the heaven created
by the goddess Gaia after death.
"May God bless her."
Elena politely mourned her death with no hands on her chest. The look and gaze of anguish
made it seem like she was genuinely sorry for her death. It was appalling, but she was worn
out in the imperial society, so even this was a part of a natural-looking routine.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Thank you for the condolences. I have no doubts that the young lady has found peace by
the side of the goddess Gaia. It is just that it is difficult for the rest of us to live and
rejuvenate the pain."
"You were close."
"Yes, we were close like sisters. Still, I'm trying to bury my heart little by little. The real
concern is what I'm worried about. Her father hasn't accepted his only daughter's death for
over three months."
Chesana nodded with a sad heart.
"That's what every parent would be like. If it was our Elena, we would have been the same."
At his wife's words, Baron Frederick hardened his face as if he didn't even want to live. For
parents, the pain of losing their child was incomparable to the pain of losing internal
organs.
"There was nothing in the world that he couldn't obtain, he was wailing that he wouldn't
have a wish if he could meet his dead daughter only once."
"I'm afraid that's..."
"I know it's a wish that can never come true. It's impossible to bring back the dead. That's
what I thought. I couldn't believe it when I heard from a merchant who saw you on the
other side of the continent."
Leabrick's eyes were fixed to Elena. It was the moment when the spinning story finally
reached its essence.
"Miss Elena, will you be his daughter?
"...!"
Surprised by the shocking suggestion, Elena couldn't speak with her eyes wide open. It was
the same with Chesana. As if only Baron Frederick had been told beforehand, there was no
reaction. Elena put her hand on her chest and replied with a deep breath.
"I don't know how to take this."
"I know it's sudden."
Leabrick admitted frankly. At the same time, she also did not forget to skillfully push Elena
to urge her to make a choice.
"I know, but I'm offering you this because I don't want you to be a concubine and be
unhappy."
"Concubine..."
Elena moved low. Her expression naturally darkened with the heavy words.
"I've seen countless times how miserable the end of a nobleman's concubine is. I don't want
Miss Elena to follow the same footsteps as them."
"..."
Elena lowered her gaze with her lips clenched. She also did not forget to show signs of
conflict with complex expressions.
"Follow her."
"H-honey?"
Elena raised her head and stared at Baron Frederick. The father's expression was already
determined for his daughter.
"I've seen the pattern before. A ruined noble family like us can't even dare to speak. It
would be better than now, nothing would be lacking."
"Father."
"Go. Go and live a new life, Elena."
Chesana, who was embarrassed by the sudden development, also changed her mind about
Baron Frederick's active attitude.
"Yes, dear. Do as you please."
"Mom."
Chesana pretended to be calm, clenched her teeth and worried that Elena wouldn't go if she
saw her tears.
'Mom and Dad.'
Elena also bit her lips hard.
She was heartbroken at the sincerity of the two telling her to leave because they couldn't
protect their child.
"... I thought being a concubine wasn't bad either. If I couldn't change it anyway, just give
up. That way I could barely endure it."
"Elena."
Elena's heartbreak, which carefully shed out, broke the couple's heart once more. They
thought the reason she matured more recently was because she accepted the reality that
she could not change, so she felt so pitiful and hurt that she could not stand it.
"... I'll go."
There was hope in Elena's eyes that she could escape the sick reality.
"How will I live if I become his daughter?"
"It's a life that can't be defined in a word. But I can tell you this for sure. That the world will
revolve around Miss Elena. You can achieve anything, you can have anything."
"Anything?"
"Anything."
Elena had a puzzled look on her face.
"You can wear the finest dresses a few times a day, and you can make and wear jewelry
every day with rare gems from the north. And balls, tea time, banquets... It's a very different
life, so it's difficult to list them individually. Let me assure you one thing. Whatever you
imagine, it's more than that."
Leabrick deliberately brought out fantasies that young minds of that time might have had.
It was based on the judgment that Elena, who had a poor childhood, would have admired
the life of this aristocratic spirit.
"Beyond imagination..."
Elena, who had been speechless for a while, pretended to be careful and took out the words
that she was looking for a chance.
"May I then take an oath with a knight?"
"Do you have one? 'A vow of oath?'"
The corners of Leabrick's mouth went up in a smile. The existence of a noble knight among
the social young people was an ornament and an object of sharing love that made them
stand out more. They were often accompanied by renowned knights, and emotional fights
between the esteemed children to the knights' duel to determine their superiority.
"I think I know what Miss Elena wants. You want to have a noble article in the literature,
The Song of Roland. Is that right?"
"Yes, that's true."
Facing Elena's eyes, Leabrick smiled graciously.
"It's the right of Miss Elena to elect a noble knight to protect the lady."
"Wait, really?"
Elena opened her eyes wide. She looked surprised and delighted as if she had never
expected such a favor. At the same time, she gave strength to her hand, which was grasping
the hem of her skirt under the table.
'Watch. How the promise of leaving me to choose a knight will hold you back.'
She didn't think Leabrick would keep this promise. Nevertheless, the reason why she
received such a definite answer was for the sake of her. To have just cause.
"Really. The greatest knight in the family will have the glory to serve Miss Elena."
"I'm so happy that I can't speak."
Elena was overwhelmed with joy. It was a snobbish smile in Leabrick's eyes, but Elena had
no intention of hiding the joy of this moment now. It was Elena's wish to destroy them.
"But what happens to my parents after I leave? I'm worried that the Viscount might harm
them..."
Elena's concern was justified by common sense. It was extremely likely that the Viscount,
who was broken up with, would lose his pride, and get angry.
"You'll be hurt because of me... I can't leave."
The expression of Baron Frederick who was listening quietly, suddenly hardened.
"It's a useless worry. Your father will take care of the rest."
"We're fine. Just take care of yourself."
Elena ignored both of their words.
With eyes only on Leabrick, she hoped that she would come up with a solution one way or
another. Leabrick smiled as if there was nothing to worry about.
"I've already set up a place to take them."
"Really? Ha, I'm finally relieved."
Elena felt a wave of relief sweep over her chest. Although she was acting, she must have
been seen as a daughter of filial piety. Perhaps because of such a habit, Leabrick took out a
high-end silk pouch that looked heavy from her arms and placed it on the table. When
Chesana opened the pouch, she was surprised.
"T-this is gold, isn't it?"
"We'll serve you without shortage, but I'm giving this to you for the sake of Miss Elena, who
is worried about the two of you. Think of it as a little sincerity and keep it."
Leabrick smiled. She smiled as if she was appealing to a family that she cared so much
about.
Elena, who was puzzled, bowed lightly and thanked her for her consideration. She also
never forgot how to express her gratitude with a smile. However, the mouth smiled but her
eyes did not. Leabrick is a woman who will put a sword through her back as soon as she
turns away from her family.
"No, we don't deserve this. Take it back."
"I can't take this. No, I'm not going to take it."
The couple waved their hands with a serious look.
"Why don't you take it for Miss Elena?"
"Please."
When Elena begged with earnest eyes, Baron Frederick reluctantly accepted it.
"... I'll take it."
Only then did Elena really feel relieved. It will be a necessary seed for her parents, who will
live far away from the empire.
Once the conversation had ended to some extent, Leabrick pulled out a watch from her
sleeve and checked it.
"It's time to leave."
"We're leaving? Now?"
Leabrick calmly replied to Elena's embarrassed reply.
"The lord will move when dawn comes. Now that you've accepted the proposal, there's no
reason to drag on. We have to leave tonight. That's the only way to avoid tracking off the
border."
"It's so sudden."
The moment she faced Leabrick, she had a faint intuition that she might have to leave
today. Even so, knowing with the head and accepting with the heart were a separate
matter. How much more is the feeling of parents having to let their children go without
time to prepare?
"Just one day, can't we spend just one day with our daughter? Until dawn..."
Chesana also pleaded with desperation that she was not ready to say goodbye.
"Miss."
"I know, I know... But I'm not sure I can let her go."
'Mommy.'
The moment she heard it, Elena went down in tears. After returning, she expected this day
to come one day. So she wanted to share many moments with her family so that there
would be no regrets left. She wanted to have a nice and happy time, go for a walk, and drink
tea. She thought it all would be fine, but it wasn't. She couldn't remove her lingering
feelings.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. We're leaving tonight."
Leabrick refused with a single stroke, giving no room for words. She made excuses that it
would be difficult for the lord to move, but in reality, the situation in the dukedom was not
as good as she thought. In the meantime, Veronica's reputation was plummeting due to the
unfounded rumors. Due to the rush of time, Leabrick could not afford to look after Elena's
circumstances.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"How can I send you off. How can I."

Chesana's insides burned at the thought of letting Elena, who was still young, leave.
"Mom..."
The same was true of Elena. Seeing Chesana who was sad, she was eager to spend one more
day with her.
'Let's not be shaken. I'm already prepared for this, aren't I?"
But Elena cracked down on herself. It's difficult to force herself to go outside of Leabrick's
eyes. There is a possibility that it could cause suspicion. It was better to pretend she
couldn't win right now.
"... I'll leave, instead."
She had no intention of just leaving. She quickly added back words.
"Let me spend three hours with my family. No, just two hours is fine. Please."
Leabrick, who tapped the table with her fingers, accepted the offer.
"I'll give you two hours. No more than that."
"Thank you. That's enough."
As soon as she found a compromise, Leabrick left the house, saying she would be preparing
to leave. There was a strange silence among the three family members. Knowing that there
was no time for this, no one knew where to begin to say goodbye.
"When did my baby grow up so big..."
Chesana, barely speaking, stroked Elena's cheek. Her red eyes were dangerous as if they
would pour out tears right away. The voice of Baron Frederick, who tried to pretend to be
stern, trembled slightly.
"Don't worry about us, just mind yourself. Do you understand?"
"Mom, Dad."
Elena clenched her teeth in a moment's rush. Don't be weak. It was difficult not to shake.
It's a golden time now, if she wasted her time, she would lose her chance forever.
"Listen to what I'm going to say from now on."
Elena's voice was filled with solemnity.
"Leave here before Leabrick returns."
When asked to leave in a hurry, the couple blinked as if they didn't understand.
"Leave? To where?"
"Didn't we decide to trust this? I don't know what this whim is."
When Elena changed her words, the couple looked perplexed. As she expected, persuasion
would not be easy, Elena gave up on her impatience and calmly persuaded them.
"Isn't it weird? The lord, who offered to sponsor mere fallen noblemen, was strange, but
when we refused, he requested I become his concubine. What's even more amazing is that
Leabrick appeared in front of us in this difficult situation, like she was waiting."
"You mean..."
"Maybe it's all fabricated."
The couple was shocked. They didn't when it was insignificant, but they started to doubt,
there were more than one or two suspicious points. However, that was not enough to
accept Elena's speculation as a fait accompli. It's just an assumption, and it's not
understandable why she approached Elena that way.
Elena said to make sure it wasn't a question.
"The obvious thing is, for any reason, the Grand Duke Friedrich needs me."
"You, you... How did you know it was the Grand Duke?"
Baron Frederick was so surprised that he stumbled. He had never mentioned that the
person was the Grand Duke.
"I knew it from the first sentence."
"...!"
"Wait a minute. I have something for the both of you."
Elena excused herself for a moment then went to her room. When she came back out to the
living room, there was a sealed envelope in her hand.
"I know you have a lot of questions. I'm sure there are a lot of things you want to ask. I
wrote everything down in here. Why you have to leave, where you have to go, and how you
two can find a way to live."
"When did you do this..."
The couple was perplexed by embarrassment. They didn't know how to take this. Elena
seemed to have done this as a prediction. Otherwise, everything prepared in advance was
not explained.
"If you leave through the back door, go straight to Mount Loews along the trail. On the right
side of the Zelkova tree in the middle of the hill, a stream will flow in front of 50 steps. If
you follow the stream and cross the hillside, you can see the Ronalp river."
"You, you...."
"There will be a ferry downstream. Take it and follow the current to cross the border."
The couple was astonished to hear that she had even prepared a boat. They were convinced
at the same time. Elena knew that this would happen, and that she had prepared
beforehand.
How the hell did she know? Apart from that, was it possible? Come to think of it, Elena may
have been a lovely child, but she was not smart or wise.
However, since two months ago, Elena had suddenly changed. Not only was she matured in
speech and behavior, but she had also deepened in thought. In addition, the knowledge that
unconsciously popped out was hard for the couple to understand. They should have
noticed then. That Elena had changed.
'As a father, I'm disqualified. How could I be ignorant of my own daughter.'
Baron Frederick regretted trying to judge and tailor Elena by his own criteria. How
frustrated Elena must have been because a person can only see a tree close at hand was
trying to understand someone who sees the forest.
"I'll leave."
Baron Frederick's mouth was hard-pressed.
"Honey!"
"But you're coming with me."
Elena raised her chin to make eye contact with Baron Frederick. Despite the concerns,
Baron Frederick, who was worried about his daughter, was stunned by the fact he could
not be with her.
"No. I can't go."
"What you said was unbelievable! What if they harm you? Let's go together."
Even Chesana tried to persuade her to come along, but Elena was adamant.
"They need me for some reason. So they won't harm me. But mom and dad are different.
I'm sure they won't let you live. If they keep you alive, you'll be kept hostage. As a means of
controlling and suppressing me."
"...!"
Elena's gruesome expression made the couple's mouth go wide open. Control, hostage,
oppression. None of those were words of an unacceptable nature without sufficient
explanation. Elena continued her words without stopping.
"I have to stay. There's something I have to do to them."
Revenge. Revenge will begin when hatred, which has barely subsided below the surface,
rises again. By then, she will use herself and destroy those who killed her in misery.
"What are you going to, what are you going to do."
"Don't worry about me."
"Elena..."
The couple felt like their hearts were going to fall apart. It was a terrible feeling, leaving
their only child on their limbs and running away. Elena said she had work to do in the
empire, but they felt so sorry that it was their fault they couldn't leave together.
"I'm running out of time. She'll be here soon."
"Elena, let me ask you one thing."
The eyes of Baron Frederick, who stared at his daughter, were deeply sorry.
"Did we put you in danger?"
"No."
Elena replied as if she didn't have to think. She knew what he was feeling beyond that
anxious glance.
"This was unavoidable. Like a midsummer shower."
How could you avoid the rain, and the black clouds that cover the clear sky without
warning. It's only good to find a place to shelter from the rain before the whole body gets
wet. Baron Frederick dropped his head helplessly.
"... I'll do as you please."
Eventually, the couple prepared to leave with a feeling of cutting off flesh. When it came to
luggage, it was all light clothes, gold coins, and the envelope. On the verge of goodbye, the
couple stood in front of the back door. If they opened that door and left into the dark night,
they were really going to break apart.
"Come here."
Chesana embraced Elena tightly with a half-weeping voice. Baron Frederick wrapped the
mother and daughter with open arms. The body temperature of each other, which was
close enough to touch breaths, was comforting at this moment.
"My Elena, my only daughter in the world."
Elena held her breath. She bit her teeth so that she wouldn't start sobbing.
Elena, Elena, Elena.
That name will be given to the heart, not the ears. To not forget her soon-to-be-deleted
name, perhaps her unheard-of identity, she engraved it on her heart again and again.
"Farewell."
The brief and calm greetings were imbued with unimaginable injustice.
"Take care of yourself. We'll meet again, okay?"
After opening the back door, looking at Chesana, Elena made a smile colored in sadness
without a word.
"Dear, let's go."
Chesana went farther along the hillside as if forced by Baron Frederick. Even in the midst of
getting farther away, she didn't think her gaze would fall from Elena.
"You must be safe, absolutely."
Elena corrected herself by capturing the image of the couple getting farther away apart. She
put her hands on her belly, bowed her back, and politely and reverently said her last
goodbye. She hoped to see them again. She prayed that the wind would reach the sky.
By the time the rustling through the bushes died down, Elena looked up. When she couldn't
find the two people buried in the darkness, the word "breakup" touched her heart.
"Crying... Is just the beginning."
Elena, muttering to herself, stole the area around her eyes. Her eyes were frosty as she
managed to get her emotions together and put down her sleeves. Elena, the daughter of a
fallen aristocrat, was no longer in the world. Only a woman of iron blood remained, who
looked down on all the people with a noble eye and dominated the society of the empire.
Elena, who closed the back door, locked it with a key. She made her disheveled hair neat.
She didn't forget to tidy up her wrinkled skirt and sleeves. The act of straightening up one's
posture is to crack down on one's inner self, which was swayed by sentiment
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena took a look at the empty house.

She walked off and swept the table with her fingertips. The touch passed her bedroom
stained with memories, leading to a living room full of laughter and happiness of the
harmonious family. Elena looked more comfortable remembering the past for a moment.
There was no driving force that helped her to walk on a lonely path alone and sustained her
life as much as the time she spent with her family.
By the promised time, Leabrick knocked on the door without a single error.
"It's time to leave, Miss Elena."
"I'll be right out."
Elena, who raised herself from the chair, put her hands on her chest and breathed deeply a
couple of times. Then, she brought out the feelings of parting that had been pressed in
deep. When she recalled the situation in which she had to break up with her parents in her
past life, she was overwhelmed with emotions. Elena went to the front door only after
seeing that her eyes were red.
Elena came out through the slightly opened door. She covered her mouth with her hands to
hide her slightly bloodshot eyes and sobbing, which made her look pitiful and unfortunate.
"... Let's go."
"What about your parents?"
"We forcibly separated and only I came out. I don't think I'll be able to leave any longer, so I
want to leave now before I change my mind."
Elena's last words were close to pleading. She seemed as if she was about to collapse, so
Leabrick nodded slightly.
"Sir."
The man behind her took a step forward at her call, stepped forward. His strong physique
and waist-length sword, which he couldn't hide even though he was wearing a robe,
suggested that his identity was a knight.
"When we leave, please take care of those two. Be polite and courteous so that Miss Elena is
not worried."
"I will."
"...!"
A familiar voice made Elena take a breath. When she glanced at his face without a grain of
doubt, she was infested with unbearable hatred and indignation.
'I didn't know you were the chauffeur who came to pick me up, Sir Lorentz.'
The knight of the oath that once defended her with loyalty. A knight of honor who she kept
by her side even after she became empress. However, when Veronica returned alive, the
knight ruthlessly put a sword through Elena's abdomen.
The loyalty he swore before Elena was false, the oath was hypocrisy, and the honor that he
cried out as nothing but pretense. She still hadn't forgotten. She remembered what he had
said clearly.
"I have never once considered you to be my real lady. My real lady is back, so I will kill you
with my hands and ask the real empress for forgiveness."
'Ah!'
His true feelings were more cruel than the pain of iron that dug into her flesh. The sense of
betrayal and loss she felt was as great as the depth of trust. It couldn't be expressed in
words. Now that she saw him, she figured he was the one that killed her parents. Naturally,
her hatred doubled.
'Let's not dwell on the past. He is now nothing but a chess piece.'
Elena was wary that her old feelings toward him may make things go wrong. One day, he
would pay the price for her disdain, but it was not yet the time. From the standpoint of
aiming to overthrow the Grand Duke, she could not be swayed by petty emotions.
"I've got a carriage outside the estate. We'll have to move in secret up to there."
Elena quietly followed in the footsteps of Leabrick, who walked ahead. As Elena turned
around, Lorentz bowed silently. Although it would have been to show the virtues of a
knight, to Elena's eyes, knowing that he was soon to go after her parents, it was nothing but
hypocrisy.
"Hurry up, we'll be late."
"Yes."
Elena set aside her gaze and hastened her steps to narrow the distance away from
Leabrick. When she went through the dark zelkova forest, they reached a road leading to
the southern part of the territory. There was a luxurious carriage standing in the corner of
the bushes.
"Get in right away."
As soon as she got in, the horseman cracked the whip.
Neigh, neigh.
As the cry of the horse tore the silence, the wheels started to role. Feeling the vibrations in
her hips, Elena threw her gaze outside the window that changed visually.
"..."
Elena's gaze deepened in the moonlit landscape. It was a night that was no different from
any other. The only thing that had changed was Elena's mindset, but the world looked
different.
"Don't worry too much."
Leabrick, as if to reassure her, reached out her hand.
"As long as Miss Elena decided to be his daughter, she won't be neglected. We'll take care of
you."
"Thank you. Thanks to you, I can relax a little."
Elena smiled and squeezed Leabrick's hand tighter. An expression of trust that she believed
in her. An act that felt sincerer than a hundred words. Leabrick was convinced she had
come under her control.
"Don't say thank you, we're like sisters now, aren't we?"
Elena held back a reflexive burst of laughter. Sisters? She was looking forward to seeing
how long this pretense relationship would last.
 ***
Lorentz stood up from the fence he was sitting on. Considering the distance of the carriage,
the woman's stride, and the gait, by now it was time to leave. Lorentz, who had no reason
to delay any longer, recalled the mission.
"Kill Elena's biological parents."
Cut the buds that may be a bother in advance. Leabrick said it would be the way for the
Grand Duke, and he would so with hesitation. For the glory of the Grand Duke. His value
was the only pride that allowed him to breathe and live as a knight.
Lorentz pulled the sword from his waist. The moonlit blade shined with chills. Soon this
new white sword would be dyed red.
Kkiik.
Lorentz's expression that crossed the threshold hardened.
"...!"
He didn't feel anyone inside. He instinctively sensed something was wrong, and rushed
through the room. Baron Frederick and Chesana, who were supposed to be there, were
nowhere to be found.
"Huh, did you run away?"
Lorentz was frustrated. They were here until a little while ago, but they ran like a bolt in
the blue. Like they evaporated. He didn't understand how they knew about the threat that
was coming to their bodies.
"Now's not the time to care about that. I need to trace them."
Lorentz eyes gleamed as he looked for their footprints in the dark.
Sect 2. Don't Go
The carriage which had left the territory passed without rest.
"It's hard, isn't it? Please bear with it until we arrive."
"Thanks to your consideration, I'm not tired at all."
Elena smiled softly. It was a natural smile that couldn't have had any other thoughts.
"I'm really curious, but where am I going?"
"Are you curious?"
"Oh, no. You don't have to tell me."
Elena shook her head and swept her fingertips along the sofa. She was amazed at the
feeling of the finest leather, and kept her hands on it.
"This carriage is softer and more comfortable than my bed. I've never been in such a nice
carriage in my life."
"It's a carriage that I took extra care to pick up Miss Elena."
"I know. I wonder which family he is from and who he is to treat me like this."
Elena's eyes were hazy as if dreaming. She was blinded by expensive items, and she seemed
to have no time to think about her situation or the future. Leabrick laughed in her heart as
she looked at Elena, vain and blinded by desire.
You're a pathetic woman, aren't you? You don't even know that you're going to be used and
thrown away, and you're crazy about personal things. She was already considered to be an
easy-to-handle woman.
That's exactly what Elena was aiming for.
'You should see me as the most ignorant and pathetic woman in the world.'
The more pathetic Elena is, the better. The lower the standards, the lower the alertness, the
more she'll ignore her. She intended to induce Leabrick's carelessness by pretending to be
ignorant and snobbish. Elena would endure and persevere until that day came.
"You said you weren't curious, so let's leave him out for a while and talk about something
else."
"I'll listen."
"Do you remember that he still can't accept his daughter's death?"
Elena nodded.
"In fact, he hasn't had his daughter's funeral for more than two months."
"What?"
"He's too attached to her and can't let her go. Very few people know about the death of the
lady."
"T-then..."
Elena distorted her face to match the situation where she could neither laugh nor cry. The
lady's death had not yet been announced officially. Obsession beyond attachment. And their
position. Several unclear conditions conflicted, and the complexion of her mind was
captured in her expression.
"I know what you're worried about. I'm sure it's not a bad thing for Miss Elena."
Elena looked at Leabrick with anxious eyes. There was a significant smile on Leabrick's lips.
"You're getting a chance to be his real daughter, not his foster daughter, and there's no
reason to refuse."
"...!"
Elena opened her eyes wide.
"R-real daughter?"
"Yes. His real daughter, Princess Veronica herself."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"P-princess? Did you just say princess?"

Leabrick nodded. Even if Elena was very ignorant, it can be assumed that if she is called a
princess, she'd be able to deduct that she was the family of the duke.
"I'm... going to be a real princess..."
Elena recalled the foolish memories of her past life, when she was delighted with the idea
of living as a high-ranking noble. There was no comparison between living as a real
daughter and becoming a foster daughter simply because they looked similar. When she
first encountered the fact, she was so excited and overwhelmed that she could become of
noble descent herself.
'But it was all fake.'
Elena swallowed her abominable anger. Instead, she recalled her birthday with her family
last year. She recalled the happiness of the day, the joy spread to Elena's face like a
snowflake. To deceive Leabrick. Elena constantly controlled her emotions and acted.
"That's not all. Princess Veronica comes up and down in the mouth of the social world
every year as a companion of His Highness the Crown Prince."
"Huh, the Crown Prince?"
Leabrick fanned Elena's insatiable burning desire.
"It's common to say that dreams are dreams. But if Elena makes up her mind, dreams
become reality. That's the position of Princess Veronica in the Empire."
"Ah... Ah."
Elena laughed as if she couldn't hide her joy, revealing her gums. She hoped that Leabrick
belittled her frivolous appearance and thought of her as pathetic.
"Huhu."
Leabrick laughed low. She was able to get a glimpse of Elena's desire through a smile bright
enough to see Elena's gums. It was only a little taste, but she was already blinded. Leabrick
knew better than how to deal with such a human. She didn't even know how deadly of a
misjudgment that was.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I've been disrespectful enough,"
Elena covered her mouth with her hands and smiled, pretending to be ashamed. She also
did not forget her ability to handle the situation in an effort to hide her embarrassment.
"On the other hand, I'm also worried. What if they suspect that I'm not the Grand Duke's
real daughter because of my ignorance?"
Leabrick waved as if not to worry.
"You can make it so that they won't doubt it."
"How?"
"I'll teach you. I'll make you the queen of society with a classy, elegant, and undaunted
authority."
As if her heart was overwhelmed by those words, Elena replied with her hands on her
chest.
"I'll try. I'll be sure to."
Elena looked excited as if she had already become Crown Princess. Leabrick left her at the
height of her delusion to her heart's content.
When the conversation ended, Elena was able to stop acting silly and looked outside the car
window. Soon her eyes calmed down.
'Mom, Dad, did you get away safely?'
She suddenly thought of her parents. If they had driven out along the rapids on a boat as
scheduled, they would have reached the border of the Kingdom of Royer by now passing
the northern part of the duchy. Due to the rugged topography of the northern mountainous
regions, it was a high possibility that they were moving Eastward using the rare inspection
of the pass.
'They must go to the Empire...'
The light under the lamp was dark*. Her parents would go to the Vecilia Empire through
the Kingdom. It was not an easy journey, but it was the surest way out of Leabrick's pursuit.
They'll start over there again. With a new identity, a new name, and new family name. And
let's keep the inevitable meeting five years from now.
(T/n: expression meaning hidden in plain view)
'You must live. If you break your promise to meet again... I will not forgive you.'
Elena wished and wished again. She hoped there would be no resentment to her parents,
please.
***
Independent City Sylence. As a port city located in the southwestern part of the continent, it
was an independent autonomous city that did not belong to any country. This place, ruled
by a governor, was the continent's premier port that had not suffered war for hundreds of
years.
As soon as she arrived at the lodge, she unpacked and couldn't take her eyes off the sea
outside the window.
"What a wonder, isn't it? Looking at the ocean makes me feel reverent."
"..."
Elena had no answer. When Leabrick turned around in a puzzled state, Elena was sobbing
low.
"I'm sorry, I suddenly remembered... my mom and dad."
"Miss Elena."
"I couldn't do anything for them... I only just got here, and I regret it so much... I should have
at least said good-bye to them."
Leabrick embraced Elena's shoulder with a friendly touch and comforted her.
Please take good care of them. My sister is the only one I can trust now."
Leabrick's eyes were narrowed by the title of sister. She had no recollection of allowing the
title of sister. Elena, who has become weak, leaned on her.
"Please call me Liv. It's my nickname."
Elena stared. Leabrick could see how much Elena was dependent on her right now through
her shaking eyes.
"Believe me, I can't right now, but after some time, I'll make sure that your letter of regards
is well-received."
"I don't know how to thank you, Liv."
Leabrick quietly embraced her. Elena did not refuse, but was consoled in her arms. She
looked so friendly that she said she was her own sister. But the eyes that could not be met
beyond the cheeks of the two women who were touching contained conflicting feelings
toward each other.
Leabrick laughed at the pathetic Elena. She even had a vicious idea of how to use Elena's
filial piety. On the contrary, Elena's eyes were so rational that there was no room for
emotion to go in.
'You'll start doubting me as early as today or tomorrow at the latest.'
Sooner or later, she would learn about her parents' escape and of course will suspect Elena.
Today's tears, and the title 'sister' are a mix-up for that time. How far was she sincere and
false? Whether she was really dependent or was pretending to be dependent. Elena
calculated that far. In the midst of vague words and deeds, there was a thorough
arrangement, and none of them were wasted.
'From now on. You and I are fighting.'
Until this moment Elena was playing in Leabrick's head.
***
The sunset set in Sylence. The sun setting over the horizon colored the sky red and then
disappeared. Soon it was the pitch-black darkness that filled the void.
"They're gone?"
Leabrick doubted her ears. She thought maybe she misheard it.
"When I came, the house was already empty. I followed their tracks, but when I reached the
middle of the mountainside, their footprints were cut off, so no further tracking was
possible.'
Lorentz, who was close to the wall, replied in a somber tone. It was hard to notice that
there was a person unless you looked closely in the shade where the moonlight could not
reach.
"Tell me in detail. The footprints cut off?"
"It seems that they reached the middle of the mountainside and went along the stream."
Leabrick's eyebrows wiggled.
"Along the stream?"
"They seemed to have not left a trace."
"Huh."
Leabrick was overwhelmed. It was hard to believe that the couple ran away, but they
erased the traces as if they had anticipated the chase.
"I found and tracked the wet sand, but the trail was completely cut off from the canyon
ferry."
"Have they run away on a ferry?"
"That's all I can say. I tried to track them down, but the current was too fast. I'm sorry."
Throughout the report, Lorentz did not raise his head. This was because he failed to fulfill
his responsibility as a knight.
"It's not your fault. This is my mistake."
Leabrick looked back at the ridiculous situation.
'You ran away? Not even a trace?'
You can make a hundred concessions and run away. Parents would jump into a pit of fire if
they thought they would be a burden to their children. But the escape method was too
elaborate. An experienced knight moved in an optimized path that was impossible to trace.
Can she dismiss this as a coincidence? She couldn't erase the impression that they had run
away in anticipation of danger.
'It doesn't add up.'
It was not that there was no doubt at all. However, it was not easy to draw conclusions
because neither was clear.
'It was weird. I can't believe her parents didn't even come out to say good-bye to their
daughter.'
Those who cared about their daughter that much did not see her off, this was a
questionable point.
'There are two kinds of families.'
The fact that the couple left Elena alone was in order to get time to escape. This was the
subject of fleeing.
'Elena may have known that the couple had run away, but pretended not to know in front
of me.'
Leabrick recalled Elena crying when she arrived at Sylence. She said she only had her as an
older sister and begged her to take care of her parents. If she was an accomplice, there
would be no reason to do that.
'What if... What if the tears were meant to deceive me?'
Leabrick shook her head hard to get rid of the root of her thoughts. It was a delusion. Elena
was neither clever nor brilliant enough to deceive Leabrick. She also lived as a fallen
aristocrat, so she had a deep sense of inferiority.
"Give up tracking them."
"Give me your orders. I'll make sure to search the continent for them. And somehow, I'll
clean them up..."
Lorentz wanted to recover his tarnished honor, but Leabrick refused to allow it.
"I don't want to leave any regrets, but I don't think they'll be a problem right now. Please
step back."
"... I understand."
"After hiding for a few days, get on a ship. It's difficult if you encounter Miss Elena for
nothing."
Lorentz nodded reluctantly and left himself in the dark. He was already gone, she couldn't
even hear his footsteps as he left. Leabrick raised her chin and looked up at the night sky.
"It's not refreshing."
There must have been something, but she was frustrated that she didn't know what it was.
It was an annoyance that she hadn't felt in years.
"I need to check. Are you really trying to deceive me or have I overreacted?"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Before dawn a carriage carrying Elena and Leabrick ran down the icy streets of Sylence.
"Miss Elena, I heard about your parents at dawn."
"Really? What happened? Did they get out of here safely?"
Elena became a devoted daughter when she heard about her parents' news. She was so
desperate that Leabrick couldn't believe it was acting.
"They're safely out of the land."
"That's fortunate. Thank you, Liv. Thank you for your concern."
Leabrick narrowed her eyes.
"But, your mother said she wasn't in good health because she was overwhelmed."
"What? What's wrong with her? Does it hurt a lot? What's wrong with her? It's because of
me. She's got a very big heartache...."
Elena talked like a half-hearted person and soon dropped her head. Tuk tuk. Drops of water
fell under her head and soaked the road.
"Mom, mom... ugh, mom."
Elena cried sadly, feeling longing and anxiety. It was as pathetic as a child who lost their
mother.
"..."
Leabrick squinted her eyes. If Elena intervened in fleeing the couple, she would react in any
way and intentionally gave false information. But what is this? She couldn't even guess the
fact that the couple ran away because she was crying so sadly.
'You don't seem to know a thing.'
Leabrick bit her lips.
"Don't cry. The physician said it was a temporary fever and that she could get better soon if
she took a rest."
"She must get better. Or I won't have the confidence to live in the Empire."
"Of course."
Elena managed to calm herself down and wiped her eyes with her handkerchief.
"They both must have arrived at the Mariana Islands by now."
"M-Mariana Islands the earthly paradise?"
"Yes, it's called the best island in the world."
Leabrick had the audacity to tell a lie. The Mariana Islands are referred to as paradise
through oral fairy tales and novels, but the reality is quite different. It was a remote area
where even fishing was not easy due to pirates and strong waves. Even though she knew it
clearly, Elena pretended not to know it and was delighted.
I've heard that, too. I'm relieved if that's where they are. I hope they don't have to struggle
and live comfortably."
"... That's what they're going to do."
Looking at Elena, who was naively relieved, Leabrick had no choice but to question the
doubts she had.
'That's the level of that kid, but I'm the only one who's too sensitive?'
Elena consistently showed substandard appearances. Nevertheless, it was strange to keep
doubting Elena. Elena was pleased to see Leabrick, who couldn't let go of the string of
doubts and was confused.
"Leabrick is suspicious of me. That means my mom and dad ran away safely.'
Elena was glad to have Leabrick's doubts. It was clear that her parents safely ran away
from the pursuit. Otherwise, there was no reason for Leabrick to doubt Elena.
At the back of the dock, at the warehouse pier, they got off the carriage. Then, under the
guidance of a middle-aged knight who was driving a horse, they climbed the boat, which
was tied at the end.
Through the fog, they moved farther from the land. The boat reached the rear of a huge and
colorful sailing ship.
"We go up?"
Elena, led by Leabrick, and a middle-aged knight boarded the ship on a ladder. No crew
members were seen on the deck.
Leabrick passed the deck and stepped into the ship. She walked until she reached the cabin
at the far end of the corridor where the candles fluttered.
Kkiik.
As she opened the creaky wooden door, she saw a spacious cabin with quite high quality
furniture. At a glance, it was a luxury cabin that would be used by aristocrats or royalty.
As soon as she came in, Leabrick locked the cabin door tightly.
"You'll be staying here with me for the next ten days."
Elena forced a smile. Barely holding back her upset stomach."
It was a unilateral notification.
"Three meals a day, it'll be served from the outside."
It did not even give room for rebuttal.
"You can use the bathroom inside the cabin."
Leabrick's attitude toward Elena has changed. The way she was before disappeared from
nowhere, and she authoritatively treated Elena like a subordinate. Leabrick used her spare
time to teach the basic culture and history of the empire.
'I know everything.'
Elena adjusted her progress to a point where she could not be properly criticized. If she
was too clever, Leabrick would suspect. On the contrary, if she was too dim, she would
definitely find fault with her and insult her.
It has been nine days since they sailed. The sailboat also entered the waters of the empire.
"What is the duty of the nobles?"
"Noblesse oblige."
"Imitate those words, and in the future, Miss Elena will become a nobleman who will be
respected by nobles. This is the duty you have as the princess, and the legitimate daughter
of Grand Duke Friedrich."
"W-wait, the Grand Duke?"
Elena stuttered at the end and raised her head. She was embarrassed as if it wasn't possible
even if that was true.
"Princess Veronica is the sole blood of Grand Duke Friedrich, the head of the four great
families of the Empire. It's also Miss Elena's new identity."
"Oh, my God."
For a moment, Elena's mouth poked up.
"G-Grand Duke... That's more than I can imagine."
Even if she tried to pretend she wasn't, Leabrick was convinced as she saw Elena's mouth
rising as if it was going to tear. She was a snob blinded by desire.
"That's enough for today."
"N-now?"
"We're leaving the ship."
After ten days, Elena was finally able to leave the cabin. She felt a little better when she
spent time with Leabrick and carried the pent-up resentment from the cabin to the sea
breeze made her feel better.
Just like when they boarded the sailing ship, they crossed the railing and climbed the
ladder down to a ferry. After three hours of rowing, they reached the shore with a breath.
They stepped on the squishy sand, came out of the white sand and got on a carriage hidden
by the bushes.
"Liv, where are we going?"
"The safe house."
"Are you not going?"
"It's a very private place. Even in the Grand Duke's residence, few people know about it."
Leabrick turned her head out the window. It was an indirect expression she did not want to
continue the conversation. Elena also shut her question. It was a compulsory question,
anyway, and there was no reason for her, who already knew the destination, to ask.
The carriage really ran without ceasing. Even though the road was not maintained, the
carriage did not stop despite the difficulties in discerning where to go due to the darkness
without a single moonlight
They finally reached the mansion that she thought was not home. It was located in such a
secret place that you could never find it without knowing the path because there was a
forest everywhere. Elena, looking at the exterior of the mansion, was cold.
'There's the place that drove me to ruin.'
Elena's heart beat violently as if she had lost her reason even though she tried to calm
down. What kind of expression should I make when I meet him? Can I handle this boiling
anger with him in front of me? All kinds of thoughts and uncontrolled feelings constantly
clashed inside Elena.
The carriage stopped just in time. When she got off the carriage following Leabrick, a maid
greeted her.
"She's Jane, take a step forward. She can't talk because she's deaf, so if you need anything,
you can write it down in a notebook and show it to her."
As soon as she exchanged eye greetings with Jane, she followed Leabrick into the mansion.
A parlor decorated with marble appeared as the splendid chandeliers went straight across
the corner to the right of the main hall.
"He's beyond here."
"He?"
"As soon as he heard that Miss Elena was coming, he ran from the capital."
Leabrick carefully put her hand on the doorknob and pushed the marble door open.
Elena's heart beat fast, too. An unruly storm of emotion swirled from the inside, as it did
when she first faced Leabrick.
"...!"
There was a man standing in the distance. As a middle-aged man, he was upright enough to
be indifferent to his age, and was a man of dignity enough to be considered a specimen of
the aristocracy.
Elena recognized who he was at a glance. How could she forget? She could still remember
his laughing at Elena, who was dying.
"Y-you... Really..."
He saw Elena and couldn't speak easily. Shaky eyes and trembling lips. Like a saint who
witnessed a miracle in front of his eyes, his expression of joy and despair was a spectacle to
the point that it was a waste to see alone. She was filled with goosebumps to even know
that it was a smoke filled with hypocrisy and lies.
"Did you come back to life... My daughter?"
The mastermind who drove Elena to ruin. A man who could chew it. It was Grand Duke
Friedrich coming towards Elena.
Elena bit her molars tightly. Her fist rolled small in and an unaffordable rage shook like an
acorn tree. She could still see his face, mocking her for her death. The idea that he was so
hateful as to want to kill him was in her head.
'I have to put up with it. I can't be carried away.'
Elena constantly suppressed herself. Killing that human to relieve her resentment was a
bad idea. What Elena wants is not only Grand Duke Friedrich, but also the complete
destruction of Leabrick and Veronica. Until that day, she would be angry and wag her tail
like their faithful dog.
"Are you really, Veronica?"
Grand Duke Friedrich asked and couldn't take his eyes off of Elena.
"Well, I'm..."
Elena, standing in front him, lowered her eyes without even making eye contact. Grand
Duke Friedrich extended his hand at Elena, who was at a loss.
Shudder.
Elena shrank back as the back of his hand touched her cheek. It gave her goosebumps.
There was a sense of uneasiness like a bug crawling on her face.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Grand Duke Friedrich swept her cheek with the back of his hand, dismissing that Elena
must have been surprised with the sudden contact.
"I missed your warmth, so I couldn't stand it."
"..."
"Thank you, for letting me think I've met my dead daughter again."
She wanted to applaud the abominable performance of Grand Duke Friedrich. How could
he be brazen about the living Veronica?
"I didn't really take care of her because I only cared about the outside. I lost my wife and
daughter. After I lost my precious people, I had no power or wealth."
Elena stood silently listening to his confession, which was not even a grain of truth.
"My dear."
At a low call, Elena lifted her head.
"Will you be my daughter?"
Grand Duke Friedrich spoke kindly to Elena, who's eyes were shaking.
"Live on behalf of Veronica. If I could watch the child's unfinished life through you, I would
have no regrets. Can you do that?"
"O-of course! As long as I don't mind!"
Elena blatantly coveted the seat of the princess.
'I have to look like a woman blinded by success. That way, you'll underestimate me.'
There was inexplicable contempt in the eyes of Grand Duke Friedrich. It would be
disgusting to him, who values the nobility of his birth, that an insignificant girl was excited
to pretend to be a noble princess of the great house.
"In fact, I didn't feel like anyone from the beginning. I'll be a good daughter. Father."
When Elena added the word "father" with her strength, Grand Duke Friedrich's face was
distorted for a short time. Grand Duke Friedrich was a man who was filled with aristocratic
pride, and authority of the nobility. He was insulted and humiliated just by bringing in a
vulgar woman who openly coveted his daughter's vacancy in a noble family...
"It's late. You must have had a hard time coming so go up and rest."
When Elena bowed, Leabrick chinned down to follow her. When Jane opened a door in the
far corner of the second floor, there was a bedroom decorated with high-end wooden
furniture.
"Get some rest. Order for her if you need anything."
"Yes, good night, Liv."
When Leabrick disappeared from the room around the corner of the hall, Elena waved her
hand and told Jane to leave. She didn't have anything to do, so she wanted to be alone now.
Thump.
Elena, who was left alone in the room after the door closed, burst into a suppressed laugh.
When she remembered the distorted face of Grand Duke Friedrich, She felt that her old
body aches had gone down.
In her last life, Elena was impatient to see Grand Duke Friedrich's glance. When she looked
at Elena, who was inadequate because she had not received proper education, he could not
make eye contact and bowed his head as if she was a sinner.
Oh, why did she do that? If she thought about it, the thing that was held in Elena's hand was
as good as theirs. She was just stupid and couldn't handle it properly.
"I'm looking forward to seeing how you hold your breath with the name and status you
gave me."
***
Despite the fact that Princess Veronica's reputation was stuck in the mud, education was
the reason why Elena was brought to the safe house instead of going straight to the Grand
Duke's residence. To build up the basic skills to pretend to be Princess Veronica.
In the morning, she learned mainly about the manners of the aristocrats, table manners,
speech, walking, and greeting.
In the afternoon, the focus was on understanding and learning the identity of an empire,
such as history, literature, and culture, starting with Imperial. The formal class ended
before dinner.
"Don't even think about it. Review and understand what you learned today. Too many?
Then please memorize it even if you're cutting back on sleep."
Elena was forced to stay in her study until late at night. No, it would be right to say that she
was embedded in the study of her own will.
"I say I know the future, but I don't have the ability or knowledge to use it all."
Elena used this time to fill up her lack of knowledge.
<The History of Famous Paintings>
<The Arts and Philosophy>
<The Merchant-Dominated Continent>
<The Value of Moving Money>
<The Alchemy of Makeup>
...
Elena's selected books were mainly focused on the arts and commerce.
"There will be a change in the art world of the Empire soon."
Elena paid attention to the Renaissance that would blow across the empire. This is because
if she made good use of the revival period where cultural innovations such as ideology,
literature, art, architecture, natural science, and music take place, she could accumulate
great wealth.
"The new era is an opportunity for me."
Changes in the times are bound to be accompanied by such labor pains. Elena wanted to be
the leader of that era. She could see what it had to do with revenge, but the Grand Duke's
family was not a single family that could easily fall apart. If it did, it wouldn't have been the
best family in the Empire for hundreds of years.
"I have to use the trend of the times to shake the Great Duke inside and outside."
First, she intended to divide the interior of the Grand Duke by pretending to be a Princess
Veronica. She would cut off the banking line and find a private land that could become
public. At the same time, she planned to apply pressure from the outside. She planned to
lead the era as a woman with the third name L, and become the one who looks up to the
intellectuals and nobles of the empire.
Based on public respect, reputation and justification, she would reveal the evil deeds
committed by the Grand Duke so far and isolate him with criticism and pressure. Only
Elena, who pretended to be Princess Veronica, could be deeply involved in the work.
Of course, it's not as easy as it sounds. But Elena was confident. The plan was completed
after hundreds of verifications, and the detailed platform was already filled in Elena's head.
She was already looking forward to it.
The time to stay in the safe house was only three weeks at the very least, and she was
excited to move to the Grand Duke's residence as soon as possible and complete the
blueprint for her revenge. And three weeks passed like a lie.
***
The restaurant with the high ceiling and the table stood outstanding. Sitting at the end of a
long table, Leabrick and Elena cut the steak with elegant hand movements and put it in
their mouths. There was no sound of chewing, and the jaw did not widen beyond a certain
interval. Each used four forks alternately to eat the dish. It was impeccably perfect table
manners.
"Now you look quite aristocratic."
Leabrick commented on Elena's table manners, wiping her mouth with a napkin.
"It's all thanks to Liv's sincere teaching."
"You're also good at speaking in terms of praise and affirmation to other people's praise."
At first, Leabrick's criticism continued, but Elena looked so aristocratic that she could no
longer find any flaws that did not force her to find anything annoying.
"Really? I'm glad Liv told me so."
Leabrick stared at Elena, who drank a sip of wine gracefully. You have to immerse yourself
in the natural way that you are not aware of the art of etiquette. That's why the aristocrats
straighten their manners from an early age and constantly add teachers to work on
etiquette.
"In less than three weeks... It's like a lie."
Although she was originally an aristocrat, she was a fallen aristocrat who lived just like
ordinary people. Considering that she was not even good at basic etiquette, Elena was now
a completely different person.
Not just good at etiquette, but she used etiquette to make her physical lines stand out. It's
not too much. Just natural. Such elegance was hard to find in society. It should be said that
she was well-versed in the etiquette of the Empire.
"It's a flaw that she's not very smart with her manners."
Unfortunately Elena wasn't brilliant. It was only to meet the passing line of Leabrick's
required learning level.
'Well, it's more than I expected.'
It's only a month. It's not enough time to transform Elena, who has lived as a commoner as
a depraved, downcast, into a real aristocrat. Considering that, it was safe to say that Elena
had become quite aristocratic.
"If you're done eating, let's go up."
She followed Leabrick, passed the central hall, and went up to the second floor. They
walked straight along the high-quality carpet to reach the library, but for some reason they
just walked past it.
"We passed the study?"
"We're going to the drawing room today."
Elena, walking behind, guessed the meaning of her words without difficulty.
"Oh, today was the day to memorize portraits and personal details of the nobility.'
Memorizing faces and identifying their identities by looking at portraits of aristocrats
influential in social and imperial politics means that there was not much time left to face
them.
As far as she could remember, she went to the Grand Duke's residence after memorizing
the personal information for two days.
Arriving at the drawing room and sitting on the sofa, Leabrick had no hands on the piled-up
portraits and personal details. The thickness was more than a snake.
"It's a list of Imperial and Capital nobles who are active in the Imperial social world."
"T-there's this much?"
"Some are skipped and the list is filtered."
What Leabrick said was true. The number of nobles officially conferred by the imperial
family accounted for nearly half of the entire population of the state.
"Remember everything. The names, faces, family, family relationships, and expediency are
all written here. Whenever they run into you, act like they're a long-lost friend or family.
You can do it, right?"
"Yes, I'll try."
Leabrick brought a portrait of a middle-aged man with a mustache on top of a pile of
papers and an explanation of his personal details.
"This man is Duke Whit. He's a part of one of the four great families of the Empire, the
duchy of Buckingham. He was very close to the Grand Duke and cared about Princess
Veronica as if she were his own daughter from an early age. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, I'm putting him in my head."
"No, you don't understand at all."
Leabrick's eyes grew sharp.
"Listen. The closer they are to Princess Veronica, the more you must be alert. If you run
into this person, he'll find out that Miss Elena is a substitute."
"Oh, I see what you mean. I'll be careful."
Leabrick did not repeat the same thing anymore, as if she liked Elena's alertness very much.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Memorizing the portraits of hundreds of people and memorizing their personal details was
very boring and confusing. Incidentally, if Leabrick made a point, Elena had more to
memorize. Nevertheless, Elena didn't think much.
'It's even harder to find a face I don't know.'
Elena reigned as a social flower and rose to the top as the empress. It was a routine to meet
with the royal family or nobles on the list and face them, so it was impossible not to know.
"Let's move on."
Leabrick reached out and laid out the next portrait and personal details on the table.
"...!"
Elena's eyes shook sharply, wary of another obvious aristocrat.
"Claudius de Sian. The crown prince who will succeed to the throne of the Empire in the
future."
There was no sound in Elena's ear. Her eyes, unable to take her eyes off the portrait,
contained indescribable joys and sorrows. The man she once loved more than herself.
But a man who never shared a single warmth. And the man who blamed himself for the
child's entry. Even though he gave birth to a descendant who would succeed the royal
family, She still couldn't forget how he was despairing and blaming himself.
"My momentary mistake eventually drove the millennium empire to hell."
Soon after the birth, Elena burst into tears in her sorrow as soon as she heard his lament.
She was still bloodstained!
She knew the emperor himself had no affection for her, but how could he say such cruel
things to a woman who gave birth to his own child?
After that day, Elena stayed away from Sian. She no longer longed for the emperor's
affection. She didn't have the talent to butter it up without hate and resentment.
'Why were you so stupid? He and I couldn't live together from the beginning. I didn't even
know that, and was obsessed with him and resented him.'
It was only after she returned that she realized why he had to repel her and hate her.
The Emperor seeking to strengthen his imperial power, and the Grand Duke, who gave
birth to the Queen consort and has power in the sky. The two politically different people
were in a confrontational relationship that was impossible to coexist. Even blind to
ambition, Grand Duke Friedrich and Leabrick did something they should never have done.
'... They poisoned the empress to make me the consort .'
It was brutality committed by the fear that the empress would give birth to a legitimate
prince.
Elena didn't even know that it was the work of the Grand Duke. She could not even
understand the emperor's innermost thoughts, who was angry at the death of the empress
and stared at her to death.
Everything was known only after a more sober look at the series of events after regression.
Why he hated Elena so much and blamed her. Only after approaching the truth, was she
able to put down the feelings of the day, which was filled with love and hatred.
'Your Highness, I will never stand next to you again.'
This was the string of bad relationships that left nothing but hurt and hate for each other.
She believed it was right to cut the string rather than to follow up on the same mistake.
"Are you listening to me?"
Elena came to her senses and surrounded by Leabrick's eye daggers.
"Oh, I'm sorry. When I saw His Highness the Crown Prince, I lost it. He's so handsome, will
the real thing look even more handsome?"
"You'll be seeing him soon, so see for yourself then."
"R-really? Oh, I'm so excited. I'm already looking forward to that day."
Leabrick glanced at Elena, who was shy like a girl, and gave out her details.
"To do that, you must be familiar with the Crown Prince, right? Make sure you understand
every single word."
Elena nodded nonchalantly. They were two people who had been married for several years.
Sian must not have been interested in her, the daughter of his political opponent, but Elena,
who unilaterally craved his affection, hadn't known every little thing. Nevertheless, he
repeatedly caught her attention, maybe due to the lingering attachments they once shared.
By sunset, only a few thick portraits and personal details were left.
"It's the last page."
Elena, who had been reluctantly taking classes pretending to be enthusiastic, looked at the
face of the remaining portrait.
'You...'
Even though she looked enthusiastic, the anger that had been piled deep in Elena's heart
grew.
'You son of a bitch?'
Ren Bastasche. That man, better suited to motherfucker than his own name, was the
successor to the renowned Bastasche dukedom and was Veronica's second cousin.
According to the genealogy, he was the grandson of Princess Veronica's granduncle, who
was the younger brother of her grandfather.
Although they were relatives, strictly speaking, the Bastasche family were servants. Her
grandfather, the then Grand Duke of Friedrich, had formed a hundred-year-long treaty with
the family of servants, in which they could be independent on the condition that they would
take care of handling the Grand Duke's dirty work. Of course, at present, the treaty was still
in effect, and they obeyed the Grand Duke. For that reason, they were brimming with
sources of trouble.
Ren was the most dangerous servant in the world, if he had a chance to kill his owner, he
would.
'Wait, come to think of it, Ren has suspected me of being a fake since the first meeting.
Why?'
She suddenly had a question. How could Ren be sure that Elena was a fake Veronica less
than ten minutes after he encountered her?
"No matter how young you were, you wouldn't have seen each other many times.'
Elena recalled her first meeting with Ren. She looked back to see if she missed anything.
"He certainly didn't suspect that I was fake at first.'
There must have been something Elena missed in making unclear doubts convincing. If
only that could be known...
'What if?'
Elena unwittingly patted the back of her ear. Fluffy and smooth skin were passed on to her
fingertips. Of course, she didn't have the scar that was supposed to be on Veronica.
'I heard Veronica never had her hair tied up. She was afraid that the scar behind her ears
would be revealed. I'm sure.'
The scar was nothing more than a disgrace to a noblewoman. It's understandable to be
sensitive and hide it even though it wouldn't be obvious behind the ears.
How was it? Elena's mouth corners were slightly raised. If it were not for Leabrick, she
would have laughed freely, but it was a pity that she couldn't.
'I'm not going to be swayed by that son of a bitch anymore. I can just make a scar.'
Ren was a man who shouldn't be associated with. As a result, it would be hard to suspect
that Elena might be a stand in.
"Ren Bastache. He is the heir to a family independent of the Grand Duchy, a relative of the
princess and her sexond cousin."
"If they were related, would they have been close?"
"No, they didn't really get along. To start with the conclusion, never get close."
Leabrick was also wary of Ren. It was because he was an ambitious and dangerous man to
be bound by the Hundred Years' Treaty. All figures have been identified with tips and
advice on the dangers of Ren.
"Remember everything by tomorrow. There should be no small confusion. Minor mistakes
in human relationships are irreversible."
"I-I'll try."
Leabrick added words to Elena, who was not confident but showed enthusiasm.
"I don't accept mistakes. From now on, everything is real, so there's no turning back."
"If it's real, don't tell me..."
Leabrick calmly continued as she watched Elena nervous about anything she could guess.
"In two days, we're leaving here and going to the grand duchy."
Sect. 3 Hurelbard
Elena, standing by the window, glanced down at the four-wheeled carriage at the entrance
to the mansion. On the side of a horse-drawn carriage led by four white horses, a pattern of
poison repair, symbolizing the Grand Duke, was engraved beautifully. The arrogance of the
eagle, who had the power to hold the breath of even the imperial family of the empire,
exuded.
"I'll have to go to the nest to wring the eagle's neck."
Elena stood in front of the mirror and smoothed her dress. The gold and silver embroidery
that poured like a waterfall matched the impressive dress perfectly.
However, it was the atmosphere that made Elena look like a woman full of elegance. The
nobility in her benevolent eyes, her noble chin and her petty gestures have given her
authority that he cannot resist.
Knock, knock.
Even before the knock was heard, the door opened and Leabrick came in.
"The carriage came. Shall we go?"
"Yes."
Elena responded and left the room.
As she passed the hall and stepped out of the mansion, the waiting knights were well-
mannered. Elena stepped into the four-wheel carriage instead of returning the courtesy
with an awkward-looking chin gesture. It was not long before the harsh words were heard
and four laps began to roll along the ground.
"You didn't get nervous and did a good job. They're knights, but they are inferior to the
princess. You don't have to respond."
"That's a relief. I was worried about the awkwardness..."
Elena looked worried as if she was still wearing clothes that did not fit her body.
"You need to control your expressions, Elena. Did you know that?"
"Yes, Liv."
As Elena responded reflexively, Leabrick's eyes were fierce. Elena was like a chicken that
got caught countless times.
"Again, again. I must have warned you. Yesterday, a woman named Elena died. Have you
forgotten who you are?"
"I-I'm sorry, I won't make the same mistake again."
"Remember the fact that you are a princess. Don't be nervous."
Leabrick tightened the tension in case she would make a mistake. Still, she added that all
the maids who served the deceased Veronica were expelled, so it was okay to get along. She
was trying to control Elena with the right carrot and stick.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Even without knowing that she was completely deceived by Elena's performance.
"As I said before, we have a banquet for the birthday of Duke Rosette, who is the founding
contributor to the Empire and the first Grand Duke in ten days. Until then, be a perfect
princess."
"Yes, I'll try."
While suffering from Leabrick's nagging under the guise of advice, the carriage crossed the
empire's millennium capital to reach the mansion. As it crossed the garden, she could see
the gothic-style mansion. It was not long before the door of the carriage opened.
"Welcome, Princess."
The butler, servants, and maids standing on this row each greeted her in one voice.
"..."
Elena raised her chin haughtily and looked at them one by one. No one dared to raise their
heads at the authoritative gaze that made their hairs stand. Rather than simply grabbing
the weight, the presence of a metaphorical presence overwhelmed the air.
"Veronica!"
She could hear the excited voice of Grand Duke Friedrich in the mansion. Leaving the
mansion with a quick walk, he welcomed Elena with open arms. She managed to hold back
her laughter from the pretentious performance.
"It wasn't easy to treat, but I'm so glad you came back so healthy."
"Thanks to your concern."
Grand Duke Friedrich laughed loudly as Elena responded appropriately.
"How can that be due to my concern? It's thanks to Goddess Gaia. Come on, don't stand like
this. Let's go inside."
"Yes, father."
Elena and Grand Duke Friedrich, who directed a friendly father-daughter relationship as if
they had been reunited for the first time in years, moved the venue to the drawing room.
Leabrick followed quietly and sat down. Savoring the deep-boiled tea of the East, the three
began their own conversation.
"... You have changed a lot. I can see it in your appearance."
Grand Duke Friedrich was surprised by the atmosphere of Elena that changed from the first
meeting. It wasn't simply because of the resemblance of face, but because of the dignity of a
noble born from the beginning.
"I still have a long way to go to meet father's expectations."
"I'm proud of you. Again, you're like my own daughter. The Great House is your home, so
enjoy it."
"I will, Father."
Elena responded in a gentle tone and showed submissiveness. In just a month, Grand Duke
Friedrich was satisfied when she threw off her vulgarity and gave birth to a noble.
"It's okay to say hello, but you must have been tired from coming a long way, take a rest."
"Thank you for your consideration."
When Elena stood up from the sofa, Leabrick did not forget to give her advice.
"You remember the inside structure of the house, right? Go to your room."
"Of course, don't worry, Liv."
Elena, who smiled reassuringly, was polite and left the drawing room. Grand Duke
Friedrich, who was watching the scene, opened his mouth after a while.
"As expected, you don't disappoint me. Don't you think she's a decent little aristocrat?"
"It's just an appearance. She has no foundation, so even a small conversation will reveal
everything."
Grand Duke Friedrich was impressed by Leabrick's concern.
"Then isn't it a big deal? It'll be the birthday soon."
"I'm going to use the sickness as an excuse to block contact with the aristocrats as much as
possible."
"I see. You'll do well on your own."
Grand Duke Friedrich sat languidly and answered back. He trusted Leabrick so much that
he wouldn't say anything once he entrusted her to something and left it.
"More than that, Your Excellency, the movement toward the palace is unusual."
"They must be poking around like rutting puppies again. Tell me the details."
In-depth conversations had been exchanged over the handling of accumulated agendas.
Since most of them are directly related to the actions of the Grand Duke, none of them were
not important.
At that time, Elena left the drawing room, and the maids stood in a line and bowed their
heads. She lowered her eyes and checked, and all four of them were familiar faces.
'Jane, Misa, Lunarin, and...'
Elena's eyes, which had been moving from each name in her memory, were drawn to the
freckle-faced girl standing at the end.
'Anne.'
Elena's eyes over Anne became cold. Anne, who had yet to take off from her girlhood, was
the maid Elena gave her heart to in her previous life. Although she may be young, she was
quick witted and told sweet lies, always satisfying Elena.
'Out of everyone, I didn't expect you to betray me.'
As she found out later, Anne was a spy planted by Leabrick. As soon as she was kidnapped
by gunmen who had been ordered by the Grand Duke, Elena saw it clearly. Anne, who cold-
heartedly turned a blind eye to her, who was asking for help. Only then did she realize that
Anne was not her own person. Presumably, it was Anne who stayed around her and
monitored every move and reported it to Leabrick.
Standing in front of Anne reminded her of that feeling again.
'Look forward to it. I'll make you feel the same despair I felt.'
Elena, who issued a warning that she couldn't speak, stared at her silently. Anne, who was
burdened with her gaze and silence, opened her mouth carefully.
"I'm Anne..."
Anne, who was introducing herself, closed her lips vaguely. This was because Elena's gaze,
staring at her, was too cold. Anne held her breath. As she was a maid who lived by her eyes,
she felt something was wrong.
"I don't remember allowing you to speak?"
"I-I'm sorry."
"Again? I don't know if you can serve me because you don't have that much learning
ability."
Anne, who was embarrassed, quickly shut her mouth up.
She didn't know how to deal with her, and she felt affirmed beforehand. Elena didn't think
she would feel better even if she slapped her cheek considering the betrayal she felt at that
time.
'Let's stop.'
Elena lowered her hand that kept going up. There was no need to buy Leabrick's suspicion
by doing more than necessary. The good was to be kept. She should not cross the line and
walk the tightrope. At this point, the Princess who returned would be considered to have
caught the discipline of the things below. As Elena turned around, she felt Anne's
nervousness slightly eased.
As she walked along the corridor, the maids followed Elena. She arrived across the hall in
front of Veronica's room on the floor.
"What are you staring at? Open the door."
Anne, whose shoulders were shaken by her cold tone, ran out quickly and opened the door.
Elena, who walked through the wide opened marble door. Scattered through the room was
familiar furniture, curtains, carpets, decorations, and paintings. An unbearable discomfort
struck her at the moment.
'You want me to use what Veronica used?'
It was disgusting and horrifying just to think about it. In her past life, she used these things
without knowing what was going on, but not anymore. Elena turned and walked in front of
the closet. When she stood up and chinned, Anne, who was nervous, quickly opened the
closet door. There were lots of dresses hanging inside.
"Take it all out."
"What?"
"Do I have to say it twice? Take them all out."
The nervous maids rushed out the dresses and piled them on a carpet in the middle of the
room. Since there were nearly 20 dresses, it was so thick that it reached their waists.
"Take off those double-cheeked curtains, too. Get rid of that ugly painting."
The maids obeyed at random. They were wondering why, but they couldn't dare ask in case
they would offend the owner and swallowed it.
"Burn them up right now."
"B-but... Yes, I will follow."
The oldest maid, Lunarin, tried to say something but swallowed it quickly. Working for
another noble family, she entered the Great House about four months ago. Experience
shows that the more volatile the owner is, the more he or she talks, the more he or she gets
angry.
"Anne, tell the butler to find the dressmaker who made my dress and the best carpenter in
the capital. Right now."
"Yes? Yes!"
Anne was about to turn around in a hurry.
"I'm not done talking to you yet?"
"Oh! I-I'm sorry."
Anne was troubled by Elena's cold behavior.
"Give this word to the butler, too. Bring in all the dresses, embroidered curtains, and
carpets in the shops before sunset."
"Yes, I'll tell him."
As Anne hurried out of the room, Elena moved to the reception room on the second floor as
if she had nothing to do. Since it was such a large house, there were more than a hundred
rooms, and among them, Elena liked the reception room on the second floor, which was
connected to the terrace and had a view of patronage.
Elena sat on the terrace and savored the black tea and cookies that Lunarin had served.
"In the future, the tea will be earl grey, and the first tea water will be discarded. Don't make
the cookies too sweet. Make them moist, or the taste will drop."
"Yes, miss."
Elena's eyes were directed at the well-kept patronage.
"The lilies in the patronage, they're very unobtrusive. There's a lot of lively flowers like
tulips and daisies."
"... I heard you liked lilies. Did I get it wrong?"
"I did. But tastes change. Do I have to tell you everything?"
"N-no. I'll correct it. I'll pass on what you're saying to the gardener."
"Yes."
Elena picked up the teacup and enjoyed the mellow scent. This was why age and
experience could not be ignored. It was the same before, but even if she didn't say it twice,
Lunarin moved because she knew what she meant.
'Anne will get struck sooner or later.'
Anne was young and quick-witted, so she was quick to learn. And unlike the high-minded
Lunarin, she was sharp and good at flattery, so she liked Elena. At the time of the entrance
to the Great House, it was reasonable to know how much she would have been trusted just
by the appointment of Anne, not the elder, as Lunarin, who was a direct maid as chief of
staff.
'I'm going to have to have a reliable maid of honor soon.'
In Elena's mind, there was a maid with revenge in mind from the very beginning.
"The enemy is my friend."
Just three years later, the empire was overturned. A maid dared to attempt the
assassination of Grand Duke Friedrich, and even Leabrick could not cope with how detailed
the plan was. Although the assassination was unsuccessful, it would be worthwhile to have
the guts to plan and attempt an assassination.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Knock, knock.
Lunarin quickly responded to the knock outside the drawing room and confirmed it.
"Miss, the dressmaker Lusen has arrived."
"Tell him to come in."
When the permission was dropped, the assistant and servants brought by the ambassador
Lusen diligently moved their dresses, embroidery curtains and carpets into the drawing
room. Elena left the terrace and entered the room only after the owner Lusen left the shop
intact in the drawing room.
"Greetings to your Highness the Princess."
"Thank you for coming. I heard from the butler that you were in charge of the dress for the
birthday party?"
"Yes, it was actually a call to measure."
"Let's look at the design."
The dressmaker Lusen nodded and instructed the assistant to bring the design notes. Elena,
who was handed a design note, glanced at it with a heavy glance. In the dry reaction, the
dressmaker Lusen was nervous.
"Don't you like it?"
"The line is fine, but the lace is unconventional. Also, the patterns and designs are very
classic."
"I-is it? If you have a style you want, we will actively reflect it."
Now, if he changed the design, it would be hard to produce it for the birthday party.
Nevertheless, since it was the order of Princess Veronica, he did not express it.
"All I want is a dress that suits my position as a social star. You know, like the Milky Way in
the night sky, a starlight feeling."
"S-starlight?"
Lusen, the dressmaker who asked, wrinkled his eyebrows. It was a request too abstract to
accommodate.
"When it's illuminated, it becomes more colorful. A dress that makes me stand out like the
five-color Milky Way in the night sky."
"Galaxy, Milky Way."
"It's fascinating just to imagine a dress with a breathtaking starlight."
"Oh! I have a rough idea what it feels like. I'll prepare with all my energy."
Elena smiled silently as she watched Lusen, who seemed to be determined.
'Don't try too hard. All you have to do is bring an ultra-high-priced dress with expensive
jewelry such as rubies, sapphires, and pearls.'
It was clear that it would fall far short. The time will be short, and the harmony will be
ruined for the dress that only pursues glamour.
'It doesn't matter to me.'
She didn't want to be noticed in the dress, nor did she intend to get attention. Elena came
up with a deliberate plan. Devour the Grand Duke's wealth! Imagining it alone thrilled her
whole body. Elena spent a limited amount of money under the control of Leabrick. Like an
allowance. She took it foolishly thinking it was natural.
Why? She's a fake Veronica. She's a substitute.
But now that she looked at it, there was no reason at all. Starting with the birthday party,
all the nobles of the Empire would accept her as Princess Veronica. Elena was as good as
real as she was recognized by society. As soon as she realized it, she had no intention of
spending money in accordance with Leabrick's control.
Elena was planning to become the best luxury woman on the continent. The riches of the
Grand Duke which do not dry out will remain dry. And the dress, jewelry, shoes, and
accessories that she bought will be disposed of separately. In particular, dresses with low-
value jewelry had a low rate of reduction.
In other words, it meant that Elena would become a secret fund that can be operated
secretly as soon as luxury goods bought with the wealth of the Grand Duke was disposed of.
"Oh, I almost forgot, but don't tell anyone but me that you changed the design of the dress. I
want to surprise not only my father but also the aristocrats who came to celebrate the
birthday."
"I'll keep my mouth shut."
Elena changed the subject only after selecting several more dresses.
"That's it for the dresses, and let's look at the embroidery curtains."
"Yes, these are curtains that have embroidered snowflakes on silk from the north."
After being fully explained, Elena picked out curtains and carpets that she liked and
installed them in her room. Shortly after the completion of her duties, the carpenter's
routine visited her.
The carpenter, who made furniture using two seemingly unlikely things of marble and old
wood, was one of the best craftsmen in the empire. After requesting the production of beds,
side tables, clothes cabinets, and cabinets that reflect Elena's taste, the carpenter routine
went back to work.
'Leabrick's behind schedule? I think it's about time she came.'
It was when Elena sat on the terrace enjoying tea and enjoying the sunset.
"My lady. Viscountess Leabrick is here."
"Tell her to come in."
Leabrick's official title was her own. An empire with higher women's rights than other
countries, where you could have a title venue if you were a woman. Leabrick, who entered
the drawing room, found Elena sitting on the terrace and opened her eyes fiercely.
"I need to have a long talk with Your Highness, so you stay out."
"Yes."
As soon as Lunarin stepped down, Leabrick walked out onto the terrace, which was
blowing cold air.
"Liv, are you here? Sit here. The taste of drinking black tea while watching the sunset is
excellent."
Leabrick's expression became colder at the invitation of Elena, who was sitting
comfortably.
"What are you doing?"
"Yes? What?"
Elena, slightly embarrassed by the sharp question, put down the cup she was holding.
"I must have warned you not to act arbitrarily. Not only did you burn your dresses and
curtains, but you brought in a dressmaker and a carpenter? I warned you. I want you to
consult me and ask permission for anything."
"...Was this something I needed permission to do?"
Elena's eyes were filled with tears. With an innocent expression, Leabrick suppressed her
irritation with superhuman patience.
"So you thought you didn't need permission?"
"I thought this little thing could be decided at my discretion even without Liv's permission."
"What?"
Elena cried.
"I know. I thought Liv was always busy, and at best I couldn't ask her about every little
change of dress or furniture. Did I do something wrong?"
"You should have asked. Didn't you think you could be suspected?"
Elena's expression became serious at the word of doubt.
"Why would I be suspected? I have no idea. Liv, what did I do wrong? Please tell me. I'll fix
it, so it doesn't happen again, okay?"
"..."
Leabrick was momentarily speechless when asked again. There were doubts, but no one in
the Grand Duchy would suspect that Elena was a fake. This is because she threw out all
those who had a little relationship or remembered Veronica out. Elena's behavior would
have just been seen as capricious.
"There's nothing as scary as social gossip. Contact with outsiders can be the cause of the
fire."
"Oh, that's why. I'm sorry. I'll ask for permission, even if it's trivial. So forgive me for my
mistake today, Liv."
Leabrick nodded reluctantly at the earnest request. She was definitely the one who took the
initiative, but she felt uncomfortable because she thought she stopped her without knowing
where.
Elena, on the contrary, was very satisfied. It was because she cleverly avoided Leabrick's
interrogation and at the same time, there was something to catch.
'You want permission? I'll do it if you want.'
If she was going to follow suit, she would follow Leabrick sincerely.
'But that won't necessarily be a good thing.'
She had no intention of listening to what Leabrick wants.
***
Leabrick was always pressed for time. Her workload was beyond imagination, as there was
no place in the Empire where the power of Grand Duke Friedrich was unrivaled. It was
difficult to find anything out of her reach, from the top trade issues to the private meetings
of the aristocrats on the periphery.
Leabrick took off her glasses and stroked her dim eyes.
'It's too much time to go from and into the Duchy.'
But it was an unavoidable choice. The absence of Princess Veronica was a major blow to the
successor structure of the Grand Duke. In particular, Sir Ren of the Bastache family, who
was independent of them, was young but is by no means an easy human.
Now that Grand Duke Friedrich was in good health, she was holding her breath, but if
Princess Veronica's absence was prolonged, he would likely emerge as the heir to the Great
House by talking about his veins. To prevent it in advance, she went all the way to the other
side of the continent and took the trouble of bringing Elena.
It was the best option for Leabrick, but the piled up approval documents and the agenda to
be processed were enough to make even the smart woman tired and sensitive.
Knock, knock.
The knock startled Leabrick. She was sure she arranged not to let anyone in.
"It's me, Liv."
It was Elena who opened the door without permission and bowed her head.
"I'm sorry, I heard you told me not to let anyone in."
"No, don't stand there. Come in."
As she spoke with a sense of displeasure, Elena, who had noticed, quietly entered the room.
"You told me yesterday to ask for trivial things and decisions."
"I did."
"I don't have shoes to wear, so I think I have to meet the two craftsmen and order them
separately. Would it be okay?"
"Yes."
Elena's expression brightened when Leabrick accepted lightly.
"Really?"
"You said you needed it. Tell the butler to bring back one of the best craftsmen in the
capital."
"Thank you very much for your concern, Liv."
Elena fluttered her skirt as if she couldn't hide her joy, leaving the office.
Leabrick turned her gaze back to the pile of documents he had to deal with. Although the
flow was broken by the sudden visit, she felt relieved that she could to pay special attention
to manage and control Elena, who was still insufficient in service.
And maybe an hour or so later?
'According to the report, Viscount Bianca had informal contact with the imperial family...'
It was when she was worrying about the troublesome treatment.
Knock knock.
Elena was sticking out her head as she lifted her head reflexively to the knock.
"Sorry to interrupt, Liv. I have a question."
"What's going on?"
Asked Leabrick, holding back her irritation.
"After dressing up, I didn't have any necklaces or earrings to wear."
"Tell the butler to bring in a jeweler in the capital."
"Can I really do that?"
Elena twinkled her eyes.
"Is there anything else you want to talk about?"
"What? No."
"Then go out."
Elena left the office nodding.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Leabrick, who became sensitive after being disturbed twice, turned to the documents again.
The accident that she had been immersed in quite deeply ended, so she wasted a
considerable amount of time to continue thinking again.
Knock, knock.
But Elena's interference, which she thought would be over, was just beginning.
"I'm sorry to keep bothering you, but Liv, not anything else, but the jewelry is expensive.
How many can I buy?"
"Buy as much as you need."
Leabrick's voice had also become neurotic. This is because her concentration keeps
breaking, and the efficiency of work processing has been ruined. Elena said she knew and
promised not to interfere again, but returned.
But soon there was another knock.
"How much exactly did you say I should buy as much as I needed? I've never bought as
much as I needed in my life..."
"Buy it for yourself. As much as you want. Do you have to tell me everything?"
"I will!"
'She won't bother me anymore.'
It didn't take long to realize that it was an illusion. Elena visited Leabrick without a break,
like a child who needed her mother's permission.
"The maids say natural cosmetics are in trend these days. I'd like to buy some of them, can't
I?"
Really, starting with a sloppy request.
"Vanilla tea smells so good, but it's not in the mansion. I really want to try it..."
Even asking permission for personal and trivial things.
'Is she playing with me?'
Leabrick's patience had also reached its limit. She felt like she wanted to warn her to stand
still by slapping her. But she couldn't. Ten days later, it was the birthday of the first Grand
Duke. The first thing to do was to put out the urgent fire, but it was difficult to leave a
scratch on Elena's face or create a minor disturbance.
Leabrick clenched her molars.
'.... I'm going have to give it to you after the anniversary.'
The next day, around dawn. In order to finish her slow work, Leabrick was confined in the
office early. She liked this time zone. A quiet morning was the best time to maximize
concentration. Her brain also became faster and the processing of work had accelerated.
Knock, knock.
Until she heard the knock that was causing her neurosis.
"Hey, I woke up early and thought I'd take a walk, but the lights were on. I came by to say
hello, but I didn't bother you again, did I?"
"..."
Leabrick's face, which broke her composure, became as cold as ice. Looking back, no one
had ever touched her patience this much. Even Grand Duke Friedrich, who claimed to
control the empire, gave her will and respected her.
'How dare you, little girl.'
Leabrick bit her lips hard. She had a slight taste of blood in her mouth. It was to maintain
the patience of reaching the limit.
Elena, who felt that the atmosphere was unusual, was intimidated and was flustered
because she didn't know where to put her eyes.
"I-I'm sorry. I'll come back later."
Leabrick, who barely caught up with the patience that was almost cut off by the word again
later, opened her lips.
"Come in."
"Can I?"
"I just prepared the tea, so I don't think it's cold yet. I'll just deal with this document and
then we can talk."
Elena sat on the sofa across the desk. Leabrick wrote something on parchment paper while
savoring the tea from a teacup with warmth and put it on the table.
"W-What's this?"
"It's a guide to be familiar with inside the house."
Elena's gaze turned to the parchment. It stated the rights that could be exercised within the
residence, the scope of which, and the appropriate line that should not be exceeded.
This was roughly what the main clause looked like.
1. You do not need permission to meet merchants, dressers, carpenters, etc. Only those who
are arranged through the butler can be met.
2. Every 10 days, you will be allowed to use a maximum of 20,000 francs.
3. Report the schedule every morning, and move according to the schedule with
permission. However, never break the routine of the schedule.
4. Find me only on conditions that do not fall under these provisions. Otherwise, act in
accordance with the guidelines of the article.
Clause 1 aside, Elena snorted, noting clause 2.
'I'm a princess, and you want me to spend only 20,000 francs?'
For 20,000 francs, ten horses of good breed can be bought, which is equivalent to the living
expenses of common people for several years. The combined value of the embroidered
curtains, carpets and shoes that Elena purchased would be approximately 20,000 francs. It
was big money that most nobles couldn't pay if you looked at it as luxury money for 10
days. However, that was the standard of the general nobility, and this was the Grand Duke.
Respected by all nobles and the chief duke!
The wealth of the Grand Duke was well known and did not dry up no matter how much he
spent. The place where Elena accumulates more wealth than the rate at which she
consumes wealth was in the Great House.
'How much was it? I think I spent nearly 100,000 francs for ten days to maintain dignity
right before I became a Queen Consort.'
At a time when her name was mentioned as a candidate for the Queen Consort, she used to
pay for the maintenance of dignity. The amount was ridiculously small compared to then.
'Well, I can ignore it anyway.'
It was a pointless restriction. Despite the fact that the limit had been struck, if she put it on
the Grand Duke's tab in the name of Princess Veronica, he would have to pay. Was it
possible for the socialite Princess Veronica to turn into an unscrupulous debtor who
doesn't pay for things? If so, the reputation of Princess Veronica would plummet, and at the
same time, the prestige of the Grand Duke would fall to the bottom. This was because the
honor of Princess Veronica was directly linked to the body of the Grand Duke. So there was
no reason to care about the limit.
Elena noted the third clause. Schedule reporting. In her previous life, Elena moved with
permission after reporting to Leabrick every step of the way. This was to control and
monitor Elena, who was clumsy to Veronica.
'I have to make good use of this clause.'
Do not break the rules suggested by Leabrick. It would only foster unnecessary hostility
and vigilance. She had to play inside thoroughly. Just interpret and use the rule in a way
that was advantageous to Elena.
"Did you memorize it all?"
"Yes."
Leabrick took the parchment to the candle and burned it. Black ash flew about.
"I'm telling you, please refrain from asking about personal actions."
"I feel more comfortable with the guidelines. I know what to do and what not to do."
For the first time in a long time, it was a perfect word for Leabrick. She hoped for Elena,
who is good at only what she is told to do.
"I'll get permission for my schedule today, since I'm already here. I don't want to interrupt
Liv again."
"Yes, do that."
'This is how it should be.'
Leabrick regretted not having controlled her with restrictions from the beginning.
Elena held the pen on the table and pondered. After much consideration, the parchment
was divided into her morning and afternoon schedule.
"You're supposed to meet with a jeweler in the morning, and go for a walk in the patronage
in the afternoon, right?"
"The back garden was so big that I thought it would take all day to look around."
Leabrick nodded. There seemed to be no need to worry about anything particularly
disturbing.
"I'll give you permission."
"You know what, Liv."
Elena hesitated and rolled her eyes.
"Do you have anything else to say?"
"The appointment of the knight I mentioned before. When...."
"I was thinking about it anyway."
"Really? Oh, my heart is pounding already. Then when can I see my knight?"
Elena looked excited like an immature girl.
"Soon. I've been looking for a knight to match the princess."
"Is he someone I'd look good with?"
"He's a promising knight even within the Great Duchy. He has excellent swordsmanship,
worships chivalry, and most of all, he wants to have a beautiful princess beside him."
"Oh, beautiful princess? Did he say that himself?"
"Yes."
Elena formed a dream of ecstatic affection. When the reaction seemed to have been halfway
over, Leabrick drove in the wedge.
"There are many great knights in the world, but I dare say he is the only one who fits the
princess."
"May I ask his name?"
"It's Sir Lorentz."
"Oh, that's a great name. I can't wait to meet him."
Leabrick nodded satisfactorily.
"There's nothing wrong with that. Let's have a cup of tea this afternoon."
"R-really? Then, I'll see you later Liv."
Elena turned excitedly after finishing her business.
'Lorentz is a good knight for me? To keep an eye on me.'
The expression of shyness was nowhere to be seen. She felt uncomfortable because it was
so obvious that she was trying to wrap Lorentz up as a mass product and stick him next to
Elena.
'Look forward to it. I'll appoint the best knight you can't even imagine.'
Elena left the room quietly.
***
In the afternoon, Elena left the mansion dressed lightly.
"I want to walk for a long time in the sunshine."
Elena, accompanied by her immediate maids, strolled along the patronage. The patronage
was completely different from the previous garden. If the garden was artificially well-
cultivated, the patronage preserved the natural scenery around the lake.
'I was very disappointed to see the patronage of the palace.'
It was not that the patronage of the imperial palace was poor. The patronage of the Grand
Duke was only too good.
Elena walked endlessly, taking advantage of the tranquil view of the lake and the high, clear
sky without a cloud. Elena's steps toward deeper in the patronage had a clear destination.
The training ground beyond the zelkova forest. Located on the outskirts of the patronage
area, it was a kind of physical training ground built to enhance the basic physical strength
and strength of knights, apart from the main training ground where swordsmanship is
mainly practiced.
"Hah! Eup!"
As she walked around the corner of the zelkova forest, she heard the chanting of the
knights. As she crossed the thick forest, she could see an open training ground at a glance.
"Ar-aren't you the princess?"
A local knight bowed his head in embarrassment. Other knights were also embarrassed by
the sudden visit of the princess.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"James, head of the 2nd Knights division, greets you. How did the princess come to this
humble place?"
A middle-aged knight with a nice mustache asked about Elena's intention to visit.
"I was just walking and I found myself here. Did I interrupt you?"
"Is that possible? It's just an unscheduled visit..."
Elena smiled at him.
"Go ahead and finish your work. I'll have a cup of tea quietly and go back."
"Do you mean you have t-tea time here?"
Instead of answering, with a small nod, Elena gestured, pointing under the luxuriously
dense zelkova tree. Then the maids straightened out the cloth and set up the tea and
cookies they brought. Elena sitting gracefully savored the tea and glanced at the expression
of the four women.
"Wow."
"Uh, oh..."
All four maid's mouths were half open. The physical stamina of the knights, who took off
their tops and exercised their smooth muscles, excited the women who opened their eyes
to the opposite sex.
"Anne, isn't it nice to see?"
"What? Wh-what are you talking about?"
Elena answered back, savoring the tea.
"You're being so cheeky. How do you explain the redness on your face?"
"Tha-that..."
Anne stammered and was at a loss for what to do. She didn't know Elena would ask so
blatantly.
"What's the point of playing tricks on ourselves?"
Elena, who put down the teacup, looked at the knights.
"Your eyes are looking good. Hey, do you see the knight holding the tree? His body also
looks very desirable. What about the abs? They all look so nice."
"Y-you're right. They're all handsome."
"Right? Well, Anne, you talk this time. Which of them looks the best?"
Anne hesitated and pointed to a knight.
"T-the one in the corner. He looks like a sculpture."
"He's not bad. You have a pretty good taste in men."
The maids of honor were also women. Just as aristocrats and the four great dukes had a
romance, the maids could imagine that it would not happen while looking at the knights.
'That's enough blindfolding.'
Whether the men's bodies were good or not, Elena was not interested. It was just a remark
made to appear to be a snobbish woman who tried to steal away the bodies of knights.
'I'm sure you belong to the 2nd Knights Division...'
Elena was looking for someone anxiously.
"Ice Knight Hurelbard."
Three years from now, Hurelbard became the second knight of the Knights of the Second
Division at a young age and became the most recognized knight in the Empire. Not to
mention his outstanding swordsmanship, he had a cold appearance that made you unable
to read his emotions, so people gave him the title of the ice knight. Only two years after
that, Hurelbard had been called one of the three swords defending the empire.
The first sword, Varissa, a founding sword handed down in the Imperial Family.
Second Sword, Knight of the Ice, Hurelbard.
The third sword, the wild wolf, Ren.
Considering that the first sword is a real sword, it is irrelevant. It's safe to say that
Hurelbard, along with Ren, are the highest swordsman of the empire. Elena was working
hard to get him.
'He should be here. Why can't I see him?'
Elena drank tea to moisten her thirst with nervousness.
"L-look at that. What kind of face is that?"
The women, who reached the spot where Anne pointed out, opened their eyes wide and
saw the knight.
"...!"
Elena took a short breath. White skin that didn't get tanned in the sun, dark green hair,
looked a little young, he exactly matched her memory of Hurelbard.
"I'm sorry to say this, but he's gorgeous. To the point where I'm jealous as a woman."
"Really. I think he matches great with the expression 'beautiful.'"
She could not take her eyes off Anne's frank appreciation. Elena couldn't deny the word. In
fact, Hurelbard had a more appropriate appearance to just say that he is fine.
Elena put the teacup down on the pedestal and stood up. She walked gracefully out of the
shade of the tree and across the middle of the parade ground. The knights couldn't take
their eyes off Elena, who suddenly stormed in.
Elena approached the unnamed knight who was training with a lot of sweat nearby.
"Y-Your Highness the Princess."
The bewildered knight quickly became polite.
"I couldn't sit still watching you from afar."
"What? What do you mean?"
It was when the knight, which did not understand what Elena meant, slowly looked up.
"Hyuk."
The knight took a breath without even realizing it. Elena took out a handkerchief
embroidered with the symbol of the Great House and wiped the sweat off the knight's
forehead. Elena said, looking at the knight standing out with a tingling look.
"Because of your enthusiasm, the Great House still exists as of today. I will always have a
grateful heart."
The knight was so moved that he couldn't speak. Elena's touch, the sincerity of the words,
was conveyed, making his heart flutter.
Elena wiped the sweat off the foreheads and chins of some knights. Then she walked before
Hurelbard.
'You have no idea how much I missed you, ice knight.'
She wanted to shake hands with him because she was glad to see him, but she held it in.
Instead, she replaced the untranslatable welcome with a fascinating smile that shook the
social world.
"...!"
Hurelbard's face when he met eyes with her turned into embarrassment. He looked beyond
Elena's profound gaze, the corners of her lips, and her eyes that seemed to be sucking him
in. Hurelbard was at a loss with the seductive smile. He was completely out of his mind.
'You're still young.'
Was it because he was three years younger than his past life? Hurelbard was somehow
immature. She couldn't erase the feeling of him being immature. On the other hand, Elena's
smile was fatal.
"..."
Hurelbard did not know the true nature of the flames that were pouring deep into his heart
like an active volcano. He was overwhelmed by the beating of the heart and the confusion
of the opposite sex. Nevertheless, it was very impressive to see him bite his molars tightly
so that he wouldn't collapse. There may be a momentary disruption, but he showed a
willingness not to lose his composure.
Elena enjoyed the reaction of Hurelbard, who was briefly troubled. It felt like she was
peeking at the side of the ice knight that others didn't know about.
'I'll leave for now.'
Unfortunately, Elena turned around with a smile with her eyes. Excessive attention was
bound to poison. It was better to refrain from doing anything that would cause Leabrick's
suspicion until she made herself completely her own person.
"It was an accidental visit, but I was very impressed with you all today. There are many
strong, honorable, loyal knights. So, I made up my mind."
Elena put her delicate hands on her chest. She took a deep breath as if calming down her
overwhelming expression and looked back at the knights.
"It's late, but I think I'll finish the appointment within a few days. It will be a proper
appointment."
"F-finally!"
Expectations were high on the full face of the knights. Who was Princess Veronica? She was
the heir to the Grand Duchy, which may take over the great power in the future. Being a
direct knight of such Veronica was a very glorious and honorable affair, so any knight had
no choice but to covet.
"I was so sorry... that I didn't have a chance to know how great of individuals you all are
because I wasn't feeling well."
The atmosphere of the knights became solemn. The princess, who returned after battling
the disease for several years, was pitiful, but her heart was very kind.
"I want to find out now. So please come to the appointment ceremony. That way, I can see
and judge with my own eyes, and then I can appoint a knight."
"Y-you mean yourself?"
"Yes, I'll do it myself."
Elena's firm answer embarrassed James a little. Elena's declaration was unconventional.
Major issues such as appointment of a direct knight are dealt with in accordance with the
procedure. Even if it was a senior ceremony, it was just a formal event, and direct knights
were often decided in advance.
"I'm already excited about who will be my knight."
Elena's eyes, smiling open, were on Hurelbard. As if she were aiming at him. And
Hurelbard's poker face, which didn't know the meaning of the gaze, was slightly distorted.
***
Unimpeded by Elena, Leabrick handled the work at an alarming rate.
"I can't believe I'm taking two days to finish in half a day. If it was on schedule, I would have
already checked the date of the birthday."
The Grand Duchy was busy preparing for the birthday banquet of the first Duke Rosette, a
week away. As it was a celebration in memory of the founder of the 1,000-year-old empire
and the founder of the most noble family in the current empire, there were many things to
pay attention to.
Knock, knock.
Leabrick's forehead, which had been breathing for a while, was frowned.
"This is Lorentz."
"Come in."
Leabrick pressed her temple. She seemed to have become unknowingly sensitive due to
Elena's insufferable behavior.
"Sit down."
When he sat on the sofa, Leabrick immediately got to the point.
"Lord Lorentz, please be a knight of the princess."
"That's what I wanted."
Lorentz said he would do it without hesitation. It was not an easy decision for him, who is a
proud knight, to serve Elena as a master even though he knew she was a substitute.
Nevertheless, he actively accepted the situation because he wanted to make up for Elena's
missing parents.
"On the surface, you'll have to show loyalty to the princess. And you may have to keep an
eye on every move and sometimes control her."
"Don't worry. Could I ask you a favor before I carry out the mission?"
"That's unexpected. Lord Lorentz has done everything I asked. Go ahead."
"Let me wash away my tarnished honor the day my lady Princess Veronica... returns to her
place."
He served a fake princess. If he didn't know, he would have been able to do so. The work for
the Great House was done, but the order was quite disgraceful for the knight. For that
reason, Lorentz hoped to kill the fake princess with his own hands someday.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Leabrick smiled.
"I promise."
"You'll take the name of Knight Lorentz."
While talking about Elena's death, neither of them felt guilty or sorry. Elena was just a doll
to them. At the end of the puppet show, there was no feeling to waste on the firewood dolls,
which would be enough to burn them into ash.
"Let's have dinner with the princess tonight to strike while the iron is hot. The ceremony
will be held in a quiet and informal manner within two days."
The great house's whole nerves were on the birthday banquet. There was no room for a
grand selection ceremony, and there was no need to put Elena, who was not familiar with
Veronica, on the official table.
"Then, I will leave now."
It was just time for Lorentz to get up from the sofa.
Knock, knock.
Even before the knock disappeared, the office door opened.
"I'm sorry. I know it's rude, but it's urgent..."
"Lord Bellow? Come on in."
Knight Bellow came into the office breathing heavily with the permission of his
predecessor, Lorentz.
"Y-your Highness the Princess was at the training grounds."
"What?"
Leabrick's voice became sharp. What did you mean, training grounds? She had an ominous
feeling that Elena might have committed an unexpected act.
"She made an unscheduled visit, and declared that she would have a major knight
appointment in a few days."
"What in the..."
"She has even ordered the knights to be called in to see and elect themselves at the
ceremony. It's unprecedented, is it okay?"
Leabrick clenched her molars. It couldn't be okay. All together, Elena did the opposite of
Leabrick's plan. As if to screw her up.
The bigger problem was that it was not easy to make up for Elena's mistake. It was not just
anyone else, but it was a talk in front of the knights who value honor. Under these
circumstances, it was not good to change your words again.
Aside from the lack of credibility among the knights, there was a high possibility of serious
damage to the reputation of Princess Veronica. She was already suffering from various
rumors because of her long absence.
From Leabrick's point of view, this and that has become impossible.
'I warned you to watch your mouth. Do you want a death sentence?'
Leabrick felt pure anger toward a human being for the first time in nearly years.
'I was so laid back. I really needed to have control measures.'
It was a mistake. This wouldn't have happened if she had at least held the reins.
"Lord Bellow, bring the princess here. Right now!"
"U-understood."
Under Leabrick's frosty orders, Bellow rushed out of the office in a hurry.
***
A breathtaking silence filled between Elena and Leabrick. Leabrick, who called Elena into
her office, had been holding her mouth shut for at least a half-hour.
If it were Elena in the past, she would have had pins and needles and been busy trying to
keep her head down. However, this kind of pressure had no effect on Elena. It was widely
expected what Leabrick would say, and she had prepared a reasonable countermeasure
against it.
Elena was even bored with this time. Eventually, Elena, who hated wasting meaningless
time, ended her silence with a very sorry face.
"What else did I do wrong?"
"Are you really asking because you don't know?"
There was a chill in Leabrick's low voice. Elena lifted her head and carefully opened her
mouth, looking at Leabrick's face.
"I'm sorry. I honestly don't know. I took a walk in the patronage, and when I got to the
training ground, I met the knights and said a few words."
"How many words did you say?"
Shudder.
Elena shivered in response to Leabrick's edgy response.
"... I remembered your promise to me. A saying that I can appoint a noble knight. My heart
was pounding like crazy. The fact that there would be a knight for me. That's why I talked
about it. I'm going to appoint the noblest man in the Grand Duchy as my knight. Is this such
a bad thing?"
Elena's speech was clever. She blamed Leabrick for the appointment. She didn't even
mention any questionable issues. What was more spectacular was Elena's expression. She
even expressed her frustration that she really didn't know what she did wrong, and even
gave a tearful face.
"You! You..."
Leabrick held back her anger.
"Don't you know? I'm upset that the Princess said she was calling the knights to the
ceremony without even having a word of discussion with me."
"Was that wrong? Then I'm so sorry, Liv. I didn't know. When I learned the literature, 'The
Song of Roland,' or 'The Ceremony of the Empire,' I only knew that fellow knights gathered
at the ceremony to prove your oath..."
Elena made excuses for the feed in her favor. Nevertheless, she did not forget to give off a
nuance of remorse after realizing her mistake.
'Hah, that's the only reason.'
Feeling unbearable anger, Leabrick could no longer be suspicious. Elena was originally a
vain person. In particular, the oath of knights was one of Elena's dreams even before she
left for the Duchy. It was also her fault that she had overlooked it even though she knew it.
"I'm sorry, Liv. I would have nothing to say even if I had ten mouths. I didn't know that. I'll
be careful."
When Elena apologized in a low-key manner, Leabrick bit her molar and calmed down her
anger. It was already spilled. The Princess' mouth heralded a major appointment
ceremony. Dozens of knights had heard of it, and by now, it would be so prolific that no one
wouldn't know about it. Finding words to make an excuse for Veronica, who hasn't
appeared in society for the first time in two years, would create another scandal.
Leabrick prioritized the appointment of Lorentz as Elena's immediate knight for the
intended purpose. If the goal was achieved, it was not important whether it is a private
appointment or an open appointment ceremony.
"If it keeps going like this, we have no reason to wait."
"L-Liv."
"Don't forget your resolution."
Elena's wish to say that she would never do it again ended this time. Even though the cold
atmosphere eased a bit, Elena was looking at her face and lowering her head. Leabrick, who
drenched her throat with a sip of tea, asked Elena.
"Princess, do you remember I said I was going to introduce you to a knight?"
"Yes, I've been waiting for that."
"He's been waiting in the drawing room for a while."
Elena was surprised.
"N-now? I look terrible after taking a walk."
"Don't bother. He even admires that look of a princess."
Leabrick on the sofa pulled a book from the bookshelf on the wall.
Kuuung.
The wall on which the paintings were displayed next to the bookcase opened, and the
secret door leading to the living room and passage was opened. Elena opened her eyes like
a rabbit who was surprised.
'A clever woman.'
She was once again surprised by Leabrick's leadership. Elena said earlier that she would
choose her own knight at the appointment ceremony, with a nuance that there was no
knight nominated. Meanwhile, having a private meeting with Lorentz, who was a knight,
was conscious that there is a possibility that may raise unfairness about the appointment
process internally.
'You miss one, but you don't miss the other.'
Unfortunately, this card was useless. Instead, Elena was able to pull the reins of her mind,
which almost loosened.
Twaddle.
Over the secret door, Lorentz, dressed in silver armor, came over and was respectfully
courteous.
"Greetings to Your Highness, I am Knight Lorentz."
"Raise your head."
Lorentz's eyes with his chin were on Elena. The eyes of the two clashed and stared at each
other.
'First, act like a shy girl.'
Elena blushed and avoided eye contact. However, she stole a glance at Lorentz's face and
was embarrassed. Then the corners of Lorentz's mouth crept up. It was a short moment,
but he found out that Elena liked him.
"I've heard a lot from Liv. You're much more handsome than I've ever heard, and you're a
great knight."
"It's an honor, Your Highness. If I may, forgive my rudeness."
"Excuse me?"
Lorentz boldly approached Elena and kneeled on one knee. Then he reached out his hand
and kissed the back of Elena's hand.
'Despicable...'
Reflexively swinging her hand, she almost struck Lorentz's face. This was the last life, but
he was a knight that betrayed Elena and put a sword through her body. It was disgusting to
see the hateful side up close, and a kiss on the back of her hand.
"He.... Just..."
Elena stammered as if she were embarrassed. She also flushed red as if she were blushing.
Technically, it was because of the anger that boiled up at the moment, but it somehow
matched well with the current situation.
"How do you feel?"
"What? If you ask me what should I say..."
Leabrick smiled and said.
"I'm sure there's no knight better than Lord Lorentz in the Great House."
"I-it looks like that. I've never seen a knight as wonderful as Lord Lorentz in my life."
Elena gave a glimpse of the eye in acknowledgment. Then the smile on Lorentz's lips
thickened. It was actually a shiny-looking face, and just looking at it made her upset.
"I told you, didn't I? I'm sure he's a perfect knight for the princess."
In fact, Lorentz had a handsome face. There were quite a few ladies courting him in the
social world, and his graceful appearance played a large part in leaving Leabrick's
recommendation to appoint him as a direct knight in her last life.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"He doesn't miss anything. You can't find anyone like this even if you wash your eyes in the
Grand House. And most of all, he admires the princess."
Elena managed to resist the near-bursting sneer.
"Someone might think that a lady, who participated in the ball, is being introduced to a
knight."
The role of Leabrick now was a facilitator.
Elena was somehow attracted to Lorentz and was working hard to appoint him as a direct
knight.
'If you want it so badly, I'll pretend to be in love with him.'
Here, it was all right to act like the doll Leabrick wants.
"I would like to present my sword, my honor, and my life by your side."
"Lord Lorentz."
Elena acted with a touch of emotion.
"That's what you got across to me. Liv, thank you so much. If it wasn't for Liv, I wouldn't
have found a man like Lord Lorentz. I feel like my dream has come true."
"I'm relieved to hear that."
For the first time in a while, Leabrick was satisfied. She was convinced that Elena fell in
love with him, who couldn't take her eyes off him.
***
The maids and servants of the Grand Duke family suffered from intense labor that was tight
enough to have even two bodies. The most grand annual event of the Friedrich family was
the birthday of the first family, which was held on the day of the birth of its first owner,
because an unscheduled appointment ceremony was added.
Elena smiled in her mouth at the Grand Duke, at the return of her intention.
'It's not moving as you intended anymore.'
Elena in her past life was passive. When Leabrick told her to eat, she ate, when she told her
to wear something, she wore it, and memorized the words without a single mistake, and
talked to the nobles like parrots. She had no choice but to do so then. If she turned out to be
fake, Leabrick would threaten Elena's life.
Crucially, she threatened to kill her parents whenever she tried to escape her control. But
at that time, her parents were not in the world. Elena had no choice but to follow the words
of the enemy who killed her parents without knowing that.
Elena believed that her parents had escaped the country safely, although she was not aware
of the news. The words that intentionally looked at Elena before coming to the Grand
House were the same, and the fact that Leabrick, who was very cautious, had not made any
significant moves so far had supported such circumstances. It meant that Leabrick could
not control or arrest Elena by taking care of her parents' safety.
"Anne, my bangs are messy."
At Elena's words sitting with her legs crossed, Anne was scared and cleared up her spread
baby hair.
"Lunarin, shoes."
Elena put her feet on the shoes decorated with glass drops and raised her waist. Elena's
whole body was caught in the mirror as her wavy red blonde hair fell behind her back. She
was like a rose with the off-shoulder dress that revealed her neckline and shoulder line,
and makeup that made her eyes look like roses.
"Y-You're so beautiful."
"Is that so?"
Elena asked back insincerely at Anne's pure admiration.
"Oh, Liv's waiting outside?"
"Yes, she's been here a while."
"I forgot because I was dressing up. Tell them to go out and have her come in."
Elena had Leabrick, who had been looking for her under the pretext of dressing up, stand in
the hallway for a long time.
"Liv, you've been waiting a long time, haven't you? I'm sorry. It's a good day, so I've been
waiting too long to look pretty."
Elena looked sorry when she saw Leabrick, who looked like she had escaped like a low tide.
This was how it felt to give a bottle and a medicine.
"Are you ready?"
"Yeah. Liv, how am I? Do I look pretty? I hope I look pretty in his eyes..."
Elena, reflected in Leabrick's eyes, was like a young maiden enamored with her knight.
Elena could not take off her pathetic girlhood, even if she said, "Don't lose the dignity that
fits the position of Princess Veronica."
That may make her easier to handle. With such desire and vanity, she would just have a
hard time with Sir Lorentz.
"I'm sure. I guarantee it."
"Thank you. I'm so excited that my heart is about to explode. I feel like I'm dreaming."
"How was it yesterday?"
Elena had tea time with Lorentz for the past four days. It was an investment to pretend to
be in love with Lorentz and show perfect performance.
"It was an enchanting time. All I had to do was drink a cup of tea.... I loved that time when
he was standing by my side without a word. He's so reliable and down-to-earth."
"Lord Lorentz is a lucky knight. He's been chosen by the princess."
"Is that how it works?"
A big smile fell on Elena's lips when she let it float.
"Make sure you pledge your oath to Lord Lorentz today. You shouldn't be a bad girl who
ignores the admiration of an honorable knight."
"W-what do you mean a bad girl? I can never betray his sincerity."
Elena said she hated the term "bad girl" and that it would never happen. As if it were
trustworthy, Leabrick did not bring it up anymore.
"It's been a long time. Let's go, princess."
When Leabrick stepped back and offered her to move forward, Elena moved her feet. Every
time she moved on with her chic and elegant steps, Leabrick and the ladies followed her
politely.
The procession leading up to Elena reached the Central Training Center. At the Central
Military Training Center, where the official appointment ceremony of the Grand Duchy was
held, about a hundred knights lined up in line with columns. The knights, wearing silver
armor and bearing the symbol of the Great House on their chests, looked more dignified
than ever.
"Princess, go up."
When Leabrick recommended the podium, Elena picked up her skirt slightly and climbed
the stairs.
"I'm warning you, but I won't allow any unexpected action. Act as you memorized it."
Reflecting on her near-anti-threatening advice, Elena climbed onto the podium at the
height of an adult males' shoulders.
"Say greetings to Princess Veronica!"
James, the head of the 2nd Knights, led the knights just below the podium on behalf of the
1st Knights, who were unable to attend due to external dispatch.
Click, click!!
The knights pulled out their swords in a disciplined gesture and raised them above their
heads. And as the pouring sunlight penetrated the body, the handle was pulled to the
palate. A series of actions completed without a single error was an example of a knight that
promises eternal loyalty and obedience to the Lord. Elena returned the greeting by putting
her hands together and being polite.
Nine lines, three from the left.
Elena, who was looking at the faces of the knights, had a smile of relief around her mouth.
She was worried that he might not come out, but it was just a concern. He was here.
Right here at the Central Training Center.
Elena, who came down from the podium, walked to the members of the knights lined up. It
was immediately followed by Leabrick and James, the second knights division leader. James
introduced Elena when she stopped in front of a knight standing on his feet.
"This is Lord Hamel. He is a strong man in the 1st Knights, and a master of stenography.
He's a knight with the courage to always be at the forefront of the battlefield."
"You look as brave as ever."
Elena walked slowly and repeatedly stood in front of the interesting knights and was
introduced. This was because they were asking for the image of a princess who was
interested in the knights since they decided to hold a massive appointment ceremony.
Round and round Elena's shoes stood in front of Lorentz.
"What about this guy?"
"This is Sir Lorentz. He's a strong man in three fingers throughout the entire order, and he's
called a white lion because of his beautiful appearance."
Leabrick, who had been silent until now, also said a word.
"He's a knight that Your Highness is also watching."
"Father?"
Elena paced in front of Lorentz. It was an expression of interest. Judging from Lorentz's
skill in the Knights, there was nothing strange about being appointed.
Elena, who was hesitating, turned around and passed by.
"...!"
The most embarrassing thing was Lorentz, who believed he would be chosen. His
uncharacteristically shaky eyes suggested his embarrassment.
Such a reaction was not much different from that of Leabrick's.
"You, you... what are you doing?"
It was a completely unexpected development. As agreed in advance, Elena was supposed to
point to Lorentz, who had been struggling, and take the oath on the spot. The plan was on
the verge of falling apart. Elena was paying attention to other members of the Knights who
had never even looked at her.
'No way.'
Leabrick's palms were flushed with sweat from the surging nervousness. It was extensive.
It was a personnel appointment. Once appointed, they could not be held back in any
circumstances. There were even many eyes to see. All the members of the Knights who
participated in the appointment ceremony were witnesses. Elena, whether she was or not,
moved between the knights.
Tuk.
Elena's walk, which seemed unlikely to stop, finally stopped.
"Can you introduce him to me?"
Elena's attention thinned Leabrick's eyes. She didn't have a chance to figure him out
because he was a new knight that didn't show much since it hasn't been long since he came
in.
"This is Sir Hurelbard from the 2nd Knights. He's a new knight who was appointed just 10
days ago."
Elena raised her chin and stared at Hurelbard. Was it because the first meeting left a strong
impression? Elena's blatant gaze felt the body of Hurelbard shaking slightly.
"Can you tell me more?"
"He's from the Eastern Front, so he's very good at horseback riding... Other than that, he's
just..."
James didn't seem to know much about Hurelbard, even though he was a member of the
2nd Knights. Hurelbard was also a newcomer, but he didn't feel any affection for him
compared to when he introduced other knights.
"I beg your pardon, Your Highness the Princess, and Sir Hurelbard, he is a commoner and
has not yet been trained, so he still lacks the virtues, skills, sophistication, and sword skills
to be a knight. So, I don't think he's enough to be a direct knight."
"Really?"
Elena looked up at Hurelbard with a sad face. He was devalued by James in his presence,
but his expression didn't change a bit.
'That's why they call him the knight of ice.'
Hurelbard became the sword of the Grand Duke and began to gain fame in the Empire from
the defeat of the Northern Rebels later this year. Assuming that his sword skills didn't
improve within the last month or two, Hurelbard was already a strong knight.
'Maybe he's hiding his talent. If he stands out, he'll only be checked by knights from the
aristocracy.'
That meant the Grand Duke didn't recognize Hurelbard's talent.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena felt an unbearable strain. When she imagined the revenge that would be completed
by showing the world the talent of Hurelbard, which only she knew, she was filled with joy.
"..."
Elena rolled her eyes and glanced at Leabrick. As soon as their eyes met, she lowered her
eyes and showed signs of conflict, driving the atmosphere.
"I've decided."
James and Leabrick paid attention to the cautious but stubborn voice.
"Lord Hurelbard, put down your sword."
"...!"
"Y-your Highness the Princess."
James was at a loss what to do. Next to him, Leabrick stared at Elena with a devilish face.
The knights who gathered at the training camp were also shocked. Hurelbard, who they did
not recognize as an equivalent knight, seemed unconvinced that he was appointed
exceptionally. Among them, Lorentz's shock was more than double that of other knights. He
couldn't erase the miserable feeling of being abandoned because Elena had been convinced
of his good intentions he had been showing to her over the past few days.
Either way or not, Elena wasn't interested in it at all.
"Lord Hurelbard, the owner of the sword has been chosen. How long are you going to stay
like that?"
At the words of the smiling Elena, Hurelbard belatedly lowered the sword below his belly
button and fixed it so that the tip of the sword faced the ground.
Pledge of the oath. The mainstream relationship and the recognized appointment process
ended the whole ceremony.
"Your Highness, may I ask you a rude question?"
"Yes, Lord James."
James plucked up his courage. He couldn't understand this situation to just move on.
"I beg your pardon, but there are a number of great knights here who are more experienced
and capable than Sir Hurelbard."
"So?"
"I-I don't doubt the sight of Your Highness, but may I ask what you saw in Sir Hurelbard
and made your choice?"
He said it in a roundabout way, but he didn't understand why she chose Hurelbard, so he
needed an explanation. It was also a representation of the minds of the unchosen knights.
"Yes, I'll tell you."
"What's that?"
When James asked again, everyone focused on their ears. Then Elena said without
hesitation for a second.
"Because he's handsome."
"W-what now?"
"It's rude of you to ask me again. If you didn't hear it, I can't help it."
James was embarrassed and asked back, but none of the people who gathered here did not
hear Elena. However, the answer was so shocking that they couldn't get out of it.
'He's just handsome.' That vulgar, uncultured word in your mouth....'
Leabrick quivered at Elena's words that did not match the status of the princess. Did she
know how much the vulgar words can bring down the dignity, and reputation of Princess
Veronica?
Look now. Everyone tried not to show it, but the faces of the knights showed indescribable
disappointment. Some even felt shame at the fact that the virtues of the knight were judged
only by their appearance, while being put on the back burner.
Hurelbard was among them. When Elena chose him, he was more suspicious than happy.
But the reason was that he's handsome. He couldn't get rid of the unpleasantness to be
happy.
"How long are you going to keep me embarrassed, Sir Hurelbard?"
"...!"
Elena rekindled the alluring smile that captivated Hurelbard in their first meeting.
Hurelbard kneeled one knee as if possessed by the strange atmosphere.
"Knight of the Grand Duke, Hurelbard vows to serve Lady Veronica von Friedrich. I swear
by putting my life on this sword."
Hurelbard raised the sword lying horizontally with both palms and raised it as if to be true.
Elena, looking down, pulled out a handkerchief embroidered with the Grand Duke's seal
from her sleeve and put it on the blade. The handkerchief was a token given to the Lady
when she pledged to the oath.
"Lord James."
James, who was standing disapproving of Elena's low call, pulled out his waist-length
sword and held the handle on the back of his nose.
"... The knight James de Robres proves it."
Proof of oath. It was a ritual that the knights attest by guaranteeing the pledge of oath.
Knights who were not chosen, led by James, reluctantly joined.
"The knight William Finn proves it."
"The knight Pedro von Geras proves it."
From the faces of the knights, there was a sense of discomfort that could not be hidden
even if they tried to hide it. They couldn't be happy to be standing as a knight for
Hurelbard, a commoner who had no idea what was going on. However, no matter how
important pride was, they could not refute Princess Veronica's choice.
The ceremony ended when all the knights gathered in the training ground proved their
vows.
Hurelbard stood up and put the handkerchief in his armor so that it was not wrinkled. A
willingness to always remember the oath by keeping the certificate closest to the heart.
Elena stole a glance at Leabrick's face. There was a saying that people become calm when
they are too angry. That's exactly what it was now. Over her cold expression, there was a
fire.
'What can you do? It's already spilled.'
Elena was quick to notice. She was a pathetic woman who had done something wrong, and
she has completed the finish perfectly by remaining.
"Please take good care of me, my knight."
In the near future, one of the three swords that would sustain the empire was in Elena's
hands.
***
As she sat on the terrace overlooking the garden, Elena relaxed and enjoyed tea time. The
Earl Grey black tea, the first tea being thrown away, the taste was mellow, and the more she
saw the gardener who had stayed up and planted tulips instead of lilies, the fresher she felt.
"If I put them all together, will that compare to the joy I have gained?'
Elena's eyes, as she savored with the tea in her mouth, stood and reached Hurelbard, who
was waiting. Considering that the skin of the knights who practiced outdoors were
scorched, the skin of Hurelbard was very clean. He was more of a noble spirit than a knight.
In addition, the calm and unknowingly cold atmosphere kept her eyes on him.
"Is there something on my face?"
Hurelbard asked if he felt uncomfortable with the blatant eyes.
"I'd rather there was. So that I could share a few more words with my knight."
Elena drank tea with a smile on her face. Seeing her, Hurelbard was at a loss at what to do.
"If you have any questions, ask me anything."
"No, let's get to know each other. What's the rush?"
"..."
Hurelbard didn't know what to do with the lady, who had no idea what was going on in his
head. The captivating smile of the first encounter lingered in his mind. Apart from her
status, it was a smile that only aristocrats could make. He thought that she had half-
heartedly forgotten.
At the ceremony, she chose Hurelbard as her direct knight because he was handsome. The
shock still lingered on why, it was unbelievably vulgar because it came from the mouth of
Princess Veronica.
And the lady, who he saw on the terrace now, was such a dignified woman that he couldn't
even look at her. Hurelbard was constantly surprised by her changing impression. Elegant
hand gestures, arrogant but respectful eyes, playful but not crossing the line, etc. He felt the
elegant dignity of bowing down.
"Sir, please get out of here."
Elena quietly put the teacup down.
"We'll have a visitor soon. There's no reason for you to be here.
"You mean a guest?"
There was a knock as soon as Hurelbard asked back.
"It's Leabrick, Princess."
"I'm correct, right?"
Elena smiled and winked. Surprised at the situation where it fit exactly, Hurelbard stepped
down, assuming that she had an appointment in advance.
Leabrick, who had crossed with Hurelbard leaving the room, quickly scattered. After he left
and the door closed, Elena, who had been sitting on the terrace until a little while ago,
having tea time gracefully, disappeared.
"I-I'm sorry. Liv, it's my fault. Please forgive me just once."
Elena, who came right in front of Leabrick, gathered her hands and prayed. In a pathetic
and servile way, Elena, who gave up her pride as a dog, tried hard to show any signs of
remorse and reflection.
"I-I couldn't stand it. At that moment, I was suffocated to see Sir Hurelbard. I just wanted to
keep him as a knight by my side. I'm sorry. I must have been out of my mind."
"..."
Leabrick did not open her tightly closed mouth. She stood looking at Elena with a thorny
look, as if it were torture.
"I-I'm really sorry. I'll accept any punishment."
Elena groveled, claiming to be a sinner. Before leaving the Duchy, Elena never brought up
the story, even though she was promised the right to appoint the knight she wanted. Rather
than being seen as clever, she wanted to remain as an underdog who obeys Leabrick.
"Punishment? It's all right. Don't be so sorry."
"Right, I feel so guilty I could die... What? Liv, what did you say?"
Elena looked with her eyes wide open. Leabrick reached out and put Elena's hair behind
her ears.
"The Princess did nothing wrong. Appointment of a knight is a Princess' right, isn't it?"
"B-but."
"So don't worry too much. I respect the Princess."
Respect? Elena held in her laughter. There was no reason to push Elena, and she may be
talking about it because it is already spilled. Or there was another reason.
"Thank you, Liv. I won't do anything I want again."
"You'd better do that. That way, wouldn't your parents in the Mariana Islands be okay?"
"...!"
Leabrick smiled brutally, blatantly provoking the couple. It was a clear threat.
'That's what you actually look like, Leabrick.'
It was a threat that would come out someday. The surest way to control Elena is the life of
her parents. She suffered so much in her past life, succumbing to that threat.
'That threat doesn't work anymore.'
The threat didn't work, but she had to pretend it did.
"I am... s-so..."
Leabrick's smile deepened as Elena couldn't even speak properly and could not leave her
eyes anxiously. She saw that the threat worked properly.
"Forget everything and focus on preparing for the birthday. Okay, Princess?"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sect. 4 Masks
"What do you think, Liv? Does it look good on me?"
Elena bragged about her dress, which would be worn at the birthday party tomorrow.
Leabrick answered reluctantly.
"... It's too fancy."
"I asked the dressmaker to pay special attention, but it's so much prettier than I thought."
As Elena asked, the dressmaker Lusen brought with him a dress reminiscent of the Milky
Way. The dress was packed with high-end jewelry, from the shoulders of the Milky Way to
the tip of the tooth. As a result, you couldn't erase the colorful yet crude feeling.
"Princess, I think you'd better wear this dress for the next banquet."
"W-what's wrong with it, Liv?"
"The birthday party is a reverent celebration in honor of the first head of the Friedrich
family. I'm afraid this dress is too fancy to wear for this banquet."
Elena was about to cry when Leabrick poured cold water on her.
"What can we do, Liv? I really want to wear this dress..."
"Do as I say."
Leabrick cut her off with determination, as if to stop bringing it up. Then she took out a
simple but elegant dress from the wardrobe.
"It's an early dress made by Lusen, the dressmaker. It fits, so wear this."
"..."
"Princess, won't you answer?"
Leabrick's eyes changed.
"What? Yes. I like that dress, too. I'll wear it."
Elena nodded reluctantly, saying she would do so. As if it was regrettable, she did not forget
the act of alternating between dresses.
'It's not even a dress that I wanted to wear in the first place.'
The purpose was to remove and dispose of the jewels decorated in the dress, which did not
have to be worn at the banquet. If she had enough money to run away from Leabrick's eyes,
that would be enough.
Anne and Lunarin, her maids, were brought into the room and changed her dress. They also
changed her shoes and decorations to suit her elegant style.
"I think I've finally found a dress for the Princess. I bet the main character of tomorrow's
banquet will be the Princess."
In a compliment that didn't sound sincere, Leabrick pointed out the things to keep in mind
at tomorrow's banquet.
First, save your words as much as you can.
Second, do not act independently.
Third, never bump into Ren. Avoid encounters inevitably.
The first two things flowed. It wasn't the story for Elena of now.
Elena noted the last mention of Ren Bastasche. Even if Leabrick did not give advice, she was
well aware of his dangers. Ren was an unpredictable man. A man like him who never got
tamed. As soon as she was found to be fake, he would rush to take away even a piece of
rotten meat.
'I don't know what else to do, but I have to be careful of that son of a bitch.'
He could be a stumbling block to Elena's revenge. That much should be avoided.
"Always keep it in your chest. A little mistake could make you lose everything you're
enjoying now. Then rest early for tomorrow, princess."
Leabrick put the tension into the room until just before she left. Elena, who changed to
everyday clothes, told the maids to serve refreshments. Sitting on the terrace, enjoying tea
time, she saw carriages that were coming without break enter the house through the
garden.
"It's already tomorrow."
It was the day Elena made her first debut in the role of Princess Veronica. She remembered
the rest of her nervous mistakes.
"What does Lord Hurelbard think of when he sees those carriages?"
Although embarrassed by the sudden question, Hurelbard was good at facial expressions to
match the prestige of being the knight of the ice.
"I thought there were a lot of aristocrats in the Empire."
"Yes, there are a lot of them."
Hurelbard stared at Elena without a word. Elena, who felt the gaze, looked back.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I'm sorry."
Hurelbard quickly apologized, taking it as a reprimand.
"If you're sorry, keep looking at me like that."
"What?"
"It's a punishment."
This uncontrollable whim of the lady left Hurelbard perplexed. Elena enjoyed the reaction
while drinking black tea. Hurelbard, who watched her without saying a word, took out his
sincere heart.
"... It is not possible to tell the true story of the Princess."
Sometimes he felt like he was seeing the aristocratic spirit of that age, which is snobbish,
vain, and immature. However, sometimes she showed authority that could not be resisted
and nobility that could be respected.
"Is that a compliment? Or is it a curse for insinuation?"
"Curse, that's absurd. I'm telling you because I think you're out of my depth."
Elena smiled as she watched Hurelbard, who was worried that she might misunderstand. It
was a pure smile that she had never made before.
"Then I'll keep trying. A lady you can read the mind of is not attractive."
"..."
Also, Hurelbard tried to accept her rather than understand her. Elena suddenly threw
someone's name at him.
"Ren Bastache, have you ever heard of this name?"
"I remember him as heir to the Bastache family, who became independent of the Grand
Duke."
Elena nodded.
"He's such a bully."
"What are you saying now..."
"He's a man who can't look for manners even after washing his eyes. Very rude and
disgusting."
Arrogant. Was there another expression that was more appropriate than that?
Hurelbard was speechless by the vulgar words that came from Elena's mouth, which
showed her aristocratic nobility.
"He's coming to see me tomorrow. Without an appointment."
".... Your Highness the Princess?"
"Sir, keep in mind what I'm saying from now on. Don't stand up to him no matter what he
does. Do you understand?"
Hurelbard, who did not understand the true meaning of the words, asked back.
"Is that an order?"
"Yes."
In response to Elena's short and decisive answer, Hurelbard wanted to ask why, but he was
just a knight, so he shut up.
"I'll follow."
Elena's lips crept up when he answered that he would do so obediently.
'Please understand that I want to hide you more.'
She hated to admit it, but Ren was strong. He was recognized as one of the three swords
that supported the empire. It was not necessary to create a quarrel with Ren and reveal the
existence of Hurelbard.
"Sir, can I tell you a secret?"
Hurelbard lowered his chin and made eye contact. Elena's eyes bent like a crescent moon. It
was an eye smile that was so fascinating that his heart sank.
"Sir is my only pride."
"...!"
Hurelbard's expression was strangely distorted by the compliment without a subject. He
guessed it was because of his appearance, but he felt bitter because he seemed to be
recognized only for his appearance, regardless of his duty as a knight. He didn't even know
it was his misunderstanding.
***
The Friedrich family, which boasts a long history, had countless events throughout the
year. Among them, the anniversary of the birth of Duke Rosette, the founder of the Vesilia
Empire, was considered the most grand event in the family. The goal was to praise the
achievements of being a member of the hero who opened the door of the empire and the
achievements of leading the family, and to have a heart of gratitude for generations to
generations.
It was the largest event in the family, and this year, the scale was even bigger.
Princess Veronica. This was because rumors had spread throughout the capital that she
had returned to the Grand Duchy, where rumors of bad news had been rampant for nearly
two years.
Princess Veronica was the only daughter of Grand Duke Friedrich, who was at the core of
the Empire's power and the leader of the four great families. As women can inherit a title,
Princess Veronica was the heir to the Great House in name and reality. It was natural for
aristocrats to pay attention to her return to society to celebrate the birthday of the first
Grand Duke.
Despite the official banquet scheduled for dinner, the mansion was packed with aristocrats
who had gathered since yesterday. Even now, a carriage procession of aristocrats waiting
to be identified and enter the mansion continued along the capital's streets.
In the drawing room, many rare gifts were piled up in celebration of the nobles. It was
impossible to count the kinds and numbers of rare artworks, jewelry, cars of the best
quality from the East across the sea, and silk from the north. If you dispose of these gifts
alone, you will be able to buy at least one of the estates with a lump sum.
At that time, an aristocrat man was walking around the mansion like it was his own. His
shirt, which did not feel formal, was not buttoned to the end, revealing his chest. Even a
whistle that blew as if he doesn't care about others' gaze to his unorganized, free-spirited,
semi-curly head. He seemed to be a noble, but his appearance that did not look like a noble
was more rebellious and attracted attention.
"Who is he? He's not supposed to be in here..."
"He's a noble, isn't he?"
"Don't you think so? Between you and me, he seems a little bad to be a nobleman."
"He's a little crooked."
It was at that time when the maids chatted as they watched the man freely roaming the
main building, not the annex, to welcome the nobles.
The man walking past the maids suddenly turned around. The maids shuddered as he
approached them with power in his eyes and threatened them.
"Hey, I'm curious, I have to ask. What are you talking about so openly? I feel bad."
"I-I'm sorry."
The maids were embarrassed and tried to leave as if they had fled.
Slowly.
The man stretched out his feet quietly. The main who was running away hurriedly tripped
and the maids fell like dominoes.
"Who told you to go? I heard a bad word and got an indelible wound in my chest."
"I-I have committed a crime worthy of death. Please forgive me once."
The maids repeatedly begged without knowing that they had skinned their knees. Since
they had seen countless maids who were kicked out or harmed for being hated by the eyes
of the aristocrats, they had no choice but to cringe and beg.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Do you want me to forgive you?"

"Please, mercy..."
"Say it after me. My uncle is a son of a bitch."
"What? Y-your uncle is a son of a bitch."
The ladies were not in a state of limbo. When they heard that he was going to forgive them,
they just followed what he told them to do without knowing what was going on. The man
laughed and clapped to his heart's content.
"That's great. Servants have been learning very fast these days. Go."
"Thank you!"
It was time for the women to leave in a hurry, relieved that they had survived a narrow
escape.
"Oh! You don't know who my uncle is, do you?"
"What?"
The maids stopped and looked back. The man smiled wickedly and spoke in a small voice,
but he spoke clearly enough for the maids to understand.
"My uncle is the owner of this mansion. In other words, you're cursing your master. That's
it. That's the son of a bitch. Can you handle it?"
"...!"
The maids' faces turned white like a blank paper. This is because the only owner of the
maids is Grand Duke Friedrich.
"See you again."
The man, who enjoyed the reactions of the grieving women, walked through the hall
waving his hands. The man, who had the structure of the mansion as if it were his own
house, loitered toward the door decorated with top-notch marble.
It was when the man was about to hold the door by ignoring the knight who guarded the
entrance like an ironclad.
"Excuse me, you cannot enter. Please identify yourself first."
The knight, Hurelbard, blocked the man's way and politely demanded. Of course, it was a
common practice, but the man seemed unwilling to follow the procedure.
"Me? You shouldn't talk to me so carelessly."
"I'll repeat for you again. First, you..."
Hurelbard's words did not continue any longer. His head snapped back when he was
slapped in the face by the man's sudden rush. The man laughed at Hurelbard, whose cheek
was swollen red.
"Why are you buying a fight?"
It was when the man grabbed the door handle and was just opening the door.
"I will restate myself. Please identify yourself."
Hurelbard kept the man from ever opening the door.
"Hey, why risk your life for nothing? It's annoying."
The man put his hair down to his eyebrows over his forehead.
"I will repeat. Please identify yourself..."
The man's fist flew faster than Hurelbard thought. The swinging motion toward the
opposite cheek that he had previously struck was agile.
Pok! The dull throbbing sound spread violently.
"Hoo."
Surprisingly, however, the man's fist did not touch the face of Hurelbard. This is because
Hurelbard's right hand grasped the man's fist tightly.
The man's fist and the hand of Hurelbard, who caught it, gave him the upper hand without
an inch of retreat. However, neither side had the upper hand and faced off sharply. There
was a wild beast in the man's eyes that did not tame.
"You asked me who I am, didn't you? Knock me down. Then I'll let you know."
"..."
"Why, you don't like it? Oh! Is it because you got hit before? Then let's start with a fair blow
to me too. What do you think?"
The man did not stop arguing as if he enjoyed the moment. As if he had forgotten that today
was the big day of the Great Frances family, he seemed to think about how to destroy
Hurelbard.
"Sir, step back."
It was a voice with soft but irresistible authority that relieved the tension like a well-
defined sword at one moment. Elena walked out of the marble door, which had been tightly
closed. Her neat but elegant hair and simple but elegant-looking dress created a sense of
beauty.
"You're still rude, brother Ren."
Elena's words held spines. He felt a spiteful look from the fierce gaze. When he heard the
man's name, Hurelbard's eyebrows wiggled. He had been informed by Elena, so he vaguely
assumed that this was Ren Bastasche. Apart from that, however, the knight could not bring
in those who were not even identified. So this was the result.
"Hey, I'm crying because I'm so happy to see you. How long has it been? Have you thought a
lot about your brother?"
"What should I do? Every time we meet, you make this good impression."
Elena gave a wink, responding coldly. Hurelbard understood what she meant and pulled
back. Then, he apologized for causing this situation.
"I'm sorry, it's enough to just identify himself..."
"I know. Ren must have been rude."
She hoped he wouldn't get involved with Ren, but it's already spilled. Elena said she didn't
want Ren to notice anything.
"Should we keep standing here or go inside?"
"That's what I'm saying. Let's sit down."
Ren followed Elena and entered the room. He patted Hurelbard's shoulder guarding the
door and scratched his stomach.
"Yes, the lady is very angry. Yeah, you should've done better earlier."
"..."
Despite the provocation, Hurelbard did not change his face and ignored him. With that kind
of composure, Ren came into the room with a small exclamation saying 'Hoh-oh'.
Elena and Ren sat face to face on the sofa with the table between them.
"Why don't you look at me sweetly? Since we're cousins."
"Won't you misunderstand if I look at you more affectionately? Since we're cousins."
Elena's way of speaking had changed. The honor vanished from nowhere and met with
informal language.
"Oh, you're talking down?"
"There's no reason I can't let go, right?"
The sharp conversation went back and forth. They were tied through the bond of cousins,
and they were in one space, but they seemed anxious because they couldn't eat each other.
'I don't need to be frustrated. I'm officially Princess Veronica. And I know the habits of the
motherfucker, right?'
When a bully recognizes that his opponent is weaker than him, he torments him until he
kills him by drying his blood. That's the habit of a bully that never changes. Elena knew Ren
better than anyone else.
'Because I suffered so much that my teeth trembled.'
Ren persistently bullied Elena from the moment he noticed that she was a substitute. He
did not hesitate to threaten to reveal the identity unless she told him about the main
information or plans of the Grand Duke.
'I'm not swayed by you anymore. I'll use you from now on.'
Ren was obviously hostile to the great house. It was of course an old feeling for the heir of
the Bastache family, who had no choice but to live like a servant of the Grand Duke due to
the Hundred Years' Treaty. Elena was about to use the hostility cleverly. It's still early, but
over time, Ren will be a useful card.
"Wow, applause!"
Ren clapped his hands.
"Hey, how can I not celebrate when my cousin has grown up so well?"
"You're just going to say what you want, aren't you?"
"Has it been three minutes since we sat face to face?"
"That three, and you can't stand it either?"
Elena responded without losing a single word. Ren scattered Elena from head to toe with a
mocking smile. It was a creepy look.
"I heard you were very sick. Are you pretty well?"
"I'm all better."
Elena answered briefly and firmly. Then Ren smiled a strange smile.
"You're completely cured in time for the birthday? Just like putting together puzzles."
"You're picking on everything. Since when have you been so interested in me?"
Although she felt a significant nuance in Ren's way of speaking, Elena passed it without
much importance. If she paid attention to everything, she might lose her pace and be
swayed.
"You don't think I'm interested? You, your friend out there."
"...!"
Elena's expression hardened in an instant as he pointed his chin to Hurelbard outside the
door.
"You just said he was handsome. I just found out about my cousin's taste."
"If you know, can you help me?"
"Oh, I'll help you. I took it."
"What?"
Len showed his swollen hands as if he were bleeding.
"Still tingling."
"So? You want to complain?"
"Hey, hey. You're acting silly."
Ren's eyes sank strangely. At first glance, he looked drowsy and bored, but inside he felt the
tenacity of a beast who smelled the game.
"Why don't you stop playing with words? I know, but this brother isn't very patient."
"...!"
Ren, who slowly got up from the sofa, blew his life outright. Elena even felt choked because
her hair was in the way. A cold sweat ran on her back.
'It's like butter.'
Ren, who stood right in front of Elena, reached out and lightly held Elena's chin.
"Is it because I haven't seen my beloved sister in a long time? Aren't you very unfamiliar?"
"When were we supposed to talk and laugh?"
"I can't argue with that."
"Then remove your hand, won't you?"
Unlike the warning, Elena's voice was shaking slightly.
"If I don't want to?"
Ren bent down, grinning. Right in front of Elena's eyes. They were so close that they could
even hear each other's breathing. Elena suppressed her desire to scream. No matter how
much Ren was a jerk and a bully, Elena couldn't be helped. At best, this kind of threat is all
that she came up with.
Slowly.
Ren's touch passed past her chin and brushed her cheek. The hands on the sofa's back
turned and wrapped Elena's neck like a snake.
"...... Get your hands off me."
Either way or not, Ren was closer to Elena. He took her face as if he were touching Elena's
cheek and hugged her tightly with his hands wrapped around her neck. Elena reluctantly
put her face on Ren's shoulder. On the other hand, Ren's head passed Elena's cheek and
was facing behind her earpiece.
"...!"
Ren's eyes narrowed as he looked behind her ears. Elena was convinced by the momentary
hesitation.
'As expected, it's a good thing I've made a scar in advance.'
Elena already expected a day like today to come. This was the reason why she intentionally
made a scar on the back of her ear during her education at the safe house.
'This avoids the suspicion of being fake.'
It is safe to say that this is the result Elena had hoped for. The exclusion of Ren's suspicions
was a step closer to the completion of revenge. This is because Ren's abnormal behavior
will inevitably be restricted as long as he has no choice but to believe that she is the real
Princess Veronica, not a substitute.
"Did you not hear me?"
When Elena pushed hard, Ren also gently backed away. There was a confused look because
it was contrary to expectations, but Ren was not a man of disarray enough to show his
inner feelings.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena glared fiercely.

"You'll keep the line, right? There's a limit I can put up with it."
"Oh, how scary."
Ren swept up his hair, and suddenly pushed his face close enough to reach the tip of her
nose. Elena, who didn't know this would happen for a moment, was surprised and
swallowed in vain.
"Don't provoke me too much. Before I go overboard."
"What can you do?"
Elena didn't lose and glared. There was no reason to be pushed unless the band was caught.
Ren pulled out first in a staring contest that seemed unlikely to end.
"You're right, what can I? I've never thought about it. I should think about it from now on."
"If you're going to think of it, would you go outside?"
When Elena pointed at the door with her slender index finger, Ren laughed as if she was
absurd.
"Fine, I'm going to go where you want me to, lady."
Ren said goodbye exaggeratedly and then turned around. The footsteps moved away, and
soon the door opened and closed with a thud. Elena could relax only after turning her head
to confirm that Ren had left.
"Oh..."
A groan broke out between Elena's small lips. She was so nervous that her whole body was
completely drained and her body was sore.
"You son of a bitch."
Elena spat out what she wanted to say a hundred more times. Although she couldn't do it in
front of his face, she felt relieved after shouting like this. It felt like she was clearing a big
rock that was blocking her way.
"I'm over the hump. Let's just think about the future."
At that time, Ren was walking down the stairs to the annex where the banquet hall was
located.
"It's weird. The more I think about it, the stranger it is."
Ren's footsteps did not stop even in the midst of an accident, as if he knew the internal
structure of the main building.
"You were obviously poisoned..."
Ren's eyes, muttering to himself, were deeper than ever.
"How the hell did she wake up?"
The poison was known to be impossible to detoxify once you were poisoned. You could
only prevent the toxicity from spreading, but that was the limit. To stop the toxicity, you
had to sleep all day. You would be alive, but you could not be said to be alive.
"Did they find the antidote?"
He had no choice but to come to such a conclusion.
Veronica's alive and well. Ren looked into his swollen hand and repeatedly clenched his
fist.
"You're not just handsome, are you?"
Despite Ren's unexpected blow, Hurelbard caught it. He even looked like he was repressing
Ren's fist. It wasn't the skill of a single knight. He may not know the exact skills until he
faced the sword, but he must have been a strong man.
"This is going to be fun."
Ren grinned. Like he was enjoying the current situation.
***
It is difficult to treat the annex of the Grand Duke as a simple annex. It was bigger and more
majestic than the Sarubian Palace, where events organized by the imperial family are held.
There were so many aristocrats that there was no room to step in such an annex.
There was not enough space in the inner hall alone, so this was the case even though the
outer fountain was used as a banquet hall by opening a glass wall. It was realized that the
Grand Duke being above the imperial family was not a myth.
Elena looked down from the window of the waiting room on the second floor to the nobles
who visited to celebrate. She stayed in the palace at the expense of the crown prince and
held a few national events, but she has not seen a feast as grand and splendid as it is now
being held in the Grand Park. It was obvious that the Grand Duke's power was higher than
the imperial family.
"Grand Duke Friedrich."
Elena looked down on him, the owner of the hall and the organizer of the banquet.
Countless around him, Elena looked down indifferently at him, the owner of the hall and
the organizer of the banquet. Countless aristocrats gathered around him, trying to build a
bond with him and flattering him.
"Wait for me. I'll pull you down one day."
Kiiik.
The waiting room door opened and Leabrick came in.
"It's time. You need to go down to the celebration."
"Liv, I'm nervous."
Elena shrank and shivered.
"I'll be standing in the back. I'll come out in case of trouble, so relax."
"Yes, I'll just trust Liv."
"Let's go down now."
Elena rose from her chair and Leabrick signaled out of the room. Anne and Lunarin came in
quickly and smoothed out the dress.
Elena, who finished her final preparation in the mirror, came out of the waiting room and
stood in front of the stairs going down alone. As it was a blind spot on the corner, Elena on
the upstairs was not seen in the hall.
When the maid approached the conductor who was playing a symphony in the hall and said
something, he nodded and stopped. Then he changed the song and swung the baton again.
The song was <Brilliant Night>. The melody of the violin and cello stood out as a song
praising the queen's beauty and piety.
"Princess Veronica is entering."
The people of the banquet hall turned to the stairs leading to this floor, holding their breath
at the powerful cry of the butler who was in charge of hosting the hall.
Tak, tak, tak.
Elena, who was waiting, turned the corner and stepped on the stairs. A proud, slightly
raised chin, distinctive authoritative eyes, and symbolic blond hair of the great house. The
graceful walk that makes even the dress that may seem monotonous stand out, at first
glance, captured the attention of the nobles.
No one noticed that she was a substitute. They looked alike from head to toe. The
atmosphere of Elena, who even rose to the top as the empress, was beyond comparison
with Veronica herself.
Clap, clap, clap.
In the hall filled with silence except for the performance, the applause of the aristocrats
continued. Most of them were aristocrats lining the Great Dynasties, so they welcomed the
return of Princess Veronica.
There have been constant rumors about Princess Veronica's escape from the grand duchy.
He was not a great man to be swayed by a rumor, but as Veronica's absence lengthened, he
had no choice but to talk more about the succession of Grand Duke Friedrich. In particular,
the Bastasche family, which gained independence from the Grand Family Friedrich, was
likely to bring about a change in the power structure as it was possible to inherit the title.
Elena's health today will dispel such concerns at once.
"Have you come?"
Grand Duke Friedrich came to the front of the last step and escorted her.
"Yes, father."
Elena smiled openly as she held his hand. Grand Duke Friedrich was also pleased with
Elena's quite plausible performance. The woman stood side by side on the platform,
looking at the aristocrats of the banquet hall. The Duke had a cocktail glass handed over to
a maid.
Grand Duke Friedrich said to the crowd, looking at Elena with a warm gaze.
"Today is a very happy day. On the anniversary of the birth of the Friedrich family, I was
able to express my gratitude not only to myself but also to my precious journey."
The nobles applauded. Grand Duke Friedrich lifted a glass of cocktail.
"Thanks to the nobles who gathered here, I think we were able to make the House of
Friedrich more prosperous today, which was founded by our forefather, the Duke of
Rosette. Let's raise our glasses together and pay our respects. For the Duke of Rosette!"
"For you!"
The aristocrats all raised their cocktail glasses high and shouted. Then, the congratulatory
speech ended by emptying the glass. It also marked the beginning of a full-fledged banquet.
"You're not in good shape yet, so go in moderation."
Grand Duke Friedrich showed the aristocrats the image of his father taking care of his
daughter, and left an excuse for Elena, who is poor at posing as Veronica under the pretext
of health, to leave the banquet hall early.
"Yes, father."
Elena lifted the hem of her skirt and played a submissive daughter. So far, there was
nothing special because it was already talked about in advance.
'It's my time now.'
Elena had never spent a minute in vain before leaving the duchy. In particular, she moved
under a thorough plan right after she came to the duchy. It was the same today. Elena will
not miss this opportunity. It is a banquet organized by the Grand Duke. The birthday
banquet was a day when all the aristocrats in the Empire gathered together. It was a great
opportunity for aristocrats, who could not be free from political relationships, to build
friendships or find a marriage partner for their children. Elena was going to make full use
of this.
'There's something I have to do before that.'
Elena glanced back. Sure enough, Leabrick was stuck behind her back like a leech. She'd
come forward and try to control her.
'It'll be easier if I take Leabrick off first.'
Elena was not impatient. It was because she could make a mistake if she were hasty.
"Greetings to Your Highness the Princess. My name is Serena Williams."
"I'm Daisy. Does your Highness remember me?"
"How can you be so beautiful, even after such a long time?"
In a blink of an eye, aristocrats surrounded Elena. They were all eager to talk to Elena and
build a favorable impression. Elena responded with a smile.
"I've heard of the beautiful young lady under Count Williams. You're even more beautiful in
person."
"Oh, you know me."
Elena's head turned.
"How can I forget Daisy?"
"Do you remember me?"
"Of course."
Elena, who once had a reputation as the queen of society, faced the majority with
equanimity.
"To the point that Leabrick doesn't doubt me."
At the same time, Elena didn't forget to make her appearance often awkward so that she
didn't look too experienced.
"Did I do that?"
"Huh? Can't you remember what you said?"
"Th... That..."
When Elena showed her embarrassment, Leabrick, who had been silently behind her,
stepped out.
"Your Highness seems to have forgotten that. It's rude to keep talking about the same
thing."
"I-I'm sorry. I just..."
The lady who was trying to talk about the past, stepped down without a word under the
influence of Leabrick.
Meanwhile, a group of people surrounding Elena split up as if the sea opened. Beyond that,
a group of women with bobbed hair approached Elena.
'Avella.'
Like the Grand Duke, she is the eldest daughter of the Reinhardt family, one of the four
great families of the Empire. She had a great influence in the social world despite her young
age, resembling Duke Chrome, her father whose political sense and knowledge were
unrivaled.
Throughout Veronica's absence for the past two years, all the young children who followed
her were under her influence. In the future, she and Elena fought a faction over the
leadership of the social world, and competed for the final decision for the appointment of
Crown Princess in many ways. She smiled bitterly.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Sister, how long has it been?"

Avella pretended to know her in a friendly tone. She felt the skill of hiding herself even
though it was a young age from a happy expression that she could not feel any pretense.
'You're still like a kid, though.'
Elena thought Avella's behavior was cute. It was Avella, who had established an unrivaled
faction in society, but was brutally trampled by Elena. However, now Avella was no match
for Elena.
"Avella, how long has it been?"
Elena welcomed her as if she had met a long-lost child.
"I know. You don't know how much I was worried about you."
"Why wouldn't I know? If Avella was sick, I would be, too."
Elena responded skillfully. Since she couldn't really do that, she returned to say that in the
same situation, the same would be true for her.
"Can we see each other often now?"
"Yes, of course."
"That's good! I have a lot of young people I want to introduce to my sister."
Avella turned her body around and seemed to boast a crowd following her. Some dogs
included young ladies who said they were good at following Veronica.
'Childish.'
Elena snorted at Avella's child-like boast.
"Really? I'm already looking forward to it."
"Me, too. So, are you going back to the academy?"
Elena paused for a moment.
Frontier Academy. It was the largest academy on the continent. It is well-known for its long
history and high educational standards as a place where any child of the Imperial nobility,
royalty of the minor kingdom, or aristocrats, would like to graduate.
It was also the place where the connections leading the empire were completed, and royal
families and nobles in other countries regarded graduation from academic institutes as a
symbol of the elite course. Its reputation was so strong and high that the Lun Academy of
the Kingdom of Royer could hardly be comparable.
'Leabrick, you're about to step up, aren't you?'
Elena hesitated and waited for Leabrick to answer.
"Your Highness is scheduled to return to the Academy."
When Leabrick answered instead, Avella lightly slapped her back and laughed.
"Really? I'm happy. Then, sister, we can see you often at the academy."
"Is that so?"
It was time for Elena to answer the meaningless conversation in a perfunctory manner.
"Oh! What is it!"
The rear of the group led by Avella became noisy. Naturally, the eyes were turned to that
side. A man with curly hair was seen walking on top of the heads of the lonely young men.
"S-sir B-Bastache?"
"Can you get rid of that ugly face?"
Ren teased the girl with a quarrel and came near her, almost pushing the girl. The lady, who
couldn't stand his rudeness, stared at him horribly, but she cut it without thinking about
Ren's fierce smile.
"What are you talking about, you're having so much fun with me. Disappointed."
When Ren intervened, Avella's face hardened. That's because she's never seen anything
good in association with a fool who doesn't have common sense.
"Sister, I'm going to get going."
Avella stepped back in a hurry. She's not avoiding him because she's scared of shit, but
because it's dirty. Leabrick was also seen nervous, stiffening her face. The most difficult
class for her as a schemer was the type like Ren. No human being can be more difficult than
a human being who doesn't know where to go. If Elena showed a cluttered appearance, she
could have been suspected in her place. Leabrick tried to stop the worst.
"What, do you hate me?"
Ren looked at Avella, who was easily gone, and turned his eyes away.
"You're not going to be hard on your brother, are you?"
'Whatever.'
Elena's answer, which could not be uttered, contained a positive answer, not a negative
one.
'I waited for you to come.'
Surprisingly, Elena was glad to see Ren who burst in. Just as if it was a lie when they
exchanged sharp conversations earlier.
'Come to think of it, there are times when you're useful, too.'
Elena's eyes glanced at Leabrick. Elena was planning to use Ren to take off the Leabrick
that was stuck like a leech.
"...... I don't think I should turn a blind eye to you."
"Yes, we should be a bit more friendly since we're cousins."
Despite the chilly atmosphere, Ren looked excited.
"So, I've been thinking about it a lot. How I can get over the line."
"I'm curious. Try it."
Elena skillfully asked back with her eyes wide open. Ren's grumbling got stronger as if the
reaction was no more interesting. Did he feel uneasy with that smile? Before Ren took any
unexpected action, Leabrick moved first.
"Excuse me, but for a while..."
"It's not your place. It's a family affair."
Ren snatched Elena's hand issuing a violent warning. The lack of respect for a lady was a
very ignorant and vile act.
"Let's dance to a song."
"What, what?"
Elena pretended to be embarrassed and looked to Leabrick for help. But it was too late to
stop Ren's sudden behavior. Elena came to the center of the hall as if she were dragged
away by Ren. It was a half-forceful and half-self-interested act.
The nobles were quite angry at Ren's rude behavior.
"W-what the hell is this!"
"The Bastache family's young lord is awful."
"Do they want the princess to live like that?"
All together, they criticized Ren. However, no one came to the front and scolded or stopped
Ren. Even though they were independent, the Bastache family's roots were the Grand Duke
Friedrich's. It was not easy to come out because the relationship between the two families
was connected by blood.
Ren, who reached the center of the hall, let go. When Elena glared, smiling Ren asked for a
dance with an exaggerated gesture.
"I'm here, and I'll be disappointed if I keep standing. Let's dance to one song."
"..."
"Of course, you can't refuse."
Elena gazed slowly at Ren, who never lost his playfulness. It was the same situation, but she
thought it was very different from my past life. At that time, she couldn't refuse because she
was caught as a substitute, so she was forced to do as she was told.
One, things have changed. Elena seemed to have been dragged out, but she walked out of
her own free will. She led the game without being swayed by Ren or Leabrick.
"If I don't want to?"
"I'll have to force you to dance."
"What?"
Ren quickly snatched Elena's hand, which had been freed for a while. The power was so
strong that she tried to shake it off several times, but it was useless.
'It hurts.'
Elena frowned at the surging pain. Either way, Ren held Elena's hand tightly in one hand,
while the other wrapped her waist tightly and stepped with a waltz. It became a picture of
dancing naturally, regardless of Elena's will, like a doll caught in a thread.
"Why are you doing this nonsense?"
Elena quizzed at the sound of Ren's breath, which felt close to her.
"Because you're Veronica."
"That's the reason?"
"I need a better reason?"
"..."
Elena was convinced by Ren's unique smile.
'Pure hatred toward Veronica.'
The Hundred Years' Treaty forced the Bastache family to live as maids for the Great
Dynasties. Veronica, who would be seen as a beautiful successor to the great house, is
tantamount to shackles for Len, who is gifted enough to be called the sword of the empire.
"Like a cockroach."
"What did you just say?"
Ren doubted his ears. It was a vulgar word to come out of the mouth of a noble Veronica,
not a commoner.
"You're pathetic and can't take any more complaints."
"Hey, you're scratching my temper again."
"Bite it if you complain."
Elena intentionally provoked Ren by touching the Achilles tendon, which he was most
sensitive to. The reaction was immediate. Ren's stiff face told her that. Perhaps due to the
psychological influence, Ren's movements were getting piled up and the beat was being
pushed back little by little.
"If I bite, you and your father die."
"So bite. If you're really that confident?"
Elena continued to shake Ren's mind with provocation and took steps to keep up with the
beat of falling behind the music. Even though Elena was responding to the beat because of
the sensitivity of the person, Ren was absorbed in anger and did not recognize it at all.
Elena was so adept at social dancing that no one could follow. She couldn't do her best
because Leabrick was watching, but it was a piece of cake to take away the opponent's flow.
If your partner has lost his mind.
So Ren was giving Elena a pace, even though he wasn't aware of it.
"You're crazy, aren't you?"
"You're across the money. Do you want me to tell you why you can't bite?"
Elena paused and focused on the steps. The balance of the dance, which was taken away
little by little, was already in the position of an equal partner.
"You're a man who's got a horse in his mouth."
"...!"
Elena did not hesitate to say insulting things to Ren beyond provocation.
'To be swayed by emotions.'
The reaction was immediate. Ren's eyes, with a devilish, fierce look, were filled with life.
"What you shouldn't have said.... HYUK!"
Ren, who felt the step twisted momentarily, swallowed his breath. He could barely
maintain balance by using animal senses, but the already tangled legs of the X were so
precarious that there was nothing strange about falling down at any time. Elena wasn't able
to pass this opportunity. She pushed Len in an equivocal position as hard as she could.
"Huh? Uh!"
Ren, who lost his balance, stumbled. He tried to bring her down too, but when Elena quickly
moved on to the next move and broke the balance of his lower body, there was no way to
throw it away anymore. Eventually, Ren fell down in the middle of the hall, frowning his
butt in the middle of the hall.
"Look over there. Bastache's son fell down."
"Fufu, he's not good at dancing, is he?"
"Oh, I feel good."
The aristocrats, who usually disapproved of Ren's words and actions, laughed and
criticized him. It was an excuse to laugh at the mistakes made during the banquet to the
aristocrats who value dance and etiquette.
Elena did the same. She felt relieved as if she had lost a 10-year-old weight because she had
a lot of things. Elena gave a sweet smile as she looked down at the fallen Ren.
"It looks just right for you, without any respect for ladies."
"Kk... kgh."
Ren, who was looking up to Elena because he was dumbfounded, suddenly began to laugh.
"I strangely don't feel bad."
Despite being properly humiliated after a blow, Ren got up without wiping his smiling face
off.
"See you again."
Ren shook his hand and gradually moved away from Elena. However, he didn't forget to
show his true self by saying 'Keep away' to a lady, who was blocking his way.
'It's not the time to be like this.'
Elena quickly rolled her eyes and found Leabrick. From the center of the hall, it was mixed
in the gap between Avella's crowd on the left. Elena, relieved at some distance, hurried to
find someone.
'I saw you standing over there a little while ago... oh! There she is.'
Elena's corners of her mouth went up. She was standing at the end of the hall on the right
side of the hall, probably based on Elena's presence.
'Madame De Flanrose.'
When she repeated her name, she remembered some words that followed her like a
modifier.
The height of elegance.
Lady of the ladies.
An aristocratic specimen.
Surprisingly, all of these modifiers were given to Madame De Flanrose. She despises
flattery, and values honesty and decency, and is a symbol of integrity and respect in society.
Despite not creating factions, she was a social adult in name and substance, who was
respected and followed by many young and noble ladies.
'I got something for you.'
Elena had planned to use Ren to pull Leabrick apart from her and devote the freedom and
time she had managed to get to Madame De Flanrose.
Elena turned around and walked out to the opposite side of Leabrick.
"...!"
Leabrick, who naturally thought she would come to her side, was embarrassed.
'I can't leave her alone.'
Leabrick was in a hurry. Ren's situation a little while ago was ambiguous as she was out of
control. Ren told her not to do it, so she didn't want to do it. When she called in the knights,
she thought it would backfire because it seemed like the situation was growing too much.
However, she was relieved that he seemed to have passed it without any accident, contrary
to her concerns. Of course, she should ask Elena about the details and deal with them.
But she missed Elena. Leabrick urgently tried to chase Elena, but it wasn't easy. First, the
size of the hall was so large that it was too far to the other side. She didn't know if she
should cross the central hall where people were dancing, but it was too much. In the end, it
was best to turn around in a circle. That alone wasn't easy, but one more hurdle remained.
"Leabrick, how have you been?"
"Lady, if you don't mind, can I talk to you for a minute?"
They were the nobles who were struggling to somehow line up with the real life Leabrick of
the Grand Duke.
At that time, the young ladies who were waiting for Elena to come down from the center
hall, approached.
Unlike most of the capital's aristocrats and children on the other side, ladies and men from
the provinces did this.
To a local aristocrat who wanted to somehow tie the strings to the central politics, Princess
Veronica was a club to be held by selling her soul.
"Your Highness, I feel so refreshed."
"I can't tell if you dance as well as your beauty."
"You must be the princess who will lead the society in the future."
Each of them went on an evil journey to fall into Elena's eyes, using flattery. It was servile
enough to grow on the floor for Elena.
'I used to enjoy flattery like this.'
For them, Princess Veronica is a far-off, nobleman on the summit. There was jealousy, envy,
and more envy beyond them, which looked at beings that could not be tied to the same
aristocracy.
Elena of her past life enjoyed their eyes looking up to her. Even their jealousy and timing
were regarded as a mere entertainment. Princess Veronica was a woman in that position.
It's no exaggeration to say that society revolves around her.
'It was all pointless.'
Elena regretted her immature days. If she had not been drunk with such illusions and
vanity, she would not have been used and killed so miserably.
'If I had really realized... I would have seen Ian grow up.'
Ian's shadow, which had been buried deep in her heart, popped out and made her cry. Even
knowing that it's already irreversible. A child who rises without warning or sign, heavier
than a lump of lead, rejuvenated her consciousness. A passage from the novel that there are
no parents who forget their children touched her heart.
'Stop.'
Elena managed to overcome her overwhelming emotions. If she were a little late, tears
would have poured out from her moist eyes.
'Just look forward. Just look forward.'
Nothing is more meaningless than keeping looking back. She didn't want to waste this time
and repeat the same mistake.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The same was true of these nobles, who were now blocking their way. Elena smiled
passionately at the young people.
"That's a... oh!"
The ladies, who were enthusiastically flattering, couldn't speak afterwards. Somehow,
when they faced Elena's subtle smile, they were not confident of talking recklessly. An
irresistible smile. It was not just their feelings, but also the feelings of other young people
in common.
Clear.
As Elena advanced with flawless graceful steps, the young men who surrounded her in
layers stepped aside. Elena's footsteps stopped only when she reached the front of a lady.
"I wanted to say hello to you someday... but I think it's today. Nice to meet you, Madame De
Flanrose."
Elena lifted her skirt very gracefully and slightly lowered her head and waist. It was such a
perfect greeting that it would not be insufficient even if it was a sample of etiquette.
"I also waited for the day to say hello, Your Highness."
Without expressing embarrassment at Elena's sudden greeting, Madame De Flanrose
greeted her with dignified words and deeds.
"Oh my."
They only exchanged greetings, but they were amazed at the courage they could not dare to
follow. The movements that were not just learned and followed, but all the virtues that the
aristocrats should possess, were so noble that they wanted to be a model of etiquette.
"Maybe the reputation of Madame... Who is so graceful in her hand gestures, is not a myth."
"That's too much. Your Highness, despite your young age, is full of grace."
"I still have a long way to go. I want to ask you to teach me."
Elena showed that her words were sincere by giving a polite example of respect. Madame
de Flanrose, who observed the movement with the eyes of a hawk, was amazed. A series of
movements, from the treatment of the gaze to the arm movements from the neckline, the
bending of the fingers, the bending of the waist, and the wrinkles caught on the dress, were
perfect enough to want to be sampled.
"How can I turn a blind eye to your request? I'm just saying this because I don't think I have
anything to teach."
"How can etiquette be the only virtue of the nobility? I want to learn and discuss the
integrity and chastity of the nobility from you."
Elena spoke softly by putting strength into the words integrity and chastity. It was a very
fine emphasis, but Madame de Flanrose, who knows that etiquette values the tone,
strength, and pronunciation of the voice, couldn't have missed it.
"Integrity and chastity. The princess has a neat mind as well as conduct."
"I'm not even up to Madame's toes. You're the one who regards integrity and chastity as the
yardstick of the aristocracy, don't you? Don't you think so?"
"... I'm sorry Your Highness is painting my face with this gold."
As Elena kept falling over with her integrity and chastity, Madame de Flanrose's eyes shook
slightly. She was so good at hiding her feelings that she was called Madame, but she
couldn't hide all of her inner impulses.
'Why are you so nervous? The person who is called the symbol of integrity and chastity.'
Elena tried hard to hold back her laughter. The story of Madame de Flanrose and her
husband Count Rondo was so romantic that no one in the country didn't know.
On the news of the death of Count Rondo, who fought in the war against the Western Plains
tribe, Madame de Flanrose visited the Gaia Church and vowed to remember her husband's
death for the rest of her life. It was a concept of chastity that was not commonly seen in the
Empire of tolerance for remarriage.
A few years later, however, Count Rondo, who was thought to be dead, was crippled and
miraculously returned to life. He lost both legs and became a cripple, according to his
doctor. Nevertheless, Madame de Flanrose was still living as a couple, saying, "I'm grateful
for you coming back safely."
She was praised as a lady of the ladies because of her sacrifice. Even in the royal court, the
title "Madam" could have been given to her, praising her chastity and integrity.
But who knew? They didn't know there was a man she met secretly, the symbol of chastity
and integrity. The scandal involving Madame de Flanrose turned the empire upside down
three years from now. It had been known that Madame de Flanrose, a specimen of the
nobility and the ultimate in elegance, had been indulging in adultery with a horseman for
decades. By one of the maids.
As it is now, it is common for aristocrats to exchange women and servants. Among them,
the lower ones taught by Madame de Flanrose were popular among the aristocrats because
they were well-behaved and could understand their owners. It was very meaningful among
the nobles to receive her maid as a gift.
Two years from now, Madame de Flanrose sent her to celebrate the birthday of Grand Duke
Friedrich.
The girl's name is May.
Elena recalled her face in her memory. May, whose short bobbed hair was very good, was
especially memorable for her heterogeneous cuteness and atmosphere as a maid. She was a
child who was bright and unfriendly to the physiology of the aristocrat, so she quickly
became a direct maid of the Grand Duke Friedrich and served close to her.
Yes, so far it's not a big deal. The problem occurred when she tried to assassinate Grand
Duke Friedrich. It had been revealed that she approached Madame de Flanrose on a
deliberate basis, built trust, and carefully prepared to enter the Grand Residence under the
pretext of it and kill Grand Duke Friedrich.
'Revenge is a wonderful thing. The lady, the world's most ignorant aristocrat, wants to live
as a maid to avenge her family.'
After the assassination failed, and she was tortured, May was said to have been the only
daughter of Viscount Carl who followed the imperial family. Viscount Carl was a nobleman
who was known to have been killed for confrontation with Grand Duke Friedrich while
crying for the reinforcement of the imperial power.
May, who miraculously escaped while her family was being destroyed, is said to have hid at
a merchant guild. She changed her name and status there and lived a life at the bottom, and
eventually succeeded in entering the grand duchy after passing through the maid of
Madame de Flanrose for her parents' revenge. She reached the bedroom with the favor of
Grand Duke Friedrich, but eventually the assassination failed.
'It's praiseworthy for her to have gotten there. But she failed.'
The process doesn't matter. The world speaks only in consequence.
'If May helps me, won't the consequences change?'
Elena wanted to keep May, the maid of honor, by her side. Because of Leabrick's
surveillance and her public status as Princess Veronica, she was not free to move, so she
needed a hand and foot to be on behalf of Elena.
In that context, May is the right person. As long as she had a history in the guild, it was
highly likely that she knew well about the world that Elena had not experienced.
In order to drive the great house to destruction, it was necessary to connect inside and
outside. Even though it is difficult to break the rock at once, if you make small cracks and
persistently aim inside and outside, the crack will become the starting point and the rock
will crack at itself.
'The enemy is a comrade.'
That was why Elena wanted to keep May under her thumb. Elena felt a strong sense of
homogeneity with May, who only ran for revenge. It felt like she was facing a mirror.
She felt sorry again. It was so sad that the opportunity to live happily and the life to live
only for revenge and even she failed. For that reason, she was going to bring May back as
soon as possible and keep her by her side.
"I'm so frustrated that I haven't had this opportunity to talk to you like this, Madame. I still
have a lot of things to say...."
"Don't be sorry, Your Highness."
Madame de Flanrose wanted to avoid this position. Throughout the conversation with
Elena, she felt uncomfortable as if she had a sore throat. It was the same with Elena. She
was not interested in such a woman. Punishing or persecuting with the same sense of
justice, whether she committed adultery or not, she did not suit her taste. She just wanted
to have May by her side ahead of the original history.
"Uh! Uh? Madame, please stay still for a moment."
Elena opened her eyes wide and performed a surprise show.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Just a minute."
Elena sought unilateral understanding and took out a handkerchief from her sleeve with a
large-sized seal.
Slowly.
Pulling herself, Elena reached out her hand, who narrowed the distance with her. Madame
De Flanrose's shoulders were wiped with a handkerchief, and she lowered her upper body
while performing a visual performance. Elena, who faced her with about a snake of her
hands, spoke in a small voice that only she could understand.
"Aren't people so innocent? Complimenting and praising a woman who plays around with a
horseman. Right?"
"...!"
Madame De Flanrose's face was whiter than a blank sheet. Fear of having been exposed to
the disgrace, which she should have never been, shook her iron-walled reason in jeopardy.
When she committed adultery, a sense of fear that she did not know hit her. She was
devastated by the frustration and despair that she might lose everything she had
accumulated because of the pleasure of the moment.
Elena watched the reaction and whispered like a devil.
"Oh, my. Why are you so surprised? Did you think it was an eternal secret?"
"P-Princess."
Madame de Flanrose had long been a nobleman, a nobleman who was noble and never
broken, and she had chosen to live in servitude, losing her self-esteem, pride, and faith that
had supported her.
'All the nobles are rotten.'
When she saw Madame De Flanrose, who was wrapped in hypocrisy and pretentiousness
and was praised for her life, she was overwhelmed by contempt. She wanted to make this
disgusting woman feel guilty more, but there were too many eyes and ears to see and hear.
"Why are you so nervous? You think I threatened you? I'm not that kind of girl."
"..."
"Make some time to stop by the Grand Residence. There's so much I want to say."
"W-whatever you want."
Madame de Flanrose shook her head with eagerness not to say anything because she would
do what she was told, small enough for Elena to see. Elena smiled and took a step back.
"You had something on your shoulder, so I'm sorry... It's not polite."
"N-no. It's all because you're considerate of others."
It was funny to see her trying to maintain her aristocracy on the subject of a face that would
not be strange even if she fell down right away.
"It was really meaningful to meet Madame today. I'm sure we'll have another opportunity,
right?
Elena looked at Madame de Flanrose with an elegant smile. Madame de Flanrose smiled
with a contemplated face.
"O-of course."
"I'm already looking forward to that time. Oh! Take this."
Elena politely crossed the handkerchief she was holding. Madame de Flanrose received it in
a state of panic.
"It's a sign that promises the next meeting. I've hand-made it, so please take a look and tell
me what it looks like."
"I-I will."
"Then, I'll leave you alone. May you have a glorious night."
Elena bowed out with graceful greetings. Since there was another person's attention,
further conversation was too much, and Madame de Flanrose's condition was not good
enough to collapse immediately.
'You'd understand if I told you this much.'
Man is strong in crisis. The sort of Madame de Flanrose was a great woman who would do
anything to protect and survive in the mud. Perhaps she would look at the handkerchief
Elena gave her in the carriage back to the mansion. Then she'd do what she's told to do to
find her way.
'Leabrick's coming.'
She just happened to see Leabrick coming like crazy her way. She was only away for a
while, but she seemed tired.
"Liv, are you here?"
Elena treated her face with a smile.
"Princess, are you all right?"
"As you can see, I was a little surprised, but I calmed down when I saw Liv."
"I'm relieved to hear that."
Leabrick's lips twitched. Perhaps there was a lot to ask about Ren's work. But she couldn't
ask because she had a lot of eyes to see, so she just swallowed inside.
"Can you stay longer?"
"Of course."
Elena smiled and answered, and Leabrick stopped talking and took a step back. Then, the
nobles who had been watching for an opportunity approached Elena and continued to
flatter her, saying, "I will say a word."
"I'm surprised you're getting prettier day by day even though you're already so beautiful."
"Thank you."
Princess Veronica has appeared in society for the first time in two years. Her return was a
success.
***
"It was a night so fascinating that I can't speak, Liv."
Elena, who left the annex and was returning to the main building, couldn't hide her
excitement and chatted.
"You've done a great job that's not easy."
Leabrick, who followed suit, unexpectedly agreed with Elena. Elena did well as Princess
Veronica's role more than she feared. It wasn't perfect yet, but it was clear that it was a
remarkable achievement.
'Except for being with Sir Ren.'
Leabrick couldn't stop them even though she was in the same place, and she didn't know
what they talked about even though she was looking with her eyes open. The curiosity was
driving Leabrick mad for perfection. All she wanted to do was question Elena and listen to
her stories.
"I know you're tired, but let's talk for a while."
"Should we?"
They moved to the drawing room located in the main building. Even before the tea and
cookies that had been asked to be served to the maid of honor, Leabrick asked about what
had happened earlier.
"Sir Ren is a dangerous man. He was hostile again. What the hell happened?"
"Where should I start....? Ah! He came to my room just before the banquet."
"What?"
Leabrick's eyes grew fierce. Emotions were exposed to the surface. That's because Ren's
unexpected behavior exceeded her expectations.
"He came into the room without permission, and suddenly said hello."
"And? Tell me everything he did."
"There's nothing to talk about. It wasn't a conversation in the first place. He unilaterally
asked me how I was doing, then he stared at me and left."
"That's it?"
"Yes, that's it."
Leabrick's eyes deepened. It is to find meaning in the series of actions that Ren has shown.
"Tell me what he said in the hall."
"At that time, it was too scary, and I was confused... Ah! He said he hated me."
"Hate?"
Elena nodded.
"Yes, when I asked him why he was doing this, he didn't like me, but I asked if there was a
reason. Liv, the look on his face was so scary that I was suffocating."
"I know it's hard. But you did a good job, princess."
Leabrick patted Elena on the shoulder to console her. It was a consolation without
sincerity. Her mind was focused on figuring out why Ren had done this.
'Did he notice she was a substitute?'
Leabrick threw a flash point. Although they were in a blood relationship, the two never met
in two years. Two years of growth is the period of many physical and mental growth. Even
though they were cousins they were unfamiliar to each other. Even if Elena was a little
dazed and made mistakes, there was no doubt, he could not doubt it as a reverse.
Leabrick looked up and stared at Elena.
The perfect role. Appearance alone was no different from Princess Veronica. The
decorations with dresses and accessories made her look more natural.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

'Let's not get ahead of ourselves.'

Even if she refrained from speculating, she should definitely point out what she had to say.
Ren was too dangerous a man to let go of the tension.
"I saw Sir Ren fall while dancing. What happened to him?"
"Oh, I pushed him."
Leabrick frowned at Elena's words.
"What?"
"He grabbed my wrist so hard that I was sick and scared that I couldn't just shake it off.
Then I pushed him as hard as I could. That's all."
Leabrick opened her eyes wide at Elena's words. Ren was well-built enough to hold Elena,
who can't dance. He was also an expectant athlete who was born with a skill for
swordsmanship and was expected by the Empire. He wasn't a man easy enough to fall
down just because a woman pushed him.
"Really?"
"No wonder Liv doesn't believe it. But it's true."
Leabrick was frustrated. Common sense doesn't make sense, but she had no choice but to
believe Elena when she said that.
'It's weird. I feel like I'm missing something.'
The problem was that there was no way to explain what was missing.
"Again, Sir Ren is dangerous. Avoid him if you can. If you have no choice but to run into
each other, avoid him."
"Yes, I'll be careful."
Elena nodded her head in a solemn expression. Perhaps because she didn't want to let go of
what she lost, Leabrick no longer said the same thing.
"It looks like you had a conversation with Madame de Flanrose."
"Oh, I had a chance to say hello to her by chance."
Elena confided without a lie. There was no particular reason to hide it. Elena and Madame
de Flanrose talked about etiquette in an official place.
"It looked like you were exchanging something?"
'Did you watch me in the meantime?'
It must have been hard to leave Elena alone. She could see that she had talked to a lot of
aristocrats, but she kept her eye on her for a while. Elena hid her mind and spoke calmly.
"Oh, I was so happy that I gave her a handkerchief to thank her for her good manners."
Then Elena intentionally shrank, pretending to look at Leabrick's cold expression.
"... Did I do something wrong?"
"What do you think you did wrong?"
"... It's not good to give a handkerchief?"
"No."
Leabrick continued in a cold tone.
"The princess' manners are still immature. She's much better, but she's as young as she
looks. Have you ever thought that if you were involved with such a woman, you'd get
caught?"
Elena opened her eyes wide in surprise.
"B-but she definitely praised my manners."
"Compliment your opponent for their lack. It's also part of etiquette."
"..."
Leabrick pointed out only by applying her yardstick to Elena.
"Listening to Liv, I think I was careless. In that state of mind I'll be careful from now on."
Elena apologized in that position, saying she would correct the mistake. Leabrick, who had
completed her business, stood up from the sofa and gave a final warning.
"Princess, always remember. How you are in your current situation and where you come
from. Will you go back there again or stay here? It all depends on being a princess."
"Liv..."
"You know what I mean, right?"
Leabrick, who unilaterally finished what she had to say, left the drawing room.
Thud.
When Elena, who was left alone, heard the door closing, she got up from her seat and
turned on the flag. When she tried to move away from Leabrick's eyes, her body
unconsciously tensed up.
"But it was a very satisfying day."
A deep smile spread around Elena's mouth with a feeling of accomplishment that filled her
heart. She took a step forward to avenge herself today.
***
Duke Rosette's birthday banquet was held for five days. Considering that the banquet of the
royal court-organized event was less than four days, it was a glimpse of how high the
power of Duke Friedrich was.
Elena appeared at the banquet for only three days, an odd number out of the five days. It
was unusual considering that most of the high-ranking nobles did not participate except on
the first day of the banquet.
Leabrick wanted to show off her robustness to the public. That way, they could completely
calm the noise that comes out over the successor to the Grand Duke.
There is another reason. It was to give Elena a social experience. It was a great opportunity
because it was less important as their children and local nobles usually participated in the
banquet than high-ranking nobles. As such opportunities are rare, Leabrick also took the
time to stay with Elena.
After the banquet, she was asked to review what happened that day and correct anything
wrong. Emphasizing that the small change is the process of becoming a more perfect
Princess Veronica.
Elena refrained from acting independently and acted obediently according to Leabrick's
will. As long as she got what she wanted, she had no reason to stand out and be out of
Leabrick's eyes.
That year, the biggest event of the Grand Duke's residence ended. The mansion went back
to the old days and became busy again, and the servants heated up in the cleanup. Leabrick
also went out of the house to deal with matters big and small in the Grand Duchy that had
not been dealt with. Then she told Elena to take a rest for a few days because she had a
hard time.
'Do you want me to take a break?'
Elena summoned famous jewelers from the empire to her mansion. Each of them had a
variety of elaborately crafted ornaments, each of which was an expensive item made of
precious jewels that were so rare that they could throw out their tongues.
Elena selected and bought some of them that were easy to make as an imitation. Among
them, the most preferred one was the diamond. Unlike sapphire, ruby, and emerald, there
was no color, so it was easy to fabricate glass by processing it. Unlike other gems, whose
prices vary widely due to impurities and sophistication, the larger the size, the higher the
price went up. In addition, the market fluctuations were small as long as the imperial
aristocrats liked the transparency of it.
'I need a route to get rid of it from Leabrick's eyes. I need craftsmen to make imitations.'
Elena didn't think in a hurry. While in the Grand Residence, the range of movements was
bound to be narrow. It was difficult to avoid Leabrick's eyes, and it was impossible to act
independently.
'I can move freely when I enter the academy.'
Elena's return to the academy was a scheduled step, as Leabrick also admitted. The
Frontier Institute, located near the Empire's capital, made it a rule to live in a dormitory
without exception for any students. Even the capital aristocrats were strict enough to take
disciplinary measures against them.
Her academic career was a great opportunity for Elena to build her foundation. Because
academic institutes have no choice but to live a restricted life in the shadow, the monitoring
of Leabrick would be loosened.
'Lorentz's been taken off. Now she's the only one left, and...'
From the beginning, Anne was a maid that Leabrick had assigned as a watchman. If she
didn't know who it was, she wouldn't know, there was no problem with knowing that she
was Leabrick's limb.
'She's not the only one who can use the reverse, right?'
It's bad luck to just kick Anne out. Elena predicted more than one, or two, than that.
'Leabrick must be relieved to have Anne on me.'
There was no need to be suspicious of defeating Anne. Having Anne alone had many
advantages for Elena. It was very meaningful to be able to relax Leabrick's vigilance and
lead to carelessness. Elena, who returned from the jewelry store, had a relaxed tea time.
"Your Highness the Princess."
Hurelbard, who had never opened his mouth before during his escort, spoke first. Elena
looked back at him as she put the teacup on the pedestal.
"That's a big deal. Sir spoke to me first."
"..."
"Speak."
Hurelbard bowed his head as permission fell.
"I was delayed due to the lack of circumstances, but I would like to dispose of my mistakes
now."
"Punishment."
Elena broached the words and picked up the teacup she had put down. She savored the
scent of black tea with her nose, tasted it with her tongue, and organized her thoughts.
"What do you want to do?"
"How could I dare decide that for myself. I will take any punishment."
Hurelbard was sincere. At the time, Ren was not identified, so there was nothing he could
do about it. Eventually, however, Elena's order not to clash with Len was not fulfilled. He
was appointed as a knight and couldn't stand it because he couldn't keep it even though it
was his first order.
"I just can't get over it because I want to dispose of it. Take it off."
"...!"
Hurelbard's eyes shook like an earthquake. His expression, which was so embarrassed that
he was frozen, was questionable of whether he was the knight of ice, who was called the
epitome of coolness.
"Didn't you hear me tell you to take it off?"
"W-what the hell..."
Frustrated, Hurelbard blurted his words out of control. Elena said, holding back her
laughter from the response.
"What did you expect? Did you think I was asking you to take your top off?"
"How dare I."
"Sir, you're afraid I might have mentioned your bottoms?"
"..."
Elena, who was looking at Hurelbard's relentlessly shaky expression, smiled. Hurelbard
looked blank as he stared at Elena without knowing what was going on. Elena pointed to
Hurelbard's hand with a wink.
"I'm asking for the gloves you're wearing."
"You mean these gloves?"
"Yes, those. Are you ignoring me because you don't want to give it to me?"
Elena's mischievous remarks prompted Hurelbard to hurriedly take off his gloves. Elena's
black cotton gloves looked more like a protocol than combat gloves. She heard that many
people wear sword handles to support them from slipping.
Elena rose from her chair and took out her embroidery from the drawer. She opened the lid
and took out the needle and thread, then turned the gloves over and started putting
embroidery inside. Every time the thin, slender fingers moved, five-colored threads fell on
the surface. Her hand movements were so exquisite that Hurelbard stood blank, his eyes
blinded.
Within such a long time, the inner side of the cotton glove was embroidered with letters
that harmonized with gold and silver.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Take it."
Hurelbard, who received the gloves that Elena handed him back, looked down at them.
'L.'
It was written mainly in the Imperial Household of the Empire. The meaning was difficult
to understand, so it was mainly used in state events and ceremonies, but few nobles even
used it. Hurelbard could also read the letters, but he had no idea what they meant.
"Always keep it on your hand."
"... Does this word mean that I'm not good enough?"
Hurelbard tried to understand the meaning of the letter with a serious face. Elena said
earlier that she would give a punishment, so he guessed that this letter also has a meaning
of reprimanding.
"No."
Elena gave a meaningful smile.
"This is my punishment."
"I have no idea what this is. What does this mean?"
"Think about it. That's my punishment."
"..."
Hurelbard's brows furrowed. Like in the sea where the depth of the water is unknown, he
could hardly measure the inside of his master. Elena said one more word while looking at
the frustrated Hurelbard.
"Just remember this. Since our first meeting, I have always been sincere to you."
"I really don't know anything about the princess."
Hurelbard, who did not know Elena's intentions until the end, stepped back and was polite.
"I, Knight Hurelbard, swear that I will always carry this letter in my heart as the
punishment of Her Majesty the Princess."
Elena smiled silently.
L.
It is an ancient Imperial language that only the royal family can write and read, and the
meaning was light. When it was read in single-spoken words, it meant Elena's initials.
"Don't ever forget your oath."
***
Four days have passed. There was an official request for a visit from Madame de Flanrose.
The formal reason was the return of a handkerchief from the birthday banquet.
Leabrick was troubled by Madame's request for a visit. She wanted Elena, who has a lot of
inadequacies in many ways, to avoid contact with Madame de Flanrose, who is good at
manners, education, and culture.
But if she refused, there was so much that could get outside. The current Veronica princess
has re-emerged in society for the first time in two years. Despite her robustness, bad
rumors were still circulating, and the nobles constantly questioned her past activities.
In this situation, the meaning of Madame de Flanrose's visit was great. Any nobleman
wanted to invite her to interact, but Madame de Flanrose never met anyone. In the first
place, she drew a line with aristocratic self-interests and profitable groups. It was no
different even if it was the Grand Duke. If she felt that they were not meeting the
aristocratic standards, Madame de Flanrose would never interact with them, even if they
were the Grand Duke.
It was said that Madame de Flanrose was going to visit the Grand House to meet Princess
Veronica. It was a great opportunity for Veronica, who had not yet fully recovered her
status as a princess. It was because the reputation, prestige, and trust that had been lost
would follow just by interacting with the prestigious Madame de Flanrose.
'I heard that even the slugs have a talent for rolling.'
She didn't even think that Elena would take on a big shot like this. Even though Elena's
words and actions that were not aristocratic were still insufficient, she seemed to be cute.
Otherwise, even if Madame de Flanrose was in return of courtesy, there was no way she
would show this kind of favor.
Leabrick folded the letter requesting a visit and pushed it into the desk drawer. Then she
took out a high-quality parchment and penned it down with a single pen. She said she
would welcome Madame de Flanrose's visit and specified a date for the visit. Finally, the
writing of the reply was finished by stamping the seal of the Grand Duke.
Four days after that. Madame de Flanrose formally visited the great house.
"Madame de Flanrose greets the princess."
In front of the mansion, Madame de Flanrose, who was obliquely covering the sunlight with
a parasol, greeted with an elegant figure.
"Welcome, Madame."
Elena returned the courtesy with polite but not excessive manners.
"Viscountess Leabrick came out too."
Leabrick was well-mannered.
"Madame is coming, so I have to come out myself."
"I do not know what to do because you are so welcoming."
"Don't stand here, come inside. We have tea from the East."
"If you say so, I can't be rude."
The three women moved to the reception room inside the mansion. Madame de Flanrose
kept her mouth tight, looking around, as the ladies followed the etiquette of not talking
frivolously while walking. Then, when Elena's eyes met, her eyes shook.
'You can do it as you are now. Then there will be nothing for Madame to worry about.'
Madame de Flanrose, who knew what Elena meant by her eyes without having to say,
nodded quietly. She seemed willing to do anything to hide her disgrace.
The three people who moved to the drawing room had a cup of tea and had a little chat.
Mainly, Leabrick led the conversation, and Elena and Madame de Flanrose were in
confrontation.
"I was really surprised. To give me a handkerchief willingly. I should be able to keep my
heart from moving with the pure and pure mindset of Her Majesty the Princess."
"I don't know what to do with your kindness."
At this moment, Elena was praised and acted like a girl who didn't know what to do.
Leabrick laughed at the level of Madame de Flanrose, who opened her heart to Elena's
clumsiness. Contrary to public criticism, she seemed to lack discernment.
When the atmosphere was somewhat ripe, Elena took a teacup to her mouth and stared at
Leabrick.
'Shall I get the intruder out of here?'
As soon as the decision was made, Elena went into action. The teacup, which was still
warm, was laid down on the pedestal and relaxed. The cup, which had lost its support,
tilted and the tea water poured down.
"Oh!"
Elena didn't know what to do. The flowing tea spilled over to Leabrick, and the bottom of
her skirt was soaked.
"I-I'm sorry, Liv."
Frustrated, Elena took a handkerchief out of her arms and wiped the water. But it didn't
seem to mean much because the water had already soaked through. Nevertheless, her
constant touch was seen as helpless at the mistake she made.
"It's all right, Your Highness. I can change, so don't worry."
Leabrick smiled casually, adroitly controlling the rising anger and irritation.
"Madame, I think I'll have to leave for a while. Is that okay?"
"I'll be having a chat with your Highness, the Princess."
Leabrick, who asked for her understanding, hurried out of the reception room.
Elena's expression and attitude changed when she kicked out Leabrick as planned and was
left alone in the reception room. Her foolish appearance was invisible, and she treated
Madame with a completely ladylike figure.
"How have you been, Madame?"
Madame de Flanrose was nervous. It was already well asked throughout the conversation.
Nevertheless, bringing this up again was seen as a way to share the main point.
"... I've been well."
"That's unexpected. I thought you wouldn't be able to."
"There's no reason why I can't. With all due respect, I'm not a woman easy enough to be
swayed by scandals."
At the same time, Madame de Flanrose took a look at Elena's reaction.
'Rather than lady among ladies, wouldn't 'old fox suit' you better?'
Elena looked at Madame de Flanrose's intentions. It may be her intention to find out how
far she knew the fact that she had committed adultery with the coachman, and whether she
had the evidence, and then deal with it. If she had followed her, Elena wasn't a generous
woman enough to just look over the Madame de Flanrose who turned her head up and
raised her chin.
"Of course, who dares to regard Madame as a light woman? I'm just talking about what I
heard."
"..."
"Madame, who is known for her precognition, has been engaging in adultery with the
horseman, and it's usually the stable where you share love."
Madame de Flanrose's face turned pale. She tried to pretend as if nothing was wrong, but
she couldn't hide her trembling lips.
"Is that all? She's very bold. She put her crippled husband to sleep with medicine and called
the horseman into the room. Her husband was sleeping right next to her."
"S-stop."
Madame de Flanrose's trembling voice entreated her. She didn't know it when she was
committing adultery, but when she heard what she did through the mouth of others, she
felt shame and couldn't bear it.
"What's wrong, Madame? We still have a lot more to talk about."
"Please, that's enough."
Madame de Flanrose was hopeless. Elena knew what had happened in detail as if she had
seen it with her own eyes. It meant that people were planted in the family and that they
were more likely to have evidence.
"... I-I'll do whatever you tell me to do. So please bury this."
"Oh, what's wrong with you? I have no intention of reprimanding you, Madame."
"Please, please, Your Grace."
Madame de Flanrose begged with her head down. Elena did not want to talk about her
adultery anymore. It only made her mouth dirty when she spoke more.
"I heard that you have a clever maid, Madame."
"W-who are you referring to if they're a maid?"
"I believe her name is May?"
"Ah! There is a child named May among my direct maids. She came about two years ago,
she's very quick-witted and well-behaved, so she's affectionate. But what about May?"
Elena grinned.
"Give me the child."
"May?"
Madame de Flanrose couldn't figure out how to take those words.It was not an
exaggeration to say that Elena, having learned about adultery, held her leash. But she
wanted her to send a maid. Contrary to what Madame de Flanrose was concerned, the
requirements were too weak. But she had no choice.
"Would you mean that if I send that child, you will pretend to be unaware of my
immorality?"
Madame de Flanrose, like an old fox, tried to confirm it again.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena smiled.
"I promise you, Madame, in the honor of the grand duke."
"Can you really promise me that?"
"As much as you want. Would you like me to leave it in writing? I don't want to recommend
it because I'm leaving a clear proof. I'll write it if you want."
Madame de Flanrose agonized over all her brains. In the social world, she was a woman
who pretended to be a lady among ladies and did not hesitate to engage in obscene
adultery.
"No, I believe in your promise."
"That's a wise judgment."
Elena, who closed the deal, leisurely lifted the teacup and took it to her mouth.
"You can tell Leabrick that you sent me that child in return for the handkerchief."
"Yes, Your Highness the Princess."
"Let's stay close in the future, Madame."
"..."
When Elena left room for continued relationship, Madame de Flanrose made a face that
could not laugh or cry, and the lady only drank the tea. Soon after, Leabrick returned to the
drawing room wearing a neat empire dress.
"I'm sorry I've been away for so long."
Leabrick sat down again, asking for her understanding.
"Did you talk while I was away?"
"We about the manners of ladies. I'll never forget this conversation today because every
word Madame said here was such a gem."
Elena was returned to pure aristocracy, as if secret talks had not even existed from the
beginning. Madame de Flanrose was dumbfounded by such double figures, but she couldn't
show her face because she couldn't resist Elena.
"Your Highness, the reason I'm here is to return the handkerchief."
"I wasn't hoping for a return."
Elena even tried to dissuade her, but Madame de Flanrose remained faithful to her role.
"I know a child about two years old who's had my hair. She has good behavior and can talk
well. She's a very talented child. It is thought that she would dare to match the dignity and
dignity of her Highness."
"M-Madame, you're giving me Madame's maid of honor? Really?"
Elena covered her mouth with her hands with emotion.
"Yes, it is a return of heart from your Highness, if not enough. Will you take her?"
"Of course..."
Elena, who was willing to answer, blurted out the end of her words and looked at
Leabrick's face. If it was a private meeting, she had to move according to her judgment as
long as Leabrick was present. Elena, however, was sure that Leabrick would never turn
down the offer.
'You can't miss this opportunity.'
It's not anyone else, it's a gift from Madame de Flanrose. In aristocratic society, giving and
receiving women was a symbol and proof of friendship that cannot be translated into
money.
However, Leabrick did not readily answer. It was feared that Elena was known as a
substitute. Since the girl who received the gift was left as a woman under her direct control,
she was concerned about whether the secret would leak out from that part. As the
hesitation lengthened, Madame de Flanrose asked her intentions again.
"Excuse me, Your Highness?"
"That's..."
She naturally helped her to make the decision, which she was thinking hard about.
Whether the distressed Leabrick made a decision or not, she naturally listened to her.
"She's never seen such a return before, so I guess Your Highness can't make up her mind.
Take it now, Your Highness. Madame is embarrassed."
"Yes? Yes! Madame, I'll gladly accept it. I'll never forget today's impressions."
Elena was delighted with a bright smile. It was not a pretentious smile, but a sincere smile.
It didn't matter if she showed her true feelings at this moment.
"I feel much better now that I see Your Highness's favor. I'll visit you from time to time.
Let's get along."
"I'd be honored if you did. I'll be waiting, Madame."
Elena and Madame de Flanrose held hands affectionately.
***
Count Rondo. On behalf of the crippled Count Rondo, Madame de Flanrose dealt with the
count's big events. Her work was as fair as her social reputation, so no one from the lower
ones to the nobles found fault with it.
"Did you find it, ma'am?"
Madame de Flanrose called May, the maid, into the office, scared to return after just going
out.
"Come close."
"Yes, ma'am."
Madame de Flanrose looked at May, who was polite and undisturbed. Her skin was clean
without a freckle, not always doing chores in the sun. Her bobbed hair covering her ears
was perfectly neat, and her horizontal shoulder line was steady.
"How long have you been here?"
"This is my second year."
"Time flies so fast. Come to think of it, you've been a well-behaved kid since you first came
here."
"I'm flattered, ma'am."
Despite the praise of Madame de Flanrose, who was rumored to be stingy with praise, May
showed no signs of excitement or joy. Although she was only a maid, the calmness she often
showed was sometimes surprising to Madame de Flanrose.
"When I saw you, I felt sorry that you weren't born into a noble family."
"Nobility. It doesn't matter, ma'am."
May bowed her head as if she had heard too much praise for herself. Madame de Flanrose,
who was staring at May, said.
"I'll say nothing more than that. The nobles are the things that heaven decides. Raise your
head and look at me."
May carefully raised her head. She stared at Madame de Flanrose's chin without making
eye contact so as not to offend. It was a perfect gaze treatment that she really wanted to use
as an example of a maid. It was regrettable that she was sending such a child to the Grand
Duke, but she gave up because she thought that her life was first.
"You are a good fortune to be a maid of honor for any family. I would like to recommend a
family that would suit you."
"Madame?"
Madame de Flanrose spoke calmly.
"I want you to go to the Grand House"
"...!"
May's eyes shook seriously. It was the first time that Madame de Flanrose had seen such a
sympathetic May.
"Princess Veronica was very pleased to hear about you. Why don't you go to the Grand
House, considering your living conditions and future?"
"I-it's too sudden..."
"An important choice in life is always sudden. Would you like to go to the great house?"
May's eyes deepened. What is clear is that she was not considering whether this hesitation
would go or not. Rather, her eyes contained a little joy that she had never seen before. As if
she'd been waiting for this moment.
"Yes, I will follow your wishes, Madame."
May answered clearly in a small but powerful voice.
"That's a good idea. It will be a decision without regret."
Madame de Flanrose also nodded with a satisfactory smile. On the surface, it was a perfect
deal to get what each other wanted. And it was none other than Elena who moved the
perfect deal.
***
The carriage sent by Madame de Flanrose entered the Grand House. In spite of sending a
maid, Madame de Flanrose did not hesitate to send her in a carriage with all her heart and
effort. It was to show off her strong relationship with Princess Veronica.
May, who got out of the carriage, looked up at the mansion. The mansion of the great house,
which was more splendid than the palace, was magnificent enough to exclaim itself.
"Are you May?"
Anne, who was standing in front of the mansion and waiting, pretended to know in a
crooked position. May looked at Anne silently. Even if she looked at it, she looked younger
than three or four years younger. From the beginning, she felt that she wasn't happy, or
that she was trying to dominate in order to gain an edge in the ranks among the maids.
"Yes."
When May responded, Anne crossed her arms and scattered May up and down with an
unpleasant expression. May, whose skin was finer and more beautiful than her freckles, she
seemed to dislike.
"You brought all the papers, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"Follow me."
It was in Leabrick's office that Anne took the new girl, thinking about how to mess with her.
"Give me what you brought."
May was handing out her ID card, personal details, and recommendation letters written by
Madame de Flanrose to Leabrick. Without missing a single word, Leabrick checked again
and again for any suspicious points.
'... ..I don't like it, but I can't help it considering the reputation of the princess who fell to the
ground.'
Although she still disapproved of having a maid from outside for Elena, she decided to
endure it to raise the social status of Princess Veronica. When there was nothing strange
about her identity, Leabrick presented the contract, and May signed it without a hitch.
"From this moment on, you are the direct maid of honor for her Majesty. If you don't know
understand something, ask Anne here and learn."
"Yes, I will serve Your Highness with all my heart."
"Go and say hello to your Highness."
May bowed out of the office. Anne walked ahead and explained the interior of the mansion,
which was dry. May didn't pay much attention as she had expected some checks or back-
ups. The first thing she needed to do is figure out what's going on in the mansion.
Anne stopped walking when she reached the door of the biggest marble on this floor of the
main building. There was still an old look, but she could guess that this was Princess
Veronica's room because of the beautiful-looking knight guarding the door.
"Your Highness, I've brought your new maid of honor."
"Let her in."
A clear voice was heard beyond the door. Anne, who was impatient, urged.
"What are you standing there for? Your Highness is waiting for you."
May pushed the handle slowly into the room. Even if you looked around, it was a room that
was large enough to be comparable to the room where Madame de Flanrose stayed. Elena
was sitting by the window under the warm sun.
"Come here."
At Elena's call, May approached. A steady stride and an unbroken line of shoulders. She
stood in front of Elena with surprisingly perfect steps to be considered a maid's gesture.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Greetings to Princess Veronica. My name is May."

Her waist, head-down angle, and polite hand shape were just as good as most aristocrats.
"Madame praised you."
"I'm still not enough."
Elena glanced down at May, who showed humility. She looked great when she tried to
overcome all the hardships and adversities with this delicate body to assassinate Grand
Duke Friedrich.
"Don't you wonder? How you ended up in the Great House."
"I know it's because Madame recommended me."
May's answer was perfunctory. That's why Madame de Flanrose was famous in society.
This is because May had the correct posture as a maid, as she had been educated by
Madame.
May assumed that's why she came to the Grand House. Considering the status of the Grand
Duke, she would have had to send a particularly outstanding maid of honor among Madame
de Flanrose's maids.
"No. I asked Madame. To let you go."
"...!"
May's pupils were shaking. It was because she instinctively felt that what Elena said was
unusual. But she couldn't understand her intentions. Elena smiled.
"You didn't ask. Why did I ask her to let you go? How I knew about you."
"That's right. Your Highness has such an idea..."
Elena put her side hair behind her ears and said meaningfully.
"Everyone hides a knife in their hearts."
"I'm stupid, so I do not understand all of those words."
Just like the maids of Madame de Flanrose, she lowered herself and praised Elena with
cultured words. Then, she hoped she learned with a lowly attitude. That is why many
aristocrats covet Madame de Flanrose's maids.
"You don't understand... Then shall I guess who the sword in your heart is pointing at?"
"What do you mean...."
May pretended not to understand the words until the end. But even that pretense was
blocked by Elena's words.
"The Grand Duke."
"...!"
May's heart beat wildly. The nerves of her whole body stood on edge like a knife. Those
blunt words all felt like thorns aimed at May. As she never expected such a situation to
come, May could not decide how to deal with it.
Elena drank a cup of tea while smiling at her. On the other hand, May shed cold sweat on
her back.
'What should I do?'
It did not matter how Elena knew about her. The fact that she was suspected was
important.
As long as she knew the impure intention of coming to the Grand House, there was no
chance that she would escape the place alive.
'It's funny that I wanted to come here and live, right?'
May laughed bitterly. She just came to the great house, but she couldn't stand the situation
of giving up here because she was so ungrateful.
'In that case, even the great Princess...!'
There was life in May's eyes, trying to let go of everything. Even though revenge failed, just
as Grand Duke Friedrich killed her parents, she also thought of taking her blood to her
companions on the other side.
"Is that your choice?"
May's action did not follow Elena's words, which she paused and threw as if she had read
her mind.
"You didn't struggle to catch a chicken instead of a pheasant, did you?"
"..."
"Why don't you use me?"
What was she talking about? She wanted her to use her to kill her parents? The answer to
the sophistry was in Elena's following words.
"There are some children who hate their parents."
"...!"
Elena put the teacup down on the pedestal and smiled significantly. May didn't leave for a
long time, as if she had been fascinated by the smile.
Sect 5. Fate, Evil, and Coincidence
"You're leaving for the academy the day after tomorrow?"
Grand Duke Friedrich laid down his fork and knife gently. Instead, he grabbed a glass of
wine, spun it around a few times, and took it near his mouth.
"Yes, father."
Elena answered modestly. She was sitting on the left side of the table in reference to Grand
Duke Friedrich at the top of the long table. As it was an official dinner, the maids and the
chef attended, there was a reason to be seen as a father-daughter relationship.
"It's been two years since you returned to school. Wouldn't it be hard to keep up?"
"I learned a lot from Liv during the break."
Grand Duke Friedrich's eyes were on Leabrick, who sat on the right.
"I just did what I was supposed to do."
Elena listened to the conversation and cut the steak into bite-size pieces.
'I won't see these disgusting faces for a while.'
In principle, academic institutes shall live in dormitories without distinction of status, such
as royal families and aristocrats. Unless there is a particular reason, she would not run into
Grand Duke Friedrich or Leabrick. But she didn't mean to relax and make herself
comfortable there. She planned to lay the foundation for the collapse of the Grand House in
the wake of the neglect of Leabrick's surveillance.
'Considering my early graduation, I was given a year at most.'
In principle, she had to attend school for another year, including two years off from school,
but Elena was an exception. She was given the privilege of receiving a diploma even if she
lacked credits because she was the only heir to the Grand House. In the end, the success or
failure of revenge depended on how she used that time spent in the year or so.
After the formal dinner, Elena and Leabrick had tea time separately. The move was aimed
at checking issues that should not be missed before leaving tomorrow.
"As you know, you're not as good as others as you took this year off. I'll tell the dean, so
take one more major and one more course."
"Okay."
"I tell you every time, but don't be nervous. You have to get your head on straight. If there's
anything you can't handle, don't try to handle it alone and tell me first. Do you understand
me?"
"Of course, Liv, don't worry too much. I can do it."
Elena nodded and showed her will. She was pretty reliable, but Leabrick, who sees Elena,
didn't get rid of her troubles.
'Ha, I wouldn't have bothered you so much if you had Lord Lorentz on you.'
If she had been with the experienced man, she would have been able to control her to some
extent in the worst situation. But she couldn't. In the end, the best measure was to be
reported periodically by Anne, who was posted as a watchdog.
"Take Anne and Lunarin as your maids."
Leabrick's tone was more of a command. It was because she believed that it was good in
many ways to have Anne, who will serve as a watchdog, and Lunarin, who is experienced as
the eldest of the maids.
"Liv, you know what... Anne's fine, but can't I take May instead of Lunarin?"
"May?"
"She learned how to work under Madame, so she has very good skills. I like her very much,
she's very attentive."
Leabrick wasn't very happy, but considering her friendship with Madame, she thought it
wasn't bad either.
'If you just bring Anne, it doesn't matter who you take.'
It didn't matter much whether Lunarin or May went. With Anne, the watchman, she can be
regularly briefed on Elena's activities, so that's enough. Leabrick said with good intentions.
"The princess wants it, so take May."
"I thought Liv would understand. Thank you."
Elena gave her a child-like show of joy for doing her a favor.
'I'd like to get her off as well, but if I force her off, it'll only stir up Leabrick's suspicions.'
As long as Anne was accompanied, there was no choice but to restrict some of her behavior.
This part she had to have patience and endure. Instead, she was looking for the reflective
benefits from it.
'Relaxation will soon bring about carelessness.'
Leabrick would think that Elena had her under control just by keeping Anne around. Elena
was thinking of digging into the crack of the guard that the belief brought. Elena, who had
heard enough precautions to be careful at the academy, returned to her room.
"Come on in, everybody."
Lunarin, Jesse, Anne, and May were in line. Elena said, scattering through their faces.
"Anne and May will go to the academy with me, so get ready."
Anne's lips twitched as if she had called for pleasure. May had a complex face, but it was
hard to guess how she felt with just her expression. On the contrary, the expressions of
Lunarin and Jesse, who were not chosen, showed regret. However, it was not a topic to
complain about, so they had swallowed up the disappointment.
"Everyone get out. May's staying for a while."
When the three maids were released, only Elena and May were left in the room. Elena was
the one who dug up the awkward but heavy silence.
"Have you made up your mind yet?"
"..."
Elena smiled at May in front of her. That day, May made no choice. It was impossible to
determine what was right or wrong with Elena's proposal that broke common sense and
prejudice.
Elena told her to leave, saying she would give her time to think, and after May left the room,
she realized that the daughter had let go of the man who tried to kill her father. It was an
unacceptable shock. What child would let go of those who killed their parents? Unless that
child hated their parents.
'Hate.'
May chewed and chewed over the conversation she had with Elena. And today, Elena
wanted to hear the answer to her worries.
"I guess you still haven't made up your mind. Okay, we're going to the academy together, so
take your time answering. I'll wait."
"..."
"Be sure to engrave this. My hatred is no better than yours. Go out."
May didn't budge when asked to go outside. She stood there like a stone statue, with her
two feet tightly attached. May's lips, which were standing discontented, opened.
".... I have no idea. I don't know what kind of person you are. Why do you say this? Why do
you keep me around?"
The words that came out of May's mouth with difficulty contained her confused feelings.
Elena smiled so that May, who managed to speak out, would not feel burdened.
"You don't have to be in a hurry. You can also judge me by your own eyes."
Elena waited for May to come on her own rather than urging her. There was a lot of work to
do when she went to the academy. Then, she needed someone to move Elena's hands and
feet in earnest.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Even if it took a little more time, May recognized that the enemy was a comrade and Elena
waited for May's hand.
Finally, May, who couldn't make any choice, said her goodbyes instead of answering and
left the room. Elena, who was left alone, sat on the window frame. She opened the window
and raised her head, and the full moon fell.
"When the moon falls...."
Elena reached out her hand and clenched her fist like a clasp in the moonlight.
"My morning is coming."
***
In front of the main residence of the Grand Duke all the servants gathered to see Elena off
to the Frontier Academy.
"How long it's been since you've come back... to be away from home again. I don't feel
comfortable."
Grand Duke Friedrich gently hugged Elena and let her go. His face was full of anxiety about
his daughter heading to the academy.
"Don't worry about me and take care of yourself, Father."
Elena also played a filial daughter who loved her father very much and played a kind father
daughter relationship. Some maids, too, seemed to be pitiful and moved to tears.
"Liv, I'll be right back."
"I look forward to you becoming a more intelligent lady, Your Highness."
"I'll try to live up to your expectations."
Elena, who said goodbye, loaded herself into the top-of-the-line carriage. It was not long
before the horseman's whip began to move the wheels of the carriage.
Clattering, clattering.
The carriage, which slowly began to accelerate, escaped the great house at a rapid pace.
The Frontier Academy, located on the outskirts of the Empire's capital, is about a couple of
hours in a carriage. Elena sat with her chin on her hand and organized her thoughts by
looking out the window at the panoramic view of the capital.
'Whether I want to or not, I'll see people with deep connections.'
The first person that comes to mind was Ren. He was currently attending the Faculty of
Swordsmanship at the Academy, and there was a high possibility that he would get
involved in some way. Because he's a human who sees bullying Veronica as the pleasure of
life.
Also, there's him.
'Sian.'
The emperor and husband whom she once loved more than life. They lived as a couple, but
she didn't want to see him if she could because it was a relationship that was worse than
others. Because seeing him in itself reveals the hurt.
'It won't work out my way.'
There was no choice but to bump into each other. In particular, if they stay in a detached
dormitory where only descendants of the royal family, high-ranking aristocrats above the
title of duke, and descendants of the founding meritorious retainer are available, they
would encounter each other.
'I'll pretend I don't know him even if I bump into him by accident. Hurting each other ends
with the previous life.'
By the time Elena was determined, the carriage arrived at the front gate of the Frontier
Academy. After a brief identification, the carriage entered the academy.
Elena looked at the view of the academic institute outside the window. After passing the
familiar clock tower, sculptures, fountains, and training grounds for the Faculty of
Swordsmanship, the wall continued on the basis of the open road. Beyond that, she could
see the roofs of the two-story buildings in the western style, just like small villas.
"We've arrived at the dormitory, Your Highness."
When Elena pointed out the outside with her chin, Anne quickly opened the door of the
carriage. When she got off, she bowed down in silence.
Elena looked around carefully. It was like a garden in a forest where the harmony between
a single dormitory building, a small pool of water, and a laurel tree was well harmonized.
"Are you guys in the back? Move the luggage."
"Yes, Miss."
Anne, who had been distracted by the appearance, began to move her luggage hurriedly.
May also rolled up her arms and helped. Hurelbard looked outside the dormitory to find
out about the surrounding environment. Elena stood in the living room and reception room
on the first floor and pointed out eye-catching things one by one.
"The curtains are old. Replace it. When was this done? Take it off."
Erasing the traces of Princess Veronica, Elena filled the space with frames, curtains and
carpets from the Great House. She was willing to endure this much trouble because she had
to spend a year.
Elena went upstairs to the bedroom when she was somewhat organized. Elena, who looked
around and checked the cleaning condition, sat on the bed with satisfaction.
"We'll have a lot of visitors in the next few days. Don't neglect the hospitality. Especially
Anne, pay attention to refreshments. Wouldn't May be able to follow suit if you set an
example?"
"Of course! Just trust me, miss."
Anne's expression quickly brightened up at the word appointment. She was actually in
trouble because May was older than her. In the meantime, when Elena stepped up and
arranged the order, Anne had no choice but to be flattered.
This reaction was induced by Elena. Elena was planning to train Anne without using her
own hands. Just using May. If Anne, who has a nasty personality, apparently would rhyme
with her seniority and pamper May. Even so, she had a lot of age, and it was difficult to deal
with, because it was visible that she was struggling.
'Can you handle May?'
She was holding her breath now, but May was a poisonous snake. Otherwise, she wouldn't
even have attempted to assassinate the Grand Duke.
"Anne, go down and clean up."
"Yes! Your Highness the Princess."
Anne, who responded forcefully, left the bedroom. Over the closed door, a creaking wooden
staircase was heard. By the time the sound was quiet, Elena took out the emerald brooch
from the drawer's jewelry box.
"May, you should go on an errand separately."
Elena put out the emerald brooch.
"Go to the academy and find out if there is a student named Lucia in the first year of the
archaeological department. If there is, find her and give this to her."
"Yes, Your Highness the Princess."
"You should know one more thing. Anne should never know about this. Right now, from
now onward. Do you understand me?"
May nodded silently. Her face was slightly young, but she swallowed it without asking.
After May was let out, she was so tired.
"Wait a minute. Can I get some sleep?"
Elena lay on the bed as if she were falling. Sleep poured out because of the fatigue
accumulated throughout the ride in the carriage. Elena woke up after a long sleep and
opened her eyes. A dark night came as the sunset stretched beyond Seosan.
"... How long has it been since I slept with such a peace of mind?"
It seemed that the tension was relieved when she left the Grand House to avoid Leabrick's
surveillance. She couldn't believe she slept so long in broad daylight.
Knock, knock.
She heard a knock as she was touching her messy hair and clothes.
"This is May."
"Come in."
May, who opened the door, held out a brooch wrapped in a handkerchief.
"I heard she was in school, but I couldn't find her. I went to the dorm and met her
roommate, and she said she hadn't seen her in a few days."
"Really? I can't help it. Well done."
When May turned around and left the bedroom, Elena put the brooch back in the jewelry
box.
"What kind of person are you, Lucia?"
Elena had never seen Lucia. Despite taking the same liberal arts course, Lucia never
attended, so she had no chance to see her. It was even said that Lucia was the first person
to sign up for classes and skip lectures all year round.
"Did you have any symptoms before the start of course?"
As she found out later, Lucia was unable to stay at the academy and attend lectures.
The northern fever, known as the indigenous disease of the northern region, is
accompanied by a high fever and cough similar to a cold, showing early skin exfoliation. It
was a rare disease in the empire that encompassed the central and southern parts of the
continent, but was often seen among the three-nation alliance and the indigenous people of
the north.
The reason why the northern fever was so scary was that there was no proper treatment.
Unlike a common cold, any medicine was useless. It was enough for doctors to say that the
best treatment was prevention.
Lucia said she had early symptoms of the northern fever and had rushed off for medical
treatment without having enough time to take a leave of absence. Without the
circumstances, she would not have even taken a leave of absence. That's why she was never
able to attend even though the name Lucia was written in the attendance book of the
lecture.
Elena came up with an indelible name with Lucia. Emilio, the head of the Castol
Corporation, who was named in the top ten continents. The first time she heard the name
was when she was just in the wilderness. This is because rumors had spread that Emilio,
the owner of the upper house, who was traveling between the North and the Empire, was
pouring out huge amounts of money to treat his daughter Lucia.
Emilio happened to visit the tribe of the grasslands when he heard that some eastern
grassland tribes had been completely cured of fever. Impressed by the denial to save his
daughter, the tribe of grassland allowed him to stay in the grassland despite being a
stranger.
Did that sincerity reach the sky? Emilio found the medicine that would eventually cure the
northern fever. The medicinal herbs were laminergia petals. Looking for reasons why
grassland tribes did not develop the northern fever, he noted that they regularly ate the
leaves of laminergia flowers.
In the north, where the winter was long, laminergia flowers were not in bloom, so we found
out that laminergia flowers were not edible like the grassland tribes. In the process, he
devoted his life to bankruptcy and wasted his entire estate, but if only his daughter could
be saved, that was enough. How could he compare wealth with the life of his precious
daughter?
Confident of the medicine, he was buoyed by the hope of saving his daughter. He hurried to
see Lucia because he wanted her to get better soon. But Lucia, who had been fighting the
disease well for a long time, believing in her father that she would make her feel better,
couldn't hold out for just one day.
Emilio cried out. He sobbed and wailed in front of Lucia's grave for days and days. Emilio,
who managed to get over his feelings, wrote down a cure for the Northern fever he had
learned. At the end of the year, he wrote that he hoped no one would die of the Northern
Fever like his daughter. And a few days later, Emilio, who lost his reason to live, died. It was
a tragic tragedy indeed.
Elena hated tragedy. This is because she had faced a tragic ending as well as them.
"Lucia, in that sense, you're such a lucky girl."
Elena sat at her desk and took out the finest parchment. After printing ink on a fountain
pen, she wrote it down with a single stroke, folded it, and put it in an envelope.
"Your life, I'll save it. Think of it as a price for borrowing your name."
A year from now. Elena will be touring the academy with her name and status.
The only daughter of the castol merchant and a book-loving archaeological schoolgirl. Her
name was Lucia.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The Frontier Academy is an educational institution that aims to produce outstanding talent
by studying learning and developing various qualities. However, few of the aristocrats
entered the school to learn professional knowledge or study. Children of high-ranking
aristocrats did not pay much attention to the education of academic institutes because they
received private education from their young teachers.
Nevertheless, there is one reason why the aristocratic children cross the threshold of the
academy.
Personal connections.
It is no exaggeration to say that the academy is a compressed version and future of imperial
society. Many of them will be aristocrats who will succeed their parents' titles and move
the empire. In other words, the academy is a social venue for building the necessary
connections. It was impossible to measure the value of the institute just by providing a
space for talented people to gather and build friendships in the future.
Rumors circulated at such an academy that Princess Veronica returned to school after two
years.
The rumor turned out to be true as testimonies continued that they saw a carriage bearing
the seal of the Grand Duke.
The current students called themselves a blessed generation.
Prince Sian to succeed the throne.
Princess Veronica, the only heir to the Grand Duke.
Avella, the eldest daughter of Duke Reinhardt.
Young Ren of the Bastasche family of the new aristocracy.
Just going to the academy at one time with talented people who will lead the empire in the
future opened up an opportunity to approach the center of power. If you can make friends
with those four, your family will change. Students from a small family couldn't stay still.
"I love the taste of black tea."
"Your hand gesture is so graceful."
"Is that all? You treated me to tea, and you're so kind. May I say hello sometimes?"
Elena smiled and drank black tea without saying a word.
'I'm tired.'
Students have already visited for two days, except on the day she came to the dormitory.
Even now, outside the dormitory was crowded with students who wanted to greet her only.
'But I have to put up with it now.'
The reason why she continued to have this nourishing tea time was because of Leabrick's
request. Since all the factions of Princess Veronica in the social world have been broken
down, she said that it was necessary to build friendships with the current students.
Although annoying, Elena's actions are reported to Leabrick through Anne. It wasn't even a
day since she came to the academy, so she didn't have to fly out of her eyes to violate
Leabrick's request.
'To the extent that it doesn't look easy. Let's take it in moderation.'
Elena put the teacup down on the pedestal and said softly.
"Yes, let's have this kind of time often in the future."
"I'll get the blended black tea!"
The young girl's expression brightened with the hope of continuing her friendship with
Elena.
"Yes, I'll take the time to invite you."
Elena never intended to face them again. In other words, the phrase meant, "Don't come to
see me before I make an appointment." After that, she had tea time with guests who visited
her several more times.
Elena pulled up her body and turned on her flag.
"That's enough for today. Send them all back. I drank too much black tea and I feel
nauseous."
"Yes, miss."
May and Anne answered politely and arranged the teacups and plates. Elena, who was
going up to the bedroom on the second floor, stopped on the stairs as if she had an idea.
"May has a separate errand to run, so come up for a moment."
Anne's expression became fierce when Elena pointed at May.
Anne blazed May violently. She didn't seem to like having May do something personal, not
her.
"Anne, when you organize that, get a carpet. Cookie crumbs are a pain in the eye."
"A-alone?"
The carpet weighed a lot, so it was too much for a woman to shake it alone. Elena hardened
her face and asked again.
"What if you're not alone? Are you asking me to help?"
"Oh, no. That's not what I meant. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, miss."
Anne bowed her head with a pale face to apologize. It was because she remembered that
she almost got punished for my small slip of the tongue. Elena, who left Anne alone, came
up to the bedroom with May. Then she pulled out an envelope from among the books she
had put in the drawer.
"Send this letter to Emilio, the head of the Castol Corporation. For urgent use. The only
thing to remember is that they can't know that I sent it."
May received the letter. Her gaze did not fall off the envelope. She seemed to be wondering
why she told her not to let him know.
"Are you curious?"
"How can I."
"I don't mind you reading it. There's no reason to hide it. You're good enough if you get the
message to the Castol Corporation."
"...!"
May's eyes shook violently at the words she threw. It was obvious that she was agitated
without understanding Elena's intentions. Elena gave her a small parchment with a
significant smile.
"Get me the things listed here. You can't leave anything out."
May's eyebrows wiggled as she skimmed through the list on the parchment. There were
many unknown items such as wigs, glasses without lenses, and color cosmetics. Among
them, the most suspicious was the name tag of the academy.
'Lucia?'
Wasn't it the name of the girl Elena who asked her to bring her brooch yesterday? Why did
she need a name tag with the name of someone other than Elena's? It was all beyond her
imagination.
"What's all this? Why do they want me to buy this? That's the kind of questions you have."
"..."
"I want you to take your time to figure it out. If you buy them, pack them well and leave
them with Sir Hurelbard. But you should never tell Anne what you bought. Don't let
yourself get caught, okay?"
"Yes, Your Highness the Princess."
She said she knew it, but why did she tell her not to get caught by Anne? She's a maid.
Questions increased but the answer was hardly found. From the beginning until now, May
had no idea what the princess was thinking.
"You're a bright kid, so I don't have to say it twice. Go ahead. Oh, don't forget to get Anne
some cookies, because you'll need an excuse."
"Okay."
"Tell Anne to come up for a moment on the way."
May bowed down and hurried out of the bedroom. When she stood by the window, she saw
May leaving the dormitory in a hurry.
"Now shall we give the donkey a carrot?"
When Elena's talk to herself was over, a terrifying knock was heard. It was Anne.
"... You asked for me."
"Come here."
Looking at Anne, who was intimidated, Elena spoke kindly. Anne came close, perplexed by
Elena's softened tone. Elena rolled over Anne's hair, which had been scattered while
moving the carpet.
"Anne, do you know? How much I trust and depend on you."
"M-me?"
"Of course. Who's here but you?"
Anne was embarrassed by Elena's affectionate touch and tone, but she was a little relieved
that her owner gave her this warmth.
"I really didn't know. I thought Her Highness the Princess hated me...."
"Me hate you? How is that possible? May may be good at work, but she isn't very emotional.
So you're the one I always take with me. And I just sent May on an errand didn't I?"
Anne's freckled cheekbones rose and a smile spread. Contrary to Anne's expectations, she
was fooled by the idea of keeping her by her side because she trusted and relied on her.
When the atmosphere was ripe, Elena quietly got up from the sofa and took out the jewelry
box from the drawer. Among them, she picked up a ruby ring, what's more, although
gorgeous, it's hard to get the price it deserves because of its rough workmanship.
"Give me your hand."
"M-miss?"
"Come on."
Anne reached out her hand with a puzzled expression. Elena put a ring on Anne's finger
which had become bumpy while doing chores.
"It suits you well as if it was yours. Take it, it's yours."
"What? How can I do this..."
Anne's greedy eyes did not fall off the ruby ring, though she refused to speak. Elena gave an
angelic smile.
"You deserve it. Breaking your body every day, don't you think?"
"Thank you. Thank you."
Ann was moved to tears and bowed her head to express her thanks. How can she not be
thrilled to receive an expensive ring that she would never wear with a maid's salary.
"Don't forget to keep it a secret from May."
"Of course! I'll keep this forever. Every time I sleep, I'll thank my princess a hundred times,
no, a thousand times and sleep."
Elena sent out Anne, who was intoxicated with ecstasy. Anne was dazed that she might be
dreaming until the moment she left. She told Anne to keep it a secret, but it was obvious
that the promise wouldn't last even a few days. Anne had a proud personality and would
try to show off how much she's appreciated.
Elena was not interested in it either way. May won't react to Anne's bragging.
"Liv, you said it, didn't you? The more blind a human being is, the easier it is to deal with
them."
Greed blinded people. For a while, even if she had May run a personal errand, Anne would
not pay much attention to that in the illusion that Elena trusts and relies on herself.
Making Anne think that Elena trusts her. That means the ruby ring was worth it.
***
The eve. It is a festival organized by the Academy on the eve of the opening of the semester.
The purpose of the event is to turn around the morale of freshmen and students who have
to concentrate on their studies throughout the year. On this day, there were many things to
see and enjoy as outside stalls came in and performances were held inside the academy.
Students from the aristocracy criticized the eve as a dirty event. However, as it was an
opportunity to experience the lives of ordinary people indirectly without caring about their
dignity or authority, many students from aristocrats also joined together.
On the contrary, students from ordinary people who received sponsorship or entered the
school through donations welcomed the eve of the festival. Art festivals, swordsmanship,
and academic events are cited as the three major festivals of academic institutions.
However, for students from ordinary people who are under pressure from their
performance throughout their school years, the three major festivals had to show results.
So for ordinary people, the real festival was only on the eve.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"I heard the eve was held, aren't you going?"

Anne asked Elena, who was stuck in the bedroom all day long, when she looked at her. In
the past, it was inconceivable that Anne would speak to Elena first. However, after
receiving the ruby ring, she often asked her whether she felt trusted.
"I don't have to participate just because it's a festival, do I?"
"Still..."
"It doesn't fit my class. I'm not interested in playing at a vulgar level."
Elena said so and peeked at Anne. Her drooping shoulders and facial expressions showed
signs of regret that she could not go to the eve event.
"Why don't you go alone?"
"What? Oh, no."
Elena gave an angelic smile.
"I heard there are a lot of things to see at the night market on the eve. If you don't see it
today, you'll regret it forever."
"C-can I really go?"
"Well, if I need anything, I'll have May do it. Take it easy."
When the unexpected permission fell, Anne hurried out of the bedroom, looking excited.
For a while, she heard busy footsteps downstairs, and Anne was seen running out of the
window.
"May!"
Elena, who confirmed Anne was leaving the dormitory, called May and ordered her.
"Bring me what you left with Sir Hurelbard."
Elena got up from her chair when May brought a bag wrapped in a wrapper.
"Let's go out for a while."
Elena left the dormitory with May without telling her the destination.
"I'll follow."
When Hurelbard, who was in charge of the safety of the dormitory, tried to follow as if it
was natural, Elena shook her head and dissuaded him.
"You don't have to go with me Sir. It's rather troublesome."
"There are a lot of outsiders coming in today because of the festival. Moving alone can be
dangerous."
The eve is a festival. Non-student citizens can freely enter academic institutes today.
However, few humans were large enough to cause accidents at academic conferences
guaranteed by the imperial family.
"I'm not interested in the eve. I'm going to read some books at the central library."
"But..."
"I think it'll be uncomfortable if you follow me."
When Elena was adamant, Hurelbard could no longer step forward and stepped down.
Although it was annoying, the institute boasted excellent security so that nothing unsavory
had happened since its opening. Hurelbard decided to trust the guards and the deployed
capital knights.
After leaving the dormitory, Elena passed the street trees and headed to the central library.
Enrolled students who she met while going to the eve, did not cross five fingers. In the
central library, there were students from low-ranking aristocrats or commoners who
devoted themselves to their studies regardless of the festival, but they were also a minority.
Elena passed the reading room and went up the stairs to the second floor. When she went
up to the fourth floor around the corner at the end of the hall, there was a quiet corridor.
May wondered. She couldn't guess why Elena visited the library.
If there was a library atmosphere up to this floor, the third floor had an old-fashioned feel,
as if the Imperial Palace had been relocated.
Elena opened the marble door in the middle of the hall and entered. There were neatly
displayed bookshelves, sofas, and wooden desks made of paulownia. The wood on the desk
faded as if it were a very old thing, and the sofa was worn out.
"This is a recording studio. It's the space that the Royal Family gave to our family when the
academy opened. These desks are historical items used by my father, my great-grandfather,
my great-great-grandfather, and perhaps even higher-ups."
Elena's tone was dull, even though she might have pride. If it had been her previous life, she
would have been overwhelmed by herself living as a daughter of such a great family, but
now there was only hatred in Elena's heart.
Elena walked toward the opposite wall. There were portraits of the ancestors of the
Friedrichs. Among the dogs were the portraits of Grand Duke Friedrich's youth.
"You guys have such ugly faces. Isn't that right?"
"..."
May didn't know what to answer, so she shut her mouth.Although Elena revealed that she
hated her father, Grand Duke Friedrich, she could not recklessly agree. Only hatred
remained in Elena's heart.
"May, open up what you brought here."
May quickly opened the wrapping paper and arranged the items he had bought out on the
table. There were various types of wigs, eyelashes, and color cosmetics, and there were
thirty different types alone. Elena asked, touching them one by one.
"Do you have any idea what I'm going to do?"
"... I don't know."
"I'm in trouble if you don't know. From now on, you have to help."
May blinked as if she didn't know what she was talking about.
***
<The Alchemy of Makeup>
It is the book that Elena was most interested in during her stay in the safe house. There
were secrets about the costumes, makeup, and makeup of actors, mostly in plays, operas,
and musicals. Practical make-up techniques were also important, but Elena came up with a
more important element.
The atmosphere changes when the impression changes.
When the atmosphere changes, people change.
What does Princess Veronica look like in other people's eyes? I approached it with the
thought that if I could erase that, I would be able to wear perfect makeup.
What does Princess Veronica look like in other people's eyes? She approached it with the
thought that if she could erase that, she would be able to wear perfect makeup.
"Please draw the ends of my eyes a little droopy."
A person's impression varies from his or her eyes.
"Shade the jawline. Let it lose its shadow."
If you kill the jawline, you'll get a soft impression.
"Remember this makeup. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
May answered, but couldn't stop wondering why she wore such makeup.
The make-up hid Elena's noble features in her nature and made her into a common
impression.
"That's not bad. Can you help me with my wig now? "
May, who rolled Elena's blond hair tightly so as not to be disturbed in advance, grabbed a
bobbed-haired wig and put it on her head. When the inner pin was locked to the hair and
fixed firmly, the original blonde disappeared without a trace.
"May, take off my necklace and earrings."
Elena's long white neckline was clearly revealed. In itself, it was long and beautiful like a
deer, but she couldn't get rid of the feeling of boredom.
"Glasses."
May picked up the black rimmed glasses and handed them to her.
A prop is the completion of makeup. Glasses were once popular among middle-aged
aristocrats, and recently developed into a practical form for vision correction. These days,
it was worn by many people regardless of age or gender. Elena wore the glasses.
"What do you think? It's pretty cool, isn't it?"
May was at a loss how to react. Elena's satisfied smile spread around her mouth as she
stared into the mirror.
"Who would look at me like this and think I'm Princess Veronica?"
Impression was not at the level of change. Elena in the mirror was like a completely
different person.
Drooping eyes that made her look gentle. A round jawline that killed the sharpness. Neat
yet gentle straightened, bobbed hair. Black horn-rimmed glasses that made her look
studious. She was confident that even if Baron Frederick or Chesana saw her, they wouldn't
notice her.
"......I can't find traces of her anywhere. You're like a different person."
"That's a good answer."
May, who was watching Elena who was satisfied without words, couldn't bear the question
and asked.
"With all due respect, may I ask you why you're wearing this disguise?"
"Because I have to deceive."
"Who do you think you're deceiving?"
May asked back, feeling answerable to an unsolved mystery.
"Not one or two. There are a lot of times when you can't see it inside."
Elena, who left a meaningful remark, woke up from her chair. Maybe because of her
changed appearance, May felt Elena was so heterogeneous.
"I'll have to go to the eve."
"In that outfit?"
"Didn't I tell you? I have a lot of enemies. The name Veronica, its identity, is all a burden to
me."
Elena left a meaningless remark and grabbed the doorknob that went out.
"You're going to wait here."
"Are you sure you don't mind going alone?"
Although the academic institution's security is good, the eve was a festival where even
common people hang out. She was afraid that she might be involved in an unsavory affair.
"The institution's security is pretty good. Who else would see me as a Princess on such a
day? Don't worry and rest."
Elena, who said goodbye, turned around and left the recording room. She ran into the
librarian as he came downstairs, but she didn't seem to care much. This is because most
students do not even know if there is a record room for influential families in the central
library, but some students often come to see it for field trips.
Elena went down the stairs and brushed shoulders with the librarian.
"That's strange. No one else went up except your Highness and her maid..."
Looking at Elena's back, which was getting farther away, the librarian muttered to herself.
It was a very small word, but Elena heard it clearly. And she was as happy as a child that
the librarian didn't recognize her.
"The disguise is quite successful."
Security guards and librarians working in the central library must be familiar with their
names and faces after receiving portraits of high-ranking aristocrats in advance. In other
words, she knew Veronica's appearance but did not recognize Elena as the same person.
"How long has it been since I've had this freedom?"
Elena felt liberated for a while. It was so comfortable now that she could do whatever she
wanted, free of Leabrick's surveillance, oppression, and regulations. However, such feelings
did not last long. She realized that she was also pretending to be Lucia, not her true self.
"Let's not be mistaken. It's not freedom. Real freedom can only be enjoyed when revenge is
over."
Elena stepped into the plaza where the eve festival was in full swing, taking care of her
excitement for a while. It was bright from a distance, but when she arrived near the square,
it was as bright as day.
There is a saying that the highlight of the eve is the night market. It wasn't wrong when she
looked around the night market. An innumerable number of tents lined up, creating a street
filled with food and entertainment.
"...!"
Elena's expression, which was moving through the crowded crowd, hardened. Anne was
standing in front of her, of all things.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

She wasn't alone, but she was laughing and talking with a pretty good-looking man, and
judging by the feeling of awkwardness, it felt like they had just met on the eve.
"What should I do?"
There were so many people that it was not easy to pull out, so it was hard to go back.
'Let's not avoid her. If I can't fool Anne, I'll always be caught.'
Elena, who chose to go head-to-head, walked confidently toward Anne.
"Ho-ho, you're having so much fun."
Anne's eyes, covering her mouth and laughing, collided head-on with Elena, who was
walking ahead.
"..."
In less than a second, Anne turned her head aside. She was busy talking in front of a
stranger, but she seemed to not be interested in Elena.
Quickly.
Elena, who passed Anne like that, breathed a short sigh of relief. She was unknowingly
nervous, but when Anne didn't recognize her, she gained confidence.
"Let's hurry."
Elena hurried to the western square. Outside the main street of food and play, the western
square came out. There were many exotic stalls.
Among them, there was a place where students from the art department sell their talents to
earn money.
In the Faculty of Arts, most of them were the second son of a nobleman or the students who
were admitted as scholarship students with sponsorship, so there were many who needed
such extra income. The main clients were enrolled students from aristocrats or wealthy
middle class who could afford them.
Portraits of famous artists were so expensive that it was difficult for even a nobleman to
own more than one.
As a result, students in the arts department who were talented but had yet to build a
reputation often asked for portraits at low prices.
Elena looked from place to place to find the man who had suffered. She also endured the
hassle of looking through the drawing papers on the easel to find the faces of the students
in the Faculty of Arts. As a result, Elena was able to find the man she was looking for.
"I'm finally seeing him."
Elena's eyes, standing in the distance and looking at the man, were soaked with regret. The
unordered orange hair, the old-fashioned single eyeglasses, and the suspiciously stiff
expression that he was not angry at all... He was still young, but he was exactly what Elena
remembered.
Unlike other art students who are eager to paint their clients' portraits, his front seat was
empty, perhaps because of his hard and difficult-looking impression.
But Elena knows. How kind of a person he is.
"Laugh a little. That's why I'm told loneliness suits you, Dr. Raphael."
During her time as a queen, he was appointed as a court painter and became Elena's
painting teacher. The appointment of a young painter, who was only 21 years old at the
time, as a court painter recognized and recognized by the imperial family was shocking
enough to resonate. However, no one could refute Raphael's appointment as a court
painter.
Elena recalled his assessment from the public.
A painter who had changed the vein of painting for centuries, a pioneer in the Renaissance.
In addition, there were countless modifiers referring to Raphael.
Raphael was a historical figure who was the starting point of the cultural movement in the
Empire, where the imperial power weakened and the tyranny of the nobles intensified.
'I was so fascinated by the emperor... I didn't know what a wonderful man this man was.'
Looking back, Elena craved Sian's affection to the point where she was almost obsessed.
Starting to learn painting was also part of efforts to get closer to Sian, who was artistic.
When she put down her useless obsession and took a step back, she realized that this man,
who was regarded as a painting teacher, was great again.
"Am I your first customer?"
"Maybe. Look at me and sit comfortably."
Elena smiled as if she knew it would happen and sat down with her hips attached to her
chair. She did not forget to sit diagonally so that she could see Raphael.
"How long will it take?"
"Two hours at most is enough."
If another artist had heard of it, they would have cursed him as a swindler. The theory was
that portraits can be completed to a level that is worth seeing after more than four hours of
hard work.
But Elena didn't say those words. She was familiar with Raphael's natural drawing skills,
and that he drew quickly, so she never spoke.
"I draw faster than you do, but this painting contains my lifelong efforts."
Elena readily accepted.
"I'm glad it's fast. What's the price?"
"There is no fixed amount. You can pay after looking at the picture."
Raphael held a pencil in his hand for the sketch. Every time his gaze went back and forth
between easel and Elena, countless lines were drawn on the pure white canvas.
Elena looked at Raphael without any movement.
'I need to get this guy.'
The real reason for visiting the eve. It was to make Raphael her person. They are only
current students who have nothing to see. However, three years from now, his <The Fall of
an Angel> is released, and the imperial art world is shaken.
Naturally, Raphael's paintings were traded for astronomical sums of money, and the
paintings that were recognized as famous paintings fell below half the value, saying they
were outdated.
Elena planned to prepare for the changing future in advance. To do so, she wanted to sign a
contract with Raphael and have the right to publish and sell his work exclusively.
"It's done."
Two hours later, Raphael put down his paintbrush.
"Would you like to take a look?"
"Yes, I want to see it."
Elena rose from her chair and approached Raphael's back. Elena's eyes deepened when she
saw the portrait painted on the canvas.
'It's not his style I know?'
The colorful colors were like that, but as if it were exaggerated, the feminine feeling was
somewhat alien. This is because beautification, a characteristic of the old-fashioned style of
painting, was mainly this.
'This is a picture of a client's favor.'
Elena didn't expect that the self-respecting Raphael would paint such a picture.
"Do you like it?"
If another young lady commissioned Raphael's portrait painting, they would have been
satisfied. It's because people want to hide their inferior complex and make use of their
strengths to the fullest.
"No."
Elena was not an ordinary person. Raphael's eyes, which were calm, as if this reaction was
unexpected, shook.
"What specifically makes you not happy?"
"This is not what I wanted."
"..."
"This portrait is a lie."
Elena pointed to her portrait on the canvas.
"The woman in there, and your painting style."
"...!"
When Elena pointed out the style, Raphael, who was expressionless, frowned. The style of
painting is inherent to the painter. It's impossible to be happy to trip that over.
"Am I the only one who feels that way?"
"..."
"What I wanted to see was your real painting."
Stopping. Raphael couldn't refute that remark.
"Not the kind of painting that caters to other people to make money, but my painting. But I
seemed to have wanted too much."
Elena took out the gold coins and put them on the table.
She turned coldly away from the painting without even looking at it.
'I didn't expect this.'
Elena was upset as Elena said. In her memory, Raphael was a man who had a strong sense
of pride in painting and was united by his faith in art. A picture that did not contain the
artist's observational power and insight was not treated as a picture even if it was well
drawn.
When she was empress, he was so determined that he scolded Elena, who only tried to
capture her appearance.
Is it because of that? She was looking forward to seeing the portraits painted by Raphael all
the way here. It may not be as good as it was in court, but she believed that Raphael's
painting could be a soothing agent for the body and mind making her tired of revenge just
by looking at it. However, his paintings were disappointing.
'You might not be good enough. Because you're still young.'
Elena was really angry because he was so contradictory to what Raphael told her at the
imperial palace.
'It's just a painting to sell to others. This isn't right. He was even showing off the style that
everyone else uses.'
Elena did not want him to paint a good street portrait, or a painting with soul. Instead, she
wanted him to draw a picture that was a little sincere.
But now he was painting a picture that Raphael despised the most. She was so
disappointed.
'Let's go back today.'
Raphael was necessary for revenge. But she didn't want to see him today.
Raphael couldn't take his eyes off Elena. Her face was half gone. Then Raphael came to his
senses and ran and grabbed Elena's wrist.
"Oh!"
When Elena looked back in embarrassment, Raphael was looking fiercely.
"Who are you?"
"Let go of me."
"What the hell are you talking about, like you know everything about my paintings?"
Elena glared at Raphael who didn't let go of her wrist.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"I told you. At least I can tell you whether it's your real style or not, whether it's a true
drawing or not."
"You've never seen my painting before, how do you know it? By what standards?"
Raphael was quite agitated. It was true that he also drew elements that the client would
like in an ordinary and popular style. That way he can make money. He has not yet painted
with his immature technique or style of painting. No, he didn't. He has yet to fully establish
his identity in his paintings.
But this woman was saying that Raphael's paintings were fake. As if she had seen Raphael's
real paintings.
"Because it's awkward. It's uncomfortable. It's too much."
"...!"
"That's the answer, right? Let go of me."
Elena gave her strength to shake off Raphael's hand roughly. Then she stroked her swollen
red wrist and looked back. Raphael, who belatedly realized that he had made a mistake due
to his agitation, quickly spoke.
"Just this once. Can I have your name? I apologize for what happened a while ago. So..."
"Are you curious about that? Then think about that."
Elena, who was offended, left coldly without looking back after leaving an answer.
When Raphael saw Elena moving away, he never thought of catching her. No, he couldn't
move a foot.
Elena's words wandered in his mind. It was quite a while before Raphael's mouth, which
had been standing firm for a long time, opened.
"What was I drawing?"
Sect. 6 — L.
The academy opened. Students took major and liberal arts courses belonging to the
undergraduate department and visited lectures to obtain credits needed for graduation.
There were some students who deliberately found and took courses that they needed, but
most of the aristocrats did not take liberal arts courses as they did not interfere with
graduation even if they took only major courses.
On the other hand, a commoner also choked on liberal arts to gain experience for their
career after graduation. In that context, it was enough for Elena to take classes at the
Department of Education and Social Affairs, which is also her major. However, it was under
the premise that she did not take a year off.
Leabrick wanted Elena to acquire two years' worth of credits that could not be
accumulated due to her absence from school. The connections and diplomas of academic
institutions are important, but it is considered inefficient to waste two years or time. Had it
been too long, she would have consulted with the dean and made Elena graduate early with
a third-grade grade.
But that's later. Currently, Elena had no choice but to take liberal arts courses to complete
her grades, except for her major classes.
"Look, Princess Veronica."
"Wow, she does feel different when I see her up close. Maybe it's because we have different
bloodlines?"
"You know, I'm so nervous I can't even make eye contact."
When Elena appeared in the lecture on 'Continental History,' the common people could not
take their eyes off her. It was because it was so rare for the aristocrats and ordinary people
to overlap because the lectures they take were different. Among them, it was the first time
to take a lecture with Princess Veronica of the Friedrich family, the chief of the Empire's
four dukes.
'The shell is the princess, and I'm no different from them.'
It was very funny. The mere use of her name and status as Princess Veronica makes them
look up to her. After all, she's a fallen aristocrat who's no better than a rich commoner.
The back door of the lecture room opened. As the lecture began soon, the book was opened
in advance and the attention was focused on the fact that the professor was waiting for
him.
"Wow, the lower ones are also passionate. You're trying to climb up somehow, right?"
Ren, with curly hair and a bad impression, clapped and laughed sarcastically at the
students preparing for the lecture.
"It's R-Ren, isn't it?"
"Why of all people."
"What should I do? Should I give up my liberal arts degree?"
The faces of the students watching Ren were filled with despair. No matter how commoner
students are, they have no connection with the aristocracy. However, there were no
students who did not know Ren, who is considered one of the schools' heads. On a day
when they get into a quarrel or disliked by Ren, their academic life would turn into hell.
Ren was as persistent as he was. Nearly ten students left the academy last year alone,
unable to endure the pain.
Elena's expression wasn't good either. She was not revealed, but she was embarrassed by
the unexpected appearance of Ren.
'How come? Ren didn't take this class. I remember clearly.'
Elena, who was confused, couldn't help but admit. Her past life and reality have changed.
Otherwise, it was not explained why Ren now took this Continental History course.
'I didn't want this.'
She had never dreamed that her first meeting with Ren, which had been twisted, would
lead to this result and another thorny path.
Ren grinned and approached Elena. He sat at the student's desk sitting next to Elena behind
the classroom.
"I'm not very close to the professor. Aren't there a lot of vacancies elsewhere?"
"What? P-Please sit here."
Frustrated by the blatant threat, the boy took his book and quickly moved. Ren, sitting in an
empty seat, sat with his chin in a stiff position and saw Elena.
"I know that look."
"..."
"It's the face you make when you're happy, right?"
Ren grinned. It was as if he was enjoying Elena's reaction.
Elena looked at him with a cold look.
"This isn't a coincidence, is it?"
"It's a coincidence. Planned coincidence!"
Ren didn't leave a smile on his lips that was pleasant. By nature, he was a vicious person
who enjoyed the appearance of bullying and embarrassment. Elena struggled to keep her
composure at this unwelcome reunion. It bothered her, but there was no reason for Elena
to be swayed unless Ren knew she was a substitute. She felt at ease when she realized that.
"I hope you have a student's duty in that planned coincidence."
Elena turned her eyes to the front when she spoke bluntly. This is because the professor in
charge of continental history entered the lecture room and the lecture began. As it became
difficult to continue the conversation anymore, Ren relented and folded his arms. But his
gaze didn't fall from Elena.
"To discuss the history of the continent, we must talk about the Gaia Church. We need to
look back on the origin of mythology and history and civilization that we have achieved in
that relationship. Then..."
Throughout the lecture, Ren's eyes never fell off Elena. He turned the chair and stared at
her outright. Elena was sick and tired of the persistent eyes.
'Let's not be conscious.'
Elena focused neatly on the lecture without paying attention. History was mysterious and
deep, so it was interesting to hear it again, even though she already knew it. In particular,
the aspects of history that were not seen at the time seemed to be different, perhaps after
living a curved life.
"That's all for today's lecture."
The professor finished the lecture by covering up the textbook. As soon as the professor
left, the students left the classroom like a low tide. They seemed to be in a hurry because
they were worried that they would get into a quarrel with Ren.
Elena, like them, rose from the chair. She ignored Ren, who was still looking at her chin, and
tried to leave the classroom.
Abruptly.
Elena was walking by and Ren stretched out his legs.
"Huh? Uh!"
Even in situations where she could lose her balance and fall, Elena quickly held up her skirt
and extended her other foot forward to support herself.
'That's what you do.'
She had been in trouble because she had been through this so much in her last life. Being
calm with that nasty personality meant that she had a different dream.
"Oh! That's quick?"
Elena did not fall, but she lost her hold of continental history books. Elena pointed and
snapped coldly at him.
"You'll pick it up, right?"
"Am I being threatened, now?"
"Pick it up."
Ren shrugged his shoulders and shivered.
"Is it okay to make me act like I'm under your roof?"
"Ha, I don't want to deal with you because you're childish."
Elena bent down and picked up the book, thinking that talking itself was a waste of time.
She shook the dusty cover of the floor with her hand and put the book in her waist.
"You, lower."
Ren stared at Elena with a suspicious look.
"I'm sick of you."
Elena, who responded, left the classroom without looking back. He didn't seem to follow
her, given that she couldn't feel anything behind her back.
"My memory is pretty good, right?"
Elena looked to the side in surprise. Ren, who left the classroom, said, walking side by side.
"Wasn't your scar on the other side?"
"...!"
Elena did not budge from most provocations, but she had no choice but to breathe in.
"I definitely remember that."
When Ren fell with persistent bites, Elena's palm, which was holding a book, was covered
with cold sweat. Elena only heard that there was a scar and that she was injured, but she
couldn't tell exactly whether it was left or right.
When Elena came to the Grand Park, Veronica's maids had already changed. Elena had to
be nervous as well. It was obvious that Elena's plan would be disrupted if Ren found out
that she was a substitute for her.
"The most uncertain thing in the world is human memory, right?"
"I've never heard of this."
"Then you can live in blind faith in your memory."
Elena didn't back down and had the guts. As soon as he showed signs of shaking or
embarrassment, she knew it was over, so she had to go strong.
"Am I mistaken?"
"Yes."
Elena, who cut off the conversation with a single answer, hurried to leave because she did
not even want to continue. Ren stopped chasing Elena and started walking slowly. He
murmured as he saw Elena moving away.
"Well, it's the rainy season... Am I confused too?"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Leabrick's office. The room, filled with reports and documents from all over the Empire,
was filled with the smell of ink and the soggy aroma of parchment.
Two types of correspondence lay side by side in the eye of Leabrick. One came from Elena,
and the other was sent by Anne, who had been placed as a watchdog.
Elena mainly talked about everyday life, dormitory life, and how she was doing. On the
contrary, Anne wrote down Elena's track record from the time she arrived at the
dormitory. There were signs of trying to write down in detail as much as possible where
she went, what she ate, and whom she met.
"It's weird."
Leabrick couldn't figure out why she was doing this. Elena could not act arbitrarily since
she was locked in the fence called the academic institution. All eyes in the academy were
directed at Elena, so whatever she did, she would shine in front of their eyes. Nevertheless,
deep down, the buds of taint anxiety did not easily disappear.
Knock, knock. She heard a knock.
"This is Lorentz."
"Come in."
Lorentz, a knight who entered the room, greeted her with a brief greeting with his forearm
on his stomach. His appearance of breathing wildly seemed somewhat urgent.
"What's going on?"
Since he is Lorentz, who does not appear to be disorganized in most cases, Leabrick
solidified her expression after assuming that something unusual had happened.
"I have been informed that Princess Veronica is in critical condition."
"You said she was over the hump yesterday, right?"
"The poison penetrated into her organs in blood vessels all night and recurred....
Overnight."
Leabrick's face darkened. Princess Veronica, addicted to mysterious poison, could not wake
up and die like this. It would be a big deal. In order to put out the emergency fire, Elena was
acting like her, but she was only a substitute.
If Veronica dies, the Grand Duke Friedrich will be cut off, and if things go wrong, the
centuries-old reign of the Grand Duke Friedrich family could have ended. Not only that, but
the hundred-year-old Bastasche family, who stood up as the leader of the new aristocracy,
would also show their teeth to bite the weakened great house.
"Your Highness?"
"He is being guarded by his side from the inside of the safe house."
Even though Grand Duke Friedrich was cold-blooded, if anything happened to his only
child, Princess Veronica, he would be terrified.
"We need an antidote. Somehow."
Leabrick thought it was so absurd and ridiculous even now. Poison. It was funny that the
only princess of the Friedrich family, who is said to be the Grand Duke above the imperial
family, was addicted to poison, but it was even more absurd that they could not find the
antidote even with the power of the Grand Duke that even dropped birds.
"It's been two years. If there's no antidote after searching the continent like this, it could be
something that really doesn't exist."
"Viscountess, how can you say that!"
Lorentz unknowingly spoke up at Leabrick's profane remarks.
This is because there was something that should never be said as a retainer loyal to the
Grand Duke.
Leabrick was lost in thought, tapping her finger on the desk.
"If detoxification is difficult, we may have to change our minds."
Leabrick's expression became determined. It was due to her own conclusion.
"Fighting poison with poison."
Use another poison to get rid of it. It was the only antidote offered by a few doctors. It was
dangerous enough to take Veronica's life, but there was no choice now. It was also a
limitation to prevent the spread of poison by using all kinds of treatments. If left untouched
further, it would be tantamount to neglecting Veronica's death.
"Lord Lorentz, let's go to the safe house. Right now."
In order to avoid the worst, it was a time when they had to choose the sub-evil.
***
Elena did her duty as a student by attending lectures and going back and forth to the
dormitory. Sometimes she stopped by the central library to borrow books or study on her
own.
All that's special is that girls who wanted to get close to Elena took the courage to say
something. Even that was regrettable because Elena didn't want to hang out with the line.
Some boys, who were audacious, approached with their sexual affinity, were intimidated
by Elena's cold attitude. Unconsciously, Elena's body was overwhelmed by the appearance
and authority of the empress. After that time, the students who were hovering around gave
up getting close to Elena.
"Wow, how can a person change like that? She seems like a different person."
"I know. How can a woman who was more evil than the devil be so gentle?"
"Devil! Watch your language. Or you'll get your tongue pulled out."
"What's wrong with that? Are you going to tell on me?"
Two years ago, the girls who remembered the image of Princess Veronica, who was
attending the academy, mumbled. It was because she regularly gathered female students in
his class, lectured them, and picked out the young girls she didn't like and bullied him like a
witch hunt.
Rumor has it that she almost died because of poor health. Therefore, there were even
rumors within the academy that she might have changed. Anyway, now Veronica has
become like a different person from two years ago. She did not harm or harass others, nor
did she rally her faction. As the connections and factions of the academy soon lead to the
social world, it was clearly different from Avella, the eldest daughter of the Duke of
Reinhardt.
When the name Veronica, which had been in the spotlight for a long time, calmed down,
Elena, who was holding her breath, moved.
"Don't try to deceive others, but let others deceive themselves."
Elena drank black tea with an old saying. The gathering of young men and women forced
gossip to pour into the academy. It was only natural that interest in Veronica was not the
same as before amid the provocative flood of gossip.
"May, come in for a second."
Elena quietly brought May into the bedroom.
"You have something to do."
Elena took a sheet of parchment out of the drawer and stuck it out. When May received it,
the names she saw for the first time were written in full.
Camille de Haneh.
Randol Lake.
Centonio.
Lil Puccini.
Christina Marinus.
...
At a rough estimate, there were nearly thirty.
"You should go to the guild."
"Guild?"
"Yeah, how they live now, what they do. What else is lacking and what do they need? What
is their family relationship? Don't leave anything out and get to know everything."
The Guild is a private organization that performs security, surveillance, flight, investigation,
escort, kidnapping, etc. at the request of its client.
Not only did they make legal requests, but they did not hesitate to make illegal requests if
the amount was met.
"We should never reveal our track record. I want you to handle it in a private and quiet
manner. Can you do that for me?"
"... I understand."
Although not directly mentioned, May felt vague trust in Elena's words.
There was a vague expectation that May would be able to handle all of it perfectly.
"Tell the guild that I want the results as soon as possible. I'll pay them whatever it takes to
pay."
Although she was a substitute, her reputation was the status of Princess Veronica. It was
limited, but she could afford to cover enough of the guild's request costs.
May nodded as if to say she knew what she meant.
"Oh, while you're out, send this letter to the Castol Corporation."
"This time not revealing the sender again?"
"Of course. No one in the world but you and me should know."
Elena, who sent May out, finished drinking black tea that had cooled down. Elena left the
room to tidy up her messy school uniform.
"Anne, I can't concentrate because I'm stuck in the dormitory. I'll be back at the library, so
please keep it organized."
"Yes, miss. Have a safe trip."
Anne saw Elena off without any doubt. When Elena arrived at the central library, Elena
went straight to the archives. Most of the students didn't pay attention even after seeing
Elena, perhaps because she had been in and out of the reading room frequently.
Elena, who came to the recording room without anyone interrupting, locked the door. Then
she took out the disguise items she had hidden inside the bookshelf. Despite the unfamiliar
makeup method, it was the second time, so she was surprisingly speeding up. Even when
she supplemented the parts she didn't like, she was able to make it more natural.
"Should I change my name tag?"
Elena took off the name tag Veronica from her school uniform and put on a name tag with
the name Lucia on it. There was no problem with the eve festival because she was in dress,
but school regulations required students to wear name tags while wearing school uniforms.
Elena, who left the archives after dressing up, was a completely different person. Her short
hair and horn-rimmed glasses go well with her name which was Lucia, a freshman in the
archaeology department.
After leaving the central library, Elena hurried to the other side of the dormitory. Elena
headed to the western annex, not the undergraduate building.
Regardless of their status, the Academy provided the best environment for talented
students. It was evident from the fact that individual art studios were provided to each
individual so that students of the Faculty of Arts could devote themselves to their work in
the annex.
At the end of the inquiry, she heard that Raphael's studio was at the end of the hallway
under the annex, so she went there. Because it was so remote, human beings were rare, and
it smelled damp.
"You have bad taste."
It was mysterious how a person with this closed tendency could paint a work that broke
such stereotypes.
"Are you there?"
Elena opened the slanted wooden door. Unlike the hallway, the studio that she took a peek
into was not at all sunny, making the room damp and desolate. The sprawling crater
seemed far from organized, and the bookshelf was mixed with inconsistent books such as
literature, philosophy, and science. Also, the body anatomy on the wall added to the
mystery.
"Is anybody there?"
Elena asked again, and she heard a rustle somewhere.
"Get out. Get out of the way... A-Are you the person from the eve?"
Raphael's eyes were strained when he got up from lying on his desk as a bed. Elena grinned
at him.
"Nice to see you again. I'm Lucia, a freshman in the archaeology department, sir."
"I'm embarrassed. How do you know this place? No, can I just say hello first?"
"I'd appreciate it."
Raphael, who suddenly ran away from sleep watching Elena smiling, was embarrassed.
Nevertheless, he couldn't take his eyes off Elena. This is because the work of the eve had
not left his head so far, despite the fact that it has been quite a while.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Speak casually. I'm a junior."

"No, I'm a commoner, so I'm more comfortable with speaking respectfully in the academy."
Elena knew what that meant. In the academic institute, status was more important than the
rank of the senior and the younger students. She can't blame juniors from nobles for this
reason that the common people that are seniors. For this reason, most of the commoners,
regardless of grade, were often respectful.
"Have you thought about it? About what I said."
"..."
Raphael shut his mouth. There was a stubborn silence, but Elena waited for him to answer.
But in the end he couldn't answer.
"I guess I got here too early. Think about it more, sir."
Elena turned around without hesitation. There was definitely impatience that Raphael
should be recruited as soon as possible, but now was not the time.
'I'll wait for you. Until you break the shell on your own.'
When Elena first met, Raphael was in the ranks of the great masters of the time. But now
Raphael was incomplete. There was a lack of sincerity in dealing with the painting.
"I acknowledge... my mistake."
Elena, who was about to open the door and leave, stopped.
"I've been thinking about it since the eve was over. What I was drawing, what I wanted to
draw."
Elena turned and looked at him.
"So did you find the answer?"
"I couldn't find it. So I'm frustrated and crazy right now.
Raphael's deeply locked eyes showed a glimpse of his struggles. Looking back, his worries
started long before the eve. As he entered the Faculty of Arts, the depth of his troubles
deepened. As the closed ears opened and there was a lot of contact, question marks
continued to follow.
'Am I drawing it right? Why did I try to paint it to suit other people's tastes? What do I want
in the picture?'
Raphael fell into disbelief and reached the present state. In the meantime, he met Elena
again who questioned him.
"I'm ashamed, but can I ask you a favor?"
Raphael made eye contact with Elena, who was slowly looking at him. The deep eyes
beyond the lenses made him feel comfortable for some reason.
"Can you look at my paintings... even though they are incomplete?"
A request that is so courteous that he felt desperate. Elena's small lips opened as she was
watching Raphael without a word.
"As much as I can be of help."
***
The Trilateral Union is a country located in the northern part of the continent. the Kingdom
of Dian, the Kingdom of Croven, and the Kingdom of Belkan. The three countries opened up
their supplies and unified their currency to counter the empires and kingdoms of the
continent. The three countries, each with specialties of iron, wood, and wheat, worked
closely together to improve national power, as well as establish institutional mechanisms
and encourage merchants to actively engage in business activities to supply necessary
items in the lean northern region.
As a result, the three-way alliance, which has been around for more than a hundred years
despite being a small country, has been recognized as one of the solid powerhouses of the
continent. Thanks to the encouragement policy of the Three Nations, Castol Corporation
was able to become one of the top ten in the continents based in the capital of the Kingdom
of Belkan.
"How is it? It's not the disease, is it?"
The doctor carefully examined Lucia, suffering from high fever, laying in the bed. Her lively
appearance of entering the academy was nowhere to be seen, and her pale face was pitiful.
"......I'm afraid the Northern Fever is right."
Emilio sank into a chair by the doctor's diagnosis. He looked half gone and held Lucia's
fever-stricken hand tightly.
"There is no incurable disease in the world. I'll fix it somehow."
Since that day, Emilio had been eager to bring in doctors with all his money, connections,
and influence from the Castol Corporation to find a cure. By the end of the month, Emilio
was disappointed. He realized that there is something that a country cannot do with the
money he believed it could buy. But he didn't give up. He already let his wife go first, but he
didn't have the confidence to live after he sent his daughter away.
It was natural for him to be negligent in his top work because his mind was focused on
Lucia. The office had piled up a lot of work documents that needed to be handled by the
authority of the top. The top job was also paralyzed. Then a letter classified as urgent
arrived in front of him.
It was a stroke of luck to read the letter, which would normally have been ignored. After
reading the letter, Emilio stood up and shouted.
"Get the laminergia flowers right now! I'll give you whatever you want, be quick!"
***
Elena, disguised as Lucia, regularly visited Raphael's studio. There, they hung the
unfinished pictures and had time to review them.
"It's my early work, 'The Broken Faith.'"
The "broken faith" boasted a high degree of perfection to the point where the word
incomplete was overshadowed. A cathedral painted and a farmer sitting in a marsupial
field metaphorically expressed the farmer's despair.
"What do you think?"
Raphael carefully asked what Elena thought about his work.
"Here you are."
Elena pointed to the ragged cathedral in the painting.
"The perspective stands out."
"...!"
He was talking calmly, but Raphael couldn't help but be surprised. Elena pointed out
exactly what Raphael wanted to express with the most elaborate effort.
'It's the air perspective, maybe?'
As Raphael's paintings were considered one of the most representative works of the time,
many artists analyzed and defined his techniques. Air perspective was the name given.
"It's because you overlook the action of the air."
"Action of the air?"
"As the object moves away, the hue adds blue and decreases saturation. It should be based
on the fading of the outline of the object, but you missed it."
Elena's level of theory was high, although she lacked the ability to paint. This is because
when the Renaissance era opened, women needed the insight and knowledge to see
paintings, which became a must-have skill.
"..."
Whether Elena liked it or not, Raphael remained silent. Elena was also bothered by the
longer time.
'Did I sound too abstract?'
Unfortunately, this was the best help for Elena. Although she was shrewd in theory, she was
not good enough to explain by listing examples herself.
"I'm sorry, but could you give me time to be alone?"
"What? Yes."
Raphael sat in front of the easel and agonized over what he felt. Elena, standing still for a
while, quietly walked out of the studio to avoid interference.
"I must be mistaken to feel kicked out, right?"
Five days later. Elena, who thought she had given Raphael enough time to ponder, returned
to the studio. Raphael jumped out from the inside to open the wooden door. The movement
was so fast that Elena was surprised.
"Surprised. Did you wait for me?"
"I'll lose my voice."
(T/N: bit random? but it actually does say this.)
Raphael nodded and showed her a painting on the easel.
"I've been working with Ms. Lucia's advice. Is it better?"
"...!"
Elena was surprised when she saw the painting. There was a cabin painted in the dark
forest, and the perspective of the front forest and the back cabin was so well expressed.
'It is called 'Black House.' I tried to express the air perspective as much as I could. Is it
feeling better?'
"...... It's not at a better level."
"As expected. You pointed out that you missed the outline. I should have paid more
attention to coloring."
Raphael reflected on himself, not to mention disappointment, when he recalled his
inadequacy.
"No, I mean. It's not a decent level, it's a level that perfectly deals with perspective."
Elena almost protested. She couldn't help but acknowledge his genius.
'It's a technique originally designed by Raphael, but I didn't expect him to learn it in just a
few days.'
The genius of the Renaissance master was beyond Elena's imagination. Raphael began to
complete his stagnant techniques, starting with the air perspective.
"Here, if you use light and shadow to save the contrast, you can have a more three-
dimensional effect."
Elena pointed out the lack of parts as much as she could. Based on the art theory that will
be defined in the future, the supplementation law was introduced. Each time, Raphael was
in deep agony, Elena quietly left the studio to avoid interference.
And a few days later, she visited again.
"I tried to express the three-dimensional effect in various ways, as you advised me before,
is it okay?"
"..."
There was just admiration for his genius. In just a few days, the expression of contrast was
perfectly established. Raphael's genius did not end, as the evaluation that he opened a new
horizon in the art world at the age of 21.
However, despite the rapid development of technical perfection, there was something
missing in Raphael's paintings that could not be described. It was definitely a well-drawn
painting that was flawless. He also tried to express what he felt, such as the hard work of a
farmer, the psychology of a woman in despair, and the loneliness of nature.
'I can't feel the soul.'
There is a shell but no kernel. There was a writer's intention, but the depth of expression
was shallow. The remark, which critics had been talking about, really struck Elena. Is it
because he's still in his late teens? She felt that he still lacked inner depth to reflect in
consideration of religion, morality, emotions, nature's greatness, and cultural perspectives.
"Don't you still feel the authenticity of the painting?"
"Yes, I'm sorry."
When Elena answered honestly, Raphael also nodded as if he was accepting.
"I'm ashamed of myself. You're splitting up the time and teaching me, but I don't think I'm
meeting your expectations."
Raphael was calm despite not being able to contain the soul of an important picture. No, he
was just pretending to look like that. Elena could see how frustrated he was.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Don't blame yourself. Growing up is always accompanied by pain."

Elena consoled Raphael who stared at her.
"I feel embarrassed every time. You're definitely younger than me, but you feel like a
mature adult."
"Does that mean I look old, sir?"
Elena responded playfully like a freshman entering an academic institution. For Elena,
Raphael was the only person who had no ill feelings in her previous life. Raphael was also a
friendly person. In her previous life, she felt comfortable talking to him, but she still felt the
same way. While talking with him, she was able to relax for a while.
"It's the first time I've been so awkward that I'm a senior. So I guess I can't talk."
"Your excuse is too grand. You're doing this on purpose to make me uncomfortable, aren't
you?
It was time for them to exchange jokes and put down his agony.
Tak tak tak.
There was a loud noise of shoes in the hallway beyond the door. The small sound, which
was not heard well at first, grew louder and louder, and soon it stopped.
"Raphael, are you in there?"
Surprised by the faint girl's voice outside the studio, Elena looked at Raphael as if she was
asking who she was.
"She's my friend. She came without further notice. Uh. Come in."
When Raphael raised his voice, a girl with long straight hair squeezed into the crack of the
door.
"I told you to do some cleaning up... Oh? You have a guest?"
Raphael's friend was his senior. It was time for Elena to get up from her chair because she
felt like she had to say hello with good manners.
"...!"
Elena's face turned white the moment she faced the woman in front of her. It was a
shocking reunion that went beyond surprise to almost astonishment.
"Oh. This is Miss Lucia. My mentor and advisor."
"Mentor? I guess you're a great person for the professor to say that?"
The girl reached out her hand looking at Elena with a curious look.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Cecilia."
Elena couldn't take her eyes off her lively smile. She remembered that smile that made her
feel better just by looking at it.
'Why are you here. Why...'
A noble woman who never lost her good faith in all kinds of persecutions and times. A rival
who looked good in the position of the national mother.
'Why are you here, empress.'
Bad luck is bad luck. Elena didn't expect the knot and ring to continue this way in her
dreams. She didn't know that it was a reunion disguised as a coincidence.
"If you don't hold this hand, I'll be a little embarrassed."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Lucia."
Elena shook hands with her as Cecilia smiled awkwardly.
"Are you a freshman?"
"Yes."
"Freshman. That's a word that makes my heart flutter. I used to be as fresh as Miss Lucia. I
envy you."
Cecilia led the way flexibly in an atmosphere that could become awkward, based on her
unique bright energy.
'You always did that. Even though you are an aristocrat, your impeccable attitude made
people stay by your side. Even Your Majesty.'
When she recalled the past, Elena was heartbroken. She still hated Cecilia in front of her
eyes for taking all of her madly craved affection. Even if she tried not to care about it,
saying it was useless, the feelings of that time, which burst out, couldn't go away easily.
"You're too greedy, Cecilia."
"Pf, why is our lovely freshman hanging out with that kind of truth? He's such a freak."
"I can hear you."
Cecilia smiled.
"Anyways, tell me. What kind of relationship do you have?"
"I told you. She's my advisor and mentor."
"Really?"
Cecilia's eyes were filled with surprise when she turned her head and looked at Elena.
"Oh. She's guiding me by the theory of vision, knowledge, and techniques."
"Wow! You mean you're a better genius to teach a genius like him? That's great."
Cecilia was genuinely impressed. It was her nature to truly treat people without a lie.
'You're a good person who I can't even imitate.'
Perhaps due to her nature, Cecilia had fallen out of society. Her nature of dealing with
people without fault and dignity was subdued as a fox trying to seduce men from society's
young people. It was the opposite of Elena, who was called the "flower of society" and
dominated society.
"How do you two know each other?"
"Us?"
Cecilia shrugged her shoulders and smiled openly at Raphael.
"I fell in love at first sight."
"... You fell in love with him?"
"Yes. Oh, you didn't misunderstand, did you? What I fell in love with was Raphael's
painting. He drew it so well. So I unilaterally begged him to be my friend."
Cecilia is a nobleman. Raphael was known to have come from a fallen nobleman, but his
current status was a commoner. Despite the apparent difference in status, Cecilia quickly
knocked him as a friend, and Raphael responded.
'I've forgotten. After graduation, Raphael was sponsored by Count Willem. I didn't know
there was such a connection between the two.'
Count Willem was Cecilia's family. Although it is said that the castle was not the same as
before, it was a prestigious empire with tradition and a framework. Perhaps the
relationship at this time became a fuse and Raphael was sponsored by the Count.
Elena bit her lips tightly. There was already a strong relationship and trust between Cecilia
and Raphael. This was also bad news for Elena. She shouldn't be a sponsor like she was in
the past.
Raphael was essential for Elena's revenge. Not only his timeless works, but his presence
alone has a huge influence. To do so, Raphael should be sponsored by Elena, not by Count
Willem.
"You didn't eat breakfast, did you?"
"Yes."
"I thought so, so I bought a sandwich. I've bought enough, so let's have some with Lucia."
Cecilia was even aware of Raphael's habit of skipping meals because he was stuck in the
studio. In other words, the two were closer than Elena thought.
"Have a seat."
"Let's eat together, but not with specifications. Cecilia doesn't do well with narrow food."
"Can you tell me again whether that's a compliment or a rebuke?"
"..."
Elena felt uncomfortable as she saw the two quarreling. But she wasn't simple enough to
express it. Rather, she picked up a sandwich with a cheerful and lively smile peculiar to a
freshman.
"Then I'll eat the sandwich well, senior."
That day, Elena felt bloated and indigestion all day.
***
There is a saying that money is what makes the world run. When she put extra money on
the guild, they gathered the information with enthusiasm. She also tried to find out more
about the relationship between the people listed on the list. Elena smiled satisfactorily as
she looked at the thick personal details on her desk in the archives.
"The quality of information is better than I thought."
"I heard the Guild paid particular attention and said they'd like to keep the deal going."
From the guild's point of view, the background investigation was a fairly profitable quest.
As it was illegal, the cost of the request was high, and more than anything else, there was
less human loss compared to security, escort, and subjugation.
"I'm sure you hid my identity?"
"This request didn't mention the princess."
Just like telling the left hand not to know what the right hand did, Elena instructed
everything to proceed in secret. In that context, May, who infiltrated the Grand Duchy and
deceived others for several years, was the right person to complete the mission.
"Well, shall we take a look? Lock the record room door."
As soon as the lock was on, Elena shifted her eyes to thickly stacked personal details. She
read every single word in vain. Elena, who could not move directly, had no choice but to
judge based on the type written here.
'Randol. The architect of the Renaissance.'
Only art known as jewelry work and sculpture will be transformed into architecture a few
years later to build the Santa Maria Cathedral, which will remain in the history of the
empire. He was also the first architect to include clear and orderly harmony in a building,
emphasizing mathematical proportion and harmony, not complex and decorative
architecture.
'He made his name as an architect, but that's only a few years away. Now he's just a poor
breadwinner who lives by carving.'
According to his personal details, he became the father of two children after having an
accident with his wife, who was a childhood friend. It was written that he couldn't give up
his livelihood in the presence of his children, so he was carving and barely making ends
meet.
A rare architect who is out of the world's sight. Elena had the capacity to reach out to him.
'Let's give him the dream of being in a family and an architect, let's help him catch two
rabbits.'
Based on his personal details, he wrote down what he needed most in his life and handed it
over. Next up was Christina Marinus.
'Revolutionary designer.'
She was a designer who had made such a historical milestone that it is said that the
costumes of the empire were worn before and after her appearance. Beyond the static
fabric of silk, a new dyeing technology was introduced to import, produce, and introduce
fabrics such as satin, tapra, and chiffon. In addition, the classic aristocratic costumes that
were worn largely and in a bulky manner that did not fit the body were drastically
discarded, and a close-fitting costume was made to stand out the natural beauty of the
human body. Elena also enjoyed wearing her mermaid dress, so what more explanation
was needed.
'Because of usury being brought to light ... It seems like the aftermath of the business failure
was quite large.'
If you go too far ahead, you will be ostracized. She set up a shop in debt with confidence of
success, but was shunned and ruined by the aristocrats for deviating from popular material
and style. After meeting her future husband, he canceled her debt and did not try again
with full support. There would have been no revolutionary designer Christina if she hadn't
met her husband.
'I just need to pay the debt.'
Elena didn't consider a single person on her personal statement to be wasted. All of these
are masters representing the times in their respective fields.
'You're being treated as a pseudonym? You have to. Because science is an unfamiliar
subject.'
Camille invented the telescope because he wanted to see the stars and the moon up close.
The telescope, using light refraction, had a great effect both scientifically and militarily. He
also develops microscopes.
'Huh, I can't believe you're asking him to be a priest over a son like this. I need to persuade
his parents.'
This is possible because their faith was closer than astronomy and science.
'Centonio needs to keep his ears from being eaten.'
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The genius musician, who composed the symphony "Aria in Heaven" at the age of only 16,
loses his hearing at the early age of 20. He left the chronic disease unattended and stopped
hearing. Elena was thinking of healing Centonio's ears.
In addition to this, she did not miss out on the things needed by masters in countless fields
such as doctors, painters, technicians, and philosophers. The reason Elena was strangled by
the masters who had not yet seen the light was because of her desire to buy their hearts.
'People are treasures.'
It is the best practice to simply sponsor them and trade the finished art. She can earn more
than an investment, but that's not all. Elena wanted more than that.
Cultural ripple effect!
Elena literally wanted to lead and further dominate the times.
"May, take it."
On the parchment that Elena handed over, it was written in detail about the immediate
needs of each person in a clear and light manner.
"Go find them and help them out as it says."
"All of these people?"
"As you can see, they're all in need of help. They don't eat well, they're in debt, they're not
in good health... Take care of what they need. If they're in need of money, give it to them. If
they're sick, bring a doctor. Can you do that?"
May couldn't erase her puzzled expression. It was enough to leave the guild's request, but
Elena was hoping to judge and act independently in accordance with May's situation.
"Why? I believe you can do well enough."
Elena's smile contained absolute faith and trust. May herself was perplexed as to what she
had seen and trusted her.
"Yes, I'll try."
"Yeah. If you know everything, tell me. It's not a matter to be dealt with in a day or two, so
you'll have to set up an alibi to fool Anne."
"Alibi?"
Elena gave a meaningful smile as May looked at her as if she was wondering what she was
talking about.
***
"Ack!"
Elena's scream rang out in the bedroom on the second floor of the dormitory. Anne, who
was cleaning up the laundry on the first floor, and Hurelbard, who was standing guard, ran
up to the second floor.
"Are you all right, miss?"
Anne and Hurelbard, who came up to this floor almost at the same time, faced Elena, who
was frowning at her swollen wrist.
"I-I'm sorry. I'm guilty enough for death."
In front of her, May was bowing and apologizing. Teacups spilled on the carpet. Steam
rising from the spilled tea. As Elena wrapped her wrist in a towel, May seemed to have
spilled hot water by mistake.
"Sorry? Is that all?"
"I'm so sorry. Forgive me once..."
May's next words didn't go on.
The back of Elena's hand was slanted from bottom to top and hit May's cheek. May, who
was hit hard, couldn't hold her head and collapsed and cried.
"M-miss."
Anne and Hurelbard were stiff, not daring to step forward. Anne held her breath because
she had personally experienced how scary her anger was, and Hurelbard was at a loss
because it was a situation he had never experienced before.
"Get out. I don't want to see you, so get out now!"
"Miss, forgive me just once..."
"Can't you hear me?! Get out of here!"
When Elena fired violently as if she was going to eat her, May left the bedroom in tears.
"I'm warning you, don't come before me."
Shudder.
May shivered at the icy cold voice. She went down to the ground floor with a haggard face
and soon left the dormitory.
"What are you looking at? Wet the towel in cold water!"
"Yes? Yes, miss!"
Anne, who was staring blankly through the bedroom window on the second floor, suddenly
came to her senses and moved.
"Don't go down."
Hurelbard bowed down, apparently thinking he was not in a situation where he would step
down.
"Here you go!"
Elena wrapped her wrist in a cold towel that Anne brought. The tea water was so hot that it
was still hot. Anne tried to keep her eyes open by taking ointments and bandages to
prevent her from being criticized by Elena, who would burst if she touched it.
"Even if you smear Madame's face, it's oil resin. How can you make a mistake of spilling
tea?"
"Y-you're right."
"I should have made you do it. You wouldn't have made this mistake."
Anne's lip twitched at Elena's compliment. She managed her facial expression, but seeing
May being kicked out made her feel better.
"I'm going to be late for my lecture."
"Come on, miss. I'll clean up."
"I'm glad you're on my watch."
Elena, who had ointment on her wrist, left the dormitory. Compliments made even whales
dance, and Anne hummed and took the carpet, which was soaked in tea, and she didn't
mind the trouble of drying it.
Elena headed straight to the library. She came out with an excuse for her lecture, but it was
a short lecture today. The professor was absent due to the presentation of the conference,
so the lecture was pushed back.
"I'm sorry for May. It's acting, but I hit you too hard."
The previous incident was a play that Elena and May planned to trick Anne. Elena slapped
her face sincerely in order to act as realistic as possible. She was able to fool Ann because of
that, but she was sorry inside.
Elena disguised herself as Lucia in the record room. Now that she was used to makeup, the
time taken to disguise herself has also reduced.
"Cecilia how... should I treat you?"
Looking in the mirror, Elena threw a question. She once hated her as a rival. However, past
emotions that had been intense through regression have been diluted. Elena was the first
uninvited guest to join the relationship between her and Prince Sian.
Yes, Elena felt guilty about Cecilia. A year after Sian ascended emperor, Leabrick and Grand
Duke Friedrich poisoned Cecilia in an attempt to put Elena in the position of the empress.
Although Elena did not directly intervene, she felt sorry because she was hoping for the
position of Empress at that time.
"You and I don't have to repeat that terrible future."
Elena left the recording studio determined that she did not want to repeat the wrong and
wrong bad relationship. Though her head was still complicated, Raphael, apart from that,
was essential. If she avoided Raphael because it was burdensome to bump into Cecilia,
Elena's revenge would be severely disrupted.
Elena walked to the West Side Annex of the Academy. She always felt it, but every time she
came here, it felt lively. Unlike the aristocrats who were full of formality and pretense, this
place, which was dominated by the common people, was seen to have sincere exchanges
and communication amid a well-intentioned competition. She was more attached to it.
"Miss Lucia!"
Elena's head turned to a more natural title than Princess Veronica.
"Hello, senior."
It was a terrible coincidence. Otherwise, there was no way that she would run into Cecilia
today, at this time.
"I'm seeing you again. Were you on your way to see Raphael?"
"Yes, it's a public lecture, so I'm going as an adjunct. You too, senior?"
"It's... true that I'm going to see Raphael, but for different reasons. I'm running away from
someone."
Elena glanced at Cecilia's playfully laughing.
"Are you avoiding them?"
"There's someone like that. He's a very difficult person for me."
Cecilia, who left a vague remark, waved the paper envelope in her hand.
"Come on, let's go. I brought a bunch of cookies today."
"How do you know this junior likes cookies?"
It was a time when she walked to the annex in a friendly manner, giving a proper response.
Cecilia, who was chattering like a sparrow, suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong with you?"
Elena looked up and laughed as if she was wondering, and she looked good. And Elena
could see a black-haired man standing ten steps ahead.
"...!"
Eyes that seem to be sucked into a narrow nose. The dignity and innate nobility that could
not be concealed with a school uniform flowed to the man with a black hair. The
atmosphere that seemed like he couldn't be treated carelessly even though he was just
standing silently was so fatal that once you look at him, you can't turn your eyes away.
"Your Royal Highness."
Cecilia's small lips revealed the identity of the man.
Claudius de Sian. The crown prince of the empire of Vecilia, who lost control of the
continent, was this man just before her eyes.
"You still avoid me."
As soon as she faced him, she could hear the voice of Sian in Elena's ears, which had
hardened. His voice vibrated her heart and her eardrum. She felt like he and Elena were the
only ones left all over the world.
As soon as she saw Sian, the feelings she thought had been well buried raised in her head
again. The complex emotions stained with resentment, guilt, and regret for him broke the
standard of reason and emotion and cleared up her mind.
"I don't even deny avoiding."
"Your Highness always puts me in trouble."
Clearly, it was Cecilia and Sian who exchanged conversations, but Elena could only hear
Sian's voice. Just as the scars he left on Elena were apparent, words that hurt her feelings
were recalled and made her dizzy.
"I've never loved you for a moment. You are my mistake, my dishonor, and my misfortune."
His painful words that swept through her heart became thorns and stabbed Elena again.
The pain caused her to breathe in and a cold sweat on her back. For Elena, Sian was a pain,
a wound, and a bitter scar that would never heal.
"I'll apologize to you, so I want you to make time."
"... You're forcing me again. Oh, Miss Lucia?
Cecilia, who had a bitter smile, felt that Elena, who was standing next to her, looked
worried and asked.
"What's wrong? Are you sick?"
"..."
Elena was out of her mind to answer. She managed to keep her head above water, but it
was very difficult.
'I'm dizzy. Let's get back for today.'
If she stayed like this, she would not be able to do well. Her mind tried to go back and rest,
but her body didn't follow.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Reeling.
Her legs were weak. Her head thought she shouldn't do this, but her body didn't work out.
She was no longer able to stand on her two feet, so she collapsed as if she had fallen into
place.
"Miss Lucia!"
There was a cry of surprise from Cecilia. Her head and vision were spinning. The mental
panic caused her body to collapse without being able to stand it up.
And the focus of vision that turned white gradually returned. The light that had been
pouring out whenever she blinked helplessly gradually became in shape. He had a fairer
skin than most young people. He also had a high nose. Also, his eyes full of melancholy were
deep enough to want to see them all the way, and they were jet black.
"...!"
Elena's eyes were strained by the fact that it was black. Her whole body's senses returned,
and she realized that it was someone's arm that was firmly supporting her back and waist.
'Y-Your Majesty.'
It was Prince Sian who reflexively supported Elena, who lost her balance and collapsed.
"... Let me go."
Elena's eyes, which were barely waking up, collided with Sian's eyes looking down at her.
Oh, how hurt she was by that indifferent look. It remained a place of entertainment that
would not be erased by any ointment or treatment, and she has suffered until now. She
didn't want to face him anymore. Even for a moment. If she could heal this pain, she'd like
to erase him from her memory.
"Let me go, please."
At Elena's urging, Sian felt strange. He tried to hide it, but the pitiful look in her eyes made
him feel sad.
"Are you alright? You have to go see a doctor!"
Cecilia made a fuss next to her apparently worried. However, Elena shook her head, barely
standing up with Sian's support.
"Get some rest, and you'll feel better."
"Your complexion is not so good."
"... I want to rest."
With Elena's desperate eyes, Cecilia could no longer force her to speak. Elena barely
managed to recover her body and mind, but showed perfect manners as usual and thanked
her.
"Thank you for the care of the Crown Prince."
"..."
Sian's eyes looking at Elena, expanded slightly. Even in the midst of not feeling well enough
to fall over consciousness, the manners and movements shown by Elena were stubborn
enough to use them as a model for the imperial family. The royal family was an exemplary
figure that seemed to have transferred the word that there should be no disturbance until
the moment of death.
"Are you sure you're okay? I'll take you to the dorm."
"No, I really want to be alone. Let me go, please."
Elena, who asked Cecilia for understanding, turned around. This was the end of the scandal.
She clenched her molars and balanced the line to prevent her from collapsing. She didn't
want to look ugly even when she turned around for the last time. It was the pride Elena
wanted to keep until the end.
"I can't. I don't feel comfortable sending her as it is."
Cecilia could not resist seeing Elena walking and tried to follow her again.
"Are you worried about her?"
"How can I just let her go when she might fall again!"
Sian calmly held back as he watched Elena disappearing with a careless glance.
"I think she needs more respect than your worries."
"Your Highness is saying something I don't know."
Cecilia was frustrated that she thought words were not working. Sian stood tall and
watched until Elena was so far away that he was smaller than his fingernails.
Who the hell was that young lady? It was clear that she was simple-looking, but why did
she qualitatively have the same discipline and theft that can only be seen in imperial
adults?
There was a continuous question, but Sian was not free enough to be entangled in trivial
questions. It was more urgent to take direct steps to the west side of the academy, which
did not come well.
"Let's finish the conversation, Cecilia."
At that time, there was a girl who stole a glance at Elena, who was barely walking with her
body that might collapse. The girl's name is Mitchell. Once part of the Veronica princess
faction, she was now following Avella, the eldest daughter of Duke Reinhardt.
"What, the fly's entangled again?"
She came after Cecilia, who looked like a thorn in the eye, and saw Elena. Although she
pretended to be sick, it seemed to be an obvious move to attract Sian's attention.
"I'll let Lady Avella know as soon as possible."
Mitchell twisted her mouth as she watched Elena move away. She was already looking
forward to seeing how Avella would punish the bitch who wagged her tail on Prince Sian.
***
"..."
Elena, who barely left her seat, leaned on the streetlamp. Her pale face looked like a sick
man who could fall at any moment. Elena struggled to walk to the bench in the square.
Then she collapsed like a fall.
She remained delirious. It was a square where countless students came and went, but at
this moment, Elena seemed to be the only one left. Her head was blank. She didn't think of
anything. No sound was heard.
"Just... A little bit..."
Her pulse went off and her consciousness gradually dimmed. Her body and mind forced her
to rest as if this was the limit.
Elena fell asleep while sitting on the bench. But her head picked up a memory that she
didn't even want to think was awake and bothered her.
"I will no longer be hung up on Your Majesty. I can't see Ian hurt because of me."
Elena struggled in a nightmare. A painful moan flowed through her lips. Her expression was
sadly distorted and her forehead and neck were damp with cold sweat.
"Ah!"
Elena burst out of sleep with a short flurry. Her breathing was unstable and her complexion
was still pale as if the nightmare's linger had not gone away. Still, she had a little rest and
her body was lighter than before.
Elena, having trouble getting up from the bench, felt a sense of incongruity. She felt
uncomfortable and she had a tight back. Her head turned to the blatant gaze of someone.
"...!"
Elena doubted her eyes. It's a pity that she didn't have energy. If it were usual, the sound of
evil would have popped out of her head. That's how much she was surprised.
'Why is this man here?'
Ren sat with his legs crossed at the end of the bench, staring at Elena with his unique stiff
eyes.
'Since when were you here? No, what's more?'
If it were usual, she would have handled it quickly, but she couldn't today. She couldn't do
her job as if her brain had hardened because she was not feeling well.
"Who are you?"
Ren snapped.
"What are you doing here?"
"..."
"I'm asking. What are you?"
Elena replied because she could no longer ignore what Ren said.
"Oh, hello, senior."
"Introduction, not greeting."
"A freshman who entered this year Lu..."
Ren cut the conversation off.
"Lucia, right?"
"H-how did you get my name?"
Elena's eyes got bigger. It was not welcome that Ren already knew the name of her position
to be hidden thoroughly.
"You must have a name tag?"
"Ah!"
Elena was relieved to see the name tag on her right chest.
'Be calm, Elena.'
Even considering the circumstances before and after, they met by chance. No matter how
good Ren was, there was no time to learn about Elena. Elena's distracted spirit became
clear as she calmly looked back and discerned the situation.
"Let's continue with the introduction, shall we? Not a name, but something else first."
As Ren continued to show interest, Elena asked back boldly and changed the topic.
"I know you, too. You're Ren from the Sword Department, right?"
"That's not the answer to my question."
When Ren came out too hard, it was Elena's side that was rather embarrassed.
'I'm going crazy. I can't just take it.'
Now Elena was not Princess Veronica. It was absurd to go out on Ren, who might lead the
empire's emerging nobleman under the status of Lucia, the daughter of a merchant. It
would be frustrating and crazy, but there was no choice but to stick to the low profile.
"It wouldn't be fun if you knew about me. It's not a big deal."
"You, am I funny?"
Elena kept changing her words, and Ren looked at her voice. The untamed look was
threatening.
"No."
"But why do you keep changing the subject? Why don't we finish introducing ourselves?"
Elena was tense. She couldn't think of any way out of this situation.
It was then. A big raindrop fell and soaked Elena's nose.
'Rain?'
The sky, which was sunny until a while ago, disappeared and dark clouds were thick. The
number of raindrops that had been falling one or two drops by drop increased
exponentially and soaked the shoulders. Elena was grateful for the shower, it was really
timely.
"I'm not feeling well... Can I put off my introduction for next time?"
Raindrops quickly thickened. Students who were spending their free time in the plaza ran
frantically to nearby buildings to avoid the rain.
"Isn't it your consideration to be fooled by the excuses of your juniors? Goodbye then."
Elena said goodbye with a smile that was just enough not to look ugly, and tried to escape
as if she was running away without looking back.
'I'm glad he didn't catch me. The crisis seems to have been averted... Huh? Uh!'
Elena's foot, which stood up from the bench and was only looking forward, caught
something.
"Oh!"
Elena lost her balance and fell cheek-to-cheek as she weighed forward. Reflecting on the
floor, her palm was peeled off, and her stockings were torn to the ground and wounded.
"I didn't tell you to go?"
Elena, who fell on the ground, raised her head, and Ren, who deliberately tripped her,
looked down with an evil smile.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"That look looks like someone I know."

"...!"
Elena quickly controlled the anger that she expressed, unable to control it for a moment.
"Sorry, I was going to go without your permission."
"Even the voice."
Elena's lips dried up as she watched Ren narrow his eyes. It was more suspicious to deny it
here, so Elena forced herself to smile and shudder.
"Who looks like me? Then she must be gorgeous, right?"
Elena smiled insincerely as she turned around. It was a frivolous smile that she'd never
done while posing as Veronica. It was due to concerns that Ren might be suspicious of her if
she did not show the opposite personality of Veronica.
"..."
Despite Elena's performance, Ren didn't respond.
One second, two seconds. Less than a few seconds feels longer than a few hours. She was
worried that Ren may have noticed.
And finally, Ren reacted.
Laughing. Ren laughed. He showed an innocent smile. It was when Elena couldn't take her
eyes off Ren and stood blankly at the unexpected response. Ren suddenly took off his
school uniform coat.
'What else are you going to do?'
As Ren, who has a very ingenious way of harassing people, she was wary of what other
harm would have happened. As Ren threw it, he put his coat over Elena's head. Like a
raincoat that blocks the pouring rain.
"It's raining."
"..."
Elena couldn't smile or cry and stood with a troubled look. She was more anxious because
she couldn't understand why Ren was doing this.
"Now you're going, aren't you?"
"... Can I go?"
"Go."
Ren beckoned her to go. Elena pulled out carefully, not letting go of the tension. Ren did not
move with his arms crossed, as if he had no intention of arguing anymore.
"I'll be on my way then. I'll leave you now."
She said good-bye and tried to run away in a hurry.
"You owe me."
When she looked back at Ren, who made her nervous by talking about debt, he was smiling
evilly like a devil. The smile looked as if a child were happy with a new toy.
Elena hurried off, feeling goose bumps all over her body. Could there be a worse day than
this? It was a terrible day that she wanted to turn back if she could.
Elena rushed to the library's archives in a rush to avoid the rain.
It was not until the lock on the record room door was firmly fastened that the tension was
lifted, and she slid on her back. Elena threw Ren's coat, which she was holding, roughly.
"How did it get tangled up like this..."
It started with meeting Sian by chance. If she had dealt with it more wisely and calmly at
that time, she would never have drawn Ren's attention. What's more resentful is that she
can't blame anyone. All of Elena's minor mistakes snowballed and led to the current
situation.
"Calm down. Calm down, Elena. Huuu. What if you regret it?"
Elena had a thought shift. There is nothing more meaningless than loosening a thread that
has already been tangled. Once twisted, the thread can not be as bad as it used to be, even if
it was twisted again.
"If it gets tangled, let's go with it. I don't have to solve it."
If she had been so frustrated, she wouldn't even have the resolve to seek revenge in the
first place. The evils of her last life shook Elena in different ways, but nothing changed.
Rather, it became an opportunity to make the heart stronger and stronger.
Elena, who succeeded in controlling her mind, took off her disguise and returned as
Princess Veronica. She was going to tell Anne that she fell down in the rain, although she
might be suspicious of the torn stockings and the school uniform that was dirty in muddy
water.
"This is the real challenge."
Elena's expression was irritated by Ren's uniform coat. She wanted to throw it away right
away, but she couldn't do this or that because she didn't know when Ren would ask her to
return it.
"Let's keep it for now."
Elena's gaze, which was hanging from the closet with his coat hanging on the hanger,
headed to Ren's name tag on the left chest.
Jiiiiik.
Elena, who took off his name tag without any hesitation, grabbed it with her small hand.
Still, she put her anger in the trash can to see if it could be relieved. Only then did she feel a
little better, so she came out of the recording room with a light step. The rain-soaked
clothes were still wet, so it was chilly, but when she left the library, the sunlight was bright
as if it had never rained.
Anne was surprised to see how Elena looked when she came back to the dormitory.
"What the hell is going on, miss? No, why did you hurt your leg again?"
Beyond the torn stockings, the flesh of the knee was peeled and bloodstained. Ann rushed
to bring emergency medicine at a time when the scar on her body was considered a shame.
"I fell down in the rain."
In case Elena was sick, Anne carefully sprayed disinfectant and applied ointment. Elena,
who looked down at Anne, mentioned May who was not here.
"This is all because of May. The dog seems to be making my day worse."
"I know. She's so careless."
Anne secretly responded and scolded May. She did not forget to appeal to Elena.
"I'll go down and get some warm water. You'll feel much better if you take a bath."
"As expected, you're the only one I can count on. Then please."
Anne left the bedroom with a big smile and warmed up the water. Soon, Anne said she was
ready and took Elena to the bathroom.
She felt much better after she soaked herself in hot water. Finally, Anne served her tea, and
today's accumulated fatigue went away. However, not all the emotional pain accumulated
from the past life had disappeared.
"I didn't expect that meeting."
Reminiscing about the past, Elena laughed painfully. The past days, when she was dry from
the wait without hesitation, was very painful. But today, Sian was looking for Cecilia first.
Even though it was all past, she was crazy with envy. She felt so pathetic that she had
intervened between those two people.
"Everyone is happy when I'm gone. Just me."
Elena felt better when she pushed herself to play the villain. Now she had confidence that
she could be brave even if she ran into Sian.
Elena, who finally found the rest of her mind and body, turned her gaze. As time had
passed, the sunset suddenly became dark and the sky was dark. It was around that time
that May, who had been kicked out by Elena saying she didn't want to see her, returned to
the dorm.
"Where have you been! Go up and empty yourself to the lady!"
She could hear Anne's lecture downstairs to the bedroom on the second floor. It was funny
to hold May like a rat with Elena's trust on her back.
Knock, knock.
Soon she heard a knock.
"My lady, this is May. I'm coming in."
May opened the door carefully, and then checked under the stairs to see if Anne was
eavesdropping outside, and came inside.
"What happened?"
"Here you are."
May crossed the parchment with a full report. Elena, who received the parchment, coughed
low and suddenly screamed.
"You don't hear me tell you to get out? Get out of here!"
This was a prearranged postponement. Elena deliberately scolded her loud enough for
Anne to hear. In the meantime, she touched May's cheek with a sad touch, perhaps because
she felt bad about hitting her cheek during the day.
"Get out of my sight because I don't want to see you!"
Elena, who had been shouting fiercely, nodded as if this was enough, and May quietly
retired after being polite.
As soon as May left the bedroom, she went down to the first floor with a wounded face.
Anne did not dare to speak to the appearance of crying at once, and May was locked in a
room where the maids lived.
Elena shifted her eyes to the parchment with the report written on it. It would be nice to be
briefed directly by May, but she needed a justification to send her out without any doubt as
she had to leave the academy to work. And the most obvious cause was Elena's anger.
"As expected of May. It's a lot more neat than I thought."
There were about ten people who May visited and helped today. Those who had been
suspicious of the sudden kindness reportedly could not erase their dazed feelings as soon
as they received help. Some even expressed their gratitude with tears, saying that a miracle
had happened.
"Yeah, it's better to pay the debt slowly than to write it off at once. That way, they'll feel
more grateful."
May even took care of the parts Elena didn't tell her to take care of, and the small but
important part of her was what she had expected.
"L."
Elena translated the words symbolizing her initials in the ancient Imperial language.
Sooner or later, all the great masters of the time will be helped by L. The kindness received
was immediately appreciated. If the gratitude grows, it is a grace that human beings cannot
ignore.
Elena plans to give them a favor, not a debt. It was believed that it was the only way to win
the hearts of the masters of the era, who were united with pride that wouldn't move even if
she gave them a billion dollars.
"You don't have to want to, but I'll help you as much as I can. So that when L stretches... You
can be my wings."
The next day, May was kicked out of the dormitory. This is because Elena shouted for her to
get out and that she hated to see her. May, who had not been able to put her foot in the
dormitory for as long as four days, returned at night, boiling to her knees and begging. I
won't make that mistake again. Please forgive me. Only then did Elena, who was a little soft,
reluctantly forgave her. May said, "Thank you so much," and added, "I'm sorry. This was the
four days Anne saw and went through.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sect 7. Lucia
The lecture on 'Continental History' was the most terrible time for Elena throughout her
academic career.
Ren only looked at Elena as she listened to the professor's lame lecture on history. She said,
"It's enough to ignore it," but it was true that it was burdensome.
"I'll finish the lecture here. Please investigate the background of the establishment of the
Trilateral Alliance by next lecture."
After the lecture, she felt persistent in the eyes of Ren, who was only looking at Elena even
after the professor left.
'Never mind. I can't ignore him.'
She would have ignored him so neatly in the past, but she couldn't now. While posing as
Lucia, she met Ren, and she was forced to be conscious of him.
"Strange."
Ren, who was staring hard at Elena's face, muttered.
"Are you the only one who sees me throughout the lecture? Or am I pointing you out?"
"It's weird that Veronica is taking a lecture. You were going to die. You changed suddenly."
Elena rose from her chair, feeling that he was not even worthy of dealing with. She felt it
was a waste of time to say such things.
Thud!
Suddenly, Ren pushed back his chair and stood up hard. Elena shivered her shoulders at
the loud and threatening sound. Nevertheless, she tried not to lose her fortitude.
"Look, you're not scared."
"There's no reason to be scared, is there?"
Ren smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
"You're just picking the right ones again."
"That's enough. Let's stop."
Elena hurried out of the classroom, where Ren reached out his hand and blocked her. Elena
looked away.
"Did you clean it up?"
"..."
"Can't you hear me?"
Ren also removed his hand and opened the way, as if he had not intended to keep blocking
it.
"I'd never forget what Veronica would be like at times like this."
She managed her expression as if nothing had happened, but Elena could not hear it lightly.
'You still suspect me.'
The scar on the back of her ear, and she had to give up, but Ren was very persistent. Ren
grinned and turned around, putting his hand in his pocket.
"It's chilly without a coat. Where am I going to find her?"
"...!"
Elena's heart sank when Ren said that to herself. She thought so, but it gave her
goosebumps to think that he was looking for Lucia.
"This is the worst."
Elena stumbled and bit her lips looking at Ren who left the classroom. It was not easy to
work freely as Lucia in a situation where Ren's attention was pouring in. Now, he can't
connect Veronica to Lucia, but as the number of encounters increases, Ren would be quick
to notice.
"He won't be there."
The chances of encountering him here were slim, as the school, which is mainly composed
of common people, was located on the opposite side of Ren's sword department.
Now, she arrived at Raphael's studio, smelling the stale smell of the underground corridor.
"Senior, I'm here."
Elena greeted by acting like a live freshman.
"Miss Lucia?"
Raphael's voice was locked beyond the easel, and the dark circles were down to his chin, as
if he were badly hurt.
"Y-you're alive, right?"
"So far. But I don't know if that will continue."
Raphael's face was as pale as a corpse, responding vaguely.
"What kind of joke is so dark? What the hell is going on? Are you sure you're okay?"
Elena's gaze, anxious, turned to the floor of the studio. Raphael's artistic anguish was felt on
the crumpled and torn canvas.
'Can't you do what you want?'
Raphael's paintings were currently in a state of limbo. The technique was greatly
accomplished with the help of Elena, but it was still blocked from capturing the essence of
the painting.
"I was so frustrated that I made a big fuss. Like a kid. Lucia is better than me, right?"
"Me? Oh, yes. As you can see, I'm better."
It seems that he heard about Elena's fall through Cecilia.
"That's good to hear. I was very worried."
"I was a little dizzy. I got better soon after the break."
Elena smiled brightly as if to prove that she was all better.
"Do you know you look worse than I do?"
"It's not that bad. I've been washing my face. Don't be too worried."
Raphael laughed bitterly. He looked like he had put on some years over the week.
"Don't be so impatient. Sometimes indifferent times give answers rather than passion or
effort."
"Time..."
Raphael stared at Elena, who gave advice. Sometimes when he saw the girl who seemed to
be more familiar with the world than a professor of philosophy, he was often surprised.
"Why look so stare at me. I just noticed."
It was Elena who felt uncomfortable even in Raphael's gaze, who was staring at her without
a word, perhaps because she was suffering from Ren.
"Oh, it's habitual. Sorry for staring."
"Don't apologize too politely. I feel pressured!"
When Elena relaxed the atmosphere by waving her hands, Raphael smiled lightly. At this
moment, he was able to free away from the agony of squeezing his brain.
"I just thought... I wanted to see Miss Lucia's painting."
"My, my painting?"
Elena was quite embarrassed because it was unexpected. On the other hand, she felt that it
was something that had to come. It was natural for him to be curious because she had
pretended to know about painting so far.
"Oh, I just thought of it. A passing thought."
Elena thought about it for a second. If she could help overcome the slump, she wanted to
help even if she lacked skills.
"I'll try painting."
Raphael's eyes grew bigger. Although he felt sorry for putting pressure on her by asking too
much, he could not hide his expectations.
"If it's because of me, you don't have to..."
Elena shook her head firmly. She wanted to express for sure that she wasn't being pushed
to draw.
"I'm drawing because I want to. Don't tease me even if I'm bad at painting. Okay?
Elena grinned.

"..."
However, Elena was at a loss when she faced the white canvas. It was not even possible to
know what and where to fill this white paper as vast as the sea.
'What should I draw?'
What comes to mind right away was imitation. During the teachings of Raphael, she studied
by copying the masterpieces of various artists who created the Renaissance revival. Since
these are the pictures she had mastered through the iteration process, she wondered if she
would be at a better level even if she finished drawing them now.
'That's right. What would it mean?'
Elena glanced at Raphael reading while sitting in the distance, in case he might get in the
way. The reason she took the brush she had put back was to help Raphael, who still
couldn't contain his soul in his work.
'The imitation is just the imitation. It won't help him.'
It may surprise Raphael, but not give him realization. If that's the case, she didn't even have
to draw.
'I have to draw my own picture.'
Elena made a decision and closed her eyes. Fragments of her memories of her life fluttered
in her mind. When she lifted the pieces, when she was happy, when she was sad, when she
was lonely, when she was miserable, when she was excited... all the emotions she had
experienced in her life were permeated.
Elena was drawn to the sharpest and most painful fragment of her memory. She didn't
want to reveal it again, but she couldn't handle the mind to keep leaning towards it.
Forced to turn away, forced to forget, forced to comfort. Then, a piece of memory came to
mind again due to the man of love and hatred that she had encountered by chance. She
tried to squeeze it in, but she couldn't avoid it anymore. It was so hard and hard just to
think about it, but Elena took courage. Let's not hide anymore and face each other.
Elena grabbed the brush. She transferred the oil feeling to the palette, and without
hesitation, she picked up the brush and took it on the canvas. At this moment, there was no
time for her reason to rush into Elena. The sketch was also omitted and focused on moving
it intact.
Techniques? Definitely learned. But she forgot. In order to express feelings properly,
technical expressions must be properly harmonized, but even that was ignored.
'Ah.'
Elena fell into a trance into the painting. At this moment, she was more lonely than anyone
else. There was only the canvas, brushes, oil paints, and she.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"..."
Raphael could not take his eyes off her brushwork. For hours, Elena concentrated so much
that she felt as short as the moment. And the brush strokes that seemed to never stop
became quiet.
Elena could not take her eyes off the painting with her palette and brush down.
Tuk.
And she shed tears. They were tears of longing that were more touching than sadness or
pain.
'Ian, it's Mom.'
The portrait painted on the canvas was Ian, the only son born to her and Sian. When she
faced the dead inside her canvas, the feelings she had kept repressed came up.
'Mom is sorry. I'm sorry I tried to forget you.'
Elena, who returned, buried Ian, who was never born, in her heart. She tried not to
rationalize and remember him, saying he was better on the other side. There are no parents
in the world who forget their children.
Yeah, Elena forced herself to turn a blind eye. The mere thought of Ian hurt so much that
she couldn't stand it. Whenever she thought of Ian, she thought of her husband, Sian, who
hurt her, and she felt like she was going to collapse.
But not anymore. Not forgetting, but remembering. She won't turn away, she'll keep it.
Although they cannot meet again, she will look at Ian without burying him in her heart.
Because she's his mom.
"M-Miss Lucia."
When Elena burst into tears, Raphael was embarrassed because he didn't know how to
comfort her.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I got so emotional that I didn't even realize I was acting ugly."
Elena, who came from the height of her emotions, faced the picture she drew. Although it
could only be seen as a portrait, she could laugh painfully at Ian.
"He's a brighter kid with a smile, but I'm so bad at drawing."
"..."
"The composition and coloring are terrible. I drew it because I was so immersed in my
feelings. I don't think I can help. What should I do?"
Elena laughed bitterly. The painting was drawn to help Raphael a little. But she felt sorry
for drawing a picture of herself facing and healing herself.
"Oh. It's too messy to see it again. I can't do this anymore because I'm shy. I want to run
away."
Elena hurriedly took off her apron and robe and left the studio as if she was really running
away.
"H-hold on."
"Next time. I can't look at your face."
Raphael chased and tried to catch her, but Elena ran out of the hallway earlier. Raphael
returned to the studio as if he had no choice but to face Ian's portrait, which Elena had
painted.
"..."
To evaluate Elena's portrait in a sober manner, it was like an apprentice in a drawing room.
She has a basic sense and skill, but she can't use advanced techniques, so the expression of
the painting has fallen off. Nevertheless, Raphael could not take his eyes off the painting.
"I think I know a little bit."
He watched Elena's painting process from start to finish. He couldn't forget the tears she
shed. The process was a work that contained a part of the soul that a human had lived with.
"What's the real picture? What do I lack?"
Raphael could not leave the front of the portrait for a long time. This painting, which Elena
left behind, was a masterpiece and a guidebook for Raphael.
***
Elena couldn't find the studio for some time. It was embarrassing to think that she had
done a poor job when she always talked about the painting. Her face was still burning,
considering that she was crying and unable to control her emotions.
"... But I was happy. I can see you again."
It may have been a messy painting, but it contains all of Ian, whom Elena remembers. The
happiness of waiting in the stomach for 10 months. The unfamiliar joy that she felt when
she cried in the product after giving birth. There was no day after Ian was born that was
not brilliantly beautiful to Elena.
She failed to protect Ian. The depth of the despairing remorse was beyond measure. That's
why she asked. No, she turned a blind eye. It was rationalization for my life.
"Ian, even if the world forgets everything, your mom will remember you."
That's enough. Ian will live in Elena's memory forever.
"I'm starting to need help from the outside."
Returning to reality, Elena reversed what had been done so far. May succeeded in
imprinting L's name on the masters of the time. It would not be long before they would feel
indebted to her if she continued to provide regular help. And to do so, she needed someone
who was professionally able to control and manage them outside of May.
"Well, he's the most useful..."
Before leaving the Duchy, Elena had considered someone. As he was attending an academic
institution by chance, it was appropriate to recruit him.
Elena decided to dress up as Lucia and move. There was a danger called Ren, but she
decided that it was better than approaching as Princess Veronica openly. It was also
important to win the heart and make them believe and follow, but sometimes partners who
share profits through transactions are more reliable. The latter was the helper she was
going to meet now.
Elena, who stopped by the recording room and dressed up, left the library, looking around
as if she was tapping on the stone bridge.
"It was the humanities department, wasn't it?"
Elena had only seen him once in her past life. It was when she visited the Vatican, the
headquarters of the Gaia Church, to pray for Ian's childbirth. There, she was coordinating
the budget for the construction of a cathedral commissioned by the Pope on behalf of the
architect Randol, the birthplace of the times.
Elena didn't understand him at the time. It was strange that Randol would not visit in
person, set the Pope and budget, and receive the compensation for the request, but send an
agent to proceed with the work. She was so curious that she went and asked him, and he
answered like this.
"I'm a broker. Artists can't do art if they are blinded by money. It's my job to replace them and
help them focus on their work."
It was a fresh shock. Previously, it was a common form of art to divide the price of selling
works on the condition that they were sponsored by the nobility. In the middle, art dealers
were buying artworks and selling them to collectors, nobles, or royalty. He called himself a
broker.
The art broker Khalif.
Looking back now, it was clear that what he did was a job ahead of the times.
"That's the future. Now he's two-faced, trying to seduce a woman with a good family."
The academy, where humanities departments were concentrated, had an overwhelming
proportion of female students. This is inevitable because there are a number of
departments in education or management that are favored by common people or young
people from lower-class aristocrats, who are the only graduates of the academy.
Among them, there was a liberal arts department for the spirituality of the dull and vain
high-ranking aristocrats. Literally, it was a department that existed to give a diploma,
which was far from studying.
Elena expected Khalif to hang out somewhere here. Khalif, from a fallen family, entered the
school with the remaining assets of the family at the academy's expense. In such cases,
most of them seek a way to live after graduation based on learning, but Khalif was on the
other side. It was about marriage. He considered it a once-in-a-lifetime success to seduce a
woman from a family that had no enemies and to sit down as a son-in-law.
In the end, the Khalif did what he wanted. He married a young girl after graduation, who
had been ostracized even in the academic institute for her poor appearance.
"That's it. In a short time, the land went bankrupt."
Two years later, with a severe drought, Khalif's wife's family collapsed beyond
maintenance. His dream ended. Khalif set foot in the art world to live. As an eloquent
speaker, he was fascinated by the artists and gradually gained fame by his skill in
representing their interests.
Elena noticed Khalif because he was a man of ability but trust.
"... He never abandoned his wife and loved her, even though he had great wealth."
Khalif did not abandon his fallen wife until the end of his appearance and his family. It may
be said that it was natural or that it was great, but it was not easy considering the countless
beautiful young ladies who were flirting to seduce the married man, Khalif, and the social
aspect of the Empire.
He only cared for and loved his wife. Such a scene touched many hearts, and it was even
heard that he was a romanticist.
Elena appreciated the purity that Khalif showed to his wife. There were so many aristocrats
and men who didn't keep the obvious. Just as Elena saw and judged, he was a man with the
most credibility to be with her as a business partner.
"I thought the lion would come when I said it... but I never thought I'd run into him."
She saw a man who was ripe for the day lying on the lawn of the North Hall of the Academy
where the Faculty of Humanities departments was concentrated, and flirting with a
woman. The half-faced Khalif in her memory would smile slyly at the women with a smooth
face that young ladies would like.
"Do you know why flowers are beautiful?"
The girl couldn't take her eyes off Khalif.
"Why?"
"Because there are flowers like you. I won't blame you for being blind today."
"Am I that pretty?"
The girl twisted her body with a red face like a red beet. She tried to be confirmed again as
if she was ashamed but didn't hate that remark.
"Shhh."
Khalif raised his index finger to block the girl's lips.
"If I eat your ears, will you be responsible?"
"I'm just... Ah! I shouldn't have said that."
"..."
Elena was speechless due to a comedy she wouldn't waste her money on. It was the same
as Khalif who used cringing speech, or the female student who really liked hearing that, or
a ridiculous thing. She didn't understand, but Elena wanted to respect them. Lovers' love
wasn't always acceptable from the perspective of others.
The girl lying on the lawn whispering and playing showed a regretful expression.
"I have to go to the lecture now."
"Stop."
Khalif cut her off firmly.
"Let's not say goodbye or anything like that. Let's meet tomorrow as if we were always
together."
"Senior how can you... hold my heart like this and let it go?"
Elena held her breath and persevered. It was so cringe that she couldn't stand it anymore,
but it seemed like it would be over soon. Sure enough, the girl looked around again and
again and left while leaving the grass.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sitting on the lawn and watching her disappear from view, Khalif looked back.
"How long are you going to stand? Aren't you here to see me?"
Khalif recommended the picnic mat to see if Elena was aware that he noticed her.
"No, we can stand up and talk."
She felt uncomfortable to sit down when she saw the girl lying there a while ago. Khalif
shrugged his shoulders as if to do so.
"Looking at the color of your name tag, it looks like you're a freshman... So what's the
matter with you? Confessing?"
"No."
Elena cut off the conversation. She didn't want to be involved as much as her fingernails, if
anything else.
"What, then? Why did our fresh freshman talk to this brother?"
"I'm here to make a deal."
"Huh? Deal?"
Khalif blinked his eyes. It was not a word that could come out of the mouth of a freshman
who just entered the school, and a female student who seemed to like books because the
horn-rimmed glasses looked good on her.
"Yes, to be exact, I want to work with you."
"Co-workers? You brought up a very difficult topic at the beginning."
Khalif scratched his cheek awkwardly. Then he popped a question.
"Do you know me?"
"I think I know enough."
She knew what kind of character the future Khalif was, if nothing else. It cannot be said that
she did not know roughly what life he had been through.
"Then you'll be quick to talk fast. I'm damn broke. A good-looking wild apricot. You know
that?"
Nod.
"You know that, and you offered me a partnership. What does that mean?"
Khalif grinned. It was a cynical smile.
"It's obvious, *I will give you work that only uses physical labor. It's not dangerous or
illegal. What do you think, am I wrong?"
"..."
"Look, you can't answer. That's right. Nothing."
Khalif, who arbitrarily concluded the situation, gave a demonstration of waving his hand.
Then he laid down on the picnic mat and closed his eyes and slept. Elena stood silently and
looked down at him.
'He knows exactly what I'm talking about. It's very difficult.'
Most people overestimate themselves very much. But Khalif was never seen like that. He
knew exactly where he was, how well he was, and what he was doing, and was wary of it.
Although it's her second time seeing him, Elena liked Khalif.
He's nice enough, he's got a good head on, he's got a good sense of business. Whatever else,
he was the best person to leave Elena's overall business to be carried out from the outside.
Elena sat on the picnic mat with a grain of salt to keep the conversation going.
"I didn't say anything, why are you guessing by yourself? I'm just making a point."
"Then what is it?"
Khalif was lying on his back, not looking back. It wasn't polite to the other person, but Elena
didn't care. What's really important is that the terms and conditions meet and the deal is
completed.
"Are you interested in art?"
"What are you saying."
"I'm thinking about making a business, but it's too much for me. I want you to help me. Oh!
It's not dangerous or illegal, so be assured."
Elena tailed, and Khalif's eyes narrowed. No matter how he looked at it, it doesn't seem like
she approached him to take advantage of him. The hesitant Khalif stood up scratching his
head and sat face to face with both legs crisscrossing at Elena.
"Are you interested now?"
"There's no harm in listening."
Elena smiled and continued.
"I have some money saved up. Oh, I described it as a small amount, but the amount is not
small. My father gives me a lot of pocket money because he has a lot of money."
"Wow, you don't care about unlucky things. So?"
"I don't want it to rot, and I'm thinking of investing in it and rolling it. As an art business."
Khalif shook his head at the bold and confident lady's plan.
"That's easy to say. Do you know what's going on in the art world?"
"I know the flow."
"Then you'll be quick to talk fast. Do you know what the most important thing is to be an
art dealer?"
When Elena stared instead of answering, Khalif said with a sigh.
"It's networking. Whether it's a famous painter or sculptor, they have a high nose. They
don't move with their money. You think that's it?"
"And what else?"
"Who are you going to sell the artwork to? No aristocrats or collectors meet just anyone.
Most people don't even do it if they're not acquainted or if they're not a traditional artist."
Khalif, who began to speak calmly, became increasingly enraged. He was also interested in
the art world and their work, so he just sighed at the ignorant schoolgirl's business plan.
"Hah, I'm saying it because I'm like a younger brother, but don't do anything in that
direction. You're perfect material to get scammed."
"From now on, I have a vision and plan."
"Only in your head? Darling, the reality is different. I have a lot of ideas in my head that will
remain even after making billions of dollars."
Khalif looked at Elena, who was staring at him despite his explanation, and thought that
further advice was meaningless.
"If you want to do it, do it alone. Then there's no problem."
"I have something to do. I have a promise with my father, so I have to get a diploma."
There was a real reason, but Elena made a plausible excuse and surrounded it. Khalif got up
from his seat, apparently feeling that further conversation was meaningless.
"I'm sorry, but I need a diploma, too. Do it alone."
"You'll change your mind if you hear what I'm going to say. I have stronger connections
than you think."
"Oh, really?"
Khalif laughed sarcastically.
"You'll be surprised when you hear it."
"Ah! Because it's so terrible? My junior, here's your award. You can get started with the
nobles who live in a very high place, in other words, the people who don't have enough
money to rot."
"I know. I know them very well."
Elena answered as if it were insignificant. Khalif was also a little annoyed because he still
didn't seem to understand what she was saying.
"Really? I'm very curious to know how great you are. You must have connections with the
four great dukes. A servant? Or a horseman? Oh! A butler for your good work?"
"You have a good imagination. But will you only be satisfied with the 4 great dukes?"
"Hey!"
The impatient Khalif shouted. The more she talked, the more he felt like he was getting
involved with Elena.
"Just do it. You don't know the end of it."
"But I'm serious? If the Grand Duke were a first-time customer, wouldn't I have a firm
foothold?"
"What? G-Grand Duke?"
Khalif stammered when Elena mentioned a family that was too great for him to say.
"Princess Veronica and I have a special relationship."
"Is that true? If you're lying..."
"Your Highness told me that she only wanted to deal with the art dealer she was introduced
to."
Khalif hesitated, not knowing how to take that word. He heard rumors that Princess
Veronica returned to school, but he didn't expect her to be in a special relationship with the
incoming freshman. No, apart from that, he couldn't decide how far to believe that story.
"I got it as a gift from your Highness. Would you believe it if you saw it?"
"...!"
Khalif's eyes are so big that they almost popped out. The cover of Elena's watch was
decorated with a symbol of the great house. At a glance, he could imagine that the
craftsman's blood, sweat, and hands were touching.
"Do you have any thoughts of making a deal now?"
Khalif had an instinctive hunch. He thought one of the three opportunities in his life came
today.
***
They plotted. In order to jump into the art world in earnest, there were many issues that
had to be systematically conceived and embodied before proceeding. The meeting used a
study room in the library. It was an effort to reduce Ren's noticeable number of times by
avoiding outside access as much as possible.
"You mean buy a mid-sized artist's work cheap and sell it to Princess Veronica at a high
price?"
"Now you understand exactly."
"Can I really do that? Isn't that a scam?"
Khalif asked back, frowning.
"No, it's a fraud to sell things that are less valuable as if they're worth it."
"That's what it is."
"It's different. It's just that it's not worth the attention of the art world yet, but it's not that
they can't paint."
Khalif felt something strange but strangely persuaded.
"The value of art is ultimately determined by the bidding price. The artist's life would be
worth living if he heard that it was collected by Princess Veronica, not anyone else."
"That's true."
"When the artist's reputation rises, the value of his work increases. It seems like she paid
for it, but the value of the painting will go up, so she won't lose anything."
"... That sounds like it, but it's strangely convincing."
Elena didn't say anything wrong. It's just that Khalif doesn't know about the contradictions
in the art world.
'That's ridiculous. With the same style of painting, even if you draw the same portrait, some
people are called masters, while some people are street painters all their lives and end
their lives as painters.'
The reason why artists who gain fame and those who do not have a reputation are divided
on the premise that their painting skills are similar is because they were deprived of the
opportunity to promote themselves.
Elena dared to assert that the current art world is rotten. Despite the work of an artist who
was not very good, art critics attach meaning to the painting, and if the appraiser evaluates
it highly, its value goes up. The moment the appraiser hands over the painting to a collector
or a high-ranking aristocrat with the finishing touch, the artist who drew the painting gains
fame. On the contrary, even if the style of painting is unique and good, if art critics or
appraisers do not recognize its value, they will be buried as meaningless paintings.
'I have to pay for all the paintings and buy them at a high price so that I can steal the money
from the great house.'
This is what Elena ultimately aims for. The purpose was to set up a large amount of money
to serve as a foundation for multiple purposes, beyond the concept of allowance within the
limits set by Leabrick.
In that name, the purchase of art was very well-founded. The art was of excellent residual
value, which was bound to increase the price over time. If so, it was highly likely that
Leabrick would acquiesce even if Elena spent more than her limit on purchasing art.

*(T/N): To be giving you something to use only your body, not your head.
It doesn't mean to do something right, but to replace it with something simple.
Ex. Serve a meal: simply eat anything with the intention of filling only the stomach.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

'The value of the paintings will fall before long.'

Times change soon. The old-fashioned, rotten art world's common and uncharacteristic
paintings plunge in value with the emergence of natural masters led by Raphael.
Elena, that's what she predicted. Instead of just paying attention to buying art pieces right
away and stealing money from the Great House, she was calculating that the value of art
purchased with extra money in the future that plummeted and became a waste. Elena
never wanted to benefit the great house, which was the subject of destruction.
"There will be a lot of things for you to do."
"Ha, if you wait a little longer, your graduation... I think your diploma is out of the
question?"
Elena smiled when Khalif made a big fuss.
"It's a chance to change your life. Is graduation a big deal?"
"That's when it works out. Let me ask you one more question."
Khalif with arms crossed asked, groaning his head.
"Who the hell is L? Is it you?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"Think about it. We're in a joint business, you don't have your name, and only L's signature.
It's a joint business, I don't have any investment, so it's the level of incentives, but you're
different."
Khalif did not readily understand. Lucia made the initial plan and invested. However, while
preparing for the business and working on the overall documentation, the name Lucia was
completely missing and the signature L was replacing the position.
"It's my alias. I don't want my father to find out."
"So that's how it is."
Although it was a weak excuse, Khalif unexpectedly accepted it easily. From the first
meeting, Elena mentioned her relationship with her father without doubt.
"That's it for today. I'd like to talk more, but I have a previous engagement with the famous
painters."
"I trust you'll do well, and I won't nag you."
"If you have something to say, just say it. That's more of a burden."
Elena believed in Khalif's ability and eye in her past life. Although he was still lacking in
skill compared to his passion, it was a problem that would be met when he gained
experience. His natural personality and qualities are the same.
'You don't have to force a bank and change the waterways. Just let the water flow
naturally.'
All Elena had to do was read and capture the trends of the times faster and decide the
direction. It was now in the early stages of the project, so he was involved, but once it was
established, there was the amount to be delegated to Khalif. He has such a good sense of
skill that Elena thought he would be able to do well without being involved.
Elena, who sent off Khalif, found a reading room on this floor. Like the central library of the
Imperial Academy, there were many books published in other countries as well. Among
thousands, no, tens of thousands of books, Elena noticed ancient history. To be exact, she
was interested in the first unified nation in continental history.
The Holy Felicia Empire It was the largest ancient empire that ruled the entire continent,
which was historically unprecedented. However, it was more than 1,500 years ago, so you
would not know well about it unless you were an archaeologist who deals with and studies
history. Moreover, the imperial palace was burned down in the process of facing
destruction, and even most of the historical records were lost. However, the central library
of the academy, which the imperial family boasts, was able to have some materials and
books compiled in other countries.
"If you know history, you can see the future."
Elena chose some books after much consideration.
<Republic of the Holy Empire>, <History of the Holy Felicia Empire>, <Citizen of the Holy
Empire>. Among the countless ancient nations, Elena had good reason to pay attention to
the Holy Felicia Empire.
"I see the past in the new era."
The upcoming new era is not limited to artistic development. It led to the exploration of
things that had been taken for granted, such as learning, philosophy, and enlightenment. In
particular, the cultural movement of ordinary people and intellectuals, who were
dissatisfied with the corruption and absurdity of the privileged class, was so militant that
many tragedies occurred due to treason.
"I can't change the flow of the times just because I am. It's just jumping on the flow and
making them mine."
Elena didn't want to stop using the new era. She wanted to take the initiative in opening
and leading a new era.
New woman. In the fields of art, philosophy, mathematics, science, and geography that
were considered exclusively for men so far, she wanted to stand confidently by
accumulating knowledge comparable to those of them. It was believed that the cultural
impact and influence that Elena would have would be the absolute power to isolate and
destroy the Grand Duke.
Elena embraced five books thicker than the encyclopedia and took them to a desk in the
corner of the reading room. It was a space where people could sit comfortably and read
books freely. It was time for Elena to pull out her chair and sit down after barely moving
the book.
"It's been a while."
Elena raised her head to a voice that shook her emotions.
"Are you feeling alright?"
"...!"
Elena's body froze as she faced the owner of the voice and gaze. Prince Sian. He hoped not
to touch her as much as possible, and looked at her through the bookshelf in an open
position.
"... Your Highness, greetings."
Elena grabbed the reins of her mind that was about to collapse momentarily. It was the
time to get out of the panic faster than the first meeting she had experienced once.
"Are you all well?"
"Yes, I'm much better."
Elena's expression of bowing her head to salute was bitter.
'The greetings that have never been heard between husband and wife are only heard now.'
Looking back, it was a tragedy. Although they were married, they lived in a relationship
worse than others. It was a long time of pain for both of them to feel it was unreasonable.
"That's a relief."
On Sian's expressionless face, Elena felt that the worry was just a formality. That's why she
didn't put any meaning on it.
"I'm sorry to have troubled you. I'm afraid I have interrupted, so I'm leaving."
Elena didn't want to face him anymore. Her child Ian was happy to face and remember with
courage, but Sian's was not. It was a pain that didn't leave even love or hate. An incurable
pain that couldn't be cured by any medicine in the world.
"You seem to be very interested in history. Is it your major?"
When Sian spoke to her again, Elena, who was backing away and pulling out, looked at him
again.
"Yes, I'm in the archaeological department, Your Grace."
"May I ask you... why you chose the books of the Holy Empire?"
The continuous questions perplexed Elena. Even when they were married in their previous
lives, they never talked more than a few words. Even though she was the wife of a future
prince, Sian ignored her without giving a glance. Then he kept talking to Elena.
"It's a simple curiosity, Your Highness. It doesn't mean much."
"Is that really it?"
For some reason, Sian didn't seem to believe all the words.
"I was just curious about the lives of the people of the Holy Empire who enjoyed the Holy
Land in the past."
"I see."
Perhaps because he heard the answer he wanted, Sian was not more curious about it. Elena
stepped back and glanced at the book that Sian was reading.
[Sometimes a ruler must make his subordinates fear him. Because feared leaders cannot be
betrayed easily.]
'Monarchism.'
Elena only read one passage, but she was able to read through the book Sian was reading.
'The absolute monarch of power, the ideal you've always dreamed of.'
The imperial authority in the present Empire was not very strong. This is because the
power of the four major dukes was strong enough to stamp out the authority of the
imperial family.
So Sian wanted to be a strong monarch. He sought to establish the imperial authority and
return to the past empires where only the emperor could be in power. But that didn't
happen during Elena's reign as queen. This is because the wall of the Grand Duke was so
high and hard. At that time, the five generations of families gathered their will to the extent
that they would depose even the previous emperor and directly appoint Richard, the father
of Sian and the current emperor.
In recognition of his contribution, Duke Friedrich, who was then the head of the 5th family
gate, was elevated to a Grand Duke. Although the empire has traditionally been a country
with strong imperial power, they had been put in a shameful situation where they had no
choice but to take notice of the
nobility.
Regrettably, the current empire's ruler, Emperor Richard, wasn't enough to keep the nobles
in check. Eventually, the weight of the expectation and the imperial revival was only passed
on to Sian's share. It was easy to guess how much pressure Sian was rejuvenating and
continuing a lonely fight.
'That's when Ian was born.'
She still remembered it clearly. On the day Ian was born, he was resentful for himself,
saying that a momentary mistake drove the empire into hell. It couldn't have been more
hopeless to see the future through Elena who had a successor from the Grand Duke who he
so wanted to be excluded.
Elena was forced to shake her mind when the memory of her past life kept biting her tail.
What she needs to see now is not the past but the reality.
'... Your Highness, monarchism is an untimely book.'
Times are dynamic and changeable. That was why Elena saw the history of the Holy Felicia
Empire. If you don't have an enlightened philosophy that fits the coming new era, you will
be eliminated.
"Then I'll leave first."
Sian turned the pages without even looking. It could have been selfish, but Elena, who was
more familiar with such a figure, thought little of it. It was when Elena stood up with a
book.
"Didn't you bring them to see them?"
"Yes?"
When Elena asked back, Sian still kept his eyes on the book and spoke calmly.
"I wonder if you really need to move your seat. I'm not going to talk to you anymore, so sit
down there."
"..."
Elena almost made a face at the moment. He must have said this because he felt sorry she
had to move the heavy book back to another desk, but that word itself was a burden for
Elena.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"I'm afraid it will interfere with Your Highness more than me.... I'll sit down. Thank you for
your care."
She was wondering what excuses to make, but Elena agreed, pulled out her chair and sat
face to face. It's better to be criticized first, and they'll meet several times in the future
while she's in the academy. It was inevitable forever, and even if it was inconvenient, it was
a measure to be taken in.
She heard only the sound of going over the bookshelf in silence. Neither side spoke to each
other for quite a long time. Elena was the first one to leave. She left the reading room
quietly and without making any noise.
"..."
Shortly after Elena left the reading room, Sian looked up. His melancholy gaze turned to the
empty chair where Elena had been sitting a moment ago. Sian couldn't take his eyes off
what he was thinking.
***
Raphael's eyes did not fall from Ian's portrait that Elena had left behind. The eyes with
deep thoughts were not just looking at it as a picture, but rather an attempt to approach the
nature of the painting.
"Are you still doing this?"
As usual, Cecilia, who brought food in one hand, looked at Raphael with worried eyes.
"Yes, I'm still like this."
Sadness was in Cecilia's eyes when she saw Raphael, who was tired of agony.
"Aren't you thinking too hard? Drawing is developed by drawing."
"I thought so too, but it wasn't."
Raphael stared at Ian's portrait on the easel. Not only did the composition and balance fall,
but the expression of contrast was not very good. At first glance, it was fine, but if you look
at it carefully, it was a painting that was not enough.
It's a painting, but he couldn't take his eyes off it as if he was being sucked into it. He was
under the illusion that he was fascinated by the warm and happy energy he felt in that
painting.
"What, that lack of confidence."
"I'm a little tired."
"Why don't you take a break? They say taking a break is part of the effort."
Raphael shook his head.
"That's too far to go."
"You always underestimated yourself while not in front of the professors. In my opinion,
your paintings will remain highly praised even if you debut in the art world right now."
Cecilia was not wrong. In the meantime, Raphael has improved with Elena's advice. It was
great enough to raise the level of the art world to a few levels with innovative techniques
that could overturn the art world even with the air perspective. But Raphael disagreed.
"The portrait contains the life of the person who lived his life."
"Do you want to say that the portrait you drew contains that?"
"Yes."
Cecilia turned her head and stared at Ian's portrait on the easel. She was quite
knowledgeable about the painting and had an eye for it, but she couldn't find what Raphael
was talking about.
"I'm sorry, Raphael. I really don't know."
Cecilia just spoke honestly as she felt. Not because Elena had bad feelings, but because
Raphael was overwhelmingly superior in the level of expression, technique, and coloring
when compared to the painting itself. Her words might be comforting, but Raphael listened
with one ear and shed it with the other.
"Why isn't she coming? She's been here regularly."
"Miss Lucia?"
Raphael nodded and recalled Elena of the day. As soon as she finished the painting, she
couldn't even breathe and cried.
"Why did she cry?"
"Did she cry?"
"Yeah. She cried in pain."
"..."
Cecilia couldn't take her gaze away from Raphael. He looked different from usual, but
Raphael never noticed.
"I'm worried about her, too. Do you want me to meet her?"
"Don't do that. I don't want to burden you."
"Why is that a burden? It's because I'm worried."
Raphael dissuaded Cecilia as if he really didn't want it.
"I'm just going to wait a little longer. I want to."
"..."
Cecilia suddenly wanted to ask Raphael. Have you ever waited for me? However, the words
could be a burden, so she swallowed them in her heart and smiled as brightly as usual.
"Let's do that! Miss Lucia, as we know, will be back soon. So hang in there and wait."
"Yes, you're the only one."
Raphael laughed as he watched Cecilia patting her shoulders. She could see his smile in a
few days, but Cecilia felt bitter somehow. So she forced herself to smile more brightly. It's
always been like that.
***
"Go slowly. You don't have to go fast, so be careful. Do you understand me?"
Khalif, seated next to the horseman, constantly nagged. What was inevitable was that there
were dozens of expensive paintings in the carriage. The paintings were purchased by
investing all the money that Elena received, and he was shocked by the wagon and worried
that it might be damaged.
"Oh, I'm nervous. Why is she so into making me nervous?"
Khalif kept shaking his legs to see if he could calm down.
Today was the first step in art. It was also a day when everything prepared was evaluated
as a result. As much as he paid close attention, he was confident that he would do well.
However, the problem was that the collector who would like to meet now was not a regular
aristocrat.
He was shocked and worried about the damage.
"I'm glad the first customer is Princess Veronica... but isn't it too strong?"
In a way, it was natural for Khalif to tremble. Who is Princess Veronica? She is the daughter
of the Grand Duke Friedrich, who dominates the empire. It was irrelevant to say that she
was the next strong successor under the current law of the empire, which allows women to
succeed to the throne. Being able to make a deal with Princess Veronica as an art dealer
was an opportunity to break through the checks of established art dealers at once and hold
a firm position.
In fact, Khalif expected to see Princess Veronica with Lucia. As Lucia's close friendship is
said to be strong, he predicted that it would work more positively on the deal. But in
yesterday's meeting, Lucia embarrassed him by saying that she couldn't go with him.
"Why can't I go? If I get caught by my father, I'll get in trouble. I'm pretending to be a good
daughter. And the more we do this, the more we have to distinguish between public and
private matters. I'm only going to introduce myself, you're only going to trade, and the
Princess will buy. This is the cleanest and most comfortable deal."
At first, he thought she might be handing it all over to him, but when he listened to it all and
thought about it, it made sense. He cannot rule out the possibility that the line that should
be kept in mutual transactions may be broken due to the friendship.
"Even so, I think I'm the only one who's having a hard time..."
From recruiting a middle-class painter to commissioning painting brokerage, to hiring a
part time worker. There has never been an easy time for Khalif. It was not an exaggeration
to say that even if he had two bodies, his work bursts out enough.
In fact, it was Elena's intention to roll Khalif in this way. Elena had seen the failure of
aristocratic children who inherited the family business in their past lives because they
failed to operate them properly.
Therefore, it was believed that learning to roll directly from the floor could lead to the
operation of the business with sincerity even if a subordinate was called later. The reason
was that she couldn't move herself, but there was such an arrangement for Elena driving
the work to the point where she thought it was too much.
"Oh, no more thinking. Let's not make mistakes today."
Khalif constantly muttered to himself and took up his mind. In the meantime, the carriage
reached a detached dormitory on the east side of the academy. It was said that it was a
place where only a few of the most prominent families and the royals could stay since the
founding of the empire, but it was definitely different from the dormitory where Khalif
stayed.
"Calm down."
The horseman pulled the reins to stop the carriage. Khalif, who reached his destination,
took a deep breath and got off the carriage.
"What brings you here?"
Hurelbard, a knight wearing armor with the seal of the great house, demanded
identification.
"My name is Khalif de Gea, an art broker. I'm here to introduce it to Princess Veronica.
Here's an ID."
Hurelbard scrutinized his credentials for perjury.
"There was a message from Your Highness the Princess to serve you respectfully. Please
come inside."
"Thank you."
Khalif carefully carried the paintings to the four workers and followed Hurelbard. May led
him through the building and as he entered he admired the inside view of the dormitory
with even a small garden.
"You can get ready in this drawing room."
"Okay. Now, bring it inside."
On the other side of the sofa where Elena would sit, he installed an easel and hung the
painting to introduce first. He didn't forget to cover it with a cloth for a dramatic
introduction.
"We're all set. Tell Your Highness the Princess."
"Please wait a moment."
Soon after May went up to this floor, he heard the sound of shoes stepping on the stairs.
Khalif was nervous and swallowed his dry saliva. He'd seen her two years ago, but he'd
never had such a close relationship. Moreover, he couldn't help but be nervous because he
was meeting the Princess as an art broker, not as a student at the same academy.
Princess Veronica came down the stairs.
She was not wearing a school uniform, but a dress with a blue light like the sea.
'P-pretty.'
Khalif opened his mouth and admired. She was superior and she was a trembling beauty.
She was a benevolent beauty that can only give a glance to a man with a simple outfit even
if she was not very stylish. No, it was somewhat insufficient to express her in the word
beauty.
'... The atmosphere is crazy.'
Princess Veronica's elegant grace seemed to be breathtaking. It was the authority that
made him look up and bow down. He was just standing and he felt overwhelmed. It wasn't
learned, but even godliness came from the natural nobility that naturally flows from the
body.
'She's not the a I'd dare to look at.'
While attending the academy, he had a chance to see young ladies from a few aristocrats.
Among the dogs were Duke Reinhardt's eldest daughter Avella.
'It's impolite to even compare her to Princess Veronica.'
Avella was just lucky to be born and treated as the first daughter of a Duke, he could not
feel the noble figure or dignity that a great noble family should have from her.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

As she reached the sofa in the middle of the living room, Elena greeted him with a smile.
"Welcome."
Elena's smile made him feel a little comfortable. Khalif introduced himself in a relaxed
manner.
"It's an honor to meet you. I'm Khalif, Your Highness."
"I've heard a lot about you. You're a senior who's about to graduate this year."
"Sorry? Yes, but I'm not sure if I'm going to graduate properly... because I'm so into this job
that I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to study."
When Elena brought up a topic that could be shared as an academic institute and naturally
led the conversation, Khalif's expression improved.
"Where there's a will, there's a way. A diploma is just a piece of paper."
"I'm encouraged to hear that from your Highness, not from anyone else."
Elena went to the point when Khalif seemed to have found some leeway.
"Shall I look at the pictures?"
"Yes."
As Elena sat on the couch, Khalif stood next to an easel covered in cloth. He put his fist to
his mouth, coughed briefly, and removed the cloth.
"The title of this painting is 'Portrait of a Young Woman.'"
Elena leaned against the sofa and took a sip of Anne's tea, looking at the painting.
'Women's virtue, quietness.'
A black-haired woman was sitting among the bushes, raising one hand and covering her
chest with a cloth. The gaze was slightly shifted from the front and did not face the viewer
directly. In the face of a woman's sensual beauty, and not looking straight, Elena grasped
the significance of the work.
"This painting is the work of painter Giorgio, reflecting the contemporary state of love in
the secular world......"
"That's enough explanation."
"What?"
"I'll buy it."
When Elena spoke as if she was throwing it without context, Khalif blinked.
"You mean you're buying this piece now?"
"Yes."
Khalif was more puzzled than the joy of selling the work. This is because he never dreamed
that works would be sold this way. But it's still too early to be surprised.
"Then the next piece is..."
"No, let's change the order."
"What?"
"It's frustrating to look at each point. Please display all the paintings you brought from
there to here."
"E-everything?"
Elena nodded leisurely, drinking tea.
"Anne, May, don't stand still and go help."
"Yes, miss."
Khalif used his maids and workers to bring out all the paintings. Works that cannot be
displayed due to a lack of easels made workers and women hold it themselves.
"Now it's worth seeing."
"Now, I will introduce and explain the works in turn..."
"No, thanks."
Elena cut him off.
"External subjects or composition are interfering with the appreciation. I want to see and
appreciate these paintings."
"Oh, yes."
When Khalif was speechless, Elena sat on the sofa and looked at the paintings. She even
tasted cookies and tea in the middle and enjoyed the paintings.
"All the paintings are good."
"Thank you. These are specially selected paintings."
Elena's reaction brightened Khalif's face. And his bright face turned into a shock at the next
words of Elena.
"I'll buy everything."
"What? Oh, all nine?"
"Yes."
Elena took the last cup of tea and put it down. Even though he succeeded in selling all of his
brought works, Khalif seemed half-heartedly wondering as if it didn't feel real.
"T-that's a wise choice."
"It's all thanks to Khalif's eye for great paintings."
Khalif felt good when Princess Veronica, not anyone else, painted him in gold. Also, he was
happy to have succeeded in the deal, which was his first step in art.
"No, it's not what I did. As a token of appreciation, I would like to give you a partial
discount on the total payment amount..."
"No, don't do that."
"What?"
"Well, I don't bargain over art. It's an insult to art."
'... Crazy cool.'
Khalif was in pure admiration. Every word she uttered made her more dazzling and
blinding. He'd seen a lot of simple pretty aristocrats, but Princess Veronica was the first
woman to feel cool enough to transcend all of them.
"I'll pay you part of the payment now and charge you for the rest of the loan."
"I-I see."
"I'll make a contract for the transfer right away, no delay."
Elena decided how to pay for the purchase of the work at once, and wrote a transfer
contract and issued a loan certificate. It was not until she signed the document with a blank
face that Khalif realized it.
"Thank you, Your Highness Princess."
Khalif bowed down to hide his smile that kept rising with joy.
"What's there to thank me for? I'm just paying a reasonable price for a work that's worth it.
Please continue to introduce good works."
"Of course. I'll bring you some masterpieces you'll like."
Khalif, who handed over the painting, said goodbye politely and left the dormitory with the
workers. After completing the first deal successfully, Khalif, who was getting on the
carriage in a relaxed mood, turned his head and looked up at Elena's exclusive dormitory.
"As expected, a princess is a princess. She's a different class from a regular aristocrat."
The more awkward the aristocrats, the more they pretend to know. Khalif, from a family of
fallen aristocrats, had seen many such uncongenial aristocrats since childhood.
But Elena was different. What's shocking so far is that she hadn't asked for the purchase
amount until the moment she signed the contract. Of course, the transfer contract and the
loan certificate were specified, but she didn't pay much attention.
"I don't think it's a myth to say that you can buy an empire by attracting the wealth of the
Grand Duke."
A smile caught on the mumbling Khalif's mouth. Princess Veronica was the first customer,
and she would be the main customer. The fact that she had a lot of wealth meant that the
more he continued to deal in the future, the greater the gain he would get.
Khalif wondered how to show off his successful first deal to Lucia.
"Oh, what should I say to Lucia? She would be surprised to hear this too."

At that time, standing by the bedroom window on the second floor, Elena was looking
down at Khalif pulling the wagon away.
"Now I hit my first shot."
She put a lot of effort into finding someone to help him out of Leabrick's eyes. The talented
people who had obtained it slowly moved to their proper roles. Although there were still
some parts that were not satisfactory, today's art trade was the first success.
"Anne, are you outside?"
At Elena's call, Anne, who was cleaning up after sending the guests, came up.
"Did you find it, miss?"
"Did you pack the paintings well?"
"I packed three layers so that you wouldn't be shocked."
Anne answered confidently, as if she was paying special attention.
"Good work. Just hang 'Portrait of a Young Woman' downstairs and send the rest to the
Great House."
"Yes, miss."
"This is a letter to Leabrick. Send it."
Anne picked up the letter and turned around and went down to the first floor. Elena, who
was left alone, turned her eyes out of the window again. There was a panoramic view of the
academy that was so peaceful.
"How would Leabrick react if I collected art?"
It's obvious without looking at. She'd dare to laugh at her with that look of hers. Ever since
she first met Leabrick, she'd been playing a vain and selfish role of a young lady.
"I hope you like it."
Elena smiled meaningfully. Originally, once the child was obedient, she would be prettier
and joyful. Although she didn't know, she may be satisfied with having a hobby that is
suitable for the status of a princess with a little aristocratic appearance. It's not going to do
the least bit of crap and ruin her reputation.
"There will be more loan certificates for the Grand Duke to be named."
It was Elena who used a loan certificate to make a debt, but it was up to Leabrick to pay the
debt.
***
Elena disguised herself as Lucia after a long time. It was to visit Raphael's studio, which she
had never been able to find.
"Ha... Why is it that I painted that?"
She still wanted to hide in a mousetrap when she thought about what happened that day. It
was embarrassing to paint a poor picture, but she shed tears in front of Raphael, so what
more could happen. But she couldn't stop going back and forth. She was embarrassed, but
she didn't know how to deal with Raphael.
"Hello?"
Opening the door, Elena entered the studio. Raphael, who was sitting with a canvas hanging
on the easel, looked up and looked at her.
"..."
Silence fell in a few seconds. Elena, who had the past in mind, felt more awkward than
nothing.
"Have you been painting? I interrupted you."
"No, it's nice to see you after a long time, Miss Lucia."
At first glance, he was as calm as usual, but today, Raphael's voice was filled with deep joy.
"Me too, sir. I'm sorry I left like that."
"I was very worried."
Elena bowed her head, forgetting that she was ashamed. She felt so sorry that her actions
caused Raphael to worry about anything else.
"It's helping in my own way... Huh? Oh! Why did you hang that up there!"
Elena was embarrassed to see her painting hanging on the wall. Apart from the meaning, if
you look at the painting itself, it's like rubbish, and her face was burning.
"Because I can see it the best."
"I-I'll get off right away. It's definitely not a painting to show anyone."
It was time for Elena, who was embarrassed, to lower the picture. Raphael reached out his
hand unknowingly and grabbed Elena's wrist.
"Just let it go."
"S-senior?"
"When I look at that painting, I feel like every painting I've ever painted is a fake. I can't
take it off my eyes."
Raphael was as serious as ever. Elena was speechless at the sight. His earnest heart, which
was so desperate, felt so sincere.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"So please let me leave it there a little longer. Please."

When Raphael came out like that, Elena couldn't insist on taking the picture off anymore.
"Since you say it's helpful, I won't."
"Thank you for your understanding."
"Hey, I think you can let go of this hand now..."
Elena raised her wrist in embarrassment. Only then did Raphael let go of her hand to see if
she was hurt.
"I've been rude without even realizing it. I'm sorry."
"Y-you didn't mean to."
Elena was quite surprised, even though she was trying to pretend nothing was wrong. But
she changed the subject as if nothing had happened, thinking that Raphael would be more
sorry if she kept showing signs of embarrassment.
"Can you paint well?"
"No."
Raphael laughed bitterly. It was a smile that held long agony.
Elena felt sorry. In other words, she drew a picture to help, but she was worried that it
might have caught Raphael's ankle.
'What should I do? If he can't get over the slump...'
Elena's water also deepened. There have been countless stories of artists who could not
overcome the burden and weight of art and suffer a slump. Raphael was a master of the
times, so it shouldn't be, but it was pitiful to see him suffer.
'Is there any way I can help you?'
Elena continued to feel uneasy because Raphael's slump seemed to stem from her. So she
thought of a way that would help Raphael in a way that would not backfire.
'Oh! That!'
A good idea flashed through her mind. She was sure that the method would work well.
"Senior."
Raphael glanced at Elena's low call. Elena smiled at what she was trying to say, but her
short, flickering hair made her look cute.
"..."
Raphael stared at Elena as if he was possessed. On top of Elena's smile, she couldn't even
breathe and cried at that time. That made Raphael unable to take his eyes off her.
"I want to learn how to draw. Step by step from the basics."
"Are you trying to learn from me?"
Elena nodded with a smile.
"Who else is here besides you, senior?"
"That's true. It's so unexpected..."
Raphael was at a loss for the unexpected proposal. Well, it was the same in the first
meeting, but Elena must have a knack for embarrassing him.
"I'm not asking you to teach me too much. It's okay if you watch me when you have time,
when you get stuck drawing."
There is a saying that one learns by teaching. When you teach others, you can also see your
own inadequacy, which means that you reflect on yourself and develop through the process
of supplementing them. Elena wanted to give Raphael an opportunity to develop further
through herself.
"Did I ask you too much?"
"No way."
Raphael regained his composure.
"Actually, I felt sorry, too. I thought Miss Lucia's talent might make her a better painter than
me."
"Oh, that flattery is too much."
"It's not flattery, it's my honest opinion."
Elena felt a little burdened because Raphael was so highly appreciative. However, if
Raphael's paintings could advance through this process, she was willing to take this much
anticipated burden.
"Then you'll let me, right? You can't get sick of it later."
"Lucia, be prepared. I'm a bit strict."
"Well, I wouldn't be a very easy student. Then let's shake hands as a gesture of kindness."
Elena held out her thin and white hands and smiled.
'You are my teacher in my past life, and in this life, too.'
It was strange that it was meant to be. She didn't know that it would lead to this. She was
even happier that the relationship was not a bad one.
Raphael smiled coolly at the awkwardness of this situation, then wiped his hands on his
clothes and held them. While doing so, he found himself delighted in the formation of a new
relationship. It was because he felt like he became closer and closer to her after leaving
their simple senior and junior relationship. Elena, who had released his hand, said, showing
will.
"Will the class be okay from today, senior?"
"There's nothing wrong with that."
Raphael readily agreed. It's time to establish the first class between teacher and student.
"Is this the right place."
Elena and Raphael turned their heads at the same time to the low voice.
"...!"
Surprised at the moment, Elena opened her eyes wide. The identity of the voice was none
other than Prince Sian.
"I see you again."
"... Greetings to Your Highness."
Confusion was just a passing emotion, and Elena's body was bowing to him with
instinctively disciplined manners. Sian, who had been eyeing etiquette that would only be
seen in the palace, turned his eyes.
"Are you Raphael?"
"It's an honor to see you again, Your Grace."
Raphael bowed his head as if he had already met Sian.
"Is this your studio?"
"That's right."
"I'm here to see Cecilia, but she didn't come here."
Sian looked around the studio and revealed that Cecilia was the reason he came here.
Presumably, Sian was somehow looking for her, and Cecilia seemed to be avoiding him.
'The Empress is a blessed person.'
She thought it was all in the past, but Elena felt bitter again. Even though Elena desperately
craved for it, she felt that she was being treated excessively. It was too obvious.
"I haven't seen Cecilia in days."
"Is that so."
With his unique expressionless expression, Sian looked closely at various things, including
Raphael's paintings hanging here and there in the studio, human proportionality under
study, and anatomy.
"Cecilia praised you for being the artist who represents the times."
"I'm still not enough."
"I think what she says is true. I can feel your genius even with my poor eyesight."
Despite Sian's praise to be crowned emperor in the future, Raphael only looked down and
was not very happy. He was not satisfied with his paintings, so what was the significance of
even the crown prince's praise.
Elena looked at Sian and inwardly hoped that he would leave the studio quickly. It was less
than the first meeting, but still uncomfortable for Elena to face Sian.
Sian, who was enjoying the works of the studio as if he had come to the salon, stopped in
front of one piece.
"Did you draw this picture?"
"...!"
Elena's breath almost came to rest. The painting pointed out by Sian was a portrait of Ian
drawn by Elena. More than ten paintings of Raphael's hung in this studio that would be
enough to rise to the ranks of masterpieces. But Elena was embarrassed because Sian put
them all aside and pointed out Ian's portrait.
"No, this is a painting by Miss Lucia here."
"You?"
Sian reacted unexpectedly, glanced at Elena and turned his gaze back to the painting.
'Why did Your Highness do that painting...'
If she could, she wanted to turn back time so that Sian wouldn't see Ian's portrait. Aside
from drawing bad, Sian's eyes, which had been looking at Ian with contempt during his
lifetime, kept overlapping and made her suffer. It would be nice if he didn't say anything.
Despite Elena's wish, Sian seldom left in front of Ian's portrait.
Why? Why? Why was Sian paying much attention to Ian's portrait? Elena was just eagerly
hoping and hoping that he would quickly get his interest and leave.
"I don't know."
Sian's expression, which broke the long silence when he opened his mouth, seemed
complicated.
"I don't know why this angel's smiling face... Is so touching."
"...!"
Elena cried. A while ago, Sian's words lingered in her ears and didn't leave. It didn't make
sense in common sense. Because all these moments are like lies. Sian didn't know who Ian
was. He didn't know. Nevertheless, the core of one corner of her heart melted with the
tenderness felt in Sian's gaze at Ian's portrait. It was late, it was very late, but Ian can still
catch his father's warm eyes.
"What's your relationship?"
"... My brother."
'He's your son.'
Elena swallowed, holding back her feelings. She knew it was the truth that no one in the
world could believe. She was sorry for Ian, but she had no choice but to borrow a younger
brother who didn't exist in the world.
"I see."
Sian nodded small, and held the portrait in his eyes again.
"Please, I hope you grow up well."
Elena was now angry at Sian and was quick to swear. He hadn't seen him once in his life.
Why was he so cruel then? Many words that couldn't be poured out were stuck at the end
of her throat.
'Don't say anything.'
There's no Ian anywhere in the world. He's not even in his father's memory. He only exists
in Elena's memory. Why didn't he look around Ian a little earlier? She couldn't bear to hear
him say such warm words now because he was so hateful and resentful.
Eventually Elena collapsed.
The tears that had been holding down from Elena's eyes, which had let go of everything,
flowed down. There was a burst of water without any time to get over the feelings. Elena's
tears made Raphael and Sian quite embarrassed. Especially Sian, who saw her tears for the
first time, felt very embarrassed.
"Why are you crying?"
"..."
"Did I make a mistake?"
Sian did not know what to do in this case. If he had known the reason, he would have done
anything to comfort her, but he couldn't guess why she cried.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"No."
Elena forced a smile. She couldn't stop crying because she couldn't calm down, but she still
smiled.
"Thank you. Thank you so much for your words of congratulation..."
The relationship between parents and children in the East was called a natural thing. She
was grateful that he was interested in Ian and said warm words even though he didn't even
have a face-to-face meeting. Ian only lives in Elena's memory, but she hopes he can smile at
least faintly.
"You'll grow up well. Because you were blessed by His Highness. Be happy. Be more
courageous than anyone else."
"..."
Elena laughed happily and painfully. A little late, no, a lot late. She desperately hoped that
the sincere words of Sian had reached Ian.
***
"Ha, really."
Leabrick put the paintings on display Elena had bought and looked ridiculous. She
wondered if she was going into the academic institute and was quietly getting along, so she
was not afraid of accidents like this.
Art collection. If she had been extravagant, she would have done so. Was it just a hobby to
her subject? She wondered what she knew and why she was paying for these paintings.
Especially, the letter that she sent in her own handwriting was more of a spectacle.
'What? These pictures will be worth a lot sooner or later, so trust me and pay for them?'
Looking at Elena's confident handwriting and sentences, it was encouraging. It said that she
had fallen in love with art recently and that she felt happy and healed just by looking at it.
She also said that she was interacting with young people with artistic insight and
accumulating knowledge through books. She also accompanied the loan certificate and
asked her to pay the bill.
The problem was the amount on the loan card. Like a well that never dries up, the Grand
Duchy was capable of paying this much. However, Leabrick was wary of spending this way
once or twice. As long as Elena continues to act as Princess Veronica, the influence of her
signature cannot be ignored.
Now that she only lived in a closed space called an academic institute, she didn't really need
control. However, the story changes after graduation. It may not be easy to control if she
ran wild like an unbridled foal. Just in case, she needed to make a plan to arrest and control
Elena.
'It's not just that. The nobles of the Empire are also subject to control. Without exception,
even if it were the emperor'
She was confident, although others would have thought it was crazy. Leabrick, who had
already taken over all power on behalf of the great Duke of Friedrich, was secretly working
on his related work.
"How's it going?"
The art appraisers, who were invited separately by Leabrick, stopped what they were
doing and reported.
"They're all excellent paintings."
"Because they are still unknown writers, there is nothing to point out about styles,
techniques, and expressions."
"It's a bit expensive, but I think five years at the earliest, ten years at the latest, they will be
worth more than the purchase price."
"Really?"
Leabrick seemed surprised at the unexpectedly high value of the painting. Considering
Elena's eye and level of experience, such reactions were natural.
"Yes, even though this is her first purchase, it is safe to say that Princess Veronica has a
better artistic perspective than others."
"After all it's Your Highness the Princess. I can't believe she's this good at a young age."
"Hoho, I can't wait to see what other works she buys next."
Leabrick had a hard time holding back the laughter that almost leaked out. Even a snail was
knowledgeable. She didn't expect the paintings purchased by Elena to be well-received by
appraisers. It is often said that the goddess Gaia gives even the ugliest human beings a
talent, and she thought this was the case now.
"Okay, I'll call you when she buys again."
Leabrick, who sent back the art appraisers, ordered the maids to move all the paintings to a
collection warehouse. The paintings were like wine, as time goes by, its value increases.
The value of these paintings will double, or triple, when they are brought back into the
world again.
"I don't mind watching."
She was going to take a little more time because she heard that she had a good eye for art. If
she really was talented, it would have a positive effect on the reputation of Princess
Veronica. On the contrary, if she was just lucky, she could ban the sale of art.
After making the decision, Leabrick took out the key stored in her sleeve and opened the
locked desk drawer. It was filled with correspondence periodically sent by Anne, who was
secretly monitoring Elena. Leabrick, who had a letter from Elena, locked the drawer again.
"Don't forget. You're in my palm."
Leabrick didn't take her eyes off Elena for a moment. From the first meeting until now. It
was the same in the future.
***
Elena periodically visited Raphael's studio. It was in the name of learning to paint, but in
reality it was to give Raphael a little help. She was worried about being caught by Ren, but
she couldn't have been hiding forever.
Step-by-step preparations for revenge could only be made now. In the meantime, it was
fortunate that she found a way to the western annex. As the boulevard was placed in the
central square, the roads that had been poorly used were almost abandoned.
Elena used the route from the library back to the South and then to the west. It was to avoid
encountering Ren as much as possible as passing by the central square.
Fortunately, despite several trips, she never saw Ren. Although she went around carefully,
the chances of encountering students have decreased significantly because there were no
students using abandoned old roads. Elena, who entered the western annex, visited the
studio with a light heart.
"Senior, I'm here."
Elena greeted pleasantly, but the studio was quiet. When she went inside in a curious
mood, there was no one.
"Where'd he go? I don't think there are any classes at this time."
Although she turned her head in doubt, Elena wasn't too worried. She had nothing to rush
right away.
"I'll have to boil tea and wait."
Elena took out the tea set from the basket. The white porcelain decorated with roses and
golden borders was Elena's favorite and cherished cup. As the leaves of black tea of good
quality came in from the Grand Duchy today, she brought them with her in the hope of
enjoying them with Raphael. Even so, she didn't forget to bring May to come out after
talking about having tea time with the esteemed daughters, maybe Anne would doubt. By
now, May would be looking at the welfare of future masters outside the Academy.
Elena was left on one side of the studio and lit a small brazier again. Then she placed a
silver kettle that had been filled with water on it. As the firepower was weak, it seemed like
it would take a long time to boil.
"I want to be of some help, but it's not easy."
Elena wanted to see Raphael, who overcame the slump, become a representative artist of
the era. She would be delighted if she could be of any help to Raphael's growth.
"I really want you to be recruited after graduation."
Elena was preparing a lot for the change of times. She planned to develop a more in-depth
art brokerage that Khalif had done in his previous life. Artists can focus only on their
works, while brokers focus on sales and management. And make space to lead culture. That
was Elena's grand plan, and Raphael was important enough to be the centerpiece.
Tak tak tak.
Elena, who was looking at the silver kettle when the water stopped, looked back at the
footsteps.
"Senior, are you here?"
Elena's expression, which was greeting with a welcoming smile, quickly hardened. This is
because Sian, not Raphael, stood with his unique expressionless expression.
"I see you're here, Your Highness."
Although she was quite embarrassed, Elena did not forget to show her usual courtesy.
"You must be here a lot."
"I'm learning to paint from Raphael."
"Painting?"
"Yes."
Elena felt uncomfortable with this conversation. Even when they were married, they rarely
asked each other how they were doing and how their day was going. Elena took out a
suggestion to end the awkwardness as soon as possible.
"Cecilia is not here."
"I'm not here to see Cecilia."
"What? Then why are you here..."
Elena obsessed over what she couldn't understand. If he was not here to see Cecilia,
there was no reason for the noble prince to come directly to this damp and shabby
underground studio.
"I came to see you."
"Me?"
Elena reproached herself, looking back at him asking back like a fool.
'What do you expect.'
She hated seeing this again in front of him. It was pathetic to think of the time when she
attached meaning to everything she said in her past life. So Sian's interest was not sweet.
"May I ask you why you came to see me?"
Sian stared silently at Elena. His melancholy eyes did not show his feelings at that time or
now.
"Reason. I just came here to drink your tea today."
"... Tea?"
Sian's eyes passed Elena and fell into the set. Elena lost her words because she didn't
expect such an answer.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

This is because it was an impromptu answer that she had never heard from Sian in the past.
"The water is boiling."
"Yes? Oh!"
Surprised, Elena tried to grab the silver kettle reflexively, but was surprised by the heat
transmitted at her fingertips and pulled away her hand. Her hand was tingling because it
was so hot.
"Are you all right?"
"Fortunately, I don't think I burned myself."
"I'll do it."
Sian rolled the silver kettle around the canvas on the desk and put it down under the
brazier.
"I'll do it now. You asked for a cup of tea, didn't you?
Elena, who was embarrassed by a mistake she had never made before, quickly took over
the silver kettle and transferred boiling water to the manifold. It was to cool it down to the
most suitable temperature for the black tea leaves brought today while maintaining the
same temperature.
'What an ironic thing. I can only make tea after I become someone else.'
Sian, the emperor of her past life, enjoyed tea. Among them, he preferred the deep taste and
aroma of black tea from the eastern continent, which was served across the sea. Elena, who
became the queen, had cooked tea for the Sian. She tried to express her sincerity toward
Sian, not her ostentatious etiquette when he said "mindfulness."
Those who tasted Elena's own tea praised it in unison. It was also often said that young
people in society should see and learn.
Once, was it? He didn't even look at it. Even the mixing of words was contemptible, but the
tea party was too much. But now that the couple's relationship has been cut off, and they
were completely strangers, she couldn't believe they were having tea together for the first
time. She wondered if there was more contradiction and discord than this.
"Did you learn tea ceremony formally?"
"It's a basic thing that a lady should know."
Sian sat silently in his chair watching Elena. She was close to perfection, from the small
preheating process to the height of pouring water, the tea leaves sprinkling to scatter, and
the process of throwing away the first water.
"Here you are."
Elena poured out a cup of tea with a clear yet deep aroma. Sian, who took the cup of tea
elegantly, first enjoyed the tea with the incense, and tasted the deep depth of black tea with
tea water. Although he was cool, he did not drink it aloud even though it was still hot tea.
"..."
What is this? Elena looked at Sian's reaction with a bit of nervousness.
"It's amazing."
Sian's first words, when he tasted only two sips of tea, were admiration.
"Does it suit your tastes?"
"Did you say tea ceremony was a basic skill?"
"Yes? Yes, I did."
"What a humbling remark. It's a deep taste that I've never tasted in the palace before."
"...!"
Sian lavished praise on each sip of black tea. He also quickly offered an empty cup of tea as
if he were proving that it was not an ostensible thing.
"Can I have another drink?"
Elena filled the empty tea cup with a half-way face. Sian savored the black tea in an elegant
and disciplined manner in accordance with tea ceremony. He really wouldn't be able to do
that if Elena didn't fit his taste. It was noticeable that he enjoyed the tea very much.
'You're lying, aren't you.'
Elena couldn't believe the current situation. In her past life, she went mad to attract Sian's
attention. But he didn't give a single glance. As if such a past life was a lie, Sian praised
Elena by drinking black tea. When Elena kept blanking out, Sian asked.
"Won't you drink?"
"Oh! I'm going to drink it now."
Elena poured tea water into a teacup and sipped. Despite the tea that was personally
brewed with her favorite teacups and high-end black tea, it was hard to tell whether it went
into her nose or mouth.
'That's enough. I don't have a grain of regret left with this.'
Elena wanted to thank God if there was one. By treating Sian with her own tea, she was able
to let go of her lingering feelings.
Elena, who felt relieved, raised her chin. She had the courage to look into Sian's eyes, which
she had never looked straight into.
'May the Empress be happy.'
She wanted to wish him happiness now because the time she loved him was more precious
compared to anything else.
The tea in the multi-pipe ran out of water without a break. She didn't bring a lot of black tea
leaves in the first place, so she couldn't make more.
'How long are you going to be here?'
Sian did not turn until the tea water exposed the floor. The awkward silence was prolonged
because there was no subject to continue the conversation. Whether such discomfort was
her exclusive property, Sian left behind and took a leisurely tour of the studio.
"He's very late."
"I see."
"..."
Elena closed her mouth at the silence that came back. It was not easy to continue the
conversation to the extent that it seemed like this person was a wall.
'I can't do it anymore.'
Unfortunately, she thought it would be better to go back after this today.
"I don't think I'll be able to see him today... So I'll come back next time."
Elena wanted to escape the awkwardness as soon as possible, so she hurriedly put the tea
sets in the basket and prepared to go back.
"Your Grace, I'll be on my way first."
"Where are you going?"
Sian asked, looking at Raphael's canvas hanging on the wall.
"... The library. I have to stop by."
She had to go to the library for the disguise, and she had to come out with May to bring out
the tea ceremony set. By now, she would be working outside the academic institute, so they
planned to return to the dormitory together in time for her return. That way, Anne's doubts
could be avoided.
"That's great. I'm on my way to the library, so let's go together."
"T-together with Your Highness?"
Elena asked back. She was embarrassed when he asked him to go with her after even
showing her nuance.
"Is there a problem? I remember seeing you for the second time in the library."
Sian embarrassed Elena with his insensitive eyes and speech. That's why Sian was difficult
because he kept acting out of common sense.
"Are you going to stand there?"
"That's..."
Elena blurted her words. She didn't want to accompany him. It was uncomfortable, and she
wanted to stay quiet as if she didn't seem to be there while disguised as Lucia if possible.
'If we go outside like this, I'll get attention.'
Sian was the crown prince who would lead the empire in the future. Of course, the women
he spoke to were forced into the mouths of people. Elena didn't want that. Ren alone was
too much, but it could be hard to pretend to be Lucia if she was out in other people's eyes.
"What's wrong? Do you have anything to say?"
"..."
"Or I'll just go."
At Sian's urging, Elena followed suit and left the studio. As the two people who left the
annex walked side by side, the eyes of the students were concentrated regardless of
gender.
"Look over there, it's Your Highness the Crown Prince."
"Who's the woman next to him?"
"I've never seen her before? Are those real glasses... even though they look so tacky?"
"Oh, it looks like she'll fall apart. No matter how much you say it's in the academy, you have
to filter out kids like that."
The situation that Elena feared quickly became a reality. Unlike boys who just stop out of
curiosity, girls were eager to downplay whoever it was if they could get Sian's attention
and become empress.
'You said the empress suffered a lot when she was in school. This is why.'
A laugh came out of the eyes of the female students who were staring at her as if they were
going to eat her. A human being is so shrewd. If she revealed that she was Princess
Veronica, those who couldn't even make eye contact with her now wouldn't be looking at
her and trying to eat her.
'I can ignore them, but the problem is Ren. I hope we don't bump into each other.'
In the meantime, she had no chance to run into Ren because she traveled to the western
annex on a road that nobody used anymore. However, on the way now, students went the
most, and it was crowded. There is no choice but to have a higher chance of bumping into
Ren.
"Your black tea was very delicious."
"Thank you for the compliment."
While walking toward the library, Sian praised Elena as if the deep taste of black tea did not
go away.
"That's why."
"Yes, Your Grace."
"Can I have your tea again next time?"
"...!"
Elena stared at the proposal saying the following, but didn't know how to answer. Every
word and every action Sian said right now was confused with the appearance in Elena's
memory. Eventually, Elena couldn't answer Sian's request until she reached the library.
"Well, Your Highness, I'm off..."
It was time for Elena, who wanted to wrap up this uncomfortable trip as soon as possible,
to say goodbye.
"What kind of combination is this?"
Elena's face was darkened by the unexpected sound of him coming in. She turned her head
in the hope that it wouldn't be, and there stood the worst man. It was Ren.
"Does our freshman have talent? It's not anyone else, but Your Highness."
Ren looked at Sian and Elena alternately with a grinning face and mocked them. It wasn't
something he could do in front of Sian, who would take the throne in the future, but this
lunatic didn't seem to care about that. Elena's mouth was burning when the worst she
feared became a reality.
"Hello, Ren. I see you again."
"Who are you?"
"What?"
"Why is it so hard to find your face?"
"Oh, it's kind of weird, isn't it? The academy is a bit wide, so..."
Elena, sweating around, could easily infer that Ren was looking for her with just a few
words of conversation.
'What should I do?'
Ren alone was too much, but she was with Sian next to her. She had to pass the situation
wisely somehow, but she couldn't find a way. Under such circumstances, the words of Sian,
who had been silent, were opened.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"You don't see me."

"Oh, my. How could I not have seen Your Highness? I just saw you in my undergraduate
lecture, so I just omitted it because I didn't know how to say hello."
"Nonsense. It's a matter for you to judge."
As usual, he had no expression on his face, but the way Sian was standing felt strange. Ren,
who was exchanging a tense look, smiled and gave up.
"You're particularly rough today. I've done enough disrespect. I managed to find the person
next to you, and I was so happy that I couldn't see anything."
"Do you know each other?"
When Sian turned his head and asked, Elena replied hesitantly.
"We don't know each other."
"It sounds like you're not even close."
Ren's eyebrows wiggled. Sian's arbitrary defining of his relationship with Elena was
annoying.
"If you say so with the party present, it's disappointing."
"What's the matter with her?"
"It's extremely personal. She owes me some money."
"Debt?"
Sian's gaze reached Elena again. It was a glance asking what the debt was, but if there was
anything to be noted it was the school uniform he lent to her saying that she shouldn't get
wet.
'Owing you money?'
If that was correct, it would be ridiculous for Elena. What kind of favor was the outer
garment that he gave her, saying not to get wet after putting her feet in the rain and making
her wet. There was no such force. Sian looked at Elena's expression and answered instead.
"I don't think so."
"...!"
Elena stared at Sian in surprise. The way he treated Ren as if he were defending her was
too lowly and quaint.
"Oh, this is the world. There's someone who owes me, but there's no one to pay me back."
Ren made a sarcastic remark without the subject. Even if the authority of the emperor was
not the same as before, Sian was the crown prince to succeed the throne. It was possible for
Ren to be so sarcastic to such Sian because he was a crazy man who didn't think about the
future.
"Get back."
"Oh, I don't want this. Your Highness, I'm telling you, there's still a settlement between the
lady and me."
"I'm telling you twice. Get back."
Sian warned Ren with his unique insensitive look. The third one he was not going to stay
still.
'Why are you doing this? What do I say?'
Considering it, this was the relationship between Elena and Ren. Sian, a third party, did not
have to intervene. However, even though she was thankful for him, he was hostile to Ren,
and she did not understand.
"Yes, yes. Your Highness wants me to step down."
It was Ren who lowered his tail first in the tense fight. No matter how hard he went out, he
wasn't thoughtless enough to run against the crown prince.
"By the way, Your Highness. That's not a good choice."
"Are you trying to lecture me?"
"No way. However, since Your Highness keeps trying to protect her... I'll want to harass her
more."
Elena thought that was no better than a death sentence. Lucia's position, which still had a
lot to do, was put on hold.
"What if I don't allow it?"
"As you do your best, I have to do my best."
Ren grinned at Elena. The smile was ferocious like a beast aiming for prey.
"Freshman, see you again. Not the three, just the two of us."
Elena's eyes frowned as she saw Ren moving away. Until before, it was considered the best
practice to behave as unobtrusive as possible and to go quietly. If she stepped on the shit
and struggled a little, there would be a problem with working as Lucia.
But now they were so estranged that she couldn't fix it. It was after crossing an irreversible
river to turn it around. Elena had no intention of being low-key anymore. As much as he
was in the academy, Ren had to follow the rules. She had no choice but to go all the way to
what has become like this.
"Are you alright?"
She was now anxious when Sian asked about her safety. What bothered her more than Ren
now was Sian. She didn't know why he was helping her so much.
'Cause you're worried about me? But Your Majesty is not that kind of man.'
Sian was not an easy person to express his feelings. As the crown prince succeeded the
throne, he had to live with a great sense of duty and responsibility. That's why he was
always forced to kill his emotions and live cold and rational. So she might have been more
heartbroken by his contemptuous eyes.
"Thank you for your help."
What's clear was that Elena owed him for today.
"You look comfortable now."
"... Did it show a lot? He's actually a bit of a senior."
Elena smiled awkwardly. It was a very strange thing. Earlier, they shared tea in a friendly
way, and now they were talking to each other like he was a friend of hers.
"You are very strange."
"Am I?"
Sian suddenly changed the topic and stared at Elena. It was burdensome for him to look at
her, it felt as if she was going to be pierced because it was so blatant.
"Fainting at the first meeting."
"That's..."
"You cried in the studio."
"..."
"You were being bullied today."
Elena bowed with embarrassment. It wasn't at a strange level, but when she heard it so
clearly, she thought it was nothing but a disgrace.
'I can't blame anyone. I would think it's weird, too.'
As if he knew Elena's inner thoughts, which she wanted to hide in the hole, Sian kept his
eyes on Elena and continued calmly.
"So if I'm worried, am I strange?"
"...!"
Elena's heart sank.
Sect 8. Less
"Have you never taken any undergraduate classes?"
Ren visited the humanities department building with a lecture on archaeology. As soon as
the lecture was over, several archaeological students came out and were questioned.
"I only saw her name on the roll book."
"I've never seen her."
"I haven't seen her since the start of school, and she isn't even called for attendance these
days."
The students all said they had never seen Lucia.
"Are you telling me the truth?"
"O-of course. Why would we lie?"
The students, intimidated by Ren's fierce eyes, protested. No matter how hard he looked at
them, he didn't think they were lying and glanced at them.
"What's up with her?"
It was not difficult to stop by the academy and find out which department a girl named
Lucia was attending. Until then, he thought they would meet soon.
But what's this? Even though he visited the lecture room of the archaeological department,
he could not meet Lucia. No, rather than meeting her, questions had piled up to the point
where he wondered if he could meet her.
"C-can we go?"
When Ren, who was lost in thought, was silent, male students from the archaeological
department looked at him and asked.
"You have to go. Sure. Go."
When Ren gave a test to wave his hand, the boys bowed politely and ran away.
"It'd be better to go to the dorm, wouldn't it?"
All students attending the academy were in the dormitory as a rule. Very, very rarely,
because of health or family reasons, sometimes they go outside the school, but it was
literally extremely rare.
Ren passed the central plaza and headed to the northeast side of the women's dormitory. It
was a familiar place as it was located near the field where the Swordsman School lecture
was held. However, today was the first time he ever entered the place where women's
dormitories were concentrated.
"L-look over there! Isn't that Ren?"
"Why is he here? I'm nervous. Who else is he trying to pick on?"
"Oh, I'm about to fall in love... With that freedom."
"You're really crazy."
Female students who were traveling to and from the dormitory were surprised and
muttered at Ren's appearance. Ren, who teases both men and women persistently once
they get on his nerves, was also shunned by female students. Of course, there were only a
few girls who liked Ren because they were attracted to bad men.
"I'm sorry, but access is prohibited from here. Please go back."
Knights stationed for security blocked Ren's way. The entrance of male students was
strictly controlled as the girls' dormitory buildings were concentrated based on the gate
they guarded. Ren also pointed out a girl who was just entering the dormitory, as if she had
no intention of entering.
"Hey, you."
"M-me?"
"Yeah, you. Come here."
When Ren gestured, the girl approached with a tearful face.
"Why, why?"
She seemed to be in danger of crying when he touched her, perhaps thinking she had been
put on Ren's list.
"I have something to do in the dormitory. But I can't go in. I'm angry."
Ren jabbed at the knights in front of her face. The faces of the knights hardened, but they
ignored him as if they didn't want to be swayed by useless disputes.
"So, you need to find someone for me. Of course, you can't refuse."
"W-who?"
"Lucia. She's a freshman in the archaeology department this year."
The girl mumbled and remembered the identity of Ren.
"I-I'll find her and let you know."
"No, if you do, bring her out. If she doesn't come out, tell her I'll go in. I'm not very patient."
When Ren grinned, the girl shuddered and ran into the dormitory. Soon after, the girl came
out with a harsh breath.
"S-she's not here."
Ren's eyebrows wiggled.
"She's not?"
"Roommate said she'd never seen her. I heard she came here a few days before the eve and
unpacked her luggage... That's all. She hasn't come in since."
"Really?"
Ren looked as if he was more interested.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

No student saw Lucia anywhere in the dormitory or undergraduate school. She was
definitely attending an academic institute, but when they said they had never seen her, he
became curious.
"Is this a ghost? That's why she attracted attention to herself?"
Ren, who blurted out his thoughts, grinned. It's a ridiculous idea even if he thought about it.
Anyway, he'd never been as excited as he was today in his boring academic life.
"I wish she would be a ghost. Aren't scary things going to be creepy?"
Ren left the girl standing still and walked toward the central square. He pondered where to
find this interesting junior.
"I like hide-and-seek. Where is she hiding?"
He visited Lucia, almost living in the central square, where students come and go most
frequently, but he never met her. That means she was not in this direction.
"After excluding the department of swordsmanship on the north side where I am lectured,
the department of humanities and the dormitory... the central library, the western arts
department, and the technology department remain?"
Ren predicted roughly the area where Lucia would appear. There was no guarantee that he
would be able to find her there, but it didn't matter. There's a last resort.
"I will not damage or evade our highness, will I?"
Ren and the Crown Prince Sian belonged to the same sword department. As a result, they
had seen each other throughout school. Of course, they were not close, but they also had
conversations with each other. The only time the two were aware of each other was when
they were in a fight.
"I still don't understand. A person who didn't change a single expression even when he was
defeated so badly during battle... Made such a face?"
The two students of the same grade have had several fights since the first grade. The result
was 11 wins out of 11 games. Ren won the game by a landslide and never lost. Every time,
Ren openly talked, but Sian never responded. It was a frightening calmness.
But such Sian protected Lucia and threatened him. He couldn't understand why he reacted
aggressively because he didn't make a single angry noise even after he lost in battle.
"That's what I need to know."
Ren's idea stretched out to the other side. It was also the direction of how to make Lucia
more embarrassed and tormented.
"I'm going to expose her, should I try to grow the board more?"
Just looking for Lucia would be fun. Ren wanted to fully enjoy this time as much as there
was no such fun and excitement throughout the academic year.
"I'm sick of seeing each other again, so let's invite a fresh face."
Ren was already looking forward to it. He wondered what kind of expression Lucia would
have when they had a three-way face-to-face talk. He was so excited about what kind of
excuses she would make.
***
"Lucia?"
"..."
"Hey."
Elena, who was thinking of her situation, suddenly came to her senses.
"Did you call me?"
"I've called you twice. What the hell are you thinking so hard about? You made me sit down
and feel embarrassed."
At Khalif's point, Elena immediately apologized.
"Sorry, I have something to think about."
"Thoughts? Were you thinking about making money?"
Khalif changed his attitude and shone in her eyes. That's why Elena couldn't help but listen
to the brilliant business ideas whenever he opened his mouth.
"It's not like that."
"Then what is it?"
Elena sighed and swallowed low because it was not something she could say.
'Why are you making me so upset?'
Meanwhile, the words Sian said in Elena's mind did not leave. She admitted to falling down,
crying, being bullied, and really behaving ugly in front of him.
'If you care, you'll be bothered. Why are you asking me that?'
Elena was confused as to why he said that. He seemed to be criticizing why she made him
worry, but she didn't have any more discernment because she was blaming herself. What
was even more upsetting was Elena herself, who was shaken by one word and tried to find
meaning.
'Slow down, Elena. You've already experienced something meaningless, haven't you?'
In the past life, Elena, who longed for Sian's affection, lived by attaching meaning to and
interpreting every little glance and word he threw. Despite his mean and contemptuous
remarks, she rationalized herself, saying he was not averse. That's how she could hold out.
She believed so when Sian first held Ian in his arms.
Then she could wake up from the illusion when she saw him who gave a contemptuous
look to Ian, who was just born, and said that his momentary mistake drove the empire to
hell. Elena didn't want to repeat the same mistake, as she had already suffered one pain and
hurt.
"What else are you thinking?"
"Nothing."
"Be honest. Something came to your mind, right? Right?
Khalif was persistent in questioning. Recently, as art took over, Khalif became extremely
busy. It's been a long time since he met and talked with Lucia like today. To that extent,
Khalif only had business thoughts in his mind. Recently, he added to his concerns about
how to secure a customer base by expanding the size of his business while strengthening
the internal stability.
"Yes, there is. There is."
"I knew this would happen. Your eyes have some amazing plans."
Elena was speechless. She was thinking about asking where he felt it in her eyes, but it
seemed useless. Khalif's guess was wrong, but it was true that the reason for today's
meeting was to discuss the specific next plan.
"Art broker."
Elena threw a topic.
"Art broker... It sounds good. It's very catchy. It looks like there's something. So what are
we doing?"
Khalif blinked at the unfamiliar word and showed curiosity.
'What do you mean, it's a job you created in time. I did it again.'
It was funny and she felt sorry inside. Talking to Khalif, who was the first art broker, as if it
was a job that Elena had devised felt like taking away his achievements.
'I don't want to do this, but I'm sorry. Because I can't be slow. I promise for you. I'll make
you a bigger man than you were in the future.'
Making him a bigger man than Khalif, the art broker of his past life. That was the only
consideration and promise Elena could make.
"It's literally the same. Just, the word art in front of it not only includes works of art, but
also artists."
"Not a work, but an artist? Is there a reason?"
"Art brokers are professionals who manage artists. It's a new job that's never been seen
before, and it's a pioneer that will lead to the revival of culture."
"...!"
Khalif's eyes opened wide. He'd got a hunch. At the same time, the thoughts that came to
mind based on Elena's topic filled his mind.
"Wait. I got a feeling. Give me time to sort things out."
Khalif asked for her understanding and fell into deep thought alone. Elena waited for him to
organize his thoughts. Khalif, who had been doing it alone for quite a long time, broke his
silence and opened his mouth.
"Are you a genius?"
"Now do you know?"
"Unlucky... Oh, not that. How can you come up with such a brilliant idea? I can't help but
admit it."
Khalif kept admiring. Likewise, the emergence of art brokers may serve as the basis for
opening new horizons, breaking the classical form rooted in the current art world.
"It feels good. To manage and run an artist outside the limited position of art dealers who
act as an agent for trading. They even have names. Art brokers, art brokers."
Since then, Khalif had been outspoken in his thoughts. He also said that art brokers should
develop their expertise apart from art dealers, as well as their future work and ways to
move forward. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to build up an eye for art, insight, and
knowledge of art to help artists perform their works.
"Go ahead. You can do it."
"What? Who's doing it? Is it me?"
"There's no else besides you here. You don't have time to rest anymore. To accumulate an
eye for art, insight, and knowledge, right?"
"..."
The excited Khalif couldn't speak anymore and jumped like a carp. When he defined the
role of art brokers and set standards for what they had to do, he realized that he had more
skills than thought.
"Cheer up. I hope you take your first step as a great art broker, and I'll introduce you to one
of them."
"Who? They're not unusual for someone you introduce, are they?"
If Elena just opened her mouth, Khalif brightened his eyes and did not hide his anticipation.
No matter how much she told him to stop doing that, it was useless,
"Randol Lake. He's the best architect I know."
Elena was the first to introduce Randol, a master of the era who she secretly sponsored. It
was not an impromptu arrangement, but a thoroughly calculated arrangement.
'He's your first client, and the best drinking buddy in the world.'
Khalif, who discovered the natural talent of architect Randol, spared no help by supporting
his living expenses so that he could focus on architecture. Yes, Randol was the first work of
Khalif, who took his first step as an art broker. Personally, they were well-matched in
temperament and tendencies, and they maintained a close relationship. Elena hoped that
the two, who were not yet familiar, would work together and grow further.
"If you say you're here by L's introduction, he'll meet you. Next, you take care of it."
"Wait a minute. You're really done with introducing me? You need to throw something
more. You're so irresponsible."
"I don't know anything."
"Lies."
"It's real. From now on, it's up to senior. His talent is clear. As an art broker, it's up to
seniors' ability to make him the architect representing the century."
Elena intentionally put pressure on Khalif. It was a later arrangement.
'Don't let him rely too much on me.'
In the past, Khalif went into the art world naked after his family, whom he had been seated
in as his son-in-law, collapsed. After suffering all sorts of humiliation and hardship, he was
able to become an art broker representing the era. As the timing was advanced due to
Elena, side effects were also great. He might say that he lacked the will and independence
to succeed himself, and he was showing signs of relying on Elena. Elena didn't want that.
'My role is to set the course.'
Elena will only provide the optimum environment, and everything will make him judge and
act for himself. The same goes for the responsibilities that followed. Only then, she
believed, that he would gain enlightenment, grow, and be reborn as an art broker
representing the times.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"It depends on me in the end, right?"

"It's up to you to succeed or fail."
"Let's run with that. You gave me a plate, but if I can't eat it with a spoon, I should fold it."
Khalif confidently left with Randol's personal details. While feeling a little pressure, he
seemed to be fascinated by art brokers.
"Shall I go now?"
After leaving the study room, Elena left the central library and walked down the road. In
the meantime, Sian's words had complicated her head, and she refrained from her activities
as Lucia, fearing that Ren would be setting his edge. It was also the exam period. Perhaps
that's why this road, which was sparsely populated and untidy, felt much lower and
shabby.
Elena came down to the West Side annex of the Academy without any trouble. As usual, she
headed to the basement studio in the annex, where a group of three or four female students
stood in front of her and blocked her.
"Stand there."
Elena picked up her eyes and scattered them. They wore high-quality uniforms that were
not suitable for libraries with many commoners. Also, it was easy to guess that they were
noblemen because they cared a lot about dressing up. Among them, the day was ripe for a
female student who appeared to be the leader of the group.
'Was her name Mitchell? She was a parasitic woman next to Avella, who used to gossip and
slander.'
She didn't feel good. Whether they were arguing for a purpose, not a coincidence, it was
clear that she was caught up in a troublesome affair.
"Me?"
"Yes, you."
Mitchell fell behind, and the ferocious young women crossed their arms.
"Do you have any business with me?"
"What? Business? Look at her. Aren't you supposed to say hello first if a senior calls you?"
Elena bowed her head to watch the situation more.
"Hello."
"Did you see her say hello? I thought she was going to break her neck with that force."
"I've been told that freshmen aren't cheap, but wow, she's no joke."
Elena was convinced as she watched them openly snarling and criticizing despite her
normal greeting.
'You're picking a fight.'
Elena pondered why they might quarrel. She could infer the answer without difficulty.
'Avella, you must have been troubled by your eyes.'
Now the picture was roughly drawn. Avella has had a crush on Sian for a long time. At the
ceremony, she invited Sian to the point where she did everything she could. Elena, who was
attached to Sian in Avella's eyes, could not have looked nice. Moreover, every time she was
with Sian, something that had to draw attention.
She fell down from the first meeting and was held in Sian's arms, and when she went to the
library, he protected her from Ren's quarrel. For Avella, Elena had no choice but to be as
intrusive and unenviable as a thorn in her eye. So she might even have thought of pulling
her faction in this way and getting her away from Sian by doing harm.
'That's why I didn't want to get involved.'
Elena sighed. Looking back, it was Elena herself who caused all this.
"Are you sighing now?"
"I really can't do this. Come with me."
Two large girls in the group stuck to both sides of Elena, dragged her to the back of the
annex building. When they reached a place where people were scarce and sunlight was
difficult, they pressed her with more overbearing expression and speech.
"You're crazy, aren't you? Your Highness has spoken to you a few times, so you can't see
anything, can you?"
"..."
"Are you going to talk back to me rudely? Huh?"
The big girl patted Elena on the shoulder and threatened her. The girls next to them were
also spitting or staring at her, creating a scary atmosphere.
'I can't believe this, it's ridiculous. If you knew I was Veronica, how dare you try to hurt me
when you can't even look me in the eye?'
Elena was overwhelmed by the situation she was experiencing for the first time. Who dare
to commit these atrocities to Princess Veronica and hope to survive. Since Lucia was not an
imperial nobleman, but the daughter of a merchant from a foreign country, this kind of
harm is possible, but she was worried about how to deal with it.
'It's obvious that they are habits. The weaker you are, the worse you behave.'
As age climbed to the pinnacle of the social world, there was an eye that could distinguish
and grasp the young ladies that should be kept and the young ladies that should be filtered.
"Have you got a gag on your mouth? You're always quiet when you talk back. Why, are you
scared?"
Elena grinned. It was a clear rain of laughter.
"I can't believe it."
"What? Did you lose it? Did you just laugh?"
"If it's not funny, it's weird, right? You came here to scare me and threatened me. It's so
childish."
"What?!"
The faces of the female students were red and blue as Elena openly sarcastically criticized
them.
The girl who was pushing Elena's shoulder just a little while ago seemed insulted, and her
breathing became harsh.
"Have you lost your fear in four years?"
"You're not on the road, so leave. Mitchell, can we talk?"
Mitchell's eyes shook as Elena openly called her name and pointed her out. Either way or
not, Elena stared at Mitchell with a glaring glance. Outright as if to be conscious.
"She's so funny. Who do you think you are? To tell that to your senior and say goodbye.
Huh?"
"Wait a minute."
Mitchell, who had been silent, raised her hand and held her back. Then she walked forward,
and she had a snake-like smile.
"What does the arrogant junior have to say to me?"
"Don't live like that."
"What?"
Mitchell's relaxed expression was bizarrely distorted. She thought she'd kill her pride and
beg at best, but she got on her nerves.
"Do you think Avella will cherish you? That's an illusion."
"What do you know. You're just blabbering out your mouth."
Mitchell made an impression and stared at it ferociously. If she got angry a little more, she
was ready to slap her cheek. But rather than being daunted, Elena stared at her with a
nonchalant look. Mitchell felt daunted by the unfeeling indifferent glance.
"I don't know anything else, but I know the ending of you. It's going to be miserable."
"...!"
What Elena said now was not a lie. After losing out to Elena in a social factional fight, Avella
threw all of her bad deeds at Mitchell, who had a lot of flaws, and kicked her out. She was
disposed of because she was used up. It was a bad relationship, and Elena hoped that
Mitchell, who had a foolish head and acted like Avella's limbs and destroyed her family,
would come to mind.
"Senior, this girl is crazy. How dare she mention Lady Avella?"
"I really need to educate her properly. I don't think she should talk about it."
Elena added another word, ignoring the girls who were making a fuss next to her.
"Think about it now and well. Whether she really cares about her seniors."
"Who the hell..."
Mitchell couldn't answer anything. It was because Elena's expression was so serious.
"This bitch! I'll really have to wake her up."
"What are you doing? Are you going to keep looking?"
The unbearable girl raised her hand high. It was obviously a preparatory move to hit Elena.
'What type of strike is that. It's really low.'
Violent acts within the academy were strictly controlled as they led to family strife.
However, it is different if the victim is a commoner. Although they will be disciplined in
accordance with the rules of the academy, the level of punishment will inevitably be weak.
Elena didn't want to face her, but she didn't even want to stand still and let her slap her in
the face.
"That's enough, isn't it?"
Pause.
Elena, who tried to avoid her body by turning to an unfamiliar voice, and even the girl who
tried to slap her, stopped moving. Mitchell also turned to the direction where the voice was
heard.
"S-senior R-Ren?"
"Senior why are you here?"
Mitchell and other girls' facial expressions were distorted. Ren was a human being who did
not even associate with Avella. Such Ren suddenly appeared and was interrupting. Ren
chinned with his back against the wall.
"She's mine."
"What?"
"You don't understand? I took her."
"...!"
It sounded like a warning to not touch Elena, although the tone was different.
"Senior, it'll be over in a minute, so just a little while..."
The schoolgirl, who was about to slap her on the cheek, plucked up her courage and asked
Ren for his understanding.
"You think I'm asking for your permission right now? It's not good if you can't understand
me."
"T-that."
"Leave. I'll give you three seconds."
The girl bit her lips hard at Ren's deadly threat. This is because if you step up and get
caught by Ren, your academic life will be ruined.
"I'm going to step down now that you say so."
"There is no time. 3, 2..."
Mitchell greeted him as a representative and led the group out. Mitchell couldn't take her
eyes off Elena, she seemed to have a lot of thoughts. Ren, who kicked out all the uninvited
guests, shook his hand and approached Elena.
"You have many enemies?"
"..."
Elena was very embarrassed. It's better to deal with them, of all things, but because she met
Ren on the single road, it made her feel worse.
"Hey, I saved you. You have to say thank you."
"Why didn't you just let them stay and leave."
"What?"
"I can clean them up on my own."
It was not bluffing. Even if Ren didn't appear, Elena was confident she could clean them up.
"You're embarrassing me again."
"Because I have suffered a lot from my senior. Look at the work."
It was time for Elena, who had a bad feeling about the last incident, to turn around and be
harsh.
"I didn't tell you to go?"
Ren grinned and stood in front of her. He expected it to come out like this already. Elena
wasn't really surprised. They'd gone so far as to be unable to recover, so she took it without
pretense.
"If you have anything to say, just say it. I don't think it's a coincidence. I think you've been
waiting for me."
"Oh, you're sharp."
Ren made eye contact with Elena. He smiled a meaningful smile and said it directly.
"Are you a ghost?"
"What do you mean by that."
"You've never been seen in any undergraduate classes, not even in the dormitory. I go to
the academy, but there's no sign of you."
"...!"
Elena's face hardened. She was off her guard. She forgot how much Ren could do. The fact
that he brought that up means that he had already completed a background investigation
into Lucia.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Who the hell are you?"

"... A ghost."
"Hey, you're giving me a chance to make excuses. You're not Lucia, are you?"
Elena sensed that it was becoming difficult to escape this crisis easily. Although he was far
from studying, Ren was brilliant in this way. He thought he had a good feeling. There was
already an air of conviction that she was not Lucia.
'Calm down. Just because I'm not Lucia, he won't think I'm Veronica.'
Doubts were everywhere. If there had been confirmation that she was not Lucia, he
wouldn't have thought of it that way. In this case, a head-on breakthrough was the answer.
"Is that what you're asking?"
"Are you revealing yourself?"
Elena took out her student ID card from her school uniform skirt and stuck it out. It was a
fake student ID card made in case this happens.
"I don't know what you want to know, but is this enough?"
"Report."
Ren looked carefully at her student ID card and laughed.
"This is forgery."
"You don't trust people."
"You have to look at certain things like this and be sure of it."
Elena did not lose and responded to Ren, who did not stop suspecting until the end.
"Why didn't you go into more detail with that passion?"
"I'm actually trying."
Ren smiled meaningfully. The smile made Elena nervous.
"How about a meal in four days? I'll be disappointed if you don't know what grace I showed
you. Don't you think so?"
"You want me to eat and get an upset stomach?"
"That would be better."
Elena couldn't figure out how to accept the situation. There was definitely hostility, but it
was even stranger that he pretended to have goodwill.
'What kind of dream is it?'
She couldn't guess. Clearly, Ren was still suspicious of Elena. That dinner will also be a
place to turn doubt into conviction.
"There's no answer, so let's just say yes. Ah! You better not think about not coming. You
know my personality, right?"
"You're inviting me so rudely. I can't wait to see how rude you are."
Elena was blatantly sarcastic. The more she did, the more excited Ren was, interested in
Elena's reaction.
"Look at you talking? That's why I can't stop paying attention."
Ren grinned like a child. He was as innocent as a child with a new toy in his hand.
"I'm already excited about what to eat. See you that day."
Elena stared at Ren with narrowed eyes.
***
Four days later, Elena seriously contemplated whether to accept Ren's invitation to eat.
Ren's personality didn't make her think it was a simple meal. Judging from the fact that
Lucia was already suspected, there was a high possibility of failure.
"I have to go even though I know that."
Elena had no choice from the beginning. The problem was that he knew too much, not
because she was afraid of retaliation.
"Now I can't abandon Lucia."
It was the only way to get out of Ren's interference, but on the contrary, she lost a lot. In
particular, it was inevitable to deal a big blow to the network built up by posing as Lucia.
Khalif alone had yet to find a proper place. Without Elena's advice, growth would stagnate,
and she would have to stay in the river for a long time without going to sea.
Raphael was more serious. He still couldn't get out of the slump. The existence of Raphael,
who opened the door to a new era, was absolutely necessary for the future designed by
Elena. Considering Lucia's influence on the two, she couldn't abandon her status now.
Eventually, Elena was forced to comply with Ren's request. It would certainly put her in a
corner, but it was up to him, too.
After leaving the dormitory, Elena stopped by the library's archives and disguised herself
as Lucia. After that, she went out to the central square in time for her appointment. When
she went to the bench they first met, Ren was already sitting and waiting.
"Look at the weather. It's the perfect day to eat out, isn't it?"
The sky was high and the sun was warm. Elena's feelings were dark and cloudy, however,
as if heavy rain was pouring.
"Let's go quickly."
"What's the rush? I'm excited about the waiting time, too."
Ren grinned. Elena couldn't stop anxiety from developing because of the gloominess
beyond the smile.
"Let's, then."
She followed Ren walking ahead and left the central square. Then, various shops and
restaurants were opened on the left and right sides of the street. The street was built in
consideration of the students who lived in the academy.
"Where are we going?"
"A bit around here. Let's eat outside."
Elena stopped walking.
"Let's eat outside? You didn't say that."
"I did now. Let's go."
Ren went behind Elena and held her shoulder. He pushed her forward. His strength was so
strong that she clenched her teeth and threw him away, but she had to walk forward.
'Ha, the dream came true... and today he'll do more harm than good.'
Even though she knew it was her limbs, she had no choice but to walk. They passed
through the marble-carved door and left the Academy. There were no restrictions as it was
possible to use the commercial area near the academic institute without breaking the
curfew. However, you have to write your name on the list to get access.
The street was lively. In her past life, it was a street where the academy went out in an
obvious way, so it didn't slow down. The restaurant Ren booked was also where Elena
visited in the past. It was a luxury restaurant that served seafood dishes such as crayfish
and lobster.
"Excuse me? I've arranged a table on the terrace on this floor."
The waiter recognized Ren at once and kindly guided him. As they climbed up to the floor,
she saw the streets and the academy at a glance. Not only did it have a good view, but it was
also a room type, so it was a place where you could eat quietly.
"Sit down."
Ren showed excess kindness by pulling out a chair. Elena didn't relax because she knew his
bad temper.
"Can you get your hands off me? I have bad memories of my senior's favor."
Ren stepped back, shrugging his shoulders. Only after confirming that Ren had fallen did
Elena sit on the chair. Ren also sat face to face in the front seat. Soon the employee served
salad, bread, and soup, the appetizers of the course meal.
"Let's eat."
"What do you want to say?"
Elena ate the soup dryly and asked. She didn't want such an uncomfortable meal, and she
felt sick even if she ate it.
"Eat, the food here is good."
"Let's talk first."
"Why don't you? I'm in a good mood now, and I'm hungry."
Ren concentrated on the meal, he usually ate at home. She wondered how delicious it was
that he called her for a meal.
"Won't you eat?"
"I don't have an appetite."
"I'm disappointed. I've put a lot of thought into this menu."
Elena frowned. There was definitely a point, but she was annoyed by the way he twirled the
story in this way.
"I think you're done, so talk to me."
Ren wiped his mouth with a napkin.
"Do you want some?"
"I don't have an appetite."
"You don't have an appetite, or you don't want to eat with me?"
"Both."
Elena answered honestly without any hesitation.
"Wow, I'm hurt."
Ren shook his head. Elena didn't notice, but there was a little bit of his true feelings in his
words.
"I can't move on quietly because of you."
Ren, who had erased his mischievous expression, clapped his hands. Then, an employee
who was waiting outside the room came in.
"Anything you need?"
"Get him."
'Him?'
Elena's ears were open. At the same time, anxiety had increased. Since she was disguised as
Lucia, it was not a good idea to meet someone from outside. Ren enjoyed watching Elena's
response.
"What are you so nervous about?"
"Are you looking forward to it?"
Elena responded, but she drank water and soaked her neck in nervousness. Soon after, the
visit was held, revealing a strange man.
'Who is it?'
She looked through her memory, but she couldn't find a face to match him. He was a
middle-aged man believed to be in his early and mid-40s, but he had a very gentle and
docile impression. In addition, compared to his gentle impression, she felt his eyes were
centered. His neat yet luxurious clothes suggested that he was leading a well-to-do life.
"Have you come?"
Ren approached him with a meaningless smile. He stood next to him and smiled alternately
at Elena and the middle-aged man.
"Won't you say hi?"
"..."
"What, you don't know who this is?"
Ren's eyes changed when Elena failed to respond. It was a process in which the doubt that
he had turned into confidence. Elena's back was dripping with cold sweat.
'Who the hell is this? I don't know. Have I seen him? I don't remember.'
She guessed there would be a trap, but she didn't expect him to catch her off guard like this.
The longer Elena's silence grew, the deeper Ren's smile became. He seemed to enjoy
Elena's reaction to the difficulties as if she had been caught.
'Are you trying to figure it out of the blue? Or does Lucia actually know him?'
Elena couldn't keep her balance and shook on Ren's hand. Although she has been disguised
as Lucia, there had been no particular contact with her in her past life. There was no way to
know if that middle-aged man really knew Lucia or if Ren had cast him for questioning.
'If it's like this, it'll all be revealed.'
Elena imagined the worst. From the moment Ren found out that she was pretending to be
Lucia, it was obvious that she would suffer. She thought of her past life, when she was
found to be a substitute and tortured by Ren. Her teeth were still divided. She wanted to
stop it, but she couldn't think of a proper way to deal with it. It was impossible to say that
she knew the middle-aged man. What was she going to say to a stranger? Even if she said a
few words, she would soon be discovered. Of course, Ren could have been looking for Elena
by casting a man from a random place. Either way, Elena was an outsider.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"How are you?"

"...!"
The middle-aged man who was keeping his mouth shut asked Elena how she was doing. In
a most affectionate tone.
"You look quite lady-like in your school uniform."
"..."
"If your mother in the sky had seen you, she would have been very pleased. My daughter
grew up well."
'Mom? Daughter?'
For a moment, Elena's eyes opened and came to her senses. The head, which was not
spinning as if it was clogged, turned quickly. Based on the friendly tone, the lonesome story
behind it, warm eyes... and various circumstances, she could guess the identity of this man.
'Emilio, the head of the Castol Corporation.'
And.
'Lucia's biological father.'
Elena grasped the situation at once. At the same time, she couldn't help but be surprised. It
was amazing that Lucia, who is suffering from fever and was receiving treatment wasn't
here. Yet he mentioned the relationship in front of Elena, whom he had never seen before,
and revealed his identity.
'Why are you helping me?'
She suddenly wondered, but Elena stopped thinking.
'Let's not think.'
Elena judged that it was more urgent to avoid the current situation, although she does not
know what happened.
"F-father."
The word father came out in one pronunciation.
"Yes, my daughter. Do you know how worried I was?"
Emilio approached and hugged Elena. He whispered in Elena's puzzled ear.
"He suspects."
"...!"
Emilio soon took off his hug and stepped back. His warm eyes were the same as her father,
who was really worried about his daughter's safety. Elena acted naturally, hiding her
embarrassment.
"How did you get here? Without a word."
"I heard that something urgent happened to you, so I left the top job and ran."
"To me?"
Emilio nodded and looked at Ren. Ren's face was distorted in a good way. The picture he
wanted was not this, and he was clearly displeased. Either way, Elena and Emilio focused
on creating a good-looking father-daughter relationship.
"I'm doing well..."
"I see. It's just about your personal affairs, so I ran back and forth."
"..."
Elena's eyes turned cold. A rough situation has been identified somehow. Ren even called in
Emilio in the north to reveal Lucia's identity.
"Oh, that's ridiculous. Are you two biological father and daughter?
Ren witnessed it himself and wondered if he could believe it. It felt a little awkward to call
it a touching reunion, but it was ambiguous to point out.
"Sir, can you tell me now? What is the skit that I have to come to and argue over?"
Emilio's tone was polite. But the nuance in the words was close to interrogation.
"Your daughter has never attended a lecture."
"And."
"She unpacked her luggage in the dorm but no one saw her? So you're worried about her,
aren't you?"
Ren's eyes glistened sharply, though he was acting cute. His eyes were full of suspicion.
"You only called me for that?"
"Only? That?
Ren asked back reflexively without realizing it was a reflex. This is because Emilio's
attitude of accepting academic life that is not normal is not understandable.
"Yes, is there anything particularly strange about it?"
"...!"
Ren's eyes shook. Things were going very differently from what he had thought.
Sect 9. The Salon of L
"Lucia has a congenital chronic disease. It's much better now, but once it comes back, she
has to rest for a month or two. That's probably why."
"So she skipped classes, didn't she go into the dorm?"
Ren asked back as if he was dumbfounded. There were strict rules in academic institutions.
It was prohibited to stay outside the dormitory and attend lectures.
"Yes, I have notified the academy and even received permission to receive outside
treatment if her health deteriorates."
"I don't believe you?"
Ren remained suspicious until the end. He went to the academy to find out about Lucia, but
he'd never heard of this before.
"They probably kept it a secret because of the equity issue. It's against the rules of the
academy."
"Wow, that's crazy. The academy giving her a break?"
Ren put his wavy hair back roughly. He looked very angry that things were not going as he
wanted.
"Did you two dig?"
"You know, I didn't arrive in the capital until last night after receiving a call from the young
sir. Do you have anything to say between parents and children?"
Elena couldn't take her eyes off Emilio with a blank face. His voice and expression were
persuasive enough to convince anyone to believe a lie. Emilio's rigid expression unraveled
when he saw Elena.
"I was nervous, but it's nice to see my daughter. I didn't have a chance to do it because I
was busy working at the top."
"Me, too. You've been so careless."
Elena responded appropriately to create a good father and daughter mood.
"I'm sorry, but please forgive me for coming."
"Pft, fine."
Ren looked back and forth at Elena and Emilio with a still unbelievable face. He opened his
eyes one by one and expressed doubt.
"You don't look alike at all?"
"Because I look like my mom."
Elena smiled and deftly responded. Then Emilio said a word.
"She didn't fall short of my wife's appearance. You see, isn't she a pretty and lovely child?"
"There's no way to check, and I'm going crazy."
Emilio, who looked at Elena lovingly, asked Ren sarcastically.
"Do you have any questions left? I'll answer anything you want, because you're so
concerned about Lucia."
"Me, too. Thanks to you, I want to repay you for allowing me to see my father."
Elena smiled broadly and joined Emilio's arms as if she were teasing him. No matter who
sees it, Ren's feelings were distorted because it was like a friendly father and daughter.
"The food here is delicious, but I can't digest it."
"Are you going?"
Ren, who was going to leave the room holding the door handle, turned around.
"I don't think I have a place to go for the touching reunion."
"You know it's all thanks to me, right?"
"I've done such a good thing for others again. You finish the rest. You'll be punished if you
leave it."
Ren shook his hand and left the room as it was. Elena relaxed only after confirming that
Ren was leaving the restaurant through the terrace.
"Thank you. If you hadn't noticed, I'd have been stuck."
Elena finally expressed her gratitude. It was embarrassing to meet suddenly, but there was
no situation because it happened in a moment to play a friendly father and daughter.
"It's right for me to say thank you."
Emilio straightened out his disheveled clothes and bowed his head as if his waist was bent.
"I just want to thank my benefactor. Thank you for saving my daughter."
"...!"
Elena was surprised. Even without specifying the sender, Emilio seemed to know that Elena
was the one who sent the cure for the fever.
"How could it be me?"
"You wrote this in the letter. Even if she gets better, she needs to rest for a year or more."
Elena definitely wrote that. This is because if a fully recovered Lucia returns to the
academy in the middle of the road, it would hinder Lucia's behavior.
"But, she didn't have to. Malone, the grassland tribe, said that when it was cured, the
recurrence rate was low and there was no problem with daily life in a month. Does anyone
who knows how to treat the disease know the duration of the treatment? I didn't think so."
"..."
"Personally, I even found out that the letter's first origin was near the academy. Meanwhile,
the man who sent me the letter. Something's wrong with my daughter. I was sure then. I
would be able to meet the benefactor who sent me the letter and saved my daughter."
Elena was compelled to admire his keenness in her heart. She couldn't believe he'd
analyzed these circumstances and deduced them to be near perfection. It was felt that
Emilio's reputation was not in vain at the top of the Castol Chamber of Commerce, who had
crossed the trilateral alliance and traveled to the southern empire of the continent.
"I won't deny it since you've recognized it. Yes, I did."
Elena admitted it without hesitation. Even though she was not his daughter, he pretended
to be a father and daughter and helped Elena not to be discovered. He was trustworthy
enough.
"I thought you might be a student at an academy, but it's even more surprising to see you in
person. It's late, but I really wanted to say thank you. Thank you very much for saving my
daughter."
"Me, too. Thank you so much for today."
Elena also bowed her head to express her gratitude. Without Emilio's wise handling, she
would have been in trouble by now.
"This is fate, so would you like to have dinner with me? The course here is pretty good."
"It's an honor."
Emilio accepted in a polite manner. The newly ordered course meal came out and slowly
savored them. Perhaps because Ren left, it was the same dish that he had before, but the
flavor and texture were very different.
"But you never asked."
"What do you mean?"
Elena put down her fork and knife.
"Who am I, what am I doing, why did I impersonate Lucia."
"I don't have to know."
Emilio wiped his mouth with a napkin and continued calmly.
"You're a benefactor who has saved my daughter, who is everything to me. If you'd like, I'd
like to offer you the castol company. No, I can give it to you now."
Elena looked up and looked him in the eye. His sincerity came out of his eyes and
expressions as much as his sincere speech. Indeed, he was the man who threw all of his life
away to cure Lucia in his past life.
"I'll just accept your heart. You've paid me enough for what happened today."
"No, I couldn't pay you back."
Emilio's determined expression showed something of an inscrutable stubbornness.
"If you'd allow me to say a few more words, would you mind?"
"As much as you want."
They are two people whose age is quite different to believe that they are actually father and
daughter. However, when looking at the actual conversation, Elena seemed to naturally
treat him as a subordinate, and Emilio was respectful.
"I've been looking at you since I first met you. Oh, don't get me wrong. It's a habit for me to
look after people as the basis of trade between merchants is people."
"I didn't misunderstand."
"Speech, gestures, how you eat, word choice... It's trivial, but we judge people through all of
those things. We can't change the behavior of our body with our consciousness. There's
another atmosphere. They're made to be acquired, and they're born to be."
Emilio moistened his throat with water and asked carefully.
"Are you not a part of the imperial family?"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"..."
"If not, I'm sorry. Let's just move on to something out of topic."
Elena couldn't help but admire, though she was silent.
'You have a great eye.'
It is often said that success or failure depends on the eye of the merchant. This is because
transactions are based on a person's personality and character as much as credit is based
on. In that context, Emilio had a great eye. He instinctively felt the mood and grace of Elena
that she was trying to hide.
"You're half right and half wrong."
In the past life, she was the empress. But not now. Princesses are a class of great nobility,
but are not strictly royal. So, half is right and half is wrong.
Emilio looked surprised for a moment, but quickly returned to his true self.
"I don't think I asked you anything. I'll erase what you just said from my head."
"Thank you."
Elena had a different feeling about the tycoon. In her past life, the company was blinded by
Lucia's treatment of the Northern fever and was on the verge of bankruptcy, but now that
history has changed, she was looking forward to how much Emilio and Castol would grow.
Slowly.
Emilio took an envelope out of his arms and put it on the table.
"What is this?"
"This is the transfer of the Chamber of Commerce of Castol in the Empire."
"...!"
Elena's eyes got bigger. The branch was the stronghold of the local Castol Corporation. The
transfer of the branch was tantamount to giving Elena all the income generated from the
local transactions.
"I must have told you. I'll accept your heart."
"... My daughter told me. She's so happy to see her dad again, and she's glad she can't see
him sad because of you."
Emilio had a faint smile on his face. He almost lost his daughter, who is almost everything
in the world to him, so he had no choice but to be grateful to Elena for saving his daughter.
"So go and help them."
"..."
"I saw you today and felt it. You're obviously an extraordinary person... You really need my
help. That's why I want to give it to you."
Elena couldn't readily decide how to deal with it. In the meantime, she pursued something
clear and certain. People who did not have contact in the past she refrained from contacting
or approached carefully no matter how capable they were. This is because she cannot rule
out the possibility that they will become a source of anxiety beyond Elena's influence.
That's why, even if it's difficult to go back, there are people who can stay with her until the
end.
In that context, Emilio was a character outside the field that does not exist in her plan. He
has a reputation to the extent that no one does not know about his love, but she did not
know his character or humanity. For this reason, the relationship with Emilio ended by
providing Lucia's cure for northern fever. It was enough to secure Lucia's identity in the
academic institute.
But the situation has changed. As Ren intervened, a contact with Emilio was created. She
has been told that she is a benefactor and that he will transfer part of the Castol Chamber of
Commerce. This was not in the plan. However, the income from the Castol Chamber of
Commerce mentioned by Emilio was too attractive to refuse. Although it is not a good idea,
the branch of Castol Chamber of Commerce, which occupies a place in the top ten seats on
the continent, will have enormous commercial rights, sales networks, and asset
management.
"You're putting me in trouble."
"I apologize for that, too."
Emilio replied politely. Then he added words to Elena, who was hesitant to make a
decision.
"I must have been mistaken."
"What?"
"The benefactor seems to be hesitant to take over the branch of the Castol Corporation. It
will take some time, but I will organize the branches and prepare them in gold coins, which
are imperial currency. I think this is better for you."
"W-wait a minute."
Elena was quite embarrassed and stopped talking. She was surprised when he presented
the transfer of the branch of the Castol Corporation, but she couldn't say anything when he
said he would sell the branch and prepare it in gold coins. What's more shocking is that it's
not just a word, but a sincere heart.
"I don't know why you're making it so difficult for me."
Elena sighed quietly. She knew it was a favor, but it was too much for her.
"I beg you, too. Please let me be a decent father to my daughter."
Emilio bowed politely. He wanted to give everything as if he had no regrets while giving his
own. Elena had to make a choice, too.
"I'm sorry, but I don't want to receive any gold or branch of the Castol Corporation."
"But the benefactor...."
"They aren't mine. But I don't think it's exactly the right thing to ignore Emilio's sincerity."
When Elena left him room, Emilio held his breath and waited for the next word. After
thinking dozens more to be cautious, Elena opened her mouth.
"Let's work together."
"Did you say partnership just now?"
Surprised Emilio asked again. It was an unexpected remark from her.
"I'm not confident that I'll do as well as Emilio even if I'm in charge of the branch. I'm tied
up, and I don't have a business person. One day, I'm going to influence other companies and
go bankrupt."
Elena judged her ability coolly. She was building various foundations based on the
memories of her past life, but that was all. The merchant was not the way she wanted to
walk, and even if she was transferred to the branch of the Castol Corporation, she was not
confident of competing with other superiors.
"Gold money is not worth talking about. I feel like I'm red-handed with your daughter's life.
Depending on what happens, it can sound insulting."
"I didn't think about that. I'm sorry."
Emilio quickly apologized after realizing that he was too much. Even though he said he
thought deeply and acted, he realized that it could be misunderstood enough. Elena smiled
openly.
"No, I don't know if that's why you felt sincerer. Money is everything to merchants."
"Thank you for taking care of me. If I may ask, why did you suggest a partnership?"
"People..."
Emilio muttered the words, blurring the words. He had emphasized the importance of
people as well, but when Elena said that, he thought deeply.
"That's what you said earlier. You told me I needed Emilio's help badly. It's actually like
that."
"Benefactor."
"Please stay with me. And then help me. Then I can promise you this one thing."
Emilio looked up and stared at Elena at the word "promise." Elena, whom he saw, was a
noble and noble woman of birth. Even if she tried to hide it as a disguise, the grace and
dignity that were revealed secretly proved it. That Elena mentioned the promise. The
weight of the promise was different. It will not be a promise that precedes only one
merchant's words, but it will be a promise to keep even if the world collapses and has two
sides.
"A new era will come soon. A time when the world is turned upside down and many things
are starting anew.
"New era..."
Emilio brooded on the low-pitched word. It was too big a word for a merchant to put in his
mouth and understand. Only Elena could fully understand and handle the weight of the
word.
"I dare to promise you your place in the new era."
"...!"
Elena smiled around her mouth. Her smile was full of confidence, though it was a promise
that would sound more provocative and reckless.
***
"You know, I got goosebumps and I can't get rid of them."
Khalif, who met in just a few days, couldn't hide his excitement and talked. Elena, who
answered back, was calm.
"Really?"
"Yes! I understand why your father is respected by people. I've only told him about my
business plan, but he caught the thread I missed all of a sudden."
Khalif gave a dry mouthful of praise for Emilio. Elena, who joined hands with Emilio,
arranged a meeting between the two, judging that it would help Khalif, who still lacks
experience. The result was more positive than expected. As the passion and wit of Khalif
added to Emilio's experience, the scope of his thoughts widened.
"Yes, but why did you change your mind all of a sudden? You told me you'd be in trouble if
you got caught doing business behind your father's back."
"That? I got caught."
Although it was an absurd excuse, Khalif accepted it without any doubt.
"Oh, that's why he knew. Didn't you get in trouble?"
"Rather, he complimented me. I will apply, so he asked me to endure it until graduation. Of
course, under the premise that I am not neglecting my studies."
"Compliments are compliments and studies are academic."
Khalif, who was deceived by Elena's lie, was convinced and accepted.
"Have you met Randol?"
"Huh? Uh, I met him. I saw him and I felt like I was going to kill myself."
"What are you talking about?"
Elena asked back with a slight frown at the harsh expression.
"Why are there so many geniuses in the world? You're a genius, but he's more a genius.
There's a real sense of shame."
"That's fair."
Elena shook her head as if she was convinced. Randol was a great architect who would
remain on a page of history. In the art world, there is a saying that an era's master cannot
be done by effort alone. In other words, he must be born with genius.
Elena did not see the completion of the Santa Maria Cathedral, a collaboration between
Khalif and Randol. It was because she was kidnapped and almost killed just before
completion. However, she remembered seeing the library, known to have been designed by
Randol. Although not as huge as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, his unique construction, the
dome shape using the palace, was a glimpse into his genius.
"The world was so wide. The academy was in a well. I don't know anything about
architecture, do I? But just looking at the construction and design drawings he showed me,
I was thrilled to order them."
"I understand."
"He thanked L from the bottom of his heart. Thanks to L, he can focus on architecture. He
said he wishes them well from now on."
Randol became the first customer of Khalif to take his first step as an art broker, just like
the original history.
It was hoped that Elena's intervention would show better results than the original history,
as the timing was advanced.
"Please tell them that I really appreciate it. For choosing me. I will never disappoint." (T/N:
this is Randol's thanks to Elena.)
"I did it anyway. He trusts you. He didn't say anything else. Do real geniuses have good
personalities? Oh, except you."
Elena asked Khalif, who was outspoken about Randol.
"Looking at you talking, you've gotten pretty close?"
"My drinking buddy."
"You have a best friend."
Elena smiled as if she knew everything. Even in the past life, there was always alcohol in
their friendship to the extent that it was a relationship made by alcohol. Khalif was in the
fourth year, graduating from the academy, so he was considered an adult. So it was possible
to build friendship by drinking with Randol.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Senior, when are you going to see my father again?"

"Tomorrow. Why?"
"I want to ask you to find out if there is some land in the capital to put a building on."
"Are you going to speculate?"
Khalif's eyes were full of greed. Since Khalif trusted Elena's judgment and choice almost at
the religious level, he wanted to be put on this opportunity if she bought land.
"What do you mean, speculation? I'm not good over there."
"Then why are you suddenly looking for land? The land is expensive there."
"I'm going to build a salon there."
"Salon? What is that?"
Since this period was before the salon culture was established, Khalif did not know much
about salons.
"A forum that can break the wall between men and women. The birthplace of culture and
intelligence and a place of socialization. A mark and exhibition hall for literati, writers,
artists, thinkers."
"...!"
Elena planned to open the first, largest, and best salon in the Empire's capital. Salon is the
collection of art culture that Elena dreams of. It is also a space where prominent figures
such as writers, artists, aristocrats, and scientists come in and talk and discuss, and also a
place to display and sell artists' works and sell them. Sometimes, it can serve as a ballroom
where you can enjoy performances and dance while eating and drinking alcohol.
The salon is a center with cultural ripple effects that can dominate the continent.
'L will be at the center of culture as the hostess of the salon.'
Elena's unconventional ambitions made Khalif speechless.
"Salon? It's shocking. I can't say anything. How did you think that?"
"This isn't the end. It's too early to be surprised."
"What else?"
"Salons themselves are meaningful, but I want to give meaning to the first architecture that
represents salons. It's the size of the cathedral, and it's a new style of architecture that
we've never seen before."
Khalif was surprised and worried.
"Isn't that too much greed? It's the size of a cathedral. Let's say it is. Where can you get an
architect with a new architecture?"
"Where? He's next to you."
"Whew is the person next to me... Don't tell me you're thinking about Randol?"
"Yes, I'll leave everything from the salon's design to architecture to Randol."
Khalif's mouth opened. As much as that, Elena's remarks were shocking. This is because it
was an adventure to entrust Randol, who is born with a genius talent, but has not yet
achieved external achievements, to do the work.
'As Lucia said. I don't think Randol can't build it again.'
It was vague because he was close to Randol and communicated with him more than
anyone else, but he had faith that he could do it. Elena smiled as she seemed to have
convinced him.
"Please give it to Randol. It's an opportunity to promote himself to the world. Break the
mannerisms and surprise the world with his own techniques."
"I'll tell him. He'll be happy."
In addition, Khalif also stood up. Randol was always determined to build a building with his
own construction method, but the opportunity came earlier than expected. He was itching
to tell him the news as soon as possible.
"If he can afford it, ask my father to look for a site near the land to buy."
"I heard you're not speculating?"
"It's not speculation. We're going to create a complex cultural space that can be linked to
salons."
"What? Mixed culture? What on earth are you thinking about? I can't keep up."
In recent times, Khalif has been admiring Elena. The groundbreaking and catch-up ideas
were so witty that he could not follow it even if he died and woke up.
"Why are you coming after me? Don't follow me."
"What?"
"I'm just doing what I'm good at. You should do what you're good at."
"What I'm good at... That's right."
Khalif smiled and nodded in agreement. Elena spoke face to face.
"Salons are not designed and built by themselves. From beginning to end..."
"You're also working with an art broker, right?"
"Yes, your role will be more important than anything else."
"Nice! It's nagging to say more. I know too. How important my role is. I'm actually living
with responsibility."
Elena smiled. He was always grumbling and playful, but she knew better than anyone else
that he was always serious and committed to his field.
"And this. Give it to my father."
Khalif was handed an envelope with a letter.
"What's this? Can I see it?"
"It doesn't matter if you look at it, but it's not much. I'm going to buy some land in the
capital slums, and I've checked the area on the map."
"Why buy there? No, how can you think of buying a slum land? That's the end of life. It can't
be sold again or bought. You'll be bitten by a water ghost."
Khalif had completely dissuaded Elena from buying the slum land. The slums were the
cheapest land prices in the capital, as beggars, wanderers, tramps, and vagrants lived in the
capital.
Therefore, in the past, several aristocratic investors have attempted to buy land in slums at
a low price and develop it.
But the result was all a failure. Even if the poor were kicked out, other poor people soon
came and filled the seats. Even if the building was built at a cost, common people were
reluctant to come because there were vagrants and itinerants.
"I know."
"You're going to buy the slum land, even if you know it? You, just talk to me. Is there any
gold in there?"
Khalif's eyes were filled with expectations.
He was wondering if there was anything.
"Ha, where's the veins of gold in the capital? I'm just buying it for charity."
"Charity? Are you serious?"
"Yes, do you think I'm lying? What's the point of making money? We have to help people in
need."
Disappointed, Khalif once again put the letter in his arms. If he was interested, he would
have opened it, but it seemed that he was not interested in buying the land in the slums.
He'd lose his money as soon as he invested. Elena felt sorry for not being able to tell the
truth.
'I'm sorry, senior. I couldn't tell you honestly. But I can't help it. If I tell you, I think you'll
live in that land.'
It's not that she didn't trust Khalif. Elena, however, was well aware that human greed
sometimes obscures the opposite sex. In any case, if Khalif follows Elena to trade the land
of the poor, he could also be targeted.
'I have to be prepared in private, if I don't buy it as quickly as possible with an agent,
Leabrick will notice.'
Sooner or later, there will be a huge development craze in the capital. The Great House will
use astronomical funds to push the slums away and create the Noblesse street where only
nobles and royalty can enter the land, making it the largest development project in the
capital since the founding of the empire.
'Whatever you imagine, it's more than that.'
The amount of money the Grand Duke spent on building this Noblesse street was
equivalent to the Empire's annual budget. The power of the great house to make such
astronomical investments is great, but Leabrick's contribution to the thorough preparation
and success of the success of Noblesse Street was great. She predicted that the imperial
family would collapse and the empire would return to the aristocracy, and wanted to make
a distance for the nobles, and the result was a great success.
'The Grand Duke's success is my misfortune. I have to keep an eye on you.'
Elena plans to throw ash on their investment. She will eat it up little by little and eventually
destroy it thoroughly. If the Noblesse street development project succeeds, it is almost
impossible for Elena to destroy the Grand Duke no matter how long she tries.
The first step is the egg-laying. She was a step ahead of Leabrick to buy up the land of slums
in advance that could be a major base in the development of Noblesse Street in the future. It
wasn't that difficult for Elena, who knew the future. There may be some margin of error,
but the approximate development point was in her head as she frequently entered
Noblesse Street during her time as empress.
'There is one thing to watch out for. Buying with L's possession, but having an agent so that
the tail is not stepped on.'
Elena was well aware of Leabrick's tenacity. If she knew the fact that Elena started buying
and selling land first, she would do whatever she could to find L. L is a person who exists
only in documents and signatures. Although it is impossible to be found that it is Elena now,
it is necessary to send an agent to sign the sale in order to cut off the tracking of Leabrick in
advance.
'It's easy after I buy land from poor people. I can sell it back to Leabrick.'
Elena already had a perfect plan in her head. To use the plan of the great house to extort
money from the great house. It was exactly the direction of the destruction of the great
house that Elena envisioned. The only thing left was Emilio's sale of the slum land by proxy,
as Elena wrote in the letter. He, who has abundant experience, wouldn't make mistakes, so
she didn't worry too much.
"Then let's stop the conversation today. Oh, I have an appointment with your dad so focus
on your studies for a while. Don't worry about it."
"Yeah, I think I'm going to be as busy as you are with the way I am. Good luck."
It was when the conversation ended and Khalif tried to catch the door to leave the study
room.
Knock, knock.
"...!"
The sudden knocking of the door drew Elena and Khalif's attention to it. It was not common
to be visited by others because a self-study room and a discussion room could be used for
personal purposes without interference from anyone who applied.
'Oh, my God, Ren?'
She had such a question reflexively, but she soon erased it from her head. She stopped by
the four-story recording room, disguised herself, and came down to the two-story study
room. The movement was so short that it was unlikely that Ren would have been
discovered.
"I'll go out."
Khalif, who was standing in front of the door, turned and pulled.
"Who are you... Hyuk!"
As soon as the door was opened, Khalif, who saw the man standing in front of him,
swallowed his breath in vain.
"Y-Your Grace?"
"...!"
Is there any student attending an academic institute who doesn't know the face of Sian? In
response to Khalif's surprised reaction, Lucia also rose from her chair.
"It was you again."
Unlike the two who were surprised, Sian's reaction was calm. You couldn't see any
emotions except alternating with an expressionless look.
"How did you get here?"
"I happened to see you on this floor. I searched the reading room to see if I could ask you
how you were doing. So I've come, and you're here."
Khalif's eyes were wide open. Even when he chewed it over, he could only hear that Sian
came first with an interest in Lucia. After seeing Elena with his back against Sian, Khalif
questioned her in the shape of his mouth without a sound.
'Did you know His Highness the Crown Prince? Why didn't you tell me earlier!'
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena, who did not feel worthy of answering, ignored him and turned her eyes to Sian.
"Did you have anything to say?"
"..."
Instead of answering, Sian stared at Elena. As the silence became longer and awkward, Sian
uttered words that had nothing to do with the point.
"I invite you. For dinner."
"What?"
Khalif and Elena blinked at the unexpected suggestion, asking back reflexively. That's how
an early dinner for the three unplanned people was arranged.
Elena and Khalif visited a detached dormitory where only direct royal family members
could use it. It was similar in size to Elena's detached dormitory, but it was poor to see the
place where the crown prince who would lead the empire stay, and it felt strongly
backward. Expensive paintings and decorations were nowhere to be seen, and the furniture
looked old.
'Now I'm here.'
Elena's eyes deepened. Elena and Sian's dormitories were across the street. If the tree did
not block the view, it was close enough to expose life.
Elena's interest in her past life had been focused only on Sian since she was in the academy.
What Sian ate, how he slept, and how he lived was her world and everything. Maybe since
then. The interest that started in Sian became favorable and turned into useless attachment
and love.
"There's nothing special, but eat it. It won't taste bad."
Khalif and Elena sat opposite each other, with the table between them based on Sian sitting
at the top. The maid served the dishes in the kitchen. It was soup, salad, and steak, but
compared to Elena's usual diet, the level dropped a lot. It was the same with Khalif. He was
looking forward to the meal invited by the crown prince, but the quality of the meat was
not good at a glance.
"Listen."
When Sian cut the meat first and ate it, Khalif and Elena grabbed the knife and fork. Khalid
cut the meat to make it easier to eat and chewed the meat while greasy. As expected. It was
edible, but it wasn't really excellent in quality or juicy.
'Was it this bad? The financial situation of the imperial family.'
Elena was personally supported by the Grand Duke during her time as empress. Otherwise,
they couldn't cover the luxury cost of maintaining dignity. Therefore, she was not
interested in the royal family's finances and thought it was always enough. However, the
financial situation of the imperial family felt here seemed much worse than she thought.
"Does it taste good?"
"Of course! It's so delicious. It's chewy and soft-boiled, and every time the juices spread out,
it's so fascinating."
Khalif even praised the chief, saying that he would be disappointed. Sian nodded his head
indifferently and turned to Elena.
"What about you?"
Elena, who was asked, put down her fork and chewed the food in her mouth tightly and
swallowed it. Then she picked up her napkin, wiped her mouth, and answered.
"It's too much to say, but it's definitely a delightful dish."
"I see."
Sian no longer asked about the taste. Instead, he paid attention to Elena's eating. While
eating a steak with poor meat, she did not make a single chewing sound, and more than
eight forks and knives were used naturally to suit their purpose.
"You always show new looks."
"Me?"
Elena looked up to see if she was talking about herself. Sian continued, staring at Elena with
a peculiar indifferent look.
"Sometimes you look weak like a deer."
"..."
"Sometimes you behave more gracefully than the imperial family."
Elena missed it. She realized that the etiquette that had been implicitly infiltrated attracted
Sian's interest. She rebuked herself for her rashness, but the water had already spilled.
"Was your name Khalif?"
"Yes, Your Grace."
"This year's graduation class. So, have you thought about your career after graduation?"
To Sian's question, Khalif answered clearly with a very nervous expression.
"Yes, I've found a job that suits my aptitude. I have to prepare my thesis, and I'm so into it
that I'm worried if I can graduate on time."
"It's the right thing to do. I wonder what it is."
"I'm doing work in art."
Elena glared at Khalif, who answered politely. She was displeased with the act of amplifying
Sian's interest by talking about things that he didn't have to say. There's no way he didn't
know that, but Khalif ignored it and talked.
"Actually, Miss Lucia here recommended it to me. I don't know if you know this, but I'm
getting a lot of help because she has excellent knowledge and insight."
Elena glared at Khalif as if to kill him for his constant stream of useless words.
'Please, that mouth.'
However, Sian's attention has already been paid to Elena.
"I knew you had a sense of art, but I didn't know you had a good eye for it."
"Your Highness, this is what Khalif said to lower himself. You don't have to listen."
Elena quickly praised Khalif and tried to pull herself out. She made a fierce eye contact with
Khalif, warning him not to talk nonsense anymore.
"You're so modest. I'm even more interested in the depth of your learning."
Oh. Elena's head was throbbing because she kept getting things tangled. Since Sian has
already shown interest, there was anxiety that he might try to confirm it in some way.
"How do you feel? Let's talk more about this."
Sure enough, Elena's prediction was right. This situation was uncomfortable because Elena
did not want to be involved with Sian for a while.
"Your Highness, I am..."
As soon as Elena tried to express her refusal, Khalif stepped in.
"How can she refuse to do that, Your Grace? Lucia, are you okay? We're free today."
"Ah... ah."
Elena, who was angry at the attitude of him accepting spontaneously because she wasn't
enough to cut off her words, bit her molar. Even though he certainly noticed, why on earth
are was he so stupid today? The reason for the recklessness was not known, so she was
even more feverish.
Eventually, the three moved to the drawing room. Elena elbowed Khalif in the waist as she
walked behind Sian, who was ahead of her. Perhaps with emotion, there was quite a heavy
force.
"Cough."
Elena whispered softly to Khalif, who frowned in pain.
"What's wrong with you today? Let's go quietly when we're done eating. What are you
talking about!"
"Your Highness wants it. And you didn't notice?"
Elena narrowed her eyes and glared at him and made remarks of warning.
"What do you think? When he asks, do it in moderation. I can't stand it anymore."
"Look at him. Don't you think this is good for you?"
"So you're trying to make me happy?"
Elena couldn't hear the answer to the questioning. Because she arrived in the drawing
room.
"Wow, look at the books. It's like there are thousands."
Khalif looked at the books filled with the walls of the drawing room and admired them.
There seemed to be more than a thousand books, but considering that this is the reception
room, not the library, he could see how much Sian lived with books. Three people sat
relaxed on the spacious sofa. Then Sian looked at Elena and opened his mouth.
"When I see you, I think of it."
"What?"
"Can you give me a cup of tea like that?"
"... Tea?"
Elena was quite embarrassed by Sian's request. Give him a cup of tea. It was a sudden
request that would be embarrassing for her as well. Sian was also embarrassed to bring up
these words, so he gave a false cough.
"I can't forget the scent and the deep taste."
"..."
"Is it a difficult request?"
When Sian asked again, Elena, who had been half asleep for a moment, quickly came to her
senses.
"No. If you can prepare tea leaves, tea, and hot water..."
"Hey."
Sian told them to bring them out. The servants brought them in the blink of an eye whether
they had been announced in advance or had already prepared them.
"Is there anything else you need?"
"No, that's enough."
Elena checked the tea leaves first by opening the sealed box.
'The tea leaves of the second order.'
It is better compared to some products, but compared to the tea leaves, which are mostly
used by the aristocrats, the scent and taste of the products were much lower.
'Let's not count the quality. The tea is more important.'
Elena carefully examined the tea leaves. Knowing the dryness of the leaves and the degree
of fermentation, even the tea leaves of a heavy product could bring out the taste. The
temperature of the hot water was appropriate, and the preparation was perfect.
Furthermore, no matter how good the ingredients are, it is no exaggeration to say that the
deep taste and deep fragrance of tea depends on the hands of the person who makes the
tea. In that sense, Elena's tea ceremony, which had been brewed dozens, no, hundreds of
times with her heart for only one person, was close to perfection.
Gululu.
Elena recommended filling an empty cup with tea water.
"Of course."
Sian, who tasted the first donation, exclaimed.
"Even with the same tea leaves, it has such a deep taste and aroma."
Sian stopped talking. Using his sense of smell and taste, he focused on deeply savoring the
tea Elena brewed.
"Wow, I think I know a little why people do tea ceremony."
Unintentionally, Elena was amazed at the Khalif who drank the tea. He decided to cancel
the idea of tea ceremony as a show-off ceremony for aristocrats. Elena, who stared at Sian
enjoying tea, said to herself.
'I hope this tea will be the last one today.'
For she didn't want any more bad news. Elena had no choice but to smile sadly not to
repeat her past mistakes.
"There's so much I want to ask you today."
"Do you know me?"
Sian openly pointed to Elena and asked.
"You said your father is the head of one of the continent's leading commercial houses."
"Yes."
"How is it? In your view, the flow of money in the present Empire. Does it feel normal?"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena was quite embarrassed when asked. Although Sian's questions were comprehensive,
they were high-level questions that required very professional learning.
"I didn't learn much because I wasn't good at commercial talent. But since you asked for my
opinion, I will speak my mind."
"I'll listen."
"The current flow of imperial money is closely related to power. The Grand House and the
Four Great Families intervene in various interests and monopolize anything that makes a
profit."
Since the founding of the empire, there has never been a single history in which aristocrats
have held such vested interests. The empire belonged to the royal family from generation
to generation, but gradually the power of the nobility grew and lost its authority. The
scarecrow emperor. The nobles above the emperor change even the emperor. That was the
reality of the present imperial family.
"You saw it correctly."
"Because not only the flow of money, but also its pretext is being swayed over by the
nobles."
"The Empire must change."
Sian also seemed to be fully aware of the seriousness of the situation. His eager eyes gave
him a sense of willingness to regain his powerful imperial power, breaking away from the
interference and checks of the great and four great families.
Elena was very sorry for the proposal. If he was born well, he had many qualities to become
an emperor, but unfortunately, there was no place for such an emperor now. It was so sad
to see that Elena quit.
"Get someone competent."
"Human."
Sian still brooded on the word and asked, his eyes glistening.
"Do you mean someone like *you?"
"No."
Elena cut the line with a snap.
"I'm not as good of a person as you think I am."
"You're so humble."
Khalif barely spoke, but seldom got involved in the conversation. There were some high-
level conversations, but because it was a very sensitive topic, it was so. In contrast, Elena
maintained a terrifying calmness without any emotional disturbance.
"I also had the same thoughts as you. But most capable people are aristocrats. They never
want to be on the side of the imperial family."
"..."
She also understood Sian's frustration. Even in academic institutes, most intellectuals who
have received a high level of education are to abstain from nobles. Rarely, there were also
commoners, but as the majority of them were struggling to succeed, there were more
people who leaned on the nobility rather than the imperial family.
'You have a will, but you're wrong.'
Elena saw it clearly. Sian, who dreamed of strengthening the imperial power and tried to
reform, failed. He would repeat the same mistake in the same way as he was now.
'If you could read the flow of the new era properly, it would be different.'
A new era is coming soon. If he can read and ride on the bandwagon, there is a possibility
that Sian may achieve what he wanted. But Elena couldn't bring it up. Sian was reading
monarchism when she happened to bump into him in the library reading room. If he was
still dreaming of a strong despotic imperial power, the future of the new era and Sian will
conflict.
'Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Your Highness will take care of the judgment.'
Elena wanted to be of some help to Sian. It was all because of the lingering love and hatred
for Sian, who she once lived as a couple with. Yes, that was it.
"May I offer you a word of advice?"
"Advice. I'll take it hard."
Elena gave strength and said as Sian's permission fell.
"There are countless emperors in the Empire who were revered as great men in the past.
It's no exaggeration to say that we have an empire now because of their achievements."
"Go on."
"The reason why their achievements are highly regarded is that they have prepared the
necessary systems for the times, read the changes of the times and dealt with them
appropriately."
Throughout Elena's words, Khalif could not relax. He was nervous that she might offend
Sian.
"The times are beginning."
Elena took a small deep breath. It's real from now on.
"The nobles are rotten and corrupt. Nevertheless, the imperial family has no authority or
power to press them."
"..."
Sian's expressionless eyebrows wiggled. Elena pointed out the incompetence of the
Imperial Household in front of the Crown Prince Sian.
"L-Lucia! Bite your tongue."
The frightened Khalif stepped in and stopped him. Even though that may be said to be true,
it was tantamount to an insult to the imperial family to undermine the imperial family. But
Elena had no intention of stopping here. No, she wouldn't have even spoken if she had quit
here in the first place.
"The world will change soon."
Even though it may sound uncomfortable and insulting, his expression did not change. Only
Khalif, caught in the middle, was restless.
"The change of times never begins above. It starts below."
"Below."
"Commoners."
"...!"
Sian's eyes, where there was no change of emotion, were energized. Since the founding of
the empire, the subjects of reform have been the imperial family and the nobility. In the
pyramid-shaped status system, the common people, who are the absolute majority, were
simply objects to be governed, but were not included in the subjects of consideration as
reform subjects. Elena pointed out those commoners. She said that the change of times is
not from the top, but from the bottom. For Sian, the story came as shocking.
"Whether you are nobility or the imperial family. It doesn't matter to the common people.
The nobles are corrupt, and the imperial family loses authority and cannot stop the tyranny
of the nobility."
"..."
"The exploited commoners don't see both of them differently. The persecuting one or the
one unable to stop it are just the same."
A cold sweat ran down Khalif's spine. Elena's level of words was so high that he was
nervous that she might buy Sian's anger.
"Continue. Keep talking."
What was surprising was Sian's patience. Despite being criticized for the incompetence of
the imperial family, he showed a willingness to continue to listen to Elena's claims.
"To the imperial family, nobility is the enemy. Is the common people the enemy to the
imperial family?"
"No."
"Then who should the imperial family lean against? It's the people."
"Lean on, the imperial family..."
Sian calmly chewed over what Elena said. The imperial family viewed the common people
as an object to be governed, but did not give any other meaning. As far as the status exists,
the common people have been recognized only as such. But now Elena's words were
breaking all that common sense.
"The reign of the Emperor is over."
Elena gave strength to her voice and said it clearly. It was time to wrap up the long and
lengthy argument.
"The Emperor should not reign over the people, but stand on the people's side and go
together."
"..."
"That's the only way you can achieve what you want in an era of change."
Elena's last argument was convinced. It was the future she saw and experienced in person,
so she was able to speak firmly and without wavering.
'That's enough. The rest of the choice is yours.'
Elena knew. She knew what she was talking about was going to sound ridiculous. Even
though she knew that, she hoped this sincere advice reached him because of the affection
and sorry she once had.
"L-Lucia."
When Sian was silent, Khalif seemed nervous and called Elena in silence. As the silence
continued, cold sweat formed on the forehead of the tense Khalif. Elena waited softly. The
long silence signified Sian's troubles. When the worries were over, she was about to end
the love and hatred she had by respecting whatever he chose.
"You surprise me every time."
Sian's first words were admiration. There was a surprise from learning about the world
from a completely different perspective and knowledge.
"Is that? Is that the meaning of the Holy Empire books you saw then?"
"...!"
Elena was surprised. She never thought that Sian would remember the books she had read
at that time and get the point of what Elena said.
'You really listened to me?'
Far from being angry, she couldn't believe it even when she saw Sian brooding over Elena's
story in front of her eyes. The claim was somewhat unconventional and unreasonable for
him, the crown prince and the pinnacle of the status system.
In addition, it was very different from the way he didn't listen to Elena in her previous life
even when she begged desperately. It might have been more comfortable if he had ignored
her as before. But Sian kept listening to Elena's words, which made her even more confused
in dealing with him.
"Today's story was very meaningful. I feel like the fog in my head has gone away."
When Sian broke the debate, the happiest person was Khalif. If he could leave this place
without any problems, he would sell his soul.
"*Miss."
Sian sang low to Elena.
"It was a very fruitful time. Would you often spend this time with me?"
"... Yes, Your Highness."
Elena replied reluctantly that she would. Even if she didn't want it, she couldn't refuse it in
front of the city. After finishing the story, Elena and Khalif came out of the dormitory.
Before she knew it, the sky was dark. Elena felt fatigue as soon as she relaxed.
'I want to rest.'
She could see the dormitory just across the street. It was a stone's throw away, but Elena
couldn't go. It was because she had to stop by the library's archives and remove her
disguise to return as Veronica.
"How *swollen is your liver? In front of Your Highness what? What about the imperial
family?"
Khalif walked side by side and criticized Elena. In his view, Elena's remarks today are well
above the danger level.
"If he doesn't listen to me, that's a mistake."
"What?"
Elena closed her mouth with meaningful words. Khalif, who was trying to criticize more,
said, "Did you feel that this is not the atmosphere?"
_______________________________
(T/N: -간이 배 밖으로 나오다/간이 붓다 (the liver comes out of the stomach / to have a swollen liver): to be
overbold and foolhardy, ignoring apparent hardship.)
(T/N: Throughout this chapter, just in general, Sian has been referring to Elena as "영애," it's a
polite way to refer to a noble's daughter, however, since there is no English word for it, I
would either use "you" or "young lady," or just "lady," or "my lady." Just know that
whenever he speaks to her, it is in a polite manner.)
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"See you next time."

Khalif said farewell in front of the central library and moved away. Instead of nodding,
Elena led a tired body to the fourth floor recording room.
"..."
Normally, she would move around the library without slowing down the tension, but Elena
was so tired of the discussion that she could not do what she had to do. Not knowing that
today someone's gaze is on her back.
Elena opened the door to the recording room and went inside. And at the corner of the
stairway at the end of the hall, a man was watching with his face hidden.
"Who the hell is she?"
The man was Ren.
***
Ren hasn't been able to get rid of the chewy feeling since the three-way encounter. No
matter how much she thought about it, there remains a doubtful part of Emilio's
relationship with Lucia in the upper part of the Castol Corporation.
Ren, who was chasing Lucia's track record with his own persistence, found Lucia, who had
broken up with Khalif and entered the library, and quietly followed her. Then he ended up
seeing Lucia enter the archives.
"What are you doing over there?"
Ren folded his arms and pondered. Although he was far from a studious person, he had an
innate brain. It's all because of that cleverness that he can persist in torturing and
questioning someone. However, it was difficult to guess this time even for the head, who
was proud of his cleverness.
The Friedrich Family Archives. A place to store old things that are nothing special and
meaningless. It was a record room, so it was neglected so that no one of the current
students could find it. He couldn't understand why she went to such a place.
Kkiiiik.
It was not long before the door to the archives opened. Ren quickly turned the corner and
hid himself on the stairs to the fifth floor.
Tak tak tak.
The heel of the shoe grew louder, and soon the owner of the sound turned around the
corner of the stairs.
"...!"
Ren's eyes were wide open, as most things did not surprise him. He could not help but
doubt it even when he saw it with his own eyes.
'Veronica?'
Surprisingly, Veronica was the girl who turned around the corner and went down the
stairs. Ren appeared on the landing, making an appearance only after Veronica disappeared
down the stairs.
"What's this link without context?"
Ren's interest in Lucia was nothing more than pure interest. Sian intervened in the middle
and offended his sarcasm, but it wasn't so much of annoyance. Rather, the more he sold
Lucia, the more he became interested in the mystery question. What he saw today,
however, was a huge shock to the level of interest that went through.
"Do you have anything to do with Veronica?"
Ren's face, which was muttering as if he was asking questions, looked more excited than
ever. It was not anyone else, it was Veronica. From this moment when Veronica had been
proven to be involved, Lucia was not just an interesting one. She was a prey that needed to
be dug up to the end and discovered.
"When will she come out."
Ren waited for Lucia to come out of the recording room. For quite a long time until the
early evening was over, and it was late at night. Although it was late, Lucia did not come
out.
"What is this cheap feeling?"
Ren felt something strange that he couldn't pick up and went down the stairs to the
recording room. He was not polite enough to knock, so he grabbed the door handle and
opened it.
"Is anybody there?"
The recording room was empty. Far from anyone in there, he could feel the warmth that
meant it was vacated for a lot of time. Ren scattered his head roughly.
"What, when did she get out of here? I would have known if she came out."
The only way downstairs from the four-story hallway where the archives are located was
the stairs where Ren was located.
"Did I miss you?"
In other words, Ren missed her, but that didn't make sense. Ren was a monster that had
never missed the chief of the swordsmanship department since admission. In the first year,
the family's knights were overwhelmingly strong enough to take a step back. Without such
superior talent and genius, he would not have been praised as the best prosecutor along
with Hurelbard.
"A real ghost?"
Lucia disappeared as if evaporating from such a Ren. Without any trace of being there.
"Or stronger than me?"
Ren laughed as if he was in vain while developing his thoughts.
"Well, there's one more reason for me to be excited."
Although he missed Lucia, Ren whistled leisurely, let alone being impatient. It's hard to find
the tail, but it's a moment to find the body as soon as it's caught. Ren, who finished his
business, was about to leave the recording room when he saw the portraits of the Friedrich
family's past owners hanging on one wall.
"That's an ugly face. Hey, because of you... Do you know how shit my life is?"
Ren's thickening emotions were of life and hatred. Since independence from the great
house, he has been forced to make unilateral sacrifices for the great house. They made it
mandatory to sacrifice by signing a 100-year treaty on the condition of independence.
"I'm not obligated to keep my grandfather's treaty, am I? A hundred years? Give it to a dog."
Ren's face staring at the portrait became more brutal.
"I'm going to destroy everything my way."
***
Final exams were over. Although there may be some differences between faculties, the first
semester of the academic institute was running toward the end as grades were disclosed.
Students in the faculty who ended early returned to the family for vacation. This is because,
as vacations are given for over a month, they even have enough time to visit local
provinces.
However, not all students leave the academy. Many of the students from the common
people remained in the dormitory. There was no time to relax as the academy's grades
soon determine life after graduation.
Elena stayed in the dormitory. It was very surprising considering that students from the
aristocracy returned to their families. It wasn't her will that Elena was left at the academy.
It was completely Leabrick's will.
Veronica was forced to take two years off for health reasons. She unintentionally delayed
graduation. Leabrick hoped that Elena would accumulate grades that she had never had
before through the seasonal semester. This is because it was possible to graduate early if
she filled her allocated credits regardless of her school period or if her grades were good
grades.
Elena took the seasonal semester when she was left at the academy. Not only major but
also liberal arts were included, which made it feel tighter than this semester. But Elena
didn't care. She still had a lot of work to do at the academy. This was more free of charge
than entering the Grand Duchy and being watched by Leabrick.
"I don't really have anything to do with that."
Elena's plan worked better than she had planned. In L's name, she arranged for Khalif to
meet the great masters of the era.
Khalif, who communicated with Randol and became aware of the role and importance of
art brokers, helped future masters focus on their work and maximize their artistry. The
masters, who thought they had already been indebted to L, were fascinated by the role of
the lyricist of such art, and they held Khalif's hand without hesitation.
It was more than Elena expected. As the first and best art broker, he studied in any field of
foundation, architecture, literature, etc., which he did not know well to help the masters.
Working so hard that he had no time to sleep, Khalif tried to understand various fields.
"Efforts and enthusiasm are important, but Emilio played a big role in Khalif's growth."
Emilio, the head of the Castol Corporation, focused on the upward movement between the
capital and the trilateral alliance. At the same time, when the opportunity reached him, he
met with young Khalif and gave him the experience and insight he had accumulated.
Khalif's growth has also had a positive impact on masterpieces.
The great literary artist Vargas' work <The Mermaid> was published in the literary world
as early as two years with the help of Elena and Khalif. <The Mermaid> is a story about the
love of humans and half-humans. It brought about creating a revolution in the literary
world, capturing human desires and desires for pleasure.
Furthermore, the sale of books using the commercial and distribution networks of the
Castol Corporation resulted in unexpectedly large revenues. In addition, rumors spread
that it would quickly start selling to foreign countries such as the Kingdom of Royère and
the Trilateral Union through translation work, so many famous literary writers and great
literary men came to their feet. It was not only because of the empire, but because of their
desire to sell their work to other countries.
"The salon is being built smoothly."
Emilio succeeded in purchasing the land on the road crossing the capital at the main gate of
the Imperial Palace. It would not have been easy to buy because the sale was so scarce and
there was no trading, but he showed the ability to do it without difficulty. On the ground,
the architect Randol was laying the ground for a salon that might be his first work.
Randol was planning to implement a dome-shaped roof using a construction method that
had never been seen before. It was trying to build a more elegant building by taking
advantage of its harmonious and balanced architecture, which was differentiated from the
current Gothic style, which is dominated by sharp and high spires. Elena, who had already
seen the design drawings brought by Khalif, could not help but admire the high-toned style
and classy grandeur.
"The capital's center will be busy."
Confident of success, Elena started investing more aggressively. Emilio was asked to
purchase additional salon land. And the surrounding buildings were also asked to be
purchased even if they were priced higher than the market price. It was judged that the size
of land was necessary to change the street area around the salon.
Randol revised the design drawings to suit the site that was more than twice as wide as the
original. Although the design diagram of the salon to be completed is not a cathedral, it has
the shape of a building that is comparable to that of the cathedral.
The salon's interior facilities will also have structures that have never been seen before. In
addition to the reception room where the discussion room could be held, the venue for the
master's exhibition of works, opera theaters, and small ballrooms were planned to be
separated. Elena has all the elements that will become the center of salon culture.
When the extension was confirmed, the construction period also increased. Khalif said that
even if construction starts right away, it would be enough for two years. This year was
longer than Elena thought. However, she did not rush. This is because she knew that it
would be completed much sooner than expected.
"The reason why Randol was revered as a real genius was because of the phenomenal
speed of construction."
Elena didn't know how that was possible. However, Randol knew how to use an efficient
construction method that would reduce the average completion period of the current
building by nearly half.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Khalif was faithful to his role as an art broker, and he had taken care of the art trade he had
with Princess Veronica himself. Recently, as an art dealer, Khalif's name has gradually
begun to rise and fall in the art world, and artists who want to entrust the sale of their
works have come on their own. Although he could be greedy, Khalif acted on behalf of the
art trade only to the extent that he could digest it. Just enough not to be greedy and not to
have an upset stomach. He kept the line that Elena asked him to do in the beginning.
Everything went smoothly. Except for one person.
"I'm worried about Raphael."
Elena's face was full of depth when she stopped by the recording room, disguised herself
and left the central library. More than Elena had planned, preparations were made to
destroy the great house.
But Raphael couldn't get out of the slump. He had such a genius talent that she believed he
would overcome it anytime. However, except when he was teaching Elena, he almost let go
of the brush from his hands, so she was very worried.
The cultural destructive power of Raphael's paintings, which opened the horizons of the
new era, was more valuable than any other artwork. She wondered if the influence of only
one painting was so great, but it was actually so.
Raphael's ability to express various techniques and characters has changed the common
sense of painting that people have known so far. That one point became a measure of
painting, and it was an opportunity for the value of paintings, which had been considered
famous until now, to drop sharply.
That's not all. The symbolic meaning of a single painting was even greater in the sense of
transcending the existing paradigm. Intellectuals have begun to question the conventional
wisdom of society, which has been tolerated so far. Such an impact would spread to the
lowest commoners of the status system. Why should they live like this? It was an
opportunity to reveal the complaints of ordinary people, who were robbed and couldn't say
anything.
"... I can't believe it when I look back. I can't believe the effect of a single painting was that
much."
If someone had said this, Elena would snort and laugh. It's only a painting.
But that actually happened.
When Elena arrived at the West Side annex, she visited the studio as usual.
"I'm here."
Raphael, who was sitting looking at the white canvas, welcomed her.
"Are you here?"
"Why are you making it so dark? It's a basement, so it doesn't light up well. You have to
turn it on."
Raphael smiled silently. Did he think Elena would know? Starting with that nagging, Elena's
time is the only time he smiles.
"It's a little bright now. Huh? Did you cut your hair? You have your sideburns trimmed."
"I think I left it too unattended. I cut it neatly, does it look good on me?"
When Raphael asked awkwardly, Elena nodded.
"It's nice. The girls will follow."
"It's good to hear empty words."
"I'm telling you."
"I'm not tired of hearing it again. I guess humans are animals that are weak to praise."
Raphael humbly accepted, but Elena's praise was not mixed with a single exaggeration. It's
because he can't take care of myself because I'm stuck in the studio now, but he couldn't
miss anything in terms of my appearance. The glasses with clear features and often used
made him look even more intelligent. In addition, she felt it when he was a court painter,
but his artist's unique free and unbound atmosphere had a strange charm that attracted
women's hearts.
"Shall we continue to draw what we couldn't do last time?"
"Yes, sir."
Elena, sitting in front of the canvas, unpacked the oil paint on the palette and dabbed it with
a brush. In order to overcome the shortcoming of lack of basic skills, she was developing
her expression skills by making a mockery.
"Well done."
"I've been waiting for your compliment."
Elena was satisfied with her improved appearance even though she drew it. But Raphael
was a man of no satisfaction.
"I'm a little disappointed here. When you colored, the paint got clumped up due to too
much strain on your wrist. It's light, but you have to push it with a force that won't be
pushed by the brush."
"It's difficult."
"I'll give you an example."
Raphael demonstrated on his canvas by putting paint on his brush. It was a color and
expression that was clearly compared to Elena to the extent that the compliment just
before was overshadowed.
"This is how you do it. Lucia, if you copy it a couple of times, you'll be able to do it in no
time."
This was the case when he was a court painter, but Raphael was born with genius from his
birth, so when teaching others, he tended to think of himself as a standard. In other words,
he often misunderstood that he would learn the basics of painting and the way of painting
easily thanks to his talent. Because of that, it was difficult to be taught.
"It's difficult. Could you teach me easily?"
When Elena complained, Raphael seriously agonized and opened his mouth.
"Okay."
Raphael quietly came behind Elena's back, reached out and wrapped his hand around the
one that held her brush.
"I'll show you a demonstration, so please remember this feeling with your fingertips. You
just have to apply force and draw a stroke here."
"Ah! I think I know how it feels."
"Really? Remember the feeling and end of the brush..."
At the moment, Raphael's body hardened. In order to help Elena understand, Raphael, who
only thought he had to teach easily, realized that he was very close to her.
"This is how you do it, right?"
"..."
Elena was excited as she made fun of the brush, and Raphael swallowed it in vain. As the tip
of his nose was almost touching the nape of Elena's neck, a subtle scent and smell of flesh
exudes deeply.
'I can't think of anything.'
Once conscious, his body temperature transmitted through the back of his hand, the voice
that sounded close as if whispering, and all of Elena's other things paralyzed Raphael's
senses and made even time slow.
"I'm definitely better than before."
When Elena turned her head and talked, Raphael's body hardened again.
"Oh, oh, yes. I think it's a lot better."
"Right? I got the feeling!"
"...!"
The more excited Elena talked, the more her breath reached Raphael. For Elena, it may be
because she is happy with the way she expresses herself, but Raphael was insane because
he was all conscious.
"I-I think you can practice alone now."
Raphael swelled unnaturally. It seemed like his heart would burst as he continued doing
this. He was going to wash his face as if it would burst.
"What's wrong with you?"
"It's just because it's a little hot. Oh, it's not a little, it's very hot."
Raphael made a hand fan. He wanted to calm himself down and hide his shyness.
"Are you very hot? I think I'm okay. Are you going to have a fever?"
"What?"
"My face is too red now."
Elena got up worried and touched Raphael's forehead.
"...!"
Raphael was at a loss because of the unexpected contact again.
"You don't have a fever."
"Y-you don't have to worry. Rather, you have to practice repeatedly. That's how the body
remembers."
Raphael tried to distract Elena from the embarrassment.
"Yes. I'll practice since you say you're okay."
Elena has repeatedly mastered brush painting, recalling her previous senses whether her
developing paintings were interesting. Her expression became clearer to see if her skill had
improved. Meanwhile, Raphael was also able to find peace.
'Oh, I can't believe I'm doing this all the time.'
Deep inside Raphael's heart, there had been a bud of emotion toward Elena. However, he
did not express or show his feelings. It was because Elena might feel burdened with
unilateral feelings.
He was nervous that Elena would notice that he was embarrassed by the unintended
contact. What if I get caught? Then what should I do? A lot of worries crossed in a short
time. Fortunately, Elena seemed to have no idea how he felt.
"Senior, look. It's definitely better, isn't it? Oh no, I guess I have a talent for painting."
"..."
Raphael, who watched Elena chatter with excitement, let go without realizing it. The purely
joyful appearance of Elena shined white enough to make the illusion that she had just
transferred an unstained child that has never been seen in the world.
Elena had beauty that Raphael had never seen or felt before. In any language, in any word,
Raphael forced out a vocabulary that could express an indescribable feeling.
"Angel."
"What?"
Elena, who heard Raphael's muttering, asked again, wondering if she heard it wrong.
Raphael couldn't take his eyes off Elena like a man possessed by something. Feeling
burdened by the gaze, Elena slowly turned her head and avoided it.
'I can't lift my face because I'm shy. You're an angelic, unfamiliar!'
Elena was quite embarrassed by Raphael's appearance, which she had never seen before. It
was after a long time that Raphael, who was staring at Elena, opened his mouth.
"Can I ask you a favor?"
"I'm asking for something, so you set the mood. It's hard to refuse."
"I want to draw a portrait of Miss Lucia."
"...!"
It was Elena's side who was embarrassed by Raphael's cautious but earnest request. A
portrait model? It was an unexpected proposal, so she wondered if she heard it correctly.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Are you asking me to be a model? I didn't hear you wrong, did I?"
"You heard it right. Was it a little sudden?"
"Suddenly a model..."
Elena was awkward. It is a great honor to be asked by a painter to be a model for a portrait.
It meant that you had a beauty that could be put on a canvas. It was obvious that anyone
would feel good, but Elena couldn't like it.
Elena was disguised as Lucia now. Her straight bangs, short hair, black horn-rimmed
glasses were typical of study bugs found in the corner of the library.
Compared to the days when Elena was a Princess Veronica, who could reveal her natural
beauty, her current appearance was so shabby that even a name card could not be
presented. Elena didn't understand what kind of charm he had seen and asked for a model.
"Thanks for your words, but I don't quite understand. Why did you offer me a model? I'm
not that pretty either."
"I have a reason. I'll tell you if you don't laugh."
When Raphael answered seriously, Elena stammered at the thought of the possibility.
"Maybe he... the sky... that's not it is it?"
Elena mumbled shy words even in her mouth. An angel? She couldn't raise her head
because she was ashamed of being compared to an angel considered a symbol of holy
beauty.
"Angel. I said that, but it's actually just a piece of a word to describe how I felt. There was
no way to express this feeling."
"So you're saying no? Oh, thank God."
It was when Elena was inwardly relieved.
"Light, pure white."
"... It should have been an angel."
Elena was embarrassed to die of embarrassment when he said something that was no
different from an angel. Raphael spoke to Elena again, who felt embarrassed.
"It's the first time I've known that people shine, and I've got the desire to put that light in
my paintings."
Elena's eyes opened to the appearance of Raphael, who showed eagerness and enthusiasm
for the painting.
'Maybe it'll be an opportunity to get out of a slump?'
Raphael fell into a severe slump because he was so focused on drawing an outer face that
he couldn't contain the inner side, creating a sense of separation. No matter what picture
the result was, she thought it was an important time for Raphael to overcome the slump.
"Light. It makes me curious."
Raphael's eyes were full of anticipation due to the blur of Elena's words.
"I'll do it. I might be a model for a portrait that represents the age. How can I just skip this
opportunity?"
"Thank you. I was worried a lot about you refusing, but I really don't know how to express
this gratitude."
Raphael didn't know what to do with Elena's acceptance. A smile was also drawn on Elena's
mouth, watching Raphael. Elena sincerely wanted Raphael to overcome the slump.
"But! I've done you a favor, so please do me a favor."
"I'll risk my life to hear anything you ask."
Raphael was ready to serve any request. His head was filled with a hot breeze trying to
capture the light that Elena had in his picture.
"It's something a senior must draw to know, but if that's the case, really just a what if. If the
portrait is completed before autumn, please display it at the art festival."
"Is it an academy art festival?"
"Oh! Don't get me wrong. I'm not asking you to draw it in a hurry, but I'm saying it because
I want you to submit it to the art festival if the timing is right."
Raphael hesitated for a moment. Although he is attending the art department of the
academy, he submitted only the tasks necessary to acquire the grades, and he has never
released a proper painting. He himself felt ashamed to disclose his paintings because he
thought they were insufficient. Elena expected Raphael to break the shell and come out of
the world.
"Okay. If the timing is right, I'll submit it as Miss Lucia said."
"The deal's over! Now that we're talking about it, how about starting today? It'll be difficult
if you forget the feeling. Should I go over there and sit down? Pose a little bit?"
With Elena's enthusiasm, Raphael smirked without realizing it. And thought at the same
time. This picture has a good feeling. For some reason, he was excited by the vague
expectation that he could draw a real picture that he'd never drawn before.
***
In Leabrick's office. There were four gentle-looking men on the left and right, headed by
Leabrick sitting at the top. Those believed to be in their early 30s were key figures who
supported the great house with the help of Leabrick. Not only did she graduate from the
academy with excellent grades, but she was also very loyal as he was educated under the
auspices of the Grand Duke. For this reason, they were ordered by Leabrick, who was as
young as 10 years old, but they never complained and followed faithfully.
"A person named L bought land in the slums?"
When Leabrick asked back with a look of speech, they took turns reporting.
"Yes, it's 14 places, to be exact."
"About two months ago, they completed the purchase process and even received land
certificates issued by the imperial family."
"It has been found that they are responsible for the increase in the purchase price of the
poor's land."
"I beg your pardon, but the site L purchased is the center of Noblesse Street."
The limbs collected and delivered what they surveyed as it is. It was Leabrick's job to
analyze, take action, and respond based on that information.
"The bottom line is that L knew we were going to develop the slums, and they played first."
Unless you are a fool, you have no choice but to think about that. The location of the land
bought by L was the same, and the timing was the same. In addition, given that they
received a land certificate issued by the imperial family, she felt strongly that they were
trying to prevent the land from being taken away in advance by external pressure or
coercion. A man with a beautiful mustache spoke carefully.
"It looks like the information was leaked."
"What do you call that?"
"I'm sorry."
The men lowered their heads at the same time as Leabrick spoke with a sharp edge.
"Did you find the leak?"
"I'm sorry."
This means that they have not grasped it at all.
"Then where is L?"
"... I'm sorry."
"Are you guys going to keep doing this?"
Leabrick's cool voice calmed the atmosphere down heavily. Most of the time she didn't
show her feelings, so they lowered their heads and looked at each other.
"I must have warned you. As this project is risky for our high price, be careful about
security. Did I sound ridiculous?"
The aids made excuses without even raising their heads.
"No. We took note and took note of it, but... so we are also in trouble."
"It may sound like an excuse, but there is no trace of information leaking."
"We're going crazy, too. It's all the more so because we've done enough to figure out the
poor."
Leabrick's eyes narrowed. She took turns peeping at them.
"That sounds like a saying that one in five people here bought the land under the
pseudonym L."
"V-Viscountess!"
When what she said came back as an arrow, the four of them sat down and got down to
their knees as if they had promised.
"Please, clear your doubts."
"G-give me time, and I'll find out where the information came from."
"One more chance."
The four of them begged Leabrick with their heads down. They were the lives worth flies
enough to depend on the words of Leabrick. This is because Grand Duke Friedrich gave
Leabrick that much power.
"Do you know how much damage we've suffered in this case?"
"..."
"If you think your life is worth more than that, you're mistaken."
Leabrick's tone was decent, but if you look at the dragon, it was a bloody threat. The
combined lives of those four were nothing short of money. It also meant that she would not
let them live if they could not make up for the amount of damage.
"Take any means to buy the land from the slums. Threaten or take it from them if you need
to."
"B-but then the back statement..."
"It's your job to keep it out."
Leabrick warned coldly and informally.
The mustache-bearing aid sensed the danger of that statement. If there is gossip, she would
blame them for everything, so they will be responsible for handling things.
"U-understood."
Even though they knew that the risk was high, they had no choice but to follow. They have
to live and see.
"Find L, too. Don't forget who they are, where they live, and how old they are."
"I'm already asking for it. We've already figured out what they look like from the people
who sold the land."
"Do I have to be briefed on that?"
"..."
In Leabrick's eyes, the aids bowed and waited for the next word.
"All I want you to do is to take ownership of the land to our Grand Duke. I don't care how.
What I want is the result."
"U-understood."
Leabrick waved her hand and told them to go out. They left the office with a blue face. As
things didn't go as she wanted, Leabrick stood up from the chair and stood in front of the
window.
"They didn't. They're blinded by a few pennies, so they don't have low loyalty, and they
have no guts to spill information."
Although Leabrick has just shifted responsibility and pressured the aids, in fact, there is no
doubt that their loyalty to the great house is as good as their faith. They were also so
perfect that they were in charge of the work of the Grand Duke for more than a decade.
Nevertheless, information was leaked.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

As if they saw through the redevelopment project of the slum, she was convinced that they
chose the key location of the new Noblesse street and bought the land.
"We need to crack down on the inside."
Leabrick's eyes were bitter. As Elena came to the Grand Duchy, she struck out people who
remembered Princess Veronica. There was a high possibility that impure people mixed in
the process. Leabrick quietly summoned the Knight Lorentz.
"Did you find it?"
"I have a secret favor to ask of you."
"Tell me."
Lorentz stood there in a dignified manner and waited for her words.
"Follow after them. If you have a different mind, or if you feel something strange, please let
me know immediately."
"You think there's a traitor?"
"No, but I think I'll have to check it out. Please, Sir."
Lorentz nodded and left the office. Leabrick, who was left alone again, turned out of the
window. The gaze touched the garden, but her mind was filled with someone else.
"L. Who the hell are you?"
***
Central library. Elena, disguised as Lucia, was being scolded by Khalif.
"You said slum land is for charity!"
"I did. What about it?"
"Why? Why? Why are you saying that now? They're looking for you in the Grand House.
They'll buy back the land you bought."
Elena's eyes were calm. Even though she knew this would happen, she didn't care about the
feelings of Khalif, who was upset because she didn't give him a word.
"The Grand House has started to develop the slums in earnest."
"I knew this would happen. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm sorry."
Elena apologized briefly. But she didn't really feel sorry.
"Look, you're not even sincere about the apology."
"Please tell me more about the direction of the Grand Duchy."
Khalif talked about the situation in which he went back to swallowing his disappointment.
"That's all I said earlier. They don't know you're L. They're even searching for the montage
of the agent who bought the land."
Elena's eyes deepened. That's as good as saying that Leabrick is looking for L.
'It's just beginning. The invisible fight between you and me.'
She thought she'd be excited to run into Leabrick, but Elena was frighteningly calm. Her
head and heart cooled down colder.
"Did you hear about the agent who sold the land?"
"Emilio told me to let you know that they crossed the border and arrived at the Duchy. So
you can be relieved. They're going to spend a lot of money by now."
"If my father did that, I won't have to worry."
Elena, well aware of Leabrick's tenacity, exiled her agent to another country when she
traded land. They would be sent to the duchy located on the opposite side of the empire, so
that even the Grand Duke could never find them.
"But you're close to Princess Veronica."
"Why is that coming out now?"
It wasn't the subject that would come out at this timing, so Elena questioned.
"No, if she hears about L from the Great House, you're known to be L. You and Her Highness
could be estranged from each other."
"What are you saying? That won't happen."
"Really? If you say so, I suppose, but Princess Veronica is a big customer, and it's a little
difficult without her. I hope she's doing well."
Khalif scratched his cheek. He was embarrassed that he seemed a bit snobbish even though
he said it. Elena, however, was rather proud of Khalif. He judged the value of his customers
and tried not to lose them. Whether he was an art broker or an art dealer, it was a
necessary posture for success.
"Rather than that, shouldn't we have to negotiate with the Grand Duke at this point? Even if
you're at the verge, you can negotiate the slum lands at an expensive price."
"There will be no negotiation."
Unlike Khalif, who wanted to contact the Grand Duke and redeem the price of the land she
had bought in the slum, Elena thought it was too early.
"No negotiations? Are you saying you won't bargain?"
"Yes."
Elena answered firmly.
"What are you thinking? You won't negotiate, you won't bargain. Are you willing to trade?"
"I'm going to sell it. When I want to sell it. At the price I want."
From the beginning, Elena had no intention of bargaining with Leabrick over the land she
bought in the slum.
'I don't care if I have the land I bargained for nothing, I don't need it. But you're not. Isn't
that right, Leabrick?'
There were a lot of expectations for the Grand Duke on Noblesse Street, which Leabrick is
now pushing. The empire was a nation of noblemen to the extent that it could be regarded
as a union of noblemen. And the place for such nobles is Noblesse Street.
Those who are not aristocrats are not allowed to enter, and the luxurious shops that the
aristocrats want are located in the area, the Opera Theater that the aristocrats love, and the
master's works can be bought. In addition, the privileges for aristocrats were concentrated
in the streets of Noblesse. The streets, which were built with the finest marble, were
ecstatic just to step in. This word of mouth had spread, and the number of nobles visiting
Noblesse Street had increased throughout the continent. The amount of income earned has
increased. The aristocrats wanted to be different, and they filled their vanity by spending
money like water on the streets of Noblesse, which met the difference.
Just a year. It took only half a year to recover the investment that the Grand Duke had
poured in, and in the remaining half a year, the return was nearly double the investment.
Even the land prices of slums bought at bargain prices had risen more than a hundred
times.
Space for the building was limited, and merchants, of course, wanted to open stores on
Noblesse Street. As a result, competition for entry naturally intensified and the rent was
forced to rise.
Elena didn't value the land she bought at a bargain price. Considering the years after the
Noblesse Street will be completed, she was thinking of buying and selling only at that price.
And.
'I'm going to take down Noblesse Street.'
There will never be an astronomical amount of money that the Grand Duke will make on
the streets of Noblesse. Elena will stop it by all means. Khalif didn't know what Elena was
thinking, so he felt frustrated not to bargain in negotiations.
"I don't know what you're thinking."
"Why do you want to know if it's bothering you? You'll know when the time comes. I'm
firm, so please hold off contact with the Grand Duke."
"Okay, I'll take care of it."
After the confidential conversation, Khalifa and Elena left the library with a time difference.
Khalif had a lot of work to do outside the academy as he also served as an art broker. These
days, he often slept outside the academy without entering the dormitory as if he had given
up his diploma.
Elena's footsteps were directed to the western annex. As she promised to be a model for
Raphael's portrait, she visited the studio regularly.
"I'm a little early today."
Somehow, the secret meeting with Khalif ended earlier than usual, so she arrived faster
than usual.
"Who's here?"
At the end of the corridor, when a speech was heard in the studio, Elena stopped at the
door. The voices of a man and women who were talking was leaking out through the
slanted wooden door.
"You still don't give me an answer."
"...!"
Elena's movement to open the door stopped. The owner of the voice heard from beyond the
wooden door was none other than Prince Sian.
'Why are you here?'
She thought that he might have come to see her as he did at that time, but that thought
quickly disappeared with another voice coming from the studio.
"I gave you an answer. Your Highness just ignored my answer."
'Empress.'
This calm voice was Cecilia. Two people were talking in the studio. Based on the level and
theme of the conversation, Raphael seemed to have stayed away.
"Is that your answer?"
"Yes."
Elena was about to turn around because she thought it was rude to eavesdrop.
"Do you really refuse to stand as the Crown Princess?"
"...!"
For a moment, Elena's expression darkened as she was surprised by the word "Princess"
that came out of Sian's mouth.
'In my past life, even now, you only want the empress.'
Sian wanted to marry Cecilia, the daughter of Count Lyndon, a neutral nobleman. If one of
the daughters from the four great families were to serve as empress, they would become
enemies of the imperial family and become the outcasts of the imperial family. Politically,
Cecilia must be the best of the Crown Princess.
"... I'd prefer to do it to the end if I could. But it doesn't mean anything. My will doesn't
matter."
Cecilia's voice, which was speaking in a complicated way, was weak. Although the Empire
has a high level of women's human rights, aristocratic leisure has often been used as a
political tool. If her father Count Lyndon and Sian agree, her will would be completely
ignored.
"You don't want to be the Crown Princess?"
"You know what?"
Cecilia's voice, which was repeatedly asked, contained sadness.
"I know that Your Highness has only recommended the position of Crown Princess from
the beginning until now. You never wanted me for a moment."
"..."
"I don't want to live like a doll."
Elena's expression hardened to Cecilia's voice, which gradually blurred her words.
'A doll?'
Although it was a political marriage, Sian cherished Cecilia dearly. She thought she was
given the affection that he never gave to Elena. But if you take that into account, doesn't it
mean Cecilia was no different from Elena? She even felt sorry that she might be more
miserable than Elena, who voluntarily became the empress.
"I didn't know. I made you so tired."
Sian calmly brooded with a voice that did not feel high or low.
"I promise, from today I will no longer offer you the consolation of the Crown Princess."
"Y-Your Highness."
"I will withdraw political marriages through Count Lyndon. I promise under the honor of
the imperial family."
"...!"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena doubted her ears.

'Why? Why? To Your Highness, she is a necessary being...'
Count Lyndon's Cecilia, the daughter of the Countess Lyndon, was a perfect fit for Sian, who
tries to keep the aristocracy in check. Political marriage was essential to prevent the
Princess Veronica of the Great Duchy or Princess of Reinhardt, a member of the four great
families, from seating Abella as the Crown Princess. Nevertheless, Sian stepped down. As
long as he has promised the honor of the imperial family, he would never speak of his
words.
'Somebody explain it to me. Why is the future wrong?'
Even Elena's smart brain did not function properly at this moment. For Sian, who was born
the crown prince, the cause and the imperial family were always a priority. There must
have been an opportunity for him to make a different choice from the original history, but
she even felt uneasy because she didn't know what it was.
'It's not because of me, is it?'
Elena's heartbeat didn't calm down. She was the only variable that went against the
original history.
"... You're serious, right? Can I really believe that?"
Cecilia's voice trembled slightly. She also seemed incredulous about Sian's behavior.
"Yes."
"Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you very much."
Cecilia shouted her thanks in a joyful voice. Since then, no further conversations have been
heard in the studio.
Kiiik.
The short silence was the opening sound of the wooden board door, which had been open
at an angle.
"And you?"
"...!"
Elena, who encountered Sian head-on, blamed herself. She was embarrassed and ashamed
that she was caught as if it wasn't enough eavesdropping on other people's conversations.
"I-I'm sorry..."
With her head down urgently, Elena couldn't see Sian's face. He was more embarrassed
than Elena. The ignorance of what to do when he was caught was a look that Elena had
never seen in her past and present life. Sian was not confident of facing Elena as he was
now, but he passed by and left.
"Ah."
At that moment, Elena put her hand on her chest, feeling a throbbing heart. The old
appearance overlapped in the appearance of Sian, who seemed to ignore her. The memory
of the time, which remained as a scar, became a thorn and seemed to stab again.
'Don't be hurt. I made a mistake.'
She knew it was against the rules of etiquette. It's also an unforgivable mistake. But apart
from that, it hurt so much to see that side of Sian. Because of the accidental encounters, she
got used to Sian's gentle attitude, so she forgot about her wounds for a while.
He and her had a bad relationship.
"..."
Elena stared at Sian's back as he moved away.
***
Elena put her hands on her knees and sat in chairs. Looking at her hardened like a statue
without moving, Raphael across the room was busy teasing his brush on the canvas.
"What happened?"
"What?"
Elena, who did not even open her mouth so as not to break the composition, listened.
"You're a little different from usual. You seem to have a lot of thoughts."
"..."
"Are you not supposed to tell me?"
Elena couldn't find the right answer to Raphael's worried question. As the bad relationship
with Sian had continued since the previous life, it was too much to simply define or explain.
"I'm sorry it's a bit of a problem... Am I causing a problem with the painting?"
"Not really, but I'm worried."
Elena forced a smile.
"Thank you for your concern. But you don't have to worry about it."
"..."
"Now let's concentrate and go back."
Raphael looked at her and could no longer offer words of consolation. He was afraid he
might look presumptuous. However, when he looked at Elena, who looked worried, he
couldn't stay still.
"Please stay for a while."
Raphael searched the locker inside the studio to see if something came to mind. Then he
took out a wooden doll and put it on the table next to the easel.
"It was modeled after a gift my parents gave me when I was young. In my hometown, I
believed that looking at this wooden doll would bring happiness."
Elena's eyes were on the wooden doll. It was a model modeled after a rabbit, and it was
hilarious that its big ears were about to fall down while it was doing nothing.
"It's going to fall like that."
"But the point is not to fall over. It is supported so that it does not fall with the ears."
"Pft. What is that?"
Elena burst into laughter without realizing it. She was distraught by her experience with
Sian, but she forgot for a while thanks to Raphael.
"I did, too. I laughed because it was so ridiculous."
Raphael also felt relieved to see Elena, who was better than before.
"Thank you, senior. For caring."
"Keep that smile on your face now. I think I can draw it right now."
"I'll do it again and again."
Elena looked at his eyes playfully and looked more relaxed than the first time. When
Raphael first wanted to paint her as a model, he felt the light he had seen brightened and
busily teased his brush to put it on the canvas. It was in stark contrast to how little he could
draw since he fell into a slump.
Raphael erased all the theory and ancillary aspects of painting, such as silver technique,
inner, expression, physical structure, and everything that was incidental to his head while
he was painting the portrait.
Even though painting is an area of art, there was still a view that it should be approached
scientifically, but he was not aware of the moment of painting and tried to capture Elena's
original human being. What's clear is that Raphael is moving toward overcoming his slump
and breaking his limits and frameworks.
"Oh, my. It's so hard sitting around."
Elena, who was leaving the studio and heading to the library, patted her shoulder with her
fist and made a painful sound. It was only a few hours, but sitting still like a statue was
harder than she thought. Had it not been for a certain period of time for oil painting to dry
up, it would have been painful.
When Elena arrived at the central library, she soon headed to the archives. Elena, who
removed her disguise and returned to Veronica, left the recording room.
Then she went downstairs across the quiet corridor. It was very exhausting to be a model,
but she was also very distressed mentally because of the experience with Sian.
"Hey, I caught you."
After her disappearance, a man appeared beyond the stairs to the fifth floor. It was Ren.
"It was Lucia when she went in, but Veronica when she came out?"
Ren, who felt he had stepped on her tail properly, walked slowly to the recording room.
"She's not? Here? Is it because she's hiding somewhere?"
Ren whistled and began to rummage excitedly. He roughly opened and closed the old
paulownia desk drawer, which was used by the family owners of the Friedrich family. In
addition, he searched all the places that were available for storage. There was definitely
evidence, but nothing came out. She didn't. Then Ren's eyes turned to the closet in the
corner of the recording room.
"Oh, it's so suspicious."
With last expectation, Ren pulled the handle of the wardrobe.
"Why is it locked here? More suspicious."
Ren grinned like a madman and took his name tag on his chest. Then, he pulled out a pin
that was stuck for school uniform correction behind the name tag. Ren, who stretched out
the pin, pushed it through the keyhole. When he moved the pins around, it got stuck at the
end of the lock.
"I'm right."
Ren tapped it with a pin and turned the locked cogwheel.
Click.
A pleasant sound signaled that the lock had been released.
"What's in it?"
Ren rubbed his hands as if he had found a treasure box on a Treasure Island and opened
the wardrobe door with all his might.
"Hey! First treasure found."
Inside the wardrobe, there was a familiar school uniform coat hanging on the hanger. It
was his coat that Lucia wore in the past, when he told her not to get rained on.
"Where is the second treasure?"
Ren turned his gaze to the chest of drawers attached under the cabinet with anticipation.
Ren laughed as he looked at them in a place that did not deviate from expectations.
"I knew this would happen. What? Your father is the owner of the Castol Corporation?
Where do they sell drugs? Then is my uncle your stepfather?"
In the drawer, Elena's favorite wig, horn-rimmed glasses, disguise tools, and name tags
were included. At a glance, Ren's smile became stronger as the use of it was clearly
assumed.
"When my cousin said she'd be quiet, I didn't expect her to be doing this kind of nasty thing.
How is it? I got the feeling when she talked back to me."
Ren was sure Veronica and Lucia were the same people. There was no doubt as he had
already seen her go to and from the recording studio. But there were still lingering
questions.
"But why does she do this? Because she's bored?"
Ren laughed as he looked for a reason that might apply to him.
"I don't think that's right. What the hell is it?"
One riddle was solved, but another riddle was encountered. Veronica was the only
daughter of Grand Duke Friedrich and the only successor to the Grand Duke. It was a status
where there is nothing in the world that you cannot have because you want to have it, and
there is nothing you cannot put under your feet because you want to put it under your feet.
He couldn't understand why she even did such a bother in disguise.
Ren grabbed with his chin. Recalling the past, he checked if there was anything missing.
Then, he found some suspicious points in some situations that were passed without any
significance.
"My gut tells me that Emilio and Veronica first saw each other that day. But he tried to hide
Veronica's identity. Just like he was trying to protect her."
Ren's thoughts deepened. But nothing was clearly caught. He felt like he was caught in the
clouds due to lack of evidence and circumstances. Ren, who was analyzing without giving
up, snapped his finger as if something came to mind.
"The guy who was with Veronica in the library. Let's dig him up. I'm sure something will
come out."
Ren pointed to Khalif. A natural touch was signaling that the two would not be just
acquaintances.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Shall we sneak around next to my cousin? Look at her face that is completely angry."
Ren had no intention of revealing the secret immediately. He didn't even know why Elena
was dressing up, and it would be no fun to reveal it already. He was just about to pick up
evidence, not circumstances, by standing by.
Then, it was necessary to figure out why Elena was dressing up and doing something.
"But if you get caught by me, you're going to celebrate."
By then, Ren will roll the snowballs he had in his hands down the hillside. When it rolls,
rolls and becomes a snowball, it will hit Elena as hard as it can.
"Ah, it's so exciting."
Ren couldn't stop smiling and laughed wickedly. The more secrets he knew, the bigger the
snowball will be. At that time, just imagining Elena, who was hit and flying away, he was
already filled with joy.
***
Leabrick patted the desk in her office with a stiff face. Four people were standing in front of
her, but they could not raise the heads as if they were ashamed.
"You have no idea who L is?"
"I-I'm sorry."
"Even though I gave you that much time? Are you incompetent, or are you not willing to
find them?"
"..."
The aids closed their mouths and bowed their heads, unable to even make excuses. They've
been in charge of the great house for more than a decade, but this was the first time they
felt so lethargic. They felt like they were possessed by a ghost. There was no evidence or
trace of L's existence anywhere in the capital.
"Why aren't you talking?"
"..."
"Since you haven't found L, you must have come up with a countermeasure for them. Or did
you not even come up with it?"
Leabrick questioned them in a low-pitched voice. The failure of the scheme is the beginning
of another scheme. It becomes perfect only when the dense and layered measures like a
trap are complemented by interactions. Leabrick has always been like that when making
plans, and she was asking them the same thing.
"G-give me a little more time."
"Ha."
The four were nervous as Leabrick sighed briefly. There were innumerable people who
wanted to be part of the Grand Duchy somehow. This is why the Grand Duchy is the perfect
background for spreading one's will here. Even now, there were geniuses and brilliant
talents who were studying under the auspices of the Grand Duke in the Academy. Some of
them will graduate this year. Considering the geniuses and talents hitting from the bottom,
the four aids were long-lasting. Because they had demonstrated their ability by dealing
with the big and small events of the Grand Duchy for as much as ten years.
"You did then, didn't you? Give me one more chance."
"..."
"I gave you a chance as promised, and you didn't live up to it."
Leabrick spoke in a tone that didn't mix any emotions, despite being face to face for years.
"I think it's time to step down."
"V-Viscountess!"
The aids fell down in unison and begged with their heads stuck in the carpet. But Leabrick's
expression didn't change a bit.
"Get out."
"..."
When they heard Leabrick's determined words, the aids sensed that it was over. They
stood up one by one and bowed their heads to Leabrick for the last time.
"Thank you for all that."
They turned to drooping shoulders and left the office like remnants of defeat. It was a
lonely exit for them, who were all in charge of large-scale projects as a proponent of the
Grand Duke.
And how long has it been? She heard a knock outside the office and two young men dressed
in neat clothes came into the office. They greeted Leabrick politely as if they had made an
appointment beforehand.
"Hello, Artil."
"I'm Luminus. Long time no see."
Luminus, who suits his intelligent appearance well with glasses, and Artil, who has short
hair and a manly impression, were talented people who graduated from the academy under
the auspices of the Grand Duke. Having gained experience and years of war in foreign lands
under the command of Leabrick, they returned to the Grand Duke to help Leabrick on
behalf of her thrown out limbs.
"Welcome."
The two young men paid another silent tribute to Leabrick's greetings.
"Will you just let your ex-predecessors go like this?"
"They know too much."
As soon as they raised their heads, frighteningly enough, the young men talked about the
disposition of the limbs. It was so cold and cruel to talk about people's lives as if cutting a
tree trunk.
"I've already taken care of it."
Leabrick gave Lorentz a secret mission. Kill them as soon as they leave the Grand House.
"What happened?"
"The land purchase of the slums is in its final stages. Some of them were united in
demanding higher compensation, but they recruited officials from the imperial family to
manipulate them into unauthorized buildings and evict them without compensation."
"There was room for some backbiting, but we needed an example. And it was much easier
to buy other slum sites."
Leabrick nodded satisfactorily. Being young is good. They don't look back or measure, they
act decisively. In that context, the previous four died, perhaps due to age.
"What's L's track record?"
"I'm sorry, but I haven't found a tail yet."
The short-haired young man quickly added on.
"We don't have to be in a hurry. If it's our estimate, we'll be hearing from them soon."
"Will they call you soon?"
Leabrick narrowed her eyes and looked.
"Now that the land purchase is over, shouldn't we start the first shoveling soon? By that
time, they'll be offering to sell the land they bought."
"How can you be sure?"
"There is no evidence, but the circumstances are certain that the information has been
leaked. Given the fact that they bought the key point of Noblesse Street in advance, it seems
they were after the money. It's when the first shovel gets the highest price."
The young man with short hair standing next to him also showed his thoughts.
"Wait for now. L is seeing through us. It's not too late to move after L's reaction rather than
fretting."
"I will."
Leabrick nodded softly. The guesses of the two young men were exactly in line with her
idea.
Sect 10. Crisis
"Senior, please send a letter in L's name to Grand House."
The words from Elena's mouth made Khalif shine with hopeful eyes.
"Are you finally going into negotiations?"
"No, I've told you before, there's no negotiation. If they want to take the land, they'll have to
pay the money I want."
Elena seemed uncompromising on that part.
"How much are you going to ask for?"
"A hundred times the purchase price."
"What, what?"
Surprised, Khalif stammered. He expected it to be ten times at most, not twenty times more.
No, in reality, he thought it was expensive, too. What do you mean 100 times? He respected
and followed Elena's opinion, but he couldn't erase the impression that it was too much
this time.
You don't want to sell it, do you? Won't the Grand Duke go crazy? Sell it at that price?"
"They're going to buy it. No, they have no choice but to buy it."
"How confident can you be?"
Khalif made an impression. He could not ignore Elena, who always showed results that
transcended common sense, but the price was too much. Elena gave out a letter as if she
was too lazy to explain it.
"It's a draft to the Grand House. Please also tell my father to hire a ghostwriter and be
careful not to be tracked."
"May I read it?"
As soon as Elena nodded, Khalif opened the letter. Given Elena's track record so far, she
wouldn't want to sell it at that price without grounds. After reading the last letter, Khalif's
jaw dropped.
"Is the value of the land you've bought so high?"
"Yes, once Noblesse Street is completed, the rest of the capital's land will be worth less than
that."
"I-I don't believe you. No, I can't believe it."
"Sometimes reality is more irrational."
"If this really happens, we may be able to buy an empire with the wealth of the Grand
Duke."
Actually it was. Even now, the word that the Grand Duke is said to be circulated above the
imperial family, but after the completion of Noblesse Street, the Grand House will have
overwhelming financial power to the extent that it cannot be checked even if the remaining
four families join forces.
'I have to stop it before that.'
Money is power. Leabrick invested the profits from the streets of Noblesse to establish the
3rd and 4th Knights and was equipped with an overwhelming force that even the imperial
family could not surpass. At that time, Elena will fly and long, and even with a dragon,
revenge is far away. Knowing that, Elena would intervene in the incident, inflicting damage,
and hitting Noblesse street. The sale of land in slums was part of that.
"Now do you know? Why they have no choice but to buy at the price I offer."
"I understand it with my head, but it's kind of a big scale to accept it."
Khalif bit his lips again, folded the letter and put it back in the envelope.
"Please tell my dad that he did very good, but the tail should never be stepped on."
"Okay."
"The same goes for the sale. Send the agent to the person at the top of the deal and tell him
that he needs to get the gold coins, the currency francs of the empire, and the center of the
kingdom. Even if you mention this much, my father will take care of it."
It's a thought now, but it was a stroke of luck that Emilio came to help her. Khalif is capable,
but he still lacks experience and has limited areas where he can maximize his strengths.
There was still a lot of room for such a deal against the Grand House.
It was the same for Elena. There was an eye for reading the whole version, but there was
little practical ability to handle it herself. As a result, Emilio's existence was bound to be as
reliable as a result.
This deal alone is the case. Washing was essential to prevent the tracking of payments to be
received by the Grand House. It would be difficult to track down even for Leabrick if she
received payment using other tops and washed through the Castol Corporation.
Although she was in danger of Ren, she wanted to say thank you for having a helper like
Emilio.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Do you really have to do that? It's a deal anyway. It doesn't seem to be a problem."
"..."
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I think I'm naive at times like this."
Khalif's expression was distorted. He felt like he had been ignored.
"Hey, you tend to ignore me sometimes. Do you know?"
"It was with good meaning, but if it sounded like that, I apologize. I wanted to let you know
that the Grand House is not as fair as you know."
Elena said that, and Khalif couldn't have been more critical, so she sighed briefly.
"If you are like that, it should be like that. Who's the Leabrick written here? I've never
heard of that name."
"The Grand Duke's brain."
So far, Leabrick's presence was confined to the aristocratic community. The reputation of
"Leabrick of conspiracy" vibrated in the empire after the Noblesse Street development
project succeeded and the Grand House was placed in an absolute position.
"This guy? But his name is kind of unique. Leabrick, Leabrick. Are they a man?"
"She's a woman."
"Really?"
"Yes, she's very crafty."
Elena glanced out of the window and remembered Leabrick. How will she react after
receiving this letter? She didn't know, but she'll feel pretty dirty. Since she must have
always taken the initiative and shook it, it was highly likely that giving up the initiative to
the opponent and being swayed in this way would feel very unpleasant and insulting. Elena
explicitly mentioned the name Leabrick in the letter. It's to shake her that she knew well
about her existence.
'I know you from the bottom of my heart. But you don't know anything about me.'
This difference is huge. Although Leabrick has the skill of flying and creeping, she does not
know the enemy, so there is no way to deal with it.
'The more I know about you, the more suspicious you will be. You'll have to think
somewhere that the information has been bought.'
Elena engaged in more psychological warfare than she could see. If Elena, who knows the
future, intervenes in everything and interferes with it, even if it is Leabrick, she will be
shaken. This is because it can only be seen that the information was leaked when Elena saw
through the secret that only her aides knew and hit the player.
'You told me that. If you want to destroy someone, you have to get rid of the people around
them first. That's how you become blind, close your ears, and be selfish.'
She was not proud of it, but Elena learned the heart of Leabrick. It is undeniable that she
had reached the pinnacle of society based on that hierarchy. It's time to shake her
foundation the way she learned from Leabrick.
'A trap.'
She didn't know about Leabrick, but Elena has already made a dent. Maybe by now she was
falling into those few mistakes and was guilty of crushing limbs. No, she didn't think she
would like anything more if she did.
"It's too bad I can't see the face that's going to be distorted by this letter. It must be a great
spectacle.'
***
Leabrick's face as she read L's letter was mortified. Although she was good at hiding her
emotions thoroughly, it was as if she could not control it at this moment. Luminus, who
became the new limb of Leabrick, noticed and asked
"What did they say?"
"Look at it for yourself."
Leabrick breathed roughly as if she were throwing the letter. She looked quite outraged,
unlike her cold reputation.
"How dare they threaten me?"
Two young men, who had read the letter from L while Leabrick was shaking his anger,
carefully put it on the desk.
"We need to revise the evaluation of L completely. Now, it's not an ordinary bet."
"Continental common currency, gold coins, imperial francs, kingdom centums, trilateral
currency, etc.... The method of receiving the sale price is extremely precise. It is impossible
to trace this type of washing."
That's not all. The price offered by L far exceeded Leabrick's expected purchase price.
Except for the land owned by L, the amount was large enough to exceed the total cost of
land purchases in the slums.
"No more negotiations? If I don't buy it, you won't sell it forever?"
Leabrick gritted her teeth by brooding over the words in the letter. If it were just a one-
sided notification, she would not have failed to overcome his anger like this. It was the next
phrase that made Leabrick so agitated.
"So think carefully and behave yourself, Leabrick? Ha, how dare you bring me up?"
Elena explicitly mentioned the name of Leabrick in the letter. It's as if she knows explicitly
that she is the one who is working on the plan within the Grand House.
Artil looked at his thoughts and expressed his thoughts.
"The reason for the high selling price was that it reflected the price of land that would go up
when the street is completed five years later, which is roughly the same as what we
predicted."
This is a scary point. L stated in their letter that they are not selling land at an exorbitant
price. After the development of the slum, they added that it was a very appropriate amount
reflecting the rising land price, which was exactly in line with the prediction of the
grandiose price.
Leabrick calmly said as if she had managed to contain her emotions.
"L sat down and predicted the estimated amount of land that was based on the project
plan? Do you think that makes sense?"
"It's..."
"I'm more inclined to the fact that the Grand Duke has a mole inside."
It's human work that's not even an inch ahead, and the prediction factors are all different,
and they're predicting the land price in five years, which is similar to Leabrick's
expectation? Leabrick couldn't believe it.
"I agree with you, too."
Artil revealed his idea. Luminus, who had been silent, also spoke.
"So you think your predecessors leaked it?"
"Maybe, maybe not."
Leabrick wasn't sure about this either. It is doubtful but there is no evidence. In addition,
the Grand Duke inspected everything from maids working inside to servants, but found no
signs of contact with the outside world. It was definitely information, but Leabrick was
frustrated because the culprit was unknown.
"I'm sure there's *liver inside. Relax and they'll show your tail. Catch it and drag it."
"Yes, Viscountess."
Leabrick shifted her gaze to the letter from L. She was angry and annoyed, but she had to
decide on the answer to L's request.
"Tell me your thoughts."
"... Humiliating, but I think we have to comply."
"As far as I can tell from L's behavior and tone, if you don't buy it, they may not really sell it.
Even if we lose money right now, we have to buy it."
The two agreed that they should buy the land at the price L suggested. From a long-term
perspective, it was judged that the side suffered less damage than a disruption to the
business plan.
"Ha."
Leabrick sighed briefly. Although she asked for their opinions, Leabrick had already
decided to buy.
'There's no choice.'
Leabrick bit her lips. L's purchases of land were central to Noblesse Street. The purchase of
land in slums other than the land owned by L had already been completed. Also, the
amount invested externally was huge. Overturning the business here was inevitably more
damaging.
"I'll buy it."
Though she had long worries, she made quick decisions. Grand Duke Friedrich had already
delegated her full authority on the development of Noblesse Street. She was able to be a
candidate for preemptive action as he fully trusted Leabrick. She decided that it would be
better to close the deal before L raised the price, and they suffered more damage.
'Ha, the unexpected expenditure has grown too much.'
He is said to be a great man of astronomical wealth, but the money he spends on the streets
of Noblesse was just as big as the empire's annual budget. If the project fails, the foundation
of the Grand Duke could falter. They may have to be prepared for a period of stagnation in
the next five years. As such, it was a business that risks life and death from the standpoint
of the Grand Duke.
Of course, the reflective benefits of success are beyond imagination. Compared to the
amount of investment, it is expected that the assets of the Grand Duke will increase at least
three times and as much as ten times. Looking at the possibility of success, Leabrick
prepared thoroughly and thoroughly. The process was smooth and felt good. Until L threw
cold water.
'L. I won't forget this humiliation.'
Leabrick engraved the name L in her chest again and again. They were going to pay her
back for what they did today. That's dozens, no, hundreds of times more hopeless than she
was.
***
"The sale is over. It will take some time, but it is said that the sale of the money received
from the Grand House is being laundered."
'Lost money for the Grand Duke, and I made a huge profit.'
The first leg against Leabrick was Elena's complete victory. The spoils of the war were
excellent. In addition to the proceeds from the art broker Khalif and the money available to
collaborate with Emilio, the Castol Corporation held huge amounts of cash in L's name.
"That's what I expected."
"Yes, it worked out as you expected. I envy you. To sell the land you bought for shit for gold,
no, for diamonds. No, where on earth do you get this kind of advanced information?"
No wonder Khalif was curious. She was looking ahead and not taking a step outside the
academy.
"It's a secret."
"I didn't expect you to tell me either."
Elena grinned. The grumbling Khalif's reaction felt like a child.
"Tell me more about the outside trends. I'm curious."
"Look, they lost money. But it's not much. The Grand House, which has finished buying the
land in the slum, has officially announced that it will be redeveloped."
It was the flow that Elena had expected. Now that the purchase of land for the slums is
over, they will begin to demolish the underdeveloped buildings and strengthen the land in
earnest. As many famous architects participated in the detailed design plan, architecture
will be accelerated.
"I suddenly got a chill."
"What?"
Elena fixed her eyes on Khalif's sudden remark.
________________________________
(T/N: "liver" ties to one's guts or bravery. They are saying the one who leaked the
information is such. But of course, not in a complimenting manner.)
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Listen, because I've been seeing Randol often, I hear a lot of things, and I'm studying
architecture separately."
"That's a good thing. But what about that?"
"The foundation of architecture is wood, but in the end, stone is the axis. The more
luxurious buildings, the more marble they need. There are many kinds of marble and the
price varies widely depending on whether there are impurities or not. And it's hard to get."
Elena sat silently and listened to Khalif. Although she didn't express it, it was because the
story he was talking about went in a rather profound direction.
"I heard the Grand Duke is trying to build Noblesse Street, right? Only aristocrats can
enter."
"Yes."
"Then a famous architect will be mobilized and, of course, a high-end building will be built,
right? Dolled up with marble. If they're building everything with this, not one or two, they'll
need a lot of marble."
"..."
"What would happen if we bought the marble in advance? There is a limit to the amount of
natural marble mining... And wouldn't it be possible to sell marble again at a high price?"
Khalif carefully commented on the information related to the development of Noblesse
Street. He learned a lot through Elena, and as he interacted with the masters of the era who
were introduced through L, his eyes reading the market grew as he expanded his view of
the world.
Elena drew a soft smile around her lips.
"That's a good idea, Senior."
"Right? This is how we make money, right?"
"Yes, that's business."
Elena nodded. It meant positive.
'You're growing up well. With pleasure.'
Elena was pleased to see Khalif's growth. There were still many shortcomings, but if he
continued to grow, he would grow into a great talent that combines art dealers, art brokers,
and investors.
"I just got a feeling. It's really creepy."
"Again?"
"You've already bought the natural marble, haven't you?"
"..."
Elena shut her mouth tight. Khalif, who accepted the silence as affirmation, continued.
"Wow! I knew this would happen. Did you really buy it? When? You never said that to me."
"Shall we change the subject?"
"Wow, betrayal. You weren't going to tell me until the end if I hadn't asked you, were you?
Isn't that right?"
Khalif's cheeks fluttered. He couldn't imagine that she had already tried to buy the natural
marble. Khalif felt that he had grown up and approached Elena, who was ahead, but Elena
was already running in front of him.
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you. I didn't hide it on purpose. I just wanted you to focus on the
role of art broker instead of turning your eyes to the business."
Elena honestly expressed her sincerity. In its original history, Khalif had gained a
reputation as an art broker, so she hoped he would grow up without wasting his talent in
business. Until now, it wasn't possible because Elena did well as she wished. The problem
was that as his outlook on the market and his vision widened, he also opened his eyes to a
merchant, which was unexpected to Elena.
"Okay, let's say you were considerate of me. Then just tell me this. When did you buy it?"
"When I bought land for the slums I bought it together."
Khalif went back to his memory and looked suspicious.
"Wait a minute. You mean... All these stories were written in the letter I gave to Emilio? You
said I could look at the letter, but I didn't see?"
"Yes."
"..."
Khalif looked as if he had been shocked. If Elena had said that she was doing charity work
by buying slum land with good intentions, she would have taken a lot of trouble with
himself.
"Ah... That's why people have to be double-hearted."
"That's why I'm so blessed."
"You're getting meaner, aren't you?"
Elena grinned. She always felt it, but she had fun teasing Khalif
"In that sense, I'd like to share some blessings."
"Really? Do you have a big one?"
Khalif opened his eyes and looked at Elena.
Elena smiled around her mouth and presented him with a copy of her personal statement.
He was one of the great masters of the time who sponsored L through May.
"Diaz?"
"He's the genius architect next to Randol."
"What?"
Khalif was suspicious of his ears and couldn't take his eyes off the personal statement. He
was astonished by the genius of Randol, so he was surprised to hear that he was a genius
architect comparable to Randol.
"If Randol's new construction method or architectural style is suitable for cathedrals,
palaces, and salons, Diaz has an architectural style that is optimized for building a basilica."
"Do you mean... a multi-purpose giant building for commercial purposes?"
"You've been studying architecture, haven't you? Yes, that's right. It's like a theater, a
meeting hall, or a crowded shopping center."
Elena nodded. In the original history, Diaz mainly built secular architecture. He was a
famous anecdote that Leabrick, who was impressed by the magnificence of the noble
mansion commissioned to build the main street of Noblesse Street.
"It was a magnificent and grandeur building. Comparable to the Imperial Palace'
Diaz's architecture was simply an innovation. The huge building was long in construction
and difficult in construction, so it was rare except for churches, the imperial palace, and
aristocratic houses.
But Diaz broke that prejudice. Along the main street of Noblesse Street, a long, rectangular,
multi-purpose giant building was built from side to side. By using the Palladio architecture
style, which emphasized the windows and listed the columns in the form of arches, to
preserve grandeur and majesty comparable to the imperial palace, but when she first went
there, she was overwhelmed by its size and couldn't close her mouth.
Elena dared to bet. The success of Noblesse Street was made possible by the great
architecture of Diaz, whose dignity and character the nobles value. Elena planned to bring
the century architect Diaz before Leabrick took him away.
"He's a genius equal to Randol... I want to meet him soon."
The expectation of envy in Khalif's eyes was young. Elena remembered that look. It was his
eyes when he found an outstanding artist while working as an art broker.
"There's no doubt about talent. His private life is chaotic."
"It's written like that here, though. 'Some women's eccentricity is a little fancy.'"
"It was also the arrangement of women's relationships that I took care of Diaz."
Elena sighed briefly. He was like a *fly in the ointment. It was this Diaz who was the only
one that May, who sponsored the great masters of the time and took care of the back in L's
name, complained that he couldn't do it.
If the livelihood is difficult, she can provide support. If they are not in good health, call a
doctor for treatment. However, she complained that it is not easy to mediate the trouble
caused by meeting this woman and that woman. It's a shame because May intervened with
young and soothed women who would suffer from jealousy and betrayal in the middle.
"Ha, the women's issue is really vague. I have a strong feeling that this friend is too much to
handle."
"So I should tie him up so that he can't do anything else."
"How? Do you have a good idea?"
"You remember asking my father to buy you a large purchase of land around the salon?"
It was only the beginning of the pre-purchase and disposal of the slum land. Elena planned
to develop the area around the salon and develop it into a cultural hub that would check
the streets of Noblesse. As a cultural hub of the new era beyond Noblesse Street. If Salon's
construction was the prelude, the recruitment of Diaz was the start of an invisible war.
It is the best way to develop the Salon area into the center of the capital city while
aggravating Noblesse Street.
"Are you sure... on the land?"
"When a man is supposed not to look elsewhere, he must need something for him to focus
on, right? I'll make him build a basilica at the site so that the word 'woman' will be erased
from his head with around 1-2 years of hardships."
"You're really evil."
Khalif, who had been sympathetic for Diaz for a moment, hurried away. Regardless of
whether the women's career is messy or whatever, he was excited to meet Diaz, an
architect who possesses innate qualities as a master of art.
After leaving the library, Elena turned to the Raphael studio in the western annex. It takes
several months as little as a few months, and several years as long as a historical
masterpiece is completed. When the paint was naturally dried, the oil painting was painted
by over-painting it, so the waiting time was long outside the working time.
Elena visited the studio in time for the oil paints to dry. Sometimes Raphael's teaching her
to paint was pushed back, but she didn't care much. She also started it hoping that Raphael
would wake up from his slump.
'It feels good.'
Although it was still a pretense, Elena hoped that Raphael would be able to overcome the
slump if he could. When he paints a portrait of Elena, his intense concentration, his passion
for painting, and his observational power not to miss a single wrinkle near her eyes. This is
because she could see the true face of Raphael, the master of the era she saw in her past
life.
Elena arrived in the studio with excitement.
"I'm here, senior."
She felt a sense of incompatibility as she went inside while saying hello. Unlike usual, the
uncomfortable sense of incompatibility next to Raphael, who was greeted with a tense face,
pretended to know the identity of this uncomfortable feeling of discomfort.
"Welcome. I've been waiting for you."
"Ren."
At the moment, Elena's expression was distorted, unable to overcome the unpleasant
feelings. She thought that the last thing completely cleared Ren's doubts, but why did he
appear again? In addition, the studio is the only place where Elena can relax.
"Why are you standing there? Oh! Are you glad to see me in a different place?"
"Why are you here?"
Elena asked Ren in an irritating way in front of her grinning face.
"Why I'm here. Where can't I come?"
"..."
"Don't mind me. I'm interested in art because I'm a bit cultured, unlike how I look."
Ren stood up from his chair and hummed around the studio, carrying his hands behind his
back. Such things bothered her a lot to look at.
"Since when has he been here?"
"It's been a while. He leaned on the chair and sighed because he was tired, and now he's
doing this."
While Elena was away, Raphael had a dark look on his face as if he had been unknowingly
troubled. If he said he didn't care, he'd be lying. They're in one place with the best maniac
in the academy.
_____________________________
(T/N: "fly in the ointment" a minor irritation that spoils the success or enjoyment of
something.)
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"It's because of me. I'm sorry to have brought him here."

"I'm more worried about Miss Lucia than I am. He's a bit reluctant to be friends."
"We're not close. If you ignore him, that's enough."
Raphael was more worried about Elena's safety than himself. Ren's notoriety was so high
that he was worried that Elena would suffer.
"You don't see me? Aren't you talking too openly about me?"
"I didn't tell you to listen. Please pretend you didn't hear that."
Ren laughed meaningfully when Elena hit back with a hint of dislike.
"Look, you're just saying honorifics, but you don't have respect for me. With impertinence.
Or was it always like that?"
"You're mistaken. I'm very polite."
"Mistaken?"
Ren laughed at her.
"That's the funniest thing I've heard this year. But what can I do? Is it worth it or not?"
"What?"
"If I pretend I don't know, you'll be fooled."
Ren shrugged his shoulders, leaving a chewing aftertaste, and turned his eyes to a picture.
'What? Fool me?'
Elena felt a sense of incongruity at what Ren had said. Ren, with his hands on his back or
not, was walking around the studio and making a dispute.
"The picture is all gloomy, it's horror. Horror."
"..."
"Hey, human anatomy. Could I be the killer?"
Looking at Ren, she realized that his way to get on a person's nerves can be so creative.
When Elena, who didn't know anything, tried to say a word in anger, Raphael stopped her.
"It's okay, but don't lose your strength, we'll do what we usually do. He'll do that."
"But."
"I don't care if I concentrate anyway."
When Raphael smiled and said, Elena could no longer be stubborn. With making her
disheveled hair neat, she sat down about three steps away from Raphael and easel.
Raphael took the oil paint from the palette with a brush and took it to the canvas. He
showed a frightening concentration in an instant and moved the brush without hesitation.
How long has it been? Ren in the back intentionally knocked down the steel pedestal on the
desk.
Ssaeng!
A harsh sound made a loud echo in the studio. Elena made an impression without even
realizing it. The sound of scratching my nerves left goosebumps all over her body.
But Raphael was an exception. He kept moving his brush busily, changing the canvas with
Elena. What an amazing concentration.
"Oh."
Ren also gave a fairly surprising demonstration and came to the back of Raphael and stood
up. He looked at Elena's portrait, which he was working with his arms folded and his eyes
gazed at, and pointed out.
"Isn't this an abstract painting? She doesn't look anything like that."
Raphael was still unresponsive. He was busy moving his brush as if he was only focusing on
painting.
"Her eyes are so bright. Without her glasses, doesn't she look very sharp?"
"Is that so?"
Raphael, who was calmly responding, asked back and turned. Then the palette in Raphael's
hand suddenly lost its balance and spilled over to Ren.
Ren turned around with surprisingly agile movements, but he could not avoid the oil paints
that flowed down and splashed away.
"What's this?"
Ren looked at the paint on his uniform like a raindrop with a ridiculous look. It was dirty
and ugly of all things because bright paint splashed.
"What should I do?"
"Do you know how much this uniform costs?"
Raphael replied calmly to Ren's threat.
"Not school uniforms, but paints."
"What?"
"If the paint had been buried on canvas, it would have been a work of art to express the
beauty of something. It's a shame that it's only a stain on your clothes."
Clang!
Ren knocked down the table threateningly. Elena shuddered in surprise. It was hit so hard
that she could hear the inside tree cracking.
"Do you think you can handle the trouble with me?"
"It's just an artistic interpretation. I didn't mean to make a mistake."
Despite the threat, Raphael made a calm excuse without showing any signs of abating. Ren,
who was rather angry at the nonchalance, felt like a strange man.
"Oh, what the hell is this?"
"..."
"Why are you turning me upside down in this fresh way?"
Ren kept whining about Raphael's response, wondering if he could laugh even though he
was dumbfounded. Even in this situation he was enjoying it.
"Ha, really."
Elena, who was watching from the side, thought that she shouldn't leave it like this, so it
was time to leave.
"What are you trying to do? I'm getting angry already. You're just sitting there, aren't you?
"Senior."
"You're scared to look at me. This is why it's hard for villains. That's enough for today."
Ren walked slowly out of the studio. Then he waved his hand.
"See you again."
Soon there was a whistle that was sung by Ren in the hallway. Elena said anxiously as the
sound calmed down.
"Senior, that was too dangerous. The more you deal with him, the more you lose. Just
ignore him."
"Well, why was he so impatient with Miss Lucia?"
"I don't know either. I guess he just doesn't like me. He's always like that."
"That's the kind of person he is. I see."
Raphael and Ren are of the same age, graduating this year. Although his undergraduate
studies were different, he could hear rumors about Ren until he was scabbed in his ears
during his academic career. He also witnessed Ren's bullying of the students.
"Are you sure you don't mind if I leave him like that? I don't know why, but I'm worried
that feeling hostility might harm Miss Lucia."
Raphael, who is sensitive, was worried about Elena's safety after reading Ren who was sent
out with hostility. Because there are many students who have been misjudged by Ren and
have given up the Academy, he was very worried.
"What can I do? There's no good way right now. Why don't we fight back?"
Elena laughed as if not to worry. She felt sorry that Raphael was worrying because of her.
***
Elena left the recording studio to visit the studio earlier than the promised cycle. Raphael's
concentration fell due to the interruption of the uninvited Ren during his last visit, making
the progress of the work slower than expected.
'You son of a bitch, I underestimated you. I never thought you'd come all the way to the
studio and do that.'
Elena didn't have the face to see Raphael when she thought of that day. Raphael's work
efficiency has been reduced because of Ren's influence.
Raphael was going through a time when anger might be the most important thing in his life.
It is a transition period that may overcome a slump and grow into a master of the times.
Recently, there have been signs of overcoming the slump, but Ren joined in and struck a
candle. Elena was so sorry as Ren's interference and interference stemmed from her.
'What am I going to do? Even if it's me, I can't stand in your way.'
When Elena, who left the library, reached the side of the annex and was about to enter the
building, girls were blocking her way. They belonged to the Avella faction and were fierce-
looking girls who persecuted Elena with Mitchell.
"See you again?"
"I was wondering if she'd like to say hello today. I guess it's right that we have to fix her."
"Sigh."
Elena sighed irritably, feeling caught up in a troublesome affair.
'Again?'
In the past life, she lived only as a Veronica, so there were no colleagues or seniors who had
made such a fuss. They wouldn't want to be caught unless their liver came out of the boat.
But not Lucia.
When Elena didn't respond, the big girl lashed out, apparently feeling ignored.
"Wouldn't you relax your head?"
"You're ignoring me again. Huh! Don't you know we're talking?"
Elena ducked her head reluctantly. It's a formal courtesy. As long as they didn't get along
well, she had to keep a low profile to save their spirits.
"Good morning. I'm busy at the moment so, can you please just make it simple?"
"Hey, what's she saying?"
"You don't see much, do you? You're running around believing that Ren would be a black
knight?"
At the moment, there was no sense, so Elena burst into laughter.
'I've heard all the words that the motherfucker is a black knight.'
In the eyes of others, it may seem like that because he saved Elena, who was being bullied,
and got good timing. They won't say that if they become a person and experience it
afterwards.
"If you want a black knight, can I introduce you to him? It's a concession."
"What? What?"
"What's she talking about?"
She really wanted to hand over Ren if she could.
"You really need education. You know him as a dog shit."
"That's a vulgar expression. Uneducated."
"U-uneducated? Ha! I really can't do this. Come along. Let's see each other."
"Why should I do that?"
Elena didn't lose a word and answered back. In fact, she thought for a moment that it would
be better to do what they told her to do, beg that they wouldn't do it, get one or two hits,
and end it.
'There's no way it'll end.'
It was Elena, who dominated the society's many young ladies under her feet. Therefore, she
knew what the psychology of a young lady was like. Elena bet the moment she bowed her
head even once, the harassment will become so serious that it is more than excessive and
more like abuse. Once they brand her as foot well, it will become their habit to press her by
any means possible.
"Even if you don't like it, you have to go? Because the person up top wants to see you."
In the incident, the large female student who had bumped into Elena beckoned, and five or
six female students gathered inside the annex and surrounded Elena's surroundings. She
forcibly folded her arms to prevent her from running away, blocked the front and back,
blocked her vision, and took Elena as if she was dragging her.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

At first, she thought hard about rebelling, but she quit. It was a waste of time when faced
with these levels of young people who did what they were told without thinking, because
there were so many numbers that it seemed too much to shake off with force
'I'd rather see a conclusion with Avella instead of losing my energy.'
When she thought of Avella, Elena only laughed in vain. The big girl wrapped Avella up like
a great hero up high, but she's not enough compared to Veronica. That was the position of
Princess Veronica, who was the successor to Grand Duke Friedrich and who Elena was
pretending to be.
'... If it was Veronica, I wouldn't have gotten into such an argument in the first place.'
Even so, Elena had no reason to be intimidated. Although Lucia lost her status, it was an
academic institution. As the school rules are prioritized, persecution using power is
impossible. As it is now, gathering girls from the Avella faction and harming Elena is all.
"I brought her, my lady."
Next to the annex, Avella was seen in the open space beyond the thick trees. She was
smiling and talking gracefully with her arms crossed, and then Mitchell, who had
previously persecuted Elena, was with her. The girls who forcibly dragged Elena pushed
her arms out as if she were throwing her in front of Avella. Elena stared straight at the
school uniform, touching its disorganized appearance.
"Is it you?"
"I heard you wanted to see me, lady Avella?"
"Look at her being bold. You know who I am, but you're talking back."
Avella threw a special word, and with her arms crossed, she circled around Elena and
looked her up and down. There was a sneer at Elena in the arrogant gaze.
"She's ugly to see it up close. Even if I wash my eyes and look for it, she's not attractive. It's
coming into being."
Under Avella's blatant gaze, the girls covered their mouths and giggled at what was good.
However, Elena, who was insulted, did not show much response. She wasn't really
surprised or shocked. She knew Avella's vulgar vocabulary and level well.
'It's a shame you were good at tricks, or you'd be in big trouble with your tongue.'
Because of her noble ancestry, Avella did not treat anyone with a lower position or status
than her. Elena, who was pretending to be Veronica, was called her older sister, and her
attitude toward Elena, who is now in Lucia disguise, was clearly different.
Such criteria were not much different when dealing with young people in the fence of
factionalism. Even Mitchell, who claimed to be a limb, was abandoned coldly.
She, with such a cunning personality, competed fiercely with Elena and the social world in
front of the tricks inherited from her father, Duke Reinhardt. To the extent it was enough to
compete on the final judgment of the queen's election ceremony.
"I heard you had dinner with Your Highness? Your Highness has a very good character. You
must have looked so poor that he must have felt pity for you."
When Avella made insulting remarks, the girls watching from behind laughed in sympathy.
It's a way of killing people in society. But Elena is not one who would be discouraged by
such a bad method.
"I know. He formally invited me to dinner, to see how pitiful I looked. He's fast."
"Look at how she's mistaken. That's pity?"
"What's wrong with you? You act as if you've never been formally invited to a meal by Your
Highness."
"...!"
At the moment, Elena's sarcastic remarks distorted Avella's face like a devil. She would
have endured it in front of Veronica, but it sounded quite insulting because her opponent
was Lucia, the daughter of a merchant.
"You trust Ren and you don't see anything, do you?"
"No, I can see it well."
"What?"
"And as you know, he's not exactly a reliable person."
Avella's expression turned red. At the same time, the mouths of the girls watching from
behind were wide open with astonishment.
Who is Avella? She is the eldest daughter of Duke Reinhardt, the fourth great family of the
Empire. Elena was the first woman to scratch her nerves so much since she was born.
"You, you! How dare you low-born commoner, bleak to the subject!"
Elena's retort raised her hand to the edge of her head. She slapped Elena on the cheek
without thinking about her back as if she had already been paralyzed from anger and
reason.
Thud!
But Avella's palm did not touch Elena's cheek. This is because Elena reached out her hand
and grabbed her wrist as soon as she hit hard in the air.
"Are you not letting go of this?"
Avella gave a shake of her hand and trembled. But Elena was not that intimidated.
"If you are a senior, would you dare to let go even if you know you will be beaten?"
"You're really."
"Why don't you behave yourself?"
"How dare you admonish me? When it's not your place?"
Avella struggled with her hands as if she were dumbfounded. However, Elena held her
molars tightly and forced them to stay still. Then, the female students who were staring at
Elena's atrocities tried to step up as if they could no longer tolerate Elena's atrocities.
"T-that's it!"
"How dare you behave rudely to the lady!"
It was just about time that some of the girls who followed Avella like a hand-me-in-hand
considered an opportunity to score.
"Can't you see we're talking?"
Elena turned her head and glared at them.
Pause.
With indifferent eyes, the girls could not come any closer and hesitated. Elena's unfeeling
eyes to emotional ladies were of a low and unaffordable nature. Elena turned her eyes back
to Avella.
"This is why Your Highness doesn't see you."
"What?"
"Look back at yourself first at this time. Why doesn't Your Highness ever look at you."
Avella's face heated up. Her hands trembled with shame and insult that she had never felt
before.
"If Your Highness still doesn't care, blame the family that you were blessed and born to."
Elena gave sincere advice as if she was talking to herself in the past, who longed for Sian's
affection. Because she knew that Avella's love for Sian was as sincere as she was. She
wanted to say this even though she knew Avella had nothing to listen to. With a small wish
that she doesn't repeat the same mistakes as Elena in the past.
"Y-you really wanted to die!"
Avella, who couldn't overcome her anger, yelled a whale. Then she moved roughly and took
off her wrist under pressure from Elena.
"What are you looking at! I want you to crush her. I'll take responsibility for it, so break that
arrogant mouth again!"
As Avella, who had been on the edge of her anger, threatened, the girls, who hesitated
under Elena's spirit, came to their senses and came threatening. Rather than being scared,
Elena looked at the girls with an icy look.
"You know this is an expulsion?"
"What?"
"Lady Avella always asks her seniors to stand up. Why is that?"
The questions Elena threw confused the girls' eyes.
"That's too bad. Do you think Lady Avella will be responsible for the future because she's
loyal to the school rules?"
"..."
"If you've seen her behavior so far, you'll know. Do you think she'll protect her seniors from
being expelled for this? No, she's going to ignore them and throw them away. She's not
going to take responsibility in the first place."
Elena set fire to anxiety and distrust toward Avella, who is located in the corner of their
hearts. The majority of the people gathered here often followed Avella due to the
background of being a Duke's daughter. However, she wasn't popular because she was
arrogant and careless about others.
In her past life, Elena succeeded in digging into Avella's weaknesses and creating a rift in
her faction, and conciliated her followers. At that time, the difference was that she had no
choice but to appeal verbally as the situation was now in the situation, although she carried
out the work under a meticulous plan.
"If you think about it, will it be clear? There was a senior who was thrown out of the
academic academy after following her."
"...!"
When Elena threw the embers, the girls hesitated, not coming any closer. They felt agitated
as they exchanged her eyes with shaking eyes. Even Avella, who noticed such an abnormal
feeling, was more daunting and urged with high pressure.
"What are you doing? I'm Avella. There's Duke Reinhardt behind me, and you forgot that if I
could see you well, your family would change!"
"Don't believe it. You've already experienced what she was like."
Elena spoke calmly. She was well aware that maintaining calm and not being excited at
times like this made her more trustworthy.
"Leaving school? What does a diploma mean? I'm in charge. You know that my trust is more
valuable."
"Yes, that's right. When did Lady Avella say something wrong?"
In every case, the large girl who disapproved of Elena came out in sympathy. She
encouraged other female students to be swayed as if Avella's trust was more beneficial to
her and her family than to her diploma.
Elena's brow slightly frowned at the sight. If you're ignorant, you're brave. At the last
meeting, Mitchell showed signs of shaking, but that big girl blindly followed Avella as if she
didn't care about being abandoned.
"I believe in her trust."
"Me too."
Several schoolgirls joined in and threatened Elena. Then the hesitant girls moved
reluctantly and surrounded Elena.
"Foolish girl. You need to get your head on yourself."
"Let go of this, shall we?"
Elena resisted harshly, but it was impossible to even stretch her body as the big girl
pressed her shoulders and some joined her arms.
"Kneel."
Avella, who felt that she had completely taken the initiative, smiled in victory. The girls
bent Elena's knees and squeezed her shoulders. When her knees touched the ground,
Avella continued.
"Take off her glasses, too."
When they forced off Elena's horn-rimmed glasses, Avella's smile became stronger. She
walked with her arms crossed and clasped Elena's chin.
"For the rest of your life, you'll never forget what it costs to insult me."
Avella raised her white hand over her shoulder again. She was unexpectedly blocked by
Elena a while ago, but now that she's firmly trapped, there seems to be no way to stop her
hand.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"I'm not going to finish with one stroke. You won't be able to hold your face up for a long
time. I'm thinking of leaving a scar."
Avella, who was determined to do so, hit her hand hard to see if she thought there was no
need to take time anymore. Elena didn't close her eyes. She was pushed to the worst
situation, but she stared at Avella with her eyes wide open as if she had become more
spiteful.
'Ha, I didn't even want to use my body.'
Although small, Elena is tough compared to other youngsters. Unlike the ladies, who grew
up beautifully, Elena, who grew up just like a commoner, had a lot of work to do. It was
when Elena was about to shake off her tight arms.
"What the hell are you doing?"
The voice was not loud, but Avella's palm stopped just before it touched Elena's cheek in
the face of overwhelming force.
"Who the hell-"
Avella turned her head in the direction of hearing the sound, annoyed by the failure of the
slap twice. Elena, who was unable to look back, raised her chin and looked at Abella's face.
She looked like a goldfish with her eyes wide open and her lips wide open.
"Y-Your Highness."
"...!"
Elena's expression was hardened by Avella's words. There was no situation, so she couldn't
tell who was the man who intervened by voice alone. By the way.
'Your Highness is here? Here?'
If it were Ren, she would have let it go. Since he's a bit out of control, she might have been
following Elena. But he was unexpected. It was hard to decide how to accept Sian that
appeared at this time.
Avella was not the only one who was embarrassed, but the girls bowed their heads. In
contrast, the quiet surroundings were in contrast to the situation in which Elena had been
impatient.
She heard footsteps. Was it because of his feeling that his feet sounded especially loud
despite him not having a big physique?
"Greetings to Your Highness."
Avella raised the hem of her skirt lightly and gave an example. Elena couldn't see Sian
because she couldn't turn her head. Instead, she could see Avella's white face up close. She
was clearly caught and embarrassed by a man she loved.
"Lady Avella, what are you doing?"
"Your Highness, it is..."
"I'll ask you again. Explain what you're doing."
'Ah.'
Sian's cold voice touched Elena's heart. Still, she could guess that he was angry now
because they once lived as a husband and wife. Avella couldn't even raise her head in
embarrassment and made excuses.
"... I was punishing the freshman for abandoning respect between seniors and juniors and
committing the mutiny. I beg you to step down, for this is a matter of young women."
Avella deftly made fun of the three tongues. At the same time, she criticized Elena as a rude
junior, and at the same time drove her from the academy to the work of young ladies
leading to the social world, saying it's not a matter of Sian.
"..."
Sian alternated between Avella and Elena. Unlike Elena, who couldn't see Sian because she
was covered by the large girl's forearm, he could see Elena with high visibility.
"You speak very well even in this situation."
"I just told you the truth, so I hope you don't misunderstand."
"Misunderstand."
Sian briefly transferred her words and soon revealed his thoughts.
"You want me to believe that?"
"Y-Your Highness."
Avella's voice went up in dismay. Even the girls who were suppressing Elena were
embarrassed by Sian's reaction.
"The Lady Lucia I know is not that kind of woman. She is aristocratic enough to understand
the rules of etiquette and sometimes use them as an example of the aristocracy. Also, she is
an honest woman who speaks directly and straightforwardly, if it is considered right."
'Ah.'
The moment she heard that from Sian, Elena almost got emotional. She had a vague
expectation that he might be like that. However, whenever that happened, she forcefully
turned away. The scar of her past life was so deep that she pretended not to know.
However, Sian treated and respected Elena sincerely.
"Y-Your Highness are you saying you don't believe me?"
"Lady Reinhardt."
Sian called her family name, not her name. The distance came more painful to Avella.
"Are you really thinking that, Your Highness?"
Avella wistfully hoped for Sian denial. In front of the faction that followed her, Sian's words
could change face and pride. There was also a faint desire that he will cherish herself more
than Elena.
"I thought I already said what I meant. Should I repeat the same thing?"
"Truly..."
"Get back. And don't touch Lady Lucia again."
Avella's lips trembled at Sian's warning, which gave no room to dig. Her facial expression
was not controlled because it was hard to control her emotions over the insults and
disgrace she experienced for the first time in her life.
Avella would turn around and go away, bowing silently. So the girls who were left looked
embarrassed and ran away.
"Stop."
"M-me?"
Among them, the face of the female student, who was pointed out by Sian, darkened. To
her, a low-class aristocrat who wanted to get something from Avella, she was burdened to
be spoken to by Prince Sian.
"That thing in your hand. I don't think it's yours?"
The horn-rimmed glasses were held in the hands of a girl who had eyes on Sian.
"H-here it is."
The girl who gave the glasses to Sian bowed and ran away without looking back. It was not
until all the situation was completed that Sian's eyes were on Elena. Sian said by the time
she was embarrassed by the too obvious gaze.
"Are you all right?"
As usual, Sian was expressionless. But Elena was able to read the worries and concerns
contained in it.
"Thanks to you. Thank you."
"Fortunately. It's yours."
"...!"
Sian put the glasses on Elena's face. With a kind touch that she'd never felt before. The
strange appearance made her feel emotional that she never felt before. Elena turned a blind
eye to the foreign feeling, not knowing how to accept it.
"... Thank you for saving me."
Elena politely bowed her head and thanked him. If Sian hadn't helped, Elena would have
been quite embarrassed and perplexed.
"I have a question for you."
"Yes?"
"Did you hear all the conversations in the studio that day?"
Elena had no time to deal with it, and Sian came in with what had passed.
'What, what should I say?'
Elena, who hesitated, decided to be honest. Elena confessed that she had overheard
everything from the beginning. She wanted to be honest with him, who saved Elena and
worried about her heart.
"I see. But why didn't you ask me anything?"
"What do you mean, ask what?"
Elena, who did not understand the point of the conversation, questioned.
"... Nothing."
Whatever the reaction was, Sian quickly softened.
'What's wrong with him?'
It was a very unfamiliar reaction for Elena, who had never seen her calm down before. Sian
had a strange look on his face as if something was not going his way, and he hesitated to
wear it.
"I wanted to go to the studio, but I couldn't. Because of you."
"Because of me?"
Elena didn't understand what Sian was saying. Elena was the one who was rude to
overhear the conversation without permission. Even if she noticed, Elena had to see it, and
if she was wrong, it was right that Elena was wrong. As a result, this behavior and words of
Sian were very embarrassing for Elena.
"You have been on my mind all the time."
"I don't know. What it is you're saying, why you're doing this now."
"..."
Instead of answering, Sian matched his eyes with Elena. His close-up gaze seemed
complicated.
"I feel sad and relieved that you don't know."
"Your Highness."
"I've been thinking a lot, but now I can't think of anything."
Was it Elena's mistake? What she felt was that the corners of Sian's mouth went up very
slightly.
"I like to be able to see your face. Without speed."
"...!"
Elena's heart sank.
***
There was silence in the studio.
It was often the sound of breathing except for the sound of the paint on the canvas, which
was buried in a brush. In principle, it was such a natural scene in the studio.
Elena was careful not to let her posture collapse as a model. Raphael tried to capture every
little detail on the canvas. It was so idealistic that there was a wish that time would stop.
Until the uninvited Ren visits the studio and makes a quarrel.
"Hey, painter friend. Where are you looking. It doesn't resemble her at all. She's not too
beautiful."
'You son of a bitch.'
Elena breathed out with her nose, angering herself. If you really look at Ren, he's so
creative that he might be studying how to turn a person's stomach.
"The basis of portrait painting is the reflection of reality, and isn't that why you want to
make a living as an artist?"
"..."
"Do you see your own face? You look like you're going to sigh."
Ren stimulated Elena by cutting across the water. He was arguing as if he knew something,
and it made Elena's blood boil upside down.
"I think she's pretty as she is."
"My painter friend doesn't have good eyesight?"
"Let's say yes."
What's amazing is Raphael's concentration. As more and more Ren interrupted the studio,
he learned how to concentrate on the painting by ignoring it completely. Recently, he was
able to maintain high concentration and respond to Ren's quarrel.
"Human potential is so scary. My painter friend, you should thank me. I allowed you to
draw pictures while talking. Don't you think so?"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Miss Lucia, would you like to come and see?"

Raphael ignored Ren's words and said to Elena.
"Now?"
"Yes, it's much better than I thought, so I'd like to show you."
Recently, Elena has never seen the portrait. She was wondering if Raphael would feel
burdened if she asked him to show her. She held back even though she was curious, but
Raphael wanted her to come first. Elena was also willing to go to see because she thought
she put down the pressure.
"I'll see then. I'm looking forward to this."
Elena turned around with the easel and stood behind Raphael. Elena, who saw the portrait
painted on a canvas beyond Raphael, exclaimed admiration.
"It's still incomplete, so please take that into consideration."
Elena wore horn-rimmed glasses and enjoyed the painting. It boasted such a high level of
perfection that she could not feel much difference from the days when it was in its prime.
'Was I this fresh?'
Elena's appearance in the portrait looked calm and lively. A slight smile makes viewers feel
friendly and comfortable. What is clear is that the portrait contained an impression that she
had never shown before when posing as Veronica.
"How is it?"
"I was surprised because it wasn't like me."
"Like a scam? It doesn't look like her."
Ren behind Elena's frank remarks helped. Raphael, who didn't even feel the value to
answer, continued.
"That's when I said, I saw the light. I thought it was a strange feeling. Quiet but comfortable,
elegant, but bright. I wanted to capture all that mystery."
"Stop it. My face is burning. I can't hear it."
When Elena waved her hand, Raphael turned to the canvas with a gentle smile.
"A little sincere, isn't it?"
"Yes, I can feel it. Too well."
Elena's face smeared a smile. It is still incomplete, but she was sure. Raphael overcame his
slump. This is because the touching friendliness and mysterious warmth that she felt when
she saw Raphael's famous paintings in her past life was imbued in the portrait.
"Congratulations, senior. You're out of the slump."
"Thanks to Miss Lucia. Thanks to you, I think I can keep my promise."
"Promise?"
"Art festival entry. I think I'll fit in when I'm done with the finishing touches."
Elena's expression brightened. She was hoping for it, but her heart was already beating to
think that she could submit Raphael's work to the art festival.
Elena dared to bet. This is innovation. The art world is going to turn upside down. Although
it appears to be a simple portrait, Raphael cut the limits of expression using the old-
fashioned framework and standardized techniques in a single painting. He tried to capture
the life of a model and the life of a model, breaking the limitations of the portrait that he
wanted to capture in the canvas.
'You can't miss him. It's two years ahead of the original history to appear in the world.'
Raphael will be joined by the masters of the era, who were sponsored by L as the leader.
The moment the Salon under construction of Randol is completed, the construction world
will be in a flutter. What about Diaz's Basilica, and revolutionary designer Christina's
clothes? The music of genius composer Centonio will be released, and the appearance of
speaker and thinker Lil Puccini, who was called a typhoon of the new era, will allow the
people who were holding their breath to rise. A new era is coming up soon.
"Wow, it's light. Light. Did I get goosebumps? This is a murder. You tried to kill me with
dirty ears."
"..."
Even in these touching moments, Ren was consistent and struck a candle. Once, the word
motherfucker was eternal motherfucker, and the words hung in her mouth.
It was then. The wooden door, which had been tightly closed, opened and an unexpected
face visited. It was Sian.
"Greetings to Your Highness."
Elena and Raphael stood up and greeted politely. Although he came unannounced, he was
not so embarrassed as he often visited the studio. However, there was a problem.
"Why are you here?"
Sian's expression got cold when he found Ren sitting in a chair in a corner of the studio.
"I came here because I wanted to see someone. Your Highness, is this a humble place to be
in?"
"It sounds like you have someone you want to bully."
Sian openly set the edge on Ren.
"Woah, woah. Calm down. We've been making up and getting along well these days. Don't
you think so, junior?"
"..."
"If you ignore me in this situation, I'll get like that."
Despite Elena's lack of answers, Ren seemed to care little about it. Then Sian turned his
head and asked,
"Are you all right?"
"Me? Yeah, well. I think I'm okay."
Elena answered Sian's unexpected question with a lot of embarrassment.
"I see."
The conversation was short, but there was no one in the studio so insensitive that they did
not notice that Sian cared about Elena.
"What. Am I the only one feeling bad right now?"
"..."
In a strange sense of disharmony, Ren openly talked, and Raphael kept his mouth shut and
saved his words. The response was different, but the eyes were full of doubts.
The most difficult thing was Elena, who was caught in the middle. Elena felt so much
confusion that she could not handle it at the same time as she was grateful for the heartfelt
heart of Sian, who she had never received it from. Elena couldn't take her eyes off Sian in
front of her eyes and stared at him. Until she first met him at the academy after returning,
the images of his past life seemed overlapped. Every time she faced him, she felt the scars
of the past throbbing and stabbing with thorns.
But she didn't care anymore. From one point on, it didn't hurt to face Sian. It was the same
earlier. She was so grateful and glad to see him save her from Avella.
By the time Elena's thoughts deepened, the wooden door, which had been open about one
cheek, opened, and Cecilia came in briskly.
"I'm here. I've packed a bunch of sandwiches for you in the studio today, too... Huh? Oh! Y-
Your Highness was here?"
Cecilia, who greeted Sian, found Ren sitting crooked in the corner of the studio and opened
her eyes like a deer.
"Senior Ren, Faculty of Swordsmanship?"
"That's my name. It's an honor to see you, Cecilia."
Ren smiled and pretended to be close, as if he had already seen Cecilia. Cecilia was standing
in a perplexed expression. It was burdensome to deal with Sian over the past incident, but
she didn't know how to deal with it, as there was even the best sardonic Ren in the
academy.
"Hey, why are the members in this damp cellar so colorful?"
Ren, excited by the appearance of a new face, pointed one by one with his finger.
"Your Highness, who will lead the Empire in the future. He's a great man."
Ren gave a big hand when he introduced Sian. Sian ignored him as if he felt no value to deal
with him.
"Cecilia, the only daughter of Count Lyndon, a famous nobleman. Oh! I should say that he's
the next most influential duke, right?"
Cecilia tried to plead something, but she closed her mouth when Ren continued.
"My artist friend who hears genius at the academy."
Ren's eyes were fixed on Elena.
"Lucia, the secret girl who bewitched me and bewitched Your Highness."
Elena's expression was frowned at the vulgar expression. Bewitched. Ren's misleading
choice of words was annoying.
"Lastly, Ren Bastache. Isn't that creepy? You can do anything with these members. Let's
clap, clap."
Ren, who was very excited by himself, clapped his hands. He even gave them a look as if he
wanted a response, but everyone looked at Ren with disapproval as if they had promised.
"You don't know how to enjoy it. I'm the only one who looks like a villain."
Although he made a painful sound, it wasn't Ren to be despondent by this.
'Ha, how did this happen? It's been off since some time ago.'
Elena's head was throbbing with a rushing headache. Except for Raphael, all of them were
people who she did not want to see each other throughout their academic years. She
thought it would be better not to meet with each other because the bad relationship of her
previous life was so strong. But when she opened the lid, she found that they were facing
each other in this cramped basement because of a closer and deeper relationship than in
their previous lives.
"..."
There was silence in the basement when Ren shut his mouth. It was a very difficult
situation for anyone to talk about it first because they were woven together.
Sian and Ren were not on good terms, and Cecilia was unknowingly awkward with Sian due
to her involvement in the appointment of the Crown Princess. Raphael had difficulty
dealing with the difference in status, and Ren was not on good terms with anyone. In the
past, Elena's relationship was most naturally formed among them. Oh, except for Ren.
It was also very ironic. In fact, they had no contact in the original history. Although Sian and
Cecilia had a relationship with each other, they have never been together.
'It's because of me. It's all gone wrong because of me.'
Elena had no choice but to admit. The reason why these members who don't have contacts
are gathered in the cramped basement is because Lucia, who was not in their previous life,
intervened.
Elena sighed lowly. All of them were separated by Elena and gathered here. She wanted to
at least erase this awkwardness and wrap up the meeting, if not responsibly.
"Senior, didn't you say you brought sandwiches earlier?"
"Huh? Uh. I brought it because I thought you were starving again."
"Good. I was hungry."
Elena smiled and took the basket that Cecilia was holding and put it on the table. The
number of sandwiches packed was just right.
"What are you staring at?"
"..."
"You had a hard time packing it. Don't just stare at each other, let's all eat sandwiches."
Raphael, sitting awkwardly at Elena's suggestion, picked up the sandwich. Cecilia, who was
embarrassed to stay still, took out the whole tea she had prepared and poured it into an
empty glass.
"They're not poisoned, are they?"
Ren approached and looked around the sandwich in the eye.
"Don't eat."
"Oh, big one. Thank you for the food."
Ren also picked up a sandwich and started chewing. Only one last person, Sian, could not
get in and stood awkwardly.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Your Highness, too."

"I will."
At Elena's suggestion, Sian reluctantly approached and bit into the sandwich she was
handing.
"As you eat, pray to the goddess Gaia."
Everyone's eyes were on Elena. Elena took out what she had been saying.
"Please don't run into each other. Please."
You can't solve a tangled relationship like a thread. Elena's feelings right now wanted to cut
it neatly.
***
Elena left the studio and was walking across the central square of the academy. Normally,
she would have used the old road that was deserted to go to the library, but she couldn't
today. It was because of two unwanted men.
"The seeing off is done now, so how about taking care of your business?"
Elena, who stopped near the central square, spoke with a nuance that they should go while
being polite but secretly.
"I haven't had anything to do since I entered the academy."
Ren absentmindedly answered, Sian also said a sentence.
"I don't feel comfortable sending you alone."
She knew he was worried because Ren was attached, but it was a burdensome favor for
Elena.
'It's like trying to pull a lump off.'
Elena's head throbbed as she watched the two men who followed her from the studio
under the pretext of seeing her off. Young men and young women, who were in the
academy at the time, were sensitive to gossip and rumors quickly circulated. Every time
something popped, she was always on the edge of her mouth. Look at it now. The students
who are whispering while watching Elena. Not only is the footless word going a thousand
miles, what happened with Avella was circulating as well, and she was also accompanied by
the best maniac Ren and Prince Sian of the Academy, so it was inevitable for people to not
speak to each other.
'Ha. I'm really wrong to be quiet now.'
Contrary to the wind, Lucia's face has been sold to the point that no one doesn't know
about her at the academy. At this point, the students will recognize her wherever they go.
It was the worst for Elena. The disguise of Lucia is also intended to prepare for revenge
secretly with minimal status. However, if it drew such attention, it was inevitable that
future plans would be put on hold. Ren and Sian played an absolute role in that.
"Our king is very kind. Even seeing the freshman off. "
"Don't you think it's because of you?"
Ren's sarcasm struck back at Sian. Elena sighed lightly while looking at the two growling
men.
"Please, I beg you. I'm in a lot of trouble because of you two. Can I go alone?"
"You bear with it even if it's uncomfortable."
"This is why I can't let you go alone."
Elena had no place to be in such difficulty because persuasion didn't work. Moreover, it was
even more frustrating because there was no way to separate the two from the position of
having to stop by the recording room and take off her disguise.
"Why is our king so protective of her?"
"..."
"Are you crazy about her?"
Ren smiled and looked up at Sian. Elena's steps, which she was walking with the intention
of separating the two, stopped for a moment. She tried to ignore it as a useless question,
but she was constantly worried about Sian's answer, so she couldn't concentrate.
"You're still interested in useless things."
"Oh, you're neither positive nor negative."
"..."
"If you say that, she'll misunderstand."
Ren blatantly bet over Elena. When Elena pretended not to hear it, she tried to go over it,
and she actually split and laughed, and then looked at Sian.
"I know her secret."
"There is no trust in what you say."
Sian drew a line and made it clear that he had no intention of listening.
"Your Grace, don't like her."
"..."
"Your Highness can't protect her. No, you can't handle her."
Elena was the one who responded to Ren's meaningful remarks with shuddering her
shoulders. It was judged by the nuance of words to the extent, but Ren had a bone in his
words. Come to think of it, Ren's words, which he threw meaninglessly since he came to the
studio, were mixed with words that seemed to be sarcastic after knowing Elena's identity.
At that time, she thought it was insignificant, but when she looked back now, there were
many words that would make her suspicious.
'You didn't mean it because you knew I was Veronica, did you?'
Anxiety arose unexpectedly, but Elena immediately denied it.
'If you knew I was Veronica, you wouldn't ignore it.'
She made her own conclusion, but she couldn't stop chewing. The frustration doubled
because she couldn't check with Ren outright.
"..."
Somehow Sian couldn't refute what Ren said. Ren grinned at Sian's response.
"Oh, you can't answer. I won. I have to go now."
Ren felt he had won by blocking Sian's words, so he put his hand in his pants pocket and
walked to the other side of the street.
"Your Majesty's expression is scary. Why don't you console him? Then I'll go."
Ren, who had stimulated Sian until the end and made him uncomfortable, waved his hand
and left. As Elena had hoped, Ren fell off, but the atmosphere was ruined. Especially when
she looked back, Elena was unknowingly nervous at the face of Sian. Sian was making a
scary face that she had not seen even during their life as a married couple.
"Y-Your Highness."
Elena looked at her face. Then Sian said in a voice that suppressed his anger.
"I'm angry. I can't deny what he says."
Sian, which left the word, turned around and went away. Left alone, Elena couldn't leave
the scene for a long time as she saw the back of Sian, who was moving away.
Sect 11. Belladonna
"I like the meaning of the painting. It's a bit less colored, but it's a good writer's
interpretation, so it gives you room for appreciation. All right, I'll buy it."
Elena savored black tea and evaluated the paintings that Khalif had brought. As she had to
pretend to be Veronica, not Lucia, she didn't forget to use words to match her vocabulary.
Khalif, who succeeded in selling six paintings and a statue that he brought today, said
cheerfully.
"You have a great eye for the work, Your Highness."
"Every noble person has this kind of insight and eye."
Elena lowered herself and smiled openly. Khalif, who had been distracted by the smile,
quickly coughed and turned his head.
'Wow, I can't look straight because I'm suffocating.'
Princess Veronica in front of him was a beauty that didn't need any modifiers. He had never
seen young ladies as pure and deadly as her at the academic institution where most
aristocrats attend. But leaving it, Veronica had an inscrutable flow of grace.
'Why do I become so reverent when I stand in front of Your Highness.'
Khalif had the honor of being invited to the dinner of the Crown Prince Sian by chance. An
unscheduled and serious debate went back and forth, but for the first time that day, he
could feel the dignity of the Imperial family. With Princess Veronica he did too. Her noble
character even cleansed his profane mind. She is considered to be someone whom he can
only admire.
"Oh, did you know that there's been a lot of talk about Your Highness in the art world
lately?"
"Me? I'm curious. I don't know what you're talking about."
Elena showed interest by putting the teacup on the pedestal. She was curious because she
didn't hear this story when she was dressed up as Lucia.
"Regrettably, a few months ago, there were many people who were not happy with the
artwork that Your Highness purchased. It was that you bought it at a price that was too
ridiculous for the work."
"That's stupid. I can't believe they're trying to judge art for nothing."
"But what's interesting is that recently, the works of the author you bought have begun to
be re-evaluated."
"Reevaluation?"
"Exactly, the appraisers judged that you discovered the value of the undervalued works and
purchased them."
Elena reached out and brought the teacup back to her mouth.
'It's going the way I wanted it to be.'
From the start of the art purchase, she expected this kind of evaluation. However, seeing
that the period was later than Elena thought, she could guess how conservative the art
world was.
"So, these days, your eyes are the talk of the town. I'm being asked to tell them what Your
Highness bought and who the painter was."
"So you let them know?"
"No, even if I didn't let them know, they knew how."
Elena covered her mouth with her hands and smiled openly.
"I'm sorry to hear, that's too bad. If you understand and accept art as a work itself, not as an
investment, it will naturally cost you money."
"If you can't do that, isn't everyone hitting the princess' eyes with the best?"
"I don't even have a good eye. I just respect the artist's soulful work."
Khalif was amazed at Elena, who never lost her dignity and kept her faith. He thought that
she was a mature person who truly knows how to treat and enjoy art.
"In that sense, how do you feel about going to the Academy of Arts and discovering
promising artists?"
"Yes. The treasure house of artists, I'm already looking forward to what kind of works will
appear in the festival."
The art festival is one of the three major festivals organized by the Academy. The three
major festivals refer to the academic festival that ended last week, the art festival held two
weeks later, and the sword festival that decorates the long-awaited graduation ahead.
Among them, the art festival was the last opportunity for graduates who are almost
unknown at academic institutes to appear in the spotlight of the art world.
In many cases in the current art world, the position of apprenticeships is also determined
based on the fame and personal connections of the teachers, so even if they graduated from
the Faculty of Arts at the Academy of Arts, there were many cases where they did not
receive much attention. In the end, it was art dealers and appraisers that determined the
value of the artwork, and they were closely allied to check artists outside their influence to
build fame.
'It's rotten to the core.'
That was the reality of the current art world.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce good works today as well."
"That's what I have to tell you. I'm satisfied that you always introduce high-quality art."
"I don't know what to say. I'll be going now."
'See you later, senior.'
Elena gave a meaningless smile. Khalif was dazed by the friendly smile that he felt
differently from what he had been dealing with until now.
'Oh? I think I've seen that smile somewhere.'
The thought suddenly crossed my mind, but Khalif thought it was an illusion and left the
drawing room dormitory. Elena, who ordered May and Anne to send the artwork to the
Grand Duke, left the dormitory.
After stopping by the library's archives and dressing up as Lucia, Elena headed toward the
front gate of the academy.
"Hey, look over there. Excuse me."
"Her? The one that watered Avella's love?"
"It wasn't exactly her, it was Your Highness. She's not that pretty, I don't understand."
"I know. Rumor has it that Ren helped her, too. I envy her."
Elena, whose face was sold to Avella's experience, had no choice but to feel the pouring
gaze throughout the course of passing through the central boulevard, where students were
flocking.
'What I was worried about became a reality.'
Eventually, Elena became the talk of the town at the academy.
'I'd rather go to the library and the studio.'
Fortunately, the Academy was a place where gossip never stops. She's now at the center of
gossip, but when a bigger gossip occurs, they'll be distracted by something other than Elena
then.
Of course, most things won't settle down as it is a rare love triangle between Prince Sian
and the Ugly Ren.
When she arrived near the entrance of the Academy, ignoring the pouring gazes at the back
of her head that were hot, a knight who controlled outside access blocked it.
"Are you going out?"
"Yes."
"Write your name down here in the guest book and get an outing card over there."
Elena left the academy after putting the certificate in her jacket pocket. This was the second
time that she dressed up as Lucia and went out, but the streets near the academy were as
clear as a front yard. This is because there is not much time spent on the streets, enjoying
desserts, shopping and going back and forth between restaurants, shops, and shops,
making obvious outings in her past life.
Elena was headed to a restaurant at the end of the street. This place was well-known for its
delicious steak, and it was a place where many students from the aristocracy visited in
ordinary times. But somehow today was quiet from the entrance. The reason could be
confirmed by the door plate hanging at the fancy entrance.
Closed.
This means that they are not operating. In principle, it is right to turn around because they
would not accept customers, but Elena ignored the letters written on the plaque and
entered the store.
"I'm sorry, but we're closed today."
"I'm Lucia. I'm here to see my father."
Elena identified herself to the employee who politely recommended going back. Then, their
attitude changed as if it didn't happen.
"I'm sorry I didn't know you. He's upstairs."
The waiter bowed his head and led Elena. Old man, young lady... The restaurant was owned
by the Castol Corporation, as can be inferred from its crisp expression. It was a hideout
prepared for the emergence of Khalif traveling to and from the academic academy and the
urgent occurrence of Elena.
"Here you are."
When they arrived at the room at the end of the corridor on the second floor, the employee
opened the door.
"Have you come?"
When Elena stepped inside, Khalif pretended to know her. Even though it was only a few
hours after the breakup, Khalif seemed to be happy to see her without knowing that
knowledge.
"Long time no see, Senior."
Elena turned her eyes to greet him. The wind from beyond the window ruffled the inside of
the curtain. Emilio was sitting in front of him.
"How have you been?"
"My regards are L's regards. I've been doing very well."
Elena and Emilio exchanged greetings naturally and acted in a relationship between father
and daughter. Elena, who cannot reveal her identity yet, had no choice but to deceive
Khalif.
"Why are you standing there? Come on, sit down. We have a lot to talk about."
Elena nodded and sat on the chair. Three people made a triangle with the round table
between them.
"I think it's the first time the three of us are together."
"Don't talk. While you were concentrating on your studies, I and Emilio were busy with
construction."
Khalif complained little. Elena pretended not to hear and looked at Emilio.
"What's the Grand Duke's reaction?"
"I think they're still eager to demolish the slums, but I think they'll know in a few days."
Elena nodded.
"It would be crazy for them to know that we have an exclusive supply contract with marble
mines."
Elena had Emilio sign an exclusive contract with mines around the Empire dealing with
natural marble at the time of the purchase of slum land. General buildings can be built
without marble, but Noblesse Street, which symbolizes luxury, was impossible to proceed
without natural marble. As Noblesse Street itself is a discriminatory street that emphasizes
aristocratic elegance and dignity, construction of natural marble was essential.
"For the Grand Duke, it's a bolt from the blue. It's not a small amount, but they have to pay
more than three times the original price to buy it, so he'll suffer a lot of losses."
"Only three times? You've spent a lot of money trying to get the exclusive right, haven't
you? You need to get four times to get the money left."
Elena was talking casually, but if Leabrick heard this, she might have felt the murderous
desire to kill Elena right away.
"I'd love to, but I'm being careful because my client is going to pay dearly."
Emilio suffered a number of hardship crises before putting the Castol Corporation on the
edge of the continent's top ten. If he had to pick the most critical moment, it would have
been when the aristocrats were offended during the transaction.
"As you know, the Grand Duke is not a regular nobleman. If he decides and puts in a sword,
our Castol superiors may have to withdraw from the empire."
"She can do that. Once she has a bad feeling, she'll be left with that."
Elena boasted that she knew Leabrick's tenacity, precision, and well-being better than
anyone else. If the price of natural marble is four times higher than the cost, the possibility
of using power to pressure or suppress the business cannot be ruled out. Khalif was
appalled and worried.
"Isn't that a big deal? We've already signed an exclusive contract for double the price."
"There's nothing to worry about. They'll have no choice but to buy it for four times as
much."
"There's a trick. Right?"
Khalif felt intuitively that Elena was hiding a trick of spleen. Otherwise, he won't be able to
relax.
"I have something for you to do."
"Tell me."
"I'd like to start a rumor."
"Rumor?"
Elena gave a meaningful smile.
"The headquarters of the Gaia Church, the Vatican, is trying to build a cathedral that will
remain in history."
Emilio's pupils grew bigger. The news just now was shocking enough for him, who was so
full of life that it was not surprising. The reason why he won exclusive rights to the marble
mine was not because of the Grand Duke, but because he bought materials to be delivered
to the Vatican in advance. Khalif stammered at a tremendous story that he could not
handle.
"Y-You're crazy. Are you talking about that in your right mind? I don't know about anything
else, but if you mess with the Vatican, it's a celebration. What do you want me to do by
making a lie like that?"
"Who says it's a false rumor?"
"What?"
"The Vatican had already completed the purchase of land near the capital's outer
headquarters two years ago. Since it is the headquarters of the Gaia Church in the future
and the cathedral that will be the new epicenter, they just did not announce it to the
outside world to strengthen its internal stability."
All of this was not a vague assumption, but a story that would actually happen in the future.
For more than a hundred years, the Gaia Cluster has been in such a state that it is
unprecedented in history. The nobles donated a huge amount of money to the church to
ensure the happiness of the afterlife, and the common people, whose lives became tight due
to the exploitation of such nobles, relied on religion. In such a holy spirit, the Vatican
accumulated enormous wealth and made a grand plan to build a cathedral that would be
the headquarters and epicenter of the church.
In the original history, architect Verna participated in the construction of Santa Maria
Cathedral as one of the first architects chosen by the Vatican. However, his health
deteriorated, and he died early three years after the construction began.
'The second-generation architect after him is Randol.'
Elena, who visited the Vatican by chance, met with art broker Khalif there. Therefore, she
knew the rough outline of how Randol took charge of the construction of the Santa Maria
Cathedral and became the second-generation architect.
"No way! Let's say they make a hundred concessions and build a cathedral. How do you
know that?"
"Are you curious about that?"
"Oh, I'm crazy curious!"
Elena said, wearing glasses.
"It's a secret."
"Emilio, are you really going to believe this? It's too much of a gamble. If you don't do it
right, you'll be out of the Vatican's sight. Then it's over!"
"Senior, I'm sure there's no such mishap."
Despite Khalif's concern, Elena didn't change a single look. Her eyes had a firmness that
would never waver.
"By attracting the Vatican, we have two benefits. First, justification. It's not the Grand Duke,
it's the natural marble that's prepared in advance to make sure the cathedral trades."
"That makes sense."
Emilio agreed.
"The second is that it's not at all four times the price of the natural marble we're offering.
It's burdensome to double the purchase by signing an exclusive contract right now, but if
they start building the cathedral, we'll be able to make up for all the damage."
Elena has been studying commercial and market principles in and out of the library. This is
because knowledge suitable for the future was considered essential to make and use
memories of the future.
Effort did not betray her. Elena derived many plans based on a single memory and was able
to use the plans of the Grand Duke to sway the board and gain a lot of wealth.
Emilio marveled purely.
"The more I hear, the more surprising it is. How far are you looking at? It's amazing."
"It's not that much. I just thought about it one more time than anyone else knew."
Elena speaks humbly, but Emilio knows. Even if he combined all the experiences and years
he had gone through his whole life, Elena's cleverness could not be matched.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Khalif shook his head as if he were fed up.

"I thought I was tired of surprises... Ha. There are so many geniuses around. A guy like me
can't keep up."
"I'm not a genius."
"That's the same thing! Why don't geniuses know they're geniuses? Is it an infectious
disease?"
Khalif grew his voice as if he were angry because of his inferiority complex. That's true, too.
Artists who he had begun full-fledged management of as he claimed to be an art broker
were all masters of the times. Their genius was superior to the normal person. It was
inevitable that he feels too lacking in dealing with such genius masters.
'You know what? The feeling of lack makes you grow up faster.'
Elena was delighted to see Khalif's growth. Khalif communicated with the great masters of
the time earlier than the original history. The influence made him realize his inadequacy
early and show his persistent efforts. In addition to interacting with Emilio and combining
business sense, Khalif was quickly becoming a bigger man than he had ever seen in original
history.
"You have something you're good at."
"That's all right. It's not comforting at all."
Even that kind of appearance looked lovely to her eyes.
"This has solved the natural marble problem, right? I'll ask my father for the rest."
"Don't worry."
It was a very reliable answer. Emilio's work was flawless. Emilio was such a treasure that
she wanted to say thank you to Ren for making the relationship possible.
"I didn't ask you to see my father because of this. There's something really important."
"What's that?"
Khalif's eyes soon came into being. He wanted to learn by showing deep interest as if it was
a lie that he complained earlier.
"When the salons are built and the basilica is completed, the surrounding area will look
completely different from what it is now. It will become a new cultural center."
"That's what I'm thinking about it. So what?"
"The same goes for Noblesse Street. The purpose is to distance the highest class for the
aristocratic sense of privilege. The streets of Salon and Noblesse seem different, but they
are similar."
"Your point is to compete with Noblesse Street, right?
"Yes, that's true."
"I think it's going to be a disadvantage. The power of the great masters in the Empire, and
the money they put into the streets of Noblesse is astronomical. No matter how many
salons you raise, this is the..."
No matter how hard he thought, there was no estimate to win the competition. Even if the
land in the slum was bought at a bargain price, sold back at a hundred times the price, and
re-invested in large profits by signing an exclusive contract for natural marble, the size of
the initial capital was different compared to the Great House in the first place.
And this is the capital of the Empire. Their influence is absolute as it is the home turf of the
Great House. It was impossible to put pressure on the upper line by asking for help from
various regulations and crackdowns. Elena's expression, however, did not show any
uneasiness.
"You seem to have something in mind."
"Do you think so?"
"It's very serious, but I can see it."
"You're quick-witted."
Emilio, who rarely took part in Elena's affirmation, spoke out.
"It's a person."
"..."
"You must be right."
"You're a father, too."
Elena was quite surprised by Emilio's brilliance. Words are partnership, but Emilio silently
helped Elena as she told him to do so without even asking why. It was more like a helper's
feeling than a partner.
'I know you're giving me everything.'
If Emilio didn't understand Elena's plan deeply, he wouldn't have shown such perfect skills
against the Great House.
"After all, life is the same. The power struggle, the war, the victory and the defeat are
divided among the people."
Elena laughed silently. It was a silence of positivity.
"No, what's a person? Don't keep it between the two of you, and please tell me something
that I can understand. What?"
Khalif was frustrated that he could hardly feel it.
"I'm trying to make a difference. Something not on Noblesse Street, but something in the
Basilica."
"So it's something that's human. That's all I know. Who's that? I'm so frustrated.
"Senior."
"Me?"
The pointed out Khalif blinked loudly. There was a clear sign of embarrassment. Emilio
nodded his consent without a word. But Khalif was still perplexed as if he didn't
understand.
"Are you saying that the difference is me now?"
"Yes."
"I think you're mistaken. I don't have that ability."
Elena laughed open. It's because she was proud of Khalif, who looked back on himself
calmly.
"You're a lot bigger than you think."
"What's wrong with you all of a sudden? I'm really not."
"It's not on Noblesse Street, what we have. And what senior has been doing so far."
Elena took a breather for a moment and went on.
"The masters of the time are with us."
"You're not..."
Khalif's eyes, which were belatedly caught, changed. It was quite different from what he
said earlier, that they couldn't compete with the Grand Duke.
"The growth of painters, geniuses, architects, revolutionary designers, maestros, scientists
who are ahead of their time, a demon's master craftsmen... and countless other masters are
in the hands of senior the art broker of art."
"...!"
Khalif was thrilled. He decided to become an art broker and wanted to help her with her
work activities. But for some reason, Elena was already looking ahead and planning for the
art broker, which gave him goosebumps.
"The salon will be a place to show their work, and the basilica will be a place to sell their
work. No matter how well they make the Streets of Noblesse, what would be scary if the
masters of the time were with us?"
"You're truly..."
"You know now, right? How important your role is."
Khalif, assimilated to Elena's grand plan, nodded. She could read the responsibility he felt
from his heavier-than-usual nods.
"Uh. I feel a lot of pressure."
"You shouldn't."
Despite his bluffing, Khalif's eyes shone with more enthusiasm than ever before.
"It's a lot of pressure, but you know... My heart is beating? I feel like a madman."
***
Ren was leaning against the window on the second floor of a building across from the
restaurant where Elena, Khalif, and Emilio were closeted. As she stepped down, he saw
Elena leaving the restaurant and returning to the academy. She was completely unaware of
the existence of Ren, who was hiding and watching her.
After Elena left, Khalif left the restaurant after a time difference. Soon after, Emilio left the
restaurant for last in the carriage that arrived.
"You're playing tricks like that, and you're not interested and you're being patient?"
Ren was very interested at this moment. Nothing else, but it was clear that Veronica was
dreaming of something. Otherwise, there was no reason to dress up as Lucia and meet the
owner of the Castol Company One of the top 10 in the continent. She also seemed to have a
deep relationship with art brokers, who quickly emerged in the art world.
"Mel, that Khalif is Veronica's favorite art dealer?"
When asked by Ren looking out of the window, the gentle-looking Mel, who was standing
behind him, raised his head. Mel, who was in his early 30s, is the leader of the Bastache
family's special organization, Majesti. Majesti is a group that gathers information, analyzes
information, and sometimes does not hesitate to assassinate, and was considered one of
the greatest powers of the great house decades ago. Meanwhile, the Bastache family
separated together when they declared independence. This is because the roots of Majesti
are the Bastache family.
In principle, "Majesti" had an iron rule that they should follow direct orders from Ren's
father and current owner of the Bastache family, Spencer.
However, Ren broke that rule. Without his father, Spencer, knowing, he tried to contact
Majesti's leader Mel and have him obey him. As shown, the evidence is that Ren uses
Majesti's intelligence personally.
"According to research, it is true. It is said that he has become an art prize that attracts
attention at once by making exclusive deals with newbies or Princess Veronica who has
just entered the art world."
"That's amazing, isn't it? How did he bite a tycoon-like Veronica when he didn't have much
family and ability?"
"That's a mystery for me, too."
"Both legs?"
"What?"
Ren gave a meaningless smile. Majesti's intelligence is highly appreciable, but it did not
reach Ren in the inside of the academic academy where outsiders were restricted. In
particular, it was a secret that only Ren knew that Lucia and Veronica were the same
person.
"You don't know both legs? A man with two women... No, the subject has to be changed, so
should I say that two women are meeting a man?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Ren laughed a lot. It was really exciting to know someone's disgrace alone.
"There's something like that. Did you find out about the Castol Corporation?"
"Yes, he's been doing something surprisingly cheeky."
"What, that expression. I'm looking forward to it. What did he do?"
When Ren shone in his eyes, Mel replied.
"They've made quite a profit by intervening in the Grand House's redevelopment project."
"Wow. Isn't that amazing? Leabrick is not the woman who's going to leave it alone."
"It is said that some land in the slum had already been purchased before the Great House
began to buy it. The investigation also found that the company had an exclusive contract
with a natural marble mine, which is also believed to be aimed at the Grand Duke."
Clap, clap. Ren clapped vigorously with a satisfied face.
________________________________
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Wow, that's amazing. They haven't turned the inside of a Great House in years like this,
have they? It's a shame I can't see Leabrick's poop-chewing face."
"There's another one. I tracked the process of laundering the proceeds from the sale from
the Grand Duke, and there was a person named L behind all this."
"L?"
"They certainly exist on paper, but most of the work has never been represented by a
representative. It's still a psychological problem, but this L appears to have an antipathy to
the Grand House."
"L. You mean there's another madman in the Grand House who's pointing a knife at him?
Wow, that's so interesting."
Ren looked as excited as a birthday boy. He also said that the enemy was allies. Since they
had a common enemy as the Grand Duke, L could have become an ally accordingly.
"Why do I feel like L is not like anyone else?"
Ren's gaze, muttering to himself after a burst of laughter, stayed on the street where Elena
left and pedestrians came and went. It was just a passing feeling, but he kept getting used to
it without feeling any discomfort.
"Do you have any suggestions?"
"Mel, if you were born the daughter of the Duke of Reinhardt. Yes, the only daughter. You
are the successor."
"You mean me?"
Mel couldn't find the point of the question and made a sour face.
"But you don't like something. You don't like family, you don't like your father, you hate
everything."
"I don't think so at all."
Who would hate being born of a grand noble descent.
"Don't vomit because it's family"
"..."
"That's why you're doing things without the duke knowing. You do business, you pretend
to be someone else, and... Why?"
"Do I have to answer that question?"
"Just relax. I'm just curious. Feel free to answer whatever comes to your mind."
He wanted to hear the answer. Mel replied with an uncomfortable face, imagining it to fit
the given situation.
"Isn't it love for a good reason? Young people of that age are sometimes blinded by love and
abandon their families."
"That's so romantic. How about this?"
Ren, who ignored Mel's hard-earned thoughts, said what he thought.
"She's not actually the Duke's biological daughter."
"That's a novel stereotype-like development."
"But she was severely abused. So she's trying to get revenge. On her foster father! How's
that? Isn't it good?"
Mel shut his mouth. He didn't even know what he meant because he couldn't understand
why he was asking this question. Ren grinned at Mel's lukewarm response.
"I just said it because I thought it might be. Don't take it to heart. Back to the point, how's
my uncle doing?"
"I think he's still spending more time in the safe house than in the mansion. There must be
a reason for that even after Princess Veronica's return, but it's hard to figure it out."
"Was there any change in the cycle of finding safe houses before and after Veronica's
return?"
"None. It's been consistent."
"Strange."
Ren was lost in thought as he smoothed his chin. It was only after Veronica became
poisoned that Grand Duke Friedrich began to search for safe houses frequently. Now that
the poison has been decoded, and she has returned to the academy, there is no reason to
visit the safe house often, but it is said that he still visits the safe house at a certain period
of time.
It smells fishy. He's sure he was missing something, but he didn't know what it was.
"Oh, what could it be, uncle, L, and Veronica. I think we can draw a picture if we weave it
well."
There was still a lack of information. There was a need for a link to weave a novel without
context that Ren had been talking about.
"Mel."
"Yes."
"Let's pour Majesti's intelligence into finding the safe house. Find out what my uncle is
doing in the safe house and who he's meeting. Even at the expense of sacrifice."
Even though the Majesti's specialized in intelligence gathering, tracking, and assassination,
digging deep into the Grand Duke of Friedrich was dangerous enough to give up their lives.
Nevertheless, the word "sacrifice" came out of Ren's mouth, which made them feel the need
to grasp the actions of Grand Duke Friedrich at this opportunity.
"I will obey your orders."
Mel didn't complain about the death of his family-like subordinates. Unlike Viscount
Spencer, who is more aristocratic than anyone else, Ren had no framework. Two years ago,
he showed the boldness of poisoning Veronica at a banquet hall where aristocrats
gathered.
In addition, he had unparalleled sword skills that he had never missed first place at the
same time as entering the Faculty of Swordsman. If he grows up like this, they were
confident that there will be no one in the Empire who can beat Ren by competing with the
sword.
Mel recognized Ren's genius early on and claimed to be Ren's subordinate rather than
Spencer's own. Mel believed that he was the right person to cut off his ties to the Grand
Duke Friedrich, and never thought that choice was wrong.
 ***
"What?"
Leabrick stopped paying attention to the documents and looked up. Luminus, wearing
glasses, reported with a troubled look.
"There are rumors that the Vatican will soon begin building the cathedral, which will
become the headquarters and epicenter of the church. Some of the top companies that have
noticed signed exclusive supply agreements with natural marble mines."
"Just tell me the conclusion. What's the current market price?
"They want four times the purchase price."
Kwang! Leabrick, who rarely shows her feelings, couldn't help but hit the desk in her office.
The fountain pen that she was holding broke and the pen stand rolled over.
"Since when did the Grand Duke look so easy? Or don't they want to do business in the
Empire anymore?"
"It's embarrassing, but there's no clear reason to impose sanctions."
"Make a cause. That's your job."
In the Empire, the words of the Grand Duke are laws and regulations. Merchants are no
exception. It was necessary to be aware of what the price would be if it was out of the eyes
of the great figure. Artil opened his mouth with difficulty.
"Please reconsider... It is said that the construction of the cathedral is true, as I found out
through a high-ranking priest."
"What?"
"Insiders say it's been a while since he made his decision. I don't know how the silent issue
was leaked, but I've already contacted a renowned architect and heard that there is
progress. It's a cathedral that's hard to find in history."
Leabrick bit her lips hard. If the decision had already been made within the Vatican, the
construction of the cathedral should have been considered a fait accompli. If it was a great
construction that is hard to find in history, even the stone and natural marble to be used
will be enormous. Due to the principle of the market, prices were bound to jump
unconditionally if demand was higher than supply.
"The Vatican's reserves are astronomical. As the Vatican has high expectations for the
construction of the cathedral, it is highly likely that it will spare no money on the purchase
of natural marble."
"Ha."
Leabrick put her hand on her head, frowning with a throbbing headache. L has already
purchased the land of the slum in advance and sold it at a price of more than a hundred
times the market price. The damage suffered at that time was not small, and it was
encouraging to add four times more money to the purchase of natural marble.
"I found L's tail apart from that."
"Really?"
Leabrick's eyes have softened a bit.
If only the identity of L can be identified, it will be possible to recover the damage suffered
by the sale of slums regardless of the means and methods.
"We don't have a complete picture, but we've confirmed that they've bought land near the
south side of the capital."
"Did they buy the land with that money?"
Leabrick was stunned to hear that L bought the land in the capital with the money they
took as if they were extorting it from the sale of land in the slum.
"They have a lot of land. We haven't figured out the purpose of the building yet, but it's as
large as most cathedrals. The rest of the land has been under construction for a long time as
if they plan to build a large building of similar size."
Feeling disharmony, Leabrick spoke.
"I feel like they're aiming for Noblesse Street. Am I the only one who feels that way?"
"We agree with you, too."
"The Grand Duke looked like a pushover. All of that kind of baleful thinking."
Leabrick accepted L's business as a declaration of war against the Grand Duke. They dare to
climb up without even knowing the topic.
"On a scale, it's highly likely to be a luxury building."
"Stone and natural marble are indispensable elements for architecture. If the current
natural marble market price cannot be lowered, it will be a big blow if we first secure the
transaction volume and prevent it from supplying natural marble to L."
Even if it is the Grand Duke, it is a huge loss to buy natural marble at a price more than four
times the market price. However, the damage is not fatal enough to cause the price to falter
immediately. In addition, once Noblesse Street is completed, it can earn profits that exceed
hundreds of times the amount of damage.
But L is different. Even if L had a knack for running wild, it was unlikely that they would
have more money than the Great House that had been in power for more than a hundred
years. Even if the Grand House suffers a loss in purchasing natural marble, if the quantity of
natural marble becomes insufficient and the price increases further, the loss should be fully
borne by L.
In other words, even if they spend the same amount of money and lose money, the Grand
House will not collapse, but L, which lacks funds compared to the Grand House, may
collapse.
"Crucially, L is running a business with fatal anxiety factors."
"Anxiety factors?"
"A young architect named Randol, who is almost unknown, is responsible for the design
and construction of the building, and his field experience is slow. He doesn't have any
experience."
Artil also added.
"Other sites are said to be designed and constructed by an architect named Diaz, who was
commissioned by the nobility to build small villas."
"L has given too much work to those who have no experience and skills?"
Artil and Luminus nodded.
"Yes, even among field workers, there is a lot of concern that Randol is working on
architecture with an unproven method. I'm sure there will be a problem."
"Viscountess, buy a natural marble one step ahead of L. Even financial pressure will be a
great burden. And even if we don't do it ourselves, they'll collapse themselves."
"We'll wait and see..."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Leabrick slowly organized it in her head. L entrusted the great construction to an unproven
architect. In the process, there is a lot of concern at the site as the construction of civil
engineering is carried out by applying a unique construction method. It would be a loss if
the purchase of natural marble is immediate, but it is worth the risk that L suffers more
than the damage caused by the Great House. This is because unless their capital is infinite,
they will never be able to outpace the Great House in the fight for capital.
Furthermore, as reported by Artil and Luminus, the large-scale building was not an easy
construction that an unknown architect could build. Ten to one, there was a high possibility
of problems at the scene.
'It's better to let it collapse on its own.'
She felt like she wanted to risk every business that L does and destroy it, but now is the
time to focus all her capabilities on the Noblesse Street business. As long as time was
favorable to the Grand Duke, it didn't look bad to see L digging their own grave and
floundering in the abyss.
"Get the natural marble."
***
"It's done."
Raphael's gaze, who put down his brush, couldn't fall from the portrait. He felt different
because there was a time when he had lost confidence to the extent that he was wondering
if he could paint again during a slump.
"Would you like to come and see?"
Elena nodded, rose from the seat and stood behind Raphael.
The feeling of seeing the portrait of herself was mysterious.
"It's weird."
"What? What's wrong with it?"
"... That's it. The feeling is different from when I look in the mirror. I look like this. I'm
smiling like that. Do you want that kind of atmosphere?"
Elena couldn't take her eyes off the portrait for a while. It was excellent enough to lack the
word perfection.
'I can assure you. A famous painting representing the times has been born.'
Elena felt proud when she saw the finished portrait. Not only did she help Raphael
overcome the slump, but she was overwhelmed by the fact that she was the model of a
famous painting that would decorate a page of history.
"I tried to capture the mystery of Miss Lucia, how does it look?"
"If I say yes here, it's shameless, right?"
When Elena responded tactfully, Raphael laughed without a word.
"This is cheap. Is this a scam? She's not the one in the picture."
"..."
Ren, who was dozing with his legs crossed, poured cold water as if he hadn't been asleep.
Elena looked disapprovingly at Ren's act of throwing cold water at the historical moment.
"I didn't ask you?"
"What kind of art is this. So insincere. Painter friend, do you like her? Even if you lie, you hit
it too hard."
"Ah, really."
It was time for Elena to look at Ren, who was openly arguing, to look bitter.
"That's what art is. You see as much as you know, you empathize as much as you know, and
you understand as much as you know."
"Did you teach me?"
Raphael responded with a vague answer as Ren answered.
"When you grow up, this picture will look different."
"What?"
Ren looked ridiculous after the blow. Elena, who was next to him, burst into laughter. As
she always felt, Raphael made fun of Ren with a clever way of speaking. From Elena's point
of view, it was refreshing.
"Oh! Senior, did you apply for an art festival?"
"Do I have to do that?"
Raphael asked back with a close look, as if he had heard it for the first time in his life.
"I knew this would happen. If you don't sign up for an art festival by today, you can't sign
up!"
"Because I'm not so interested in it..."
Elena flipped her head and looked at Ren.
"What time is it now?"
"Why do you ask me that?"
"I know you have a watch?"
Ren grumbled.
"I do. I have one. Could you ask me kindly?"
"What time is it, senior? Like this?"
Elena grudgingly smoothed her accent and forced the time.
"Let's see, huh? It's almost time for the academy to close, isn't it? About 15 minutes left?"
"W-what?"
"Wow! Are you going to cross the entry?"
Ren seemed more excited than ever because he enjoys doing things that others don't do
well. Elena, who is in danger of losing her plan to make Raphael a master of art through the
art festival at once, became impatient.
"S-senior, I'm going to go. If I run now, I can apply on time."
"It's my fault for being so complacent. I'll go."
As if sorry Elena had to step up as if it were her job, Raphael tried to get up by unwinding
his apron.
"No! You have to stay here no matter what. I can go to the academy."
"It's not necessary to do that... It's enough for me to go."
"You can't because of someone. Who knows if they're going to ruin a masterpiece that will
vibrate the times?"
Elena, who had a lot of blades, stared at Ren unconsciously and snapped at him. With just
nuance and gaze, one can guess that the human being is Ren.
"I can't believe this. You think I'm a jerk? Are you crazy?"
Leaving Ren, who was genuinely speechless, behind, Elena said goodbye.
"Did you understand me? I'll apply for the entry, so senior will keep the painting."
"I will."
Raphael turned around, staring at Ren in displeasure. Perhaps it was because of his regret
for Elena, who had no choice but to take the place of such troubles, his gaze at Ren was
more resentful than usual.
"Wow, this is the first time I've ever felt wronged about something like this?"
"I'm going, senior. It's not just a portrait of me, it's the best painting I've ever seen."
When Elena raised her thumbs with both hands, a smile spread around Raphael's mouth.
"Thank you."
When Elena ran out of the studio without looking back, Ren murmured as if he was
dumbfounded.
"Look, you didn't say thank you to me for helping you."
"Are you not going?"
Raphael asked calmly.
"Why are you kicking me out?"
"You'll have to go, so I can follow Miss Lucia without hesitation."
Raphael wanted to go after Elena even now because he felt sorry for leaving his work to
Elena. In that case, the order was to send the man who couldn't be controlled first.
"I'm going, but I'm going whenever I want, so don't interfere."
"..."
"She treated me like a villain, do you think I wanted to tell her the right time?"
"What?"
Ren was merrily grinning.
"She didn't have to run like that. We still have an hour left before the academy closes."
"Hah. Where is the bottom of a person like you?"
When Raphael looked up, wondering if there were any people like this, Ren smiled and got
up as if he was enjoying the gaze.
"So you have to be nice. Do your best."
Ren waved his hand out of the studio. When he left, the face of Raphael, who was left alone
in the studio, was full of anxiety.
"Lucia somehow got involved with such a human being..."
Raphael's view was too close between Ren and Elena. He was worried that Elena would be
hurt someday by the thorn that Ren pricks.
"If I were a nobleman, if I had a reputation, I wouldn't have to watch Miss Lucia get away
and be hurt."
It's not just Ren. There were many days when he was stuck in the studio, but Raphael also
had ears to listen to as he attended major classes. It was so famous that no one knew that
the Duke of Reinhard's Lady Avella publicly harassed Elena and that Prince Sian defeated
her.
"I hate it, I'm the only one who's stopped."
Looking back, he only received help from the beginning to the present, but there was
nothing he did for Elena. He hated himself because he felt so pathetic.
"I want to succeed."
The reason for participating in the art festival was because Elena recommended it, but
Raphael also wanted to become famous himself. He wanted to build a reputation and be a
master of the art world who could treat aristocrats recklessly, and help Elena. So he really
wanted to be qualified. The qualification to approach as a man, not a relationship between
a senior and a junior.
Raphael's eyes over the portrait of Lucia were more affectionate than ever. She had already
taken up so much of his life as if she were all part of his life.
The door that Ren had left was opened. There stood Sian. Raphael rose from his chair and
paid a silent tribute.
"Greetings to Your Highness."
"Is it just you?"
Sian looked around the studio and asked.
"... Miss Lucia just left."
"I see."
Raphael did not miss the disappointment that lay in Sian's grave answer.
"Is the painting complete?"
"Yes."
Sian opened his mouth after a long period of appreciation of the portrait.
"That's how you see Lady Lucia. The more I see it, the more mysterious it is."
"It sounds like you've seen her differently."
"Lady Lucia I've seen is a very strange woman. I'm worried about her, and then she
suddenly comes to my mind."
Raphael looked at the portrait and looked at the face of Sian talking about Elena. Raphael
was able to notice the profound gaze and the calm, but the tenderness of Sian.
'Your Highness, also, to Miss Lucia?'
Because he also saw the portrait with that expression and eyes.
Raphael bit his lip.
"Your Highness, do you have Miss Lucia in mind?"
"..."
When Sian was silent, Raphael felt his heart empty.
"I like her. If my work is recognized by the public, I want to confess my feelings to Miss
Lucia."
"Why are you telling me that?"
It was Raphael's heart and choice to like and confess to Elena. Strictly speaking, there was
no need to say this to Sian.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Your Highness will lead the Empire in the future. That's why you offered Cecilia a political
marriage."
"What do you want to say."
"Your main focus is on the prosperity of the Empire and the imperial family before
anything else."
Raphael looked up and stared at Sian. Even though he knew it was impolite to put his eyes
on him, he wanted to say this much.
"Emotion is responsibility. Your Majesty is the one who puts duty first, and can never take
responsibility first."
"Is that about it."
Sian received Raphael's words with a distinctive expression.
"You say the same thing to me."
Same thing? Who else said that to Sian? Raphael instinctively remembered one person.
Ren.
Ren's feelings toward Elena, which Raphael had watched so far, were of a nature that could
not be defined in a word. Obviously, he tormented Elena with malice and hostility, but he
never crossed the proper line. As if a quarrel and harassment caused by malice and
hostility were expressions of interest.
Sian had been silent. When he lifted his chin and looked up at the ceiling, he looked back at
Elena's portrait for a long time, and finally spoke.
"I have nothing to refute your question. *It's pathetic."
*: referring to the fact that he can't refute.)
***
An art festival was held. The art festival, which was scheduled for four days, was so grand
that it was said that it was one of the three major festivals of academic institutions.
In particular, the central library has been transformed into an exhibition hall to display
works by students of the Department of Arts, which is pouring hundreds of works.
Although the reading room was not available for four days, no students complained of
inconvenience as it was the final exam for the second semester, and it was the
representative festival of the academy.
Among the three major festivals, the art festival was the most visited by outsiders. If the
sword festival scheduled for later this week is focused on watching students,
acquaintances, and family members and watching the sweaty confrontation, the art festival
was visited by outsiders, including collectors, appraisers, art dealers and investors related
to the field.
As such, it was an opportunity for art students who participated in the arts festival.
Through the art festival, they could sell their works to collectors who expressed their
intention to purchase them, or they could be well-received by appraisers and recognized by
the art world.
It was also possible to meet generous sponsors or investors and receive support for stable
artistic activities after graduation. On the contrary, it was an opportunity to find pearls in
the mud not only for art students but also for art workers.
"How is it?"
"You are stunningly beautiful, my lady."
Anne gave her praise with her eyes shining. Although the exaggeration was mixed, she was
sincerely admiring Elena's beauty.
"It's nice to hear empty words."
Elena looked in the mirror and touched her messy front hair. After tidying up her baby hair,
there was a lofty flower sitting in the mirror facing her.
During the art festival, Elena specially tailored dresses and bought jewelry for today, as she
can wear plain clothes, not school uniforms. Elena, who had dressed up for the first time in
a long time, was breathtakingly fascinating. Despite all the simple earrings and necklaces in
an elegant dress that refrained from exposure, she was like a flower that was deadly.
Elena maintained a decent dignity and grace, but her wrists, collarbones, and neckline were
unintentionally exposed, leading to a destructive figure.
"What do you mean by empty talk? If I were a man, I'd be out of breath the moment I met
you."
"May, do you think so, too?"
May, who was putting her back hair in order, nodded.
"Yes, I've never seen a more beautiful lady than you."
"Thank you."
Elena rose from her chair with satisfaction. After changing into shoes specially ordered for
today, Anne was ordered to straighten out the creased dress.
After preparing for perfection, Elena came down to the first floor and left the dormitory.
Hurelbard, who was waiting next to the carriage that had already arrived, said hello, but his
attention was drawn to Elena's beauty, which gave her strength to dress for a long time.
Elena asked, as if to tease Hurelbard.
"Sir, how am I? Do I look pretty today?"
"... I'm having poor eyesight."
"Oh, no. It's hard to be blind, so try to endure a bit."
Elena smiled beautifully and climbed into the waiting carriage. It wasn't that far from here
to the central library, but she decided that it would be better to ride the carriage as much as
she dressed up. May and Anne left into the dormitory, and Elena, accompanied by
Hurelbard, drove to the library in a carriage.
"Today is the first day of the art festival, and there will be the largest number of people in
the art world."
Elena had a good reason to embellish herself with extra strength. It was to draw attention
and get attention.
Already, there are widespread rumors in the art world that Princess Veronica has a good
eye for the works. Under such circumstances, it was inevitable that Elena would be the talk
of the town as to which work she was paying attention to.
"It must have been crazy by now. A work that has been around for hundreds of years has
appeared. All I have to do is go and help."
Raphael's work was a work that would have a tremendous impact even if Elena did not
appear. It's innovative in terms of technology.
It is a famous painting that is different from the art of the past because it contains mystery
beyond the limits of the painting.
Elena is about to add oil to the blazing flames. The work itself is great, but there will be a
small number of wavelengths for Princess Veronica by paying attention to it and saying a
word.
While organizing her thoughts, the carriage arrived at the central library. The buzzing
outside the carriage has already made her guess how many people gathered here.
Hurelbard knocked politely on the carriage door. It signaled whether the door could be
opened.
Elena tapped the carriage door with the back of her hand in the same way.
When the door of the carriage opened, Elena stepped outside. It was a library that she went
back and forth to every day, but she was very moved to come here in a carriage dressed up
so beautifully.
"I-isn't that Princess Veronica?"
"That's right. Wow, look at her beauty. Is that a person? She's prettier than a doll."
"There's a rumor that she has a good eye for art, so I wonder what kind of work she'll be
interested in?"
"Do the works stand out in this situation? I only see a walking angel."
Elena caught the attention of the crowd at the central library. Unlike when she wore school
uniforms lightly, they had to be fascinated by her beauty, as she dressed very carefully and
gave herself strength.
"Sir, let's go."
"Yes, Your Highness the Princess."
Elena stepped up with a walk of both chic and elegant beauty. Hurelbard followed suit
without slowing down as many outsiders came, except for the students at the academy.
Upon entering the central library, paintings by students of the Faculty of Arts were
displayed on the wall, starting with the sculpture in the middle. Elena began to appreciate
the work that caught her eye. And since then, there have been countless crowds of young
boys who wanted to see Elena's beauty, art workers who pay attention to what works she
is interested in, and young girls who were interested in the dresses and accessories that
Elena is wearing.
They weren't coming to appreciate the art in plain words, but to see Elena, so they couldn't
miss Elena's gaze or a word she shared with Hurelbard.
Elena's walk, which slowly watched the artworks, stopped in front of one piece. It was a
painting of flowing river water, and it expressed the flow of the river uniquely.
"I can feel the hardships of life in the current."
"The hardships of life?"
Hurelbard was told.
"If you look closely, the current is rough here, but it's calming down as time goes by.
Wouldn't their life be like this? They want to hit it hard like this current and go to sea."
"Sea. I've only heard about it. I've never seen it. What do they want to go there for?"
"To relax."
Elena's last word burst into admiration from behind. They were surprised by Elena's
knowledge and depth of interpreting the picture of a river flowing by art people as a
metaphor for human life.
"The composition is good, but the technique is unfortunate. It would have been better if the
contrast was used as each stream has different heights and depths."
When Elena turned around, after finishing her appreciation, art workers who followed her
gathered in front of the painting. They remembered the name of the artist written under
the work 'Flowing River', and it was the time to buy the work or meet for sponsorship.
Among the vast exhibition works, less than ten were left with Elena's interest and
appreciation. They were better than any of the exhibits, but none of them were worthy of
Elena's eyes.
'I'm sick of this. Where's your work?'
By the time she was tired of substandard works, she saw a crowd gathered in front of
something. The expression on their faces was enough to tell what kind of work they were
seeing at once.
'There it is.'
Elena tried to hide her joy and headed there at the pace of her walking so far. Those who
were muzzling while looking at the work saw Elena and stepped back and avoided her.
Elena's authority and grace made them do so, even though they didn't have to. Elena also
took their retreat for granted and approached the painting.
"...!"
With the painting close by, Elena couldn't move further. It's because there was a man who
she didn't even think about standing in front of the portrait.
"... Greetings to Your Highness."
Elena was polite, hiding her embarrassment. Sian, who was staring at the portrait, turned
his head.
"..."
Sian's eyes facing her face to face were quite different from those that looked at Lucia. The
cold sight was like looking at Elena in the past. But it didn't take long for the eyes to turn
into confusion.
"You are... Princess Veronica?"
First, the eyes of Sian shook violently.
'What's wrong with him?'
Elena was puzzled by the appearance of Sian, which she had never seen before. Contrary to
ignoring her, who always pretended to be Veronica, he was talking to her first. He was far
from memories, even losing his unique expression and being embarrassed.
"Long time no see, Your Highness."
That's really strange. They just met in the studio. Meeting in the image of Veronica, she felt
emotions standing on the extension of the past.
"Your voice... Oh, no. I think I'm mistaken."
Sian made an unknown noise and swung around. It was an act of openly ignoring Elena, but
it didn't feel bad. It's been like that for a long time.
Elena bowed her head to Sian, who was moving away. In the past, she would have been
upset, but now she knows why Sian rejects the great house and hates Veronica, so she
didn't care anymore. Elena, who was holding her head down, was surprised.
In the distance, Sian did not walk, but stared at her.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena was quite embarrassed by Sian's abnormal behavior because he had no reason to do
so. Sian, who had been standing for a long time, turned around and went away. Sian's
expression, unable to take his eyes off Elena until the last minute, looked very confused. As
if he hadn't met her before.
'You didn't recognize me, did you?'
At the moment, she thought so, but Elena ignored it immediately. Lucia, disguised as a wig
and glasses, and Elena's beauty, dressed to the fullest, were so different that they could
only be seen as different people. In addition, the possibility of recognizing her was
significantly lower as her voice was altered. Anyway, her first meeting with Sian in
Veronica's status left nothing but wonder. Elena returned to the main subject and saw the
name of the work under the portrait drawn by Raphael.
''Belladonna'... senior thinks I'm very pretty.'
Belladonna meant beauty in the Imperial language. Raphael was concerned that putting the
model Lucia's name on the title would go up and down people's mouths. Considering that,
it seems that he named his work Belladonna with the meaning of the title.
"... Raphael? Why was this painter so obscure now?"
Elena, who could not take her eyes off the portrait for a while, expressed her overwhelming
feelings. It was funny to give praise to his portrait, but it was necessary.
"Sir, this portrait is a mystery in itself. They've melted the inner beauty away from the
quiet, the wise, and the things the lady should have."
Elena gave a rousing voice of praise.
"The painting itself is flawless, but they applied the technique of drawing a stroke in art
history. Oh, how can they do this? They're breaking the frame of paintings that existed so
far. The technique of expressing perspective and contrast is really true..."
The heads of art workers, who listened to Elena's reviews, nodded. They could not deny
that it was an innovative masterpiece that would leave a mark in the history of art. Elena
left a praise to give the luxury of giving wings to such a Belladonna.
"I'll take it easy. If I were a painter, I wouldn't be able to draw anymore after seeing this
painting. Interpretation of works? It's pointless. The existence of this portrait itself is
healing."
***
Standing far away, Raphael stood in front of Belladonna and fell in love with Princess
Veronica, who continued her praise. Drunk in her deadly beauty? No, it's because it's more
of an essence than it looks.
"... Miss Lucia?"
The name Lucia popped out of Raphael's mouth looking at Veronica. It was more difficult to
find common ground because the two women looked completely different from each other
in appearance and atmosphere, but in Raphael's eyes, they seemed to be the same person.
"W-why did Miss Lucia pretend to be Princess Veronica..."
Raphael stammered incredibly when he saw her. No one else knows, but Raphael's eyes
could not be deceived. He only looked at Lucia for hours a day to draw a portrait. If you
keep looking at the minor exterior features that others can't help but pass by, you will get
used to them.
It doesn't matter whether she thickened her makeup, wore glasses, or had a different hair
color. The wrinkles around her eyes, her chin line, the shape of her eyes, the shape of her
ears, the thickness of her lips, etc.... Through long observations, only Raphael's unique
characteristics remained as afterimages.
"S-She can't be? It can't be true. There's no way. W-why..."
Raphael denied it, saying he saw it wrong. But the more he did, the more Lucia and
Veronica appeared in his eyes.
Veronica was continuing her favorable comments on Belladonna. Her voice was slightly
exasperated as if she was admiring the painting. Nevertheless, she did not lose her dignity
and maintained a calm and neat tone. It was a very different way of speaking from Lucia,
who spoke in a friendly tone, but the habit of giving out the tone and pronunciation of her
voice was not included. Any further denial seemed pointless.
Lucia is Veronica. Veronica is Lucia.
It doesn't matter which one is the real one. The two are the same people. Shocked, Raphael
was unable to accept it and went into a panic.
He turned around and left the library. Raphael, who returned to the studio as if running
away, flopped down in front of the easel. The present reality was still unbelievable and
dazed.
"Just barely..."
He was going to take courage.
Raphael even lost his determination to do so. Princess Veronica was a far-off woman. She
was a woman in a place where he couldn't reach out even if he became a master who
dominated the times, and could never be caught even if he tried. Suddenly, he remembered
what he said to Sian.
"Emotion is responsibility."
That words came back boomerang and landed in Raphael's heart. It wasn't just for Sian.
The responsibility of feelings also required a mind to look back on oneself. If you are a
person who dares to look at it, you can think about how the other person feels the force of
emotion.
"I..."
Raphael bowed his head in a bitter voice. He did not even move until the sunlight leaking
through the window of the underground corridor disappeared and the studio was filled
with pitch-black darkness, making it difficult for his face to be discerned.
And how much more time has passed.
Raphael got up and lit all the lanterns in the studio. Then he firmly wore the work apron he
had hung on the wall. Raphael, who sat in front of the easel with a palette in one hand,
stared at the white canvas.
"..."
Soon after, Raphael, who had a brush in one hand, began painting by wetting oil paints on
canvas. It was all about how he felt now.
***
The wave of the art world brought about by the Academy Art Festival was really close to a
revolution. The shock received by collectors, art-loving nobles and painters was more than
that. The perspective and contrast methods that have not been seen so far were so great
that it could be said that it has surpassed the level of paintings that have been handled in
the art world by several steps.
On the contrary, some art workers said that such works should not be announced. The
emergence of Belladonna in the art world, where realistic paintings that move things as
they are seen, was a sign of concern that it would undermine the value of previous works
and cause a crash. The rotten art professionals were those who would do anything to
protect their vested interests.
The problem is that Belladonna is a masterpiece that will destroy and escape the ecosystem
of the art world that has been supported so far. As a result, several art dealers, appraisers,
and collectors who have influence in the art world agreed that the work should be
purchased as soon as possible to prevent the publication.
It was because if Belladonna's appearance reduces the value of existing works and
collectors are reluctant to sell them, a big blow in itself was inevitable.
However, their plans did not come true. It was because of Princess Veronica.
She visited the library four days in a row and continued to praise Raphael's work,
Belladonna. It was a mysterious work that heals wounds even if you look at it quietly, and
she assured that it would be a piece that remained in history.
The influence and status of the art world under the name Veronica was enough to arouse
curiosity even among aristocrats who were not interested in painting. What kind of work is
it, so they couldn't help but wonder what Princess Veronica was praising so much and
flocked to the academy.
The art moguls' plan to secretly contact the institute and buy it quickly and delay the
official announcement of the art world has come to naught. On the second day than on the
first day, more crowds gathered, and on the last four days, more nobles visited Belladonna
to appreciate it than the number who visited the academic institute in the previous three
days. It was the conversation of those who lived in the center of the capital, even though
they were out of place.
"As planned."
Elena was very satisfied with the way she wanted to go her way. Raphael's status changed
overnight, when he was just an unknown art student. It is obvious that countless art
dealers and sponsors had attempted to contact to capture the new master who has led the
revolution in the art world.
"You can't sign with someone else."
Though slightly concerned, she believed that Raphael would definitely discuss with her and
make a decision.
"Ha, it's been five days since the art festival, and it hasn't abated."
Elena's expression sitting by the dorm window was suffocating. It is said that Lucia, a
model of Belladonna, has become a famous figure in the art world over the walls of the
academy overnight.
There was the experience with Avella, Sian, and Ren intertwined and became a topic, but
due to the popularity of Belladonna, more and more people wanted to see Lucia, the
mysterious girl, and ruined Elena's mind. Even Anne, who was just a maid, was even
exposed to the rumors.
"Lady, have you heard the rumor?"
"Rumor?"
"The model of Belladonna. They say she's a ghost in the academy."
When Elena looked at her as if she was dumbfounded, Anne quickly followed.
"She's in the academy, but she's never taken a lecture. And she's never slept in the
dormitory. The mysteriousness in the painting is the energy of ghosts. Isn't it scary?"
Elena thought it was so absurd that she laughed in vain. It may be suspicious, but she didn't
think she would be rumored to be misleading in this way.
'I don't think I can pretend to be Lucia for a while.'
At a time when people's attention is at its peak, working as Lucia was at a high risk of being
discovered. Elena, who entered the news half-forcefully, waited for the rumor to calm
down.
Emilio, who was asked by Elena, visited the academy in a four-wheeled carriage bearing the
emblem of the Castol Corporation. Lucia explained why she has not been able to attend
lectures and why she has not stayed in the dormitory due to health reasons. As this fact
became known, rumors of Lucia being a ghost or something became quiet. As the mystique
disappeared, interest decreased a lot. Nevertheless, Elena saved herself. This is because it
was a burden in itself to increase the number of people who recognize her.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Shuaaaa.
It started to rain around the end of the fifteenth day. The rainy season. The thick rain and
ink clouds that came as the seasons changed showed no signs of stopping.
"Today!"
After leaving the dormitory and arriving at the archives, Elena disguised herself as Lucia in
a flash. She left the library wearing a raincoat that May told her to bring beforehand. The
streets were quiet because of the heavy rain. Entering the western annex, Elena arrived
safely in the studio without encountering anyone.
"Senior, I'm here!"
Elena's eyes grew bigger when she opened the door. The damp smell disappeared and the
smell of fresh flowers gave off a lush smell. The wreaths sent by aristocrats, art dealers,
sponsors, and collectors made the studio white.
"Miss Lucia?"
It was time for Raphael beyond easel to pretend to not know.
"Wow, senior. What's all this?"
Elena was surprised to find letters piled up on a wooden table on the wall. The high-grade
envelopes were full of words and affection and love letters.
'I didn't know you were so popular.'
Elena was dazed. There was nothing strange about the aristocrats' interest and approach.
There's no one in the art world who doesn't know the influence of the name Raphael and
the value of Belladonna. However, she didn't expect him to receive such explosive attention
and rescue from young ladies. Not just the common people, but from the noble girls. Most
of the letters were from aristocrats.
'The daughter of a family also sent it in the capital. That's quite a lot.'
It was all the more surprising because Elena remembered the patterns of most families in
the Empire. The fact that noble young ladies wrote such a letter to a commoner meant that
they had already had a calculation in their head.
'He's considered a man who could be given a title. A man who does art is also attractive.'
It's because Raphael doesn't dress up well, but he doesn't look like he's out of nowhere.
Even in his days as a court painter, young ladies often expressed their affection for Raphael
and made them cry.
"I've read one, but it's so heavy I can't read everything yet."
Raphael scratched his cheek in trouble. Elena smiled and stood next to him.
"What are you drawing?"
"It's a new piece. Do you want to see it?"
When Raphael suggested, Elena nodded and stood back. Elena was unable to disguise
herself as Lucia because of her fame as the model for the portrait Belladonna. In the
meantime, Raphael was so absorbed in painting that the painting was almost complete.
"It feels sacred, and it makes me reverent."
It was a mythical painting about the subject of God and man. The wise and benevolent
goddess stood far away and looked back, followed by three or four humans, reaching out
their hands, but not touching her. Elena carefully looked into the work and talked about her
feelings.
"Somehow, it seems to contain the hopelessness of human beings who love God.... It is a
difficult picture to define in a word. It also seems to express human desire."
"Really?"
"It's my interpretation, so don't mind. It's bigger than that. Do you think the characters are
alive? It looks good. What's the name of the work?"
When asked about the question, Raphael replied with a bitter smile.
"Yearning."
It meant that you miss something so much and only think about it.
"You drew it from the point of view of a human being looking at the goddess."
"Isn't that what a goddess is to a human being? They can't reach out and hold hands, and
they just have to look."
Of the four men chasing the goddess in the painting, Raphael's eyes were on a man who
stared at the goddess endlessly. Although he looked different, he was a speaker on which
Raphael was projected. The man has a gracious goddess. Raphael has Lucia. No, how nice it
would be if her real name was Lucia. If he didn't know her real name, he would have taken
courage. He found out that even taking courage was irresponsible, so he had to look at her
like the man in the picture. Raphael laughed forcibly, fearing that even such bitterness
would burden Elena. Elena, who didn't know his heart, laughed and looked at Raphael.
"The more I look at it, the more I fall in love with it. A great masterpiece stops in one scene,
but it can produce hundreds or thousands of interpretations depending on who appreciates
it, right? Exactly. This picture."
"I've been getting a lot of compliments lately, and Miss Lucia's compliments are the best."
"Really? Then I should be greedy."
Raphael laughed at Elena's vague words.
"Greed? Oh! I'll give it to you."
"What? What?"
"I'll give it to you as soon as it's finished. I'll give you the Belladonna. I was going to give it
to Miss Lucia if I got it back from the academy."
Elena was embarrassed when Raphael, who misunderstood the intentions of the words,
said he would give her the work.
"S-senior, that's not what I meant. Why would I get a painting that you worked so hard on?"
"Because it's Miss Lucia."
Raphael made eye contact. Looking at Elena, who was embarrassed, he continued calmly.
"Without Miss Lucia, neither would I nor this painting be there."
"That's not what I'm talking about... but I can't say anything to you."
Elena grinned. Only then did Raphael ask again as if he felt sorry.
"Am I mistaken?"
"No, it's my fault for making it sound misleading. More than that, senior."
Elena looked at Raphael with a warm look. When faced with her smile, Raphael's heart
raced like it was broken. He tried to control it constantly, but the more he did, the faster his
heart beat.
"Don't you think we look pretty good together?"
"...!"
Raphael's eyes shook like mad. She suits him pretty well. Even if he tried not to listen to it
because she was misunderstood, his feelings were not maintained as the interpretation
continued to lean toward self-interest.
"W-what are you saying."
Raphael was speechless because of his trembling heart.
"Would you like to join me?"
"J-join you?"
Raphael's heart was pounding until it burst.
"Hands."
Raphael's mind turned white. It wasn't possible how to take that word. Elena, who thought
Raphael could not easily make a decision, revealed her grand plan that she had kept in her
heart.
"I'm planning to open a salon in the capital city soon. I'd like to invite senior to it. First."
".... Me in the salon?"
"A salon is a cultural center where we discuss ideas, learning, and art, and present and
display new masterpieces."
"Is Miss Lucia making that place?"
"I'm already building it. Much has been advanced."
Raphael lost his words as if he didn't know what to answer. It was shocking to find out that
she was Princess Veronica, but it was surprising that she was planning something huge like
a salon.
"I think your painting is a signal. Opening a new era."
"A new era?"
"It will be an opportunity to begin to change after realizing that there will be a lot of people
as well as the stereotypes and framework of the art world with Belladonna."
To be honest, Raphael didn't understand half of what Elena was saying. He couldn't believe
a painting would change the world. If someone other than Elena had said it, he would have
ignored them as a vain person. But the person who brought it up had to be heard
differently by Elena.
'Can you look so big with a small body like a lark?'
Raphael felt too small when he saw her. At first, he thought that the status of Princess
Veronica was the biggest barrier that he could not express his feelings. But it wasn't. She
was a giant whom he could not help but look up to.
"I want you to come to my salon. If you're with me, I can promise you unlimited support for
the work. And... Huh, I talked too much about myself, right?"
Elena looked around for a moment because she thought she had been aggressive in
courtship.
"You don't have to give me an immediate answer. I'm not forcing you, so don't feel
pressured. Okay?"
"You know."
"What?"
"You said I was the first one, right? Among the masters invited to the salon."
Elena nodded.
"Yes, you're the first one. And you will be the last artist I invite myself."
"Last?"
"There's a professional art broker in the salon. Oh! Art brokers can be considered as a
helper to help artists focus on their work."
The more they talked, the more he got the impression that Elena had prepared for the salon
systematically for a long time.
"I'll be there."
"What?"
Elena looked at him in surprise. Raphael smiled, hiding his innermost feelings.
"I wasn't going to go if I was the second one, but you said I was the first one."
"S-senior?"
Elena's eyes grew bigger because she didn't know he would answer so willingly.
"I'll go to Miss Lucia's salon."
"Are you sure you're okay? Aren't you trying to force yourself to make a decision?"
Raphael shook his head and said firmly to Elena's concern.
"You know, my personality. I've come to the conclusion after much consideration. I'd like to
see the new era when I opened the door."
"Senior..."
Raphael became bitter at Elena's gaze, which she was so grateful that she could not help it.
He didn't want that look. But he forced a smile because he knew it was greed that wanted
more.
"Good to see you, muse"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sect 12. Swordsmanship

"What? Say it again. Your Highness has made it to the semi-finals of the swordsmanship?
Not a preliminary round, but a final round?"
Elena, who had been limited in her activities as Lucia, was only able to meet Khalif. Elena,
who had heard of the situation so far, was amazed at the news of Sian that happened by
chance.
"Have you been deceived? How many times do I have to tell you he's reached the semi-
finals."
"Lies."
"If you don't believe me, go outside and ask anyone passing by. If I am right or wrong."
Khalif protested strongly as if she was unfair, but Elena couldn't hear.
'What happened?'
Elena didn't quite understand. In the original history, Sian had never been at the top of the
list of swordsmen or showed outstanding skills during his academic year. She knew him
better than anyone else because she was the one who hovered by Sian throughout her
academic career.
'The semi-final is the equivalent of the skills of most family knights... What happened?
Why.'
Elena was confused by the outcome so different from her memory. The swordsmanship
skills of the students of the Faculty of Swordsmanship are not easy to follow. Even though
she was aware of that fact, Elena could not abandon her doubts.
"Did you hear how he won? A fluke followed..."
"Hey, Your Highness would be disappointed if he heard you."
"That's not what I meant."
Khalif shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know. I only heard the results."
"It's exactly this way. Cutting the front and back and only knowing the pieces."
Ignoring Elena, who shed her eyes, Khalif turned the conversation to the origin.
"Not that. I said I met Your Highness by chance just before the semi-finals."
"You think you did."
"Don't be crooked. Your Highness asked me to give you a message."
"To me?"
When Elena responded, Khalif squinted his eyes and looked dreary.
"You're gonna die wondering what it is, aren't you?"
"You don't want to see me all your life?"
As it was the story of Sian, Elena was momentarily serious. Khalif was embarrassed
because she looked sad, which he had never seen before.
"No, don't be so hard on a joke."
"Go ahead."
"Please come see me when I get to the finals. He wanted me to tell that to you."
"... He really said that?"
Elena asked again as if she could not believe it.
"It's true. I'm telling you, I talked to him. So there's no doubt."
"..."
Elena had her head blanked as if the accident had ceased. Please come to see me. She didn't
know how to take it. The Swordsmanship Festival is a competition that determines the final
grades of the Faculty of Swordsmanship. It is a long tradition for participants of the
swordsmanship festival to invite their families or lovers. But Elena is neither a family nor a
lover. At best, she's a close friend and junior. Nevertheless, Sian pointed to Elena and told
her to come.
'I don't know what that means.'
One assumption passed through Elena's mind, which she tried to ignore.
'Hope to be closer... No. That can't be true.'
After watching Elena in confusion, Khalif began to be mischievous.
"Why did he invite you? I think I know."
"..."
"You're the only one who doesn't know what I know and everyone else knows? Or are you
pretending you don't know?"
"Can you stop making fun of me?"
Even though Elena stared at him, Khalif spoke out as if a spring had burst.
"Sometimes you're only strict with Your Highness."
"What do you mean."
"What do I mean. It feels like you're drawing a line. Did your Highness commit any serious
crime to you?"
"T-that..."
Elena was speechless at the moment. She couldn't find the right answer as if she had been
caught off guard. Because Khalif was right in every word. Khalif clicked his tongue and said,
"I can guess what's wrong with you. It's because of the difference in social status, right?"
"..."
"You know what. Why don't you be honest at least once?"
'Be honest?'
Come to think of it, Elena had never faced her feelings about Sian. She escaped the shadow
of the past and recognized that the current Sian was completely different, but that was all.
'... I don't hate him.'
This was for sure. Sian was no longer a hateful or fearful being. It was good to talk to each
other out of nowhere, and sometimes it was good to think of something. What's clear is that
Sian was no longer an object to be pushed away from Elena.
"Senior, do you know when the semi-finals are?"
"Look at your sudden aggression. The day after tomorrow."
Elena nodded and remembered the date and time in her head. She'd have to check with her
eyes whether Sian's semi-final run was a fluke or a real skill. Otherwise, she couldn't stand
the constant twisting of the original history.
"Senior, take this."
"Oh, don't give it to me. Everything you give me is disturbing."
Khalif took over the document that Elena gave him with a big smile. From the top page, one
by one, it was the personal details of future masters who sponsored and looked after L
through May.
"Oh, I shouldn't have seen it. Hey! I'm still lacking at least three bodies."
"I don't want to leave everything up to you. It's greed to take care of all these people alone.
Let go of people."
The number of artists and those who have introduced them before, combined, is nearly 30.
No matter how talented he was, it was impossible for Khalif to communicate with masters
in different fields and deeply understand and help them with their hard work throughout
their lifetime.
"The competent person takes care of his work, but the wise man has a competent person
underneath. You still have a lot to learn, but you have your own know-how, so let my father
help you train an art broker to use."
"I'm a successor, too. I feel like crying. You don't know how much I've been through with
you, getting nagged by Emilio, taking care of Randol's booze, and dealing with Diaz's
accident."
Elena felt a little sorry when she watched Khalif who was crying because he was really
happy.
"Now take it easy. Now that you've got a replacement, there's going to be some of the best
kids in the world, and none of them will be able to make it up to the senior level."
"You don't like me resting, do you?"
Elena laughed at Khalif's gaze, which looked at the devil.
"That's how much I believe you. They're not on the list, but there's someone I'd like you to
meet."
"Who is it?"
"Would you be surprised to hear it? A topic that has turned the art world upside down in
recent years..."
As soon as Elena was about to introduce the atmosphere, Khalif threw cold water.
Are you talking about Raphael?"
"How did you know?"
Elena opened her eyes round.
"Why am I always surprised? You're the model for Belladonna. It's a rumor that you're the
model. I saw it with my own eyes. You can't miss it."
"That's true."
"I wanted to talk about this, but I missed it because you didn't give me a chance to talk. You
want me to meet Raphael? You'll have made the promise, so I see. I'll see him later."
"..."
Elena stared at Khalif. Even though he didn't say a few words, she felt satisfied with the
understanding of the Khalif's growth, but awkward and low-key.
"What's up with those eyes? Strangely, I feel bad."
"... I'm trying to understand the mother bird's mind."
It was shortly afterwards that a nervous tendon formed on Khalif's forehead.
***
The semi-final day of the sword festival Elena left the dormitory as Veronica. Although it is
said that it has been quiet, it was risky to find a place where the crowds will still be
crowded as Lucia. In that context, Veronica's status was free to move.
"Sir, let's go together."
Elena suggested company.
"Me, too?"
"It's swordsmanship. You were frustrated to stay inside the academy. Wouldn't it be a good
stimulus as well?"
Elena read Hurelbard's goodwill, which is not hidden even when he tries to hide it. It was
like the instinct of a knight, and he had the desperate desire to watch the match between
the strong who rose to the semi-final.
"Okay."
"Let's go."
Elena got into the waiting carriage. The carriage moved as Hurelbard climbed next to the
horseman. Elena thought, looking at the panoramic view outside the changing window.
'Only when sir goes can I understand your skills.'
Elena didn't know much about swordsmanship. She needed someone to determine
whether Sian, who advanced to the semifinals, won by chance or by skill. And.
'If you get to the finals, your opponent will be Ren.'
In the original history, Ren won the swordsmanship. Not surprisingly, he is a monster who
has never missed a championship since entering school. Such a monster. One of the three
swords of the Empire, called the wolf of the imperial power. That's why Elena decided to
visit the semifinals. Sian, who was careful in everything, invited her to the finals, was as
good as saying that he was confident of advancing to the finals.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

'Your Highness was never a man to bluff.'

Sian, whom Elena remembered, was never a man ahead of words. So she wanted to check
with her eyes.
What was wrong with the future she knew, or did she not know the true nature of Sian.
Either way, she thought she would have to find a clear answer to solve the problem.
"Come on, come on!"
When the horseman pulled the reins, the wheels of the rolling carriage stopped.
First, Hurelbard got out of the carriage, knocked and opened the door with discipline.
Elena, who slightly lifted the hem of her skirt, got off the carriage with an escort.
Officially, people could not take their eyes off Elena, who wore a dress that was simple
enough not to wear a school uniform during the swordsmanship festival, but was fresh.
If they had been fascinated by the dignified appearance at the art festival, they would have
been in a lively atmosphere to match the outdoor swordsmanship.
"Why is the princess here?"
"It's an art festival, so she liked the paintings. Did she come to see Your Highness
"I think so."
Lady Avella is rumored to have been shot down by Your Highness. Look at that gait. I don't
want to admit it, but I think she deserves the Crown Prince."
Elena looked at those gathered in twos and threes and listened to what was being said in
one ear and dropped it in one ear.
In the past, she would have enjoyed the talk of her and the Crown Prince. But not anymore.
She knew it was not a position that was her own.
The stadium, where the semi-finals of the swordsman festival would be held, was lined
with circular stands centered on a rectangular duel field. The scale was quite large and
magnificent.
Elena was placed in the special seats, which were reserved only for the royal family, high-
ranking aristocrats, and descendants of the founding meritorious retainers.
The same was the case with a single dormitory, but the in the academy she was able to
enjoy enormous benefits and discrimination just because of being the Grand Duke's
daughter. Elena, seated in a special seat in the form of a terrace, overlooked the stadium.
Ren, who advanced to the semi-finals, was fighting for the right to advance to the finals at a
glance.
Clang.
Within seconds, Ren's fierce teasing of the sword caused the opponent to miss the wooden
sword in his hand. Ren's sword reached his opponent's neck because the wooden sword
was on the floor.
"Winner Ren Bastasche. He's going to the finals!
Ren grinned with a wooden sword on his shoulder at the cry of the swordsmanship
professor. The opponent closed his eyes and swallowed the resentment of defeat.
"Did you see that, just now?"
Elena asked Hurelbard, who was standing behind and watching the match, to comment.
"Yes, Sir Ren tricked him into pretending to stab, aiming quickly at his neck and breaking
his sword. The embarrassed opponent recovered the wooden sword and blocked it, but his
balance was already broken. After shaking from side to side, the sword flew with a decisive
cut."
"Is all what you said right now happened in an instant?"
"That's right."
"..."
Elena was speechless. Despite seeing the same moment, Elena only saw that he threw out
the wooden sword that the opponent was holding when Ren wielded it once.
"How good is Ren's swordsmanship?"
"He's strong."
"What's the comparison with Sir James, the commander of the 2nd Knights?
"Ren's swordsmanship would be stronger."
In spite of the difficult questions, Hurelbard told the truth about what he felt. Elena nodded
silently. She thought that was why he was chosen as one of the three swords to protect the
empire.
Ren's strength has long been recognized.
"What if you were to compete with Sir Ren? You don't have to tell me if it's too difficult to
answer."
Elena knows. This kind of question might seem rude. Nevertheless, the reason why she
asked was because she didn't know the future. That's not going to happen now, but it's to
be prepared in case she bumped into Ren later.
Hurelbard could not speak easily. Beyond the gaze of Ren leaving the stadium, there was an
imaginary duel with Ren.
"... I think it's half-and-half."
"Half and half. That's a wonder."
Elena laughed very satisfactorily. The same was true of the original history.
There was only one official opportunity to fight, and Ren and Hurelbard fought for half a
day and neither of them could win.
If Hurelbard had said he was stronger than Ren because of his pride, she would have
waited for him to mature more.
On the contrary, if he said he had a small chance of winning, she would have motivated him
because he needed more training. But she didn't have to.
'Stay as you are, Sir Hurelbard.'
Elena allowed Hurelbard to do personal training when he was away from the dormitory. No
matter how well determined a sword is not used, it will accumulate, and she wanted to help
him become stronger by focusing on training during his growth period.
At that time.
Ren, who was continuing his rain and laughter toward his blatantly defeated opponent,
found Elena sitting in the special seat.
Despite the fact that the distance was quite long, it was not difficult to distinguish her with
her unique blonde hair and the impression of the knight accompanying her.
"You wouldn't have come to see me, would you have come to see Your Highness?"
Ren's mouth wriggled. Rather than the joy of winning the semi-finals, he became happier
with the thought of how to challenge Veronica, not Lucia.
"Ren, go down."
Even though the opponent had already gone down the stadium, the professor who was
seeing the referee urged as Ren did not leave.
"I forgot because I was distracted by something more exciting than the competition."
"What?"
He was going to have to do something about Ren's blatant comments. His opponent, who
had gone down the field first, was furious and stared at him like he was going to kill him.
But Ren laughed at him and whistled out of the stadium.
"Who is this? Your Highness is in it?"
He faced Sian walking to play in the second semi-final match up ahead.
Stroke.
Sian walked past Ren, treating him as an invisible man. Despite being ignored, Ren laughed,
let alone hurt his feelings.
"You must win, Your Highness. You're going to lose, don't you think losing to me is a good
picture?"
Sian ignored Ren's sarcasm and left for the match.
Ren, who had been looking at his back, turned around and came out of the hall.
As it was a place where only the participants and their acquaintances could enter, there
were few people, and Ren leaned against the wall on the other side.
"Mel."
Over the wall, Ren called lowly, and Mel answered.
"I've been waiting."
Despite the fact that their voice were not loud, it was clearly heard in Ren's ears. It is a
colloquial method that only comes down to Majesti, an organization specialized in
assassination and tracking.
"Did you find out?"
"It's not totally fruitless."
"Let's talk."
Mel reported, feeling the power of short but submissive.
"While I was monitoring the safe house, I found out that a doctor who was treating Princess
Veronica in the past came out of the garden."
"Is he still there?"
Ren's eyes sank calmly. His clever brain, which had not been used before, quickly combined
the pieces based on the information that Mel brought.
"Yes, I'm wondering, the herb used to decipher the poison is still going into the safe house.
The amount has even nearly doubled."
"What?"
At that moment, Ren's eyes were full.
Soon the surprise spread to unbearable joy.
"What, is that right?"
Mel reported only two pieces of information, but that was enough.
This is because it was a confirmation that could instill confidence in the doubts that Ren
had all along.
Mel asked, feeling curious about Ren's subtle way of speaking.
"Do you have any idea?"
"No, snap. I don't."
Ren laughed low to see if he could not hold back his laughter.
"It's meaningless to keep an eye on the safe house any longer, so pull them out."
"Okay."
They thought he understood something, but they didn't ask. They believed there was a
good reason if Ren didn't tell them.
"Anything more to say?"
"It's late, but congratulations on your advance to the finals."
"There's no such thing as insulting congratulations. I've only won a kid's game."
"Sir may think so, but the patriarch is very pleased. He said he'd come to the final in
person."
"Father?"
Mel nodded.
"He really wants to see you win."
"Say yes."
Mel's appearance first disappeared before Ren's dry answer faded.
Recognizing that he had left, Ren clenched his fist tightly and expressed joy with his whole
body.
He even grabbed the wall and laughed like a madman.
"Really... What, this. Did you trick me with a fake subject? Like a fool?"
Ren's smile didn't leave his lips.
From the first meeting of the anniversary of the birth, to Lucia, who was staring at the
studio, passed by like a lantern.
Every moment, he couldn't stop laughing when he remembered it.
Like a fool. Ren was amazed by himself.
It never occurred to him that Elena would take advantage of the fact that she was a fake
Veronica and hurt the Grand Duke. It was just good.
That Lucia is not Veronica. Veronica is a fake. So... they're no longer cousins.
"Oh, I'm going crazy. She's fake, she's more Veronica-like than Veronica."
What did she believe that she was so confident in front of Ren. Also, when he remembered
the abomination that he had been struggling with without losing a word, his lips twitched.
"You pretend to be the daughter when you're a fake Lucia?"
Ren actually laughed when he recalled Emilio, the boss of Castol, and Elena, who was
playing a friendly father and daughter.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Lucia was the model of Belladonna that was praised as a masterpiece of the times. Even
Raphael, the painter who painted Belladonna, trusts and relies entirely on her. Not only
that, but he was guessing that L, the madman who was aiming a sword at the Great House,
was her. Even that was exactly what Ren liked.
"That's how she stole our Highness's heart."
No one else can deceive himself. When Sian, who was united with a sense of mission and
duty, stood in front of Lucia, it was visible that he was shaken. To settle in so many people,
intentionally or unintentionally, with so many fake identities. She was a sensual woman
who's fatal.
"Oh, my mistake. It wasn't just Your Highness's heart that was stolen?"
Ren grinned.
***
"Wooow!"
Shouts resounded through the stadium. Sian won after a fierce battle for a spot in the final.
The opponent defeated by Sian seemed to be Neo. Throughout the Faculty of
Swordsmanship, Sian never beat him. Even in the lower ranks, he was as good as the
bottom. However, he couldn't get out of shock because he lost to Sian.
"Sir, how does it look to you?"
Elena kept her eyes on the game throughout the match. As the opponent also advanced to
the semi-final of the swordsman system, his swordsmanship skills were excellent. Only
after several difficulties, Sian was able to win the victory by touching the heart of the
opponent first by one cheek difference.
'I think it's a one-way race, but...'
To be honest, the wooden sword hitting in the air was too fast to be chased by eyes.
However, she tried her best not to miss the sword, and she managed to see the moment
when the game took off. No matter who won, it was a fierce match.
"I think your Highness won by a hair's breadth. Is that right?"
When Elena asked again, Hurelbard took a break and opened his mouth.
"I remember you asked me earlier. If I was confident of winning against Sir Ren."
"I did."
"I'll change the question and give you an answer on the assumption that I'm now facing the
Crown Prince."
'You don't have to...'
Elena was cold. Hurelbard is not just a general knight, but a genius who was praised as a
sword of the Empire. It was definitely great that Sian was submitted to the final of the
swordsmanship festival, and it deserves applause, but it did not erase the impression that
he had won desperately. On the other hand, Ren, who is on par with Hurelbard,
overwhelmingly beat his opponent to the final. The temperature difference was huge.
"40%*. Maybe it's underneath."
"So, you mean that the odds of Your Highness winning against Sir are that low?"
"No, I'm saying that the probability that I will beat Your Highness is 40%, maybe below
that."
Elena questioned her ears. Even in the original history, Sian always circulated in the lower
part of the undergraduate school, and did not stand out in the swordsmanship festival. But
what? Hurelbard's evaluation was enough to shatter Elena's thoughts.
"That can't be true. I can't believe Sir is behind."
"... The Princess is very strange. It's easy to recognize the winning rate with Sir Ren, but you
don't want to admit it with Your Highness."
Elena felt sick when Hurelbard hit the nail on the head. It can also be seen as an evil of blind
faith in memories of the past. Sian may become stronger due to some kind of opportunity,
but she couldn't get rid of the tendency to wear colored glasses.
"You're right. But, isn't it true that His Highness's skills look lagging behind Ren, who
overwhelmingly defeated his opponent?"
"Because His Highness is matching the level of his opponent."
"How can you guess that. What do you mean?"
Hurelbard opened his mouth carefully.
"I think His Highness is hiding his skills."
"No way."
"Your Highness is stronger than me and Ren."
"...!"
Elena instantly realized that she had missed something. Sian of the original history tried to
revive the imperial family, which had lost its authority. However, as Sian's qualities
improved, he had to face intensive checks on the four major households, including the
Grand Duke.
'Your Highness was crouching. Waiting for a chance to fight back.'
She got goosebumps when she thought the Sian she knew was a shell. Furthermore, for
some reason, Sian seemed to have made a different decision from the past. Otherwise, there
would be no reason to disclose the hidden swordsmanship under all circumstances. Elena
glanced down at Sian leaving the stadium with applause.
'I still don't know anything about you.'
She couldn't take her eyes off Sian who left the stadium for a long time.
***
Among the three major festivals of the Academy, the swordsmanship was by far the most
popular. This is because, of course, there were many things to see, as it is a battle against
fierce swordsmanship. Also, many outsiders visited the final of the sword festival as it was
open to outsiders. Moreover, in the final of the swordsmanship festival this year,
expectations were heightened as Crown Prince Sian, who would succeed the imperial
throne, and Ren, the successor of the Bastache family, the leading nobility of the emerging
aristocracy faced each other.
In particular, Sian's advance to the finals aroused a lot of attention among luxury
companies. Sian, who had been hovering at the bottom of the school throughout the school,
was applauded, saying that he should be praised for reaching the final in a fierce battle that
was not like the Crown Prince.
Moreover, the opponent in the final match is Ren, a genius who has never missed the first
place in the School of Swordsmanship since entering the Academy. The final match
between the two was seen as a confrontation of effort and talent. The nobles, of course,
cheered for Ren, which was unusual. There was a cunning heart to enjoy the defeat and
despair of Prince Sian, who had become empathy for Ren, a nobleman.
On the contrary, Sian received overwhelming support from the common people. It was the
result of him listening to Elena's story and trying to reach out to the common people first.
Later, as if it was not true, Sian often participated in discussions among ordinary people
who were attending the academy. At first, it was a reluctant atmosphere, but it is rumored
that students from the common people were moved by Sian's attempt to abandon his sense
of authority and approach them. In addition, Sian is said to have tried to understand their
lives by searching for shops and restaurants near the Academy, without being bound by the
status of the prince.
Meanwhile, Sian, who was hovering at the bottom, fought a fierce duel from the preliminary
round of the swordsmanship system to reach the final. The common people were
enthusiastic about Sian, writing a miraculous story. Regardless of their status as a
commoner, they saw Sian change the results with effort, and they got hope that they could
butter up their unhappy lives.
"... I couldn't even think about it. The people would like to hope for Your Highness's victory
so far."
Elena, disguised as Lucia, not Veronica, visited the stadium. She wanted to erase
Belladonna's image by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and an outdoor dress, not a school
uniform, to see if anyone recognized her.
Elena was surprised to see the crowd filling the stadium. Previously, the number of
common people was significantly smaller than that of aristocrats. However, the number of
common people who were crowded to the finals was countless. Because it was Elena, who
had experience participating in the original historical swordsmanship festival, the gap
touched her skin.
"His Highness will win, won't he?"
"I hope so. I want His Highness to take the noblemen down."
"But it's said he was a genius? He said he never missed first place throughout his school
year."
Talent? Effort is the best. Take a good look. Your Highness's heart will chew him. He's cool."
The common people, of course, defined Ren from the nobility as their enemy and cheered
for Sian. There was also antipathy toward aristocrats, but they have become closer to Sian.
'The people are on your side, regardless of victory or defeat.'
Elena's eyes shone. It may be said that the reaction of common people who came to cheer
for the swordsmanship festival was an exaggeration, but Elena did not think so.
Every change starts with something trivial.
"Hey!"
Khalif, who found Elena in that far-away sense, approached with a welcome wave. After
that, Raphael and Cecilia were also seen.
"Huh? How are you with Raphael and Cecilia?"
It was only a few days ago that she introduced Raphael to Khalif. She couldn't believe that
the three of them became close enough to watch the finals together in the past few days.
"What do you mean, we're friends."
When Khalif replied triumphantly, Elena looked alternately at Raphael and Cecilia as if it
were true.
"It happened somehow. He told me that if I miss the final match, I will regret it forever."
"And I was brought along, too.
Cecilia sighed in perplexity. Even though it was Raphael, Cecilia had been between Sian and
the appointment of the Crown Princess. It was bound to be embarrassing, but it could only
be said that Khalif, who did not know the situation before and after, forcibly brought her.
Elena, who felt moral responsibility from the point of introducing Khalif, apologized
instead.
"Senior is a little wide, so please understand."
"Oh? No. I'm fine."
Like the empress, Cecilia smiled brightly and waved her hands. As she always felt, she was
a deep-seated woman who thinks and cares about others before her own feelings.
"Hey, I managed to get you here. Why are you trying to send me back?"
"If you don't really know, don't talk."
"What do I not know? Hey, talk to me. You have to tell me!"
When Elena ignored Khalif's words and headed for the arena with Raphael and Cecilia,
Khalif ran behind them. The party was about to enter the stadium, but one knight
approached.
"Excuse me, are you Lady Lucia of the archaeological department?"
________________________________
(T/N: Hurelbard could also be saying his probability of winning is 0.4%, but 40% is more
likely.)
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena was nervous.

"Yes?"
"I was worried that I wouldn't recognize you, but I found out at a glance. Your Highness's
statement that she looks exactly like the portrait Belladonna was true."
The identity-checking knight was well-mannered.
"Your Highness asked me to take Lady Lucia to a special seat."
"Me?"
"Yes, I think the people behind you are acquaintances. There was also an order to bring
them with you if you had company. Please follow me."
"..."
Elena and her party followed the knight with a puzzled look. The room was next to the
room where Veronica watched the semi-final as Veronica a few days ago. As it was
reserved exclusively for the royal family, its size was definitely wider.
"When the match is over, Your Highness has told me that he would like to see Miss Lucia
separately. I'll be waiting outside."
The knight with his head bent down as if he were treating a VIP. Only then, the tension
seemed to have eased, so Khalif opened his mouth and talked.
"Your Highness is also enthusiastic. Thank you, Lucia. When else would I ever enter a place
like this in my life? Don't you think so, Raphael?"
"I know."
Unlike the excited Khalif, Raphael was only smiling bitterly. Unlike Sian, who can do a lot of
things as Crown Prince, he felt uncomfortable that he could not do anything for her.
"Thanks to you, I can cheer for him in a good place."
Cecilia smiled with fever. Her smile seemed free from any discomfort towards Sian. The
political spirit was broken, but they didn't have feelings for each other. She rather noticed
Sian's feelings toward Lucia and wanted to cheer.
"..."
The most confused person at this moment was Elena. It was unclear how to accept Sian's
consideration, which was too excessive.
"Hey. I'm talking the third time right now. I'm friends with the kids in there."
Thoughts became complicated, it was noisy as if there was a scuffle outside the door of the
special room. It was not long before she heard Ren's voice playing the truth.
"Hey, friends! It's me, Ren. You shouldn't be the only ones watching. Let's watch it
together!"
Elena sighed deeply and reluctantly came out. The knight was trying hard to stop Ren from
trying to force himself in.
"You're in a good mood. He came here before the game and thought of being a bully."
"Can you be kind to me? We're friends."
In response to Elena's grotesque reaction, Ren pulled the entangled knight off and laughed.
"Don't laugh disgustingly, why did you come?"
"If I win today, do you want to eat out with me?"
Elena looked ridiculous because it wasn't the sound that anyone who was about to make
the finals would come this far for.
"Why should I eat out with you?"
"Because I want to?"
"I hate it."
"You can't hate it. I'm attaching all of these reasons for having a meal with you."
Despite being rejected with a single stroke, Ren smiled slyly.
"It's a match soon, so I don't have time? I think you've said yes."
Ren said what he had to say and ran away because he might lose time. Elena shouted in
embarrassment.
"Wait a minute! Who said yes!"
"You pick the restaurant. I'll pay for it."
Ren, who was laughing at what was so good, turned the corner and disappeared out of
sight.
"That son of a..."
Elena sighed as the ground went out. The sudden suggestion from Ren was greeted with
uneasiness.
"Isn't something the same as last time?"
Ren, whom Elena knows, is that kind of person. He's like a hyena that bites the opponent's
weaknesses to death. He even had a three-way meeting with Emilio to intentionally put
Elena in trouble. So she didn't want to get involved with Ren. When Elena came in with a
face full of depths, Raphael asked anxiously.
"Are you alright? You seemed to be arguing again."
"He's getting more creative. If he wins today, he wants me to eat out."
"Just the two of you?"
"I think so. And he wants me to make a reservation? I can't believe it."
Unlike Elena, who regards it as an extension of malicious harassment, Raphael approached
it more emotionally. Ren's suggestion to eat out on the premise of winning seemed
different from usual.
'There's no way, right?'
Raphael stopped thinking there. Looking at Ren's malicious behavior so far, he thought it
was speculation.
"Oh, that's Your Highness! Your Highness! You must win!"
Khalif cheered as he watched Sian show up at the stadium as if it was very exciting. Elena
tried to concentrate on the match by pushing aside her complicated mind with Ren. Until
Ren, who appeared, waved to the special seat where Elena was located and pretended to
know her. Khalif was embarrassed by the sudden behavior of Ren.
"We're here to support Your Highness, aren't we? I think he's mistaken."
"That's the way he is. Ignore him."
Elena disregarded him as if he wasn't worth paying attention to, and fixed her gaze on Sian.
It was in an instant, but Sian's eyes and Elena's eyes collided in the air.
"...!"
Despite being far away, Elena felt like Sian was staring at her right in front of her. It was not
long before Sian turned his head to face Ren in front of him and fixed the wooden sword.
Ren also responded by lowering his posture. The professor, who was standing between the
two, lowered his hand, which was raised high above his head.
"Final round starts!"
There was a quiet silence between Sian and Ren on the square. The two, who did not budge
as if the time had stopped, only stared at each other without words. It was not just a war of
nerves, it's a search for gaps.
The first person that moved was Ren. Ren's wooden sword, which immediately closed the
space with the ground, poured through the opponent's body. Even an experienced knight
could not easily respond, and it was a smart and perfect stab. However, Sian's response to
the move was also formidable. He slouched down and twisted his upper body down. Then,
he struck Ren's wooden sword, which had been pushed in with thrust, and struck him with
all his might.
Chang. Ren's wooden sword lost its balance and fell to the floor. At the same time, Ren's
body was exposed defenseless. Sian quickly turned his neck and swung at Ren's shoulder.
Even though he was wearing light armor, if he ignored it, he had the power to overpower
him with a single blow.
Sian could not wield the sword as he pleased with the signal from his instinct. Rather, he
used the sword in a straight line to protect his body.
Ren picked up the wooden sword and poured it back into Sian.
Chang, the wooden sword and the wooden sword collided, and the sound of the crack
spread. Even in a situation where Ren's balance collapsed, he twisted his waist and swung
his sword for Sian at an angle. If Sian had not instinctively blocked it, but considered it an
opportunity, and aimed at Ren's shoulder, he would have been hit in the thigh without
protection earlier. Although it was barely blocked, the power of the wooden sword was so
great that Sian's body was pushed back. At the moment of falter, Ren touched the ground
with his hand, then swung in the air and stood with two legs again. In a blink of an eye,
there was a tremendous roar from the audience, who were holding their breath in the
competition.
"Wooow!"
Whether it was a noble living in the capital city or a commoner, there was little chance to
see a battle that made their hands sweat as it was far from war. It was natural to be
enthusiastic about the tension that made their whole body hair stand out just by looking at
it. However, the tension was not seen at all from Ren, who was actually facing the sword.
"Oh, my God. I don't think that's Your Highness I know?"
"..."
"Have you been hiding your skills? Then keep hiding it. Why are you now revealing it and
making it difficult for many people?"
Ren grumbled. He was surprised by the swordsmanship of Sian, who was not at all
compared to himself, but there was no such sign at all. This is because he had a firm belief
that he would win in the end.
"Because I had to change."
"Change? For what? I don't think that will change Your Highness's situation."
Ren openly sarcastically criticized Sian's will. The imperial family had long-lost its
authority. Even if Sian was in a bad shape, it was true that it was difficult to find the
authority of the imperial family in the midst of the solidity and checks of the four major
families, including the Grand Duke.
"I was just like you. I thought I had to change."
"What are you talking about. I'm a shallow learner, so please understand."
Sian glanced at Elena, who was sitting in the special seat.
"She told me. Times have changed. It's not my job to change the world."
"..."
"I have changed my mind since then. I'm just going to pave the way for the times to go in a
better direction."
Ren didn't understand half of what Sian is saying now. However, he could guess who was
the mastermind behind Sian's hidden sword technique and made the change. It's Elena.
"I've warned Your Highness before. Don't like her. You can't keep her."
Ren used his chin to refer to Elena, who would be watching the match in the special seats.
"It's none of your business."
"Why can't I care. I'm interested in her."
"...!"
When Ren made a public declaration, Sian's eyes grew bigger. He didn't know he'd admit it
this way, even though he wasn't sure.
"Oh, that was too long. I was supposed to eat out with her if I won. You don't want to lose,
do you?"
"I will do my best to win."
"The talks are broken."
Even Sian's calm eyes were full of struggle. He never wanted to lose as much as he invited
Elena to the final. Even more now that he knew how Ren feels.
The same was true for Ren course. No matter what happens, he wanted to defeat Sian in
front of her. Elena's unruly promises motivated Ren to cling to victory.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Tat. Ren moved first. It was a swift and quick rush that could not be better to look at. Sian
laid down his wooden sword calmly as if he had expected such an attack to come. Sian, who
turned the sword away with minimal force, wielded the sword threateningly.
Hwek! The sound of the air-breathing wave rang. Ren turned around before the wooden
sword touched and avoided the blow of Sian. Ren, who took the opportunity, raised his
spirits on the attack. A lightning stab threatened the vital point. However, Sian was also
formidable. Proper evasive and counterattacks cut the flow of Ren.
A seesawing battle. A fierce battle ensued, in which no one could dare say superiority.
Threatening attacks that seemed to take the life of the opponent continued to come and go,
but neither side backed down. The audience couldn't take their eyes off the confrontation,
holding their breath. No, they couldn't say anything. They were overwhelmed by the spirit
of Sian and Ren.
"Haa, haa."
Ren and Sian, who continued the workshop without a break, had a lull at a distance. The
harsh breathing sounds and drops of sweat flowing down their jaws made the fight more
intense.
"Hey, Your Highness, don't you know how you've endured losing and being ridiculed by
me?"
"It was just a meaningless battle."
Sian had completely hidden his sword skills. Despite losing 11 official matches against Ren,
he did not show his skills. It was an inevitable choice. Without the mask of incompetence
and the distraction of the Great House and the four great families, there would have been
no room to dig in. However, that thought changed when he met Elena.
"The emperor is not a person who reigns, but a person who cares for the people. I only
know that now."
A bitter smile unknowingly formed around the mouth of Sian. In order to find the authority
and glory of the imperial family in the past, he tried to put all his energy into ostracizing the
nobles. Then he met Elena and thought again.
What is an emperor.
What an emperor should be like.
Corruption and exploitation of the aristocrats have devastated the lives of the people.
There were a lot of common people who were dying from hunger just a little outside the
capital.
Elena said.
A new era will come. Changes will start from the bottom, not the top of the pyramid.
Sian, who belatedly understood the true meaning of the words, sought to change himself.
He also revised plans that were being carried out in secret. The beginning was to reveal
Sian's innate sword skills that have been completely hidden.
The checks of the aristocrats? He didn't care. Rather, Sian wanted to give the impression
that he was in a symmetrical position with the aristocracy. The Crown Prince who will
stand on the side of the people who will be the protagonists of the new era. That was the
sketch of the big picture that Sian was drawing.
"What do you mean. What about the emperor and what about the people?"
"I didn't think you'd understand."
Ren scratched his head, wielded the wooden sword threateningly in the air, and laid the
sword shoulder-high.
"Let's get to the end. I have a meal appointment and I don't want to keep her waiting for
long."
"Your stabs are excellent."
Sian also slowly lowered his posture. The harsh breathing was as calm as it was before the
sword was put together.
"There are also no specifications for the sword."
"I'm being evaluated by the lower part of the undergraduate level. I guess I was a little
funny?"
"I don't mean to ignore you. Because you are strong beyond doubt. But I have seen your
sword, and you have not seen mine. That is all."
By the time Sian's words were over, Ren took the lead. From the beginning until now, he
wondered if he was too insisting on the same attack method, but even if he knew it, he
couldn't stop it.
In Sian's mind stood a way to destroy Ren's formidable attack. Swordsmanship like the
nature of a beast. If you are not born with a natural instinct, you will never be able to use
the sword. The current Faculty of Swordsmanship, which pursues restrained movements
and practicality, stands at the opposite point. So it may be more difficult to deal with, but on
the contrary, it also means that there are a lot of unnecessary mounds.
'It's time to cut the flow.'
Once Ren started pushing once with a beastly instinct, he started adding momentum. Sian
intentionally cut off Ren's spirits around the time he rose. After exchanging two or three
fights, he opened the distance to catch his breath, and fought fiercely against the wooden
sword and repeatedly stepped back. Ren's rhythm snapped when he cut off the flow several
times.
'It's now.'
Sian's eyes changed.
He bent his knees and lowered his posture. Ren's stabbing, which was his specialty, was
optimized to overpower his opponent at one stroke, but he had a weakness of having many
gaps in the event of failure.
Chang! Sian struck Ren's stab with force from the front. For a moment, Ren was
embarrassed. His balance was broken. Ren quickly took a defensive posture. No, he was
going to get drunk.
"This kind of!"
Ren, who felt threatened when Sian's sword was aiming for the heart, twisted his upper
body with animal instincts. Ren's eyes were also tired for a moment when he was relieved
that he had avoided it. Sian's wooden sword, which should have entered deeper, changed
its course.
'Here!'
Sian had no intention of seeking the heart in the first place. He just pretended to be after it
and tricked Ren into reacting too hard. Sian launched a wave of attacks on the fallen Ren.
An immaculate motion. A restrained attack aimed only at the vital point. All the movements
and swordsmanship of Sian were perfect enough to be used as samples of knights.
After failing to find his own pace, Ren failed to beat the offensive, and it was Sian's neck. He
let the sword touch his Adam's apple.
"End of the competition! Fourth year His Highness Claudius de Sian wins!"
At the same time as the professor's declaration of the end, shouts broke out from the stands
watching the duel without even breathing. After taking the wooden sword, Sian paid a
silent tribute to his opponent.
"It was a good match."
Ren threw the wooden sword and turned around with a nervous expression, as if he had
given him a piece of courtesy.
"Hey, hey!"
The professor tried to say something about Ren's rudeness, but he had already walked
down from the stadium.
"Wooow!"
There were thunderous shouts from the common people who visited the stadium for the
winner, Sian. Sian waved to answer their cheers. Then Sian's eyes turned to the special
seats.
"..."
Until the roar died down, Sian's eyes were on Elena.
***
'Your Highness has won. He beat Ren.'
Elena couldn't believe her own report. Who is Ren? He was the wolf in the wilderness, one
of the three swords protecting the empire. He was a superpower at the pinnacle of the
empire, which was considered to have no one to deal with except for the ice knight
Hurelbard. That Ren was defeated by Sian. The miracle was written by Sian, who was
hovering in the lower part of the Faculty of Swordsmanship throughout the school year.
'Sir Hurelbard was right. Your Highness was hiding his skills.'
Elena couldn't help but admit. Furthermore, Sian looked different.
"Your Highness is looking over here. Let's wave our hands!"
Khalif clung close to the terrace and waved. Then Raphael and Cecilia, who were in the
back, stepped forward and applauded to celebrate his victory.
"Lucia, what are you doing? Come on over here."
"Go."
Elena, who was dragged by Khalif, stood near the terrace and applauded. Elena couldn't
erase her dazed mood for a moment and sincerely celebrated the championship with a
smile on her lips.
Knock, knock.
The guard waiting outside the special room opened the door and came in.
"Your Highness would like to see you. Follow me."
As mentioned before, the guard guided the group to a building behind the stadium. In
principle, only participants were allowed to enter the building, but special access was
possible with the permission of Sian.
Elena's gaze, who had just stepped into the building, accidentally turned over the door
between the walls across the building.
Stop!
Elena's eyes shook as if she had not seen it.
"What are you doing not going?"
"... I'll be right there. Go up first. I'll be right back after doing some urgent business."
When he heard that it was urgent, he did not ask any more questions and nodded his head.
Elena, who sent the group up first, approached the wall across the street.
Slap!
Ren's head was seen turning between the cracks in the wall door.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Surprised, Elena hid herself on the wall without even realizing it.
'I didn't see it wrong.'
After following the guard, Elena accidentally found Ren through the door. It was a time
when she was going to ignore it without much thought. Wouldn't the thick hand like a bear
hit Ren's cheek hard? As a result of her surprise, Elena came to the wall without knowing it,
and unintentionally, hiding herself like a thief cat and eavesdropping on the conversation.
"I've come all the way here, and I see you losing? You pathetic bastard."
The voice from across the wall was profound. It was estimated that he was a middle-aged
man, about 40 to new.
"My father doesn't know true satisfaction. I could lose. Do I always win?"
"You're telling me that?"
Slap! Elena flinched. Hearing the sound was so ruthless that her body shrank.
'Viscount Spencer, that's too much.'
Elena's feelings for Ren were not good. No matter how hard she opened it, they couldn't get
along well. Apart from that, however, Viscount Spencer, who indiscriminately slapped him
for losing the final, was not a mature act as an adult.
"The Crown Prince has been at the bottom for four years. You've never missed first place in
school. But you lost. Because you were idle and lazy."
"Yes, I was idle and lazy."
Ren was still perverse as always.
"You stupid jerk. I've never taught you to lose. I only taught you how to win."
"You're very firm. Is that why you were so hard on my mother?"
"What was that?"
Elena held her breath.
'Mother?'
Looking at it, from her past life, she had a bad relationship with Ren, but she didn't know
anything about family history or personal history. She hated Ren, she was scared,
disgusted, and was eager to avoid him.
"Why do you pretend you don't know? You put my difficult mother in the social world and
cursed her for being useless because she couldn't build a decent connection!"
"Your mother is a stranger to the Bastache family. Of course I had to!"
"I told you I'd do it! I'm going to break the neck of the man my father hates. So, just leave
my mother alone. But you...."
Ren's feelings were so intense that he blurred his words. That alone gave her an idea of
what his mother might have done. Elena now understood why Ren hated Princess Veronica
so much and had bad feelings toward the Grand Duke. Ren couldn't do anything about
himself, hurt by his family history. His own wounds were so great that he bullied and hurt
others, and in the meantime, his wounds were wrecking without his knowledge.
"Foolish bastard. You're stuck in the past! I raised you wrong. I should have raised you
harder and stronger."
"Then you should have. I'm going to get more upset and go crazy."
"You idiot."
Viscount Spencer, who had been glaring disapprovingly at Ren, turned away coldly. Until
the last minute, he was hard on his children.
"Are you revealing yourself now?"
'Me?'
Elena was taken aback. There was a conversation between Ren and Spencer that was too
sharp, so she tried to leave quietly. However, the current call seemed to have known from
the beginning that Elena was hiding there and listening.
"Aren't you coming out?"
'I got caught.'
Ren's confirmation shot made Elena realize that she was too late. When Elena appeared in
the center of the passage between the walls, Ren smiled with a distinctive smirk.
"What are you. What are you eavesdropping about? Do you know how nervous I was that
my father would notice?"
"... Are you alright?"
Elena hesitated and said.
"What? Oh, this?"
Ren grinned, asking back as if it were insignificant.
"I've gotten used to being hit."
"..."
"Why? If I'm hurt, will you come and give me a hug?"
Ren responded playfully and pretended to be innocent. With a face that didn't look good at
all. Elena looked at Ren sadly and reached out to him without even realizing it.
"...!"
Elena's hands surrounded Ren's cheeks, which were swollen red. She hoped that the
wounded heart hurts less than the face that swells up slowly. In fact, Ren's twisted
personality was also the harmful effects of Spencer's own compulsion and coercion, so Ren,
who lives with such a wound, was pitiful.
Ren was embarrassed by Elena's unexpected behavior. It made him feel warm in the corner
of his heart. Since he had never learned how to accept the unfamiliar feeling, he snatched
Elena's wrist and looked sharp.
"What is this? Sympathy?"
"Yes, I sympathize."
"...!"
"Why are you being beaten up like a fool? You have a big body. You can't even speak well
while beating here and there?"
"Are you consoling me now?"
Ren's eyes shook relentlessly as he asked back. Comfort. He grew up under pressure of
responsibility and duty. The word consolation was a luxury to him. Elena touched the
weakest part of Ren.
"W-will you let go? It hurts."
"Ah!"
Ren quickly let go when he realized that he had clenched Elena's wrist without realizing it.
It was a mistake. But when he saw Elena's wrists swollen red because of that mistake, his
heart hurt so much. He couldn't do this anymore. Ren swung around because he thought it
would be weird to face Elena.
"We haven't kept our promise, so let's eat out next time. I can't wait until then."
"Senior."
Elena's low voice was touching his heart today. Ren turned around and took a couple of
steps before stopping.
"I'm warning you, don't comfort me."
He couldn't bear to see Elena, so he didn't look back and took out his mind.
"I might cross the line."
"...!"
After Elena was surprised, Ren stuck his hand in his pants pocket and left. It was a very
good exit.
***
"I'm sorry, I'm late, aren't I?"
Elena arrived late in the waiting room with Sian.
"You're here? I was just talking about you."
At a glance, she could feel that Khalif was the mood maker. He played the role of licorice
even in situations that could be awkward because he has a good attachment and a flexible
personality. Thanks to him, the atmosphere was not awkward even though Elena came late.
"Why are you talking about me? I'll give my congratulations."
"I've already got my mouth worn out. Except for you."
When Khalif pointed out, Elena looked at him and faced Sian sitting in a chair. Not long ago,
the playful speech had disappeared from nowhere, becoming a more aristocratic spirit than
the aristocracy.
"Congratulations, Your Highness."
"Thank you."
Sian took Elena's appearance for granted because he was used to it. It was when Elena, who
raised her head, tried to sit on an empty chair next to Khalif.
"I have something to say to Lady Lucia, can you excuse us for a moment?"
"Yes? Oh, I see, Your Grace."
It was a Sian who even showed the sincerity to invite Elena to the finals. Khalif went out to
the waiting room, pursuing Raphael and Cecilia himself, to create an atmosphere so that
only the two of them could talk. An awkward silence flowed in the space where only the
two were left. It was Sian who opened his mouth first.
"I wondered what I would do if you didn't come."
"What?"
"I was in the stadium and saw you. I felt relieved and relaxed."
"..."
Elena didn't know what to say. From the invitation to the finals to the words that his
tension was relieved, it made her feel good, but it was burdensome.
"You look like you have a lot to say."
"I'm a little surprised."
"Do you mean by me? Or that I beat Ren and won the championship?"
"Both."
When Elena answered honestly, Sian held his chin and said with a wistful look.
"Because of you."
"...!"
Elena's pupils shook, unable to find the focus as if they were an earthquake. She didn't
know where to look at Sian's eyes, which looked more serious and deeper than ever.
"Didn't you say that? Take advantage of the new era."
"Ah."
Sian didn't listen to Elena's words in the dormitory in vain. The decision was made by
listening to each word and making his own judgment.
'It was all because of me. The original history was wrong...'
She had a vague idea, but now she could fully admit it. What Elena said and what she did
had a big impact on Sian. The future was likely to be significantly different compared to the
original history. The same was true of Sian's victory in swordsmanship, but Cecilia was also
not crowned as the Crown Princes. As the butterfly effect is said, there was no idea how far
it would change.
'Whatever it is, I don't regret it.'
Elena was determined to tolerate and endure whatever variables occurred. It was because
she was so proud of Sian, who has become mature after winning advice from Elena.
"Accepting your wishes, I chose to stand at the symmetrical point of the aristocracy. The
checks of the nobles also made up their minds to completely restrain me. Only then..."
"The people will be on your side."
When Elena took over, a slightly surprised smile hung around Sian's mouth.
"It sounded alive. The people's enthusiastic cries for me."
"Your Highness."
"The people are not on my side. I'll be on their side."
Sian became as mature as a completely different person. Instead of seeking the imperial
authority that was taken away by the aristocracy, he put forward a cause for the people
who form the foundation of the empire.
"It was a demonstration of that resolution."
"You finally proved it. You beat Ren and won."
With the victory of the swordsmanship festival, the eyes of the nobles who have treated
Sian as an incompetent prince will draw attention. Despite his young age, most knights beat
Ren, who could not even be an opponent. Now Sian will be restrained and oppressed
regardless of all means and methods. On the contrary, due to the story of Sian's win, there
was a widespread belief among the people that the Crown Prince would cut out the rotten
nobles.
"I have a question for you."
"Speak."
"Ren said. You promised to eat with him if he beat me. Is it true?"
Elena's cheeks poked.
"I didn't promise."
"It must have been a one-sided coercion."
Was it her mistake? She felt like the corners of Sian's mouth went up.
"I didn't know what was going on before and after, but I got angry when I listened to him."
"... Your Highness?"
"I don't want you to meet him. Right now and forever."
"...!"
Elena's heart sank.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sect 13. Graduation

The semester had come to an end. The final exam results for the second semester came out,
and the students who showed their talents in academic, art, and swordsmanship were
selected in each field. The fourth grade will also leave the academy after graduation. Unlike
the Royer Empire Academy, which is graduating after vacation, the Imperial Academy will
hold a graduation ceremony immediately after the end of the semester. However, even
though it is a recurring event every year, this year's graduation ceremony is expected to be
held larger than usual.
Prince Sian, who wrote the story of a miraculous sword victory. Raphael, the artist of
Belladonna who was stirring up the empire. Even though he lost to Crown Prince Sian at
the swordsmanship, Ren Bastache, a promising prosecutor who is called a sword of the
Empire. Throughout the hundreds of years of graduation ceremonies, it was rare to
produce people as outstanding as this year.
A day before graduation Elena went to Raphael's studio after dressing up. Raphael was
carefully wrapping the artwork, and Cecilia was helping with the work. Elena felt a deep
sense of regret when she saw the two tidying up.
"The seniors are graduating. I think time flies."
"I know."
"It's empty here. I think it'll be very lonely."
She felt a sense of emptiness in the studio.
"How about my junior when we all leave? How about having a lover?"
"I have no idea."
"Really? That's weird. There seemed to be a lot of people thinking that."
Cecilia, who said something meaningful, smiled her eyes and teased Elena.
'... You never know. I didn't expect her to be in this relationship with me.'
Compared to the past life, everything was new and low. The relationships that had been
established in her mind were all twisted and developed in a completely different way.
Cecilia was one of them.
"What should I do with this picture, Miss Lucia?"
In front of Raphael, there was a painting in here by Elena. In the past, it would have been
heartbreaking just to think of Ian, but now he was warm in Elena's eyes. She wanted to take
it with her, but she was not in a position to do so right now.
"Can you keep it for a while?"
"Yes, tell me whenever you can take it."
Raphael nodded and wrapped the painting in layers of paper. By the time all the stuff in the
studio was sorted out, the porters sent by Khalif arrived. They carefully moved their
luggage to a carriage outside the annex. Raphael, who sent his luggage first, also felt new
when he saw the empty studio.
"I'll go to the dormitory and finish packing."
"You're coming to graduation tomorrow, aren't you?"
Elena nodded.
"I'll be there. I'll congratulate you and say goodbye."
"Goodbye feels like we're breaking up forever. Just congratulate me."
After Cecilia's joking words, Raphael and Elena parted ways. Elena moved to the next
meeting place. At the entrance of the academy, she received an outing card and visited a
restaurant that Emilio purchased and operated.
"Welcome, miss."
Like the last visit, the employee greeted with a bright smile. The restaurant was quiet
because it was closed today.
"Quickly."
When Elena entered the terrace room on the second floor, Khalif greeted her warmly.
Emilio replaced Khalif with a light bow.
"Congratulations, senior. On getting a diploma safely."
"I honestly didn't expect to graduate... but I was lucky. The professor gave me a good look."
Khalif looked genuinely happy.
"Will you come to my graduation ceremony tomorrow?"
"I have to go."
"Of course. I'll be disappointed if you don't come."
Elena smiled silently and looked at Khalif. The first meeting started with a deal, but now
there is a strong bond that can be called trust. He felt like a strong business partner.
"Why are you looking at me like that? In a bad way."
Elena smiled and turned her head to meet Emilio's eyes. In Elena's eyes, the impression of
an ironclad playing a father-daughter relationship disappeared, and there was a calmness
left in the place.
"I got my progress report. Without Emilio, I wouldn't have been able to get this much rent
to avoid the checks of the Grand Duke. Thank you."
"It's nothing compared to the grace received from the benefactor."
Emilio was polite and respectful. Khalif blinked at the sudden change in the title.
"What's that awkward title? And Emilio, why do you respect her? What's with the
benefactor?"
"Senior."
Khalif put on a strange expression. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't understand
the conversation they were having now.
"You know what? I don't understand this situation. Can you explain it so I can understand?"
"I'd rather do that. I think it's time to be honest."
"What are you trying to say? I'm anxious."
Elena took off her black horn-rimmed glasses. Although it was a makeup product that
controls the image, Elena's original face line was revealed even though only her glasses
were taken off.
"Why are you taking off your glasses... Uh? Oh!"
Leaving the confused Khalif behind, Elena put her hand inside her head and untied the pin
of her wig, which she had held tightly. When Elena removed her hand from the back of her
head, she had a short brown wig. At the same time, Elena shook her head, and the long
blond hair that had been rolled down flowed like a waterfall. At that moment, Khalif
uttered a shocking remark.
"P-Princess Veronica?"
"...!"
Emilio, who was next to him, also looked surprised at the remark. He had guessed that
Elena was a great noble or of the imperial family, but he never imagined that she would be
a Princess Veronica of the Great House.
"We've seen each other a lot, senior."
Elena put her long hair behind her shoulders and smiled a playful smile. It was fun to see
the response of Khalif, who was so surprised that he couldn't keep his mouth shut.
"You... Oh, no. Your Highness, then why... W-what about Lucia?"
"Will Emilio explain it to you? Where's the real Lucia?"
Emilio, who was asked by Elena, answered instead.
"My daughter, Lucia, is now in the capital of the Belkan Kingdom, a member of the
Trilateral Union."
"If it's Belkan, that's the north! T-then, why has Your Highness the Princess been
pretending to be Lucia? The one person who I've only heard of through words?"
"That's what it is."
"T-this is a dream. No way. No way!"
Khalif couldn't believe it even when he saw the current situation. He couldn't accept the
fact that the woman he believed was Lucia was actually Princess Veronica. Elena wiped the
smile off her lips as she watched Khalif who couldn't stop doubting her. She spoke in noble
language with a noble look.
"I don't bargain over that artwork. It's an insult to art."
"T-that means..."
Elena didn't leave out a single toe in the first deal, but she got the same message. Khalif
grabbed his head and almost tore it off. He had no choice but to accept that Elena was Lucia
and Princess Veronica.
"I'm sorry I lied to you. But I couldn't help it. The name Lucia was breathtaking to me. I
wasn't free to leave because of the surveillance of the Great House."
"H-hold on. I don't understand why you... No, Your Highness is being watched by the Grand
Duchy?"
As soon as Elena acknowledged the fact that Veronica, a question came to mind. Looking
back on what Elena has been doing, there have been many plans aimed at the Grand Duke.
Artworks brought by Khalif were purchased with more money, and land purchases in
slums and exclusive contracts for natural marble mines were technically taking the
interests of the Grand Duke's business. He couldn't understand why Veronica, who was the
successor to the Great House, was cutting off her weight against the Great House.
Elena took a short breath and alternated between Raphael and Emilio. Even though she
came here after packing, she was hesitant.
'It takes a lot of courage to reveal the truth, but it's important.'
The two were the only people who could be trusted and relied on for Elena, who staged a
lonely revenge against the Great House. Nevertheless, it required a big resolution as it was
to reveal secrets that had never been revealed in both her previous and present lives.
"I am not Princess Veronica."
"You're kidding, right? If you're not Princess Veronica, then who is?"
Looking at Khalif, who was confused, Elena confessed the truth.
"My name is Elena. I'm a substitute for Princess Veronica."
"...!"
Not only Khalif but also Emilio, who never loses his composure, was confused.
'Should I have told you over time?'
There was a moment of regret, but Elena shook her head and shook off her thoughts.
'No, I have to show my sincerity first to win the hearts of others. I really need these two
people.'
Elena did many things with these two people. Without Khalif and Emilio, she would never
have dreamed of this success against Leabrick. Knowing that, she decided to tell the truth
that she was Veronica's substitute.
There was a silence. Elena didn't rush and calmly waited until they understood and were
convinced. Khalif was the one who found a long-running silence.
"I'm so confused right now that you said.... That you said were a substitute. Then where's
the real Princess Veronica?"
"I don't know. But I know it won't be long before she gets back to where she was. That's
when they won't need a substitute. I'll be thrown away."
"T-thrown away?"
Elena nodded. The miserable death of being deceived to death passed like a flashlight.
"I'm just a doll to the Grand Duke. A doll to be disposed of when it's out of use."
"..."
Khalif lost his words and didn't speak. He couldn't say anything to Elena's expression as if
she knew her miserable ending.
"Benefactor."
Elena turned her head and stared at Emilio.
"All you've prepared so far is for the return of Princess Veronica?"
"It's similar, but technically it's not a backup. All I want is the downfall of the Grand House."
"I see, the downfall. It's not easy at all right."
Emilio's expression became complicated. The opponent is Grand Duke Friedrich, who is
called the pillar of the empire. So far, the deal has caused a lot of damage to the Great
House, but it was not a great deal to that extent.
"It's not easy, but I believe I can do it. We've been doing well."
Elena, who took her breath, continued solemnly.
"But I'm not going to stand by anymore. The Grand Duke's aid Leabrick is a cruel woman.
You two could be exposed to danger."
Elena bowed her head in a more polite manner than ever.
"Nevertheless, I'm ashamed of it, but please. Can you help me like you've done?"
"Benefactor."
"... Lucia."
Elena was more desperate than ever. She knew she couldn't have come this far without the
help of these two. Even though she knew it was dangerous enough to give up her life, she
had no choice but to hold hands and beg for it. Khalif was the first to respond to Elena's
sincere confession.
"There's no way I can't help you."
Elena looked up and saw Khalif talking loudly.
"Did you say shame? I have a thing called shame. If it wasn't for you, did you know I'd be
trying to seduce an immovable young woman and get into the position of being a son-in-
law? You've made such a worthless bastard like this."
"Senior."
"And you asked me to help you. You're going to die if I leave you alone. How can I pretend I
don't know?"
Khalif tapped his chest and offered a show to believe in himself. It wasn't very reliable, but
it was enough to make Elena smile.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Can't I speak informally in that sense? I'm a year older than you. Oh, is that not? Are you
older than you actually are?"
"I'm young."
Elena laughed at Khalif, who did not lose his cheerfulness.
"Benefactor."
"Speak."
"Do you remember? When I first saw my benefactor, I asked Lucia so that I could be a
father who was not ashamed."
"How can I forget?"
Elena still remembers the day vividly. Emilio said he would give up what he had
accumulated all his life to repay the kindness she had saved his child. The sincerity was a
reliable driving force for her.
"If I take my foot out now, I won't be able to see my daughter."
"Mr. Emilio."
Elena felt overwhelming emotion. Khalif and Emilio, who stood out for her, not Lucia or
Veronica, she was so grateful for.
'For the first time. I feel like I'm not alone.'
Anne and Lorentz, whom Elena believed in, in her past life, betrayed her. They were
ordered by Leabrick to keep a good eye on Elena and never treated her with sincerity. But
not anymore. She has strong allies that she can trust openly.
"Okay! Let's destroy everything. What are we going to do now? What should we start
with?"
Elena smiled brightly as she saw Khalif in triumph.
"You just have to be good at what you're doing. Consistently."
***
The graduation ceremony of the academy was more grand than ever. As a representative of
graduation, Sian read his graduation speech and ended his academic career by a moving
last sentence. A large crowd gathered to celebrate graduation. Among them was Elena,
disguised as Lucia.
"Congratulations on your graduation, senior."
Raphael nodded to Elena's congratulations. He looked puzzled, like the graduation was not
real.
"Until the day before yesterday, the academy was as stuffy as a cage, but I'm sad to leave."
"Khalif will take good care of me. I'll visit you sometimes."
She was just saying good-bye when someone suddenly stepped in from behind her. It was
Khalif.
"What? I think you just talked about me."
"Your ears are so sharp."
Raphael grinned at Elena's cute sarcasm.
"Cecelia, congratulations on your graduation, too."
"Thank you, junior."
Cecilia thanked Raphael and Khalif with a bright smile and had a good conversation. Then,
Elena felt someone's eyes from behind and looked back. She could see the sight of Sian
standing close by.
"Congratulations on your graduation, Your Highness."
"Thank you."
Sian said nothing for a moment after that. Around the time when silence was awkward,
Sian wore it with difficulty.
"I think I'm going to be out of my mind for a while."
"What?"
"I'll come and see you when I have time."
"...!"
Sian said his goodbyes and turned around. This is to prevent Lucia from attracting
attention because of himself.
"Wait a minute!"
Elena, who was dazed as she looked at the back of Sian moving away, hurriedly called for
Sian. However, Sian, who had gone away, disappeared into the crowded crowd.
"... Your Highness won't be able to see me even if you come."
Elena had submitted a leave of absence to the school building as of yesterday. This is
because Belladonna made it difficult to act as Lucia because her face was so known.
Raphael graduated and left the academy. Even if she didn't dress up as Lucia, there were
many ways to contact her through Khalif. There was no reason to act as Lucia anymore.
Therefore, even if Sian comes to see her, Lucia will not be at the academy. The same is true
of Veronica, which Elena is posing as. Sooner or later, Leabrick will recruit professors for
her to graduate early. Then Elena's interface with Sian completely disappears. So she was
going to tell him. Don't look for me, I won't be here. She should have said this, but she
couldn't. Elena couldn't erase the bitterness because she couldn't see Sian even if he came.
"I couldn't even say goodbye to Your Highness, but he's gone."
"He's in a hurry."
Elena drew her eyes because there was no way to catch Sian, who had already gone. Even
so, she kept looking for regrets. Raphael approached Elena and said.
"So, Ren, he didn't come."
"He must have been hurt that he didn't win."
Ren didn't come to the graduation ceremony. Was it the means of rejecting second place in
the swordsmanship festival? Elena, who was responding casually, turned her head and
looked at Raphael suspiciously.
"But you're talking about him, aren't you? You didn't get along well."
"I did. I think he's detestable. He bothers me."
Elena nodded her head as she saw Raphael smiling bitterly.
"Me, too."
***
After the graduation ceremony, Elena was busy trying to complete her credits during the
vacation. In her spare time, she purchased the artwork brought by Khalif as an art broker,
and spent the rest of her time stopping by the library to accumulate insufficient knowledge
and insight. Elena did so well that she didn't have to interfere with the salon's work.
Emilio perfectly carried out the sale of natural marble in line with his reputation as an
object. The contract was made to supply natural marble to the Grand Duchy for five times
the cost. This allowed them to cover the cost of building more salons and basilica's.
As the number of masters in charge increased, Khalif picked a successor who could
specialize in the field of architecture and art, as Elena advised. He took them along,
imprinted and educated them in their role as an art broker, and served as a senior.
The most interesting thing is the news of Raphael. Khalif gave him the best environment to
concentrate on his work. He paid attention to providing a workroom with a good view
which was differentiated from the quaint underground studio during his academic years so
that he could concentrate on painting.
But it didn't even last 15 days, so Raphael said he wanted to move the studio. In the
basement as in the academy. When Khalif asked if he was serious, he said he couldn't get
used to the bright sunlight and didn't want to sneeze because of the pollen that came
through the window frames. Khalif was dumbfounded, but as Raphael asked, he searched
near the salon to save a basement with a damp and stale smell. It is said that at this time
Raphael began to work with progress.
She could also hear news related to Ren. It was said that the shock received after the
swordsmanship festival was great, and that he was stuck in a military training center
within the family and devoted himself to the training of swordsmanship. One day, it was
said that he made them devastated under the guise of a struggle with the knights in his
family.
Sian, who returned to the imperial palace, stayed there. It was presumed that he did not
show any political action, perhaps because of the aristocracy's checks, but that was not well
understood for Elena.
'You must have been busy as if being chased by something. There's no way such a person
could be still in the Imperial Palace...'
Sian has changed a lot compared to the original history. He has also recognized the change
in the new era. He is likely to be moving differently than before by now. Very covertly, very
dangerously.
'You'll do well without me worrying. You're such a sharp-witted.'
Not only Elena, but everyone lived faithfully to their own lives. As if the time she spent at
the academic institute was a lie.
In the meantime, vacation ended. As Leabrick asked, Elena completed her target credits
during the seasonal semester. The academic year went up and the new semester began,
and the professors' lectures began. It was a series of academic life without much difference.
Elena, however, had no time to be bored. Because she knew that it was time to leave. Sure
enough, Elena was called to the academy shortly before the midterm exam. It was the
gathering of the president, vice president and several professors of the academy.
"The thesis submitted by the princess was excellent. She was excellent at reading the flow
of the art world."
The flow of the art world? The thesis? Elena closed her lips tightly as she tried to hold back
her leaking smile. This is because it was ridiculous to see high praise for a paper that has
never been published.
"I was impressed, too. I can't believe she can pinpoint the fabric and thread of the art
world."
"She has a reputation in the art world. She has a good eye for the value of art."
Elena wanted to ask them to show her thesis she had submitted. What the hell does it say
that the saliva in their mouths are dry? Come to think of it, in her last life, she thought she
heard that she submitted a thesis on the clothing culture of the empire.
"I've been worried about this paper. Is it right to tie a person like the princess to an
academic institution?"
"Looking back at the history of past academic institutions, there were a few people who
graduated early by replacing their credits with papers."
'You're so good at talking.'
The number of graduates who graduated early so far you can count on ten fingers. Looking
back at them, they are either war heroes who went to war as a member of the sword
department and made a contribution to the war, or they are geniuses equivalent to those
who are masters. Elena, cool-headed, fell short of the standard. Nevertheless, they praised
proxy papers that she had never seen before and pushed for early graduation. The
president of the institute, vice presidents, and professors were all supported or influenced
by the Grand Duke.
'That's the real horror of the Grand Duke. There's no place they can't reach throughout the
Empire.'
Look now. They went ahead with her early graduation as if they didn't care about the
authenticity of her thesis.
"So, after several meetings, we decided to graduate the princess early."
Professors nodded at remarks that were tantamount to a notice from the president. They
said that it was a wise decision, and that she was a vessel too big for the Academy to hold.
"I Veronica von Friedrich, respect your decision."
Elena accepted the decision with her head down lightly. It was the day that Veronica's
name was put on the list of early graduations, which is unprecedented in the history of the
academy.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

A four-wheeled carriage carrying Elena, who finished her academic career, had crossed the
threshold of the Grand House. As she crossed the vast garden, which is believed to be a
forest, she could see the main building of the mansion far away.
Sigh.
As the loud cry of words rang out, the amusing vibrations stopped. Eventually, the door of
the carriage, which had been closed, opened, and Elena stepped on the ground, slightly
lifting the hem of her skirt.
"Well done."
Perhaps he had heard that she would come beforehand, Grand Duke Friedrich came out
and welcomed her with a gracious smile.
"I'm back, Father."
When Elena greeted her politely, Grand Duke Friedrich came up and hugged her lightly. It
was an act to look like a loving father and daughter. Elena held in the disgust of brushing
her neck and smiled pretty. As they wanted.
"Liv, how long has it been?"
Elena pretended to be glad to see Leabrick standing behind Grand Duke Friedrich.
"You've been through a lot."
"Liv had a hard time. Thanks to your care, my life at the academy was easy. Thank you."
As it has been a reunion after a year or so, friendly regards have come and gone. It was
clichéd, but this conversation was also a part of noble life, so she couldn't skip it.
"Don't stand here. Let's go inside. Let's have a cup of tea and talk about things we haven't
talked about."
"Yes, father."
Elena responded to the recommendation of Grand Duke Friedrich and moved to the
drawing room in the mansion. Of course, Leabrick was with them. When the maids stepped
down with the finest refreshments, the three began to talk.
"You had a lot of trouble at the academy getting credits, didn't you?"
"No, it wasn't hard because I thought it was an opportunity to learn something I didn't
know."
Elena showed a more mature appearance than when she first came to the Grand House.
That was because it could increase the value of Elena's use, give them trust, and induce
vigilance.
"You make your speech quite plausible. So, you've shown mastery in art?"
Grand Duke Friedrich had already set the stage for dialogue as if he had been briefed
through Leabrick.
"It's not that great enough to say that it's a mastery. When I see an esoteric piece of art, I
have thoughts of this and that. That's why I think I've got an eye without realizing it."
"Haven't the value of the works you bought increased significantly?"
Leabrick answered instead.
"There are a lot of works to see in the long run, but some of them have almost doubled the
price purchased by the princess."
"Really? Did it go up that much?"
"That's what the appraisers I've seen recently said. The artist's reputation has increased
and the value of their work has greatly increased."
Elena covered her mouth with both hands and gave a test of surprise as if she didn't know
it would be that valuable.
'Double it? I guess so. It's the most expensive before the crash.'
Although he is resting, the art world has been greatly shaken since Raphael's release of
Belladonna. It was difficult to determine the superiority and inferiority of what was better,
as all the published paintings had similar techniques and styles, since they had been
stagnating rather than developing for a hundred years. In the end, the absolute criterion
that determines the value of the work became the artist's reputation. It was the art dealers
and appraisers who took the lead in raising the value by manipulating such fame.
But now that has become difficult. With the announcement of Belladonna, some collectors
who had paid more money to purchase paintings raised the question of whether it was
worth it.
The art world fell on fire. It was not easy to adjust the price of art works due to collusion, so
it was hit directly by survival. One of the reasons is that the emerging painters who saw
Belladonna began to paint pictures with their own personality, influenced by Raphael's
style and techniques.
Due to this trend, art workers felt a sense of crisis. This is because when a new style of
painting is poured out, paintings that have been stagnant for a hundred years lose their
scarcity. Then, the value of the paintings that have been purchased at low prices will fall,
and the collectors will be angry. Knowing that, the art world workers desperately fixed
prices and stabilized collectors with false feelings. In order to escape from the present, they
turn away from the fact that a bigger wave will come someday.
"Oh, that's good. I wondered if I did damage, but the value went up."
"The princess has a good eye."
For some reason, Leabrick did not spare any praise. Elena's eye was highly regarded for her
ability.
'I want to see it already. How would you look if the price of the artwork I bought
plummeted?'
Elena changed her mind. She thought it would be better to give more damage based on
trust.
"I'm so glad my father and Liv acknowledged me. So, I'd like to be more aggressive in
purchasing art works, can I?"
"Princess, you want to buy aggressively?"
When asked again, Elena put her eyes on the floor and said, looking at her.
"I've been paying attention to some of the works, but the purchase price is too high to even
think about."
"Princess, I'm already spending a considerable amount of money on buying."
Leabrick had a serious face.
"I know. I know... and it's obvious that the value will go up, but I'm going crazy because I
can't buy it. One of the works I was looking at was sold at auction houses twice as much in a
year as the purchase price."
"Even so, you can't. There's a lot of a risk."
"Liv, can you really not?"
Elena looked at Leabrick, pleadingly, and turned her eyes to Grand Duke Friedrich. When
there were only two of them, Leabrick was the arbiter, but if there is a versus with Grand
Duke Friedrich, things will change. Having been entrusted with full authority, Leabrick is
just one thing. If Grand Duke Friedrich decides, she will have no choice but to follow.
"Well, it's an aggressive purchase..."
Grand Duke Friedrich smoothed his beard.
Elena spoke confidently when he showed signs of thinking.
"I can do it. I've always been indebted to you, and I want to be of some help."
"Are you confident?"
"Yes, you've seen the value of the artwork I bought earlier increase. If I wasn't confident, I
wouldn't have brought this up."
Elena had maintained a passive attitude until now, but today was different. She actively
appealed to her will and tried to seek the permission of Grand Duke Friedrich.
'If I do well, I can sway the finances of the Great House.'
What Elena wants to buy is a super high-end art piece. In many cases, collectors are not
willing to sell, so if you want to buy, you have to pay a price close to several times or tens of
times. Elena planned to purchase the most clumsy pieces of such work. And then, with
paintings that could plunge in value in the next year. It would be a blow from the position
of the Grand Duke, which has already mobilized astronomical funds for the Noblesse Street
development project. Elena looked at Grand Duke Friedrich with eager eyes and waited for
an answer.
"I'll give you permission."
"Your Highness!"
Leabrick's voice went up. She had never made a loud noise in front of Grand Duke
Friedrich, so she could guess what she would feel now.
"Please reconsider. This is not the time. Even if the unexpected additional project cost is
added..."
"That's your fault."
Leabrick bit her lips at the accusation of Grand Duke Friedrich. Elena, who was watching
the figure from the side, endured the laughter that brushed her neck. He was speaking
vaguely to avoid the point, but she knew very well why Leabrick was treated like that.
Buying slum land. Natural marble mining contract. All the unexpected had to do with the
business that Elena had disturbed. Due to the large amount of damage, Grand Duke
Friedrich did not speak, but showed signs of disapproval.
'I'm officially Princess Veronica, even if I'm a substitute. Even if the price of the purchased
artwork drops, you can't abandon me.'
Elena is essential to the Grand Duchy until Veronica returns.
"Thank you, Father. I will meet your expectations."
Elena smiled at this moment with sincere thanks to him.
"Is there anything else you need to talk about?"
Looking at Leabrick, who could not hide her discomfort, her lips, which had been tightly
closed, opened when Grand Duke Friedrich noticed.
"I invited a teacher to guide the princess from tomorrow."
"Teacher?"
"Madame de Flanrose."
Elena was surprised. In retrospect, Madame de Flanrose had never been her teacher. No,
there was no contact with her at all. That means Elena's involvement and behavior affected
her in some way. Elena came to her senses and responded as naturally as possible.
"I know I'm not good enough. I'll humbly learn from Madame."
"You'll have to. If the princess doesn't do well, the throne of the Crown Princess will be
given to Duke Reinhardt's Lady Avella."
"...!"
Elena's eyes were as big as the full moon.
'You're preparing for the appointment of the Crown Princess? Already?'
In the original history, Sian received Cecilia as the crown prince with a surprise marriage
announcement shortly after graduation. The move was so fast that even the four major
dukes could not do anything. In the end, the Grand Duke, who failed to make Elena the
Crown Princess, went ahead with a selection ceremony because his successor was delayed.
As a result, Elena was sealed as the empress.
'It's twisted again.'
A small change that Elena didn't recognize became a big wave and changed a lot.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

'Let's not regret it. I'm only watching it now. And I have to trust Your Highness.'
The small change had a positive effect on Sian. Sian's move was proof. There was no clear
achievement, but Elena did not doubt that he was moving in a better direction than the
original history. And.
'As long as I'm here, there's never going to be rain.'
***
The next day. Madame de Flanrose arrived at the mansion earlier than scheduled, as an
aristocrat who values appointments. As she was invited as a teacher, Elena stood at the
entrance to the mansion to be polite and greeted her.
"Welcome, Madame. I'm glad to see you again."
"Long time no see, Your Highness. You've become more well-behaved while I haven't seen
you."
Elena expressed her gratitude with an elegant hand gesture to say hello to Madame de
Flanrose. When they moved to the drawing room, Leabrick came to see them.
"Welcome, Madame."
"Nice to see you, Viscountess Leabrick."
The three, who opened the door to conversation with black tea and light greetings, moved
on to the main topic. When Leabrick and Madame de Flanrose talked, Elena listened.
"Your Highness wants Princess Veronica here to be the Crown Princess."
"I also think that the Princess is the only lover that suits His Highness. Is the appointment
ceremony for the Crown Princess decided?"
"Not yet, but it can't be vacant forever."
"You're saying we have time."
Leabrick left the drawing room, leaving a message of good care. When the two of them
were left alone, there was a heavy silence. Elena, who relaxedly drank tea, opened her
mouth.
"To be honest, I was surprised. I didn't know you'd accept this offer, Madame."
With the virtues of Madame de Flanrose, Elena was introduced to the maid May. May, who
became an aid, traveled outside the Academy at the order of Elena, taking care of the
masters of the times. Without May, the foundation of the salon would not have been
established.
"I don't know what Your Highness is talking about."
Madame de Flanrose consistently pretended not to know. Since she would not be able to
look good if she had to talk about it, she wanted to have a formal relationship as a teacher.
Elena burst out laughing. Although Madame de Flanrose may have a secretly promiscuous
private life, her external reputation is an impeccable woman who can be said to be an
example of a nobility. Even though she knew it was uncomfortable to bump into Elena, who
knew her secret, she accepted the teacher's invitation because Elena was the closest
woman to the princess. In the future, when Elena ascends to the throne as the empress
through the Crown Princess election ceremony, she would gain a reputation and fame as
the woman who taught the mother of the Empire. If so, it was highly likely to be
remembered by the public as the Madame who leaves about one line in history. It was
because of that desire that she accepted this job even though she was not pleased with
meeting Elena.
"I'm here to teach you at the request of Grand Duchess Friedrich. I'd like you to leave my
personal stories here and teach you respectfully."
"You're so bold. Is it because you erased all the traces?"
The reason why she could be so confident despite her disgrace was because she has taken
her own steps.
"What do you mean, "trace"? I don't know what you're talking about."
Madame de Flanrose looked at her face as if she didn't know what she was talking about. It
was such a calm acting that a stranger would be fooled when they saw it.
"I wonder if you really don't know or pretend you don't. But there's no such thing as
perfection in the world. Do you really think you erased them all?"
Elena smiled and looked straight into her eyes. Then Madame de Flanrose's eyes shook
relentlessly. She was sure she erased the traces, but she was wondering if she had missed
something.
'So why are you trying to use me to build your fame and reputation.'
If Madame de Flanrose had not shamelessly appeared in front of her, Elena wouldn't have
asked the past.
"Why aren't you talking, Madame?"
"That... That..."
Elena smiled at her, who was still embarrassed and at a loss.
"Looking at Madame's troubled face, I think I shouldn't have brought it up. Isn't that right?
"..."
"Well, shall we talk about the class now?"
Elena pushed her foot away as if nothing had happened. Rather than pushing her to the
edge of the cliff, it was better to leave room to make her nervous.
"How does the class proceed?"
"... I want to start from the basis of etiquette and law and grasp it again. I'll get rid of the
bad habits and re-engage the princess's movements to fit the mature body of the princess."
"Really? That's not a bad idea, but how about this?"
Elena had no intention of learning the annoying and cumbersome etiquette again.
"Tell me the etiquette that Madam is trying to teach. I'll try it right away. That shouldn't be
possible, but if there's something missing, you'll point it out."
"What, what?"
"If you show the moves you want, you don't have to point out? Then please cooperate so
that I can use this time as a meaningful time."
She was sure, no one in the present Empire has ever used more noble manners than Elena.
It was no exception to Madame de Flanrose, who is the Lady of Ladies. But Madame de
Flanrose had a different idea. She said it was okay to point out, so she was going to nitpick
properly and take the class out as an excuse.
But that day, Madame de Flanrose, who left the mansion, was pale and faded out. She
returned with her pride shattered because she couldn't even point out a single flaw in
Elena's movements.
***
"Tighten up."
"Yes, miss."
Anne tightened the corset as hard as she could and tied it tightly. Elena, wearing a newly
tailored blue sapphire-style dress, added grace by wearing a specially custom-made pearl
necklace.
"You're so pretty. The clothes aren't wings, rather it's like the lady attaches wings to the
dress."
Anne flattered with her saliva dry as she looked at Elena in the mirror. Lunarin looked at
Anne unpleasantly while tidying the hem of her dress. Jane's eyes, who were closing her
jewelry box, weren't very nice. The same was true of Misa, neatly arranging the shoes.
Except for May, who cleaned up the dress inside the wardrobe, the rest of the maids
consistently considered Anne unpleasant. She was so young that she stuck next to Elena, so
their contempt was visible.
"There is no shortage of guests."
"Of course! You said the art dealer was coming, right? He's very lucky. He can see your
beautiful face every time."
Anne snapped into Elena's side and smiled. Lunarin, Jane, and Misa frowned when they saw
the smile. They felt displeased at the way she looked at the three people as subordinates on
the subject of the least age and experience.
Elena neglected her arrogance and indulgence.
'You're right, Anne. You'll loosen your surveillance if you mistake yourself for being
favored.'
The more she feels superior, the less she'll be able to monitor Elena's mission.
"Let's go to the drawing room."
"Yes, miss."
Elena headed to the reception room on the second floor of the main building with her
maids. When Anne quickly popped out and opened the door, Elena stepped into the room.
"Y-Your Highness the Princess."
For some reason, when she saw Khalif, who greeted her with a very nervous look, she felt
more absurd than a happy heart, so a vain smile came first.
'Relax and do as usual.'
Elena looked at his face and spoke quietly in the shape of her mouth. Then Khalif's eyes
were perplexed. Elena was trying to reassure him, but he suddenly started hiccuping as if
he was very anxious. He would rather the place was the academic dormitory, or if he didn't
know Elena's identity, he wouldn't have known that the Grand House was quite a burden.
Elena went straight to the point.
"Long time no see. Should I look at the paintings I bought?"
"What? Yes, then... Hiccup."
Elena sat on the sofa and three paintings lay side by side on the easel. Considering that he
has brought more than ten canvas pieces for each visit, the number was very small.
"It's all worth knowing. This is 'Laurel,'and the middle one is 'Glory of a Thousand Years.'
The last is... Oh my God. It's a 'Poet's Song.' I didn't think I'd bring this."
Elena covered her mouth with her hands and gave a surprising play. However, she was very
satisfied with the paintings that Khalif had brought.
'I have to acknowledge my senior's ability. How did he get the poet's song?'
It is the poet's song that Elena thinks is the most frothy and highly regarded painting. It is a
special case that has risen to the ranks of masterpieces because of the unfair death of the
poet who became a model despite the fact that the painting style and technique were
nothing special half a century ago. Is it just the picture that Elena was hoping for? Although
the current value was high, the first painting whose value will drop sharply when the art
world is overturned is the work poet's song.
"Oh, I'm so happy that I can't speak. I can't believe I can embrace these famous paintings. It
doesn't matter how much. I'll buy all three."
"W-wise... Hiccup! This is your choice. Hiccups!"
Elena sighed in secret while watching the struggling Khalif because his hiccups did not calm
down.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine now... Hiccup."
"I'd like to buy something special, can I talk to you about it? It's hard to find."
Khalif held his hiccups and nodded. Elena looked around and said.
"I think I need to talk about something important, so please stay away for a moment."
The maids bowed politely and walked out of the drawing room. As soon as the door of the
drawing room was closed, Elena jumped out of the chair and reached out to Khalif along
with the water in a glass.
"I was so shocked. What kind of hiccups do you have in this situation? Drink water first."
Khalif took the glass and drank the water. Elena freaked out and took the cup away.
"No, you should drink slowly. I really can't live. Take a deep breath. Breathe in and out."
"Hu... Hah."
Elena's efforts have seen the light, and the number of hiccups has significantly decreased.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Do you feel better?"

"I-I think I'm going to live now. Hiccups."
Elena looked pitifully at him, and Khalif turned his head and scratched his cheek.
"Hey, don't look at me."
"Do you think I'm unsightly?"
"No... Oh, I can't get used to this. Why do you make it difficult for people because your
original version is uselessly pretty?"
Elena's eyebrows were raised when she saw Khalif, who was rather angry at her for being a
red-handed woman.
"So, are you blaming me for this?"
"I don't blame you for everything... but I'm nervous because I'm in the Great House."
Khalif kept his mouth shut while making lame excuses. It was because it seemed impossible
to say more here.
"Okay, sit down and talk."
Elena sat down on the sofa, offering a seat. Khalif's face seemed much more comfortable
than before, as if the hiccups had completely subsided.
"Sorry."
"Now? Just let me know the progress. I can't talk for long. Leabrick might be suspecting."
Having been indoctrinated through Elena, Khalif was unable to understand what a
terrifying woman Leabrick was, so he came to his senses.
"I think the main hall of Salon will be completed next week."
"Already?"
"You know, it's because of Randol's unique construction method. It's not an outrageous
thing now. Not only did the construction period be reduced dramatically, and it's
overturned that he has implemented a dome, the biggest challenge in building technology."
Elena's face was filled with color.
'It's just what I wanted.'
This was predicted from the time when the salon's construction was entrusted to Randol.
Randol's architecture, represented by the peak arch, imperial palace construction method,
and double-walled structure, was a revolutionary construction method enough to draw and
rewrite architectural history.
"What's the surrounding reaction?"
"It's crazy, I guess. There's still the annex work left, but people who have come to see the
construction are disrupting. They're wondering what the salon is about."
Elena nodded satisfactorily. The salon will be reborn as a cultural center that represents a
new era. As she could see, the result was successful as she asked the architect of the time,
Randol, to build a salon in order to have the appropriate symbolism.
"Only the official salon is left."
It was a time of harvest. It was time to reveal to the world the things that have been sowing
and watering breathlessly.
"As you said, I'm already excited to hear that Raphael's next work, 'Yearning' will be
released in time for the opening of the salon."
"The art world must have turned upside down."
"Art dealers and appraisers are all dying* anyway. The value of art will change, and it will
struggle not to plummet, but we'll still pour water into the bottomless pit. "
(T/N: not literal death.)
This is what Elena expected. The key was how to settle and accept the salon.
"That's right, the salon. Have you got a name yet?"
"Secret Salon."
"Oh, that's good. Everyone's wondering who L, the owner of the salon is these days. It's a
secret, so it's nice to have a secret feeling."
Elena nodded. However, the name Secret Salon was not simply named to retain such a
secret feeling. Secret, meaning secret, was in touch with the essence of the salon.
"Senior, I have something to announce on the salon's opening day."
"What, tell me."
"The secret salon is accessible only when you hide your identity. To do that, you must wear
a mask, and you must not reveal yourself."
"Is it a masquerade? Do you really have to? I don't think that's necessary."
Khalif could not find a reason to hide their identities by wearing a mask and letting them
enter the salon.
"I'm going to destroy the walls of status inside the salon."
"What?"
"As part of that, we will hold a discussion after Raphael's work is announced."
What did she mean, a sudden discussion? Khalif could not keep up with Elena's plan, which
she is talking about.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"I told you earlier, didn't I? I'm going to break the walls of social status. I'm thinking that
everyone who participates in the discussion held in the salon will be given the authority to
assert opinions from an equal standpoint."
"Even if you wear a mask, isn't it too unconventional?"
"There's another thing. I'll lower the threshold of the salon and allow them to freely visit
the discussions, regardless of their status."
Elena planned to use the salon's debate culture as a watershed for the new era. The
commoners have so far been abused and suffered by the nobles, but have not been able to
make a loud voice. Even though the common people have been robbed and harassed by the
aristocrats, they have never been able to speak loudly. It was unimaginable that they will
turn against the aristocrats in an empire where a solid status system is established. Elena
intends to make her question.
'There's nothing in the world for granted. You're not supposed to be a nobleman, are you?'
If an aristocrat loses their aristocracy, they lose their right to be treated as a noble. Elena
wanted to tell them that. Furthermore, she wanted to make them aware that they are not
beings who must be persecuted and exploited unconditionally for being a commoner.
'I need to help the people realize it themselves.'
To that end, it will be open to the debate hosted by the salon so that anyone can observe. Of
course, she realized that it would be difficult for commoners who are actually chased by life
to come to the debate and understand all the words. However, if a small number of
common people enlightenmenters, speakers, and writers who have attended the debate
gain enlightenment, they will spread it in their own way.
"Not everything, but I know what you mean. So what about the participants in the debate?"
"Ten in total. Five on our side. Encourage masters like Lil Puccini to participate."
"I'll keep in touch."
"Choose and invite well-known intellectuals from outside. I think about four people would
be great, so please explain the rules and get a confidentiality pledge later."
Khalif, who had always remembered what Elena was saying, found something strange.
"Wait a minute. Then isn't there a total of nine participants in the debate? One person is
empty."
"It's not empty. I'm coming."
"You?"
Khalif's eyes were wide open when she said she would come in person. Elena smiled
meaningfully as if enjoying the reaction and passed over her side hair.
"Look forward to it. The day when the mysterious salon owner L will make their first
appearance in the world."
***
"You're going out?"
Elena, who came to Leabrick's office without warning, said, relaxing over tea.
"Yes, it is said that a salon will open in the capital. I want to go there."
Leabrick's expression hardened. Elena's words of going there must have sounded
unpleasant, as her relationship with the owner of the salon, L, was not good.
"Is there a reason to go? I think the priority is to get ready before the appointment
ceremony for the Crown Princess."
"I was going to do the same, but I heard that painter Rafael's next work, 'Yearning,' will be
released in the salon. I'd like to buy it if possible, but I'd like to see it if I can't."
Elena expressed her willingness to visit the salon as an excuse to buy art.
'How much longer do you want to spend? I can't believe you're going to the salon L
opened.'
The salon was a popular tourist attraction in the capital even before its opening. They were
fascinated by the appearance of the salon, which was built with a new architectural style
that emphasized the flexible curves and harmony of the huge dome form, breaking away
from the architecture that was mainly composed of pointed and high spires of the past.
In addition, the announcement of Raphael's next work, "Yearning," which turned the art
world upside down and instantly rose to the ranks of the great masters of the times, was
scheduled in the salon. Even local aristocrats, who were well versed in art, were moving to
the capital city after hearing rumors, and collectors showed their willingness to buy
paintings with their money wrapped around them.
From Leabrick's point of view, the existence of L and the salon was an eyesore. They were
also encouraged to steal the money from the Great House through the sale of slums, and the
salon was created, but taking it as if to preoccupy the fame that Noblesse Street should
enjoy first, she broke out in agony. Her stomach boiled, but Elena asked for permission to
go to the salon on the opening day. Just visiting the salon as Princess Veronica's status was
tantamount to adding wings to their fame.
"Go ahead."
"Thank you for permitting, Liv."
Elena quietly put the teacup down. She did not forget to smile and provoke Leabrick's
uncomfortable speech and facial expression.
"If you have time later, go to the salon with me, Liv."
"... I'm behind on my work. You can go now."
Elena, who lightly said goodbye to her with a bow, turned around and left the office. Anne
asked as the smile didn't go away from Elena's mouth all the way back to the room.
"Did something good happen to you?"
"Something did."
It's not anyone else, but Elena was going to serve as a sidekick in time for the salon's
opening, so how long would it take to stand up from Leabrick's standpoint? If Grand Duke
Friedrich had not given her the authority to purchase art, she would have prevented her
from making any excuse.
Elena, who returned to the room, told the maids to prepare for the visit to the salon.
"Anne, I'm going out the day after tomorrow, so please be prepared. Tell the tailor to bring
the new dress without a hitch."
When Elena picked it up and said it, Anne's throat was strained. She wanted to show off
how much she is trusted to the other maids. But that depression was shattered by Elena's
subsequent remarks.
"May will follow me out, so be prepared."
"Yes, miss."
May answered politely with her head down.
Then Anne, embarrassed by the fact that May, not herself, was accompanying her to go out,
was caught up in the prevention.
"Miss, am I not coming with you? There's a lot I can do to help."
"You stay here. May is good enough for care."
When Elena drew the line without leaving room, Anne's face turned pale. It was because a
maid who accompanied her when she went out was considered a symbol of love. Elena
must know the fact. In her previous life, she used to wear Anne, inside or outside. But now
things have changed. She would frequent the salon more, and it was dangerous for any
reason for Anne to accompany her. Recognizing that, Elena was trying to tame Anne by
discriminating differently.
Two days later. Elena, who finished all the dressing up for the salon visit, put her feet in her
shoes. As the height went up, the shape of the slim neckline, arms, and bell line dress was in
harmony, creating a sense of enchantment.
"Wow, it's too bright."
"Miss, I'm worried that the opening of the salon will be buried in your beauty."
Today, Misa and Jane especially complimented Elena. Originally, Anne would have played
the role, but she was greatly discouraged by the fact that she was not accompanying her on
the outing.
"That's all for decoration. I need to talk to Anne alone, so everybody out."
"Yes? Yes, miss."
When Elena pointed out Ann, the other maids felt something was wrong and hurried out of
the room.
"M-Miss, why me...?"
Anne was very anxious that Elena might reprimand her for making an unknowingly sulky
appearance since two days ago.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"You were very upset yesterday, weren't you?"

Elena put Anne's side hair, who could not raise her head, with a friendly hand, behind her
ears.
"N-No, there's nothing to be upset about."
"You looked upset to me?"
"That's..."
Anne blurted out her words in one way or another. She seemed to be worried that she
might get scolded because she said no because she was disappointed.
"Anne, you know I trust and depend on you the most among the maids in the world, right?"
"Yes? Yes, of course."
Contrary to worries, Anne quietly looked up to a friendly tone.
"You know if I become the Crown Princess and enter the palace, I'm going to take you,
Anne, even if the others don't know."
"R-really?"
Elena nodded with a smile.
"Then. If I stay at the Imperial Palace, I will become the Empress someday. Then Anne, I
want to entrust you as a court lady of the Imperial Palace."
"C-court lady?!"
Anne's eyes were so big that they could pop out. She was so surprised that her heart was
pounding.
"Yeah. I don't know why, the ladies of the fallen family must be an imperial court lady. Look
at you. How competent are you as a maid after leaving your status?"
"Court lady, me..."
Anne's eyes were dazed. She was overwhelmed by the imagination that she could become a
court lady of the imperial palace.
"Anne, look far away. It's not because you're lacking that I don't take you when I go out."
"What then?"
"If you want to be a court lady, don't you have to know how to control your subordinates?"
"...!"
Anne's eyes opened after she understood Elena.
"So... when the lady is away, I have to take care of all the maids..."
"That's why I wonder if you can be good at cracking down on the things below even when
you become a court lady."
Elena smiled and opened the jewelry box organized by May and took out a bright ruby ring.
Elena held it out to Ann.
"Take it."
"Oh, miss."
Anne's eyes were stained with greed, unlike her speech, which was at a loss for words.
Elena did not lose sight of such greed and further fueled it.
"You decide how to use this ring. You can carry it with you, and I hope you'll use it wisely,
whether it's used to manage the bottom."
"Thank you, miss! I will never let you down like this again."
Elena smiled contentedly at Anne, who was so happy that she was at a loss for what to do.
Anne's vanity made an excuse to separate her every time she went out. There will be no
more perfect treatment than this.
Elena and May left the Great House. They were escorted by Hurelbard and loaded into the
waiting carriage. The carriage began to move and quickly passed the gate and strayed
through the streets of the capital.
"May."
"Yes, miss."
At Elena's call, May, who was looking out the window casually, replied politely.
"There will be many surprises when you go to the salon."
"Surprises?"
May has been supporting outstanding talent in L's name. However, Khalif established
himself as an art broker, transferring the management and support of artists. As a result, it
was the first time to talk about L.
"You'll find out now. Why I hate my father."
"...!"
The carriage entered the road through the capital in a straight line based on the imperial
palace. Elena, who looked at the panorama outside the window, couldn't hide her
excitement. Her heart was overwhelmed by the expectation that she could face the
substance of her efforts. The central intersection was crowded with people. As Khalif said,
people gathered to see the exterior of the secret salon, which has become a landmark. They
should have already arrived as scheduled, but the carriage moved slowly. By the time she
felt the time was long, she could see a huge dome-shaped building over the building outside
the window.
'There you go. The fruits of my efforts.'
As the carriage progressed, the buildings that were blocking the view disappeared one by
one. Soon after, the main hall of the magnificent salon appeared. The huge dome-shaped
exterior, which looks like it contains the sky, and the walls decorated with ancient sacred
Felician imperial pillars and spears showed the essence of beauty.
Towards the main gate of the salon, carriages carrying aristocrats went back and forth
constantly. The aristocrats who covered their faces with masks entered as if they were
enjoying the masquerade. In response to the salon's request to hide their identity
thoroughly, it was seen that the family pattern on the carriage was covered with cloth. The
nobles faithfully complied with the salon's requirements for entry.
The nobles loved the masquerade. It was because of the unique fun of hiding one's identity,
meeting and getting to know each other, and reasoning about who it is. The nobles could
not refuse the opportunity to enjoy these pleasures.
'It must feel like you have a new playground.'
Elena came in a luxury carriage favored by ordinary aristocrats, not just a fancy private
carriage. Just before the departure, she did not forget to tell Hurelbard to hide the patterns
on the carriage.
"Give me a mask."
May opened the box and handed over the butterfly mask. The mask reminiscent of butterfly
wings matched Elena's green dress, which was shaped like a flower. May also wore the
mask she had prepared. Elena had taken care of her wearing a suitable dress, so even
though she wasn't wealthy, she felt like a poor noble family's daughter.
Kiiik. The door of the stalled carriage opened. Masked Hurelbard escorted Elena and
stepped back. In principle, he had to guard Elena's side as an escort, but she told him to
wait outside the salon, saying that it is not necessary today.
When Elena stepped at the entrance of the salon, people's eyes poured out. At first glance,
the curiosity toward the mysterious woman wearing an unusual expensive dress and
accessories grew.
"Who is she? She's not a regular aristocrat."
"The days are ripe. Who is she?"
"I can tell who it is. It's her."
Elena stepped on the stairs and climbed onto the salon with her chic and elegant steps.
Some aristocrats were constantly trying to figure out who she was when they saw Elena.
Among them, those with keen eyes knew quickly.
'Find out as much as you want. That's why I dressed up so nicely.'
From the start, Elena had no intention of hiding that she had come to the salon. It was
because it wasn't even a beauty that could be covered with the mask, and the fact that
Princess Veronica visited the salon was an opportunity to show the presence of the salon
among the luxury. After entering the salon, Elena received a guide and entered the hall of
the main building.
'Wow.'
Elena felt overwhelmed by the high ceiling and the giant chandelier. By making a large
space under the huge dome, it has provided a greater sense of openness than outdoors,
despite being indoors. The pattern of the simple wall, which seemed to be free of charge,
was the culmination of harmony.
'You did a better job than I expected. Both Khalif and Randol."
Elena looked around the hall with a pleased smile. It was to intentionally show visitors that
Princess Veronica has come to the salon.
'I'm sure everybody knows. Shall I get out of here?'
Elena followed the stairs inside the hall to the second floor. In the hallway, which
overlooked the view of the hall, visitors were waiting for the announcement of Raphael's
work in the hall. When she passed them, dozens of rooms written as waiting rooms were
lined up. It was a drawing room that can be used freely. Elena, who entered the empty
room, locked the door inside.
"Is there somewhere you don't like? May I see you?"
In any banquet hall, it provides a space for young ladies to straighten their luggage or relax.
May guessed that the shoe she wore for the first time today might have hurt her foot.
"It's not like that, so come here."
Elena, standing in front of the bookshelf next to the window, gestured. As May came
wondering, Elena stepped on the marble floor under the bookshelf.
The floor was shaking and the bookshelf was pushed aside, and the stairs leading
downstairs were revealed between the room and the wall blocking the room.
"My lady, this is..."
"Let's go down."
With May, confused, Elena went down the stairs. As they walked through the secret
passage, relying on the floating candles on the wall, they faced a dead end.
Tap, tap, tap, tap.
Elena tapped the wall with a promised number of times with the back of her hand, and the
wall in front of her collapsed and the light poured out.
"Welcome."
The man who pretended to know her was Khalif who dressed up in a lotus flower suit.
"You're wearing a mask, but you can't hide your beauty... Do you know that? Take my hand
and come in."
"What? Me?"
As an art dealer, he went back and forth between the dormitory and the Grand House, and
May felt embarrassed by the cheesy words and actions of Khalif, who stood face to face
with May.
"May, never hold that hand. That hand makes women unhappy."
"How can you say such mean things?"
Ignoring Khalif's accusations, Elena walked into the middle of the luxurious room.
"Long time no see, benefactor."
It was Emilio.
"I wanted to see you, but I couldn't. I'm sorry for leaving so much work to you."
"No, thanks to my benefactor, I'm living my life to the fullest, remembering my passion
when I was young."
Emilio's eyes were full of life. He was preparing a side project within the capital that might
help Elena. As it was a field that he had never done before, he was feeling great interest and
fun.
"Let's say hello later. You don't have time to say hello as the owner of the salon before the
work is announced. Hurry up. Come on."
Elena nodded and took May to the next room. Already, there were not only the disguise
tools used to disguise as Lucia, but also a dress that stands out with lace, and a calm mask
that matches the outfit.
"May, can you help me?"
May assisted Elena in disguise, nodding her head with a blank face. Elena, who wore a
bobbed-haired wig and changed her dress, wore a mask, and it was nowhere to be seen
that Elena entered the salon. In particular, her atmosphere was completely different,
making it hard to believe that even those who knew Lucia were the same person.
"You don't know what it is yet, do you?"
"Yes."
May nodded frankly.
"Sometimes it's faster to see with your eyes than a hundred explanations. You'll find out
soon enough."
Khalif urged Elena with a meaningful smile.
"It's been too long. We have to go down now."
"Go, senior."
Elena left the room with the excitement she felt for the first time in her life. As she walked
through the hallway leading to the main hall, Elena felt overwhelmed.
'We've come all the way here. Finally.'
In her previous life, even now, Elena was just a substitute and not the real Princess
Veronica. Lucia was also disguised as a necessity, not Elena.
L.
Elena's acronym L was her only life and name.
"When you open this door, it's the main hall. Here we go."
Khalif opened the marble door with all his might. It was not long before the sound of
applause greeted the owner of the secret salon, which was wrapped in a veil, as she went
down the curved stairs leading to the main hall. Elena stepped down the stairs with the
spectacular lights of the chandelier hanging high in her eyes.
'I'm not going to live another's life anymore. In the name of L, I'll get my lost life back.'
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sect 14. Secret Salon

The identity of Salon's owner L was not known at all. Other than their name, their gender
and identity were not known, and various speculations were rampant among the people.
Given that they had huge wealth enough to build a huge salon in the heart of the capital
city, and that they entrusted the architect Randol, who is unknown, to build the salon, they
assumed that they would be a rich man or a noble man with boldness and determination.
However, that was also merely a speculation where the information was too limited to be
reliable.
Clapping.
People could not hide their embarrassment even though they applauded and cheered for
Elena's appearance. The fact that L, the owner of the salon, is a woman. With such a delicate
body, they were shocked that she made a decisive investment with a larger distribution
than most male aristocrats or rich men. At the same time, interest and curiosity about L
were amplified. What kind of woman is L, the mistress of Salon? They were looking at her
with their eyes, and they quickly waited for her to open her mouth and introduce herself.
"I would like to thank the guests for visiting Secret Salon today. I'm the owner of the salon,
L."
Once again, applause poured into the salon at Elena's brilliant and clear introduction.
"The Secret Salon opened its doors as a forum for discussions that can break the wall
between gender and status, as well as a place for socializing, a living room for intelligence, a
complex cultural space for opening a brokerage center and exhibitions."
The Secret Salon will be the starting point of the new era and the beginning of the Salon
culture. Although its role has yet to be defined, it will be reborn as an international social
hall and cultural exchange venue by inviting intellectuals and prominent figures regardless
of their status and nationality.
"The threshold of the salon is low. Anyone can cross it. Always remember. I'm the owner of
this salon."
Elena captivated the people in the hall with her eloquent speech. In particular, when talking
about the direction of the salon's future, they were amazed at her deep thoughts,
knowledge, eyes, and admired everywhere. L was not only determined but also intelligent.
"I'm going to step down now by unveiling Raphael's new work, 'Yearning,' the pride of the
Secret Salon and the timeless painter. I'll see you at the public debate."
Elena, holding her skirt gracefully, bowed to the crowd and climbed the stairs.
Clapping.
Around the corner, the applause continued for a long time until Elena disappeared from
view. L's first impression was very strong. The woman's image, which they had never seen
before, was deeply embedded in people's minds and could not go away.
"L-Lucia?"
A woman in the middle of the hall called her name unknowingly. She was Cecilia, the eldest
daughter of Count Lyndon, with her mask-proof vitality and red hair.
"There's no way... You're not L, are you?"
Throughout her academic career, Lucia was a junior who was hard to explain. She didn't
know why, but the moment she saw L, Lucia came to mind.
"I'm being too silly. It can't be Lucia."
Cecilia tried to shake her thoughts with a laugh as if they were ridiculous. According to the
news recently heard, Lucia was not in good health, so she took a leave of absence from the
academic institute and returned to her hometown, the Trilateral Union. Knowing that
obviously, it was funny to put L and Lucia on the same line.
But even though she knew she wasn't, the more she looked at it, the more L and Lucia
overlapped. In particular, it confuses her because she was so similar to the high-class tone
she showed in front of Sian.
"But if the real L is Lucia..."
Cecilia swallowed her saliva.
"I may have a huge junior."
At the same time, Elena came back to the secret passage and the room where she sat on the
sofa and breathed. In the hall, on behalf of Elena, Khalif would be presenting Raphael's new
work "Yearning" by now. She believed that he would do well in that area as well as in art.
"Well done. We have some time before the debate, so please take a rest."
"I will."
Elena smiled and drank the warm tea Emilio had prepared. When her nervous mind and
body calmed down, she called to May, who was puzzled, to sit down in front of her.
"Did you hear the rough from Emilio?"
May nodded her head. She looked half-hearted enough to answer.
"You look more surprised that I'm not Veronica than the fact that I'm L, right?"
"Y-you're really not Princess Veronica?"
Although May had already heard the truth through Emilio, she could not believe it and
wanted to be confirmed.
"I'm not Veronica. I'm a substitute."
"..."
When Elena confirmed it as she wanted, May closed her mouth. She could see her trying
hard to understand and accept it with her head.
"Is that why you said that to me? Because you're not his real child?"
"Yes."
"Why did you stop me from trying to assassinate the Grand Duke?"
"Because you've done nothing. You would have failed, and I didn't want that. If you wanted
revenge, I wanted you to bet on a really high probability."
May's voice trembled slightly at Elena's calm words.
"Miss, no, the way you've been doing it so far?"
"A real perfect revenge is the destruction of the Grand Duchy."
All mysteries that could not be solved were solved. A series of Elena's actions that were not
well understood by common sense were put together into one box. May felt goosebumps all
over her body with Elena's precision, secretly preparing a salon to tighten the breath of the
Grand Duke.
"... L is a very scary woman."
"Shall we, May?"
May was also tough. In the original history, she pretended to be a maid for nearly a decade
to assassinate Grand Duke Friedrich. May thought for a moment and said as if she had
made up her mind.
"I want to be with you, too. Can I do that?"
"Of course."
Elena couldn't hide her joy and grabbed May's hand. Today was a very happy day. The
salon opened and proudly made its debut in the empire under the name of L. And she was
able to make May completely her own person.
"Benefactor, there will be the debate soon."
"Is it the time already?"
Elena had no time to enjoy her joy, and her next schedule was waiting.
"What's the debate, miss?"
Even though May knew who she was, she didn't change the title 'Miss.'
"You can call me L when you're with me."
"No, this is more comfortable. If I let go of my nervousness, I might make a mistake without
realizing it."
Despite Elena's persuasion, May was adamant. She may have been able to reach the point of
successful assassination because she is a person who does not bend even if she is broken.
"And you look more aristocratic than any other noble I've ever seen. Madame wasn't as
good as you were."
"May."
Elena was truly grateful to May for believing and following her. She didn't want to
disappoint May because of the pressure of expectation.
"You asked about the debate earlier, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"There is a debate held every day in the salon. They hide themselves with masks and
discuss themselves in order to be independent of their status and status. Today I'm going to
participate in this debate."
"M-Miss will?"
May seemed surprised.
"Why? Is it strange that I'm participating?"
"It's not that... most of the aristocrats I saw hated discussions and stuff. They kept away
from books, and they liked to decorate and made luxury a pleasure. They could have gotten
together and chatted. Things like how to be loved by your husband..."
The empire had a higher human rights of women than other countries, but the limits were
clear. It was often considered a virtue for aristocrats to marry politically when they were of
age for marriage, and to engage in social activities or to support their husbands.
'You can't know. I lived that way too.'
Pretending to be a Princess Veronica, she was extravagant and vain. After becoming the
Crown Princess, she hung on to Sian's affection.
"I don't want to live like that."
Elena wanted to lead a leading life. She wanted to live her life without being swayed by
anyone.
"Benefactor, you have to go now."
"I'm late. Let's go."
Elena put on the mask she had taken off and left the room. After receiving Emilio's
guidance, she proceeded to the hallway opposite the hall. As she reached the end of the
corridor, she saw the discussion room with sofas and furniture as if moving the drawing
room to the bottom. What is peculiar is that a circular grandstand is provided around such
an open forum.
"It's well-built as I wished."
Elena was very satisfied. It was one of the few facilities required by Randol during the
design process, and she hoped that anyone would be free to sit in the audience's seats,
listen to the discussion, and occasionally give opinions. The participants were already here
when Elena entered the waiting room connected to the forum.
Kung. They heard the door to the hall opening, and the auditorium became noisy. People
flocked to watch the public debate. At the appointed time, Elena was the first to leave the
waiting room. The participants, who hesitated and looked at each other, followed in the
debate.
'There are a lot of eyes pouring out. With enough courage, they couldn't even give a proper
opinion because of the eyes of the audience.'
At Elena's judgment, some tense participants were seen. It was their first time to have a
public debate, so it seemed burdensome to assert themselves in front of so many people.
Either way, Elena wanted to successfully complete this public debate, which is tantamount
to the salon's first impression.
Ssaeng.
Elena sat on the sofa and pressed the table bell to concentrate the crowd.
"I will disclose the topic of the first public discussion that the salon is opening."
The spectators' eyes were on Elena. Discussion participants receive topics in advance, but
as it was the first debate, the audience did not know the topic of discussion.
"Today's theme is humanism, by human beings... for humans."
"...!"
Those who took the grandstand were also surprised. This is because the subject that Elena
is referring to now is a very difficult and unconventional subject.
"Well, let me give you my opinion first. I think humanism is related to human happiness.
So..."
The more Elena's argument continued, the more surprised the debate participants were. In
its own right, the subject, arguments, grounds and counterarguments were thoroughly
prepared. However, Elena's approach to humanism was far beyond their expectations. The
process and arguments leading to humanism aimed at defending human nature were
progressive enough to surpass the word humanism they knew.
On that day, a man who attended a public debate muttered, looking at Elena.
"The Modern Woman."
Even though countless women with intellect have been making steadfast efforts so far, they
have been neglected by cold criticism, discrimination, and prejudice. Only Elena dared to
make it possible.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"I'm tired."
Elena, who left the salon, was returning to Grand House in the carriage. It took a lot of
courage just to stand in front of people for the first time as the owner of the salon, and
since she had a fierce public debate in front of so many people, she could have been
exhausted.
"But it was a satisfying day."
She felt strongly that she was alive not to live in Veronica's place anymore, but to live her
whole life.
"Good work, miss."
"May, you're tired, too. You don't have to massage me."
May rubbed Elena's tired feet and legs as she moved in her shoes all day. After announcing
that she was a substitute for Veronica, she took care of Elena even more seriously.
"I didn't do anything. My lady is very tired."
"Thank you."
Elena couldn't bear to ignore the heart and accepted it. Thanks to this, her nervous body
became a little drowsy, and she suddenly thought of her parents.
'How are you, Mom and Dad?'
According to Elena's plan, they should have established a place in the Trilateral Union by
now. However, it was impossible to know how well they were doing in a strange country,
as they had no idea about human affairs.
'We promised to see each other again. Please wait a little longer. I'll pick you up when my
revenge is over.'
Perhaps because she had a successful day as L, the hostess of the salon, Elena felt that she
was becoming emotional today.
Clattering, clattering.
Suddenly, the speed of the carriage decreased significantly and stopped. She looked out the
window, wondering what was going on, and a man was wielding a dagger threateningly in
front of the main entrance into the Grand Duke's premise. Hurelbard, who was with the
horseman, got off the carriage and knocked on the window. Elena lowered the window and
asked him.
"Sir, what's going on?"
"I think someone's being violent. Lock the door and don't leave the carriage."
Elena nodded and locked the door as Hurelbard told her. It was taken in consideration of
the risk that there would be one, but honestly, it was not scary. There was nothing to worry
about because Hurelbard, who was a great man and was called a sword of the Empire, was
next to her.
"Are you a drunk?"
Elena narrowed her eyes and carefully watched the man who was misbehaving. Though
worn and dirty, he wore clothes made of high-quality materials. It was assumed that the
shoes were also quite expensive, and he seemed to be an aristocrat.
"Haaaah!"
The man screamed and swung the dagger in the air like crazy.
"Go away, you monster! Get out of my sight!"
The man drooled and wielded a dagger like a madman. She was anxious that the
ruthlessness might cause a big accident.
Tuk.
He stopped the dagger, which was wielded indiscriminately, and the man bent his back like
a shrimp and fell on the floor. Then he suddenly laughed like a madman.
"Heh, I don't want much. Hehe. It's because I don't have money. What? Hehe. Give it to me!
You bastards! You're not giving it to me? You're not giving it to me? I knew all about it. You
guys... Kol!"
The man's last gasp could not be continued. Lorentz's sword appeared at some point and
cut the man's back diagonally.
"...!"
Elena's heart throbbed as blood splashed. A cold sweat came from the memory of being
killed by Lorentz in her past life.
"You don't look well, miss."
"Oh? Uh, I'm okay."
Elena held the handle on the inside of the carriage and breathed out a harsh breath.
Fortunately, Lorentz wielded the sword behind the man's back, and she could not see the
stab wound. If she had seen it, she might have lost consciousness in shock.
"We're clear, so let's go."
Hurelbard announced that the situation was over and sat next to the horseman. Elena, who
had no courage to see the body soaked in blood on the floor, drew the inner curtain so that
she could not see outside the window.
"Miss, you're really okay, right?"
"I'm a little surprised. I'll be okay if I rest."
Elena closed her eyes after reassuring May as if she was not worried. As she was
concentrating on breathing and calming down her surprised heart, she remembered what
the man had said before he died.
'Strange. A person who is drunk with drugs, who is talking about gibberish... Oh!'
Something came into Elena's head when she opened her eyes.
'An opium addict.'
Elena had seen opium addicts in the past. He was the second son of a famous count, and
was popular in the social world because of his cheerful appearance and excellent speaking
skills. However, for some reason, he touched opium, and his addiction intensified, so he
secretly sold the Count's assets to buy opium and was kicked out. The young man, who was
resentful for him having expelled him, appeared at a banquet hall arranged by the four
generations, and was dragged out by the knights after wrecking havoc. The hallucinations
and bipolar symptoms that the young man showed at that time were very similar to the
symptoms of the man who was killed a while ago.
'The opium addict hopped in front of the Great House.'
Elena's eyes narrowed. She felt the vibration of decay. She can't say for sure what it is yet,
but she had a strong feeling that the Grand Duke was involved in this.
'He asked for something. Definitely.'
Elena found a clue to what the man said before he died. It was too early to say, but
expectations have grown that if she investigated, she may find something more than she
expected.
While she was organizing her thoughts, the carriage arrived at the mansion. Elena, who got
off the carriage after receiving an escort from Hurelbard, she looked better than she had at
first, but she still wasn't. It was not easily forgotten because she was traumatized by death.
'I want to rest.'
Elena was heading to the bedroom when Anne was seen running from far away.
"Haa, haa, my lady."
"What's wrong with you?"
Anne replied with a harsh breath.
"Uh, Sir Ren is in the drawing room!"
"What?"
"He's been waiting for you since broad daylight, saying he must see you today."
"Sigh."
Elena sighed. She was tired to death, and her head was pounding at the thought of dealing
with Ren.
"What about Liv?"
"She's been out of town since the daytime..."
She never thought Leabrick would be out of town. Since even Grand Duke Friedrich was
absent, there was no one to sanction Ren.
'I thought you were quiet for a while, and what else did you come here to quarrel with?'
He would have been easier to deal with if she were pretending to be Lucia. She had a lot of
hateful feelings. However, he was now a natural enemy, playing the role of Princess
Veronica.
'It's annoying because we can't prey on each other.'
Ren's hatred for Veronica was deeper than the deep sea. The victimization consciousness
for being forced to sacrifice unilaterally for being a sidekick was also enormous. So, when
she ran into Ren with Veronica's status, this line conversation had to come and go.
"I'll have to go to find him. Guide me."
"Yes, miss."
Elena followed Anne, who was walking ahead. If he'd been waiting until now, Ren's
personality won't allow her to just go back. She felt like she wanted to rest, but to do so, she
needed to take action in some way.
Knock, knock.
Elena, knocking, opened the door and entered the drawing room. Then Ren, who was
sitting cross-legged on the sofa, raised his hand and pretended to know her.
"Hey, how long has it been? I'm going to forget my cousin's face."
"Why don't you just forget? We don't have a good face to each other."
Ren smiled when Elena pointedly hit him.
"No? I like to see your face?"
"Then watch as much as you like."
"Should I."
Elena flopped down on the sofa because she didn't have the energy to deal with him. When
she raised her head, she met his eyes. Ren, seated with a crooked smile, was really staring
at Elena's face.
'What's wrong with him? Did he change the way he bullied me?'
Ren did not have a patient personality. He should have already called Elena to pick a
quarrel with her. But he was so quiet. He'd been staring at Elena's face for a few minutes.
'Oh, this is more disturbing and uncomfortable.'
It was when Elena was opening her mouth because she thought it was more comfortable to
fight openly.
"Don't you look pale?"
"..."
"Are you sick?"
Elena's eyes were distorted by Ren's sudden question. It was difficult to respond to because
it seemed to be an intelligent dispute.
"What's the point of visiting me? Hurry up and talk and go."
"I told you earlier?"
"I don't remember?"
Ren grumbled.
"Think it over."
"..."
Ah. She thought that the Ren, who was more openly hostile, would be easier to deal with. In
this way, it was harder to harass her, like he was drying blood.
"Oh, it's refreshing. Now that I've seen enough, I'm leaving."
"What?"
Elena stretched and looked up at Ren, who stood up blankly.
"Look, you're not telling someone who's been waiting since morning to have a meal."
"Aren't I being considerate because you might have an upset stomach?"
"Thank you for your consideration."
Elena couldn't get rid of the strange feeling. It was Ren, who was as sharp as a sword that
was ready to make her bleed just by touching her fingertips. But now, his hands looked so
thick that her hand was not cut.
"I'll be considerate of you."
"..."
"Eat something before you go to bed. Pale doesn't look good on you."
Finally, Ren, who stumbled toward the door, looked, waving his hand over his head and left
the drawing room.
Thud.
Elena, who had not admitted that Ren had gone for a long time after leaving the drawing
room, could only believe it when Anne told her that Ren had left the mansion on a horse.
"He really went? Really?"
"Yes, miss. I made sure I saw him drop by the stable."
Elena was at a loss how to understand and accept Ren's behavior today. He came to her
endlessly and waited until sunset, but he got up and went away less than ten minutes after
we met. He left a weird comment saying that it's okay because he's seen enough.
After returning to the bedroom, Elena soaked herself in the warm water she received and
laid on the bed. Her mind was still filled with questions about Ren's abnormal behavior.
"You don't know I'm Lucia, do you?"
It was the conclusion of Elena, who continued to worry about him biting on her tail. She
wasn't convinced of Ren's behavior, which had changed without warning. It felt cheap, but
he didn't bother as much as when she was at an academic institute. This is because, as
there is no work to be active as Lucia, there are no more things to be suspicious of. Elena
chose to observe Ren more without being confused. He's a person she should pay attention
to.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Oh, shit!"
A man was running like crazy to avoid the moonlight pouring out between the alleys of the
capital. The bloodstains on the frightened man's clothes gave an idea of how desperate he
was to survive.
"I have to let them know. They got a tail."
Fortunately, he had seen the geography of the alley enough to find a way even with their
eyes closed. No matter how long they ran, they couldn't understand the geography better
than the ones who lived and grew up in this street by stealing.
"Hyuk."
However, it took only a few seconds for such a man's confidence to collapse. In the midst of
the most successful attack on the slave auction house, a man who overpowered the guards
with the most overwhelming swordsmanship stood in front of him.
"The empire prohibits slavery. Do you want to trample on the lives of hundreds of innocent
people?"
The eyes revealed between the black mask shone coldly.
"Fuck."
The man, who had already witnessed the dance of the men in black in front of his eyes, gave
up his fight. Even if he had to give up his pride and become a dog, he had to run away and
report to his superiors.
He was just about to turn and run away with all his might.
"Give up."
"...!"
Two men who were leading the unknown men in black who raided the slave auction house
blocked the province. Men who fought in the street he did not dare approach.
"Damn it. What an unlucky day. I stepped in shit. Ptooey."
The man was prepared to die. If the head of the capital slave auction house is captured
alive, more torture will wait to dig up the back.
"If I knew this would happen, I would have spent all my money."
As soon as the speech was finished, he turned the dagger in his hand and fixed it to the
bottom. He held the dagger tightly with both hands and pulled it to his abdomen with all his
might.
Pok.
The man's eyes were bulging out. Just before the dagger penetrated the abdomen, his body
fell short by a heavy pain hitting the nape of his neck.
"I'll never let you rest in death."
The man was hit by a man in black standing behind his back without a measure of sound
and fell down. He said he shouldn't do this, but he had already lost consciousness.
"We've done more than we thought."
The man who was leading the black men lowered the mask that covered his nose. The
decent-looking man with a mustache felt a sense of grandeur in his middle age.
"Did you find any evidence?"
"Duke Reinhardt made it up to the top, ensuring all evidence of human trafficking."
The righteous man in black, who had knocked the man out, nodded and took off his mask.
The man with black hair which seemed to swallow the moonlight pouring down was Prince
Sian.
"I wouldn't have known if I hadn't looked into it. Even the four great families, called the
pillars of the empire, have rotted and cracked."
"I didn't believe it until Your Highness came to me first and said everything was
suspicious."
"The count is stubborn."
"Are you reprimanding me?"
The middle-aged man was Count Lyndon, a neutral nobleman of a prestigious family. He,
who had not raised his hand to either side of the imperial family or the aristocracy, stood
on the side of Sian.
"The time you've stood in neutrality and turned away from me has been cruel."
"... I'm grateful for Cecilia's work. She's a big girl. I wouldn't have been able to get rid of the
frustrating imperial life."
"She didn't want it. That's all. Instead, I won the count."
In order to avoid political marriages between the Grand Duke and the four great dukes,
Sian had sought to crown Cecilia, the daughter of Count Lyndon, a neutral noble, at the
Crown Prince's expense. Count Lyndon neither agreed nor opposed to such a proposal.
Although he lost his authority, he believed it was the duty of the Imperial nobility to follow
the will of the imperial family. Then Sian suddenly withdrew from his political proposal one
day. Because Cecilia didn't want it.
"You've changed a lot."
"Is that so."
Count Lyndon stared at Sian, who spoke calmly. The impatience disappeared from his eyes.
Previously, he was busy hiding himself from the nobles, but he didn't show that.
"Is it because of Lady Lucia?"
"..."
"The young lady who changed the emperor."
Sian was silent. Count Lyndon knew it was positive even if he didn't say it.
"I would love to meet her if I have a chance."
"You will fall in love, too. That is the kind of woman she is."
Sian raised his head and looked up at the moon rising between the buildings. Lucia's long-
lost face overlapped with the moon.
"I hope you're not too sick..."
Sian's expression darkened rapidly. Sian, who had been out of the palace to escape the
surveillance of the nobles, worked with Count Lyndon to find the roots of the rotten and
corrupt nobles. The imperial family, which is relatively inferior to the aristocracy, wanted
to build the most necessary cause to fight against them. Then, a month ago, he couldn't
overcome his desire to see Lucia, and he ordered Count Lyndon to send someone to the
Academy.
But what? They said she left for the Belkan Kingdom, a member of the trilateral union,
which is the home of the Castol Chamber, run by her father Emilio, as her chronic disease
worsened.
Sian was heartbroken to hear the story. She didn't feel that way when he met her at the
academy, but he was worried that she was not healthy enough to take a leave of absence
from the academy. He couldn't sleep because he couldn't see how sick she was, how well
she ate, and he was more worried. What was more frustrating was that he could not run to
the three-way alliance located far north because he was stranded in the palace.
"Try to be patient. Ben, who went to the Trilateral Union soon, will bring the news."
"I should've sent a more capable person on horseback. I regret it."
"... I think I've told you a few times that Ben is from the meadow tribe, and he's the best
rider in our family."
Count Lyndon repeated the same thing like a parrot, but the unenthusiastic Sian heard it in
one ear and dropped it in one ear. Sian, who always listens to others in an open manner,
becomes very stubborn whenever it comes to Lucia.
"The situation has been sorted out. Let's pull out now."
"I will."
It would be dawn soon. Before that, Sian had to go back to the palace and act as if nothing
had happened, so there was no time to delay. It was time for the two people, who pulled up
the mask again to cover their faces again. From the front, a man in black with a hawk on his
forearm ran forward and showed respect.
"This is a message from Ben."
Count Lyndon lowered his mask again and looked back at Sian.
"Did you see that? Ben knew your impatience, and he sent you a very clever message. See
for yourself."
The letter sent to Sian was handed to him. Upon receiving it, Sian read the letter with mixed
eyes, hoping to hear from Lucia's health concerns.
"..."
Seeing Sian's eyes shaking, Count Lyndon asked anxiously.
"Is she not in good health?"
Sian was silent. After reading the letter several times, he stood there and asked the man in
black who brought it.
"You're sure this letter was from Ben, aren't you?"
"Yes, Your Grace."
Sian was silent. It was the news he was so curious about, but there was no sign of joy.
"What the hell does it say?"
"Count, I'll go back first."
"Your Grace?"
Sian folded the letter, put it in his chest pocket, and left the count in the alley where even
the moonlight did not pass. Sian's eyes, returning to the Imperial Palace, were shaking
violently.
"The Lady Lucia I know is fake?"
The contents of the letter were shocking. Lucia, daughter of Emilio, the top-ranking owner
of the Castol Chamber of Commerce, said she had a northern fever and returned to her
hometown as soon as she went through the procedures for admission to the academy. Now
her health had miraculously recovered, and she was doing well.
If this is true, who was the woman who had been facing and talking to Sian? Was she really
sick? Or is even that a lie? He didn't know what it was. He felt like he was bewitched by a
ghost.
Sian stopped walking back to the palace. The letter said that Emilio, Lucia's father and head
of the Castol Corporation, had been staying in the Imperial capital for more than a year.
Sian also vaguely remembered. Emilio once visited the academy in a carriage with a pattern
symbolizing the Castol Corporation and explained that Lucia often fell into lectures and
could not stay in the dormitory for health reasons.
"If it's him..."
Wasn't Emilio aware of Lucia's identity? Suddenly, Sian's eyes, which had been thinking
like that, subsided. Come to think of it, Sian knew nothing about Lucia. Despite her growing
presence in his mind, nothing.
"I don't care who you are."
However, it didn't matter whether Lucia was fake or real as Sian knew so far. He was going
to visit Emilio to confirm that.
***
The capital was excited about the secret salon. In particular, L, the hostess of the salon, was
the center of the topic itself. The knowledge and intelligence that L showed in the open
debate surprised the famous scholars in the academic world. They evaluated Elena's
humanism centered on humans as an idea that was ahead of the times.
Not only that, but the curiosity about L, the mistress of Secret Salon, was further amplified
when it was revealed that she was the real owner of the large building called a basilica
under construction near the site.
Intellect. Investor. It wasn't confirmed, but even the beauty that could be guessed by the
silhouette. As a woman who has never been seen in the history of the empire, people
pointed to L as the modern woman. Many young men visited the salon every day to see L.
Aside from her beauty, L, who showed off her intellectual and decisive investment, was a
mysterious person who fascinated people.
However, the conservative middle-aged aristocrats did not like the existence of such L.
They felt it threatened to change the views of women who took root in the empire and
shake up their patriarchal vested interests. Some young women in society also criticized L.
Having learned for hundreds of years by believing that it was the virtue of a woman to help
her husband and calm her family, they were more inclined to reject L's existence than to
accept it. They said that L was wearing a mask, in fact, to cover a scary scar, they even made
that groundless gossip.
But not everyone did. Awakening young women were enthusiastic about L, who was
considered the modern woman, as an object of envy. Despite efforts to overcome the
limitations of women, the limitations have been clear due to prejudice and external
pressure. However, L broke the framework of long-established practices in the empire.
That alone was a great suggestion. Women hoped to follow in L's footsteps and become
independent players in their fields and stand tall with recognition.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Your Highness was there?"

Elena visited the salon in time for the announcement of the symphony "A Heavenly Aria" by
the prodigy named Centonio, the father of the symphony. Emilio told a shocking story as he
reached the reception room where only a few of Salon's specific people could enter through
a secret passage.
"Yes, my benefactor. He came to see me late at night."
"His Highness I know was never a man to commit such rudeness..."
Sian, whom Elena knew, was a decent and gentlemanly man than anyone else. She couldn't
easily imagine him visiting at a late hour.
"I remember seeing Your Highness's face in the distance. Yes, Your Highness."
"Why Your Highness?"
"He was looking for the benefactor."
"...!"
Elena's eyes were as big as the full moon.
She was surprised. And Elena didn't hate that he did something that wasn't right.
"They must have sent someone to the three countries to find out. He also knew that my
daughter was still there. He also asked me if you were really sick and where you were."
"To that point..."
Elena's heart was broken. She felt sorry to think that taking a leave of absence from school
under the pretext of illness caused Sian to worry.
"At this age, I don't know how to feel afraid... For the first time in my life, I felt the feeling of
fear."
"I'm sorry. Because of me..."
Sian's strength is beyond doubt. In the swordsmanship, he overpowered Ren, called a
sword of the empire, and even the Ice Knight, Hurelbard, took a step back. If such Sian lived
blatantly, even Emilio would not have had the will.
"Your Highness said he would give us ten days' end. He said he didn't know what he was
going to do if I didn't give him a message about the benefactor to the Count."
"I can't believe Your Highness is being so emotional. I can't believe it."
Emilio spoke low looking at Elena, who was puzzled.
"Benefactor, Your Highness didn't ask me who the benefactor is. I'm sure he knows you're
not my biological daughter."
"..."
"Because Your Highness was so sincere that he was angry. I was very worried."
Elena couldn't say anything because she was choked. She felt sorry for Sian for causing
concern, because she was shameless. At the same time, she was so thankful that he was
looking for Elena, who was remembered by Sian, regardless of her name or status.
"Benefactor, why don't you be more honest with yourself."
"..."
"His Highness doesn't seem like a man you can avoid by avoiding him."
Elena, who had been chewing on Emilio's speech, asked back at a thought.
"Is that a joke?"
"Wasn't that funny? I thought it was funny."
Elena burst into laughter at Emilio's brazen attitude.
"No, you made me laugh. Emilio is right. I can't avoid Your Highness by avoiding him."
Sian of her previous life was a person who she could not approach even if she tried to
approach him. Or not, a man who caused lethargy. Elena, who knows Sian's personality
better than anyone else, was amazed and puzzled by the changed relationship.
"Send a letter to Count Willem. Come to the salon. I'll see Your Highness that day."
"Well thought, benefactor."
Elena's expression on her face was more lively than usual. Unlike so far, she was happy to
be able to stand in her true self without putting her false identity and name ahead. Even the
thought of showing Elena's appearance that she had never shown in her previous life or in
her present life was endlessly exciting.
"And now, my benefactor, designer Christina Marinus in the salon is waiting to see you."
"Miss Christina wants to see me?"
Revolutionary designer Christina Marinus. She was such a historical figure that it was said
that the level of the Empire's clothing changed before and after her appearance. Khalif was
also one of the people in particular who was keeping an eye on the quality.
"At the opening ceremony of the salon, she repeatedly asked for a favor when she saw the
benefactor. Khalif is busy with A Heavenly Aria's presentation, so I'm giving her to you
instead."
Now outside the drawing room, a gentle symphony was being heard. A Heavenly Aria.
According to the original history, a song that would have been the work of Centonio, who
was born with a genius musical talent but committed suicide early due to deafness, was
being released in Salon under the leadership of Khalif.
"It's not difficult. Let's meet."
Elena wore a mask and followed Emilio out of the drawing room. When Emilio arrived at
another drawing room at the end of the hall, he used a knock and entered the room. Then a
woman who was one cheek taller than Elena and looked good with wavy red curly hair
jumped up from the sofa.
"L? It's really L, isn't it?"
"Nice to meet you, Christina."
Christina ran with her skirt and grabbed Elena's hand.
Elena was surprised by the sudden action but left it as it was because she knew there was
no malice.
"I just wanted to say thank you. If it weren't for L, I wouldn't be here."
Christina, who clenched Elena's hand, thanked her with sincerity. Confident in the dress
she designed, she borrowed and set up a boutique. However, he was so ahead of her time
that she was shunned by the nobles. Eventually, the boutique was shut down and was in
debt. Elena was the one who paid back Christina's debt and supported her to focus on
designing clothes. Thanks to this, Christina completed a new style of dress that would
shake the empire and was about to make a presentation through the salon.
"Don't say that. I just hated that the light was causing Christina's talent to lose its light."
"How can you say. L, if there is a goddess, you might be the incarnation."
"Don't say that. Excuse me, Goddess."
Elena tactfully responded to the embarrassing talk and encouraged her to sit on the sofa.
When she sat on the sofa, she felt a little less excited, so she calmly exchanged words.
"You want me to be the model for the dress that the salon is launching? Me?"
Elena, who was asked an unexpected request, was embarrassed.
'Although Raphael did the same, Christina asks me to see what I look like and become a
model?'
In her past life, she pretended to be a Princess Veronica, drawing out a society-oriented and
elegant figure, but the proposal was still awkward because she had never been offered by
artists.
"I fell in love with L's discussion on the opening day. If L wears my dress, I don't think I can
ask for anything more."
"..."
"Please, L. Be my muse."
Elena pondered for a moment at the sudden offer. As it wasn't particularly difficult, she was
inclined to accept it. Christina got up from the couch to see if Elena was worried about her
appearance.
"I'll show you the dress I'm going to present first. Maybe L will change her mind."
"Hey, I don't have to look..."
"No, I want to show you. Sit still."
Christina ran to the front of the sofa and carefully dragged the mannequins covered with
cloth on one side of the drawing room. So Elena couldn't say anything about the work.
"This dress, inspired by the half-human legendary mermaid."
Elena already knew what line of dress she was going to present.
"I was focusing on breaking away from the classic bell line dress and saving the mermaid's
line. It's called a mermaid dress! It's a masterpiece of my remorse."
"Formatting a mermaid. I'm looking forward to it."
"I'll show you. You'll feel better if you see it once rather than talking a hundred words."
Christina stripped the mannequin of the cloth. Then came a slim skirt reminiscent of a
mermaid's tail and fins. The addition of luxurious silk and tightly-packed jewelry created a
sense of elegance to the point where admiration came out naturally.
"What do you say, L?"
"I've never seen a line like this before. Legendary mermaids are so elegant that if they get
two legs and walk around, they'll feel like this."
Christina's face, who was only conscious of Elena's praise, smiled.
"I'm confident. I believe that half of society's young women, or more, will wear mermaid
dresses in the future."
"It will be so."
"So I want L to wear this dress!"
Christina drove to a bottomless conclusion.
"I know. To the aristocrats who are familiar with the bell line, the mermaid dress can look
vulgar and sexy. So I was turned away and closed the boutique door with only the light."
"No, Christina. The reason they feel it's sexual is that the viewer has such an idea. I think it's
an elegant and wonderful dress."
Elena soothed Christina with good words. In fact, when the dress was first announced and
talked about, it received a lot of criticism for revealing too much body shape. However, it
spread like a fad among young women who enjoy revealing their personalities, and as time
went by, it seemed as if there was such a controversy.
"As expected, L has a different opinion. So I really want L to wear this mermaid dress."
"What does that have to do with that..."
She also wanted to push ahead with the conclusion that she should be a model without a
hitch, but this time it was a bit different. Christina revealed the real reason why she wants
Elena to be a model.
"Clothes look different depending on who wears them. L is considered a symbol of
intelligence to the point of being called the modern woman, right? If L wears this dress, no
one will think it's dirty. It'll be sensual, elegant, and beautiful."
Only then could she see why Christina begged her to be the model. She was already ahead
of her time and lost everything under criticism, so she was afraid that she would fail again.
For that reason, Elena wanted to be more helpful to Christina. It was believed that it was
the role of L, the mistress of the salon.
"How can I refuse if Christina asks me to do this? Model, I really want to."
"L!"
Christina hugged Elena, unable to control her joy.
"Thank you! I won't forget this favor, and I'll pay you back with a pretty dress later!"
"That's the best gift."
Elena smiled and patted her back.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Is there news?"

Sian and Count Lyndon were talking while walking in the garden inside the palace. Only
those allowed by the royal family and the royal family can enter the area, and it was the
only safe zone where the nobility could avoid surveillance inside the palace.
"What the hell kind of accident did you have?"
"An accident? I don't know what you're talking about."
Sian struck a sour note. He was so deft that he could be fooled by his unique expressionless
answer. But Count Lyndon was not an easy man.
"Then how did the owner of the Chamber of Commerce in Castol know that you and I had a
connection?"
"I just gave him a word."
Count Lyndon frowned heavily.
"Your Highness, haven't you told me so many times that I should be careful?"
"I'll listen to that, too."
Count Lyndon sighed quietly. What Count Lyndon saw in Sian was the wood of the
emperor. It is not just because he is the Crown Prince, but he has all the qualities and
virtues he must possess as an emperor. While attending the academy, he showed internal
growth and a view of the world, shaking the image of the aristocracy with vested interests.
'He who is sensible and determined always loses his coolness in her affairs.'
Sian has grown beyond comparison with just a year ago because of her presence. However,
due to the reaction, he lost his balance when it came to her.
"What did the letter say?"
"It said you were invited to the Secret Salon."
"Secret salon. It's a place that's been making the capital city flutter lately."
"Yes, this salon is built by a young woman named L in the capital. It's called a Secret Salon
because you have to wear a mask and hide your identity."
Sian nodded silently. He was trying to calm down and appreciate the flowers, but he
couldn't even see them. He was filled with thoughts that he might be able to meet Elena if
he went there.
'I hope she's not sick.'
He questioned Emilio, but he didn't hear any answers about Elena. Like the leader of the
top ten business groups in the mainland, he was a man of integrity. He would have been
relieved if he had told him that she was not sick, but he never gave him an answer.
"Good for you. While you're gone, please take a look at L, the mistress of Salon."
"L?"
"It is said that she argued about humanism with her outstanding intelligence and eloquence
at the public debate, as well as her lack of distinction between men and women and status
in and out of the salon's presence. She may be helpful for the reform from the bottom that
Your Highness is pursuing."
The neutral aristocrat, Count Lyndon, was in favor of the reform of Sian, despite his
aristocracy. This is because he saw the side effects of the centralization of the empire and
the people suffering from the evils of the aristocracy forgetting their obligations. According
to the collected information, the arguments and ideas pursued by L, the mistress of the
Secret Salon, seemed to be in contact with the reforms pursued by Sian.
"I see what you mean."
Count Lyndon also told the date of the salon's visit, which Emilio wrote in the letter.
'Can we finally meet?'
Sian tried to hide his face and gave strength to his face. He missed her more because he
couldn't meet her even after searching through the empire. He couldn't wait to see her.
"Your Highness."
"What is it?"
"Please promise me. Don't ever do anything that makes you stand out. It's the Secret Salon,
so even if you wear a mask, you can't hide yourself completely."
"I will."
Sian nodded. The answer was reliable, but Count Lyndon swallowed his worries because he
had no choice but to believe it.
***
"L isn't aware."
Christina was impressed the whole time she saw Elena standing in front of the mirror in
her hard-earned mermaid dress.
"I feel like I have the whole world."
Elena, wearing a mermaid dress, was breathtakingly beautiful. The curved line was closer
to a sensual feeling rather than sexual and harmonized with Elena's unique calm and
intelligent atmosphere. Even the accessories, shoes and masks that go well with the dress
are perfect. Elena was pleased with Christina's efforts.
'As expected, Christina. There's nothing to find fault with.'
Elena in her past life experienced an era in which mermaid dresses were much more
developed and sophisticated accessories and hairstyles were popular than now. Even if
designers who were flying and crawling brought dresses because their eyes have already
risen, it seemed only to be an outdated old-fashioned design. However, Christina's mermaid
dress was refined despite its early work, as if it had a natural sense.
Soon, as the presentation time was approaching, Khalif came to the parlor and
accompanied Christina. It was to introduce her to the visitors who visited the salon, and to
have time to introduce the secret story of the birth of the mermaid dress and the cutting
process. Elena, after taking a deep breath, also left the parlor. At the corner of the stairs
leading down to the salon hall, Elena waited for the introduction of the mermaid dress to
finish.
"Everyone, please congratulate me. My muse will wear the mermaid dress and stand here
as a model. Who is my muse? She's L, the owner of the Secret Salon, the woman of the
Empire's attention. Come out, L."
The orchestra's melody, which seemed to contain the blue sea, filled the salon with
Christina's experienced introduction. Visitors to the salon applauded and waited for
Christina's muse, L. When such expectations and the performance of the song reached its
peak, Elena, who was hiding herself at the corner of the hall, appeared.
"Ah!"
Exclaims burst out here and there. Despite the fact that the body was revealed intact thanks
to the unique line of the mermaid dress, they never felt that it was vulgar or erotic. It was
sensual but full of elegance, graceful but seductive enough to be fatal.
Mask? No one felt sorry that they could not see her face at this moment. Now, L down the
stairs itself was a fascinating flower.
Those who watched Elena seemed to have forgotten their applause. Someone murmured.
They thought they saw the most beautiful thing in the world. They wanted to see it with
their eyes, remember it with their head, and cherish it with their heart and keep it forever.
***
"Lucia?"
Sian couldn't take his eyes off L, who came down the half-moon staircase in the middle of
the hall. As if reverentially, she had a fatal beauty, but her steps, eyes, and atmosphere were
strangely similar to Lucia in his memory. But Sian was not sure if L was Lucia. Even if he
had better eyesight than others, he had a sense of distance. In addition, she was wearing a
mask, so there was no way to check her facial features except for her lips. Nevertheless,
Sian received a familiar feeling from L.
"Your Highness."
"...!"
The small but clear-cut title 'Your Highness' was called, and the nerves of Sian's whole body
were on edge. This is because no one should know that he was here, as he went out secretly
to avoid surveillance inside the palace.
"Follow me."
The woman who spoke through Sian's identity took the lead and walked. While chasing
away from the eyes of those who were fascinated by L's appearance, there was no doubt on
who she was. The woman who came to pick up Sian was May. May, who supported and
cared for the masters, often went out to the academic academy, had seen Sian and
remembered his face. In addition, it was possible to distinguish him by just a few features
because she had good eyes.
Sian climbed two floors through the stairway in the back of the salon. Despite the fact that
not a few people were concentrated in the salon, the upper floors were gloomy because all
of them were paying attention to L.
"You can wait in this room."
It was when Sian caught the doorknob and entered the room half way.
"When you get in, I'll lock the door outside. It's for security reasons, so please understand
even if it's inconvenient."
May bowed politely. There was something questionable about it, but Sian also nodded and
accepted it because he was capable of protecting at least one life.
Clatter.
He heard the sound of the door locking and closing. Sian looked around the room and sat
down on the sofa without hesitation. She said wait, so he'd wait. Since he was struggling to
find Lucia, the wait felt like a little pleasure.
Time has slipped along. The time, which was considered a wait, passed slowly at some
point. Sian got up from the sofa, went to the window and looked out. Despite the two-story
structure, the ceiling was as high as any four-story building.
"Is this the salon from the woman named L?"
He thought it was really great.
Apparently, she is so intelligent that she is called the modern woman, but she seemed to
have an eye for money and architecture as well. Based on the main gate of the salon, a large
building called a basilica was in the midst of construction, and it was also owned by L.
Sian also became humanly curious. She also expressed a lot of human-centered thoughts
and love for the lives of the people through an open forum, so he thought that having a
good relationship would help reform the empire as Count Lyndon said.
Whooong.
Sian's expression hardened when he heard a sound from the study on the wall.
'Trap?'
Sian scanned the room and picked up a decorative rapier from the wall. He thought he
would leave the room like this, but he thought that if it was a trap, he couldn't open it from
inside the moment the door was locked. Sian looked at the rapier. Although there were
none these days, he did not shrink because he was confident of dealing with most enemies.
Kkiiik.
The vibration in the study became severe and the bookshelf was pushed aside. It was time
for Sian to brace himself for unexpected events.
The sound of heels echoed from the passage in the study and a masked woman walked out.
Even though he couldn't recognize her face, her name popped out reflexively as soon as he
faced the mermaid dress she was wearing.
"L?"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The eyes of Sian shook violently in bewilderment. The familiarity felt from L in the hall was
stronger when he saw her right in front of him.
"Your Highness."
"...!"
The voice that always lingered in his ears flowed through the mask that L was wearing. It
was the moist voice that made him smile at his mouth, talking like a lark.
"Have you been well?"
L asked Sian how he was doing, as if she had known him for a long time, and she stretched
out her white hand behind her head. Then she unfastened the pin of the mask that had been
firmly fixed. Elena's white and fine face was revealed. There were no face line-up to
disguise as Lucia or glasses to hide their features. Such minor differences gathered to make
them look like a completely different woman. Unless it was a brown bobbed wig, it was
even harder to find Lucia's image.
"Are you really the Lady Lucia I knew?"
"If you're looking for the junior Lucia who once interacted with you at the academy, you're
right."
"..."
Sian was speechless. In front of this woman who resembles Lucia but has a fatal beauty, a
heterogeneous face and familiarity coexist cleverly.
"L. Is that your real name? Or is it also a fake name?"
"L is an ancient letter for my real name."
Elena told the truth. There was no reason to come here and hide it, and she did not want to
hide it from Sian anymore.
"It's not the your real name either."
Despite coming all the way here, Elena couldn't tell him everything. Sian might be upset,
but he didn't ask anything. Elena asked.
"Do you have any more questions?"
"Do I have to ask?"
"I've prepared an answer in advance."
"That's true."
Sian smiled a feverish smile and approached Elena. With his eyes full of excellence, he faced
Elena and made her concentrate, then came to her nose with his long legs. Elena swallowed
her breath as she felt her head would touch Sian's chest with a slight bend. It was time to
raise her head as if nothing had happened. Sian hugged Elena without warning. In his broad
and easy embrace, it was tight, like he was blaming Elena for disappearing, but it was not
sinister. Elena couldn't move as if all the muscles in her body had been paralyzed.
"I was worried."
"Y-Your Highness."
"And I missed you."
"...!"
Elena's mind turned white when he said he missed her. Her heart shook regardless of its
will. Elena couldn't raise her head. She just looked down at the ground with her head down.
Sian relaxed his arms and let Elena go. When the time that felt like eternity came to an end,
Elena felt an unbearable awkwardness.
'W-what should I do?'
Unlike Sian, who was standing casually, Elena was forced to do something to ease the
awkwardness. Then she found the decorative rapier in Sian's hand.
"Y-Your Highness, I've been wondering, why are you holding that?"
"You mean this?"
Sian also looked down to see if he realized he was holding the rapier. Then, he answered
with a blank expression, looking at the rapier.
"I was trying to take it out because I felt sorry to have it for decoration. Well. It looks well-
balanced and durable."
"..."
"Do you know the blacksmith who manufactured this rapier?"
In a panic, Elena looked up to see if he was serious. However, Sian did not change his
expression as if he really thought so. It was Elena who was embarrassed by the shame.
"... I'll find out and let you know."
It was a bit strange, but the awkwardness that Elena felt through this conversation has
eased a lot. On the contrary, she felt comfortable because the distance toward each other
was less than when they first met them.
"I have a question."
"Speak."
"If you were L, I wondered why you needed to borrow Lucia's name and go to the academy.
Can you answer why?"
"...!"
Sian hit the nail on the head. She prepared many answers, but she couldn't answer as many
as that question. This is because it is an unconvincing question unless the premise that she
is Veronica's substitute is laid out.
'What should I do? Should I tell him everything?'
She thought so, but Elena pushed it into three corners. Sian was not only very worried
about Lucia's absence from school due to illness, but also showed an unexpected behavior
of visiting Emilio at night. If Elena regards herself as Princess Veronica and uses L to carry
out extremely dangerous activities without the knowledge of the Grand Duke, he would try
to stop her.
"It's a tough question to answer."
"I can't tell you right now, but please trust me and wait a little bit. I'll tell you later."
It was heartbreaking that she could not be true to Sian, who came to convey his sincerity.
"I'll wait."
"Your Highness..."
Sian said so calmly, without expressing his displeasure. Rather than urging, he wanted
Elena to unlatch first and get really close to her.
"I'll be waiting, just promise me one thing."
"Promise?"
"Don't disappear without telling me. If you go anywhere for a long time, make sure to tell
me. Can you do that for me?"
Elena liked the fact that he valued her more than any other expression.
"I promise."
"That's enough."
Sian also nodded his head as if the answer was very satisfactory.
"If I want to see you, can I come to the salon?"
"No."
Elena laughed bitterly.
"I don't come to the salon often."
"You've been... No. I almost asked another unnecessary question."
Sian, who felt that he had made a slip of the tongue, quickly became bitten.
"Then when can I see you again?"
"I'll call Count Willem when the day of my visit to the salon is decided. Will it be all right?"
"Count Willem..."
Sian was speechless. It was obvious that Count Willem, who would receive a link between
Elena and Sian, would be relentless.
"I will. I'm sorry that I can't see you more often... but I'll put up with it."
It wasn't easy to go to and from the salon as long as she had enemies in the Grand House. It
was also because Leabrick was uncomfortable. The priority was to have a justification to go
out freely even if it took time. She appreciated Sian's heart, but Elena had no choice but to
keep herself safe.
'Fortunately, the salon is well managed without me.'
That was why Elena was relieved even though she did not visit Salon often. Khalif, who has
matured as an art broker, has become close to the masters of the times and managed them
and advanced their heyday. From Randol, Centonio, and Christina, all of them shone faster
than the original history by touching the Khalif's touch and sincerity.
Emilio was also reliable. He put more effort into strengthening the salon's inner workings
than in the business of the Chamber of Commerce of Castol. Elena dissuaded him, saying,
"You don't have to do that," but he said, "It's fun to work." Elena and Sian sat on the sofa
and stared at each other, promising to meet again.
"..."
A wordless silence continued, but the two did not break the silence as if they had promised
from the beginning. Knowing that sometimes silence can tell more stories than any other
word.
***
A four-wheeled carriage ran frantically along an unorganized road outside the capital. The
coachman ran relentlessly, so he urged the words that had dried up even his tongue.
Whenever the wheel stepped on a boulder or a hollow puddle, the carriage would stir, but
its speed did not decrease. At one point, the carriage that went as if crossing the forest
leaving behind the road that had been cut off, stopped only when it reached a deep forest
where there were few people.
Located in the ultimate safe house of nature, this place does not exist on any map, and it
was the most secretive of the dozens of safe houses owned by the Grand Duke.
Kkiiik.
A gate made of iron windows higher than trees opened as if it were touching the sky. A
large mansion was seen as a carriage entered the inner side of the iron window. No matter
how much nature is a means of hiding, it seemed doubtful whether it would serve as a safe
house once it was discovered, as there were far fewer guards.
But what appears is not all. The last safe house was an inviolable area that even the secret
intelligence organization of the Bastache family, Majesti, had never invaded. The reason for
this is that among the first knights, who are considered to be the last power, elite knights
always reside around the streets and kill intruders.
"Wow, whoa!"
The horseman pulled the reins to stop the carriage. Then Lorentz, who was sitting next to
the horseman, got off and opened the carriage.
"Come down, please."
It was none other than Leabrick who showed up in the carriage. She was reputed not to be
anxious no matter what happens, but she seemed especially urgent today. There was no
hesitation in walking because it was Leabrick, who had already visited the safe house
several times.
Thud.
Entering the mansion, Leabrick took the hem of her skirt and climbed up the stairs. Turning
the corner, she saw three people hanging around in front of the room at the end of the
corridor. There was a doctor residing in the Grand House, a herbalist invited from the
outside, and a mute lady. The three people bowed their heads as Leabrick approached.
"Is she in there?"
"Yes, go ahead."
At the words of his doctor, Leabrick nodded and knocked on the door. There was no
answer, so when she saw the doctor, they nodded as if it was okay.
Kkiiik.
As soon as she opened the door and entered, Leabrick's eyes habitually turned to the bed.
There was only a loose blanket on the bed. When there was one who was supposed to be,
she looked around the room in surprise.
"...!"
From outside the window, she could see the silhouette of the woman sitting on the window
frame over the gentle curtain. She looked out the window in a white dress and turned her
head away. The woman, who was not feeling well yet, opened her pale lips.
"Welcome, Liv."
Her voice was small but clear. As if to prove she was alive.
"I guess I slept a little too long. Liv looks older than me."
"Your Highness the Princess."
From the mouth of Leabrick, words came from which she might be identified.
Princess Veronica.
She woke up from a long sleep.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"That's amazing. I think I just woke up from a short nap, but it's been three years. It's
amazing."
"It's been a long time."
Leabrick's words had a lot of meaning. While Veronica was unconscious, various scandals,
slander, and malicious rumors about her flooded, and the succession of the Grand Duke
was greatly shaken. Grand Duke Friedrich and Leabrick needed a way to break the ice.
Therefore, she did not hesitate to go all the way to the opposite duchy, which is located on
the other side of the continent, and brought Elena to stand in the line, and now she has
come.
"I had a dream."
Veronica continued, flipping her messy side hair over her shoulder.
"I stood in the flower garden and saw a bright flower, and a butterfly flew in and sat on my
hand."
"A butterfly?"
"It had bright, emerald-colored wings, but it was so mysterious. I lost sight of those graceful
wings and chased them. And by the time I left the flower garden, the butterfly sat on the
back of my hand."
'Butterflies are symbols of hope.'
In principle, Leabrick did not believe in superstitions or beliefs. Think thoroughly rational
and reasonable, and that was the way she lived. However, the culture of the empire, which
uses the Gaia Church as a state religion, could not be seen separately from faith and
superstition. It occurred to her that when the unconscious Princess Veronica woke up, the
butterfly's contribution may be great.
"But the butterfly... bit my hand."
"It bit it? The butterfly?"
"It hurt like a thorn. Something so beautiful."
Veronica must have thought of the pain at that time, so she laughed.
"So I grasped the butterfly tightly. I looked at it, and I grabbed one wing and pulled the
other wing."
"..."
Veronica showed off her vision as if she were tearing a piece of paper with her hand. In a
cruel manner.
"After stepping on the tattered butterfly's wings, the darkness suddenly hit me. And I
opened my eyes, and I saw the ceiling."
In the Gaia Church's Bible, the butterfly is also expressed as a messenger of an oracle.
Tearing and killing such a butterfly was very bad from a faith perspective.
'It's just a dream.'
Leabrick cast off superstition.
"A dream is a dream. The night breeze is colder than that. How do you feel about lying
down?"
"No, even the cold wind is good. It makes me feel alive."
Veronica took a deep breath. The night breeze blew through the inner corners of her
blonde hair and curtains.
Leabrick held back her anxiety, thinking of dissuading her once more. Veronica, addicted to
the mysterious poison, has passed the critical point of life and death dozens more times.
Even though doctors who walk in the name of a doctor came up with a way to put their
heads together, they failed to make an antidote. It was best to keep one's breath at bay.
In the end, Leabrick was forced to gamble with Veronica's life. Fighting fire with fire. She
had no choice but to make a bold but reckless choice to get rid of the poison with poison,
and thanks to the good fortune, it managed to save Veronica's life.
"My father told me. I have a stand in, it's a pretty useful doll."
Doll. For Veronica, even calling her by her name was a waste.
"Yes, more than I thought. Because she looks like a princess, even the aristocrats don't
doubt her."
"Liv."
Veronica lowered her voice and spoke.
"Can you please not say she looks like me? It's very insulting to me because I feel like I'm on
the same line as that low one."
"... I made a slip of the tongue."
It was their first meeting in three years, so Leabrick forgot. How much authority and
privilege Veronica has in front of her. Veronica's way of speaking changed once she was
upset.
"I heard that, too. Even though it's been three years, no killer has been found."
Leabrick's face stiffened. It was the first mistake and failure in Leabrick's life. The beast left
no trace. Three years later, she still has not figured out how Veronica was poisoned.
"It's because I'm not good enough. I'm sorry."
"I've always liked looking ahead, Liv."
Veronica, who was talking with the wind blowing from the window, turned her head.
Veronica's moonlit eyes were cold.
"But this is a bit of a problem. It's been three years and nothing has been revealed."
"..."
"Isn't that right, Leabrick?"
Veronica coldly accused her with her real name, not her nickname. Leabrick's work, which
made her miraculously survive, did not matter. Everything that Leabrick has been doing so
far has been, a matter of course for a vassal. Veronica, whose time had stopped at the point
when she became addicted to poison and lost consciousness, did not understand that she
still had not found the person who poisoned her.
"It's my fault. I'm sorry."
Leabrick bowed her head. Veronica looked down at the Leabrick for a long time with a
gruesome, expressionless face.
"One disappointment is enough. Always keep in mind that my father's days are numbered."
Veronica warned clearly. Now, with the trust of Grand Duke Friedrich, Leabrick wields full
power, but one day Veronica will inherit the Grand Duchy. In the days of Veronica, which
will be coming soon, Leabrick's position was not guaranteed. Because there are plenty of
geniuses to replace her vacancy in the Great House.
"I'll keep that in my heart."
"I want to rest."
Veronica seemed to be full of energy, even though she talked a lot in the cold wind for a
long time. She fell on the bed like a fall with a weak walk and fell asleep.
Leabrick closed the nightly window and left the room quietly.
"What's the state of the princess?"
"The poison remains in the body, not completely neutralized. I think we need to set a little
more time and see how it goes. It's still too early to relax."
Leabrick nodded and turned away at the doctor's report. Leabrick, who was walking along
the corridor along with Lorentz, said in a low voice.
"We might have to burn the doll faster than we thought."
"What about the doll?"
Lorentz glistened his eyes and Leabrick spoke coldly.
"You don't have to have a doll when the play is over, do you?"
Sect 15. Pitch Black
"Social activities?"
Leabrick was talking to Madame de Flanrose and Elena at her office.
"Yes, Her Highness the Princess here has fully understood the etiquette and manners, the
moral qualities that a young lady must possess, and has made a lot of progress. From now
on, we need to learn through full-fledged social activities."
Madame de Flanrose constantly appealed to Leabrick as part of the lady's process of
maturing the importance of social activities. Elena, who was sitting next to her, slowly
cheered on Madame de Flanrose while savoring black tea.
'You're doing great, Madame.'
Elena felt limited in going out frequently as an excuse to buy art. As it is, it was thought that
there was only a difference in timing, and Leabrick's doubts could not be avoided. So, the
method she came up with was full-fledged social activity. According to the original history,
as soon as Sian graduated from the academic institute, Cecilia was elected as the Crown
Princess, and the plan of the Grand Duke was changed. As a result, Elena was allowed to
engage in social activities in earnest with the promise of the day.
History has changed, however, and the Crown Prince's wife was still vacant. For Leabrick,
rather than sending Elena to social gatherings, she thought it would be better to quietly
educate her and make her the Crown Princess.
So Elena used Madame de Flanrose. She decided to make a bet with Madame de Flanrose,
whose pride in manners, pierce the sky and accept the favor of the winner. Although
childish, as a result Elena won the bet and asked Madame de Flanrose. To ask the
conservative Leabrick to allow her to socialize.
"I wonder if it's necessary. The princess will soon become the Crown Princess. I think it's
better to keep in shape and refrain from talking about things."
Madame de Flanrose responded to Leabrick's plea without losing out.
"That's just a narrow view. Looking back on the past, there have been many times when the
princesses and the queens who have not been supported by society have been eliminated.
I'm sure Leabrick knows this."
"That's true, but..."
"Here are some young women who are about the same age as Your Highness the Princess,
and value the virtues of women. I'm sure it'll help if she communicates with them."
Despite the plea of Madame de Flanrose, Leabrick continued to worry. Now that Veronica
woke up, she hesitated to let Elena go to social activities.
'What's wrong with her? I don't think it's a matter to worry about?'
Elena felt something strange. Leabrick was a woman who can clearly distinguish between
gain and loss. It was very important to draw support from society through social activities
for the appointment of the Crown Princess. Why does Leabrick, who can't not know about
it, hesitate so much?
"... I see. Your Highness still lacks many things, so please help her."
"Well thought. Birds in the cage can never fly far."
Madame de Flanrose, who succeeded in carrying out her will, gave Elena a look. It's as if it's
done. Elena answered with a smile, and they left Leabrick's office together.
Outside the mansion, Elena stepped out to see Madame de Flanrose go back in the carriage.
"I'll ask you one more time. Your Highness, do you really want to have your first social
gathering with the young women you mentioned earlier?"
"Yes."
Madame de Flanrose made a strong impression. Unlike her appointment with Leabrick,
Elena asked for direct selections of the young women and social gatherings.
"I repeat, they're not good-behaved young women."
Elena held back the laughter that almost burst out. Who points out who does what.
"You have to go through muddy water for a clear stream. Don't worry about it and arrange
it. That was the deal, wasn't it?"
"I won't say it anymore because you said so."
When the word "deal" came out, Madame de Flanrose climbed into the carriage with an
unpleasant face. It was not long before the horse started crying loudly and Elena lowered
her head. There is a saying that they play among themselves. Elena was thinking of getting
along with them in order to dig into the corners.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The social gathering was scheduled earlier than scheduled. It was no one else's, but
Madame de Flanrose's social gathering, so the invited aristocrats actively expressed their
willingness to participate. That's why Elena's choice of young women to invite them to the
meeting did not have a very good reputation in the social world. Some were promiscuous,
some were ignorant, and some were extravagant.
Madame de Flanrose was dying. It was insulting that she had to invite aristocratic young
women, who had no foundations, into her mansion and have a social gathering. But now
that it's irreversible, she wanted to get rid of them quickly.
"Thank you for inviting me, Madame."
"Madame's invitation. I don't think there will be any limit even if I die."
"Isn't this the honor of a family? I brought a fox scarf from the northern part of the country
for you."
The three ladies were Stella, Aria, and Leah. They greeted each other with their skirts
raised. Madame's eyebrows wiggled at the sloppy and poor manners.
'If it weren't for the deal, these lousy girls wouldn't have crossed the gate.'
Madame de Flanrose hid her feelings inside with a smile.
"In fact, we have one more special guest, not three. I'd like to take you there if you don't
mind, is that okay?"
"It's alright."
"You're the one who invited me, of course I should."
"Then I'll have you here."
Soon the visit was opened.
When Madame de Flanrose rose from the sofa, the three ladies, who were following her
sensibly, were frightened to see the guest in the drawing room.
"Y-Your Highness the Princess?"
Her identity came out of Stella's mouth. She remembered Elena's appearance clearly
because she participated in a birthday party. In addition, the two other ladies' eyes were
wide open.
"Come on in. Sit this way."
"Thank you, madame."
Elena sat at the top of the sofa under the guidance of Madame de Flemish. The three ladies,
who had never imagined that Princess Veronica would come here, were puzzled.
"I think there are some ladies who already know me, but I think it's polite to introduce
yourself. I'm Veronica von Friedrich."
The three ladies, who were temporarily dazed by the authority of the castle named
Friedrich, came to their senses and quickly introduced themselves.
"I'm Stella Medici."
"I'm Aria Louise."
"I'm Leah Baden."
"Nice to meet you. I came to see Madame by chance and was introduced to these ladies. I
think today is a very meaningful day."
Madame de Flanrose twitched her lips as if Elena's abominable lie was appalling. Madame
de Flanrose, who had spent enough time for a cup of tea for courtesy, rose from her seat.
"I think I'll have to leave for a while. You're talking."
"Yes, Madame."
"I'll see you later!"
When Madame de Flanrose left, there was a rather awkward silence in the room. Princess
Veronica was a difficult conversation partner for three young ladies of a humble family.
"Do you like tea or dessert? I brought it for Madame, but I thought I'd enjoy it with you
ladies."
"I-I'd love to!"
"Me, too."
She brought a tray.
"Wow, I've never seen anything like this."
The three young ladies were surprised by the size of a dessert tray they had never been
seen before. And they were surprised twice by the deep sweetness that spread through
their mouths. It's said that if you enjoy your mouth, your heart will be happy. As they talked
about the common topic of dessert, the awkwardness disappeared and a friendly
atmosphere continued.
Rather than leading the conversation, Elena focused on building intimacy by asking and
listening to interests that the three ladies would like. The theme is the necessity of free
dating for the promiscuous Stella, the information of the newly opened jewelry shop for the
luxurious Leah, and the praise for the intuitive appearance to the short-learning Aria. Elena
showed off her flashy speech and won the favor of the three ladies.
"Oh, have you all seen her dress? When I first saw it, I was suffocating. It was like a
legendary mermaid standing."
"I saw it. I thought it was too revealing, but it was also attractive."
"I was going to order, but they said they were behind in their reservations. I don't know
what to do because I can't get it until next year at the earliest."
Elena smiled happily and drank black tea.
'Christina should have heard about this.'
Although the opinions of the three ladies cannot represent the majority, it was clear that
among young ladies, the mermaid dress was not vulgar and sexual, but rather sophisticated
and emphasized the beauty of women.
"Have you heard the rumor about L?"
"Rumor?"
"Yes, I heard from the salon staff that L's wearing a mask because she has burns on her face.
It's a very interesting scar."
"That's it!"
Leah and Stella opened their eyes wide at Aria's comments, which she enjoys gossiping
about. Then, they showed their words and sympathized.
"Somehow. Not knowing that, the young men said that L would be a beauty that the empire
would be overturned."
"Because L is an intelligent person, she's called the modern woman, it's too shameful."
"That's right. Lady's virtues are first and second."
Elena was thrilled to see the three ladies gossiping about L. Just by seeing rumors without
substance and reproach without grounds, it was worth knowing what level of culture and
character they were. But that's why she called them. It is because it is a secret gathering of
the aristocratic world that is not revealed as a saying that they play among themselves, or
because they are good at meetings.
Elena hid her ridicule and smiled.
"If you look at it, isn't Your Highness the Princess here more noble than L?"
"That's right. Modern woman? I think it's perfect for you. You're full of dignity."
As Elena felt continually alienated from the conversation, Stella deliberately brought her in.
"Thank you. I think you three ladies are full of life. You're well-versed in the capital city. I've
been thinking a lot about it lately, and I think I can get some help from you ladies."
"Thinking?"
As soon as Elena started to rhyme, the three ladies shone in her eyes. In social gatherings,
the measure of social intercourse begins with sharing worries. This is because asking for
advice is considered to be proof that you believe in your opponent. Moreover, it is not
anyone else but Princess Veronica's concern. There was nothing more interesting than this,
and they didn't want to miss the opportunity to have a discipline disguised as advice to
Princess Veronica, a noble status that they dare not look at.
"You can't talk about it anywhere else. Can you promise me that?"
"Of course. I swear to Goddess Gaia."
"As a believer, I promise to name the goddess."
Only then did Elena, who had a look of relief, bring up her words.
"I don't like living these days. I don't feel motivated. Same life every day, repeated day. It's
just boring and frustrating."
Elena's face has darkened. The look of sighing as the ground was gone seemed full of
anxiety.
"Your Highness seems to be having a hard time these days."
Elena nodded at Leah, who was sympathetic.
"I feel down and depressed. It's boring to live. Why do I want to live."
Stella got in.
"Why don't you find a new stimulation?"
"Stimulation?"
Elena snapped at her words as if she had been waiting. Then she acted as if she was really
frustrated.
"What is it? Anything is fine, so let me know."
"It's a late-night masquerade."
Elena's eyes were instantly filled with interest. That's it. Elena spent this ignorant and vain
time trying to find out the backstory of the social world, which she did not know well.
"What's that?"
Elena opened her eyes wide and asked again. Like an innocent young woman who knows
nothing.
"It's a ball that only starts when the sun sets. It's a very private ball."
"How do you keep it secret? Tell me more about it."
Aria stuck in and whispered her head.
"It's a little dense."
"What? What does that mean?"
Lady Stella looked around and explained more when Aria, who is said to have an empty
head, couldn't understand.
"Isn't it like a ball that's allowed something that's forbidden? It's an unwritten rule not to
ask the identity and name of the masked person. You'll be kicked out as soon as you ask."
"What? What are you doing when you can't even talk?"
"You know what they say. Talk with your body? Oh, I'm shy. I can't believe I said this
myself."
"Oh, my!"
When Stella wrapped both cheeks with her hands, the two young ladies were at a loss.
Elena suppressed her desire to wipe her ears immediately with superhuman patience. She
was fed up with the level of throwing herself away to desire and pleasure.
"Everyone, get close. Let me tell you another fascinating story."
As the two young ladies approached closely, Elena hid her displeasure and bowed down
just like them.
"Do you happen to know the 'heavenly powder'?"
"What's that?"
"What do you call it, once you inhale it, it's the overwhelming powder of the world? As I get
tired, I get dazed... Ah, the ecstasy is beyond imagination."
Elena's eyes sank cold. Elena recalled the man who died in front of the Great House. As
soon as he was about to say something gibberish, he was killed by Lorentz, and the sight of
being possessed was still fresh in her mind.
'The heavenly powder must be opium.'
It was clear that the night-long masquerade would handle it.
'I need to look into it.'
She decided to use Stella to get a clear clue.
"Lady Stella."
"Yes?"
Stella looked at Elena, erasing her dreamy expression.
"I want to go. How can I get there?"
"It requires an invitation..."
Although she brought up the subject, Stella couldn't speak easily. This is because it was not
easy to invite someone because it was operated so secretly.
"Please get one for me. Please."
When Elena asked for a favor close to her entreaty, Stella held her shaking eyes and
nodded.
"I'll get the invitation."
"Thank you!"
Stella's lips twitched as Elena held her hand. It was worth asking for an invitation by just
being able to debt and get close to Princess Veronica, not anyone else.
Ten days later, an invitation for the late-night masquerade arrived.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

In the carriage. Stella spoke to Elena, who was staring out of the dark window.
"Are you nervous?"
"Just a little bit."
"I was like that at first. Once is difficult, twice is easy. You even wore a wig. I'm telling you,
no one's gonna recognize you. Put everything down and enjoy it. Let the frustration fly
away."
It was funny to see her comforting as if it were something, but Elena didn't show it.
"Thank you for getting my invitation. It wouldn't have been easy, two pages."
Elena gave strength to the word "two pages." Stella's first invitation to her was lost for
some reason. Eventually, Stella found one more and gave it to Elena.
"We're friends. I tried hard, but I really wanted to give it to you."
Stella contemplated her friend. Elena replied with a smile, then turned her head out the
window. Her face was smiling, but it was an honest feeling that she didn't want to mix
words with Stella, who was smiling but very vulgar.
'If it wasn't for the invitation...'
Elena got information from the guild before the meeting that drugs were secretly
distributed among the aristocrats. However, it was too much to grasp the substance. Most
opium is associated with high-ranking aristocrats, so the guild no longer wanted to
intervene. Even a guild that does anything with money, was reluctant to offend the
aristocracy in an empire deeply rooted in the status community.
They also said that the purchase of opium is so secretive and consisting of point tissue that
it is highly likely to be cut even if the tail is caught. Elena made a bold decision. She decided
to go to the masquerade herself.
'I hope I get a good result as much as I risked it.'
Elena risked moving herself to participate in the masquerade. It was still just a guess, but
she felt strongly that the Grand Duke was involved in the distribution of opium in some
way.
Elena dug up plans to attend the masquerade. With Madame de Flanrose in front of her, she
decided to stay overnight and for a social gathering. Leabrick didn't like staying overnight,
but with the support of Madame de Flanrose, she was able to get permission without
difficulty. And now, Elena and Stella have sneaked out of Madame's mansion in a carriage
and arrived at the late-night masquerade.
Elena and Stella wore masks when the carriage stopped. And Elena was surprised to see
the ballroom when she got out of the carriage.
"H-here?"
When Elena showed signs of embarrassment, Stella said as if she was enjoying the reaction.
"That's where Your Highness the Princess guesses. It is the annex behind the Imperial
Palace."
"There's... been a masquerade here?"
"Yes, all the way. Why, you know the saying that it's dark under the lamp?"
It was shocking for Elena as well. She had lived in the royal palace throughout her time as
the Queen, but she never thought such a dirty masquerade would be held periodically in
the annex.
'I never thought the imperial authority would be this low.'
That's why Sian struggled to restore the imperial power somehow.
"Shall we go now?"
Stella took the lead. Elena turned around and gave a meaningful look to Hurelbard, who
was standing next to the carriage. Hurelbard, dressed in a neat suit, not in a knight's
costume, replaced Elena's answer to the eye with a light silence. Leaving Hurelbard behind,
Elena approached Stella, who was ahead of her.
"Go."
Elena and Stella, who played friendly friends and crossed arms, entered the masquerade.
Hurelbard, who stood far away and watched the scene, moved slowly.
He quietly blended in between the young ladies, who wore dresses with thick perfume and
boldly exposed their breasts, and the young men, who were looking at those ladies with
half-opened eyes.
As soon as they arrived at the entrance of the mask dance hall, sturdy men wearing lion
masks blocked their way.
"May I see your invitation?"
"Here you are."
The men carefully examined whether it was forged or not set the way.
"I hope you have a great time."
Elena and Stella entered the ballroom past the entrance. As if they were not early, at least a
hundred people were already enjoying the ball inside the ballroom.
'This is not sane. How do the aristocrats...'
Aside from what she had heard, the reality of the masquerade meeting was shocking. They
were not an aristocrat, not a human, but an animal blinded by pleasure and desire. It was
not unusual to exchange sticky eyes, and they did not care about other people's views and
engaged in promiscuous activities throughout the banquet hall. Elena felt disgust when she
saw them.
"My lady, you said you needed heavenly powder, didn't you?"
"Yes. I want to know what my lady said about ecstasy."
As they were concerned about the exposure of their status, the two skipped their names
and titles, calling each other "my lady."
"Then please wait here."
Stella disappeared somewhere. Elena, who remained alone, fell into a corner because she
did not want to be part of the scandalous aristocracy. But it wasn't a safe zone either. They
were hugging and kissing here and there, or men and women were holding each other and
groaning. Elena turned her head to endure the disgust.
'It's the worst.'
Unless it was to catch the tail of opium, she wanted to get out of here right away.
At that time, Stella was talking to a person wearing a colorful peacock mask.
"T-They're here according to the instructions."
The woman with a glass of wine smiled around her mouth.
The eyes of the woman with a reddish hair color as much as the red wine in a glass did not
fall from Elena.
"Well done."
"S-so I'm all right now?"
Stella looked at the opponent's eyes as if she was terrified. Because she knew how scary the
woman in front of her was.
Lady Avella. When Elena was looking for an invitation to the masquerade, she was captured
by Avella. Avella found out that Princess Veronica was interested in masquerading, so she
set up a sly scheme. To destroy her. So she approached Stella, who struggled to get the
invitation, and threatened to ruin her father's business if she didn't do as she was told.
Avella grinned.
"Don't worry, my lady. Do you see me getting angry with you?"
"T-then?"
"Come on, it's a gift."
Avella, who approached closely, held a silk pouch in Stella's hand. Stella was convinced that
it was heavenly powder by the touch beyond the crisp silk pouch. Stella disappeared
somewhere in the joy of opium.
"What's the arrangement?"
When Avella spoke to herself, a man wearing a rabbit mask who was passing by answered.
"He's impatient, so he'll move right away."
As soon as he finished speaking, Avella noticed a young man wearing a bear mask looking
around with a breath. He found Elena standing still and ran with a thud. Avella, who saw it,
smiled merrily and savored the wine.

"Haha, my lady."
Elena, who was just looking out the window, turned her head. Despite the distance, the
young man wearing the bear mask smelled bad. Elena frowned unintentionally.
'I have one eye for opium.'
It was clearly different from being drunk. There was an air of exuberance about pleasure.
"You've been looking for me? Huhu."
'Looking for you?'
Elena misunderstood the bear mask man as an opium seller.
"Is it you? A man who handles heavenly powder."
"What? T-this?"
The man in the bear's mask gibberish took out a silk pouch from the main pocket and
opened it. Elena's expression hardened when she saw what was in it.
'Opium!'
Looking at Elena, the man wearing the bear mask grinned. Then, he approached with his
powerful body.
"Haha. Why don't we go upstairs and have fun? Huh?"
"Have fun?"
Elena felt something strange and stepped back. He stepped up at the same time.
"Who are you? Are you sure you're dealing with heavenly powder?"
"Yeah, that. Here it is."
The man in the bear mask shook his silk pocket and laughed.
'This is not a seller.'
It was strange in itself to make a secret deal in such an unsound state of mind. Elena's eyes
became cold when there was no more reason to mix the words.
"Stay away."
"Yeah, let's get out of the way together. In that corner, huhu."
The man sighed disgustingly at what he was imagining. Elena realized that he was a bad
talker and tried to ignore him. Then the man blocked her.
"Where are you going? Why are you complaining now. Huhu."
"Ha."
Elena sighed briefly as if she had no energy and warned significantly.
"Would you regret it?"
"You said you liked me. What do you mean regret? Huhu. I like you, too."
The man in the bear mask, who was already drunk on opium and excited, lost patience. It
seemed as if something would be done immediately by humming and breathing out rough
air. And the concern has become a reality.
"Huhu. Let's go. I'll take you to heaven."
The bear mask man stretched out his hand to grab Elena's forearm with a loud noise. It
could be a threat, but Elena didn't shake a single look.
"I told you."
It is the moment when the hand of the man in the bear mask, the size of a pot lid, was about
to touch Elena's body.
Stroke. Someone caught in front of Elena's eyes.With an agile movement, he blocked the
man in the bear mask and pushed him hard at the same time.
"Cull!"
"You'll regret it."
Despite being big and gaining weight, the man wearing the bear mask fell out.
"You fuckers who do you think I... Umum!"
The eagle masked man put his handkerchief in the mouth of the man. Then, when the man
in the bear mask tried to go, he grabbed the man by the neck and pressed him down.
"...!"
He screamed as if it was so painful, but he couldn't even moan by biting his handkerchief.
The man in the eagle mask didn't seem satisfied, and drove the man in the bear mask
toward the wall.
When the bear masked man went, his forehead broke and blood flowed down the wall. It
happened so quickly that the bear mask man couldn't come to his senses whether it was a
dream or a birthplace. Elena, on the other hand, was calm as if she knew about the eagle
masked man's intervention in advance.
"Sir."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The eagle masked man was Hurelbard. Elena received two invitations for the loss in
preparation for this situation. One was given to her and the other to Hurelbard to cope with
an unexpected situation.
"U-uuup!"
When the bear-like man took control, Hurelbard repressed him so that he couldn't slump
with his hands. No matter how strong that power, the man trembled and couldn't even
budge.
"If you answer my questions, there will be no more pressure."
The appearance of trying to force Elena in front of Hurelbard's force disappeared
everywhere. The man became a gentle bear and acted obediently as if he would remove all
his liver and gallbladder.
(T/N: bravery/courage.)
"The heavenly powder, where did you get it?"
"U-upstairs... End of hallway... Room."
Perhaps because one side of his face was crushed by the wall, the man's words were
dreary. But that was enough to get the answer Elena wanted.
"Sir."
Hurelbard, who understood the meaning of Elena's words, let go.
"Huh, Hyuk."
When the man in the bear mask, who was barely able to take care of himself, Hurelbard
turned his head, and the man nearly shed his life.
"Gasp!"
Because of the discomfort of the spine, the hairs of his whole body stood up, and the man
scared by the sense of oppression ran away without looking back. Not knowing that drops
of blood were trickling down his forehead.
"Shall we go up then?"
Elena smiled faintly and walked ahead, and Hurelbard silently followed her.
***
At that time, there was a glaring look at Elena and Hurelbard, who were in a scuffle. He was
a man wearing a wolf mask with darker red eyes than wine.
"Why did she come here?"
It was Ren who couldn't take his eyes off Elena's mask. Ren, who was stuck in a training
camp and focused only on fencing due to the shock of losing the final match of the
swordsmanship, has made progress, and has continued his full-fledged move as heir to the
Bastache family for some time. Of course, few people knew him externally, as his moves
were secretive.
"What's wrong with you?"
Majesti's head Mel, wearing a hyena mask, asked, looking at Ren, who couldn't take his eyes
off Elena.
"Thinking of this or that. She might not have come to see me. Why did she come? Should I
go out and pretend to know?"
"I don't understand what you're talking about... She's here?"
Mel already has a history of investigating Lucia by mobilizing the intelligence organization
Majesti under orders from Ren. He also knew that Ren would react like that when she was
mentioned.
"Not Lucia. It's similar, but today is a little different?"
Ren expelled the man in the bear mask and looked sadly at Elena, who disappeared down
the stairs in the corner of the hall. It was really luck to find Elena. Even if Ren had sharp
eyes, it was not easy to recognize a person wearing a mask.
At first, he was not sure, but he was convinced when he saw the blonde hair and sea-blue
eyes that could not be concealed with a gait and mask that were not suitable for such a
vulgar dance. Then he witnessed the man in the bear mask go to Elena with a bit of
excitement. He was about to cry because he thought heaven had created another
opportunity for him to step forward, but the eagle masked man, who is believed to have her
main escort knight he saw in the past, overpower the man and clear up the situation.
'Completely annoying.'
"I have no idea what you're talking about. Please let me know more easily."
"I don't like it."
At Ren's firm answer, Mel looked into his eyes to see if it had any profound meaning.
"What do you want to know so much? I love being the only one who knows."
"..."
Mel was silent to the impudence of casually spouting out absurd reasons.
"Oh! Today's meeting is canceled."
"What do you mean by that?"
They always felt it, but Ren didn't know where to go. Even now. It's not yet definitive, but
he came to the Masquerade Ball looking for a clue that could shake the pillars of the Grand
House, but he just wanted to go back.
"It means we're not the only ones who smell it. If we move, we'll be suspicious."
Mel's head went fast. Sometimes, he was rambling about useless things that he didn't
understand, but Ren often had bones in his words.
"By any chance..."
"Shh."
Ren put his index finger on his lips and gave an act to be quiet.
"Who wants to make a wild guess?"
"I'm sorry."
Mel quickly admitted his mistake. The most vigilant thing for anyone who handles
information is to guess the situation without circumstances and evidence.
"Put Majesti on Veronica."
"Dear Princess Veronica?"
Mel did not know that Lucia and Princess Veronica were the same person. As a result, he
thought it was an unexpected order.
"And put it on L, the mistress of Secret Salon."
"And L?"
"Yes."
"Okay."
Mel thought the three were completely unrelated. However, he accepted the order without
question. There's got to be a reason.
Ren nodded and gestured.
"Go ahead. I'm going to play."
"I'll leave first."
Since the scheduled meeting was canceled, Mel had no more reason to be here. After a light
silence, he disappeared among the people who enjoyed the masquerade.
"What happened, the kid can't stay still. It's dangerous."
After he left, Ren took a sip of the wine in his hand. Then when he looked down at the glass,
Elena's face formed on the clear white wine.
Ren already vaguely guessed why Elena was doing this. Now she can enjoy a lot in the role
of Princess Veronica, but she didn't know how long it would last. Band-Aid is just a band. It
can't be real. Indeed, on the day Princess Veronica returns, she cannot avoid a miserable
ending.
"Well, I think you're doing a good job. But aren't you being too aggressive? Where are you
going."
Ren was convinced that she was L. As an intellectual and new woman, L, the Secret Salon
hostess, has caused a lot of damage by pouring cold water on the business of the Great
House on several occasions. It was too early to say, but only the Secret Salon and the
Basilica under construction seemed to be aimed at Noblesse Street, which the Grand Duke
is ambitiously preparing.
Yes, L knows exactly. The only way she lives is the road that destroys the Grand Duke. Still
this is too reckless, no, dangerous. Why was she coming here? Of course, Hurelbard is a
reliable knight. However, sometimes there are things that can't be helped with individual
power.
"You don't know how to do it, kid. You're making this brother want to get in."
Ren couldn't watch her dangerous behavior, so he attached Majesti to Elena. It's nominal
monitoring, but if a dangerous situation occurs, he was even thinking of blocking it in
advance.
"Then shall the villain of justice come forward?"
Ren's head turned. A young lady, wearing a colorful peacock mask on the opposite terrace,
was staring at a person who was wearing a rabbit mask and retorted something.
Tak. After drinking the wine at once, Ren put the glass on the table next to him and walked
over there.
"Hey, Avella."
"...!"
Ren spoke out and called out the young ladies' name in the peacock mask, so that everyone
could understand. As there is no one who does not know Lady Avella of the Reinhardt
family, attention was poured on her. When her identity was revealed, her face, which was
revealed through the mask, became white. This is because her reputation will be seriously
damaged if it is publicly revealed that she has entered such a place as she is aiming for the
Crown Princess. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the rabbit masked man
approached Ren in a daunting manner.
"Why do you carelessly talk about your open mouth... Hyuk!"
When the rabbit went, the other's words could not continue. In a blink of an eye, Ren
suddenly narrowed the distance and punched his abdomen. Without knowing how to deal
with it, Ren strode toward Avella, leaving behind the rabbit masked man who was beaten
down helplessly.
"D-don't come!"
The frightened Avella backed away. Even a simple head couldn't function properly at this
moment. That man in front of her is not a man with such common sense. The word "crazy"
comes out of itself.
Duk. He stopped only after Avella's back hit the wall of the ballroom. When there was
nowhere else to go, Avella went into a rage.
"I-I warned you not to come near me."
"You don't like it?"
Ren went up to her nose. Then he stretched out his hand and pressed his face against the
wall beyond Avella's ear.
"I told you. Don't touch what I took. Don't you understand?"
"S-senior."
"That kind of prank makes my cousin uncomfortable, doesn't it? Don't you think so?"
As Ren passed the secret, Avella trembled like an aspen. Since he already knew everything,
grabbing him was meaningless.
Ren whispered in her ear with cold eyes.
"What happens when this story goes into the Grand Duchy? It's going to be fun, right?"
"..."
"Let's do well."
Ren patted Avella on the shoulder and went back. Avella managed to lean against the wall
as her legs were weak.
***
"Here you are."
Elena stood in front of the room at the end of the corridor on the second floor as the bear
masked man told her. Compared to other rooms, the purpose of the marble door seemed to
be significantly different.
"What's the matter?"
Asked the man with an angular face wearing a grotesque fur mask.
"I want to buy heavenly powder."
The man looked over Elena and Hurelbard. Then he knocked on the marble door with the
back of his hand. Before long, the door that had been closed opened about a snake, and a
beautiful woman protruded her face.
"Who? Sir?"
"Yes, there are customers."
The woman's clothes, which were slightly exposed through a crack in the door, were plain.
The thigh, pelvis, and chest bone were exposed except for the main parts. The woman
glanced up and down at Elena and turned to Hurelbard as if she was not interested. She
smacked her lips at him with a sticky look.
"Oh, there's a wonderful brother. Come on in."
Elena and Hurelbard entered the room as the woman stepped aside and gestured. The most
eye-catching were stuffed and decorated with fur and leather from various animals. They
could guess the taste of the room owner with strange and disgusting things.
"You have customers?"
It was not long before a man with a strange mask with horns walked out of the curtain as if
he were dividing the section. He stared at Elena and Hurelbard with his eyes wide open and
lay down on a wide sofa. Elena's eyes sank cold.
'The center distributor who deals with opium.'
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena looked at the center man through her mask. Aside from the bizarre mask, he was so
outspoken that he seemed frivolous. Even now, he was wearing only pants with his upper
body exposed, and it was barbaric.
"... You don't look like a junkie, but you want to buy some heavenly powder?"
Elena nodded to the man's question on the horn mask.
"So I'm here."
"Why?"
"Why is it important?"
Elena's remark made the horned masked man laugh. But he quickly removed his laughter
and looked at her with a fierce look.
"It's important. You're the first man and woman to come here together. Those who come
with someone are always behind."
"That's prejudice."
"So answer me. Why do you want to buy it."
The horn mask had a pretty sharp corner. So, he sat there as the intermediate distributor of
opium composed of point organization. Elena said what she had prepared in advance.
"Okay, let's talk. I have a job from the nobility."
"Nobility? Ah, then I can't sell. Don't the customers overlap?"
"Don't worry. I'm not an Imperial noble."
The horn masked but his hands on his chin. A woman in lustful clothes who opened the
door put the fruit in her mouth, she groaned and swallowed it.
"Okay. Yes. How much? Seeing that you are nobles, it doesn't seem like one or two."
"10 kg."
"...!"
When Elena presented the deal volume, the eyes of the horn masked man widened. In the
case of heavenly powder currently in circulation, 10 kg is a huge amount that a thousand
people can inhale at once. It was the first time someone would buy such a large quantity
since he took on the role of intermediate distribution.
"Are you serious?"
"There's no reason to lie, is there?"
The horn masked man narrowed his eyes.
"Do you have any money to pay?"
"If not, I wouldn't have come in the first place."
Elena criticized him as if she were talking back and forth. This is to inform the horn masked
man that she has come to trade at the same level as him, and not to look down on her.
When the horn masked man was silent for a while, the company's attitude changed.
"Oh, no! I didn't recognize a big customer. Come on, sit comfortably over there."
"I feel comfortable standing up."
When Elena showed her willingness to refuse, the beautiful woman who opened the door
approached Hurelbard.
"My brother standing there, don't do that. Sit down. Why are you standing there with your
legs hurting?"
"Don't come near me."
Hurelbard warned. However, the woman smiled and made eyes at him as if she didn't care.
"Oh, you're awkward? Then I'll sit you down. So sit back and... Hyuk!"
"Two times is not just a warning."
The woman stiffened like ice at the warning of Hurelbard, as cold as frost. Because of the
life that Hurelbard had shed, the woman could not approach him, shivering like an aspen.
Elena, feeling puzzled, turned her head and looked up at Hurelbard. It was because she was
curious about the reason why he blocked the woman from approaching so firmly and
terribly. Hurelbard spoke to the woman with the most sober eyes.
"That woman is a skilled assassin."
"...!"
Elena was surprised. She thought she was just a woman on the market, but she never
dreamed she was carrying such a dagger.
"That's not all. Beyond the curtain, two more assassins are hiding."
Elena looked at the horn masked man.
"Is it true?"
"..."
The horn masked man was silent as if he were mute. Silence is positive. Elena's voice was
as sharp as a blade.
"That's funny. I can't believe you're treating guests like this."
"Hey, it's a misunderstanding. Misunderstanding. There's a lot of crazy junkies out here, so
shouldn't I have a few people to take care of myself?"
As if he had a different idea, the horn masked man looked around. Although the
shamelessness was ridiculous, Elena didn't fall over. It was more important to close this
deal than to the immediate feelings or moods.
"Let's get back to business. I'm not as patient as I look."
When Elena stopped at a light warning, she quickly continued the conversation as if she
thought the horn masked man was right.
"Did you say 10 kg before?"
"Is it possible?"
"Let's talk openly. There's not that much here."
"Not that much?"
"Do you think the drug dealers here are going to buy so much? Why don't we set a separate
date? I don't think you can afford to pay that much right now anyway. You get the money,
we get the powder."
Elena thought about the man's suggestion for a while and nodded.
"Okay, then let's go here in ten days, and let's do this time."
"I will."
After completing her business, Elena turned around as if she didn't want to stay in this
dirty place anymore. Then the man in the horn mask called Elena from behind.
"Oh, I didn't say anything important."
The man in the horn mask's eyes turned sour.
"If there's a prank on this deal... It won't end well. You know what I'm saying, right?"
Elena looked back and responded the same way.
"That's it. Oh, I'm sorry, but don't try to follow me. The person next to me isn't very
generous either."
Elena turned cold and left the room. Elena, who passed the hallway and came down to the
first floor, hurried out because she didn't want to stay in this messy ballroom for another
second.
When she came back to the carriage, they saw the driver dozing off. Hurelbard woke him
up to prepare for the start and returned to Elena to open the door to the carriage.
"Let's get in."
Elena, who was escorted and boarded the carriage, looked back at him.
"Sir, get in, too."
"Me, too?"
"Who else is here besides sir?"
Elena smiled over the mask. Then, she recommended sitting pointing to the seat inside the
carriage.
"I'm sorry."
Surprised, Hurelbard shook his head and refused. It was an unwritten rule that a knight
does not ride a carriage with a lady except for a lover. It was highly likely that the Lady's
support would be suspected just because they were together in an enclosed space called a
carriage.
"Why? No one's watching."
"No, I can't. My actions can lead to misunderstanding."
Elena smiled around her mouth.
"Did you forget you're wearing a mask? And there's no one here to misunderstand."
Hurelbard opened his eyes wide at Elena's remarks. Elena said as if nothing really
happened.
"Get on. Or I won't leave."
"..."
"Come on."
Hurelbard, who was overwhelmed by the power of Elena, finally got into the carriage.
Clattering, clattering.
Soon after, the wheels of the four-wheeler began to roll as the horseman whipped. It ran
across the quiet capital at dawn, not too fast or too slow.
Situated rigidly across from Elena, Hurelbard was as close as his head could touch the
ceiling because of his height. Whenever the carriage rattled, the top of his head hit the
ceiling with a thud, and even though it might hurt, he remained in a disciplined posture
without changing his expression. Elena smiled small.
"Sir, please loosen up. I'm uncomfortable with everything."
"This is comfortable for me."
"You look uncomfortable."
Despite Elena's worries, Hurelbard did not relax. Elena gave up persuasion when he did not
listen to her after talking a few more times.
"Sir is so prim-minded at times like this."
"I'm sorry."
"It's nothing to be sorry about."
Elena smiled and stretched her hand behind her head. Then she untied the knot and took
off her mask. She also untied her hair behind her back and brushed it off.
"What are you doing?"
Elena, who was sweeping down her hair and arranging it, sat in front of him and looked at
Hurelbard, tried to take his mask off as well.
"I'm sorry. Because it's not easy to untie..."
"I'll help you."
Elena, who smiled small, stretched out her arms and untied the eagle mask tightly tied to
the back of Hurelbard.
"...!"
Hurelbard's face, which was peeled off and revealed, was beet red. He could not raise his
head with his head down, as if he himself knew his face was burning. Elena put the eagle
mask on top of her mask and stared at Hurelbard.
"The conversation begins with facing each other. Raise your head."
"..."
"I'm in trouble if you keep doing this. I'm going to talk about a deep topic today."
Only then, Hurelbard hesitating, barely raised his head. Even though he was embarrassed
by Elena's gaze, staring at him, he finally recovered his composure. Elena, who felt that
normal conversation was now possible, said.
"Sir, don't you want to know the scenery? Why did I go to the masquerade and buy opium?"
"I'm not curious."
"Why? You must be curious. It's unbearable."
Hurelbard replied with a straight look.
"The knight is only in accordance with the orders of the master. I think it's a virtue not to
doubt or question."
"I didn't want a textbook-like answer. The reason I picked you up in the carriage is to hear
a more sincere answer."
Hurelbard shut up for a moment. Elena's serious attitude, which he had never seen before,
he worried about and spoke in distress.
"I don't ask because I can't understand the meaning of the princess."
"Can't understand?"
"The princess I've seen is always looking forward to two or three steps, because it doesn't
mean anything even if I ask one step ahead."
Hurelbard still remembers clearly. The day when he was appointed as her knight simply
because he was handsome. But it was a trick. She completely deceived other people's
attention for his appearance and gave him unlimited confidence in his sword skills. She's
never seen him wield a sword.
It was the same today. Contact with opium-handlers is dangerous in itself. Despite
Hurelbard's worried advice, Elena dismissed it in a single word.
"Sir, I know."
Elena had unlimited trust as if she had seen the real skills of Hurelbard, who was not even
familiar with the 2nd Knights. How the hell did she know? He was wondering, but
Hurelbard didn't mind. For there is no greater honor to a knight than the recognition and
faith of their master.
Elena was happy and burdened by Hurelbard's words.
"Sir, you overestimate me."
"No, Your Highness is humble. I mean it. I think it's the most honorable blessing of my life
to serve Your Highness."
Blessing. Elena was speechless for a moment by Hurelbard's confession of near gold. Soon,
she felt one side of her chest getting warm. It was touching because she didn't know that
Hurelbard was following her so deeply. But.
'Will you follow me even if I know I'm not Princess Veronica?'
She wasn't sure yet. The fact that Elena was a substitute for a knight who valued honor
could have been taken as a great dishonor.
'But if it were him.'
Elena didn't think she would have a chance to confess the truth to Hurelbard if it wasn't
now. Elena took a breath and slowly opened her mouth.
"Sir, I have a confession to make to you."
"Confession?"
Elena nodded to Hurelbard's reaction.
Elena, who hesitated for a while, took courage and opened her mouth.
"I am not Princess Veronica."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"What? What are you talking about..."

Hurelbard was uncharacteristically vague. He couldn't believe she was not Princess
Veronica. Elena's confession was difficult for him to understand and accept.
"It's exactly as I said. The one you're looking at right now is not Princess Veronica."
"If you're kidding, this is overkill."
"No, it's true."
More serious than ever, at Elena's facial expression, Hurelbard shut his mouth.
"I'm a substitute."
"Substitute?"
Elena nodded to Hurelbard's reply.
"I was from a continental ruined aristocrat, and Leabrick brought me to the Grand Duke.
With the permission of Grand Duke Friedrich, she made me a stand-in for Princess
Veronica."
"...!"
Hurelbard's face was distorted by chaos to the point where the word "the knight of ice" was
overshadowed by confusion. It was such a vain remark that it would have been ignored if
someone else had said it. But what Elena said couldn't be ignored.
"I can't believe it."
"Sir."
"The princess I saw and experienced was more aristocratic than anyone else. Such a
person..."
"Because I worked hard. Tenaciously."
Elena laughed bitterly as she recalled her past life. Hurelbard could not say anything or act
when he saw her calmly telling everything. He just looked.
Elena said lonesomely, tossing back her hair that fell down in front of her forehead.
"The real Princess Veronica is alive. She can come back in a year, or she can come back
tomorrow to find her place."
"Such..."
"What will happen to me by then?"
Hurelbard could not answer that. There is a saying that the meadow tribe does not need a
hunting dog after hunting. After the puppet show, the doll is only a burden, and it is useless.
"Sir, you may have guessed it, but my end is set."
"..."
Hurelbard couldn't speak easily. Elena's calm way of talking even though she knew of her
death was more shocking and regrettable than her confession that she was a substitute.
There was a long silence in the carriage. Elena gave him time to think without fretting.
'Whatever choice he makes, let's not be disappointed. I'll respect it.'
Knights are bound to value honor. She could not guarantee that he would endure the
dishonor of serving Elena, a former aristocrat with unclear pedigree. She trusted him, but
now that she's confessed the truth, she couldn't help being anxious and nervous.
"... Your Highness is such a cruel person."
Breaking the long silence, Hurelbard looked up and stared at Elena. The gaze was deeper
than ever, and Elena was embarrassed.
"Why aren't you telling me honestly? Ask me to stay by your side."
Elena was embarrassed for a moment. She never thought that Hurelbard would say
anything like that to her as he looked so passionately.
"To respect your choice..."
"You're selfish. Was that all you had to do?"
"I'm a fake."
"What does that have to do with anything?"
Elena couldn't take her eyes off him because he was angry. The man in front of her eyes
was so intense and hard to suppress that he really was the knight of the ice.
"I'll take the honor of a knight.."
"..."
"Even if you point your finger at me and swear, I will bear it."
Elena felt a stabbing pain that made her want to cry. She didn't hate his passion. She was so
grateful that he was angry at her.
"Even if dirt is in my eyes, and even if I am blind, my master is the only one in front of me."
"Sir."
The one and only owner. Elena's eyes, impressed by his sincere loyalty, became moist. She
reached out her hand, trying to control her emotions, and held Hurelbard's hand.
Hurelbard was embarrassed by the sudden touch. Elena stroked the gloves he was wearing
regardless.
"Do you remember the letter I engraved here?"
Hurelbard nodded.
L. He'd never forgotten. Elena embroidered the ancient letter inside his cotton gloves and
told him to always engrave it in his heart.
"Do you remember what I said at the time?"
"How can I forget? You have always been true to me since our first meeting... No way?"
Hurelbard's eyes were bulging out. He didn't know because he always had it on his hand,
but she didn't tell him what it meant. But when He remembered what Elena had said while
giving up her embroidery, he thought, 'No way.'
"It's what you think."
"L, the mistress of the salon..."
"Yes, it's me."
"...!"
Elena grinned. Hurelbard was dumbfounded. He never thought that L and Elena, who were
at the center of the public, would be related.
The weight of the name L was never light. She was the mistress of the salon, who made the
capital city flutter, and was called the Modern Woman, and was an object of envy.
"Sir, I dare to promise you."
"..."
"I will protect the honor you have given up, and I will turn the criticisms and insults you
endure... To respect."
Hurelbard was pious by Elena's promise. It no longer mattered who Elena was. Elena
recognized him and chose him for the first time. She was also more aristocratic than any
other aristocrat he had ever seen, and never showed disappointment. He was deeply in awe
of her. He had never doubted that it was an honorable blessing to serve her for a moment.
It hasn't changed since he found out she was a substitute.
"So please keep an eye on me."
Hurelbard's head bowed to Elena's smile.
"That's what I wanted."
***
"Cough."
A skinny man died without even screaming. Resistance may have been the last struggle, as
it was an underground secret room with no way out.
"Subdued."
Sian nodded at the report of Count Lyndon, wearing a black robe.
"It's shocking. They're going to create and operate a manufacturing facility in the capital."
It was a coincidence that Sian got a clue about an opium manufacturing facility. When they
raided the slave auction house behind Duke Reinhardt, they were able to capture a
distributor who had been handling large amounts of opium.
To grab the torso, Sian deliberately let him go and then secretly followed him. With good
results, he succeeded in finding out that he was a top line of the divination that distributes
opium. Increasingly, after tracking down the people in contact with him, he was able to
discover a hidden opium manufacturing facility in the capital.
"Kneel."
At Count Lyndon's gesture, his servants boiled the knees of a middle-aged man who was
the head of an opium mill. He felt that resistance was meaningless, so he obeyed him. Sian
asked, smoothing the ears and leaves of flowers in a large pot.
"Is this all opium?"
"..."
The middle-aged man didn't say anything.
"Who's behind this?"
"..."
The middle-aged man was still silent. When Count Lyndon looked at him, the servants
suppressed the middle-aged man and forced him to answer. Blood flowed from the mouth
of a middle-aged man who never opened his mouth.
"Geuk."
"He bit his tongue!"
"What are you looking at? Save him!"
Count Lyndon pressed him, but he bit his tongue so hard that he soon died. Count Lyndon's
face was distorted when he saw the drooping body.
"Tough. It's impossible to figure out who's behind this."
Sian also nodded his head as if he was disappointed. The middle-aged man who committed
suicide was the head of a drug manufacturing factory. Except for those killed in resistance,
the majority of them were doing chores. It didn't seem like there was a great possibility
that useful information would come out even if they were questioning them.
There is no need to be in a hurry. They don't know this place was taken by surprise.
Someone's coming to get opium. I'm sure they'll come."
Sian's eyes did not fall off the opium that was stopped while manufacturing. When all the
opium in the pot was put together, it looked well over 5 kg. There's a demand, so there's a
distribution. He was sure the distributor would find this place.
'We need to figure out the body, not the tail.'
Sian focused on the manufacture and distribution of opium in the capital of the Empire. The
distribution of this enormous task in the capital city is impossible without having such a
background. It was highly likely that they would be a great noble, comparable to Duke
Reinhardt, the fourth largest family that used to engage in illegal slave trade at least.
"It seems the nobles' liver is sticking out of their stomachs.' Slaves are not enough, but
opium."
(T/N: overbold and foolhardy)
"Suddenly I think this. Does the empire really need the existence of nobles."
Count Lyndon's expression hardened. He followed Sian, but he was also a noble man.
Although he was guilty, it felt excessive to doubt even the necessity of the aristocracy.
"Why put all the nobles on the same line? That's an exaggeration. There are also many
nobles who practice Noblesse oblige."
"Do you really see that?"
Sian answered calmly.
"With this opium manufacturing facility alone, there may be a few more in the capital. If
there is no demand, there is no supply. Who will consume all this opium?"
"That's..."
"The nobles."
"..."
Even Count Lyndon could not deny that. Opium was too expensive for a commoner to
handle. Unless they were aristocrats or wealthy merchants, it was not easy to buy and see
for the rest of their lives.
"The more I think about it, the more surprising it is. How many steps forward are you
looking forward..."
Sian murmured, recalling Elena.
Elena argued that reforms should be made by the people underlying the pyramid. The
words were directly related to the meaning of raising the human rights of the people and
giving them the right to vote like citizens of the Holy Empire.
Emperor. Aristocrat. Citizen representative.
The establishment of a separate republican political system by these three powers was
seen as the way for the broken empire to move forward. Sian also considered it right. He
needed to disperse the power concentrated on the imperial family and the aristocracy and
to have a representative of citizens to replace the people. The reason why Sian, which was
only a frog in the well, could be changed is because he met Elena.
"It's coming up soon. Let's step back for now."
"Okay."
Sian agreed with Count Lyndon, who finished the rear end. It's time to go back to the
palace.
"Have you heard nothing yet?"
"Who said... Oh, yes, I haven't."
"..."
Sian stared at Count Lyndon's answer.
"You're afraid I might have hidden it?"
"I'm just looking."
"I really haven't heard a single word."
When Count Lyndon confirmed it again, Sian hid his disappointment and turned away.
'I'll wait. I'll hold it in. I've already made an agreement to bear with it...'
Sian's heart wasn't working as well as he expected.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"What?"
Leabrick, who was signing the document, stopped writing. There was embarrassment in
the eyes of Luminus, who looked up and reported.
"Report again. Again and again!"
On for uncharacteristic daggers, Luminus, wearing glasses, answered quietly.
"The manufacturing plant is said to have been attacked. All four of them."
Pajik! The pen that Leabrick was holding broke and broke in two.
"Was that a report just now?"
"I'm sorry."
Artil and Luminus couldn't raise their heads. The opium business is the core business of the
Great House. What more can be said about the money earned from illegal opium
distribution, which accounts for nearly 30 percent of the total income of Grand House?
Opium manufacturing is the heart of such opium business. Opium is grown, refined, and
distributed, and the manufacturer refines the raw materials of the cultivated opium. In the
process of distilling, drying, and enriching leaf relationships, the hallucination effect
increases by several times.
That was why aristocrats who were not interested in opium became addicted to it even if
they touched it once out of curiosity. As many as four such major facilities have been
damaged, it was natural for Leabrick to be angry.
"Who was the beast?"
"It is a guess to have been the work of those who attacked the slaveholders of Reinhardt."
Leabrick's face was grimaced.
"A guess? You're not even sure?"
"I'm sorry. The information I've received is too limited."
"Do you call that a report?"
At the first word of Leabrick, Artil and Luminus bowed their heads. Opium was managed by
Artil and Luminus, Leabrick's aides, as it was a key business of the Great House.
Regardless of the reason, the two were most responsible for the attack on the
manufacturing plant.
"I've told you before. If you can feel anything, close it and get it out of the way. You can't
even do that? Are your heads decorative?"
"We're trying to figure out what's going on..."
"What's next? You're gonna call in a team of knights and wipe them out? Would you have
anything to say about our involvement in the opium business?"
"..."
Artil and Luminus became mittens. They didn't expect it to happen, so even their usual
smart heads didn't function properly today. Leabrick gritted her teeth with the pen that
was only half left.
"What about the tail?"
"We cut it."
Luminus spoke confidently about this part. Opium went through at least five people before
being delivered to the buyer. Except for a few suppliers, there was a slim chance of being
tracked even if the tail was stepped on.
"In two weeks. Restore all four of the manufacturing stations."
"But technicians..."
Currently, the financial situation of the Grand House was not very good. The money that
went into the Noblesse street business was astronomical, so the money that didn't dry out
quickly reached the bottom. As a result, the opium business, which guaranteed stable high
income, was fatal.
'Do I have to catch my breath?'
Leabrick tried to stop the Noblesse street business for a while, but she soon erased the
idea. The plantation is healthy and the distribution network is alive. There was no need to
be hasty enough to normalize the business. The problem is cash that needs to be financed
right away, and there was a way to cover it.
'I've got to sell the artwork.'
There are more than 200 artworks piled up in the warehouse of the Grand House. Including
the recent purchase of Elena by paying more than 250 pieces, it was close to 250 pieces. If
she sold them, she'd have to put out the fire right away.
"Well, what about the beast? If left unattended, it will continue to be a problem..."
"We don't have to use our hands."
"What?"
Leabrick gave additional explanations to Artil, who didn't understand what she was saying.
"Just find traces and spill them on Reinhardt. See the blood over there."
Sect 16. Union
Elena returned to the late-night masquerade chair ten days later. It was to trade opium as
promised with the man in the horn mask. The invitation was received through Lady Stella.
Although she didn't know what the reason was, she didn't know if there was anything
uncomfortable. She asked for an invitation by all means and methods. She told Leabrick
that she had something to learn about etiquette and asked permission to stay at Madame
de Flanrose's mansion for two days.
"May I see your invitation?"
"Here you are."
Elena entered the ballroom hall with Hurelbard. Elena guessed that the one circulating
opium was Grand Duke Friedrich. However, she had not yet found a decisive clue to
confirming it was the Grand Duke. So she moved. To find out who was behind the opium
trade.
The first deal is 10 kg of opium. The second deal is 20 kg of opium.
After gradually building credit by increasing the volume of transactions, she planned to
raise the board to a scale beyond the handle of the horned mask man, pulling out big-name
superiors and revealing the behind the scenes.
"Huh?"
Elena, who came up on this floor, saw aristocrats gathered in front of the horned masked
man's room at the end of the hall. They even knocked on the door and cursed or lost their
temper and became nervous. Some even begged.
'What's going on?'
As Elena approached it, their voices were clearly heard.
"I have plenty of money. Twice? I'll give you three times. So please give it to me. Come on."
"I can't live a day without it!"
"You won't open the door when I say good things? Open it before I go in there and kill you
all!"
Elena was stunned by the drug addiction, which caused them to lose their reason and run
wild.
'I can't believe noble people are so pathetic.'
The people who believe in those who give up on the duty of nobles and only enjoy pleasure
were so sad that she could not endure it.
"..."
At that moment, Elena felt a strange look and turned her head. A man in a lion mask, who
stood a little far from the crowd who were tyrannical about withdrawal symptoms, met her
gaze. He was too heterogeneous to mix with those who showed withdrawal symptoms. She
felt a straight, unwavering sincerity. She couldn't erase the feeling of him being too noble.
'Are you looking at me?'
At first, it was a coincidence, but the lion looked at Elena and was conscious. Then after
some time, he slowly approached Elena. Hurelbard, who noticed the strange sign, stepped
one step forward and guarded. As he approached, the lion mask could not take his eyes off
Elena.
The lion mask stopped in front of Elena's footstep.
'Who is it?'
Elena was also nervous. The lion's masked man was looking at Elena so naked that she
couldn't help but be conscious.
"You..."
"...!"
Elena's pupils grew at the voice that flowed through his lips.
'No way?'
Elena felt familiar with the lion mask only then. She couldn't help but remember his body
shape, his jawline that was revealed under the mask, and the tone of his low and medium
voice so clearly.
"Why are you here?"
"...!"
Elena was convinced as she heard his small but powerful voice and saw the thick green
eyes inside the mask. The man in the lion mask was Sian. Elena was surprised by Sian's eye
when he recognized her at a glance.
He recognized her because, although she was wearing a wig, she showed her original face.
'Why is Your Highness here...'
More curious than that is the question of why he is here.
Slowly.
Hurelbard blocked the front. In prayer, he could guess who he was, but he seemed to be
vigilant in case of emergency.
"Sir, I know him."
Only then did Hurelbard step back.
"Let's talk for a while."
"What?"
Mindful of the surrounding eyes, Sian reached out and opened the next door. Then quickly,
he grabbed Elena's hand and took her into the room.
Hurelbard, who tried to block it reflexively, stopped. Elena looked surprised, but her eyes
were calm when she saw him. As if telling him to wait here.
'If the guess is right, the person is the Crown Prince. There's no reason he'd hurt me.'
Hurelbard decided to stand in front of Elena and Sian's door and wait rather than act
rashly.
The door was closed, and only Sian and Elena were left in the room. When it became
necessary not to be conscious of the other's gaze, Elena greeted him.
"Greetings to Your Highness..."
"Why are you here?"
Elena couldn't answer easily when Sian asked her, cutting the words. It was because she
couldn't figure out where to start talking.
"Is this a hard question to answer? Then I won't ask."
"..."
"I will not misunderstand either. There must have been a situation."
Elena grinned belatedly because he said this. The masquerade in the late night is a secret
banquet for aristocrats.
It was a place where people pretended to be noble on the outside and enjoyed promiscuous
life on the back.
Entering the masquerade party was enough to cause misunderstanding of behavior.
Nevertheless, Sian said he would not ask a single question about her.
He said that he would not raise misunderstanding by questioning freely and that there
would be such a situation.
'Why do you have to go so far...'
Sian was always like this. He neither wished nor wanted something.
He always put Elena before himself. He looked so different from the past that she
sometimes felt puzzled.
"You don't ask, but I'll explain why I came to the masquerade."
Even Sian wanted to be honest with Elena.
"I'm chasing opium."
"...!"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena's pupils grew as big as the full moon due to Sian's unexpected confession. How could
it be opium.
Sian's move was shocking enough to surpass Elena's expectations.
"You said. Stand on the side of the people and move on together. I engraved the words and
lowered my eye level. I wanted to see the Empire not from the eyes of the Crown Prince,
but from the eyes of the people."
" ... It wasn't easy for you."
No matter what anyone says, Sian is the Crown Prince to succeed the throne of the empire.
It is never easy for him, who was born with noble blood, to abandon his authority and
privileges and adjust his eyes to the people. The difficult thing was done by Sian.
"Because it was your word."
"Your Highness..."
Elena couldn't say anything because of Sian's firm belief. What could he believe to trust her
so much?
This man wanted to know what she saw and felt from her that he was so blind.
"When I looked at the Empire from the eyes of the people, I could see it. How rotten and
corrupt the nobles are. The men of the nobility were openly buying and selling slaves."
"Slavery trade in the Empire."
"Have you ever heard of the aristocracy above the law? The law had no effect on the
nobles."
Sian tried to kill his emotions, but he couldn't fully manage the anger that leaked out every
time he spoke about the nobles.
"I could no longer tolerate the illegal acts of the nobles. However, the imperial family was
too weak to inquire of sins. Even if they were investigated, there was a high possibility that
they would get out of it."
Despite Sian's pessimism, Elena could neither agree nor deny. Because it's the truth.
I realized the reality and changed my mind. If the law can't punish them, I'll replace it."
"...!"
Elena was shocked by the following story of Sian. Who joined hands with Count Lyndon,
said he focused on eradicating corruption and illegal activities among the aristocrats.
If they cannot be punished for their crimes due to the loss of authority, he too has decided
to unlawfully condemn their actions and punish them accordingly.
He also showed meticulousness in collecting evidence of criminal activities.
'I never thought Your Highness would change this much.'
Elena's eyes on Sian became subtle. He looked so different.
"Opium is a thing that should not exist. Cultivating and distributing such opium will never
be forgiven. I can never forgive them for making the empire sick to seek private interests."
'They?'
Elena felt that he knew something by looking at Sian who was referring to someone.
"So does Your Highness know who is behind opium?"
"Yes."
"By any chance, is it the Grand Duke?"
Elena rhymed about the background with a doubt. Then she looked at Sian's reaction. Sure
enough, the eyes of Sian beyond the lion's mask were shaking.
"How can you do that?"
'My guess was right.'
Elena guessed that the Great House was behind the opium due to her feelings and
circumstances.
It was impossible to distribute opium of this size without the protection of power.
"I was also tracking opium. That's why I came to the masquerade today."
"You tracked opium? Why, for what reason? Ha, I can't even imagine what you really are."
Sian was surprised but admitted to her. From the first meeting until now, she was not the
kind of woman who was predictable.
Maybe. That's why Sian was slowly getting drunk on the enchanting scent of a flower called
Elena.
"Your Grace, I have a question."
"Tell me."
"How did you find out that the Grand Duke was behind it? It wouldn't have been easy to get
the evidence."
"We tracked the gold coins paid to buy opium through various channels."
'It's the same way I thought.'
It was for a similar reason that Elena approached an opium trade with the man in the
horned mask.
It was believed that knowing where the gold coins paid for the purchase of opium flowed,
they could have been found to be behind the distribution of opium.
"Tracking was not easy. They washed the money in various ways."
It will. The opium business brings great profits, but if discovered, it becomes a target of
blame.
With such a risk, it was impossible for Leabrick to handle things in a sloppy manner.
"But you managed to figure it out."
"Was it a mistake, or was there no time to relax? I was able to grasp the situation where the
funds flowed into the Noblesse street development project."
Elena had a faint smile around her lips.
It was Sian who uncovered the background, but behind the scenes was Elena's contribution
to making the money laundering process bypassed by financial pressure on the Great
House.
The two cooperated in an invisible place.
"How did you guess that there was the Great House behind opium?"
"..."
"Can't you tell me this, too?"
Elena closed her mouth for a moment and pondered. The purpose was different, but what
Elena and Sian ultimately wanted was the fall of the Great House.
As it is said that the enemy's enemy is a comrade, it would be much easier to fight against it
by holding hands, considering the endless potential of the Grand Duke.
Elena's lips, which she concluded, opened.
"Because I was chasing it."
"You?"
Elena looked up and matched her eyes with Sian.
"The opium. And the Great House."
"Do you have a grudge?"
"Yes, I can never forgive them."
The memory of the day was vividly formed in Elena's remorseful eyes.
Veronica watching Elena dying and taunting her that she will kill Ian someday.
Grand Duke Friedrich, who seemed to see Elena as a bug dying, when he reached out for
her to become his daughter.
Even Leabrick who planned Elena's end.
Elena could never forgive them for deceiving her and killing her miserably.
'I was the only one with Ian. I'm going to give them a real sense of despair for stealing Ian
like that.'
Sian knew that the depth of hatred and resentment in Elena's eyes was never shallow.
"If you have such hatred, there must be a good reason."
"Your Highness."
"I will help you to settle your bitter grudge."
Sian did not even ask why. But he would be on Elena's side. The word left a small
wavelength on her heart.
Nod.
Instead of saying thank you, Elena expressed her gratitude with elegant manners.
It was the best way to express her gratitude.
"So Your Highness came to the masquerade to figure out the distribution channels of
opium?"
"Yes, I'll find the plantation of finacea, which is the main ingredient of opium, once I figure
out the distribution channels."
Elena nodded. Sian, who made the opium manufacturing plant unable to recover, tried to
root out even more fundamental cultivation.
"The reason why the addicts went crazy was because they didn't have enough opium."
"Yes."
Elena mused deeply as she smoothed her chin.
The collapse of the opium factory, the shortage of opium, and the plantation of finacea.
Information that would not have been available without meeting Sian has expanded the
scope of thinking.
'I have to sketch again in a blank state.'
Elena scrapped her initial plan.
It was not necessary to stick to the previous plan, as long as it became known through Sian
that the Grand Duke was behind.
Rather, it seemed better to turn to produce better results based on information obtained
through Sian. Elena's eyes, which she had been agonizing over, took off.
"I think I can find a plantation if I do well."
"Is that true?"
"Yes, it won't be easy, but it's possible with Your Highness's help."
Elena explained to Sian the plan that came to mind.
It was no exaggeration to say that whether she succeeded or not was in Sian's hands, so she
needed his consent and competence.
"How is it?"
"You always surprise me."
Sian was impressed by Elena, who made this plan by combining the information and
circumstances he gave her in that short time.
He knew that she would be praised as an intellectual while working as L, but he never
dreamed that she would be good at such tricks.
"Let's try."
"Your Highness will make it happen."
Sian and Elena exchanged eyes and smiled. Elena plans and Sian carries out the plan.
They were two people looking forward to the breath that they couldn't even imagine.
***
Sian left the room first, and Elena left the room after taking time. Hurelbard, who was
guarding the door, followed Elena instead of greeting with a light silence.
Still, in front of the room at the end of the corridor, the nobles addicted to opium were
noisy.
Perhaps the symptoms of withdrawal have intensified, and more people have shown
violent tendencies, or are begging for the bottom.
Elena stepped back and waited for the door to open.
It was an appointment to make contact soon.
'10 kg of opium. There's no easy way to give up such a customer. He'll come in contact with
me in any way.'
This kind of person to trade in kilograms of Elena's level itself is different.
Elena waited patiently without impatience.
Some of them, who are at the height of withdrawal symptoms, did not hesitate to commit
violent acts as if they were trying to break the door with chair-like furniture.
This shows how opium poisoning paralyzes human reason and maximizes violence.
It was then. Hurelbard, who was standing in the back, moved to block Elena's side.
Elena turned her head to wonder what was going on, and a woman in a deep-chested dress
and a butterfly mask stood.
"You remember me?"
"You, then by any chance..."
Elena remembered that she was an assassin who stood by the man in a horn mask.
"Shh."
The woman in the butterfly mask put her index finger on her lips.
It meant that they didn't have to talk about themselves because they recognized each other.
"Follow me."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The woman in the butterfly mask quietly guided Elena. She turned the opposite corner
across the hall, and the stairs came out as well. She stopped as she reached the far corner of
the room on the second floor, which was deserted.
Knock, knock.
When she knocked, the locked door opened. A man in a grotesque fur mask stuck out his
head through the slanted open door. Elena remembered that he was the man who kept the
entrance at the time of her first visit.
"I brought them here."
He glanced at the butterfly mask and the people behind her, Elena and Hurelbard, and
opened the door. When they entered the room, she saw a man sitting with his legs crossed
on the sofa. Still revealing his upper body without a coat, he was drinking a bottle of strong
whiskey.
"Come on in. How about a drink with me?"
"No, thanks."
Elena flatly refused.
"You're being cheeky. Keukeu."
"We don't have time, so let's get straight to the point. Do you have the 10 kg of powder?"
"Let's see the money first. It's all thanks to this award."
Elena looked up and looked at Hurelbard. Hurelbard opened a square bag made of light
gold for the horn masked man to see. The man's eyes were soaked with greed when he saw
the white gold coins in the bag. In his heart, he had a desire to extort even with force. But
he couldn't move around. The man standing next to Elena was too dangerous to venture.
"Now let's see what you've prepared."
"Bring it over here."
He gestured, and the woman in the butterfly mask came with a small leather bag. It was too
small to hold 10 kilograms in her eyes. Elena's eyes narrowed when she saw it.
'As expected, Your Majesty has destroyed the manufacturing plant, and it's suffering from a
shortage of supplies.'
The board is set. The rest depends on whether Elena gets what she wants from the horn
masked man.
"I don't think you're up to your word?"
"This side has its own situation. I've raked three kilograms."
"Ha, 3 kg?"
Elena smiled in vain as if she was full of energy. Then she stared at the man with the horn
mask. This is because sometimes silent pressure can be more burdensome to the opponent.
When she looked at the horn masked man to see if it worked properly, the man panicked
and made excuses.
"Hey, good is good, isn't it? I'll meet you in a month. We made some mistakes, so we made
adjustments in terms of price..."
"Did you just say adjustments?"
Elena looked at Hurelbard with a ridiculous face and chinned. He laid the other bag he was
carrying and opened it toward the man wearing the horn masked.
"...!"
The horn masked man's eyes shook severely. Gold bars boasting a purity that was
incomparable to gold coins were packed inside the bag. It seemed to be twice as much as
gold coins.
"Do you think I'm trying to save a few bucks?"
"As I said earlier, things are also on this side..."
"Do I have to take care of your situation? Why should I do that?"
"It's not that..."
Elena's constant interrogation forced the man to sweat. He knew she was a big customer,
but he didn't expect her to be a financier who could easily accommodate such gold bars.
The man who succumbed to money chose to bow his head rather than go out brazenly. So
far, the customer's scale was different to miss due to pride.
"I apologize for not keeping my promise. But this side had a situation, too. Damn it.
Unidentified scumbags stormed the manufacturing plant and created devastation."
Elena's eyes narrowed slightly to the man's excuse. The reason why he was questioned was
her plan to bring the flow of conversation to this point.
"I don't want to hear any excuses. We leave the Empire at daybreak. "
"Hey, take it easy. We don't have enough supplies, so how are we going to match it?"
"Then come up with a countermeasure. Can't you understand? All you have to do is make a
few bucks, but we have to go back to our home country and revise the plan from the
beginning."
As Elena shoots without even breathing, the horn masked man's expression distorted.
There were people who lived, but because they didn't have anything, they were crazy and
trembling.
"You're driving me crazy, seriously."
There was no way to get opium. It is said that there is a leaf of finacea, which is the main
ingredient, but if it is not purified, hallucinations are significantly lower than that of opium.
'Wait. Just sell it as a leaf?'
It was a thought that came to mind at the moment, but the man in the horned mask didn't
think it was a waste.
'They're leaving today anyway, right? I might see them again or not, so wouldn't it be
enough to sell it as raw materials?'
As soon as he thought that far, the man in the horned mask made a decision. It was better
than losing the customer.
"Well, how about this?"
"What?"
"That's all the drugs I can push. I can't get any more."
The man in the horned mask, which felt Elena's eyes were getting cold, quickly said.
"Hey, listen up. There is a plant that is the raw material for opium. It's not purified, so it's a
little less hallucinating, but it's not bad. Why don't we trade with this instead of opium?"
'You got caught.'
Elena's hand with the hem of her skirt was tightened.
"Not bad? The expression is a bit vague. How hallucinogenic are they?"
"About half? It's just a little less effective compared to opium. Instead, I'll give more. How
about it?"
In fact, there was a difference of five times, but the man wearing the horned mask lied
calmly. It was an attack made by a desire to make a deal with Elena. Elena, who was
pretending to be struggling, said with a serious face.
"As I said before, I'll leave at dawn. You can get it by the time the masquerade is over,
right?"
"Of course. It's possible."
The man in the horned mask replied. It was an act of trust to him, but it was taken
differently by Elena.
'There's only a few hours left before the masquerade ends. Considering the time it takes to
bring things, there is a high possibility that there is a warehouse or plantation in the capital
that stores leaves.'
That's it. Elena drew the deal perfectly as planned. It's up to Sian now.
"Let's make a deal. As much as the hallucinations are less than opium, ask them to bring as
much as possible."
***
The annex behind the palace. As the night-long masquerade was at its peak, the entry level
was quiet.
Then the black shadow moved through the back door of the annex. He only moved his body
in the shade where the moonlight could not reach, but his movements were quick and
quick like a thief cat.
"As Your Highness said. I didn't expect them to move."
The eyes of Count Lyndon, a masked man who was hiding on the roof on the other side,
liked the black shadow moving, taking the darkness as a friend.
"Let's wait a little longer before we move."
"I think that's better, too."
Upon Sian's words, Count Lyndon nodded his consent. In the meantime, they have been
choking at their meticulousness and tail cutting as they delve into opium tissues. Based on
his experience of failure, he chose to deal with the situation carefully rather than making a
hasty move.
Not surprisingly, another black shadow popped up from the annex. He looked around to
see if there were any who were following those who had gone before, then slowly followed.
In case of follow-up, they moved in the form of a group of two. If the count had rushed after
the one who had gone ahead, it would have been a great disaster.
"Let's go."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Sian flung himself up with enthusiasm. It was not anyone else, but Elena's scheme. He
didn't want to let her down because she trusted him.
Even though he was shadowed for a certain distance, Sian and Count Lyndon did not miss
the two masked men.
"They're not riding a horse."
Sian nodded.
"I guess it means that the cultivation area or warehouse is in the capital."
"Huh! Are they bold or reckless?"
"They are above the law, above the imperial court. There's nothing to be afraid of."
It is no exaggeration to say that the prestige and power of Grand Duke Friedrich covered
the sky of the empire. The imperial family was in a hurry to see their notice, and even the
law was not a means of control. It was miserable, but that was the reality. Sian
acknowledged and accepted reality as it is. And he decided to change what he could do. The
first step was to break down the illegal opium business of the Grand Duke on behalf of the
law.
'There's one more reason to destroy the Great House.'
Sian recalled the hatred in Elena's eyes earlier. He didn't know what the story was, but he
wanted to relieve her resentment and make her smile.
Masked people moved to the east side of the capital out of the palace annex. It was a high-
end residential area where many aristocrats lived.
"It's dark under the lamp, but it's a perfect match."
Sian bit his lips in insult. How much did they ignore the imperial family, not to mention
making and distributing manufacturing facilities in the middle of the capital city?
Sian and Count Lyndon, who were tracking the masked man, stopped to live in the pitch-
black darkness.
"...!"
Sure enough, a dozen people wearing red masks suddenly popped out and blocked their
way. Judging from their attitude of not hiding their hostility, they were believed to be
targeting Sian and Count Lyndon.
'They caught us?'
Sian, who had been questioning, shook his head.
Masked people were moving toward their destination without looking back once,
apparently unaware that they were being followed.
"If we leave it like this, we'll miss them."
Count Lyndon felt impatient. If delayed here, there was a high possibility that the efforts so
far would be in vain.
Sian felt that the number of enemies was small and decided that a collision was inevitable.
"We'll take care of this. Put Ben and tell him to keep pursuing."
"Okay, Your Grace."
It seemed difficult to neglect revealing blatant hostility. Then it is more efficient for Sian
and Count Lyndon to deal with them and post knights that are good at tracking.
It was just time for Count Lyndon to give orders. Five red masked men came out of the
corner of the opposite alley and blocked the road ahead.
"You scumbags. We've finally caught you. I'm sure you've been scrambling around."
A red masked man with twice the size of an adult man walked out threateningly, pulling out
his sword.
'Knight Wolford!'
Sian recognized who he was at a glance.
It was Wolford, head of the Knights of the Reinhardt family, who is known to be vicious.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

A native of the grassland tribe, he was a mercenary, but in recognition of his extraordinary
strength, he became the Knight Commander of Reinhardt.
Perhaps because of that, he was far from being a knight. He was violent, ignorant, and cruel
in the hand.
Despite such shortcomings, he ruled with the sword of Duke Reinhardt.
It was possible because of his overwhelming strength, that it is difficult to find an
opponent.
"The prank is also over today. Half of you will die here, and the other half will be dragged
and smashed one by one."
Wolford lived threateningly with a large figure. His ferocity like a beast about to hunt
overwhelmed the crowd.
'I never thought I'd run into him here.'
Sian's expression hardened. Despite the confrontation, the masked people who had left the
masquerade were moving away. He'd have to hurry up or he'd miss the tail.
'If I fail, I won't be able to face her.'
He really wanted to succeed as it was Elena's plan.
"I'll subdue him. You take the rest."
"B-but."
Count Lyndon was perplexed.
"It's an order. And Ben."
Sian expressed his willingness not to allow further discontent, calling the nervous knight
Ben low in the back.
He was sent to the northern region to find Lucia, who had taken a leave of absence from the
academic institute in the past, among the knights of Count Lyndon, he had the best vision
and body movements.
"When the battle breaks out, go after them."
"Okay."
Ben took a step back when he was ordered. In the meantime, Wolford has gradually
narrowed the distance. The closer he got, the more excited he got.
"What are you so shy about? Have you decided who will go first?"
Sian immediately bent his knees and kicked on the ground. Like a spring, his body was
elastic and the sword on the waist was pulled out like lightning.
Chaeng.
In an instantaneous raid that narrowed the distance, Wolford instinctively raised his sword
to prevent the attack of Sian. It was a sharp attack that might have cut his arm even if he
was a little late.
"You're not an ordinary guy, are you?"
"..."
Wolford's eyes changed. He seemed to have changed his mind to face the opponent with all
his might after noticing that his opponent's skills, which he had been seeing as a pushover,
were high.
In the meantime, Count Lyndon and his four servants faced the knights of Reinhardt,
wearing red masks. Ben was watching in order to get away at the right time.
"Haat!"
Wolford swung the sword relentlessly. As a former mercenary, the sophistication of
swordsmanship fell, but the power of the sword spewed out from the big body was
devastating enough to make even the frame of swordsmanship useless.
'One chance.'
Sian kicked the ground again. He wanted to gain the upper hand at speed.
"You think I haven't dealt with a rat like you once or twice?"
Wolford responded with a heavy hand, not frivolously. No matter how fast his speed was,
the attack was coming in a second.
If he can beat him only then, he would win or lose. Sian was also aware of this. In the end,
the game depends on whether he was fast enough to surpass Wolford's expectations.
Sian running in front of him disappeared from sight. Wolford turned his body instinctively
and erected his sword. Vibration was transmitted to the sword.
Jiing.
Sian's blow was blocked by Wolford's sword.
"It's over, rat."
Wolford grinned, revealing his yellow teeth. The race between speed and power was bound
to be divided in an instant. Sian attacked and Waldorf blocked.
Wolford gave strength to his interlocking sword. Naturally, the inherent monster power
pushed Sian's sword like a rock.
"Huh? Uh!"
However, Wolford's eyes were perplexed when he pushed Sian's sword away.
Sian's sword, which should have been missed because he could not handle his strength,
somehow cracked a crack on Wolford's blade as if cutting a radish.
"O-oh my God."
Wolford's black sword. It was famous for the story of Duke Reinhardt conciliating under
the condition of a famous blacksmith's name and sword to make him the knight's
commander was famous.
However, such an excellent sword was about to break in two.
"Kuk."
Wolford instinctively realized that it was wrong as it was, and tried to avoid him. However,
the size of the giant was inevitably dull. Sian pushed the sword with strength. Wolford
wickedly tried to block, but his favorite sword couldn't hold up.
"...!"
For a moment, Wolford's eyes grew bigger. Was it an illusion? He thought he saw haze-like
smoke rising on Sian's sword.
Soon his sword broke in two. More than half of the blade fell to the ground helplessly.
Sian's sword penetrated like lightning on his unprotected forearm. Sian's sword cut
through Wolford's forearm in a trajectory.
"Oh, my God, y-you punk!"
Like a raindrop, a drop of blood fell on his arm. His figure, clutching his sword-cut arm and
stepping back, looked upset.
As Wolford's movement slowed down by the sword, Sian's speed was even more luminous.
He grabbed his back in a motion that was difficult to follow with his eyes, then struck
Wolford hard on the neck with the handle.
"Cull!"
With a single moan, Wolford's huge body collapsed. He lost consciousness. When Sian
overpowered Wolford, the men in the red masks, who were attacking Count Lyndon and
his servants, began to panic.
Sian raised his head and looked at Count Lyndon.
As he knew what he was saying with his eyes alone, Count Lyndon pulled out with his men
and moved to the vicinity of Wolford, who fell unconscious.
When Wolford was captured alive, he could see that the red masked people were at a loss.
Some were frightened by the marvelous Sian's swordsmanship.
"I'll leave the rest to you."
"Yes."
Sian's eyes were on Ben when Count Lyndon answered. He tried to pull himself out, but he
was stranded and couldn't go on the chase.
"What's the direction?"
"The last time I saw them, they were passing the clock tower in the southeastern direction...
It's been quite a while."
Sian flew in the direction Ben told him without hesitation. As long as he had secured
Wolford's identity, Count Lyndon believed that he would do well on his own.
'We have to hurry.'
Upon arriving near the clock tower that Ben told me about, Sian scattered around like a
hawk aiming for a game.
The southeastern part of the capital city is densely populated by influential families among
the capital's aristocrats.
Some families with more than their own titles have large gardens and patrons, so the area
was enormous.
"There?"
A black dot was spotted moving in a very distant view.
Sian flew over there without hesitation. He thought it was fortunate that today was full. It
would have been almost impossible to find a masked person moving along the darkness if it
wasn't for the pouring moon light.
Although he stepped on the tail, Sian could not rest assured.
This is because he was so far from the masked people that there was nothing strange about
missing them.
Sian flew to narrow the distance even if he tried too hard.
However, the distance rarely decreased. The masked men were well versed in geography
and moved in complete darkness.
And at some point, the masked people disappeared from Sian's view.
"That's it."
Sian finally arrived where the masked men disappeared. It was also the most expensive
land price in the aristocratic area in the southeastern part of the capital.
Everyone had a big patronage and courtyard, and the walls were long.
"It's about this vicinity..."
Finally, six houses were concentrated near the sight of the masked men. It was highly likely
that one of them had a plantation.
'I don't have to be unreasonable. Let's wait and see.'
According to Elena's plan, the masked people should return to the masquerade with leaves
to replace opium.
It was because Elena had nailed it because she would leave the empire at dawn. Of course,
there was anxiety.
This is because the possibility of missing the tail can not be ruled out if the masked people
were moving to another route or collecting leaves here.
It was then. Sian, who felt a suspicious presence, was nervous.
"...!"
Sian doubted his ears. It wasn't even a bird's whistle, it was someone's whistle. When he
saw the source of the sound, a man who did not fit this situation walked out.
He wore a stiff hand in his pocket, a chest that was unbuttoned from his shirt, and a wolf
mask that would only be seen at the masquerade.
"You are..."
At a glance, Sian looked through the identity of the wolf mask.
"Why are you here?"
"I'm on the way?"
Despite Sian's interrogation, the wolf smiled back. Sian looked at him with a dry eye and
asked for an answer to the question if he didn't want to play with words.
"Why are you here."
"Why am I here. I'm here to help."
When he went to the wolf, he smiled a meaningful smile and pointed to a place with his
chin.
There was a gate of iron bars twice the height of the wall.
"Count Thanatos. Didn't those two new guys go in there?"
"...!"
Just as he enjoyed Sian's surprised reaction, the wolf mask man shrugged his shoulders.
"What do you have in your life? You're living by helping all of the harsh world."
The wolf turned around and stopped.
"Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to help you."
"..."
"I just want someone to smile about this."
The wolf masked man waved his hand and disappeared into the pitch-black darkness.
After he had left for a long time, Sian murmured.
"Did you know it? Ren."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"You must be bored. Why don't you have a drink? There's a nice wine."
The man wearing the horned mask on the other side of the sofa recommended alcohol
while drinking whiskey.
"No, thanks."
"Why? Do you think it's poisoned?"
Elena ignored him because she didn't feel he was worth answering. She turned her eyes out
of the window.
'How is Your Highness doing?'
Elena's nerves were all over Sian. It was a hasty plan, but it was carefully prepared.
Later, she judged that Sian defeated Ren, an imperial sword, he would be good enough to
follow the masked people.
'If you can find even a cultivation... it can cause a fatal blow to the Grand House.'
Elena estimated the income earned from the distribution of opium was about 30% of the
total income of the Great House. The conclusion was based on the investigation through the
guild and the information given by Sian, so it would be about right.
'Good timing. If we stop the distribution of opium at times like this, it's going to get worse.'
Meanwhile, Elena continued to put financial pressure on the Grand House. In addition, in
the original history, the Noblesse Street project was invested in a huge amount of capital so
that the Grand House could stumble.
Even without Elena's hindrance, it was that much, but how would it be after being under
pressure from the funds?
She expected it to be hard. In the meantime, the opium distribution business is disrupted?
Elena was confident. Even the Grand Duke with astronomical assets will be shaken.
The time went slowly. Elena felt the same way when she was not aware of the situation
outside the masquerade venue.
Suddenly, there was a commotion outside. Outside the building, she could hear the cries of
horses and the wheels of a carriage rolling. It was assumed that the masquerade meeting
was over and that the aristocrats were returning.
"Let's pretend there was no deal."
Elena pulled herself up from the sofa.
Then the man in the horned mask stopped her in a hurry.
"Wait, calm down. We still have time until dawn. They should be here soon."
"I'm sure I said it. I'll be leaving in time for my departure."
"I know, I know. So wait a little longer. If you go empty-handed, not just me, but you, too,
don't you?"
Elena sat back on the sofa pretending she couldn't win.
'I have to consider the worst.'
She never thought that Sian would fail. However, there are always unforeseen variables in
what people plan. Believing that couldn't be the case, Elena counted the failure of the
scheme as well. In case of failure, it was difficult if the relationship with the man in the
horned mask was cut off here.
How much more time has passed? Even the sound of the carriage leaving the annex died
down. The darkness, which had been pitch-black, was receding and dawn was breaking.
It was when Elena, who thought waiting was meaningless anymore, was about to get up
from the sofa again.
"Don't get up and sit down again. I brought something hot."
When the man in the horned mask beckoned, the beautiful woman who went inside the
room for a while dragged a bag out. The man in the horned mask, who was sitting on the
sofa again, sprang up, untied the tightly tied string, grasped a handful of dried leaves and
held it out.
"This is the finacea leaf, the raw material of opium. Smell it."
Hurelbard approached, picked up the leaves, and passed it to Elena. Elena put the leaves'
ear on her palm and brought it to her nose to smell it.
'It's bad.'
Elena's brow frowned. The smell of plants was unbelievably bad.
"One of the reasons for purifying is its smell. Still, there is no doubt about hallucinations
and addiction."
"It's bulkier than I thought."
The man in the horned mask shrugged his shoulders.
"I can't help it. It hasn't gone through the purification process."
"The volume is large and the hallucination is low... That's why it's refined into opium.
Because it's not business-friendly."
"Something like that. Now, you seem busy, so should we settle the accounts?"
The man with the horn mask showed his yellow teeth and gleamed greedily. As plain as it
was, his eyes were stuck on the bag of gold bars.
"I think there's a lot of difference between what you want and what I think."
"What do you mean?"
The man wearing the horned mask eyes turned cold. It was because the nuance of Elena's
words was subtle.
"I think you're mistaken. I'm sure you're the one who couldn't meet the set amount of
opium."
"Weren't we replacing it with leaves?"
"We had to replace it. But with this volume, smuggling is difficult. The customs clearance of
the kingdom is a bit strict."
The man wearing the horned mask glared at Elena as if to kill her.
"Cut the front and the back and just get to the point. In conclusion, how much do you want
to buy?"
"Three kilograms of opium and the rest of it leaves, just this price."
Elena's offer was the gold coins in the right angle bag. Gold bars were not intended to be
used to buy leaves in the first place.
'Who wants to pay gold bars and buy leaves?'
Since the backbone of the distribution of opium was revealed, the gold bars used to
purchase leaves were also likely to flow into the Grand House.
Elena had no intention of tolerating that. Just gold coins. Considering the worst case, it was
just that enough to leave contact with the man in the horn mask.
"Are you kidding me?! You told me you'd buy everything!"
The man in the horned mask shouted nervously and threw the glass bottle in his hand. A
broken glass bottle hit the wall and spilled on the floor. Despite the nervous threat, Elena
calmly responded to the threat without changing a single look.
"Because I didn't know the volume was so big. Just as there are circumstances on that side,
there are circumstances that we cannot avoid."
"You said you couldn't come again? I'll compress it and seal it for you. It's like a real deal."
The horn mask man tried to conciliate Elena to dispose of the leaves somehow.
"I made it clear. I'll buy as much as I need. I don't feel comfortable forcing anything more."
"Hey, hey!"
Elena's determined attitude made the man grind his teeth. In fact, the gold coins alone were
enough to cost 10 kg of opium, which was decided to trade in advance.
Considering that the company failed to meet the volume, it had nothing to do with the
successful deal.
Nevertheless, the reason why the horned mask man was angry was because of greed. He
was greedy for gold bars enough to bear the trouble of bringing leaves.
He was blinded by the additional compensation that follows the success of the transaction
and the profits to be returned by secretly subtracting some gold bars.
"You decide. Whether you want to do this deal. You know, I don't have time."
"Uh."
The horn mask man could not abandon greed until the end. As it happened, he even
thought about overpowering the two people in front of him and stealing the golden bars
and gold coins.
The horn mask man looked at the woman wearing a butterfly mask. But the woman, who
knew his intention, shook her head.
'Don't do anything. We're both going to die.'
He thought she was looking for an opportunity. He tried to get a chance to kill them, but he
could hardly find a break.
Even by chance, when he met Hurelbard with his eyes, he felt numb as if he faced a beast.
Even if he joined the assassins hidden behind the wall now, he was not confident to subdue
them. When the woman wearing a butterfly mask dissuaded her, the man in the horned
mask could no longer be stubborn.
"Let's make a deal."
"Thanks for your thought."
Elena handed over the square bag of gold coins. The horn masked man gave 3 kg of opium
and leaves equal to the remaining 7 kg of opium in a separate cloth bag. Even that was quite
bulky.
"Don't be so sad. Today's transaction leaves room for the next."
The man in the horned mask raised his head when Elena shed her words.
"That means deal again?"
"See you next time."
Elena got up from the sofa leaving a lingering impression. Hurelbard picked up the opium
and left with both hands full and followed suit.
When they left the masquerade hall, she could hardly see the carriage of the aristocrats
lined up.
At dawn, everyone returned to the mansion. Elena got on the carriage and told the
coachman to go to the outskirts where people weren't crowded
Although it was located in the capital, Elena and Hurelbard got off the carriage when they
arrived at a place where only the homeless and vagrants could occasionally be seen
because of the distance from the city center.
"Sir, please open the manhole cover."
"Manhole cover?"
"Yes."
Hurelbard opened the sewers' manhole as he was told. The underground sewage system of
the imperial capital was well maintained in a wonderfully hygienic manner, and domestic
sewage was flowing down it.
Because of that, there was a quirky and disgusting odor. However, Elena continued calmly
as if she didn't care about the smell.
"Take everything out and pour it in."
Only then did Hurelbard realize why Elena asked him to open the manhole cover and
moved on.
He took out 3 kg of opium from the bag and threw it under the drain. The bag was held
upside down and poured.
"..."
Elena did not feel any shaking or waste when she disposed of opium and leaves. The gold
coins paid were considerable, but they were considered investments to deal a bigger blow.
"Let's go back."
"Yes."
Elena got in the carriage without any hesitation.
***
"Go to the Secret Salon."
It's been five days since Elena went out. Recently, she often stayed out at Madame de
Flanrose's mansion and stayed out of the eyes of Leabrick.
Still, she couldn't even notice, but today, on the fifth day, she asked Leabrick for permission
and went out. It was because she had a special appointment.
"The more I think about it, the more weird it is. At this point, she would have given me
some freedom to go out..."
It was Leabrick's attitude that Elena felt was strange. Based on the original history, Elena
was not restricted from going out at this time.
Rather, when Cecilia was elected to the Crown Princess, she even actively encouraged
social activities in the process of becoming empress.
"Don't let your guard down. There must be something."
It's just a feeling, but Elena didn't give it away lightly. What had changed before was what
she had to be sensitive to and watch and respond to. Otherwise, she could be forced into an
uncontrollable situation.
When Elena arrived at the salon, she went into the parlor on this floor with May and
Hurelbard in masks.
Elena stepped on the foothold next to the wall and opened the secret passage.
Slide.
"...!"
Hurelbard's eyes widened beyond the mask.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

It was even more surprising because he didn't expect such a secret passage to be hidden
inside the salon.
"Sir, it's too early to be surprised."
Elena smiled openly and stepped into the secret passageway. May, who first experienced
the embarrassment Hurelbard must be feeling, followed with a faint smile. Hurelbard's
surprise doubled as he entered the main drawing room of the Secret Salon through a secret
passage.
"You're here?"
Khalif who was sitting on the sofa waved his hand and pretended to know her gladly.
Emilio, who was sitting at his desk and looking at the documents, got up from his desk and
gave a silent salute.
"Huh? This guy?"
"I'm sure you know him, too. My guardian knight, Sir Hurelbard."
Khalif, who often met Elena on an art deal, greeted him.
"How would I know him? We've never seen each other before. I'll introduce myself
properly. I'm an art broker, Khalif. I'm L's right-hand man, officially or informally, the
salon's hostess."
"Right hand?"
Hurelbard's eyebrows wiggled. Although he didn't show off, the word right hand strangely
annoyed him.
"That's Emilio, the top-ranking owner of Castol Chamber of Commerce, the top ten in the
continent. The overall operation and management of the salon are in his hands."
Emilio greeted again with a light silence. It was because there were few words, and there
was no reason to go out since Elena introduced him.
"These three people, including May here, are helping me. Without them, L wouldn't be
here."
Elena's eyes warmed up to see the three people. It was reassuring and grateful to have
someone who truly trusts and follows her.
"..."
Looking at Elena and the three people, Hurelbard felt left out for some reason. A lot more
people were helping Elena than he knew, and he felt sorry that he couldn't. He felt sorry for
Elena, who mastered it because it was inevitable, but nevertheless did not speak earlier.
Did she at least read Hurelbard's mind? Elena's eyes touched him.
"And now you're here with us."
"Your Highness the Princess."
"I'm glad Sir chose me. I don't have to fool you anymore. For being who I really am."
As Elena's fever met with a smile, his feelings of canal disappeared like snow melting.
Rather, he wanted to help Elena even from now on, as he was not very helpful even though
he stayed with her for a long time.
Khalif said immediately if he remembered something.
"Oh, yes, His Highness has been waiting for you since a while ago."
"I'll have to go down."
Elena was curious inside. She wonders what progress he'd made since he succeeded in
catching the tail.
"Sir, wait here."
"Yes."
Hurelbard said he would do so in a gentle manner. The salon was no different from Elena's
home, so if the partner she meets is Prince Sian, it is okay not to accompany her.
"May and Khalif, please tell Sir Hurelbard about what happened."
"Okay, I'll explain it nicely."
"Don't worry, miss."
Elena left the main parlor without having to sit on the sofa. It was possible to get to all the
rooms in the salon through the secret passage. The drawing room 217 was the meaningful
room that first revealed L to Sian.
Slide.
As the bookshelf was pushed, Elena entered the parlor. Sian, looking out of the window
with his back, turned his head. When their eyes met, Elena was polite.
"Greetings to Your Highness."
"I've been waiting."
Sian's eyes have changed softer than ever. What a strange thing. He couldn't believe just
looking at her made him feel disarmed.
"I have a favor to ask."
"Favor?"
"Can you take off your mask while you're with me?"
After hesitating for a while, Elena nodded and took off her mask. Except for the brown
bobbed-haired wig that she had used since Lucia's days, she looked exactly the same.
'I can't hide it all the time.'
Elena showed her own private face. She looked exactly like Veronica.
"Are you ready now?"
"Yes."
Sian's eyes staring at her were meaningful. Even though she knew she was being shaken
up, Elena pretended not to know. What was important now was the achievement of the
day.
"What happened?"
"I found the cultivation site. Count Thanatos."
"...!"
Elena's surprise near her eyes gradually turned to joy. It was no exaggeration to say that
finacea cultivation is the core of the opium business. In other words, the discovery of the
plantation site could have a fatal blow to the financial situation of the Great House.
"You've done something that's not easy."
"Thanks to you."
Sian and Elena gave each other credit. It was well known that it was not easy to achieve this
result with either side's power alone.
'It's too early to be happy.'
Elena tightened the tension more tightly. Finding a plantation is a great achievement, but
that alone does not directly deal a blow to the Great House. Future actions are really
important.
"Now that you've found the plantation, what is Your Highness going to do?"
"First, I want to find evidence that the Grand Duchy is involved."
Sian proposed a definitive argument. The opium business, along with human trafficking, is
a taboo in the Empire. As Sian said, if he can secure evidence that the Grand Duchy is
behind the opium business, it could hurt their status.
'... I wish he could find it, but he won't find it. Leabrick isn't that sloppy.'
Leabrick was a chillingly meticulous woman. If the opium business was discovered from
the beginning, it would have been designed to cut its tail so that it would not cause as much
damage as fingernails in the Grand Duchy.
'Count Thanatos will cover it.'
Rather, it is better to cause real damage than to give time to the Grand Duchy. When Elena
was saving her words, Sian asked first.
"You seem to have another idea."
"A little bit."
Sian nodded as if he didn't mind.
"It's okay, so tell me."
"We need to get rid of the cultivation site."
Sian's eyes were narrowed by Elena's answer without hesitation.
"Isn't that too hasty? I think it could be a good cause to jail the Grand Duchy."
"No, they're not chaotic enough to leave evidence. They're going to cut it from the tail.
There's a high probability that you won't see the body."
"Would you rather get rid of it?"
"Yes, the fall of the opium business itself is fatal to the Grand House."
Elena felt intuition that the time had come to tell Sian about what she had been doing with
L's status. Only then could she persuade him to remove the plantation by pushing the
underfunded Grand House into a pit. And.
'There's no reason to hide that I'm Veronica's stand-in anymore.'
The Grand Duke is by no means an easy enemy. Even if Elena and Sian cooperate openly, it
would be difficult.
Even now, it seemed better to disclose the card she held and cooperate more closely.
"I'll do what you say."
"I respect Your Highness's wise judgment."
Elena held up her skirt to Sian, who accepted her will after much consideration, and was
polite. Then she continued carefully.
"Your Grace, I have a confession to make to you."
"Confession?"
"Don't be surprised."
Elena, who left a meaningful comment, sent her hand behind her head and untied the pin of
the wig she had secured.
Ttak! She took off her unsecured wig and shook his head. Then, the golden hair that had
been pressed down, flowed down her shoulders like a waterfall. She always felt like this,
but Elena was the most nervous at this moment. Whoever her opponent was, it took a lot of
courage to take off her mask and reveal herself.
"Do you know who I am?"
"... Princess Veronica."
Elena was embarrassed at the surprisingly calm response of Sian.
"You're not very surprised."
"Do I have to be surprised?"
"That's not..."
When Sian asked, Elena couldn't find the right answer, and the end was blurred. Sian talked
to Elena with a sad glance as usual.
"I had a vague idea."
"...?"
"That you may be Princess Veronica."
In embarrassment, Elena's pupils shook as if they had an earthquake. She thought she had
completely hidden it, but she couldn't get a clue at what point he knew.
"S-Since when?"
"At the academy. As soon as I saw you on Belladonna's presentation day."
"..."
Elena couldn't believe it. On that day, she bumped into Sian and greeted him.
'You recognized me at a glance?'
As she always wore a disguise, she didn't even think that Sian would recognize her.
'I thought it was an illusion.'
Elena was the one who revealed the truth, but Elena was more surprised. And the following
words of Sian shocked Elena.
"It was just a guess, but I couldn't be sure."
"..."
"The most confusing thing was right after the masquerade. You were Veronica and you
were hating the Grand Duke."
Elena understood how confused Sian must have been. In Sian's view, Elena was an
inconsistent woman. As a result, the more he learned about Elena, the more he felt like
wandering through a maze.
"But why didn't you ask me anything?"
"Because I thought you'd be troubled."
Sian blindly trusted Elena. Elena has been deceiving Sian, but he always watched and
waited.
'Now it's my turn.'
It was her turn to repay his waiting. Elena took a short breath and slapped her lips.
"I'm not Princess Veronica."
"What do you mean?"
Sian slightly pulled his chin and looked at Elena. Princess Veronica was right, but now that
she said no, he was confused.
"I'm a substitute."
"Substitute?"
"I'm a substitute established by the Grand Duke to replace Princess Veronica, who had
disappeared for some reason."
"...!"
Elena confessed all the truth to Sian. There was a reason for having a public enemy called
the Grand Duke, there was also a sincere desire to be honest and in return for Sian's blind
trust in her so far.
There was a silence between the two. Elena didn't rush Sian and gave him enough time to
think. She thought it would not be easy to accept the story as it could be so shocking.
"I see."
"What?"
At the beginning of the long silence, Elena unknowingly asked back. There must be a lot of
things he wanted to ask, and there must be a lot he wanted to know, but Sian's response
now was too grave and dull.
"Is that it?"
"Because nothing has changed. I just feel sorry for you. You had no choice but to live so
fiercely."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"..."
Elena stared at him and couldn't speak. Sian's word unlatched and penetrated deep into
her heart. Elena, the hostess of the secret salon, called the modern woman L, and gained a
lot of fame and reputation, Elena had to always show a straight and uncluttered
appearance. There wasn't much difference when she pretended to be Princess Veronica.
That's why Sian's words may have come in. Because he touched Elena's weakest place,
which she had hidden deep inside.
'What am I supposed to do...'
Sian didn't even notice her thoughts in the meantime. He was only worried and felt sorry
for Elena.
"That's weird. I don't like being sympathized."
"It's not sympathy, it's consolation."
"It is for me either way."
Elena smiled. That sincere heart was enough.
"Your Highness, I want to ask you something."
"What is it?"
"You said you had a long guess that I might be Veronica, didn't you?"
"I did."
"The Imperial Family and the Grand Duchy are incompatible. I'm just guessing you thought
I was Veronica... But why didn't you push me away?"
Elena really wanted to ask. It was the same in the original history, but now the imperial
family and the Grand Duchy are still at odds. In her past life, he even abandoned the Grand
Duchy when he made a surprise engagement with Cecilia to stop Veronica from being
Crown Princess. The same was true even after Elena became the Queen after the selection
ceremony. Elena had to face Sian's contemptuous gaze instead of affection for her just
because it was a wedding ceremony for the Grand Duchy.
'I don't understand. If you're the former I know, you're the one who would quit the
relationship instead of stay.'
Sian, who had been, did not push Elena away. He even thought she might be Veronica. Sian
calmly answered the question.
"It was just a guess, and I didn't want to doubt you over something uncertain."
"What if I were Veronica..."
Elena looked at Sian, blurring her words. She was not convinced of what he was able to say
and do so.
"At some point, it didn't bother me."
"..."
"At first, I thought it might be because of your wisdom. But as time went by, I realized it
wasn't."
Sian took a breath for a while and continued.
"There was no reason in the first place."
"What?"
"It was just good because it was you."
"...!"
Elena's heart pounded with Sian's unannounced confession. She'd never thought about it.
She thought it would be the same now because it was like that in the past. But that wasn't
it. Sian expressed his personal feelings, and Elena was vague about how to take it.
"I also want to ask you something."
"Tell me."
Elena answered calmly to hide her subtle trembling feelings.
"Ren, what's your relationship with him?"
"Ren?"
Elena looked at Sian's with her eyes wide open.
In this situation, it is not understood that Ren's name came from Sian's mouth, but Sian's
eyes, which asked the question, were heavier and more serious than ever.
"I can't define it exactly, but we're not on good terms. When I was posing as Veronica, he
was an enemy cousin, and as you may have seen from you, he was an asshole who was
anxious to prey on me at the academy."
"Is that it?"
"Yes, that's it."
Suddenly, Ren, who was defeated in the swordsmanship and slapped by Viscount Spencer,
came to mind. Ren, whom Elena saw, was a man who couldn't even handle his wounds.
Elena didn't want to brag about Ren's wounds, although it may be a small heart.
'The way he treats me has changed subtly.'
Elena, who returned to the Grand House on the opening day of the Secret Salon, was
nervous as she looked at Ren, who had been waiting for her since daybreak. She was
nervous not knowing what other reasons he would pick a fight with. But what's the matter?
He said weird things when he came to see her, and he just looked at her face and went back.
He told her that she didn't look good and to eat well.
"I see."
It must have been an illusion? Sian's eyes seemed to read an unexplained sense of relief.
"Why did you ask about Ren?"
"On the day of the masquerade, I met him while I was following the opponent."
"Ren?!"
Elena's voice became pointed. Elena's expression became complicated when she heard
about what happened with Ren that day.
"... It's no coincidence that he told you the location of the cultivation."
"I think so, too."
"Was he chasing opium? Or me?"
At this point, Elena had no choice but to add meaning to the words and actions of Ren that
she could not understand. It occurred to her that he might know Elena's identity.
"He said this."
"What do you mean?"
"There's someone he wants to make smile with his help. It's not me, so it's you."
"...!"
Elena was absent-minded. Ren's words pointing to the plantation suggested a lot. He knew
Elena and Sian had a hand-in-hand trick. It was tantamount to say that he knew some of
Elena's work and L.
'Since when... Ha, I should've been more careful.'
How far did he know? Even the fact that Elena is L? Or even Veronica?
'It may be more than that...'
Elena cut off a series of mysterious tails. There was too little information given to conclude
something.
'Let's say that's all. If he knows who I am, what is he silent so far?'
Ren in his past life was the devil. After finding out that Elena was a substitute, he
persistently bit, bullied, and used her. But why didn't he do that this time? And.
'... What do you mean? I don't know why he said that.'
She'd rather ask him a question. Why did he pretend he didn't know when he knew
everything? And what kind of dream was it? Ren was an unpredictable dangerous man just
to pretend he didn't know.
"I'll meet Ren. If I didn't know, I wouldn't know. I can't stay still because I'm worried that
he knows everything."
It was no longer a matter of hiding it. Elena chose to go head-to-head.
"If you feel pressured, I'll meet him."
"No, I'll do it. I should."
This was not a problem to be solved even if Sian came out. Elena had to solve it herself.
'I need to prepare for the worst.'
Ren is a kind of human being who doesn't know where to go. It was also inevitable to revise
the plan depending on how far he knew.
Sian, who had been having a conversation for a while after that, looked at his pocket watch
and got up.
"I need to go."
Elena got up from the sofa, touching her disorganized skirt. She wanted to see him off.
"If you leave the salon, will you return as Veronica?"
"Yes."
"Isn't it dangerous if they find out L is you?"
Elena smiled and relieved Sian.
"I'm being careful and cautious. Don't worry too much."
"I know you've done a good job, but I'm worried."
Elena's smile became stronger. It was the first time she felt today that someone's worries
could make her feel so good.
"There's still work left for Veronica."
"If you need my help, you can always write to Count Lyndon."
"I'll send messages to the point it bothers you."
Unlike the playful retort, Elena had the next sketch in her head to gradually collapse the
Great House. Initially, it was calculated to shake the roots of the Grand Duchy with being
Veronica's substitute, and to pressure the outside of the Grand Duchy with L's status.
However, as she joined hands with Sian, Elena's range of tricks expanded. Although it was
not the same as before, the imperial family could be moved to put pressure on the Great
House, and Sian's force and action could be put ahead of Sian's armed forces as if he had
discovered the plantation of finacea.
"I really want you to send messages enough for me to be bothered."
"I'll try."
Sian smiled faintly. If Elena had not looked closely, she would not have known that he
smiled.
"Will you be able to stay in the salon at midnight tonight?"
"Tonight? Is there a reason?"
"I want to show you something."
Elena looked at her head. She couldn't easily guess what he was going to show her.
"It's not coercion. It's just the wind."
"I'll stay."
It was not an easy decision for Elena. As Leabrick's attitude changed from the original
history, there were many things to think about. However, she thought it would be okay to
return home late as she had been absent for a while.
'There's an excuse for the banquet at the salon today.'
Also, seeing Sian talking like that, she didn't think she would regret it even if she stayed.
"Thanks."
"Do I just have to stay in the salon?"
Sian shook his head.
"At midnight when the day changes, you can go up to the highest point of the salon and look
southeast."
"That's a difficult wind. I don't know what it is, but can I look forward to it?"
Sian smiled faintly at Elena's small whining.
"You will never be disappointed."
***
After Sian left, Elena returned to the main drawing room using a secret passageway. While
she was away, Hurelbard's eyes were sparkling with envy and respect for his master, as if
she had heard Elena's success story through Khalif, which is only seen in novels. Feeling
burdened by his indefinite gaze, Elena questioned Khalif, who was resting on the sofa.
"What the hell did you tell Sir Hurelbard?"
"Me? I just told him the seeds you planted so far?"
Elena sighed and turned her eyes to the Khalif's slick reply.
"May."
"It's true. I heard it from the side, but there was no exaggeration."
Elena gave a low sigh as May stepped forward and helped.
"Sir, are you going to keep looking at me like that? I feel pressured."
"I'm sorry."
He said he would not do that, but Hurelbard's eyes were full of pride. He opened his chest
proud of having such a master. Elena shook her head and turned the topic around.
"Senior, please call Christina and ask her to bring me some dresses and shoes."
"Huh? Oh! You're going to the banquet? You said you had to go home early."
Elena nodded when Khalif looked at her as if he had guessed something.
"I have a reason to go home late."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena had a long-awaited plan to become the salon's hostess.

Although Khalif and Emilio may have known well, Elena was the spiritual pillar of the salon.
In order for the salon to become more famous, the role of L was absolutely necessary.
"That's the way it should be! There are so many people here to see you. It's only a day or
two to send you back with excuses."
Elena blinked. It was not so much an affectation as a complaint.
"Was it that bad?"
"They call you a mystic. They say you're trying to create a mysticism on purpose, so they
can't even see my face."
More than half of the customers visit the salon to see L.
Some people came to wonder about her beauty beyond the mask as if it stimulated their
imagination, and intellectuals who were fascinated by Elena's intellectual charm at the
debate also crossed the threshold of the salon.
The presence of invisible L has a profound impact on the salon.
"Not bad. The reason is, apart from my absence, L's influence has grown."
"Hey, can't you see me dying from that?"
Elena smiled silently. Why didn't she know.
If Emilio, who was in charge of the living, and Khalif, who was in charge of external
activities, were not present. The salon would not have been this positioned in a short time.
Elena was always grateful to know that. However, she didn't show it because she wanted to
tease Khalif.
"Isn't there a public debate today?"
"Starts in a little while. Are you going to watch?"
"Yes, can I see the list of participants?"
Khalif took out the list of participants in the debate from the drawer and handed it to Elena.
Elena, who confirmed the name Jacqueline on the list, shone her eyes.
"Will it take long to get Christina back?"
"If she's in the boutique, she can come right away..."
"Please confirm when she will arrive. I'd like to attend the public debate."
Elena's eyes didn't fall from the name Jacqueline on the list.
'Jacqueline, an unlucky speaker and thinker.'
He is also one of the great masters of the time sponsored by Elena. He was sponsored by
May, who provided food so that he would not starve to death.
As a result, there was nothing to call grace and the relationship failed to develop further,
failing to make a point of contact.
'I was going to find out what Jacqueline was doing and how he was doing soon, but I didn't
expect him to show up.'
Jacqueline was the axis of the new era that advocated enlightenment. He is also the author
of <The Theory of Governance> who claimed that he should return to the ancient Holy
Empire and give citizens sovereignty to elect civic representatives. Of course, Elena was
influenced by his ideas.
The subject of his enlightenment thought was that the common people had to learn and
awaken.
Only then could the citizens' representatives suppress and resist the unilateral policies and
tyranny of the imperial family and the nobility.
'I know that Jacqueline's enlightenment was enlightened by Raphael's work... but the
history and ideas of the circle have not changed, have they? That's not good.'
Elena was slightly concerned about that. Jacqueline, who was a commoner, dropped out
while attending an academic academy, tired of the sense of authority and privilege of the
nobles, and was stuck in a closet to live a life like a desperate man.
Then he went out of the street saying that there was no meaning to live anymore, but he
was shocked to see Raphael's work by chance.
If existing works of art have remained in a uniform technique and method of expression
without development for hundreds of years, Raphael's work completely wants to break
such a frame and structure. That day was a turning point, and Jacqueline changed his mind.
He said that they must break away from aristocratic society. Not to change, but he said that
they have to break the shell. In order to do that, it was concluded that the enlightenment of
the people, the bottom of the pyramid, was the most important.
"I don't think there's any problem with participating in the public debate... but I'll have to
check it out.'
Elena influenced Raphael's work, so it was hard to tell how Jacqueline would have been
affected by the original history and other Raphael's works.
She wanted to point that out clearly.
Khalif who was away just in time returned.
"There's Christina in the next room. Go ahead."
"Already?"
Elena was surprised and asked back. It hasn't been long since she sent him, but she arrived
too soon.
"She said that since her muse is looking for her, it was natural to surpass everything."
As she recalled the delightful Christina, a smile spread across Elena's face. She was a
pleasant and nice person to meet anytime.
"I'll get up. Oh, sir. After the debate, please set up a table with Jacqueline."
"Jacqueline? Who's that?"
When an unfamiliar name popped up, Khalif confirmed the list of participants in the public
debate.
In the introductory article, it was stated that he was supported by the common people as a
speaker at a rally that frequently gathered in the capital square.
"Oh, a speaker. Are we going to recruit him?"
"It's public relations. It's not an extreme. I'm going to talk to him because his learning is
outstanding."
"That's it. Talking about it makes you feel good, and then you sign the contract. I'll make
room for him. Cristina will be waiting for you. Go ahead."
Elena nodded and hurried out of the main drawing room and moved to the next room.
As soon as she opened the door and entered, Christina, wearing a colorful peacock mask,
welcomed Elena with a clap.
"L! How long has it been? I was so glad to see you that I almost had a heart attack."
"How have you been? I was reluctant to ask you to come in case you were busy."
When Elena felt sorry, Christina waved her hand.
"What do you mean? It's L. I have to put everything aside. I heard you're in a hurry. Look.
It's a new dress made with every single detail for L."
Elena, who was looking up and down at the new made dress on the mannequin, admired it.
'What happened? Lines, patterns, and lines are rapidly developing.'
The quality and sophistication of the new dress were not much different from Elena's when
she was the Queen.
As Elena's sponsorship has eliminated the need to pay attention outside of design, the
timing of her full talent has been advanced.
"It's pretty. I don't want to wear it."
"Don't say that. No one else can pull it off unless it's L!"
Elena was shy at the shameful compliment.
"I think Christina has a knack for embarrassing me."
"It's true. Go ahead and try it on."
Elena, who changed her dress with Christina's help, stood in front of the mirror.
It sticks to the body slimmer than before, helping to preserve the curvature of the body. In
this case, the design and pattern added to the class by emphasizing the elegance was added
to the style.
"Oh, look at this fit. How can a person be so perfect? There's nothing superfluous about you.
Oh, I can't help but admire it."
"I'm sorry, please refrain from doing so... I'm afraid that others will hear you."
"Did you make up a story without me?"
Elena, who was at a loss due to Christina's embarrassing talk, left the room after dressing
up. Khalif wearing an eagle mask was waiting in the hallway.
"Hurry up. The debate is in full swing."
The two rushed to enter the forum.
In the oval-shaped forum, ten people wearing masks were fiercely debating.
Elena sat in a blind spot to avoid being seen as much as possible.
"Isn't that L?"
"I think you're right. But the dress looks really sophisticated and luxurious. I keep looking."
"I'd like to attend the banquet today. I'd like to talk about the virtues of noble women..."
She was careful not to interrupt the discussion, but some visitors recognized Elena and
talked.
Fortunately, it was not enough to interfere with the debate.
"There's a man wearing a bat mask over there, Jacqueline."
Elena's eyes were fixed on Jacqueline as Khalif who checked the list whispered. In the midst
of sharp arguments and refutation, Jacqueline remained calm. He kept his reason cool even
though he could be emotionally altered.
"I don't think it's right to put God before humans. I think the present hope and happiness
are more precious in our lives. Ask someone who was starving for four days right now.
What comes first."
"Because of God, there are humans. Stop the sophistry!"
"A sophistry. I think differently, too. Faith and humans must be viewed separately."
"W-What a disrespect!"
The swan-haired mask man, who looked old at Jacqueline's claim, showed unpleasantness
without filtering.
For him, who had a strong faith, it was considered a violation of the Bible to separate the
theology and human beings, the creatures of God.
'Dangerous.'
Elena was nervous when she saw Jacqueline, who was not talkative, but he was smart
enough to carry out her argument.
Although not talkative, Elena was anxious as she saw Jacqueline courage to carry out his
claims.
It is clear that there was one flaw in the appointment of a thinker who was ahead of the
times and a speaker who touched the hearts of the people, that he was too radical.
His rise to be called an unlucky thinker and speaker was also largely influenced by such
radical thinking.
Although it contributed to the enlightenment of the people, he had severely criticized
theology, insisted on civil rights and sovereignty, and was hated by the aristocracy and the
Gaia church.
'In the end, he was driven to heresy and burned.'
Elena didn't want his death. Jacqueline's help is absolute to bring down the Great House.
Furthermore, his ideas will serve as a compass for Sian, who is trying to change the empire.
'I need to save him.'
Elena kept him in her eyes for a long time.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The culminating debate ended unexpectedly.

This was the reason because the swan fur masked man with a desperate faith did not make
rational criticism because the man could not control his emotions, but rather made a
slander with emotions.
In the end, the person in charge of mediation of the debate made a stir.
"Warning, you'd better watch your mouth. Blasphemy is an unforgivable sin."
Despite the end of the discussion, the swan fur mask huffed and went back.
He was also an intellectual with knowledge and knowledge, and a renowned philosopher in
academia.
The fact that he had such a violent reaction itself showed the extent to which the Gaia
denomination existed to the imperial people. The reaction of observers was not much
different.
"Huh! He must be a pagan. I can't believe he's talking about such profanity."
"Maybe it's a salon thing. I can't believe they put him in the debate."
"It's shocking. It's like denying that we're here because of God."
Observers whispering out of the open forum were also busy criticizing Jacqueline. For
them, faith was an inviolable area.
'People aren't ready to accept it, but they're revealing that idea. They can't help but hate
him.'
Elena got up in the auditorium and left the forum. Several people approached to talk to
Elena, but she smiled and promised the next.
She moved to the reception room that was promised in advance. The tea table between the
sofa was equipped with boiled water and tea leaves.
Knock, knock.
She heard a knock while she was brewing tea water.
"Come on in."
Khalif, who opened the door, was seen sending in Jacqueline wearing a black mask. Looking
closely, she could see the stout eyes that were suddenly revealed between the angled jaw
and the mask. He showed his stubbornness indirectly.
"Welcome. Please sit over here."
When Elena recommended a sofa across the street, Jacqueline approached and sat down.
Just in time, she handed him a cup of tea that she brewed to make him drink.
"I prepared black tea because I don't know your liking."
"Anything is fine. I don't live enough to enjoy tea."
Jacqueline answered bluntly, took a sip of the tea in front of her and put down the teacup.
"I'm L."
"I'm Jacqueline."
In principle, the Secret Salon does not disclose your identity and name. It's L, so no one
knows about it. Even so, Jaqueline had no hesitation in revealing himself because there was
no one who didn't know L. There is no way that the organizer of the debate knows his
identity, because he had a relationship with L.
"Now I can say thank you. Thanks to you, I didn't die, and I'm still alive. Even if I tried to
starve to death... I couldn't do that when you piled up food in front of my house without
skipping a day."
"That's why I brought it."
Elena savored a sip of the tea water and put down the tea cup.
"I saw today's debate very meaningful."
"I was also impressed by L's discussion."
Elena stared at him. Jaqueline did not avoid the deep-looking eyes.
"I think we both have the same dream."
"It's not the same way to the same destination."
Elena smiled faintly. He was a man who didn't mix with anyone and didn't want to mix.
He wanted to make himself lonely and live alone in the original history. Elena wanted him
to change.
"I want you to live long."
"Rather than living long and thin, I'd rather live like a flame."
"It'll be a flame that won't go out. I provide wick and oil."
Beyond the black mask, Jacqueline's eyes narrowed. He wondered why she was so
obsessed with his life.
"What do you want?"
"I told you. I want you to live long."
"I'm asking why."
"The world doesn't change overnight. Wouldn't Jacqueline have to live long enough to
change it a little bit faster?"
The spirit of enlightenment continued even after Jacqueline was burned in the original
history. However, it was also true that as much as the subject was lost, the power and
strength were lost.
"Why would I change the world. I'm going to live by the name."
Jacqueline didn't break his stubbornness. Elena threw such a wick-shaking remark.
"I'm going to build a school in the capital city. And we will provide free education for the
common people."
"...!"
Jacqueline's eyes grew bigger. Education was the biggest challenge and difficulty in the
history of enlightenment. It is only when properly learned and enlightened that injustice
can be said to be injustice, but in reality it took enormous amounts of money to establish
and maintain a school.
Moreover, she didn't even ask for tuition from commoners whose priority is to eat and live.
Elena first said that she would narrow the gap between this reality and the ideal.
"I'm planning to open five more schools in the capital. I'm sponsoring it, so I want you to be
the first dean."
"Why are you doing this?"
"I hope so, too. May the world change. Then I have to buy it."
Although Elena was a fallen aristocrat, she grew up like a commoner. Commoners living a
life without choice, a life that cannot be rejected, and a one-sided life were not much
different from livestock in the perception of aristocrats.
"Everything has its order. Criticism of faith, breaking down the status system, all good. But
this era is not ready to accept Jacqueline's claim."
"..."
"You don't want to die meaninglessly like a moth on fire, do you? You can't change the
world only with will. Live. Live and carry the world through."
Jacqueline couldn't easily speak. Ne didn't know how to take it because he'd never seen
anyone so deeply understand and sympathize with his ideas. Elena threw a decisive blow at
the shaken up Jacqueline.
"You will not die in vain. If you promise, I promise you support. Furthermore, I would like
to introduce someone who can advance the transformation of the times."
"Who's accelerating the transformation? Who is that?"
When Jacqueline reacted, Elena pointed to the ceiling with a white, thin index finger like
white jade.
"He will be the sun of the Empire."
***
The main hall of the Secret Salon was overflowing with masked ladies and gentlemen. It
was crowded with many people as it regularly held banquets, concerts, exhibitions, and
performances, but especially today, a large crowd gathered without any time to step on.
This is because rumors spread widely that L, who appeared at the public debate, might
attend today's banquet. Maybe that's why more noble food and young people came to the
salon than usual.
At the corner of the stairs leading down to the main hall, Khalif said, looking down at the
crowded hall.
"See? They're all here to see you."
"Why did they get together like that."
Elena couldn't help but be surprised to see the people gathered under the hall. She didn't
know what happened, but it seemed to have attracted more people than the opening day of
the salon.
"I'm more impatient because they're not doing salon activities. Why would they call me a
mystic?"
"That's funny. You're just sitting still, and people won't leave you alone."
The symphony, which used to resonate calmly in the hall, has changed.
Elena stepped out when a song was played that was calm like the ocean and had rough
energy like the waves.
Applause poured out as she appeared on the stairs under the escort of the Khalif.
"L, the owner of the secret salon, greets the guests."
A stronger round of applause welcomed Elena as she bent slightly on her upper body and
knees.
"I apologize for not being able to greet you often, and I'm here today to approach you. I
hope you enjoy today's banquet, which is a combination of music, art, society and people."
Elena, who finished her welcoming speech, walked down to the main hall. As soon as the
heels of the shoes reached the carpet, people gathered.
"L, it's an honor to meet you."
"I really wanted to see you. You don't know how many girls want to be like L in the
academy these days."
"The rules of the salon feel cold. I can't even talk to a lady and introduce myself. Today is no
exception, right?"
Elena, who has participated in countless banquets since her last life, has been very sociable,
but it was the first time she was as distracted as she is today.
But Elena was skilled. Taking advantage of her past experiences, she was careful not to be
biased toward certain people and talked with many people. She also did not forget to take
the opportunity to properly respond to the conversation.
Time flew like an arrow as she was dealing with people. It was late, but the number of
people talking to Elena has not decreased. There were many people who wanted to share a
word with Elena at the banquet hall, which was supposed to have caused a stir around this
time of year.
"You have to go now."
Khalif sneaked up and announced that it was time.
Elena asked for understanding from the people she was talking to. Elena, who went up the
stairs with a silent salute to those who were sorry, turned around the corner and left.
"I'm tired."
Elena's face looked tired, perhaps relaxed.
"I can't speak. How many mouths you have talking next to you, how do you listen to them
all and deal with them?"
"It's not that hard. Remember in your voice, and the repertoire of conversations is similar
except for a few, so you can answer according to the situation."
Khalif shook his head when he saw Elena, who seemed to think it was nothing.
"What time is it?"
"Ten minutes before you change."
Elena nodded.
"You must be tired, too, so go get some rest. I'll go up by myself."
"Are you okay with that?"
"I'm not a kid, what's wrong. Anyway, this is an access controlled area and the spire is high,
so you can't enter outside."
"Then I'll go rest. I've been overdoing it lately, and it's too hard."
After returning Khalif, Elena walked across the corridor, loosely alone.
Above the dome-shaped roof of the salon was a spire that served as a rooftop. Since it was
one of the largest buildings in the capital except for the Imperial Palace, the whole view
was clearly visible.
"Here it is."
When she arrived at the rooftop spire, a refreshing and cool night breeze greeted Elena.
Forgetting the thought of the difficulties, she stayed in the vast night view of the capital
under the moonlight for a while.
'What am I looking at?'
She sat down on the railing and stared at the direction Sian had told her. It was time to
wonder when nothing else happened even after watching for a while.
"It's past midnight... huh? Uh!"
A fire broke out in the distance.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sian watched the flames as they pushed through the night, lighting up the field like broad
daylight.
The area of the cultivation area within the Count's house that broke through the strict
boundaries was wider than Sian had predicted.
Although it was great to have such a large-scale finacea plantation in the center of the
capital, it was even more remarkable to skillfully use a dead angle to cut off the external
line of sight.
"It's burning well."
Sian muttered and recalled Elena. Elena's hatred of the Great House was real.
She sincerely hoped for the fall of the Grand Duchy, and it was no exaggeration to say that
she would live to do so. This fire was a small gift from Sian for Elena.
Perhaps because the blade was dry, the embers as big as fingernails spread quickly and
became as big as houses.
"We've set fire to every cultivation site."
Count Lyndon set fire to eleven cultivated areas scattered within the Countdom.
"Damage?"
"Three people died, one lost his arm."
"They have lost their precious lives."
Unlike his calm voice, Sian felt sorry for their death. It was thoroughly prepared and a
surprise, but the resistance of the enemies was unexpected.
There were not many numbers, but individual skills were superior and even death was
seen.
Sian commanded to minimize damage, but could not take all of them. As a result, three
knights belonging to Count Willem died in vain.
Since the other was crippled, it was safe to say that life was over as a knight.
"Take good care of their bodies and continue the business."
"Of course. More than that, it's burning better."
Count Lyndon said, looking at the flames rising here and there. As he said, the fire burned
the plantation and turned it into ashes.
"You will never see opium in the land of this empire again."
Looking at the fire, Sian vowed. To cut out the rotten roots. He was not going to let this
happen again.
"It's been too long. Step back."
"The fire won't spread anymore, will it?"
Sian feared that the fire would spread incorrectly even while burning the plantation site,
causing damage to innocent residents.
"Yes, there's no wind, and I've cleaned everything that could catch fire."
Sian nodded and pulled himself out. Count Lyndon's minions followed.
Sian also looked at the last burning plantation before he flew away. Elena's face formed
over the blazing flame.
"It's what he said. I wish for you to smile about this."
The meaningful words left by Ren were on Sian's mind all the time. He thought he knew
what kind of feeling it was. The way of expressing it was different, but he didn't change his
mind about Elena.
"I dare promise. I will protect your smile. Always."
It was even more difficult to keep that smile than to make a smile. Sian was willing to
endure that hard work.
He wanted to do more than Ren.
Sian flew over the wall. Only a burning flame remained in the Countdom who had
disappeared.
***
"Fire..."
Elena was stunned to see the fire rising from the southeast. She didn't have to think about
where that fire originated. It was the plantation of finacea. Sian attacked there and let go of
a fire.
"I didn't even think about it, this kind of..."
Elena took off the mask she was covering her face. It was because she wanted to get rid of
the frustration of stuffy sight and see it more properly.
Elena's smile around her mouth became as strong as the fire. She felt so relieved and
refreshed.
It was a great pleasure to think of Leabrick's face, which would be distorted after receiving
the report by now.
Also, imagining that Grand Duke Friedrich's complexion would be darkened, she felt like he
would lose his temper.
Elena gazed at the fire, which showed no signs of dying down. She couldn't get enough of it.
She wanted to burn down the Great House by growing that flame even more.
"I thought fireworks on National Foundation Day were the best, but I was wrong."
National Foundation Day was a festival of the Empire. Firecrackers embroidered in the
night sky were the highlights of the festival.
The lingering impression of the ecstatic and brilliant scene has faded as of today.
"It's the best fireworks in my life."
Elena's smile became stronger. That fire was the most beautiful and brilliant flame that
could not be compared to anything else in the world.
Oh. She didn't know how long it's been.
From the last life to the present, she felt the feeling of being thrilled with her heart like this.
It had been the first time to have a result that can be seen with the naked eye, although she
has hurt the funds of the Grand Duke through several routes.
Perhaps that's why the plantation was burning and turning into a handful of ash.
Elena stood up, removing her half-sitting hips from the railing.
After neatening her disorganized clothes and hair, she straightened her body toward the
fire that was getting stronger.
Bow.
She greeted with dignity while maintaining her elegant figure so that the line of the
mermaid dress would not collapse. It was a courtesy to Sian to be there.
"Thank you, Your Grace. I won't forget this night."
On that day, Elena stared at the fire that did not go out like a person whose time had
stopped.
All the time. Until dawn. For a long time.
Sect 17. Crack
"W-what?"
At dawn, Leabrick's face turned white when she came to the office without even getting
dressed properly. It was the first time since she took charge of the actual work of the Grand
Duchy that her voice was as lost in thought and trembling as it was today.
"Tell me again. What happened?"
"I-It..."
"Say it right before I pull that tongue out!"
Artil flinched when Leabrick questioned him like she was in a bad mood. Nevertheless, the
reason why he couldn't talk easily is because he didn't even have a chance to report it.
"The cultivation site was burned down and turned into a pile of dirt."
"..."
Leabrick's eyes, which lost focus, looked like a person whose soul escaped. She has always
been a woman who values rational thought, but she had no talent to maintain her reason at
this moment.
"Tell me again calmly. Nothing that has happened so far can be omitted."
"The previous unidentified people attacked the plantation."
"Did they?"
"... We assume that it's the same person."
Leabrick bit her lips hard. She bit so hard that the taste of blood in her mouth was so bitter.
'I made a mistake. I should have stepped up when Sir Wolford of Reinhardt failed.'
A moment's mistake in judgment resulted in irreversible results.
"Damage?"
"The exact thing is that the fire was extinguished, but it is impossible to grow any more..."
Artil couldn't bear to say anything behind his back and was cloudy. Since the plantation has
been burned down, it is safe to say that the revenue from opium distribution has
disappeared in the long run.
Leabrick couldn't come to her senses. All the plantations were destroyed. Time cannot be
reversed, so finding follow-up measures was the priority.
She had to. The problem was that she knew it from her head, but her body didn't follow.
"What the hell were the Shadow Knights doing!"
She turned to the Order of the Shadow, who guarded the plantation. Unlike the 1st and 2nd
Knights, which are active externally, the Shadow Knights are knights that implicitly fulfill
the orders of the Grand Duke in the dark.
Those who actually exist, but they don't. Official activities were not known, but there was
no doubt about their strength.
"The witness said he fought for his life, but he was not good enough..."
"Ha."
A deep sigh broke out between Leabrick's lips. She had to deal with it, but it's not even
possible where to start.
She didn't know that the amount of damage the Grand Duke would suffer in the long term
due to the loss of the cultivation land would leave in her mind.
'It's like adding insult to injury.'
In fact, L's involvement resulted in unexpectedly huge spending on the purchase of land in
the slums.
She also signed a contract to supply natural marble five times the market price, and was
suffering a huge loss.
They were losing money, five times the market price.
That's not the end. The cost of the art that Elena bought was far exceeding Leabrick's
expectations. She spent her money flat like a fish in water.
Leabrick clenched her teeth and let it go. This is because it was allowed by Grand Duke
Friedrich, and art works increase in value in proportion to time.
However, the recent trend in the art world was disturbing. There has been a change in
perception in the art world since Raphael announced Belladonna.
Art works that can be standardized are in fashion, and the form that rejects the art of the
past is remarkable. As a result, there were many people to buy, but no one wanted to buy
them, so the value was dropping all the time.
'I was so complacent. I shouldn't have trusted you.'
Although Elena's work was blocked belatedly, it had already suffered huge losses.
"Your Highness The Grand Duke is here."
"...!"
Leabrick, who was anxious because she couldn't find a suitable solution, got up from the
chair with a surprise.
Grand Duke Friedrich appeared in light clothes. Since it was such a serious issue, he came
to Leabrick as soon as he received a separate report.
"Y-Your Highness."
"Is what I heard true?"
"When it comes to cultivation, it's true."
When Leabrick couldn't raise her head and confront him, Grand Duke Friedrich's hand
went up on his head.
A trembling hand made her guess how angry he was now.
"Do you take care of your business like this?"
"... I'm sorry."
Leabrick clenched her teeth. There was no excuse for the opium business as it was directly
managed by Leabrick.
'I may not be forgiven.'
She trusted Grand Duke Friedrich, but once she was out of sight, he wouldn't look at her.
He was also not the type to tolerate mistakes.
Leabrick held her breath. Perhaps today would be the last day of her stay at the Grand
Duchy.
______________________________
(T/N: Due to recent news I've received, (Wattpad being bought by South Korean company.)
I have learned my account is at a higher risk of being taken down. So please make sure to
follow me on my Wordpress website in case you notice that my account is no longer here.
(Can be found on my profile) I'm slowly moving my chapters there. I will continue
translations on Wattpad until my account is terminated.)
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Sorry? What a disappointment. I never thought I'd hear the most useless thing in the
world."
Grand Duke Friedrich, who was engulfed in anger, quietly lowered his hand. He aimed at
Leabrick with a cold gaze and went to the sofa and sat cross-legged. His eyes, which
controlled his anger with astonishing patience, were colder than usual.
"Was it ten years ago? A girl who was so blind that she didn't even know the basics. And I
was looking forward to seeing how she would be so big."
'Dangerous.'
Looking at Grand Duke Friedrich bringing up the story of the past, Leabrick felt
instinctively scared. For not a few years, she had brought Grand Duke Friedrich close to
her, so she could see now what kind of psychology he used to bring up the story of the past.
'Maybe I can't live.'
It might have been better to be slapped on the cheek. In the head of Grand Duke Friedrich,
who returned to coolness, not a moment's anger, there must be a series of worries about
the usefulness of Leabrick. If it concludes that she's useless, she won't end up being thrown
away. Leabrick was intimately embracing the secrets of the Grand Duke, which should
never be known. Like the predecessor, even if it was because of the silence, neither the
mouse nor the bird would know it.
"She has grown beyond my expectations, and she has never let me down. Until yesterday.
Oh, heartbreaking, she became the past tense."
"Please, forgive..."
On the spot, Leabrick slammed her knees into the ground. No matter how hard she hit it,
she had blood on her forehead and blood stains on the carpet.
"Forgiveness. The ten-year-old plantation has become a pile of mud overnight. Do you want
to live?"
"... I'll make it up to you alive. Please show mercy."
Leabrick didn't want to die like this. She hadn't lived like a desperate person to stop here.
She had to live unconditionally to have her desire in her hands.
"What an irresponsible statement. It's the sophistry of those who fail to fulfill their
responsibilities."
"Please forgive me..."
"Human beings have a natural vessel. Maybe your basin is up to here."
That grave remark of Grand Duke Friedrich sounded like a death sentence to Leabrick. This
is because he defined her limitations and states that there is no value needed.
'Wrong. There is no way to live this way.'
Right now, Leabrick's vacancy may feel large. However, as always, a genius who studied at
the academy under the auspices of the Grand Duchy will take over the vacant position.
Leabrick made up her mind. Before she lost everything, she'd put some down. The first was
pride.
"I will live as a dog of the Grand Duke."
Leabrick boiled her knees again and tightened her head. She thought it was her priority to
survive somehow. It is nonsense to say that it is better to die than to live servile. She had to
live. Only when she was alive could she promise next.
"If you hit me, I'll get hit and if you tell me to bark, I'll bark."
"..."
"Please, give me one more chance."
Leabrick begged earnestly. All that was left was Grand Duke Friedrich's choice. The silence
was not so long. Grand Duke Friedrich's burst into laughter and opened his mouth.
"Dog. That's a nice expression to hear anytime."
'His voice has softened!'
Leabrick's face, which was lowering her head, was in harmony. That's because she saw
hope that she could live.
"Look up."
When Leabrick lifted her head, she sat with her chin tilted and looked directly at Grand
Duke Friedrich, who was looking down at her. Leabrick didn't avoid it. It was to show firm
determination.
"What's the plan?"
"...!"
The question thrown by Grand Duke Friedrich put strength into Leabrick's eyes. To ask for
follow-up measures was proof that he would not abandon her.
"You didn't ask for forgiveness without that, did you? Sit down over there, tell me what
you're going to do."
Grand Duke Friedrich pointed at the sofa with his chin. Leabrick sat face to face as he told
her to.
"Coldly, opium business cannot be revived. As a result, 30% of the continuous income has
been reduced..."
"Not analysis, measures."
Leabrick wore it with difficulty.
"I think we need to collect it."
"Collect?"
Grand Duke Friedrich's eyebrows wiggled. It was not a very satisfactory measure.
"First of all, I plan to increase the tax rate of the Grand Duchy and collect it."
The Grand Duchy lies in the eastern part of the Empire, with the exception of the capital,
the largest population in the Empire, the rich soil, and commercial development. As it is
also the center of trade, imports of tariffs through maritime transactions were also
significant. Raising various tax rates there will be a great help to the finances of the Great
House.
"Okay, it's the pig's blood, 'cause it won't dry out if you squeeze it out. But is that gonna
work out?"
"It's not enough. So, we can increase the amount of payment for the nobles and servants."
"Payment? Is this the only solution you've come up with?"
Grand Duke Friedrich did not like the measures. The number of families in his faction,
referred to as the head of the aristocracy, is nearly thirty. Considering that the number of
aristocrats following the four major families is divine, it is easy to see the influence of the
Grand Duke. The aristocrats who belong to such a faction of the Grand Duchy pay
compensation once every three months. Under such an excuse, the imperial family delayed
the payment of public property and taxes and voluntarily turned them in order to show
loyalty to the grand family. This is because even if you stay only inside the fence of the
Grand Duchy, you can get help in the event of friction or disturbance between the
territories.
Leabrick was saying to increase the amount of money collected by such nobles. Eventually,
it would be the commoners who were exploited by him, but it was not in her care.
"This is the quickest and most definitive means at the moment when we need it in kind."
"What's the catch?"
The Great House is in full swing, and Grand Duke Friedrich is dominating the faction.
However, the nobles are more powerful than bats for their own interests. If they increased
the amount of money collected, they were likely to look forward to the corresponding
things or expression of dissatisfaction.
"When Noblesse Street opens, I intend to sell some of our properties to compensate or
transfer them."
"But won't it be difficult? They're not good people with blind interests."
Grand Duke Friedrich's point made sense. The nobles sought short-term returns more than
long-term investments. This is because stability is important. No matter how good the
Noblesse street business is, it will not be easy to quell their anxiety and dissatisfaction.
"I agree, too. So, I have a request to Your Highness."
"Speak."
Leabrick had a super-strong hand.
"Please call a meeting of the nobility."
***
"It's an aristocratic meeting..."
Elena sat on a window frame and looked down at the busy servants and maids.
"There has never been an event like this in the history of the original."
After two days of careful examination, she did not remember having such a large-scale
aristocratic gathering. She tried to remind herself that she might have forgotten, but she
couldn't even think of a strand.
"That means that this aristocratic meeting is also the result of a warped history..."
Elena was on edge. Out of the original history was subject to attention. It could be
something that went beyond Elena's expectations, so she always paid close attention.
Knock knock. Then she heard a knock.
"My lady, this is Anne."
"Come on in."
The maid Anne came in and greeted her politely. Elena came down from the window frame
and sat on the sofa.
"What's going on?"
"I'm not sure because I've heard it from the other side. Do you want me to tell you?"
Elena nodded, and Anne continued.
"Do you remember the day you came in late a few days ago?"
"Yes."
"That day, it must have been crazy at dawn. I don't know what happened, but Your
Highness the Grand Duke went to see the Viscountess with a scary face."
"Father? What the hell?"
Elena opened her eyes wide and asked back as if she knew nothing.
'To question the loss of the cultivation site. Liv, you must have been in a lot of trouble.'
When she imagined Leabrick being scolded by Grand Duke Friedrich, she kept smiling.
"I'm not sure about the exact reason. The maids say that the atmosphere wasn't a joke for
the gossiping."
"Really?"
'I can't do this.'
Elena kept smiling and twitching her cheeks. In front of Anne, she was embarrassed
because she shouldn't show that.
'What am I supposed to do? I'm sorry?'
She said she was sorry, but she couldn't feel her sincerity even as much as in her
fingernails. Rather, it contained only ridicule that was close to sarcasm.
'I hope this will put a dent in the confidence of the Grand Duke in Leabrick.'
The solid rock also breaks in two due to the growing cracks that began with small silks. The
more cracks the relationship between Grand Duke Friedrich and Leabrick has, the more
room Elena will dig in.
"I thought something different for a moment. Any other news?"
"Yes, that's it. Oh, there's something else..."
"Tell me."
Elena smiled kindly and waited for Anne's words.
"I'm not sure about this, but do you mind if I tell you later? I'd like to find out more."
"Sure."
Elena didn't rush. This was because this could be the reason why Anne could not think and
obey. When the conversation was somewhat over, Elena got up from the sofa and walked to
the dressing table. Anne's eyes, who was hoping for compensation from the inside, were
greedy. Elena, who took a ring out of the jewelry box, handed it to Anne.
"Take it. Thank you for telling me."
"Thank you, miss!"
Anne held the ring in her hand and bowed her head to express her gratitude and left the
bedroom. Elena, who was left alone, sat on the sofa and was in thought. It occurred to her
that the aristocracy's meeting might be a countermeasure against the loss of the finacea
plantation. After the disappearance of the plantation, there was a secret conversation
between Grand Duke Friedrich and Leabrick, and suddenly the aristocratic meeting was
decided. Of course, it is just an estimate. However, the additional application of thoughts to
that side was supported by such circumstances. Elena, who was continuing her worries, got
up from the sofa as if she had made a decision.
"I need to see Liv."
After leaving the bedroom, Elena went straight to Leabrick's office.
"It's me, Liv."
As she knocked and waited, she heard Leabrick's answer from inside the office.
"Come on in."
As permission was given, May quickly approached and opened the door. Elena managed
her facial expressions and stepped into the room, asking how she was doing.
"How have you been, Liv?"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Leabrick, who was sitting at the desk in the office and looking at the documents, looked up.
Elena held back the laughter as soon as their eyes met.
'Did you have a hard time?'
It was the first time for Leabrick to be in such a mess like today.
Her eyes were queried and the shadow under her eyes came down thick. Her cheeks were
soothing as if she had lost weight. She was like a dead body that didn't seem to be formed
by adding a little lie.
"Liv, are you sick? You look terrible."
Elena, who made Leabrick suffer, abominably pretended as if she knew nothing.
"I'm a little tired. What did you want me to see you for?"
"I think it's been a while. I'm here to see you because I'm wondering how you're doing."
"Let's sit down."
Elena and Leabrick sat face to face on the sofa with the table between them. Looking closer,
Leabrick's appearance was even more disastrous. She seemed to be struggling beyond her
usual level, which had always been neat. Elena held back her laughter as if she was about to
burst out.
"Do you have a lot of work these days? You seem tired."
"Can you get to the point? As you can see, I'm a little busy."
Relaxation disappeared from Leabrick's voice. It was proof that she was being chased
under pressure.
"I heard there's a noble meeting next month. I heard it's a big gathering of local
aristocrats?"
"Yes, so what?"
Leabrick's attitude was tougher than ever. It was a nuance because she asked such a
question.
"I'm a princess, and I was wondering if there was anything I could do."
"..."
"So, I'm going to ask you about the meeting. I think I should know if I want to match dresses
or accessories."
Elena thought of Leabrick's ingenious way of speaking. She tried to understand the reason
for the meeting with the excuse of matching dresses and accessories to suit the atmosphere
while properly advocating the status of a princess.
"Don't dress too fancy like a banquet, as the aristocratic meeting is the main focus."
"Okay, I'll try to avoid anything fancy."
It was a vague answer, but Elena deduced based on it. Noblemen's meeting, no glamour.
There were only two clues, but this alone was a great harvest for Elena.
'That means the subject of the meeting is quite heavy.'
As she had guessed, the aristocratic meeting seemed to be a meeting of countermeasures to
recover the damage caused by the loss of the finacea plantation.
Given that even small and medium-sized local nobles were invited, she thought the theme
of asking for understanding and cooperation through the aristocratic meeting would be
exchanged.
But even that was only an assumption. It was because there was a limit to finding out
through Leabrick.
'The clever Liv wouldn't put me in the noble meeting.'
The surest way was to attend the noble meeting, but Leabrick wouldn't allow it. It was the
same in her last life, but she only featured Elena as a face, and she thoroughly ruled out her
direct or indirect involvement with the Grand Duke.
'If it doesn't work, I'll make it work.'
As there was still plenty of sealing, she had the confidence to make enough of it.
"I have something to say to the princess, too."
"What do you want to say?"
Elena looked at her eyes.
"We have banned the sale of works of art that the princess has been doing. I stopped paying
for it from the last transaction."
"How come? I got permission from my father..."
Elena looked at Leabrick resentfully, and looked at her with a look of dismay.
'This is what I expected.'
It was not surprising to hear that the Grand Duke notified the cancellation of the contract
through Khalif in advance.
'I've done more than I expected, so that's enough.'
Looking back, it was an unthinkable opportunity for her to be allowed to buy art under the
authority of Grand Duke Friedrich. Thanks to this authority, she was able to pay more
money and buy art without looking at Leabrick.
"Are you sure you don't know?"
"What..."
Leabrick's eyes became fierce. Since Elena's finances were not sufficient due to the loss of
the plantation, it felt more regrettable that she lost a large sum of money to sell art.
"Ha, do you know what the art market is like now? The value of the artwork has
plummeted and cannot be sold. There's no one who wants to buy it, and there's no one who
sells it."
"It's a temporary phenomenon, Liv."
"Temporary? On what grounds?"
Elena, who was asked by Leabrick, stuttered as if she was embarrassed.
"That's, art is bound to rise if you approach it with a long-term perspective and invest..."
"Who said I wanted to hear what was written in a book?"
"I'm just..."
Based on Leabrick's prickly attitude, it was clear how much she had been grinding her
teeth. It didn't matter when the value of the artwork rose, but now that the Grand Duke's
finances were deteriorating and even the value was falling, Elena had no choice but to
dislike it.
"I'm sorry, Liv. I must have been too hasty in buying and selling."
Elena bowed her head and apologized. But under her gaze looking down at the carpet, her
mouth, curled up, was laughing at Leabrick.
It was hilarious. Leabrick was angry, and Elena was apologizing. Even so, she felt good.
"If you have nothing more to say, go out."
"May I ask you one more question, Liv?"
Elena managed her expression and slowly raised her head. She couldn't be happier to get
the attention of Leabrick, who didn't want to see her.
"Madame said. My manners aren't flawed anywhere. So, to become the Crown Princess, she
told me to take care of my reputation in the social world. What do you think, Leabrick?"
Unlike the original history, Elena wondered why Leabrick was not in a hurry to make her
the Crown Princess.
It was expected that words would officially come out by this time of year at the latest.
However, she didn't understand why she was neglecting the vacant spot of Crown Princess.
Elena wanted to know why.
"Madame has a point. But there is no official schedule regarding the Crown Princess's
election ceremony yet. You don't have to hurry."
'No schedule?'
Elena's eyes sank. Except in special cases, imperial events are announced as early as three
months to a year earlier at the latest. What Leabrick said was not in the plan at all.
'What's going on? So you're not even thinking of seating me as the Crown Princess?'
At the moment, she had such a question, but Elena erased it from her head. Grand Duke
Friedrich and Leabrick were never those who gave up her position as Crown Princess.
It was absolutely necessary for the second generation to succeed the Crown Princess and
the next security in realizing their ambitions to ultimately devour the empire.
'There's definitely a reason I don't know. I need to find out and be prepared.'
Elena was alert. The appointment of the Crown Princess was something that could never be
overlooked and part of a plan to bring down the Great House in the future.
"As you have done so far, make sure you are well-formed and have the qualities that are
suitable for the Crown Princess."
"Then what about the reputation of society? Madame says I'm required to continue raising
public activity... "
Referring to Madame de Flanrose, she once again looked at Leabrick's reaction.
"It's about reputation. But I don't think there's a need to rush into social activities because
it's inevitable for people to talk."
"..."
"So do what you've been doing. Okay?"
The vocabulary was polite, but the tone in it was quite coercive. It was the impression that
she should just do as she was told.
"Yes, Liv. I will."
"But I'll talk about one more while I'm talking about that. You've been out frequently
recently, and you're late to return, so please refrain from doing so. I'm afraid you'll get
caught in your behavior. "
She added a clue that she was concerned about Elena's reputation, but she doesn't want to
see her go out frequently.
"You're putting me under restraint. Why? You'd let me go by now.'
Compared to the original history, the current freedom given to Elena was too limited.
External activities were prohibited, and she was confined within the Grand Duchy.
"That's what I'm going to do. I'll pay attention to my behavior, Liv."
"Go out. I have a lot of work to do, so it's hard to spare any more time."
First, she got up from the sofa, left Leabrick behind, who went to her desk, and Elena
quietly left the office.
Elena's mind was complicated all the way to the bedroom with May, who was waiting
outside the door. When Elena arrived in the bedroom, she drank tea and calmed her head
for a while.
Too much immersion in one thing leads to narrow vision. It was not bad to take a step back
and think about it at a different point.
However, it was not easy to draw the conclusion Elena wanted, even though she had a
change of thought. It was because the given circumstances and clues were too few.
Knock, knock. Then she heard a knock.
"This is Anne, miss."
"Come on in."
Anne came into the bedroom and was reminded without knowing. Elena asked, pretending
to be okay.
"What's going on?"
"I have something to tell you."
Anne glanced at May, speaking slightly excitedly. Elena didn't miss her gaze and responded
quickly.
"May, I need to talk to Anne for a while, so please leave."
"Yes, miss."
May pretended to be upset and left the bedroom. It was necessary to act this way because
she already knew that Elena was using.
"Hmm."
Anne didn't even know that she had been deceived by the acting, and she looked at Elena
with a triumphant look and said.
"Lady, do you remember what I said earlier that I was going to find out more and tell you?"
"Well. Didn't you say you'd tell me when you get to know more?"
Elena answered back, drinking tea in a grave manner. However, her eyes were more
distinctive than ever.
"Yes, I did. I figured it out!"
"Really?"
Elena quietly put down the teacup, looking at Anne talking with an excited face. Elena
didn't expect Anne to pay for the ring so quickly.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"I heard it from warehouse keeper Jack, too. Jack and I are in the same year. According to
talks, recently, unidentified objects are constantly being piled up in the basement
warehouse of the annex."
"Is there a source?"
Elena showed interest with her ears opened. It felt suspicious to overlook.
"Yes, it was brought in secretly at night, so he didn't know if things were piled up."
"Interesting. Keep talking."
"Jack was so curious that he tried to see the object, but he said he couldn't see it because
the box was sealed. He was scared that he might open it up and find a spectacle."
Elena listened to Anne without missing a word she was talking about. Bringing in sealed
boxes at nighttime was likely because they were reluctant to disclose them externally.
"Isn't it a gift to the nobles participating in the nobles gathering?"
"I don't think so. I heard that it's a candlestick being prepared as a gift for the nobles."
"Really?"
Elena's mouth had a faint smile on her outspoken answer.
'She's more capable than I thought?'
It has been worthwhile to consistently coax, tie, and compensate Anne.
'But I don't trust you completely.'
Anne was just a target. Elena wasn't stupid enough to catch up on the mistakes of her last
life.
"If I didn't know, I wouldn't know, but I'm more curious now that I know."
"Right? That's why I tried to clean Jack up, and he got annoyed and said something special."
"What do you mean?"
"He didn't open the sealed box, but he said it looked like furniture wrapped in cloth."
"Furniture?"
Elena made a reflective counter-examination. That's because it was a really unexpected
item.
"Yes, furniture. Jack worked in a woodworking shop until he took over the warehouse.
According to him, it smelled like wood, but it looked like it was made of the finest ebony
wood."
"If it's ebony, is it the same material as these?"
"Oh, are these made of ebony? I don't know much about trees..."
Elena's gaze shed Anne's answer from one ear and turned to the rococo furniture made of
ebony wood in the bedroom. The furniture made by master craftsmen was so expensive
that most nobles couldn't afford it.
'Whose is it? It's not the Grand Duke's taste.'
Grand Duke Friedrich preferred furniture made of ash wood. It was not likely that Grand
Duke Friedrich wanted to use it because preference does not change easily. There was no
reason to put them in the Grand House when there was no one to use them. If it was a gift
for the nobles, there was no reason to secretly bring them in at night.
'But it won't be mine. Whose is it?'
As soon as Elena came to the Grand House, she removed the furniture Veronica used.
There was also luxury furniture made of ebony wood, but she didn't care. Since Elena
started acting like the Princess, the owner of Veronica's room was Elena. When she came
back from graduating from the academy, furniture that Elena requested to produce
according to her taste filled the bedroom. It was made of the same ebony wood, but the
style was clearly different. Unlike Veronica, who emphasized glamour, Elena's bedroom,
which emphasized moderation, was more orphaned.
"Hey, miss."
"Tell me."
"Actually, Jack accidentally stepped into gambling, and he must have put in a lot of debt."
Elena looked at her. Anne, who hesitated, seemed to have more to say.
"Oh, gambling is a shortcut to disgrace. Somehow he did it."
"I know. But when he saw the ring I was wearing, he asked me where it came from, and I
said it was from the young lady, so he was envious. "
"Really?"
"That's why I took the chance. I wanted him to open the box to see what's in it. Then I said
I'd talk to my lady, and he was biting!"
Elena tried to hold back the laughter that leaked through her lips. Greed was really scary.
Anne, who was no different from a watcher, was struggling to this extent because the
reward Elena would give was bigger and more valuable than the amount promised by
Leabrick.
"That's a lot of tricks. You have a hard situation, so I need to help you."
"Really?"
Anne opened her eyes round and brightened. She didn't know, but it was highly likely that
Anne also promised to receive some compensation in exchange for paying off Jack's debts.
She was more greedy and clever than anyone else. Elena pretended not to know even
though she knew it clearly. Even that was intended to be used as a means of controlling
Anne.
"Yeah. How much does he owe?"
"I don't know the exact amount. At first glance, it's about the price of the ring you gave me."
Elena nodded and got up and pulled out a sapphire bracelet from the jewelry box. It would
cost more than the ring she gave Anne, but it never seemed worth less.
"This is enough, right?
"Of course! Miss, I'll go and tell Jack right away."
It was when Anne, who couldn't hide her excitement, was about to leave.
"We're not done yet?"
"What? Oh, I'm sorry."
Anne quickly returned and bowed her head. She didn't know anything else, but she
personally experienced that she should never act outside Elena's eyes.
"You know, Anne. I trust you, but I don't trust the kid named Jack."
"What? But he's also my friend..."
"As you know, I'm a little skeptical. If you don't know, I'm hesitant to give it to Jack. This
bracelet is worth a fortune."
Elena reached out, grabbed Anne's wrist, and put the bracelet on it. Anne's eyes were
dazzled by the brilliance of the sapphire wrapped around her wrist. Elena didn't miss the
greed beyond that gaze.
"Anne, go tell Jack."
"W-What should I say?"
Anne couldn't take her eyes off the sapphire bracelet and asked back. Elena smiled and said
affectionately.
"Say I'd like to check the items myself."
She couldn't believe neither Anne nor Jack. It was only herself that could be trusted within
the Grand House.
'I have to bring Sir Hurelbard secretly.'
Elena calculated even the worst situation that could happen. She refused to let her guard
down because she could lose everything due to a single mistake.
***
It was the late time when all the maids and servants living in the Grand Duke's mansion
boiled down. Anne found Elena's bedroom and knocked quietly.
"Miss, it's me."
As soon as Anne finished, the bedroom door opened at an angle and Elena walked out.
Wearing a light dress, she looked more cheerful than ever.
"Guide me."
Anne guided Elena toward the annex, taking advantage of the empty house during the night
shift of the maids and servants. As the main building and annex were connected by
corridor-type passageways, it was easy to move if you could avoid working maids and
servants.
"Jack will be waiting in ahead."
When they went out through the rear door of the annex, a young man who was skinny and
had stubby hair greeted her. It was Jack.
"G-Greetings to Your Highness the Princess."
Jack, the warehouse keeper, rarely ran into Elena. As a result, he was quite nervous and
tense to deal with Elena.
"I heard from Anne. Gambling debt?"
"S-Somehow."
Elena smiled as she recognized.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of you, so you won't be disappointed after work."
"T-Thank you, Your Grace."
Looking at Jack bending his waist, Anne's shoulders were also tired. She seemed to be
showing off that she was loved by Elena this much.
"Where's the warehouse?"
"Here it is."
Jack stepped back and pointed to the behind where he was standing. A wooden board door
was seen, and it seemed to go down through that door to the basement of the annex.
"Open it up."
As soon as Elena's words fell, Jack rummaged through the package of keys that he was
wearing on his waist. He grabbed one of the keys and dug the lock of the warehouse.
Jack grabbed the handle and pulled the wooden board door open as hard as he could. Then,
she saw the stairs going down to the basement warehouse.
"You can go in. I left the lights on in the warehouse."
Elena nodded and stepped down the stairs. It was so shady and dark that she was a little
worried, but she didn't pay much attention. She was relieved to think that Hurelbard was
watching while hiding near the annex.
Elena came into the warehouse and was surprised. There was also a peculiar smell of the
basement, but it was because the warehouse was bigger than she thought.
"That's the stuff."
Jack led Elena to one corner of the warehouse. As Anne said at first, there were a lot of
sealed boxes piled up. Next to it, she could see furniture wrapped in white cloth for dust to
sit.
"Someone just got back. They left that black box behind, and they told me to handle it
carefully because it could break."
"Really?"
Elena pointed at some boxes and chinned to Anne.
"Open it up."
"What? Y-you want to see all this? I thought you would only see one or two..."
Jack panicked a lot. As a warehouse keeper, he would be frightened if he was found
browsing through so many boxes at will.
"Don't worry. Anne's going to keep it the way it was."
"S-still..."
Elena held out the sapphire bracelet to Jack, who hesitated.
"Here, take it."
When the sapphire reflected on the candle, Jack swallowed his saliva. His eyes were turned
upside down when he thought of taking a big hit at the gambling table using this as a base.
Leaving Jack blinded by greed, Elena chinned to open the box. Anne nodded and carefully
took off the seal from the box that came in today. It was a luxurious box at a glance, and it
was opened.
"Oh, miss. It's glass shoes?"
"I'm looking, too."
"I've never seen such beautiful glass shoes in my life."
Unlike Anne, who was in pure admiration, Elena's expression was serious. Glass shoes were
not preferred by young women who had to stand for a long time at banquets or parties
because their feet were uncomfortable.
'There was only one woman who would stubbornly wear glass shoes. But it can't be her.'
Elena erased the person who came to mind. It was too much to assume it was her just by
looking at the glass shoes.
"Open up the other ones."
"Yes."
Anne didn't hesitate to unseal the boxes she had brought and opened the lid.
"It looks like a mermaid dress? The back is very deep. How can you wear this when it's so
embarrassing?"
"..."
"This is a curtain. But this herringbone pattern is ripe for the daytime. When did I see this?"
The more she checked the items in the box, the harder Elena's expression became.
'... It can't be true.'
Glass shoes, a mermaid dress from the back to the waist, and herringbone-patterned
curtains... These matched exactly the taste of the woman that Elena remembered.
"Miss, this painting. Isn't it similar to the picture hanging in your bedroom before?"
"...!"
Elena's eyes shook as if there was an earthquake. A bizarre painting of a dying blue bird in
a cage. It was an unpleasant painting that Elena ordered to dispose of Veronica's traces as
soon as she came to the Grand House. The technique and expression were subtly different,
but it was similar enough to believe that it was a follow-up to the painting. It was said that
the same artist drew it.
Elena was agitated and scattered the items she had taken out so far. Even though she tried
to deny it, there was only one person who had this taste in Elena's memory.
'Veronica von Friedrich.'
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena couldn't accept Veronica's name even though she thought about it.
'Why are Veronica's things here?'
Elena's mind went blank as if she was in a panic. It was too early to say for sure, but the
things in front of her now were clearly Veronica's. This was because even in the social
world, young ladies rarely had this unique taste. In particular, the mermaid dress and glass
shoes were tantamount to a symbol of Veronica.
Even on the day she came to see Elena, who was dying miserably in the underground
prison, Veronica was wearing a mermaid dress with a deep back and crystal clear glass
shoes.
The same was true of the picture of the dying blue bird in the cage. Who would want to
hang such a bizarre painting in a room? Only Veronica. She liked birds since she was young,
so she collected paintings and decorations related to birds. She also had a hobby of raising
pretty birds in a small cage, and she remembered hearing rumors that she had a bad taste
of grabbing and killing them with her hands when they were sullen.
The same was true of furniture in the corner. It was impossible to check directly because it
was wrapped in a cloth, but as Jack said, it smelled like ebony wood.
'There are still three years left before Veronica returns...'
Elena didn't understand that the most. It was too early for Veronica to appear. Elena, who
had returned, knew exactly when she would return. However, there were a lot of chews to
just ignore it. The furniture was furniture, but it was too early to say that the mermaid
dress and glass shoes had already been prepared for Veronica, who would return in three
years. This is because by then, it was likely to fall behind the trend.
"Jack."
"Yes, miss."
Elena tried to control her agitated feelings and asked calmly.
"When was the first time these things came in?"
"I think it's been about 15 days... since the first box came in."
These items, believed to be Veronica's, were all made through the hands of a master
craftsman. It was not made overnight, so they asked for an order before that.
'It means that the order was placed at least a month ago, perhaps before then...'
Elena looked back at her memories. In case anything was missed, she looked at them
without missing anything.
After a while, Elena's eyes became thinner.
'Yes, it's about then. When I set up a social gathering with Madame in front of me.'
Elena remembered vividly what happened that day. Elena, who had been tracking opium
and making excuses to enter and exit the salon freely, ran into Leabrick's uncooperative
attitude. It was quite different from the original history, which emphasized the importance
of reputation and recommended social activities.
'Leabrick was very reluctant to let me go out. I didn't understand at the time, but maybe it's
related to the reason?'
The same was true when she met Leabrick in the morning feeling lucky about the
appointment of the Crown Princess. The reputation of a socialite had a considerable
influence on the appointment of the Crown Princess. It could be seen just by looking at
Avella, who was attending the academy, forming a faction to build a reputation and going
out every weekend to attend a social party. Leabrick, who couldn't be unaware of it, tried to
restrain Elena and stop her social activities. She said it would be better to restrain her
because she could be rumored, but it sounded like she told Elena to keep quiet.
'Now that the Crown Princess is vacant, she has to put me in that position as soon as
possible, but she's forcing me?'
Elena was lost in a deep thought. Without missing anything trivial, she tried to weave the
questions, suspicions, clues, and circumstances that had been shrouded in the veil into a
single ark. After that effort, Elena came to a conclusion.
'Veronica woke up.'
Three years earlier. Elena took a small breath at her own conclusion. There was a
breathtaking tension. It was because when Veronica returned, all the plans would go
wrong.
'I don't understand. How can she wake up three years earlier than the original history?'
The conclusion was reached, but a discrepancy that was too far from the memory of her
past life confused her. However, Elena was wary that her thoughts were too skewed toward
it.
'If she's awake, why doesn't she come back right away?'
Elena was horrified when she thought that far. If Veronica was really preparing to return,
Elena would have to move up or change all the plans she was working on.
Veronica's laughter at her dying in the cold prison came to mind. On top of that, the cold
touch of the sword stuck in the abdomen and the pain caused by fire made her sweat. If
Leabrick tried to undermine Elena by determining and plotting, it wouldn't be easy to hold
out. There were no rules in her conspiracy.
"Miss, are you alright? You don't look well."
"... I'm all right. Don't worry."
Elena breathed out and breathed in.
"Jack says you have to go now. We have to re-seal it because someone will come before
sunrise."
"I lost track of time just thinking about it."
Only then did Elena realize that she was too lost in thought. There was no reason to stay in
the warehouse any more as long as Jack had already obtained the information she wanted.
"Take this."
"A-are you really giving it to me?"
Jack's eyes, looking at Elena's sapphire bracelet, fluttered with greed.
"Sure. This is yours."
"Thank you!"
Jack, who received the sapphire bracelet, shook his head in joy. By disposing of this, he
would not only be able to pay off his debts, he would be able to raise money for gambling
that will be huge. As Elena reads Jack's gaze with greed, she smiled. As did Anne, no one
was as easy to handle as someone who was blinded by greed. For Elena, who was unable to
grasp the internal situation of the Grand Duke under Leabrick's surveillance, Jack had a
high value in the future.
After leaving the warehouse, Elena returned to the bedroom alone. As promised, Anne
stayed in the warehouse and re-sealed the broken seal with Jack. Elena, lying on the bed,
could not fall asleep easily.
"I have to be prepared. Or else I'll be eaten."
Just imagining Veronica coming back made her whole body stand on edge. Despite the
tension, Elena smiled. A cold smile.
"Welcome, Veronica. You don't know how much I missed you."
How did she get here. Elena had no intention of being eaten even though she might be
eaten.
***
"Is there something that makes you feel good?"
Mel, who visited the mansion to report the information he collected, looked at Ren, who
was grinning like a fool and asked, impatient.
"Do you know what this is?"
"Isn't that a letter?"
"Guess who it's from."
When Ren asked playfully, Mel deduced based on his own information.
"It's a plain letter paper, it's not monotonous. Although it is a design that is too much for
young ladies to use... Judging from the young master's joy, I think she sent it."
"Correct answer. As expected of Majesti's head."
"I don't think it's a very praiseworthy analysis."
Ren smiled and shifted his attention back to the letter. His gaze was so intense.
"She let me have a meal."
"Is that so?"
"The place of appointment and the time are arbitrary. It's a one-sided notice without
consent, but I don't feel bad."
"..."
Mel stood low. Ren, who stood sharp as if he would cut someone's hand, strangely rounded
when he talked about her.
"Actually, I came here today because I was talking about her."
"Because of her? What's going on?"
When they mentioned Elena, Ren's smile disappeared from his face. His eyes were as close
as an active volcano that might explode anytime.
"I want to ask you something bluntly before I report it."
"What is it?"
"Is Princess Veronica in the Grand Duchy a stand-in?"
Even though Mel asked a key question, Ren didn't move a single eyebrow. Rather, he asked
back as if he were experimenting with Mel.
"Why did you think that?"
"You don't deny it. Then it makes sense. The young lady Lucia, whom the young master
gave his heart to, is L, and she is the stand-in for Princess Veronica."
Ren was silent. In the first place, he expected they would find out that they were the same
person since the gold Majesti was attached to Princess Veronica and L.
'Well, I didn't expect them to find out so easily.'
He wanted to keep it to himself and hide it, but he couldn't wait and see because he was
worried about Elena, who was running wild like a colt.
"When L showed up, Princess Veronica visited the salon. At first, I thought it was a
coincidence, but once became twice, and then three times, it was inevitable."
"The repetition of coincidence is inevitable. It's the basis of information analysis."
"There's another crucial clue. I saw a shocking sight of a member who tracked down Grand
Duke Friedrich's whereabouts, and it was shocking."
Ren looked at Mel and waited for the next word.
"I saw Princess Veronica walking out."
Ren, who had been listening quietly, suddenly clapped his hands and applauded fiercely.
"That's Mel. You're finally there."
"You knew everything. Why didn't you tell me in advance? If so..."
Ren grinned as he cut off the sentence.
"I wanted to be the only one to know."
"Do you think that's the reason?"
Looking at Mel, who was dumbfounded, Ren continued.
"Well, let's stop talking about the past. I gave you confidence in the information, so tell me
what you analyzed. If Veronica had improved enough to take a walk, I don't think they'd
stay still."
Ren did not neglect or spill any trivial information or clues. Moreover, he was more
passionate than usual because it was related to Elena.
"We expect it to be at least three months."
"Three months?"
Ren asked again after a vague answer.
"Before it's time for Princess Veronica to return."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"What is the basis?"

He was asking bluntly, but there was a deep interest in Ren's eyes. This was because
Veronica's return could be a direct danger to Elena.
"Health conditions have improved enough to take a walk; the number of medicines
delivered to the safe house have dropped sharply. Before the addiction, Princess Veronica
took the time when the order was placed and the deadline required for completion. And
they're replacing the people in the mansion. Like when she first came to the Grand House."
"There's one more crucial thing."
Ren, who sat with arrogant legs crossed, added his thoughts.
"The cunning Leabrick and my doglike uncle are not in a hurry to appoint Veronica as
Crown Princess."
"I have to correct that. It is three months at the longest. Maybe it's earlier than that."
Mel nodded as if he had nothing to worry about. It had been more than half a year since
Sian graduated from the Academy. Considering the age of marriage, of course, discussions
should be held regarding the appointment of the Crown Princess, there was no news. They
were waiting. Not for Elena, but until Veronica came back. Although they did not say
anything, they cautiously predicted that this trend would be around for a month.
"Okay, this is the return for the invitation to the meal."
Ren grinned, twisting his curly bangs with his fingers. He already seemed excited to be able
to help Elena in his own way. Mel, who was staring at the scene, opened his mouth.
"You know what? What kind of expression the young master has when he talks about her."
"Smiling without fail?"
"It's similar."
Ren turned his head slightly at Mel's cold answer. Looking in a mirror in the room, he could
face a smile.
"I mean, I made this look. Aren't I Ren Bastache?"
'I thought it wouldn't be that way, but I guess it's such a face.'
He was innocent and bright like a child with a toy in his arms that he wanted.
"Mel, you must be surprised?"
"It was pretty embarrassing at first, but now I'm used to it."
"That's a relief. It's amazing that I know how to make this expression."
Ren couldn't take his eyes off his reflection in the mirror. As the successor to Bastache, he
was always under pressure and responsibility to get out of the shadow of the Grand Duchy.
He became more aggressive as he suffered from Spencer's coercion and expectations of his
own work.
Ren, who had been doing so, made this loose expression. Ren felt as if he was being fooled
by the mirror.
"So I'm telling you, but how about being more honest?"
"Are you advising me?"
Externally, Mel rarely revealed his personal opinion first, so Ren looked at them as if it was
unexpected. Then Mel coughed for nothing.
"I'm saying this because you don't seem to know much about relationships between men
and women."
"Mel, you sound like you know well?"
"I don't know, but I know that young master made a mistake."
"Mistake?"
Ren frowned at his forehead. Mistake? Was there another word that didn't suit Ren more
than this?
"You found the plantation of finacea and handed it over to His Highness the Crown Prince."
"What else did I do. Did you keep it in your mind timidly?"
Ren grinned. From Ren's point of view, he laughed it off because it wasn't a big deal.
However, Mel's thoughts seemed different.
"Did you not think that thanks to the young master, His Highness the Crown Prince might
be special?"
"I did."
"... You did?"
Ren's nonchalant answer made Mel look at him with an absurd eye. Whether it was or not,
Ren was smiling as if it were not as important as anyone else said.
'What the hell are you thinking?'
Confidence or arrogance. Mel couldn't understand the heart of this young master. Ren
smiled at Mel, who was silent. Then he continued with a sincere voice.
"That's enough about that. There's an aristocratic meeting in the Grand Duchy?"
"It's like a kind of meeting to make up for the damage caused by the loss of the finacea
plantation."
Ren nodded his head. If all the aristocrats in the faction participated in the meeting, the
subject would not be light either.
"Keep an eye on it."
"Okay."
"Urge the kids who infiltrated the Grand House not to take their eyes off Veronica."
"I still do, but I'll let them know one more time."
Although it was obvious, Mel didn't say a word in vain. Among other things, loyalty and
trust to Ren were blind.
"That's not enough. Tell them to risk their lives to protect her."
"You mean guard her?"
Ren, who erased his mischievousness due to the rumination, continued to talk colder and
more sincerely than ever.
"You know when a single scratch comes out... right?"
"Although it's a bit presumptuous, can you tell me whether its personal reason or
representative reason?"
From Mel's point of view, each and every member of Majesti was a precious family. He had
no intention of disobeying Ren's order, but he personally wondered about his honest
feelings.
"Both. What are you asking, it's obvious."
"Okay."
That was enough. If Ren was like that, that was it. Ren would no longer argue about her. It
was because he didn't explain everything, and he didn't talk about things like this.
"Don't forget, she holds the key to the fall of the Grand Duke."
***
Inside the carriage heading to the secret salon. Elena's expression was stiff. Since
Veronica's return couldn't be realized, life in the Grand House was as close as to walking on
thin ice.
"I could prepare myself if I knew the timing."
"Does Veronica bother you?"
May, sitting face to face with her, conveyed her feelings to Elena.
"No matter what. I have a lot to do, but I can't predict when she will come back."
"Is there any way to find out?"
"I'm thinking about that now."
In the worst case scenario, she could not rule out the assumption that Veronica could
return immediately tomorrow. Elena had made the most of Anne. Anne was very
enthusiastic about the internal affairs of the Grand House and grasped the strange feeling
quite well. In the end, however, Anne was planted by Leabrick. She didn't know when to
cover her eyes and cover her ears.
"I'm going to buy some time."
"Do you have a trick?"
"Yes. Even if Veronica is alive, there is a clever way to make them use me as a substitute."
Elena came up with a brilliant idea that would catch the Grand Duke off guard. This could
certainly delay Veronica's return.
"I wouldn't be able to do it alone, but I think I can do it with his help."
"He?"
Elena thought of Sian with a faint smile. If he comes forward, Veronica's return can be
delayed enough.
'It's on the premise that Your Highness agrees.'
Elena was the only one who made the plan, but whether she could implement it or not was
entirely up to Sian. It was even more uncertain because it was Sian that showed good
feelings for Elena several times.
'But I have to speak up.'
While thinking that she should write a letter to Count Willem, the carriage arrived at Secret
Saloon. Elena in the mask got off the carriage and went into the salon. When Elena arrived
through the secret passage to the main parlor, Khalif, who was reading a book on the couch,
greeted her.
"Welcome."
"I don't see Emilio."
"He's out of the office for the establishment of the school."
After deciding to collaborate with Jacqueline, the site and building purchase related to the
establishment of the school was up to Emilio, who was in charge of financial affairs. Since
he was in charge of the salon's maintenance, she was short of even two bodies.
"Okay, senior, I'll write him a letter now, so could you please tell Count Willem about it?"
"Yes, I'll write it."
Elena wrote the letter, hoping to meet urgently today or two days later. Khalif called
someone separately to deliver it.
Meanwhile, May and Hurelbard, who took time to enter the salon to avoid suspicion,
arrived at the drawing room.
"Senior, May is here, so I'll disguise myself. Please prepare the meal so that it's not too late."
"I told you to be careful, are you sure you don't mind? He's a dangerous man."
Khalif couldn't get rid of his worries. He was concerned about Ren's behavior during his
time at the academy, and he knew what she did when she was a student at the academy.
"He's dangerous, but he's not a human who can't discern. Everything will be fine."
"If you were, then that would be the case. Then, are you going to disguise yourself as Lucia?
It's been a long time. The woman in my faint memories with a pair of glasses and short hair
that suited her well."
Khalif recalled Lucia, who had changed herself while living in the academy with a hazy look.
He used to be bold and flippant when it came to the subject of freshmen, but now he was...
"Hu."
Khalif, who was blatantly staring at Elena, shook his head, sighing as the ground went out.
"The junior I knew is gone."
"Hey, that woman is me? You talk like you're talking to someone else."
Khalif waved his fingers from side to side.
"Don't break my memories."
"What are you saying? And Senior, you prefer what I look like."
"Me? When? That's a big mistake?"
Elena crossed her arms and snorted at the strong injustice.
"It's still vivid? You were ashamed to see me, so you couldn't even make eye contact."
"Hey, when did I do that?"
"You didn't? You came to me and said that. You've never seen such a deadly woman. You've
never seen a woman so beautiful that you can't breathe..."
Khalif tried to cover Elena's mouth, feeling embarrassed.
"Back, stop. Are you doing this for the sake of laughter? Go and disguise yourself."
"If you can't find the original event, you have to find fault."
It was when Elena was trying to go out with May to a separate room next to the main
parlor. Khalif bluntly threw a remark.
"After disguising yourself, stop by the reception room across from here for a while."
"Who's there?"
"A person who wants to see you."
"..."
Khalif had a mean look on his face as if he had a lot of emotions accumulated. Despite her
questioning, she finally gave up and left the drawing room when he didn't open his mouth.
Elena, who stopped by the next room and disguised as Lucia with May's help, stared at the
mirror. Until now, she was only working as Veronica and L, so she felt awkward with the
short hair wig and glasses she used to use during her academic years. After finishing the
disguise, Elena checked the time. Perhaps because of the haste preparation, there was still
room until the time promised with Ren.
Elena wore a mask and stopped by the drawing room opposite of Khalif. When she knocked
and waited, someone over the door opened the door.
A man wearing a duck mask appeared through the slanted open door. The gentle
atmosphere, neat orange hair, and the one-eyed glasses reflected by the light over the mask
looked just like Elena's memory.
'Senior Raphael?'
It was when Elena was puzzled by the unexpected meeting.
"Lucia?"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Raphael also recognized Elena at a glance. Elena's face brightened up at the unexpected
reunion.
"Yes, it's me, senior."
When Elena was positive, the tip of Raphael's mouth slipped up.
"I never thought I'd see you like this. Maybe that's why I'm so glad to see you."
"Me, too. Can go in, in that sense? My legs hurt when I talk standing up."
"I'm being impolite. Come on in."
In the drawing room, the two people sitting face to face on the sofa took off their
cumbersome masks, regardless of who came first. When they faced each other, they burst
into laughter.
"Someone once said. There's someone you're happy to see just by looking at their face. I
guess that's the kind of person you are."
"I guess you're the same. I can't stop smiling."
For Elena, who has been living a rough life since the past, Raphael has been a sedative. He
gave her comfort like she was in a cradle.
"I heard from Khalif. I heard you moved from a starry place to a dusky basement."
"I guess I got used to the basement without realizing it. Not seeing the sun makes me feel
like I'll live, and my work has made some progress."
"Anyway, you're unique."
Elena felt one side of her chest getting warm. It was so nice to have a small conversation
with each other without any pressure. For her, who was always nervous, it's like rain.
'Then I still haven't told him who I am.'
She suddenly felt sorry. Elena, who entered the academy, met Raphael for the first time. She
knew he was more reliable than anyone else, but she couldn't get the chance, so she kept it
a secret so far.
"I have a confession to make to you."
"... Confession?"
At that moment, Raphael's heart fell down. Seeing himself excited by the words even
though he knew it couldn't be, he still seemed to have a strong feeling for Elena.
"My name is not Lucia. Because of personal reasons, I had no choice but to borrow an
identity in the academy. I'm sorry I tricked you."
"I see."
"I'm L."
She always felt this way, but Elena was most excited about this moment and was worried.
She was anxious about how the person who had been tricked on would accept it.
"... I knew it."
"What? You knew?"
Elena was embarrassed by Raphael's calm response.
"On the opening day of the salon, Cecilia, who saw L, came to me and said that she had a
good feeling even though she doesn't know anything else.... That maybe L is Miss Lucia."
"..."
"I heard that, and I came to see you. I knew it. I knew it at a glance."
Raphael smiled mildly. He was more grateful for telling him even now than for the
disappointment or resentment of Elena who lied to him.
"I didn't expect you to know."
"Did you forget who the model in Belladonna is? I don't know about anyone else, but you
can't fool my eyes."
Elena agreed, saying ah. The time Raphael was looking at Elena before completing the
portrait was never small. Raphael was the one who understood and grasped Elena's
appearance and atmosphere more than anyone else.
'Wait, what if?'
She thought he might know that she was Veronica. She said she disguised herself, but she
was not confident of deceiving Raphael's keen eyes.
"Senior, have you... Ever seen Princess Veronica?"
"..."
"Senior?"
Raphael shut his mouth to Elena's successive questions. His stubborn lips and embarrassed
expression was enough to answer the question.
"Did you know everything? Since when?"
"The day of the art festival, I saw you came and recognized you at a glance."
Raphael smiled bitterly. Looking back, that day remained a scar on him. It's the day he
swallowed his emotions in front of the wall of status. Elena only smiled in this
embarrassing situation.
"I'm such a fool. Senior, you even pretended that you didn't know."
"I didn't let it show because I was afraid Miss Lucia would be in trouble."
"I know. You're a caring and thoughtful person. By the way, I'm glad you know it all. If I had
known this would happen, I would have revealed everything earlier."
Elena grumbled softly. It was regrettable that she should have confessed earlier because
she had been guilty of deceiving Raphael all this time. This was because Raphael was not a
person who would reveal secrets that would harm her, even if the sky split in two. Raphael,
who had a warm smile, got up from the sofa and touched his clothes.
"What are you doing?"
"It doesn't matter when I pretended I didn't know, but now I have to be formal."
"Are you trying to make fun of me? Don't do it!"
As Elena raised her voice, the smile on Raphael's mouth became stronger.
"Did you get caught?"
"You're so mischievous and I haven't seen it before."
"I know. Did you have any upsetting feelings?"
Throughout the conversation, the smile did not leave Elena and Raphael's mouth. Elena,
who realized that she had the next appointment, took out her watch and checked the time.
Unfortunately, it was time to get up.
"What should I do? I have a lot to talk about, but I don't have time."
"See you again, Princess."
Looking at Elena, who was disappointed, Raphael promised to follow with a caring smile
and tone. It was always like this. He took care of Elena before his feelings.
"Everything's good, but please leave out the word Princess afterwards. I'm not a Princess."
"It's a joke, but it must have been uncomfortable."
"No, I said it because I'm not a real Princess."
Raphael tilted his head. It sounded strange that Elena was not a Princess because he didn't
know she was a stand-in yet.
'I don't have to hide from him anymore, do I?'
It would have been nice to have more time, but Elena felt sorry because she couldn't.
"I'll tell you the details next time."
"I'm used to waiting, but I'm curious. You're not a Princess... Can I have a little ear-to-ear?"
"You're going to be confused, will you be okay with that?"
When Raphael nodded, Elena, who hesitated, slapped her lips as if she had decided.
"I'm just a stand-in. I'm not Princess Veronica."

Elena left the drawing room, leaving behind a deep regret. She wondered why she brought
it up when she saw Raphael, who was confused, but she tried not to regret it. If he didn't
know, he wouldn't know, so if she confessed the truth, she thought it was right to reveal
everything. Elena stood in front of the drawing room, the venue for the appointment,
promising the following. The reception room, which was specially designed as a guest
reception room, was in the form of a dining room and a cooking room.
'Don't be nervous and stay calm. Whatever Ren knows, don't be agitated.'
Elena, who renewed her resolution, pushed the door and went inside. The appetizing food
and candlesticks on the long table came into view first. And a man sitting with his chin
tilted at the end of the long table.
"Long time no see, senior."
Elena said hello lightly. On the opening day of the Secret Salon, she met Ren, who visited
the Grand House. At that time, she was also in Veronica's status, and she was reluctant to
deal with the subtly different attitude. As a result, it was much easier to deal with Ren now
that she was active as Lucia. Without knowing it, she had a bad feeling.
"Very cheeky. When do you invite someone and make them wait?"
"You're still the same. As soon as you see me, you start a fight."
"It's not a fight, it's a person? And it hasn't been a long time."
Ren laughed as he spilled meaningful words. It was because he remembered Elena's
appearance at the late-night masquerade.
'She doesn't know I've been watching.'
It was impossible. Because he didn't tell her. Ren was not disappointed because Elena
didn't know that Avella, who used a trick on her behalf, was warned. It may seem strange,
but it was better because she didn't know.
"Why do you keep laughing? Like a man of no substance."
"You invited me for the first time. This is a very meaningful occasion."
"It doesn't mean much, but you're way ahead."
Elena sat down at the table coldly. When they sat at the end of the long horizontal table,
they felt so far away from each other.
"Are you going to take it off? How long will you keep it on?"
Come to think of it, Ren was taking off his mask. It was already expected. She didn't think
from the beginning that the lawless Ren would abide by the salon's rules.
"I was going to take it off anyway."
Elena untied the string that would be sent behind her head. It was strange and awkward to
treat people like Lucia after a long time.
"It's okay, right?"
"No, it's very annoying."
Ren squinted and stared at Elena. The glasses covering the face, the wig with bobbed hair,
and even the dark disguise. It was all annoying. Elena took Ren's bony words as a pointless
quarrel.
"Shall I just go out instead of eating?"
"Why are you so sensitive? I'm not picking a fight, sit down."
Ren smiled and even gestured to calm down. Elena sat with her hips attached to the chair
again as she had no intention of going out from the beginning.
"Let's stop asking our regards and have the meal. It's not good if the food gets cold, right?"
"Oh, it's been a while since you said something I liked. I've been starving since morning to
enjoy it."
Ren laughed and picked up a fork and knife. Starting with appetizers, he tasted the main
goose dish and nodded.
"It's edible. It's palatable."
"I cared about it."
"That's nice to hear."
Ren grinned with a knowing look. Elena, who stopped knifing, stared at such Ren. Ren
smirked as if he was enjoying the snow path.
"What am I trying to say? Look forward to it."
"The question is a little close."
"Ah, I am the one who judges that. And the most dangerous question is that I have more on
my side than you?"
Elena's eyes were calmed down by Ren's meaningful remarks. The nuance of the
conversation alone felt that Ren knew something.
'It's important from now on. Get a hold of yourself.'
Elena got her mind together. It was difficult to lose the initiative in the conversation. Based
on Ren's suspicious activities so far and what she had heard from Sian, she had to find out
how far he knew.
"I heard you met Your Highness."
"Is that a question?"
"It's the process of questioning."
Ren laughed.
"We met. Your Majesty seems to have a light mouth to tell you that."
"At times like this, it's not light, but it's very close."
"Close relationship?"
Ren's eyebrows wiggled. It was very annoying when the definition of Elena's relationship
with Sian was made through her mouth and not by anyone else.
"What do you define so simply? Since when have you two been so close."
"We're not far apart, are we?"
"Then it's the middle. Not close or far."
"That's enough wordplay."
Elena cut the remark coldly. She didn't want to waste any more time with meaningless
jokes.
"Are you my enemy?"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena didn't go round and round and talked about her intentions directly to the point
where it was blatant. At one time, it was Elena who overcame the nobles of the empire and
calmed the social world. Sometimes she knew that simple speech was more effective than
ever.
'It's important to find out how far he knows about me.'
In order to do so, she had to provoke Ren to get an emotional answer she wanted.
"Hey, what are you asking so openly. What if I call myself an enemy?"
"If you're an enemy... A choice will have to be made."
"Choice? For you or me?"
"Both. What's clear is, this is going to be our last meal."
Ren pretended to be scared and shook his forearm.
"Oh, I'm shaking. Are you threatening me?"
"That's an interesting joke. I wish senior was threatened, are you someone to be
threatened?"
"Hey, are you saying the right thing to my face? I'm embarrassed."
Ren smiled and trembled. But Elena didn't intend to playfully move on.
"Don't change the subject and answer my question."
"Do I look like an enemy to you?"
When asked, Elena answered without hesitation.
"Yes."
"Wow, I'm hurt."
Ren smiled low as he pulled his bangs back. Rather than feeling hurt, he looked excited as if
he was enjoying the conversation.
"Is it funny? I'm serious."
"I'm serious, too."
"Then answer me. Enemy or not."
Elena pressed Ren with a non-bending speech. The answer was enough to figure out how
far Ren knew.
"Not the enemy."
"Then what?"
"A guardian angel in the dark?"
Elena, who almost let go of the string of reason, bit her lips tightly. Without her
superhuman patience, even she wouldn't be able to figure out what words would pop out of
her red, thick lips
"You're so bold. With that in your mouth."
"Really? Guardian angel in the dark. There is no more appropriate analogy than this."
Ren grinned as he clapped to himself as if he liked it a lot. Elena, who had been watching
the scene expressionlessly for a while, calmly opened her mouth.
"I'll believe you when you're trustworthy."
"Ah, hey, hey. People can't do that. We have to trust and have faith in each other."
"Then does senior trust me?"
Elena encouraged conversation as carefully planned beforehand like a spider's web.
"Me? I don't trust you."
"And you want me to trust you?"
"Yes."
Ren, with his arms crossed, retorted as if it were for granted. Elena was dumbfounded by
the endless act.
"We're back to square one."
Elena got up from the chair quietly. In order to take the lead in the conversation, it was
necessary to cut the ticket.
"Where are you going. You're still eating?"
"I don't want to waste time on meaningless conversations."
Elena pulled herself out and even put on the mask again. Then, Ren also leaned his back
and sat cross-legged.
"Do you want to know how helpful the conversation we're going to have will be for you?
Aren't you going to regret it?"
"You're way ahead. I'll decide if it helps me or not."
It was when Elena tied the string and tried to turn around.
"I lost!"
Ren raised his arms and grinned as if he had declared surrender.
"What did you lose?"
"Everything. It's weird. I hate losing, but I don't hate losing to you."
Elena didn't sit on the chair right away, but stared at Ren gently.
"You're not going to sit down?"
"I'll decide after hearing whether I sit or not."
Ren smiled significantly at Elena, and quietly lowered his arms.
"The enemy of the enemy is an ally."
"...!"
"Is there anything more certain than this?"
Unlike Ren, who spoke so nonchalantly, Elena could not pass it lightly. He was saying it
again, but it was easy to infer the existence of the enemy Ren referred to.
'Grand Duke.'
She didn't know about anyone else, but Elena knew. How deep Ren's hatred towards the
Great Duchy was. The malice toward the Grand Duchy was absolute in the persistent
harassment and intimidation of Elena, who was posing as Veronica in her past life. In other
words, if the two have a public enemy, it means that Ren knew about Elena's identity from
the very beginning.
"The reaction is clear proof, isn't it?"
Ren smiled more intensely and cheekily.
"How far do you know?"
"It's exactly this way. You're going trying to get confirmation."
"Because I like things that are certain."
He did not mention it directly, but Ren revealed all the cards he had. Nevertheless, what he
wanted to confirm was Elena's desire to be more clear.
"There's nothing I can't talk about."
"..."
"Where do I start? The real Lucia lives in the North? Or that you're the owner of this salon?
Or that the blonde hair that falls like a waterfall when you take off that wig is charming?"
"That's enough."
Elena's voice was calmer than expected. Realizing that the disguise was meaningless, she
took off her glasses. Knowing the blonde hair in the wig meant that he knew Veronica's
identity as well. The enemy's enemy was also said to be an ally, so the fact that she was a
substitute was known.
"Look, it's much better to clean up the mess."
"..."
Ren smiled as if he was very satisfied. Elena could see what Ren meant by saying that even
though she was unmasked, she was stuck.
'I don't understand. If he knows everything, why was he pretending not to know? It wasn't
like that.'
In her past life, Ren was tenacious and horrified Elena. However, in her present life, it had
not been shown at all. Looking back a little while ago, he gave the impression of making
concessions and backing down. Maybe.
'Maybe Your Highness is not the only one who's twisted.'
Elena had no choice but to think so. Otherwise, the current situation was not explained in
common sense.
"Why are you silent? I've revealed everything."
"I'm thinking about how to treat you."
"Don't think too hard. Let's go easy. Easy. Just like it's been."
Ren thought that the situation and conversation was so enjoyable that his smile didn't
disappear from his lips. However, Elena found it very difficult to deal with the shadow of
Ren in her past life.
"Yes, senior."
"Okay, junior."
Ren's voice was very sweet. Come to think of it, she thought it had been a while since he
showed hostility, unlike the way he spoke.
"Maybe we should redefine our relationship."
"Oh. Are we on the same side now?"
She didn't like it, but Elena didn't deny it. If Ren really helped Elena to break down the
Great House, it would be like getting a thousand troops.
But on the contrary, she was not relieved because it was Ren. Ren was a double-edged
sword. Ren's potential must have been of great help to bring down the Grand House, but as
much as he was beyond Elena's control, there was also a risk of where he might be headed.
'It's better to keep him on my side.'
It was more disturbing to turn around as an enemy here or to pretend not to know and go
their own way. If that were the case, it would be better to carry it even if it was
overwhelming.
"Let's do it. Same side."
"Bingo."
Ren twitched his finger and laughed. She wondered if it was her illusion that he looked
genuinely happy.
"Take care of your facial expressions. I'm happy and want to dance, but are you going to
cry?"
"I can't hide my feelings."
"I'm not going to interfere with your business just because we're on the same side. You go
the way you go, I go the way I go. Just like ever."
"..."
"Why aren't you answering me? You want me to interfere? Well, I have to do what you
want."
"I don't need you."
Elena's blunt remark made Ren laugh without saying a word.
"It's a monumental day, by the way, how about champagne?"
"I refuse."
"What are you so cold-heartedly rejecting? It hurts my feelings."
Contrary to what he said was upsetting, Ren actually laughed and resumed the meal he had
stopped. They were the newly chilled dishes, but as if they had just been done, he threw
words while eating deliciously.
"Three months at the longest, two months at the shortest. Get out of the Great House by
then."
"What does that mean?"
Elena, who was eating half-heartedly, looked up. Ren's expression and tone were more
serious than ever, as his playful appearance disappeared from nowhere.
"By then, Veronica will come back."
"...!"
Elena's eyes got bigger. She had already guessed that Veronica might return due to various
circumstances, but she didn't know that she would hear that time through Ren.
"If you miss that time, you won't be safe."
"It's much faster than I expected."
"What. Did you know Veronica was awake?"
Elena nodded instead of answering. Ren clicked his tongue.
"And you're still in the Grand House? I don't know if it's reckless or if it's audacity."
"I didn't know when she'd be back."
"Hurry up and get out. Even though you have a strong knight, it's too much for him to do
alone. There's no business in mind. He can't protect you either."
Elena looked at Ren. Was it an illusion? Ren's voice and facial expression that were more
serious than ever, made her feel his anxiety and worries.
"Thank you."
Elena was amazed even though she spoke with her own mouth-to-mouth. She never
thought she'd say thank you to Ren, the son of a bitch. Ren also had a bright smile that he
had never made before.
"Let's eat."
***
At that time, heavy conversations were taking place in Leabrick's office.
"Take care of the masked."
Artil and Luminus, who were sitting on both sides of her, expressed concern.
"Sir Wolford has been taken. The mercenaries are limited..."
"Move the Second Knights."
"...!"
Their eyes were strengthened by the firm words of Leabrick. The 2nd Knights were one of
the key forces of the Grand House. Although they fell short of the 1st Knights, the force was
not insufficient to be called the sword of the Grand Duchy.
"What are we going to do?"
"Security in the capital. Collect and overturn the crimes that have occurred in the capital in
recent years."
The 2nd Knights Division consisted of knights with high pride, even to the end. Although
they absolutely obeyed the command of the lord, they wished they could raise their swords
in honorable work. In that context, the order, which was the mask of the questioning of
committing criminal acts as a group, was the best cause to move the 2nd Knights.
"I'll take care of it."
"One more thing."
"Tell me."
Leabrick said coldly.
"I'm looking for the man and the woman who went to the masquerade ball to deal with
finacea."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"I'm suspicious of them, too."

Artil also agreed and nodded. Because his thoughts were not much different from Leabrick.
The fact that the finacea plantation was discovered meant that the tail was caught
somewhere. In terms of time, it was most likely that a few days before the plantation was
lost, a suspicious man and woman visited the masquerade.
"Find out the invitations of the people who participated in the masquerade that day. You'll
find traces of the participants."
"Okay."
"If you can't find it, throw away the thought of coming back."
Leabrick gave no room for failure. She was so desperate.
'I'm on a cliff. I won't allow any more failures.'
Grand Duke Friedrich was not very patient. He gave her a chance to make up for it because
it was Leabrick, and if she had done anything else, he would have replaced her with a more
competent person.
"I'll figure it out."
Artil, who was ordered, was also determined. Leabrick's downfall meant his end. The only
way to prove that he was a talented man who was needed by the Grand House was to
mobilize all means and capabilities to uncover the background of this work.
"Luminus."
"Yes, Viscountess."
"There is no reason to maintain more masquerades as long as the opium has been cut off.
Get rid of it."
The late-night masquerade had so far been hosted by the Grand Duke. It stimulated the
secret desires of the aristocrats and made it a place to deal with and sell opium. However, it
was meaningless to continue hosting the masquerade at a time when the opium business
was in a state of inactivity.
"Yes, Viscountess."
Luminus was ordered heavier than ever.
***
"Is everything all right?"
After sending Ren, Hurelbard worriedly asked Elena when she returned to the main
drawing room.
"Yes, as you can see."
"I'm glad."
Elena's peaceful answer only then did Hurelbard feel relieved and withdrew, nodding his
head. Elena, who leaned on the sofa in the middle of the drawing room, was dumbfounded.
"I can't believe Ren and I are holding hands."
It was not anyone else, it was Ren. She thought that even if the world split in two, and that
even if she was born again, he was the kind of human being she'd never get close to.
Surprisingly, however, she sat down with Ren and ate a while ago. Normally. It was also
shocking, but he stipulated that he was on the same side with the public enemy.
Same side. It's the most awkward word in the world.
'Don't let your guard down. He's a man who doesn't know where to go.'
Elena still didn't trust Ren. They joined hands for each other's purposes, but honestly, she
was not sure if it was the right thing to do. This was because the bad perception of him was
strongly rooted. Still, Elena was very relieved that she no longer had to regard Ren as an
enemy.
"... It's surprisingly reassuring. Oh, what am I thinking? It's so absurd."
Elena laughed suddenly at her unconscious thoughts. She tried to ignore and ignore it, but
from a psychological point of view, Ren's presence was greatly felt. She was fed up with the
enemy, but she was strangely determined to be on the same side. Of course, she couldn't let
her guard down because people don't change easily.
Just in time, Khalif, who had been away to handle the work in the salon, returned. As soon
as he was about to take off his mask, he worried about Elena's safety first.
"Ren didn't do anything stupid?"
"Yeah, it didn't go wrong."
"That's a relief. I made the table because you wanted to, but why the hell did you meet
him?"
"I was going to talk about it anyway."
Elena shared what she had just said while having a meal with Ren. It had to be clearly
communicated that they were in a boat with Ren as he could collaborate in the process of
the collapse of the Grand Duchy in the future.
"That's what happened."
"..."
"Senior?"
Khalif, who had been speechless for a while, opened his mouth with a worried face.
"Are you sure you don't mind? Ren seems to be the untamed kind."
Hurelbard, who was listening silently, also helped.
"I agree with him. He's rude and violent. He's too dangerous to keep close."
Hurelbard, who doesn't say his personal opinion at all, was nervous enough to talk. Elena
felt the same way, but she didn't express herself and reassured them with good words.
"Don't worry too much. I'm aware of the dangers of Ren, and I'm on alert."
"If it's you, then that's the case. Well, I'll trust you."
It would be a lie if he said it didn't bother him, but Khalif respected Elena's choice. She's
never failed before. There was a faith close to blindness. Hurelbard agreed by saving his
words. It was Elena's choice, and he was going to risk his life to protect her. When the
conversation related to Ren was over, a letter that the Khalif had kept in his arms came out.
"This is the reply from Count Willem."
"You already got an answer?"
"I was surprised, too."
Elena opened the envelope stamped with the seal of Count Willem, checked the contents,
and folded it back in.
"What does it say?"
"Even if it's late, he'll be visiting the salon today, so wait."
"Your Highness?"
"Yes. I said that the matter is urgent, and I think he'll come right away."
Elena was grateful and sorry for Sian's active response.
'It wouldn't be easy to get out secretly...'
If the imperial family were in good shape, Sian would be free, but it was not like that at
present. This is because the eyes that monitor Sian were hidden all over the palace. Elena's
heart was moved with sorrow that he would come out of the palace even with such a risk.
"Senior, I'll go down first. I have a complicated mind, so I need to organize my thoughts."
"Okay, I won't let anyone climb the third floor at all."
Elena nodded and looked at Hurelbard, who was standing there.
"Sir will come with me."
"Yes."
"May, stay here and help Khalif."
"Yes, my lady."
Elena used a secret passage to go to the drawing room at the end of the third floor. This
drawing room was the only place that was open only when Elena met Sian. Elena, seated on
the sofa in the middle, took time to organize her thoughts.
Meeting of the nobility. The return of Veronica. Cooperation with Ren.
There were many things to think about. It was never easy to put them into the initial plan,
which was woven together like a spider's web. This was because a minor deviation could
mess up the entire spider web.
Time flew by while her thoughts continued. Outside the arched window, it had been dark
for a long time, and only the moonlight was shining.
Knock knock. Elena woke up from her thoughts. When Hurelbard stepped up and opened
the door, Sian, wearing a sheep's mask, entered the drawing room. Elena stood up from the
sofa and was polite.
"How have you been? No sickness?"
As soon as Sian saw her, he first took Elena's regards.
"Yes, thanks to Your Highness's concern. Please have a seat."
Elena offered him a seat on the sofa, and gave Hurelbard a look. In order not to let the
outside people in, Hurelbard set up a lock and used the secret passage to escape. Sian
finally took off his mask. Elena also took off her mask and showed her true self.
"I heard it was urgent. Did something wrong happen?"
"I asked to see you because I had something to discuss."
The deep blue-green eyes of Sian had become more serious. Just by gently bending his head
forward, you can feel how focused he is on Elena's words.
"I think Veronica is awake."
"...!"
Sian's expression hardened. He knew that Elena was Veronica's stand-in, so he knew
exactly what that meant.
"Shouldn't you get out of the Great House? They will never let you live."
"I know that."
"Then there's no delay. Get out of the Great House as soon as possible. Tomorrow, no, just
today."
Sian was more anxious than she was. He was anxious that Elena would be harmed by
missing the time to leave the Great House.
"I can't come out yet. I have something to do."
"What is there to do? Now, what's the use of that? This is not the time to argue about it. If
you don't come out, I'll force you out."
Sian showed a tough stance. As Elena's life was at stake, he seemed to have no intention of
making concessions.
"Your Highness should know. I'm pouring my whole life trying to bring down the Grand
Duke."
"That's why I'm trying to dissuade you. You've already accomplished something that even I
couldn't."
Elena had done something that no one had ever done. It was right to be respected just for
shaking the Great House, which had enjoyed a prosperous age for more than two hundred
years, with that weak woman's body.
"So I have to stay even more. If I don't root it out, the Grand Duke will soon survive."
She caused a considerable blow to the Grand Duke, but it lacked a decisive blow. Now that
financial losses have accumulated, she should shake the foundation of the Grand House so
that it cannot be revived again. She needed time to do that.
"You're going to stay longer? In that dangerous place?"
"Yes, so I asked to see Your Highness. I'd like to ask you a favor."
Sian looked at Elena with a stiff face. He wanted to stop her in any way he could, but he
persevered. Elena was also not comfortable because she knew how selfish she was.
'I can't help it. This is the only way to buy time.'
There was also a strong possibility that she could be seen as selfish and did not consider
Sian's position. But soon, Elena, who had made up her mind, opened her lips with difficulty.
"Please hold an election ceremony for the Crown Princess."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"...!"
Sian's expression became stiff.
"I know it's a rude and reckless request. Nevertheless, please do."
"..."
"I need time. This could also create a justification for dividing the Grand Duchy."
Elena emphasized the need to hold an election ceremony for the Crown Princess with an
unwavering eye.
"Veronica hasn't been in society for over three years. It also means that I'm not ready to
participate in the Crown Princess's election ceremony."
Sian listened silently to her.
"Except for Veronica, Avella of the 4th generation Reinhardt family will be a strong
candidate for the Crown Princess. Since she's not an easy opponent, I have to build myself
to compete."
In other words, during the election ceremony of the Crown Princess, the Grand Duke had
no choice but to embrace Elena. This was because it was more competitive to send Elena,
who has been equipped with the qualities necessary for the Crown Princess. Of course, it
was possible to put up Veronica even from the Grand House.
However, if they tried to appoint Veronica as Crown Princess without going through a fair
election ceremony, they were likely to face opposition from four major families. No matter
how great the Grand Duke is, he would not want to bump into the four major families. In
other words, Elena would buy time to stay in the Great House under the pretext of an
election ceremony for the Crown Princess. She could also freely engage in social activities
under the pretext of building up the reputation needed for the Crown Princess's election
ceremony. If so...
"I'm going to divide the Grand Duchy."
"Division?"
"I will use my status as a Princess to turn the nobles around."
Elena had been obedient. Although she sometimes took unexpected actions, she was mostly
vain and foolish, keeping herself from being in Leabrick's eyes. This is because she still
thought she had to lower herself a little more. However, as Veronica's return was
imminent, there was no reason to delay. Using Veronica's position to divide the Grand
Duchy was the best hand Elena had.
"You..."
Sian blurted out the words and caught Elena in his eyes. He felt sorry for her, who didn't
know his heart and didn't put much meaning on the appointment of the Crown Princess.
No, it even felt cruel. Nevertheless, he couldn't hate her. No, he was angry at his
incompetence.
"... You have a knack for putting me in trouble."
"I'm sorry. I asked you a difficult favor."
Elena couldn't bear to raise her head. While persuading him, she repeatedly hesitated and
wavered in her heart. No matter how much the scheme may be to bring down the Great
House, she wanted to avoid getting Sian involved.
"The Crown Princess is my companion. She will also be the national mother of the Empire."
"I know."
Once, Elena was there. Although it was Cecilia who ascended to the empress through the
Crown Princess, Elena, the Queen, was no less than Empress because she was poisoned
shortly after her ascension.
"To be honest, I want to refuse your request."
"..."
Elena didn't talk much. Elena asked for it, but it was Sian who would accept it. Even if he
refused, she had to respect him.
"Do you know why I've left the Crown Princess vacant so far?"
"You don't want to have an outsider."
"It used to be that, but not now."
"No?"
Elena looked up and looked at Sian. The waves were rough in his eyes, which were as still
as the sea.
"The place has its owner."
At that moment, Elena's heart fell with a thud.
"I don't want to leave any blemishes on the Crown Princess for her."
Sian did not specify exactly who the owner of the place was. Nevertheless, it could be
guessed by the tender gaze and the nuances contained in the words. How could she not
know when he looked so bittersweet. Elena was not comfortable pretending not to know. It
was also hard to force herself to turn away from him who approached her. The vacillation
of feelings was irresistible, so Elena tried to deal with it rationally, but it didn't work out as
she wanted.
"That's why I'm hesitating about your request."
"Your Highness."
"I understand in my head, but my heart can't take it."
"..."
Sian gently closed his eyes. There was deep anguish and torment on his expressionless face.
Elena waited with such Sian in her eyes. It was a long time after Sian opened his eyes and
opened his mouth again.
"I will hold a ceremony to elect the Crown Princess."
"Your Highness..."
Elena blurted her words. Despite the difficult request, she was grateful for Sian's courage.
"However, I will not appoint a Crown Princess with this election ceremony."
"I also don't want Veronica or Avella to be appointed Crown Princess."
The crown princess election ceremony was part of a scheme to earn time and divide the
aristocrats who followed the Great House. If Veronica or Avella were forced to be
appointed as Crown Princess after the election ceremony, the scheme should not be
implemented in the first place. Because Sian loses too much.
The expression of Sian's face slightly softened as Elena's heartfelt words were conveyed.
"It's good that you told me so."
"I don't know what to do with myself, with Your Grace, who made a difficult decision."
Elena raised herself up and politely bowed her with courtesy.
'If it weren't for Your Highness, I would have had to come here and just step back.'
Veronica's early return was an unexpected big variable. Had it not been for Sian, she would
have had no choice but to wash her body with tears at the Grand House. If so, no matter
how much pressure Elena exerted from the outside, it would not have been enough to
break down the strong Grand Duchy inside. Though he had long worries, Sian did not
hesitate to make a decision. Rather, he tried to be more active and helpful to Elena.
"Now that we've made a decision, let's decide on the date. Tell me the date you want."
"Please hold it four months from now."
"Four months from now. As you know, the Crown Princess will be elected after a total of
three contests. Four months later, it will be the last competition day. Do you know that?"
"Yes, I know."
Elena nodded her head. In the original history, Sian, who graduated from the academy,
abruptly sealed Cecilia as Crown Princess. In the aftermath, Elena had no choice but to have
a year of social reputation. Afterwards, when there was no posterity between Sian and
Cecilia, Grand Duke Friedrich and Leabrick argued that a Queen should be brought in the
name of promoting the prosperity and stability of the imperial family. As a result, Elena
became the first queen after a fierce election ceremony.
"I'll make it public."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
"I have done you a favor, so I want you to make an agreement with me."
"Tell me."
When Elena answered politely, Sian said.
"Don't get hurt."
"..."
Elena was touched by Sian's worried eyes.
"If you feel like you're in danger, throw it all away. The fall of the Grand Duke, if you can't, I
can do it. So don't think about getting it all figured out. Can you make that agreement?"
"Your Highness."
Even though he knew it was an unreasonable request, Sian was concerned and worried
about Elena until the end. His true heart made Elena feel sad.
"I will."
"That's enough."
As if the agreement was enough, Sian did not say anymore. The most worrisome and
distressing thing for him was Elena's safety. Knowing such a worried mind well, Elena had
no intention of moving along. Death was of no use. Revenge was possible only when she
was alive. Elena was killed miserably by them and realized that simple reason.
'Veronica.'
She remembered Veronica laughing at her, who was dying suddenly. The demon-like figure
of holding the hand inside and waving goodbye.
'It's not going your way anymore.'
Things had changed. It was now up to Elena to decide when Veronica would return.
'I look forward to what I'm going to do with your name and status from now on.'
Just imagining what Veronica would look like after returning to the Grand House drew a
deep smile on Elena's mouth.
Sect 18. Root
"What? An election ceremony for the Crown Princess?"
Leabrick, sitting in the office and looking at the papers, questioned her ears. Until a while
ago, the nobles who followed the Grand Duke raised their voices saying that the imperial
family would be stabilized only if they brought in the Crown Princess quickly. But when
Veronica woke up and the situation changed, Leabrick was reluctant to accept the Crown
Princess election. This is because there was no reason to rush Elena to the election
ceremony in the stronghold of Veronica.
But why is this.
According to the official letter from the imperial family, they would hold a monthly contest
to elect the Crown Princess starting next month, and announce the Crown Princess four
months after the third and final competition.
"I don't think the lying Emperor set it up, but the Crown Prince did it on his own."
"There's nothing particularly bad for us either. Hasn't the Princess been educated for a long
time by Madame de Flanrose? We have a competitive edge over Lady Avella."
Artil and Luminus gave their opinions and talked about their future prospects. In
particular, Luminus predicted very positively.
Leabrick listened to such advice in one ear and spilled it. They overlooked one of the most
important things: Elena was a stand-in for Veronica.
'It's just that the Princess is coming back and holding the election ceremony for the Crown
Princess is being held.'
Veronica's health improved to the point where there was no disruption to her daily life, and
she was secretly preparing to return.
It also planned to mobilize the Knights who guarded the safe house and Lorentz to deal
with Elena, Hurelbard and May. However, the announcement of the election ceremony of
the Crown Princess made all of it awkward.
"Where is Your Highness?"
"He's in the study."
Without hesitation, Leabrick got up from her seat and headed to the study. When she
reached the door of the study, more than a dozen knights and maids for Grand Duke
Friedrich bowed their heads and showed courtesy.
"It's urgent. Tell Your Highness the Grand Duke."
The immediate maid knocked and went into the study. After a while, she came out of the
study and lowered herself.
"Come on in."
Leabrick stepped into the study with a quick step. Sitting at an antique desk, she
approached Grand Duke Friedrich, who was reading a book, and gave him a silent salute.
"It's urgent?"
"Yes, the imperial court announced that it would hold a ceremony to elect the Crown
Princess."
Leabrick spoke of the official letter she received from the imperial family. Due to the
seriousness of the situation, Grand Duke Friedrich concentrated on the conversation,
covering up the book he was reading.
"Let's send the child instead of Veronica for the Crown Princess election?"
"It's a good job, but the Princess has been sleeping for a very long time. Reinhardt will also
present Lady Avella's spirit, so it would be better to put her up until the Crown Princess
Election Ceremony."
"Then do it."
Grand Duke Friedrich accepted immediately without hesitation. Veronica's mental growth
was immature as she was unconscious for a long time compared to her physical growth.
As the election of the Crown Princess was based on the principle of competition, it seemed
reasonable for him to put forward Elena.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"By now, Leabrick would have heard about the election ceremony of the Crown Princess..."
Elena sat on a terrace overlooking the garden and had tea time. The words were tea time,
and it was to look at the people going to and from the mansion.
Today was the day when they decided to hold the election ceremony for the Crown
Princess, and the guards of the imperial palace went as planned.
"Let's wait a little longer."
The board was already made. All she had left was to drive them into a trap. That way, she
shouldn't be impatient until the end.
Knock knock. Anne came in knocking.
"Miss, Viscountess Leabrick would like to see you in her office."
"Really?"
Elena put down the teacup and got up to visit Leabrick's office.
"Liv, what's going on?"
Elena faced Leabrick with an expression that showed she didn't know why she was called.
"Let's sit down first."
When Leabrick recommended it, Elena nodded and sat on the sofa.
"I wanted to see you today because I had something important to say."
"Important to say?"
Elena shrugged her shoulders slightly and raised her ears. She pretended not to know it,
and it was an abominably deft performance.
"An official letter came from the Imperial Household today. Sooner or later, there will be an
election ceremony for the Crown Princess."
"Oh, really!"
Elena didn't hide her excitement. From the day she left the Duchy, it was a natural response
to Elena, who had an outright desire for the Crown Princess's seat.
'It's up to my plan.'
Everything went smoothly as Elena expected. The fact that Leabrick brought that up to her,
it was safe to say that Veronica was unlikely to participate in the Crown Princess election
ceremony.
'It's all thanks to Your Highness.'
She felt grateful to Sian from the bottom of my heart. If it weren't for Sian, she would have
had to give up first to live.
"What should I do first? Let me know, Liv."
"The first competition is in two months. After three rounds of competition and screening,
the Crown Princess will be selected."
"I've heard the rough story from Madame. The first is to evaluate the skills, knowledge, and
reputation you need as Crown Princess, right?"
"That's right."
"But even if it's skills and knowledge. How do they evaluate reputation?"
Elena asked as if she knew nothing. Even if you think with common sense, knowledge and
skills can be confirmed through questions and answers, but reputation is ambiguous.
"The knowledge and skills knowledge will be judged by the prestigious ladies of society
invited by the imperial court. The same goes for reputation. Like Madame de Flanrose."
"If Madame becomes an observer, will it work to my advantage?"
"No, Madame is already known externally as the Princess's teacher. She'll be excluded."
Elena tasted as if she was disappointed.
"From now on, the most important thing for a princess is her reputation. You should never
do anything that will be flawed, nor should you leave a trail on people's tongues."
"I'll engrave it."
Elena pretended as if she were a sincere student and engraved Leabrick's words in her
heart. However, it was the complete opposite.
'Why should I do that? I'm not Veronica.'
If Elena goes through all the hardships and builds a reputation in society, Veronica, who
will return to the Grand House, will take the credit. Who would she do that for? Elena had
no intention of doing so.
In her past life, Veronica took Elena's everything as if it were natural. Even Ian.
But not now. When Veronica returns, the socialites will point and gossip. Just as Veronica
took her all, Elena will make her realize how terrible it is to live under the name Veronica
when she returns.
"The second contest is tea time. If you think it's a common tea time for young ladies, it's a
miscalculation. I want to make sure that you have learned the manners and etiquette that
fit the imperial family."
Elena, who participated in the election ceremony for the Queen in her last life, knew better
than anyone else about the meaning and reason of the second competition, tea time. It was
a place where not only the empress but also the imperial elders watched the young ladies
who participated in the election ceremony to confirm whether they had mastered the
gestures consistent with those of a Crown Princess.
"I'll ask Madame not to be complacent and point out inadequacies."
Leabrick nodded and continued.
"The last competition, and the final election, is a month after the second competition. It's
based on the previous evaluation, and the Crown Princess is chosen."
"S-so no matter how good I am, I may not be chosen by the imperial family?"
"That won't happen."
"What? But I'm sure it was..."
Elena expressed her doubts, but she knew better than anyone what Leabrick just said.
Young ladies, who came up to the final competition, are not missing anything such as
family, manners, knowledge, and reputation. In the end, it is the power of the family that
dominates the final competition. Naturally, the influence of the authority and power of the
Grand Duke will work.
Leabrick hid the fact and rather pressed Elena.
"The Princess should only think about the first and second rounds. I don't know what the
1st contest will be, but isn't it too hasty to worry about the third round?"
"I'm sorry, Liv. I was in a hurry. I won't let Liv and my father down and become Crown
Princess. I'd like to prove that I'm of help to the Great House."
"That's the mindset. I'll look forward to it."
Leabrick encouraged Elena with words she didn't mean to say. Since this happened
anyway, she had no choice but to expect Elena to do well at the election ceremony for the
Crown Princess.
'Even if you're elected Crown Princess, you won't be standing next to His Highness.'
Elena was forced to attend the ceremony, but that was all. Elena would be dealt with before
entering the palace after the election ceremony.
"I'll be on my way. I think I'm going to need at least two bodies to prepare for the
competition and build a social reputation."
"Oh, wait a minute. Take this."
"What is this?"
Elena blinked and received a letter envelope handed by Leabrick. She couldn't guess the
contents at all because the sender was not written.
"You'll know when you see it."
Elena opened the envelope and took out the letter. As soon as she saw the first line at the
top, Elena covered her mouth with her hands. The voice leaking through her fingers
trembled.
"L-Liv. Is this really from my dad?"
Leabrick nodded at Elena, who asked back as if she couldn't believe the report.
"Yes, read it."
"Dad..."
Elena read the letter carefully and went down. The handwriting and speech in the letter
were identical enough to be believed to belong to Baron Frederick.
'Then I was fooled because I thought he sent me this letter.'
Looking back, she was so foolish. Her parents wouldn't even be alive at this time of her past
life. She hugged the letter and cried her eyes out and was taken aback by Leabrick's
abominable prank. But it was different this time.
I'll fool you, Liv. That way, you will trust me and be relieved.'
Elena cried as if she was full of emotions after reading the letter until the end.
"He was very worried. About how I was doing and whether I was healthy. Thank you, Liv."
"Be the Crown Princess. No, you'll have to."
Leabrick's eyes became so cold that they couldn't be buried.
"That proves the value of the Princess, and everyone lives well."
"L-Liv."
"Or we don't have to take care of your parents, do we?"
Leabrick threatened Elena, referring to her parents. As she said again, she threatened to
stop supporting her parents if she was not appointed to be Crown Princess.
Seeing Elena, who was as stiff as a stone statue and couldn't even speak, Leabrick pushed
the cover.
"Prove your worth, Princess."
***
The safe house. Leabrick visited the place where Veronica was recuperating.
It was to inform Veronica directly that the return to the Grand Duchy had been delayed,
leaving behind a mountain of events such as the Noblesse Street project, the Crown
Princess's election ceremony, and the aristocratic meeting.
Lorentz opened his mouth anxiously in the carriage that entered the gate of the safe house.
"According to Your Highness's temper, I suppose he accepted it."
"Your Highness has given us permission."
Leabrick was very frustrated looking at what was happening recently. She kept falling into
a situation where she was forced to make only one choice, as if she was being driven by
something external. No matter how much she rolled her head, she couldn't find another
solution.
When the carriage stopped, Lorentz got off first and escorted Leabrick. The two people,
who entered the house, passed the hall and reached Veronica's bedroom on the second
floor.
"Go ahead."
The maid gave a slight silent salute and knocked, and informed Veronica that Leabrick had
come.
"Come on in."
Leabrick passed the maid and stepped into the bedroom. Sitting crouching next to the
window frame, Veronica was staring at a pair of blue birds chirping in a cage.
"How are you, Princess?"
"How do you think I've been?"
Veronica answered bluntly without giving her a glance, then opened the cage.
Then she put her white hand in the cage. A pair of blue birds wandered in the cage to avoid
her touch.
However, it was such a small space that a male bluebird was caught. Veronica stroked the
male blue bird's head with her index finger, which was grabbed with one hand.
"I love birds. With wings, you can fly anywhere and look down at the world."
Veronica reached out with an expressionless face. When the power in her hand was
released, the male bluebird flew high into the cageless sky.
"I want to go back as soon as possible. If I stay here longer, I'll suffocate."
Leabrick was in a lot of trouble. This was because she thought that the act of letting the
bluebird go freely changed her mind that she wanted to get out of the safe house quickly.
"I'm here to talk about your return to the Princess."
"Talk to me. When can I go back?"
Veronica reached into the cage again and held a female bluebird in her hand. Like the male
bluebird, she was fond of the head with her fingertips.
Leabrick, who was watching the scene without saying a word, carefully opened her mouth.
"... I think we need to delay Your Highness's return."
Clench. Veronica's hands were tense. The female bluebird, who was struggling under her
grasp, couldn't hold out and shook her head. She died instantly.
"Did I hear something wrong now? You want
to tell me again, Liv?
Veronica turned her head and threw the body of a female bluebird outside the window.
The male bluebird wandering outside the window was heard crying, but Veronica didn't
even look.
As if the death of the beauty was out of interest in the first place, she was waiting for
Leabrick's next word with a colder look than ever before.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"What's the reason? The reason why I have to postpone my return."

Leabrick carefully opened her mouth with Veronica's sharp eyes. She was as confident as
she could be.
"... The situation is worse than I thought."
"So? Isn't that because Liv didn't do a good job for father?"
Veronica rebuked Leabrick in her face. As she had not been conscious for more than three
years, she had nothing to worry about despite having a much lower mental age than her
physical age. Since she was born, of course she had always been doing that. Although it was
a Leabrick that shakes with the real power of the Grand Duke, in the end, she was only an
aide of the Grand Duke.
"Your Highness is right. It happened because I wasn't good enough."
"Then you can do better. I'll be back on schedule. Where I should be."
Veronica expressed a strong intention as if there was no resignation. From the moment she
was born, she had lived as she wanted to and this was too cramped, she answered.
"This is the will of Your Highness the Grand Duke."
"My father told you to postpone it?"
Leabrick nodded softly as she looked at Veronica asking back as if she didn't believe it.
Veronica frowned. No matter how much she was, she couldn't easily disobey her father's
orders.
"Okay, but only this time. You'd better organize properly as long as I have to wait."
"I'll arrange for the Crown Princess position."
Leabrick didn't miss the fact that Veronica's eyes caught on. Since childhood, Veronica
spoke openly. There was only one man in this empire that fit her class, the Crown Prince. It
was not because she adored Sian passionately. It was because Sian was the only man with
lineage and blood that would suit her nobility. However, Veronica's reaction was somewhat
disconcerting.
"That seat was mine from the beginning. I can't believe you're offering it to me like it's a
gift."
"..."
"Ha, that's enough."
Only then did Leabrick feel relieved inside. It would have been embarrassing if she had
continued to protest, but fortunately Veronica accepted it easily. It was when Leabrick, who
finished her business, saying goodbye, was about to turn around.
"Liv."
"Yes, Your Highness the Princess."
"You said it was my father's will, but I know it's a thought that came from your head."
"..."
Leabrick's pupils shook at Veronica's words. However, she skillfully denied it.
"How dare I do that? That's a misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?"
Veronica asked back and continued, sweeping her hair.
"Yes, I'll think it's a misunderstanding."
"..."
"Instead, you'd better be prepared. I won't forgive you for leaving any flaws when I go
back."
At Veronica's cold warning, Leabrick nodded as if she knew.
After Leabrick left, Veronica looked at the empty cage and looked up at the sky outside the
window. The male bluebird, who lost its mate, was seen wandering around and crying
sadly.
"Hold your sadness a little longer. I'll find you a new mate soon, okay?"
Veronica watched the remaining bluebird alone and strangled it. Unlike her words,
however, there was no trace of sadness in her eyes.
***
Elena's schedule became tight as the ceremony for the election of the Crown Princess was
announced. Leabrick asked Madame de Flanrose to increase Elena's number of classes.
Elena didn't refuse either. It was necessary to give the impression that she was faithfully
preparing for the ceremony for the selection of the Crown Princess.
It was the same with Madame de Flanrose. She also came to class even though she knew
there was nothing more to teach Elena. The reason was obvious. In her view, Elena was
likely to be the next Crown Princess. Therefore, there was no reason to refuse the class.
Even if she spent time under the pretext of class, she would be honored for teaching the
woman who would become the Crown Princess and Empress of the future.
Thanks to such interests, Elena was able to guarantee some of Madame de Flanrose's
classes as free time.
"What is this?"
Elena, who had a leisurely tea time after sending Madame de Flanrose to the next room,
looked at the cookies in front of her. The crescent-shaped cookie, which she'd never seen in
her life, was somewhat plain in appearance. The scent was not enough compared to other
cookies, which gave no impression of being appetizing. Then, Cuil, the dessert chef who had
baked the cookies, added an explanation.
"It's called a fortune cookie, and it is said to bring good luck in the northern regions. The
taste is light and the cookie contains a note with good luck phrases."
"I'm interested in a lucky note."
It was the first time that Chef Cuil brought a cookie directly, so Elena became wary.
'Why did you bring this all of a sudden? It's suspicious.'
Elena picked up the fortune cookie. She grabbed both ends of the white cookie like a
crescent moon and pulled it downward. As it broke in two, a note was rolled up between
the broken fortune cookies. Elena was interested in the note. This was because they were
suspicious cookies, and she was hesitant to eat them. Elena took out the note with her
empty hand and unfolded it.
[Hello, my junior No, you're a comrade now?]
'Ren?'
Elena quickly guessed who wrote this note with only a few words. It was not difficult
because he did not hide his identity and made it obvious.
"That's a great phrase. How did you know this phrase?"
"I got help from someone I know. He was sure he'd bring you more luck."
'This is, he's related to Ren.'
Judging from various circumstances, it was highly likely that Cuil, the chef, was an
informant planted by Ren. There was no reason to make fortune cookies and send
messages like that. Elena, who was relieved of suspicion, picked up the cookies that she
didn't mind and put them in her mouth.
"It's nice that the cookie doesn't taste strong. It's savory, and I don't get tired of it and I
keep wanting to eat it."
"I'm glad it suits your taste."
"From now on, if you make these cookies often, please bring them."
"Of course, Miss."
Cuil, the cook, was polite and left the room. Then Anne, who was watching, glanced at the
fortune cookie and showed interest.
"Anne, I want to drink tea quietly alone. Stay out for a while."
"Yes, miss."
Elena, who was left alone, picked up a fortune cookie in the basket, broke them in two, and
took out a note.
[The election ceremony for the Crown Princess is not the thought of Our Royal Highness.
It's your plan, isn't it?]
"He noticed."
She didn't know about anyone else, but Elena knew. That Ren's brain was extraordinary.
However, it was not obvious because he used it crookedly, but if he used his extraordinary
brain properly, he would be a really scary man.
Elena broke other fortune cookies just in case. Ren's note was also written in it.
[Every meal is steak. Won't your dress be tight?]
"Why are these useless words... Ha, did you write them to scratch my personality?"
Elena's cheeks twitched because it was so ridiculous and his intentions were unknown. At
times like this, she wanted to ignore the fact that they were on the same side.
"Isn't it all like this?"
Elena reached out and grabbed one of the remaining two. Although it was grand, there was
not much anticipation because there were many non-trivial contents of the message that
was opened and confirmed. However, this note was an exception.
[Aren't you curious about the agenda of the nobility meeting? Rejoice. I was invited, too.]
"Ren's going to the noble meeting?"
This was good news for Elena. She was actually trying to figure out how to find out what
was going on at the aristocratic meeting.
Elena's mouth was smiling for a long time.
It just felt a little real that Ren was on the same side. And when she left him as an enemy,
she felt a sense of reassurance that she had never felt before. She didn't know if he, who
was a hateful person, felt a little close and reliable. Elena reached out and broke the last
fortune cookie in two.
[Don't try to eat it raw just because we're on the same side. If you're curious, make a wish.]
"Of course. Can people change easily?"
Elena clicked her tongue and shook her head. If he hadn't written this note, she would have
seen Ren better than before. When she saw Ren putting on various conditions, even a ray of
good emotion melted like snow again. There were many ways to cut her own flesh.
'But I don't hate him as much as I used to.'
It was amazing. She didn't know if it was because he actively helped Elena, but her vigilance
against Ren had eased a lot.
Perhaps that's why she didn't react sensitively to Ren's quarrels or pranks.
Elena collected all the notes from the fortune cookie.
It was better to get rid of evidence that could be suspected. Elena, who put the note in the
teacup, took out a match and lit it.
The fire that rose using the note as wealth turned into a black ash beyond recognition.
***
Your reputation in society was considered as important to the aristocracy as their dignity
or pride.
This is because by birth, the aristocrats themselves are a class that is sensitive to the way it
is reflected in the eyes of others and to the evaluation.
Elena, once called the queen of society, knew how to build a reputation for sure.
You press it like a hawk, or you press it like a crane.
Elena in her past life dominated the social world.
If there was a young lady who didn't like her, she put him in a corner with the heart she
learned from Leabrick and made them obey.
Even the proud ladies knew that they would be eliminated the moment they were out of
Elena's sight, so they flattered her and tried to be seen well.
Conversely, aloofness means dignity that no one can carelessly do. If L makes her social
debut, she could get a similar reputation.
A star that shines through without mixing with socialites. A flawless reputation that no one
can treat recklessly, and that no one, if applicable, believes.
'Either way, Veronica will never gain that reputation.'
Elena hid her innermost thoughts and drank the wine in her hand. Count Nell's birthday
party.
It was the first banquet that Leabrick sent Elena to build the reputation needed for the
Crown Princess election ceremony.
'We're going to have to live up to Liv's expectations, right?'
Elena's smile deepened when she entered the hall.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Welcome, Princess."
Count Nell and his wife welcomed Elena with a bright smile. It was meaningful in itself that
Elena, who was mentioned as the heir to the Grand Duke and the Crown Princess, came to
congratulate him.
"Congratulations, Count."
"Haha, thank you. I'm so happy that the Princess personally congratulated me."
Elena smiled and exchanged a few formal greetings before returning. It was polite not to
take a long time to greet other guests. The first thing Elena did after greeting was look at
the atmosphere of the banquet hall.
'Looks like all the ladies from the community here have some influence?'
Looking at the participants, it was like a party that Leabrick paid attention to. Although not
far from Madame de Flanrose, there were several distinguished ladies who were second
only to her in society. There was nothing strange about them being invited as an observer
of the first round of the Crown Princess election ceremony.
'Should I make an impression according to Liv's wishes?'
When Elena tried to move, the nobles who were watching her talked to her a step ahead of
her. Elena, who had been absent from society, had appeared for the first time in a long time,
so they wanted to build a network.
Elena treated them with a clever speech. It was only a few words, but she did not give a
long way to the conversation even though she replied so that the other person did not feel
offended. Elena, who cleaned up the distractions, recalled the information of the ladies in
her memory. The order of age, fame, reputation, and status of the ladies at the party was
immediately ranked.
Elena, who made a decision, greeted Mrs. Rebecca first. She had long been influential in
society as she was the oldest of the ladies. When Elena greeted her somewhat, Mrs. Rebecca
covered her mouth with a fan and smiled. It must have felt good because the Princess of the
Grand Duchy was the first to greet her out of the other prominent social ladies.
"I was only at home with my heart, and I'm so happy to see your face today."
Elena knew how to deal with the prestigious ladies of society.
'Compliment but not too much.'
Experienced noble ladies knew how to discern whether the praise and compliments
toward them were true or false.
'Listen carefully, not talk.'
If you talk too much, your mistakes will increase. Even if you are careful, you will have no
choice but to say something offensive while talking, and if so, you will likely leave a
misunderstanding behind. That's why ladies, who just debuted in society, had lost their
reputation as time went by. Unlike her debut days when she was cautious without knowing
her superiors, she started to speak out when she got used to society.
Some people say that the mouth is the source of trouble, and as a result, misunderstandings
accumulate, their reputation will be undermined. Knowing it better than anyone else, Elena
expressed her enthusiasm to ask for guidance and learn rather than talking about herself.
Considering her status as a Princess, Elena's humble attitude was enough to get a big score.
And there was one last important thing left.
'I should make the ladies look at me and reminisce about their youth.'
Most famous ladies were well over 30. Considering that the average age of marriage in the
empire is before the age of 20, most people have children. As a result, the ladies envy the
lively youth of the young ladies who had just debuted. This was because they also had a
time when they shone so brilliantly like midnight stars.
Elena stimulated the nostalgia of the ladies by mimicking the shy and nervous spirit. She
was so pretty, lively, and even her deer-like eyes would look cute. Making them look back
on their youth was the surest way to stamp the ladies' eyes. Elena's gaze turned to
Leabrick, who was talking to the nobles on one side.
'What do you think, Liv? Are you satisfied with this?'
When their eyes met in the air, Leabrick nodded softly. It meant that she was doing well.
Elena also smiled at her as if to look at her. As if to reassure her.
'Trust me, Liv. That way...'
Leabrick, who turned her head, was seen talking to a middle-aged aristocrat. She was like
the real power of the Grand Duchy, so there were always a lot of nobles.
'You're going to show me your back, aren't you?'
Elena was looking forward to that day. The day she would push her back under a thousand-
way cliff.
Leabrick stood far away and caught Elena facing the ladies. The ladies, who were well-
known for being picky, were talking to Elena in a friendly manner as if they had known
each other for a long time. Considering that she had almost no experience in social
activities, it was surprising adaptability.
'It's so perfect.'
Elena's gaze, hand gestures, and skillful speech were flawless. She wondered if she needed
to come here.
'Why? I have to be relieved, but why do I feel uncomfortable?'
It was always like this. Even if she tried to find fault, she cleverly went out. While meeting
Leabrick's expectations adequately, nothing disappointed. It seemed like she was walking a
tightrope. If she looked at it, Elena was a doll that made her worth. If Leabrick's standards
had not been met in the first place, she would not have even thought of letting her out on
behalf of Veronica at the election of the Crown Princes.
But why did she think it was weird now? As she watched her figure that melted into the
social world more like Princess Veronica than the real Princess Veronica, the feeling of
disparity did not disappear from her head.
Leabrick recalled the first time she met Elena in the Duchy. She succeeded in putting Elena
into a corner that forced her to leave the Duchy. However, it was not a complete success.
'I lost Elena's parents.'
It was just the beginning.
'She just appointed a direct knight.'
Leabrick's plan to keep Lorentz as a watchman failed due to the unexpected appointment of
Hurelbard. It seemed trivial, but eventually failed to produce the results Leabrick wanted.
Nevertheless, Leabrick didn't pay much attention because she believed that Elena, who was
obedient, was in her palm.
However, the moment she thought she was in her palm, she wondered if she had fallen into
the trap of illusion. That was the case with Madame de Flanrose. At that time, it was not a
big deal, but now that she looked back, it was strange to say that the picky woman
introduced her to the maid first.
The same was true of purchasing artworks. At first glance, it seemed to benefit the Great
House, but eventually, the times changed rapidly, causing enormous damage. It may be too
much speculation, but she even wondered if it was aimed at her. As the monk fish got
together one by one, doubts that Leabrick had deepened.
'Maybe, really what if...'
Leabrick squinted her eyes.
'What if she deceived me?'
If it had been before, she would have dismissed it as vain bullshit. Does that make sense?
But not now. Leabrick erased all judgments she had made about Elena so far. This was
because prejudice could lead to misjudgment of Elena again.
"..."
Leabrick stared at Elena, who was surrounded by the ladies and continued the
conversation. With her eyes on her, remembering it with her head, Leabrick revised her
assessment.
'I'm going to press Anne.'
Leabrick was planning to open everything from the beginning.
***
"Did you just talk back?"
Anne, who had her arms crossed, was scolding two maids of her age who were mopping.
"I-I'm sorry. I won't do that again."
"You've been bothering me lately. I'm watching you, so behave yourself. Okay, didn't you
know?"
"I'll be careful."
When Anne stared, the maids were terrified and couldn't even raise their heads. Only water
splashed during cleaning. It was sad to see Anne's attention to the subject of the same maid.
Anne carried Elena's trust on her back and treated the other maids like her subordinates.
She may be young, but she was quick-witted and clever, so she even made the maids on her
side with the money she disposed of the precious jewel Elena gave her. There was no one
who could handle Anne's arrogance in the mansion other than her superiors such as the
head maid or butler. Then Anne was secretly called in by Leabrick.
"Y-you called me?"
She was so low-key that she wondered if Anne, who had been arrogant in front of the maids
until a while ago, was right. Typically, weak in power, she looked just like a mouse in front
of a cat.
"What are you so surprised about? I think it's a good time to get a report. Anything
special?"
"N-nothing. It's all about taking Madame's class and going to a banquet."
"Have you ever followed?"
"She used to take me when she was an academic student, but r-recently, she was taking
May with her..."
Anne laid her head down and lied. She had never accompanied Elena when she went out,
but she could not report it as it was. This was because she could be reprimanded for
neglecting monitoring.
"Really?"
Leabrick's eyes narrowed as she asked back dryly. As a result of confirming through other
maids who had been planted in the mansion in advance, Elena had never gone out with
Anne after graduating from the Academy.
Anne rolled her eyes uncomfortable when Leabrick was silent. Anne's ruby ring came into
the eyes of Leabrick, who was torturing her in silence. At a glance, it was not a noble spirit
that was made with elaborate work, but it seemed too much for a maid to wear.
"The ruby ring on your finger is so pretty. Where did you get it?"
"This, this?"
Leabrick looked at Anne with a blank look. Anne, intimidated by the gaze, said with a
crawling voice, shaking her shoulders.
"M-My lady gave it to me."
"The Princess?"
"Yes, the Princess trusts me. S-so she gave it to me. It's real!"
Anne, who was watching, insisted strongly. She was worried that she might be
misunderstood.
"You're doing great. I can't believe the Princess trusts you, so continue to do so as you are
now."
"What? Y-yes! I will never let you down. Just trust me!"
Anne talked with joy, bowed, and left the office. Leabrick's expression, which was left alone
in the office, was more serious than ever.
"She bought Anne."
Leabrick's eyes were as cold as frost. She pretended to trust Anne on the outside and
bought her precious jewels. However, if you look at the reality, she completely eliminated
Anne when she went out. Simple Anne misunderstands Elena's trust in one body, but she
couldn't even fool Leabrick's eyes.
"She knew that Anne was put on the watch..."
Elena was not an ordinary bet. The vague suspicion became increasingly certain. She
should not misjudge her as a vain and pathetic woman as she has done so far.
"What if, really, if... The clumsy appearance she showed me was a performance to deceive
me?"
Leabrick's back was full of goosebumps. It was the first time that she felt fear while
dominating the real power of the Grand Duke and swaying it as a predator.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

From the early dawn, the Great House was busy. The aristocrats of the faction, who were
ordered to convene, began to arrive at the Grand House to attend the meeting. Elena stood
at the window frame and watched the endless carriages. Since it was a gathering that had
never been held in the history of the original, Elena was also the first to see aristocrats who
followed the Grand Duke in one place. In particular, Elena's goal was to divide them, so she
needed to look at them everywhere.
"I can't believe the power of the Grand Duke is this much."
Elena, a member of the aristocratic society of the Empire, was able to distinguish the
families by the design of the carriage. The number of nobles assembled was also a number,
but the faces of the families were great. Among them were many families that Elena did not
even think of.
A representative example was Marquis Veron. Just the fact that he had emptied his
territory while defending the border area felt that the influence of the Grand Duke was
greater than Elena imagined.
"I'm glad I stayed. If Veronica took my body out of fear, the Grand Duke would have made a
quick comeback."
The power of the Grand Duke was great. No matter how hard Elena hit from the inside and
outside, he always had the roots to stand up at any time.
But Elena was not disappointed. It was a place where she risked her life to destroy that
Great House. Elena kept an eye on the carriage that crossed the threshold of the Grand
House. She remembered and selected and sorted out the influential nobles.
At the same time, she recalled their personal details and came up with an approach.
"Originally, I would have had to make an excuse to participate in the aristocratic meeting...
but now I don't have to."
Elena had a faint smile on her mouth. If it weren't for Ren, Elena would have thought about
attending the aristocratic conference by now. This was because only when she found out
what will be dealt with at the aristocratic meeting could Elena plan to divide the
aristocracy based on it.
Knocks were heard when the carriage of nobles crossing the threshold of the Grand Duke
was getting smaller.
"My lady, this is Anne."
"Come on in."
When Elena's permission was given, Anne, who came into the room, gave a silent salute.
"Ladies and young women are gathered in the reception room on this floor and the third
floor. Some of them are taking a walk in patronage and I think they'll be back soon."
"Really?"
It was a big mistake to think that only the nobles come because it is a noble meeting. Since
it was a place where many aristocrats gathered for a long time, it was common for ladies,
young men, or young women to be accompanied. After the aristocratic meeting, they
wanted to find a good partner for a political marriage at the dinner that will follow.
"Is there no problem getting ready for tea time?"
"Yes."
"Then let's go. It's polite to show my face for a moment."
In principle, it was the role of the Grand Duchess to greet the invited missus' or young
ladies. However, the wife of Grand Duke Friedrich was different, and Elena was the only
one who could take over that role in the Grand House.
When Elena visited the drawing room, missus' and young women got up from the sofa at
once and were polite. What's interesting about the social world is that it ranks more by
husband's title, authority, and reputation than by age. In that context, Elena was by far the
highest person here.
"You've had a hard time coming a long way. I paid special attention to tea time for you. It's
not enough, but I hope you enjoy it a little bit."
In the meantime, Elena looked at the wives of the nobles she would contact at the dinner. It
was important to instill a good impression on them, as it cannot be ignored. Elena picked
up a few influential ladies and gave them praises and words that she didn't like to get a
good feeling.
Later on, the ladies who returned to the estate will be offered positive advice to their
troubled husbands after Elena's suggestion. Elena, who achieved everything she wanted,
created an excuse to leave.
"I'm afraid I'll get up first. I need to get ready for dinner."
"Does the Princess care about herself?"
"Yes, we have guests here, and I can't afford to treat anything in vain. I'll see you later."
Elena finished her greeting with a light but flawless manner and turned around and left the
drawing room. From now on, the wives and the young women would exchange stories
about Elena. It was a short tea time, but it gave the impression that she was not
authoritative and was considerate of them. There would definitely be positive comments
about her.
Elena called Anne back to the bedroom.
"Are they still in the meeting?"
"Yes, I guess so."
Elena nodded in response to Anne's answer.
"Anne, go wait in front of the meeting room. Then after the meeting, look at the facial
expressions of the nobles and tell me."
"What? Facial expression?"
Anne, who received an unknown order, asked back.
"You know, the atmosphere? I'm glad if the meeting ends well, but if not, wouldn't it be too
much to wear a very gorgeous dress?"
"I-I got it!"
Anne hurried out of the bedroom, wondering if she understood what she meant. Anne
didn't come back for a long time since the meeting was longer than expected. Anne
returned around the time she hurriedly started dressing up, thinking that she might be late
for dinner if she was later.
"How is it?"
"A-all of them have really bad expressions. It was so scary that I couldn't even look at
them."
"Really? Good job finding out. I think I should wear a calm dress today."
Elena laughed inwardly after receiving Anne's report.
'There seems to be a lot of irrationalities.'
From the time the nobility meeting was scheduled, it was expected. This is because there
was no reason to convene faction nobles because it was unreasonable if there was enough
room in the Grand House.
Elena prepared this job more closely than ever. By persuading Sian, she wanted to give a
blow that could not be regenerated as she was left in the Grand Duke's house, as she had
the election ceremony for the Crown Princess. So, before coming into contact with Ren, she
looked at the behavior and atmosphere of the nobles. To actively respond to the results of
the meeting by identifying whether the aristocrats responded or not.
By the time she finished dressing up, it was almost dinner time. Elena, who left the
bedroom, arrived at the annex not too late.
"Princess Veronica von Friedrich is entering."
When Elena appeared in the hall, applause poured out. As Elena, who was likely to be the
Crown Princess, there was no choice but to be interested. Elena's gaze as she walked across
the center of the hall to Grand Duke Friedrich met Ren, who was clapping.
Smirk.
Ren, wearing a tailcoat, smiled, raising his mouth. Elena, who passed by such a Ren, stood
next to Grand Duke Friedrich and turned around looking at the left. Applause poured out
once again as she greeted them in moderation and formality. The sound of the music
subsided when Grand Duke Friedrich stepped forward for a speech.
"Today's dinner has been prepared to hold a toast in the future for me and all of you to
walk. Drink as much as you want and enjoy. Cheers, promising infinite success and glory!"
"Cheers!"
The nobles, who held the cup high in line with the vanguard of Grand Duke Friedrich,
cheered. The stopped music was played again, signaling the beginning of the full-fledged
dinner. Elena focused on dealing with the aristocrats who flocked to her. As it was an
official event, it was an indispensable duty to welcome guests as the Princess.
'I have to drop the rib.'
Elena was going to take the opportunity to separate Leabrick from the aristocracy. She had
no intention of keeping up with the rhythm as she was so absorbed in playing with dolls
until the whole time. It was when she was trying to relax as if she was swept away by the
people who were gathered by her.
'It's weird. When did she come next to me? She was definitely over there...'
Leabrick's surveillance of her felt different from usual. When she looked around, she
thought she would have dropped her off, but Leabrick was talking to the nobles near her.
At first, she thought it was a coincidence, but she doubted it because it was repeated. She
felt cold. Elena's eyes narrowed as she peeked at Leabrick.
Throughout the conversation, Leabrick never looked her way. At first glance, she didn't
seem to care, so it was even more suspicious.
"I heard that there will be a selection ceremony for the Crown Princess soon, Is the Princess
also participating?"
"Yes, I think so."
Elena smiled softly. Then the young women sympathized.
"Of course, the only one who can be suitable for the Crown Prince is the Princess."
"I'm also wondering why the election ceremony is held. It's really hard to know if you have
to put long and short things."
"Because it has to be fair. I can go through the election ceremony."
When Elena was consistent with her humble attitude, the gentle performance in the hall
turned into a cheerful waltz. In addition, men and women gathered one by one under the
chandelier in the center of the hall. This is to dance social dancing, the only joy that can't be
left out for decent and honor-oriented aristocrats.
"Would you get out of the way?"
"Kkak!"
Ren walked along, pushing young ladies, who were surrounding Elena and flattering her.
The young ladies stared at him for his rude behavior.
"What are you looking at like that. I want to argue more."
"...!"
When Ren snarled, the face of the young ladies turned pale. This was because it was best to
avoid Ren, who was an idiot who ignored the laws of the social world.
'What are you doing?'
Elena was dumbfounded and worried about him, who always appeared in this way. If he
was rude to Elena before the election ceremony for the Crown Princess, she would not be
able to move on as quietly as the last time.
"Long time no see, brother Ren."
Elena played the role of cousin with a bad relationship because of the last time with bad
feelings. It was a conscious act of Leabrick, who looked at Elena who was in contact with
Ren. Ren walked right up to Elena's front and turned his bangs with his fingers.
"Hey, I have a wish."
'Wish?'
It was time to think of the words written on the fortune cookie. Ren snatched Elena's wrist
without warning.
"Let's dance. Let's do it right this time."
"...!"
Before Elena could say anything, Ren dragged her out into the middle of the hall. He was as
rude as the birthday party.
'No, it's not like that.'
At that time, it was appropriate to say that her wrist hurt so much that it was dragged out
forcefully. But it was different this time. On the surface, it looked like he grabbed her hard,
but it didn't hurt at all.
He was pulling her forward, but he was taking care not to let Elena fall. Elena's gaze at Ren
became strange.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

'Awkward.'
Elena was hardly used to it.
The opponent was Ren.
Even if someone else does, is there anything else as strange and awkward as receiving such
consideration from Ren?
Elena was the only one who could read such changes.
Sect 19. Hunting
"S-such!"
"He really has no manners at all!"
"She's about to become the Crown Princess soon, how's he going to deal with the
consequences?"
Ren's rudeness caused the nobles to raise their eyebrows. Although they had ignored it as a
heresy in the social world, their patience had reached its limit as he had crossed the line
like that every time.
"T-that guy."
Spencer's own face, which spat out harsh words reflexively, was red and blue. On his way
to the aristocratic meeting, he clearly asked Ren again and again and again. Don't do
anything that stands out. However, Ren ignored the remark so much that he ended up in an
accident.
"I'm sorry, I'm not good at educating my child..."
Viscount Spencer bowed his head. In front of him, Grand Duke Friedrich, holding a glass of
champagne, was looking at the hall expressionless.
"Children's education is inevitable for parents."
"I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
Grand Duke Friedrich warned indifferently.
"I'm telling you, there's only one time I'll let it go. Remember, there won't be a second
time."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Viscount Spencer shook his head again. However, his gaze toward the floor was as
rebellious as Ren. He didn't like it, but he was still a child. The words of Grand Duke
Friedrich were compelled to be heard.
Except for them, there were others who watched Elena and Ren. It was Leabrick.
'What's your relationship with Ren?'
She knew that two people took the same class when they were attending the academy. In
that context, the possibility of a relationship that she didn't know about could not be ruled
out.
'Let's wait and see.'
Once she began to doubt her, all Elena's words and actions were suspicious. Furthermore, it
was even more suspicious because the relationship could not be confirmed by Leabrick.
Nevertheless, Leabrick did not come to an easy conclusion. There was an assumption, but
she couldn't find anything out of sight right now. She was determined to watch and
understand the situation more calmly.
Just in time, a calm spring waltz rang out in the hall to mark the beginning of life.
"Come on, hand."
When the performance began, Ren, holding Elena, began to take steps. Elena responded to
him, pretending to follow reluctantly.
"Do we really have to get attention this way? You can apply politely."
"Between you and me?"
Ren asked back with a babble and continued.
"I need to be consistent. It's weird if you and I are friendly."
"I hate to admit it, but it makes sense."
Ren smirked when Elena reluctantly agreed.
"So thank me. If I didn't do this, you'd be suspicious. There's a woman glaring crookedly."
Elena guessed it even if she didn't look at the place Ren referred to. Sure enough, as she
turned round and stood where Ren was standing, she could see Leabrick. Elena took the
step again and turned her back to Leabrick.
"The poison has gone up."
"It's worth it. She has a heartache, but there's no evidence."
"You, people are attached."
Elena's eyes got bigger. However, it was only for a short time, and she returned with a calm
look as usual.
"Somehow. I wanted to have a different attitude to treat you."
"Isn't it normal to be more surprised? Why are you so calm?"
Ren looked at Elena, whose expression did not change at all. He didn't know why, but it was
a pleasure and happiness for him to watch Elena's expression and feelings change because
of her words and actions. As a result, Elena's lukewarm response was regrettable. Unlike
her words, however, Elena's expression was dark.
'I'm complacent. I wouldn't have known if Ren hadn't told me.'
Elena held the loose reins firmly. Even if she succeeded ninety-nine times, she can fall into
the abyss by a single mistake. Leabrick was the woman who made it possible. She had to be
nervous.
"Be careful. Or you'll be killed and eaten?"
"Thank you."
Ren's expression of confusion became mysterious. Elena's naive attitude of acknowledging
was strange, but her first favorable expression lingered around his ears and did not leave.
"What?"
"What do you mean?"
"Last words, you know."
"... Thank you?"
"Yeah, that."
Elena nodded. There was no reason not to do it because it was not a difficult request and it
was true that he helped.
"Thanks for letting me know. I mean it."
Ren's lips twitched. He looked so awkward. He'd never been this excited and happy in his
life, so he didn't know what expression to make.
Just in time, the performance that was ringing in the hall changed. Summer waltz. If the
spring waltz expressed the freshness of life, the summer waltz was more cheerful. It
contains the fluctuations of life.
"What was talked about at today's meeting?"
"That? That was an exciting story."
"Don't waste my time."
When Elena pressed, Ren replied with a smile.
"My uncle will increase the payment of the nobles in the faction."
"That's what happened after all."
Elena had a faint smile around her mouth.
'As expected.'
The loss of the finacea plantation and the sabotage of the Noblesse Street project caused
great damage to the Grand Duke. In the meantime, the value of the artwork, which was a
slush fund, plummeted. Investment costs and spending were fixed, but since income has
decreased, they would have no choice but to find a way to fill it in any way.
"What about compensation?"
"Look at the sharp thing. They talked about compensation. But that's another empty
promise."
"Empty promise?"
"If the Noblesse Street project succeeds, they will return the proceeds on a presupposition
basis equivalent to the amount of the payment. It's like this."
Elena held back a leaking laugh.
'You can't make up for that, can you?'
Noblesse Street will be ruined. Because she was going to make it happen. It had been a long
time since the plan to leave only the shell of Noblesse Street had already been started a
long time ago. It has not yet been revealed to the surface, but as soon as Noblesse Street is
completed, anxiety factors will rise to the surface and sink.
"What's the reaction of the nobility?"
"The worst."
Elena's faint smile became a little darker. The majority of noble families were clever and
had an excellent sense of self-interest. What more explanation is needed since they are
aristocrats who abandoned the imperial family and enjoyed power under the shadow of the
Great House? As a result, there was no choice but to be dissatisfied with raising the deposit.
Furthermore, it was more so because the compensation put down by the Grand Duke was
too vague in itself.
Even without selling real estate, territory, land, and business rights in the capital held by
the Grand Duke only raised the payment of the nobles. How arrogant was this. They were
bent on knowing that they would not be able to escape the power and protection of the
Grand Duke. Elena planned to dig into the small, fine crack and use it properly.
"It's perfect to shake up the nobility. I've got a good excuse."
"Look at your eyes. You're anxious to do something."
Ren stared at Elena's eyes. Then he smiled.
"I'm already excited about what else you're going to do."
"You can look forward to it."
Elena answered confidently. Ren's view of Elena became strange.
"I want to ask what you are doing, but I have to hold it in. It's fun when you're in trouble."
"That's a bad hobby."
"That's how I can save you."
Elena's feeling of facing Ren's babbling became strange. Maybe it's because they were not
enemies anymore, but on the same side. For the first time, she thought she didn't find that
ugly smile annoying.
While the conversation was going on, even the autumn waltz was nearing the end, passing
the summer waltz. Now, there was only the last part, the winter waltz, and it was not easy
to talk and dance because the movement was passionate as it expressed the harsh cold. Ren
knew that too, and he pulled Elena, who was dancing at a certain distance, closer. It was
close enough to touch his heart and hear his breath.
"Now make my wish come true. Properly."
Ren smiled attractively and raised the steps and tempo according to the performance.
"Wasn't it dancing?"
"No way."
Elena also continued her movements in unison. When Ren decided to do so, there was a
dance performance that was not comparable to what he had been doing until now. Ren's
dance skills were excellent, to the extent that Elena, who was obsessed with social dance,
was surprised. There was no flaw in the gestures that followed the movements, the lines
that were expressed and the beat. But what really didn't make sense was Ren's manners.
Ren, who was like a maverick, worked in consideration of his partner Elena. It may be a
funny thing to say, but at this moment, Ren looked different. He felt like a different person
with the same face.
Soon, they entered the peak of the winter waltz. It's a move that sends a partner to the
other side and pulls them in.
"Hyuk."
Elena took a breath away. It was a manly move. Still, he did not forget to adjust his strength
to prevent Elena from being shocked. When the movement was completed, Elena, who was
as small as a violet, became a figure in Ren's arms.
Elena had a strange feeling that she had never felt in her life.
It's just a dance, but it's a series of movements that don't mean anything. Ren's
temperature, breathing, and eyes looking down made her feel awkward.
She didn't know if that was why, but Elena, who was confident in social dance, made a
mistake in making mistakes one after another.
"Despite the regret left behind..."
When the song was over, Ren briefly clicked his tongue and looked. Elena raised her head
and looked up. Unlike usual, Ren, with an excellent look, was looking down at Elena.
"Even that's a pleasure. I'll be looking forward to the next one."
"Oh!"
Ren pushed Elena out of his arms as soon as he finished saying the words.
Although staggered in surprise, Elena managed to stand in balance and stared at Ren. Like
what this is doing.
"Why doesn't the villain leave like a villain? For our princess, Your Highness."
"...!"
Ren chattered, and without courtesy, turned around and went out across the hall.
It was needless to say that the aristocrats' dissatisfaction and finger-pointing poured out,
and Viscount Spencer was seen chasing him away.
"..."
Elena stared silently at the back. No one else knew, but Elena knew.
Ren was taking care of her in his own way, claiming to be a villain so that he won't leave
any doubt.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Ren, who had been circling throughout the dinner, retired, and it regained its original
atmosphere. No, it looked like they got it back. The nobles smiled awkwardly and bumped
glasses casually, but the expressions on their faces seemed somewhat uncomfortable. It felt
like they were forced to smile after coming to an unwanted place.
'They look dissatisfied with the raise of payout.'
However, since they could not openly raise objections from the standpoint of the
protection of the Grand Duke, they would have no choice but to pretend that they were
okay.
'Words are factions, nobles are implicitly bound by interests. But today, the Grand Duke has
laid the rules.'
It meant that the Grand Duke was not in good condition enough to raise the rewards even
though he knew that the nobles would be dissatisfied. This would make it easier for Elena
to lead the work than she thought.
Elena quickly scattered the hall, dealing with the young women and young men who talked
to her to look good. It didn't take long to find the person because he was an aristocrat who
she had known since her previous life.
"He's still the same, Count Boroni."
In the distance, she saw a tall man who matched his tuxedo very well. The man, Count
Boroni, ran a large wheat farm in the western region, accounting for a fraction of the
empire's total wheat production.
In fact, until a few years ago, he was just a common aristocrat in the West. However, thanks
to a good line in the Grand House, an entire plain was assembled and turned into his own
land. Based on the wheat produced in the rich land, he stood as a noble representing the
western region. It was no exaggeration to say that he was an aristocrat raised by the Grand
Duke. Knowing that, Count Boroni voluntarily offered more money than others to the Great
House.
'Humans' hearts are very tender. Gratefulness is easily forgotten.'
In fact, Count Boroni was dissatisfied with paying several times more bonuses than other
nobles. It was true that he was helped by the Grand Duke in enjoying the current land, but
he thought that he had given more wealth than that. He was like a frog who does not think
of a tadpole.
Elena knew about the grievances of Count Boroni throughout her past life. This was
because there was a precedent in which the Western nobles claimed the injustice of the
payment, and then ended up buying the anger of the Grand Duke.
'Let's shake it softly.'
Elena, who set her goal, approached Count Boroni with a natural demonstration of
conversation. He pretended to know Elena half-heartedly when they met eyes by
coincidence.
"Nice to meet you, Princess. I saw you from afar at the birthday party last year, and it's my
first time to say hello."
"I also remember seeing the Count from afar. You are still cool then and now."
Elena naturally encouraged conversation by mixing compliments.
"Haha, I don't know where to put myself after hearing the praise of Your Highness the
Princess."
"But it's true? It makes sense that there's no one in society who doesn't know you."
A smile was in full bloom on Count Boroni's face. The compliment of his appearance for
Count Boroni was also a thoroughly calculated action. He was actually a handsome looking
man and was proud.
"Especially, I heard that you have a good sense of ballroom dancing. You have become the
envy of many young ladies."
"Am I? I'm embarrassed to say it myself, but I'm confident in dancing."
The smile did not go away from Count Boroni's mouth, as if he was happy with Elena's
continued praise. In fact, Elena didn't know whether he had a good sense of ballroom
dancing. No, she didn't want to know. She only focused on keeping Leabrick's surveillance
off. It was obvious that Leabrick was watching Elena somewhere now. She was a woman
who doesn't stop doubting once she's in doubt.
That's why Elena was leading by referring to ballroom dancing. As she contacted Ren
earlier, there was nothing more than dancing to share a secret conversation. This was
because even though it is an open place, you can naturally exchange stories without raising
suspicion.
"Amazing. Are you saying that you can dance all the waltz that's in trend these days?"
"It's too much for me to say, but it's kind of like that. Haha."
'The next song is about a woman playing the *pied piper, right?'
(T/N: one that offers strong but delusive enticement.)
As much as Leabrick, who tried to perfectly prepare the noble meeting, Elena prepared
today's dinner carefully. Part of that was to visit the annex in advance and check the song
list.
The song that used to resonate in the hall is over. Soon, Elena's song "The Pied Piper" was
played as expected. The song was like the standard dance of ballroom dancing, and Count
Boroni, who was known as a social gentleman, may also be familiar with the song.
Elena asked with a feverish smile.
"Do you know this song?"
"It's impossible not to know. It's a song that I'm confident in."
As soon as the song she knew came out, there was room in the face of Count Boroni.
"I think the tone of the song goes well with the great Count. I wish I had a chance to see the
Count's dancing skills, who represents society."
"How about today?"
"Today?"
Elena blinked as she looked up at him pretending to be naive. Then Count Boroni smiled a
kind smile and reached out his hand politely.
"Would you like to dance with me?"
Elena gave up her slender hands on his hands with a significant smile.
"Yes."
Elena's gaze toward the center of the hall, escorted by Count Boroni, showed Leabrick, who
was watching her in the distance.
'Dancing with a prestigious aristocrat is common in society.'
Elena's position in society was special. She was the heir of the Grand Duke and the next
Crown Princess. As a result, there was nothing special about the influx of dance requests
from the nobles. Ren was the only suspicious opponent, but he claimed to be a villain
himself and walked out after cutting off the tail of doubt.
'You're gonna be okay, right?'
Elena saw Viscount Spencer running after Ren, who was leaving the hall. He was worried
that he would harm Ren, as he did during the academy's swordsmanship festival.
"Do you know what?"
Elena, who was taking steps to match the performance, looked up at Count Boroni.
"I've never felt as resentful of my age as I am today."
"Resentful?"
"I've been in this society for decades, and I've never seen such a beautiful woman as Your
Highness."
Elena gave a forced smile. It was to hide the shudder of the shriveling comments.
'I can't match him anymore.'
There was also a limit to endure. As long as the approach was successful, it would no longer
be possible to cater to humans who cannot grasp the subject. Elena changed her face and
slowly spoke with a low voice.
"I heard about today's meeting. They're going to increase the amount of money they collect
from the nobles?"
Count Boroni was embarrassed by the sudden change of topic. Elena naturally melted the
theme of the story into the conversation.
"That's too much. The Count pays more money than everyone else."
"That's true, but thanks to the help of the Grand Duke, I've settled down this much..."
Count Boroni's expression and tone became cautious. The friendly atmosphere just now
was long broken.
"Do you really think so? I think it's unfair to unilaterally increase the amount of payment
without promising clear compensation."
"... Your Highness, what is your intention to say such a thing?"
Count Boroni looked perplexed. The Princess, not anyone else, was asking a question that
was difficult to answer. As if he were taking a test. As a result, it was not possible to answer.
"Me. I just want to help the Count with a pure heart."
"You're helping me?"
Elena smiled meaningfully and looked at Count Boroni. Unlike him, who was embarrassed,
Elena's expression and voice were full of composure.
"There will be an appointment ceremony for the Crown Princess soon. I think I look good in
that position."
"I think so, too."
"I am a very greedy woman, Count. I'll never give up the Grand Duchy just because I'm
Crown Princess."
"Is that possible?"
"Why do you think not? I'm Veronica. The only heir to Grand Duke Friedrich. You don't
think I can do it?"
"..."
Count Boroni shut up after Elena's provocative remarks. He knew well that there was
nothing she couldn't do in the empire if the Grand Duke, who enjoys superior power even
the imperial family, was determined to do so. Elena penetrated that point with Veronica's
authority.
"That's why I'm telling you, Count. Shouldn't you be in line now?"
"What do you mean, in line?"
"It's a miscalculation if you think the rope you're holding will continue to be strong."
"...!"
"My father may be old, so he keeps trying to rely on Leabrick. It's like that just for the
payoff. That's the idea that came from the head of Leabrick."
Elena sold off Leabrick. She was trying to shake the arrow of dissatisfaction with collecting
the payment.
'The dice is thrown.'
Elena was always calm, but she was nervous about this incident. She had lived as a stand-in
for quite a few years. However, it was the first time that Veronica's identity had been
exposed to the open air. On the contrary, however, it was also a sign that it was close to the
collapse of the Great House.
This is because if Elena's plan was completed well, even if it was the Great House, it could
easily hurt their recovery. Count Boroni's eyes, which tried to turn a blind eye to the
answer because he was embarrassed, became serious. This is because he felt something
unusual about Elena's attitude.
"Did Your Highness refer to the Princess, the Princess herself in that line?"
"Now we're on the same wavelength."
Elena smiled.
"If Leabrick had done a good job in the first place, this wouldn't have happened."
"I agree."
"Someone has to take responsibility, but Leabrick doesn't. That's why the aristocrats are
responsible for it all."
Count Boroni answered with a nod. He sympathized with her a lot, but he was cautious
about revealing his true feelings.
"It's just a payment. If the Noblesse Street business is successful, will they give the proceeds
equivalent to the payment? It's a promise with no substance."
"That's what I'm saying, Your Grace."
Count Boroni eventually couldn't stand it and complained. Elena's smile became thicker in
such a response. This was because the conversation is flowing in the direction she wants.
"I'd be different. I'll promise you a clear reward."
"A clear reward?"
"Yes, we share the income from Noblesse Street. Evenly."
At the unconventional offer, greed passed in Count Boroni's eyes. It was like that because
the one who has it is more. Since the Noblesse Street project was a project that even the
nobles saw a high probability of success, they were anxious to put their feet on it. Elena
said that Count Boroni would be put into the business.
"Of course, it's too much right now. It's possible under the assumption that the Count will
help me."
"If I can help, what are you talking about?"
Count Boroni's attitude changed actively. It was the proposal of the next Crown Princess
and heir to the Grand Duchy. It was judged that it was a business that does not lose money
even though it is for a short time. Elena smiled and paused. She opened her lips again when
she was in a hurry to melt his heart.
"Leabrick's downfall."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Are you talking about Viscountess Leabrick, not anyone else, dropping birds?"
"What else can't I do? If the Count stands with me and many nobles help me, there's no
reason I can't?"
Gulp. Count Boroni swallowed his dry saliva. Elena, who was seen in his eyes, was a very
scary woman. She even smiled at Leabrick, referring to her loss without anyhow. He was so
embarrassed that he did not know Elena's true intentions and gave praise to her. However,
the embarrassment was only for a short time, and he was cool.
"You can't fool blood."
Elena's smile grew deeper. She was a person who didn't share a drop of blood with Grand
Duke Friedrich. It was ridiculous to tie two people together without knowing the truth.
However, the two people reflected in Count Boroni's eyes clearly appeared overlapping. A
charisma that makes people bow their heads. Learning didn't make it work. You could only
have it if you were born with it.
"What can I do to help?"
"Gather the public opinion of the Western aristocrats."
"Public opinion? In what way?"
Count Boroni still adhered to a cautious attitude. It was true that Elena's heart moved him
toward holding the extended hand. However, there was no sense of haste to hold on to the
hand that reached out recklessly. It wasn't too late to move on to find out if there was a
plausible plan through more conversation.
"Let's get this straight. Do you know why Leabrick is raising the payout?"
Elena smiled significantly. Count Boroni looked at her bewitchedly.
"There's a problem with Noblesse's business."
"Problem. Is it serious?"
"So Leabrick's raising the payout, right?"
Elena confided to Count Boroni by looking at the truth as it was. She talked about the fact
that she paid unnecessary money for leaking information in the process of purchasing land
and that she purchased natural marble five times the market price due to careless
mistakes. Count Boroni's face turned red with excitement when he encountered the
disgrace that the Grand Duke had been shirking. This was because anyone could see that
Leabrick's mistake was passed on to the aristocracy.
"Isn't that unfair? I can't believe they're collecting rewards from the aristocrats because of
her mistakes."
The sound of Count Boroni's breath became rough. If he didn't know, he wouldn't know,
but after learning the truth, he had no choice but to become more aware of the damage.
Elena on the flow drove quite a bit.
"I can't help it with the increase in compensation payments, but... She, who has lowered the
prestige of the family as a member of the Grand Duke, be able to afford the milk money? I
think so."
"Your Grace is right. On the subject of the Viscountess... Ha. She's a freak."
Count Boroni was quite angry. Compared to his initial suspicious attitude, he has clearly
changed.
I'm almost there.'
She wanted to make a point, but unfortunately, the time given to Elena was not enough.
When the song "The Pied Piper" ended, further conversation was too much. Leabrick was
still watching her side with a crooked look on. If she just got greedy and danced one more
song with Count Boroni, Leabrick's doubt would deepen.
'Let's not rush. We still have time.'
This is why she persuaded Sian to hold a ceremony to elect the Crown Princess. It was to
buy time to shake up the aristocracy and bring Leabrick down.
"Next time we see each other, I hope to hear my suggestions answered."
"When do you mean next time?"
Count Boroni's attitude changed actively. Elena set fire to his chest, so he acted as if she
was going to commit anything.
"There will be a birthday banquet for Count Viola soon. Please attend and shine the seat. All
right, bye."
Elena's heart was pierced coolly when she turned around. It was more than pleasant to
imprison Veronica for their status and title. It was just the beginning. Elena would destroy
Veronica as she had been. Thoroughly not to make a comeback again.
When the performance was over, Count Boroni and Elena bowed and turned around.
Relationship for social purposes. It didn't look more than that.
Many nobles flocked to Elena, who was alone again. Young men wanted to enjoy the honor
of dancing with Elena, who might become the Crown Princess in the future, and young
women wanted to stand in line somehow because they could see well. Elena picked up the
most handsome young man among the dogs and accepted the request for a dance.
'I can't help avoiding Liv's suspicions. I have to dance a few more songs.'
Leabrick was blatantly suspicious of Elena and may have noticed her contact with Count
Boroni. If Elena didn't dance with anyone afterwards, she would dig deeper into the
relationship between Count Boroni and Elena. Elena needed to dance with more aristocrats
to dispel Leabrick's suspicions.
Elena exchanged many words while dancing with a fake smile. Most of them were words
that were not nutritious, but there were moments when they were needed. This was
because it was necessary to confuse Leabrick's suspicions by hinting that she danced with
an unspecified majority, not with someone specific.
In the meantime, Elena thought of the following. A man smiling cheerfully from the
aristocratic group on the other side came into view.
'Viscount Norton.'
A young lord in his late 20s this year, he was one of the emerging aristocrats who owned a
gold mine in the eastern part of the empire.
'Unlike his cheerful appearance, he's a sinister, vicious person.'
As Elena remembers, he was a cunning person. When gold veins were found in his estate,
he went to the Grand Duke with his feet and lowered my head. If he developed a gold mine,
they would pay compensation, so he asked to be protected from threats from the
surrounding provinces.
Thanks to such quick action, Norton, who escaped from the threat of surrounding areas,
developed the gold veins in the territory, gained enormous wealth and became one of the
most influential nobles in the eastern region.
But there was no end to human greed. Despite the growing power in the shadow of the
Grand Duke, complaints were increasingly mounting over the reality of paying more
bonuses than others. After becoming a prominent aristocrat in the eastern part of the
country, he began to think that it was a waste of the huge amount of money he paid to the
Grand Duke without receiving anything.
Elena approached Viscount Norton, pretending to blend in with the aristocracy. It was not
that difficult to build a favorable impression on him by opening up a dialogue on the subject
of gold, a specialty of the territory. Elena brought up the main point when she succeeded in
dancing with Norton as intended.
"Leabrick's downfall?"
The reaction of Viscount Norton to Elena's unconventional proposal was not much
different. The aristocrats were the kind who would hold hands with a demon if it benefited
themselves.
"Please gather public opinion from the Eastern nobility. If the aristocrats in the faction
gather their mouths and ask them to take responsibility, no matter how much my father
says, he can't wrap Leabrick around."
At first, Viscount Norton was persuaded by Elena. As the calculation was fast, he decided
that it would be better to follow Elena, the heir to the Grand Duchy in the future.
"Then I'll see you at Viscount Billion's ball."
Elena decided to meet at a ball on a different day, not the day she was supposed to meet
with Count Boroni. The move was aimed at avoiding doubts from Leabrick.
Elena, who broke up with Viscount Norton, felt tired. It was because it was not easy to
contact the nobles under the heavy surveillance of Leabrick.
'All I have to do is get Baron Juan in.'
Baron Juan was a merchant who built a large salt field in the southern part of the capital. He
took over the bankrupt estate and became an aristocrat after receiving a baron's title from
the imperial family. However, due to the limitations of his inherent status, he was
ostracized and ignored by aristocratic society. Having been unable to endure it, he was
recognized by the Grand Duke by paying a large sum of money to the Grand Duke, and only
then was he able to set foot in the aristocratic society.
'If I can get him in, I can handle the public opinion of the Eastern, Western, and Southern
nobles.'
The three nobles Elena contacted were influential nobles with influence in the eastern,
western, and southern parts of the capital. If they stepped out and agitated the nobles and
demanded the dismissal of Leabrick, no matter how great the Grand Duke was, he couldn't
just ignore it.
Elena approached Baron Juan. As it is said that roots cannot be deceived, Baron Juan, a
former merchant, was calculating and openly considered profitability. As much as he was
greedy, Elena had many places to dig. Baron Juan was more active in sympathizing with
Elena than the previous two nobles. He was so motivated that she wondered if she needed
a next meeting.
"Don't be impatient. Just keep in mind that the Baron can get a lot, just like what I'm hoping
for."
Elena, who, like the two people, promised to meet for the next time, said goodbye to Baron
Juan. Elena's tension was slightly relieved after finishing the encounter with the targeted
nobles. Although there is still a long way to go, this was the reason for the achievements
expected. Elena, who laid her mind down, was more in tune with some aristocrats who
asked for dancing.
'That's enough.'
Elena, who fulfilled her desired goal, refused to accept the dance requests. Because there
was no reason to dance more.
Elena quietly stepped back while looking at the atmosphere. No one dissuaded Elena from
leaving, as she had already danced a lot and had enough private conversations with the
nobles. She turned her head and looked at Leabrick, who was watching her exit from a
distance.
Elena smiled brighter than ever.
'There's not much time left. I'll get you out of there soon.'
Elena walked out of the hall. And Leabrick couldn't take her eyes off her back for a long
time.
***
A deserted alley. Even the moonlight did not lift well, so a man wearing a robe walked along
the dark alley. The man who reached the end of the alley opened a wooden board that
looked like nothing strange no matter when it broke because it was shabby and walked
down. As he turned the corner, he saw Sian and Jacqueline sitting at the round table.
"Sorry for being late."
The man who took off the robe was Count Lyndon. After hearing information of the
recently poisoned the Great House, which had suffered greatly by the loss of the finacea
plantation, had moved to the Knights, he refrained from activities as much as possible. If
they faced each other at the front, they would not be able to avoid serious damage.
"I guess you're the friend Jacqueline. I heard from Your Highness. You're a real intellectual,
right?"
"I'm flattered. I heard that the Count is very fair and has great loyalty to the imperial
family."
"Me? You're firmly mistaken. I got my nose sewn up and hooked up."
Count Lyndon responded playfully, but no one took his determination lightly.
Sian opened his mouth.
"What's going on these days?"
"It's the worst. The Grand Duke is eager to find us."
"It looks like they've been poisoned."
The longer he was crouching, the greater his regret. When the opium business collapsed, he
thought it would be the right time to shake the Grand Duke. However, the risk was too
great to move with motivation alone.
'Even at this moment, she's... Ha.'
When he thought of Elena, his mouth was burning. He wondered if it was right to stay still
like this when he thought of her struggling to break down the Grand House.
"Be patient a little longer."
"I should."
Sian put up with it. He couldn't change reality just by being motivated. If he couldn't help
but crouch, he could find a way to help her differently. Sian, who returned to reason, turned
his head.
"You're teaching kids at school?"
"Yes, Your Grace, teaching them is a joy and everything of my life."
Jacqueline, who was introduced to Sian through L, joined in changing the empire. At first,
he met Sian without much expectation, but the more he talked, the more impressed he was
with his thoughts and insights. Abandoning the centralization of the empire and returning
to the days of the Holy Empire in the old days, the political system in which the three
groups leading to the imperial family, nobles, and citizens cooperated and checked exactly
in line with Jacqueline's ideas.
In order for this political system to take place, citizens must learn and awaken. If they want
to select a citizen representative to check the imperial family and aristocrats, they need to
have enough knowledge. The school, founded with the help of L, was a conduit for the
discharging of such citizens.
"Your Highness, I have one thing to ask you."
"Speak."
Jacqueline opened his mouth when Sian allowed him.
"What's Your Highness's relationship with L?"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"..."
Sian pondered. When he was asked, he couldn't think of a word to define the relationship
between the two.
Sian smiled bitterly. Looking at it, it was always a one-sided relationship. Elena stood in the
same place. So he thought that if he had more courage to approach her, he would reach her.
But it was an illusion. She was within reach, but somehow she wasn't. She didn't push or
avoid him, but she was always in place.
"Why are you curious about that?"
"Because I don't understand."
"Understanding. It seems to need to be explained."
When Sian stared at him, Jacqueline carefully opened his mouth.
"I assumed that Your Highness and L were in a relationship."
'Lovers.'
There was a faint smile on Sian's mouth that he didn't know. That's what it looked like.
"Why did you think of that?"
"Aren't you the Prince who doesn't show his feelings? But whenever L comes up, your eyes
begin to soften."
"Is that me?"
Sian looked at Count Lyndon, wondering if he really was.
"It's true. It was hard to pretend that I didn't know how obvious you were."
"I see."
When Count Lyndon agreed, Sian readily agreed. It was true that just thinking about Elena
made his heart warm. Perhaps that feeling was revealed with a new, unconscious
expression.
"So, I didn't understand your intention to forcefully hold the Crown Princess's election. I
think it's a handshake to hold the Crown Princess election ceremony at this time."
Sian could see why Jacqueline asked about his relationship with L. In his view, the election
ceremony for the Crown Princess was a handshake that had to be left out of power by
aristocrats. In that context, it seemed better to welcome L as the Crown Princess.
"It's not exactly a handshake."
"Is there a reason?"
Jacqueline was not readily convinced. This was because there were more losses than gains
even if he thought about it carefully.
"L is planning the collapse of the Great House. The ceremony is part of the plan.
"Collapse. Is that possible?"
"It's possible for her. And I will help her to do that."
Sian's answer contained a firm conviction that he had never seen before.
"I agree that L is a great woman, but not enough to enable the fall of the Grand Duke..."
"You're forgetting."
"What do you mean?"
Sian replied looking at him with a dull look.
"Who sent you to me."
"...!"
Jacqueline's eyes were tightened. It was a reminder of the fact that he had forgotten.
"Do you know who first claimed the return to the Holy Empire."
Jacqueline looked at Sian. Sian continued with a calm but powerful voice.
"It's her."
"I-I can't believe it."
"You said L sponsored the establishment of the school, right? Do you really think she
sponsored it for no reason? She must have been looking all the way there."
"..."
"She prepared for a long time. Even before I knew her. I'm counting on it. She'd definitely
take down the Grand Duke."
Jacqueline was speechless in shock. Looking back, he didn't know much about L. He did not
want to know even though he received the support needed to establish the school.
He thought she was just a person who had the right meaning and an adult who had
awakened him. However, after hearing Sian's words, he strongly felt that he
underestimated her too much.
This was the case just by looking at the decision to sponsor the establishment of the school
at the first meeting. Can it be said that she simply sympathizes with the idea? No. As Sian
said, L may be looking further than Jacqueline. Otherwise, she wouldn't afford to sponsor a
huge amount of money for the establishment of the school.
An exclamation erupted between Jacqueline's open lips. After meeting Sian, he felt that he
was the member of the imperial family that was unprecedented in history. He had no doubt
that he would cut off the evil that the empire had followed and do politics for the people.
When he heard that she tried to influence Sian and bring down the Great House behind it,
he felt that she was great.
"That's the kind of woman she is. L."
Sian thought of Elena. As it took longer not to see her before the ceremony of the Crown
Princess, his longing for her grew.
***
Great House. The drawing room. Elena and Madame de Flanrose, with the finest teaware
between them, were enjoying tea time.
Elena showed excellent tea ceremony beyond the quality of black tea. Needless to say,
pouring tea with graceful hand movements, and even the motion of holding a tea cup and
sipping tea was not smooth, so she felt the class.
"There's nothing to find fault with."
Madame de Flanrose, who was watching Elena with her eyes, spoke calmly. For more than
half a year, she crossed the threshold of a Great House, but she actually taught Elena little.
If there was a minor mistake, she wanted to nitpick and save face, but Elena's skill was
better than her, and there was nothing lacking.
"Thanks for the favor, Madame."
Elena smiled and took the teacup to her mouth.
"If you do it like this, you'll get the highest score in the first round."
"I think so, too."
Madame de Flanrose lightly shed her eyes at Elena's brazen answer.
"You just have to pay attention to your reputation. Fortunately, the public opinion in
society is very favorable to you."
For Elena, however, the ceremony is just a drag. Putting Veronica, who's about to return, as
Crown Princess? Mistakes were enough once in a foolish past life.
"The next class will be after the first round of competition. I look forward to the good
news."
"Yes, Madame."
After tea time, Madame de Flanrose left the mansion. She wanted to relax and enjoy black
tea, but she had to dress up from now on to attend Count Viola's birthday party scheduled
for this evening.
Back in the room, Elena changed her dress and had her makeup and hair done. The tea time
with Madame de Flanrose was focused on the first round of competition, ranging from
clothes to accessories, as it was in preparation for the Crown Princess election ceremony.
It was very quiet, but it was not plain to go to the banquet.
"Miss."
Anne, who was arranging Elena's hair, carefully opened her mouth looking at her eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"That's..."
"Speak comfortably. What's there to cover between you and me?"
Elena smiled and asked her comfortably.
"Can I take you out today?"
"You mean you?"
Anne nodded her head.
"Yes, it's my pleasure to have you up close, but I feel uncomfortable because I can't do my
duty because I'm only in the mansion."
"Really?"
She smiled and asked, but Elena's eyes narrowed subtly. When Elena goes out, she reigns
like a king in the mansion as if she became a maid with trust on her back. It was very
suspicious to give it up and follow Elena.
"Sure."
"Really? Thank you."
Anne smiled brightly and bowed her head. Elena said, putting her clothes in order.
"Leave the cleaning to May and get ready to go out."
"Oh, yes, miss. I'll get ready soon."
Anne left the bedroom with excitement like a child. Then Elena and May were left alone.
"It looks like Liv's influence is in there, right?"
"Yes, it does."
"Now I can come now and find out something through Anne."
Elena had a blatant sneer. After the dinner, Leabrick had no response.
No, it was only on the surface, but now she was watching Elena's every step of the way and
receiving reports.
"May, would you call Lord Hurelbard?"
"Yes, miss."
May called Hurelbard, who was guarding outside the room.
"You called for me?"
"Sir, I need to ask you a favor."
"Please, I beg you. It's not fair. Please give me an order."
Elena smirked out a smile. He was called the ice knight, but it was awkward because in
Elena's opinion, Hurelbard still had a little off-putting and cute side.
"An order between us. It's too hard."
"... What?"
What did she mean between them? Hurelbard's pupils shook. He seemed embarrassed not
knowing how to deal with Elena's metaphorical teasing.
Elena brought up the main point with a smile on her face.
"When I go out today, there will be a tailing."
"If you're being tailed, maybe."
"As you may guess, I think it's from Leabrick."
Hurelbard's face hardened. The fact that she was followed meant that she was already
suspected. Hurelbard, who has to protect Elena's safety, was bound to be nervous.
"Please find out about them. As secretly as possible. You know what I mean, right?"
"Yes, I understand."
She didn't know who would follow, but there are no knights in the Great House that have
the ability to surpass Hurelbard, called the Knight of Ice.
On the day that Hurelbard puts them under control with his skills, it becomes like revealing
Hurelbard's swordsmanship, which he has hidden so far, under the full world.
Elena didn't want that. She wanted to use Hurelbard, who was referred to as one of the
Empire's Three Swords in the history of the original, as a sword that cuts the breath of the
Grand Duke at a time that Leabrick did not expect.
'If I didn't know, don't you know it's a waste to just skip over knowing that I'm being
followed?'
Elena's smile hung around her mouth became stronger. Elena, who looked ahead with two
numbers instead of one, planned to give Leabrick confusion by using her tail in reverse.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

After preparing, Elena left the house. She was accompanied by Anne instead of May, who
was always with her when she went out, but there was no inconvenience.
The only watchdog was in Elena's palm.
A carriage carrying the capital arrived at Count Viola's mansion. As can be guessed from the
mansion full of gravity, Viola was a prestigious family with both authenticity and
reputation.
Like Count Lyndon, who has now returned to the imperial family, he was one of the few
neutral aristocrats and influential families in the empire where aristocrats emerged.
Elena, who stopped by the guest reception room for a while and neatly dressed, stood up.
"Sir, let's go together."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Hurelbard in a nice uniform followed. The maids glanced and peeked at Hurelbard, who
was walking with thick green hair reminiscent of the meadow. They were fascinated by his
cool atmosphere, which they couldn't approach even though he had a beautiful appearance.
'It's the first time I've invited Hurelbard to a banquet.'
He has not been present to hide Hurelbard, but today was an exception. Hurelbard's help
was essential to find the watcher that Leabrick, who did not come to the banquet, must
have planted somewhere.
"Anne, take a rest."
"Yes, miss. Feel free to call me if you need anything."
Elena, who gave Anne a very caring smile, left the drawing room. Entering the main hall
where Count Viola's birthday banquet was held, the nobles welcomed Elena's appearance.
Elena, who had a socialite smile, sent congratulations to Count Viola.
"Congratulations, Count. My father asked me to convey that congratulations."
"Thank you. May the glory of Goddess Gaia be with you in the future of the Grand Duke and
the Princess."
Elena, who had a short chat with the Count and his wife, said goodbye and then stepped
down. It was because the nobles lined up to congratulate him behind her back, and her
interests were also elsewhere.
"Oh, aren't you the princess? Do you remember me? I'm Lady Rain, who greeted you at the
dinner."
"Of course I remember."
Elena greeted with a smile. Of course, she was not memorable, but it is also a courtesy of
the social community to pretend that they knew each other like this. Elena shared some
conversations with the lady to learn the atmosphere of the hall. Originally, the young ladies,
who had to flatter Elena to look good, were especially careful. They wanted to catch
glimpses of Hurelbard in the back and see him well.
"I'm sorry... but who's behind you?"
"Oh, my knight, Lord Hurelbard."
"A knight?"
They were guessing he might be a knight, but the young ladies were even more surprised
when they checked it through Elena's mouth. Most of the knights practiced swordsmanship
outdoors, so there were many cases of skin bleaching. Also, while training the sword, the
shoulders were wide open, so that he had no choice but to have a physique. On the other
hand, Hurelbard possessed a noble and elegant appearance that would make you think he's
a noble. He had a closer impression of a scholar than a knight.
"My name is Hurelbard."
When Hurelbard gave a restrained silent salute, some of the young ladies' mouths
exclaimed. The low-pitched voice was enough to make them excited. Elena enjoyed the
reaction of the young women. Thinking that this man they fell in love with was her knight,
she had a lot of strength on her shoulder.
'More than that, I can't see Count Boroni.'
Somehow she couldn't find him anywhere in the hall.
'Didn't he come?'
That means no to Elena's suggestion. Inside, anxiety came, but Elena did not fret. Except for
Count Boroni in the west, there was still a meeting with the leading noble families of the
east and the south.
Leaving behind the women who showed interest in Hurelbard, Elena spent some time
chatting with the ladies. She thought it would be enough to avoid the suspicion of a
watchman watching from somewhere in the banquet hall. Just as she was trying to relax,
she saw Count Boroni and Count Viola greeting each other.
'He's here.'
Elena's mouth became smiley. She sneaked up to Count Boroni and revealed her existence.
Count Boroni, who found Elena, pretended to be pleased to know.
"I see you again, Princess."
"Nice to meet you. The Count is wonderful today."
"Where would a beauty like Your Highness the Princess be?"
Count Boroni, who had exchanged light talks, politely recommended dancing. Elena held
his hand as there was no reason to refuse.
"Have you thought about it?"
Elena brought up the main point while taking steps to the performance. At this moment,
someone planted by Leabrick was watching Elena. She had to hurry to finish the
conversation before the song was over.
"Yes, I've done enough."
"Answer?"
"I'd like to coordinate before that. On the distribution of revenue from the Noblesse Street
business."
Elena's mouth was smiling, but her eyes were not smiling. As expected, Count Boroni was a
clever and greedy man. He knew it was a deal that was beneficial to him, but he did not
respond. It was visible that he was trying to get a little more money somehow.
"Is there anything difficult? It's up to you to divide the profits."
"Me?"
"Yes, wouldn't the distribution rate change relative to the investment?"
"Investment?"
Count Boroni's eyes shook. Perhaps he was just thinking about eating with a ball, but he
seemed embarrassed by Elena's investment.
"Then did you intend to receive revenue distribution without any investment?"
"Not that, but you never said that before..."
"That's why we met again, isn't it?"
Elena's smile lingered throughout the time. This is because such humans can be controlled
only when they are freely taken and pressed.
"I'm telling you in case there's a misunderstanding, but I'm not asking you to invest in a
Great House. I'm asking you to invest in me."
"Your Highness? What's the difference?"
"If Leabrick is defeated, who's going to take control of the Grand Duchy?"
Elena had a haughty smile. Veronica was the successor to the Grand Duke in name and
substance. Her presence was like the Grand Duke.
"I see what you mean. If so, prepare a contract later and proceed with the notarization
process..."
"Count."
Elena called him with her voice down. Count Boroni's shoulders flinched as she exuded
cold like ice.
"This is Veronica von Friedrich."
"I-I know."
"Did someone who knew that say a contract and notarization in front of me?"
Elena fixed her face and stared at him. With a more authoritative look than ever, she had
never been seen since her return.
"My face, my name, my position is credit and collateral."
"..."
"And if you're mistaken, there's plenty to replace you."
When Elena pushed him hard, Count Boroni could not say anything because he was pressed
by his mouth only. As she said, Veronica's name, face, and status were absolutely influential
in the Empire.
'Veronica, you'll have a lot to cover when you get back.'
After the Crown Princess election ceremony, she was planning to go out to the Great House
on her own. At that time, L's reputation, reputation, and status will be used to light the fuse
so that the potential dangers in the Great House could explode. It was the last thing Elena
could do as a stand-in for Veronica to dismiss Leabrick and siphon off huge investments
from some aristocrats.
"If you want, I can leave you a signed certificate."
"Certificate?"
"Yes, it's a token of commitment."
Elena left at least room for proof writing. It was Veronica's responsibility anyway, so there
was nothing to catch.
Count Boroni hesitated, unable to answer readily. The constant twisting of the steps and
tripping made him guess how much she had in mind.
"The song is coming to an end. I think you need to make a decision."
Elena urged him to answer and pushed him urgently. He made a decision after much
consideration.
"... I'll stand by Your Highness."
"That's a wise choice."
It was such a desired answer that a smile spread around Elena's mouth.
"I will gather public opinion from the Western aristocracy regarding the fall of Leabrick."
"That's trustworthy."
Elena's smile became stronger. Everything was as planned. At this rate, Elena's desperate
desire for the collapse of the Grand Duke was not far off.
"I'll send an agent to the Count soon. Don't be so frivolous until then."
"... I look forward to your kind cooperation."
"Sure. You're no longer a stranger."
A deal has been made.
***
Elena contacted them in order of Viscount Norton and Baron Juan over time. They also
expressed disapproval when she mentioned investment funds. However, the long-term
view had not changed the conclusion that it was better to stand by Elena, who would be the
heir of the Grand Duke.
Noblesse Street was a business which's success had become a foregone conclusion, so there
must have been a calculation that it will not lose money. Although it was bothering them
that it was a verbal contract, they accepted that they would write a handwritten certificate
with Elena's signature. Behind it was Elena's remark that they could be replaced by other
nobles at any time with a high-handed attitude. Such interests were intertwined and Elena
achieved what she wanted.
Upon returning to the territory, the three nobles contacted the nobles of the east, west, and
south to attract public opinion. It was quiet under the surface now, but if public opinion
was concentrated, it was planned to explode in time for the end of the second round of
competition for the Crown Princess.
In order to get the investment money secretly, Emilio began to act. The acquisition of small
business groups, prepared to increase the investment plan. The reason why they had to
endure this kind of trouble was to make the business group bankrupt and cut off its tail at
any time.
Khalif moved as the representative of the business. This is because there were no
resourceful people to be trusted and leave things to work.
"As expected, there was a young woman watching over me."
While Anne was away, Elena talked to Hurelbard over tea.
It was about a young woman, who was hovering around her instead of Leabrick at a series
of banquets.
"Yes, she has always been around the Princess."
According to Hurelbard, she was such a quiet and ordinary girl. Thanks to her mediocrity,
she was able to soak in naturally at any time and not receive attention.
If Hurelbard didn't look carefully, he wouldn't have found the watchman.
"It's enough to find out who it is. We'll see each other again."
Elena was satisfied that he recognized the existence of the watchman. One thing to pay
attention to was someone who followed Elena when she went out.
"Sir, have you found out who's following behind us?"
"Yes, I got them."
Elena's hand, which took the teacup to her mouth, stopped at Hurelbard's answer.
"Who is it?"
"Sir Lorentz."
Elena's eyes became cold.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The corners of her mouth twisted and cynicism flowed out.

"He's trying to hold me back now and then."
"Sir Lorentz?"
Hearing Elena's words to herself, Hurelbard asked cautiously.
"Yes, it's a tenacious ill-fated relationship."
"Did he make a mistake with the miss?"
"Mistake. I don't think it was a mistake, if it was intentional."
Beyond her deeply deposited eyes, the moment Lorentz was thrusting a sword into her
abdomen passed by. Her abdomen throbbed as she recalled the feeling of cold iron.
"If it weren't for you, Lorentz would have been my direct knight. He swore false allegiance
and betrayed me at the end."
"..."
"That's why I think it's a good thing. Sir, I was able to stand up and prepare this much
because you were by my side."
Elena's warm smile spread on her full face as she looked at Hurelbard. When she saw
Hurelbard, who moved away from the past and now stood beside her, the miserable
memories of the day were scattered like dust.
"I'll never betray you."
"I know."
Elena's smile became stronger.
"As long as I'm here, no one can harm the Princess."
"I also believe in that."
Hurelbard's words weren't nonsense. Elena was able to smile like this while continuing a
lonely fight inside the Great House. The fact that he was around made her feel more secure.
"It's time. Shall we get out of here?"
"Yes, Your Grace."
Elena left the room with the cup down. Elena, who had stepped into the high-end carriage
waiting in front of the mansion with Anne, stopped.
"John."
"Yes, miss."
At Elena's call, the coachman John bowed his head and waited for the next word.
"Bypass the Champs-Élysées and go to the Lady Curie exhibition hall."
"Yes? Yes. Understood."
John wondered but said he would. If she passed the Champs-Élysées street in the center of
the capital, she would go around her destination. It was an unconvincing order, but John
didn't say anything. He'd learned from his long experience that if he did what he was told,
he'd go half way.
The carriage, which left the Grand Duke's mansion, soon entered the Champs-Élysées
street. With the opening of Secret Salon, the Champs-Élysées street, which was revitalized
in the past, was transformed into the most popular street in the capital.
'I can see a little bit of the street I imagined.'
Elena couldn't take her eyes off the panoramic view of Champs-Élysées outside the car
window. Just like Randol in the original history, the Basilica, a large building built by
capturing Diaz, who was revered as a genius architect, began to reveal its greatness little by
little on the left and right sides of the Champs-Élysées street. This large-scale, rectangular
commercial building, which houses theaters, assembly halls, and dense shopping centers,
was made mainly of columns and arches, and had already attracted attention from visitors
to the Jellyje Street.
'What will it look like when this street is completed?'
Champs-Élysées developed day by day. When the basilica was built around the Secret
Salon, aristocrats and investors were enthusiastic about expanding or refurbishing the
building.
Elena planned to make the Champs-Élysées street stand at the counterpoint of Noblesse
Street. The wind gradually became a reality. At the center was the Secret Salon. In
particular, an annex of a size far above the main building was about to be completed. Once
a large hall, a theater, and an annex consisting of a concert hall are built, the salon would
once again leap into a cultural-oriented space.
In addition, a school was established under the auspices of L outside the capital. It was an
educational facility for the common people and was operated by Jacqueline as the first
dean. Some spaces would be used as schools when the basilica is completed in the future.
L's influence does not stop in culture, but also affects children who will become citizens of
the empire.
'There's not much time left. The day I'll throw away this shell and stand in front of people
as L.'
Elena looked forward to the day as soon as possible. Arriving by bypassing the Champs-
Élysées street, it was a two-story building with colorful architectural styles. This place,
reminiscent of the villa of the nobles, was the place where artists presented their works or
held exhibitions until Elena opened the Salon.
However, as many of the leading masters of the era were rushing to the Secret Salon, the
exhibition halls were mainly attracted by artists of lower level than that. In recent times,
even that wasn't good enough, and the operating expenses were covered in exchange for
exhibiting works drawn by nobles as a hobby.
'That's the case today.'
Elena, who visited the exhibition hall, clicked her tongue at the level of the terrible
paintings hanging on the wall. Mrs. Curie, who opened the exhibition today, was the wife of
Viscount Lemonade, a woman with a strong artistic desire, admiration, and vanity. Even
though she majored in art at an academic school, her paintings, which had never been
prominent, were so messy that she could not see them with her eyes open. Nevertheless,
the reason why she visited the exhibition hall is that Mrs. Curie had a high reputation and
influence in the social world, so she wanted to take a picture of her eyes.
"Congratulations, ma'am."
Elena greeted her with a fake smile.
"Oh, my God, I didn't expect Your Highness to come. Welcome."
Mrs. Curie welcomed Elena by holding her hand. It felt like her level went up a notch just
because no one else but the prominent Princess who is likely to be Crown Princess, visited
the exhibition.
"Madam is an artistic talent. I knew it, but I didn't expect it to be this much."
"I'm flattered."
Mrs. Curie's face, who pretended to be humble, spread an inexorable smile.
"I'm really worried. What if madam doesn't have a place for artists."
"Your Highness the Princess is true..."
It was so pathetic to see Mrs. Curie smiling over the fan. Elena turned around, leaving a
message to appreciate the painting more. She avoided the corner of the exhibition hall
under the pretext of appreciation because she thought her stomach would turn upside
down if she tried to please her further.
"Sigh. Seriously."
There was also a substandard picture hanging here, and a sigh came out. Spending time
looking at these things was also an embarrassment, but it was better than dealing with Mrs.
Curie and making compliments that she didn't like.
"It's like I can't even look at all. This is also the painting hanging here."
'What am I cursing at?'
Elena frowned. It was said to be a remote corner where visitors can hardly reach, but it did
not look very good to see her talking about her innermost thoughts in a harsh manner.
"A full, warm-backed aristocrat doesn't know art. It's best to draw a painting in the
basement. In that case, use portraits. Models like girls with short hair. "
Elena's eyes shook because she didn't want to be involved for no reason. Their voice, tone
of speech and words that made her look back.
'No way, right?'
Looking from the back, he was dressed in a neat suit. He looked gentle, unlike his frivolous
way of speaking, with his not-so-bad clothes and glasses. Nevertheless, why did she feel
used to it?
The man who felt Elena's gaze turned his head unexpectedly.
"How are you?"
"...!"
It was Ren, with red eyes that couldn't be covered with the single eyeglass and a flickering
smile.
"Aren't you so happy to see me, that I drive you crazy?"
Ren grinned at Elena, who was embarrassed and unable to speak. However, Elena was not
happy to see Ren's sudden appearance.
"Senior, why are you here?"
"I'm here to see the paintings."
Elena narrowed her forehead with Ren's nonchalant answer.
"Then look at the paintings."
"Where are you going?"
"I heard you came to see the painting. If I get caught by Leabrick while I'm with senior, I'll
be the only one in trouble."
Unlike Elena, who was still worried, Ren remained calm.
"That's why I disguised myself. It's perfect."
"Tell me about it!"
Elena held her temper. On the other hand, he was disguised, but it was sloppy. Even Elena
noticed him at a glance.
"What should I say? Patience, patience, it was difficult."
"Ha. What the hell was so difficult about it?"
Ren suddenly bent down and lowered his eye level. His face was so close that she could
hear the sound of his breath that he looked at her eyes.
"W-what are you doing, now."
She was always smart, but she didn't know what to do with Ren's unexpected behavior. As
if enjoying Elena's reaction, Ren was munching.
"There's something like that. Children don't need to know. "
Elena stared at Ren as if she was dumbfounded and pushed him away. She didn't even push
Ren hard, but he took a back step with an exaggerated act.
"Ah, what if I break?"
"You're not going, are you? Then I'll go."
Elena, who no longer wanted to be involved in difficulties, stopped and tried to turn
around.
"How was the day?"
"When?"
"... The noble dinner. When you left, Viscount Spencer followed you."
Elena was worried about the day all along. Didn't he have a history of violent tendencies
against Ren because he lost the swordsmanship? She agreed with Ren's statement that she
can avoid doubts about Leabrick only when he acts like Ren, but she couldn't help but be
worried.
"Are you worried about me? If I knew this would happen, I would have been hit harder. I'll
make sure it's swollen black and blue by today."
Ren smirked blankly. What she said he liked. Let her worry.
"You asked me a bad question. I'm going."
"Hey, don't go too far."
Ren, who put his hands in his pants pocket crookedly, threw a word and looked at Elena,
who was moving away.
"What?"
"The Crown Princess election ceremony. It's a trick, isn't it? Roughly. Why are you trying to
do your best?"
"You know I can't do that."
Why was he saying that. He knew that Leabrick was not a woman who could be fooled by a
dirty trick. Now she couldn't understand the whole story of Ren saying that.
Elena turned away after saying goodbye with silence. As someone who knows, she didn't
feel the need to step forward and explain. Ren muttered as he saw Elena moving away.
There was another eye peeking at Elena and Ren.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Even before dawn, the Grand House was busy. The first round of the Crown Princess
election ceremony would be held at the imperial palace today. Because of that, the maids
had no time to breathe. Since the previous day, they had been passionate about helping
Elena take a bath and dressing up and putting on makeup that meets the election
standards. Anne was also more nervous than usual. She neatly arranged the broken lace,
straightened the crumpled dress, and kept her nerves on edge to see if there was anything
missing.
"Anne, calm down. Some might think you're going to the election."
"It's an important day. I really want to see you become the Princess."
Seeing Anne burning her will, Elena made a smile. Was that for Elena? To satisfy her desire
to follow Elena, who became the Crown Princess, into the palace.
Elena, who finished grooming, stood in front of the mirror and looked at herself. The belline
dress emphasizes the calmness of the makeup. And she noticed the necklace and earrings
with a neat design. She did not look frivolous in the eyes of the ladies who were in charge of
evaluation, but cares about herself.
"Miss, His Highness is waiting."
"Really?"
Elena finally left the room with her hair next to her ears. As she left the mansion across the
hall on the first floor, Grand Duke Friedrich and Leabrick were waiting in front of the
carriage. Elena said hello, lifting the hem of her skirt slightly. In her elegant manners, Grand
Duke Friedrich smiled with satisfaction.
"You look like a Crown Princess."
"I'm flattered. I still have to learn a lot."
Elena, who answered modestly, turned her eyes to Leabrick.
"Liv, I'll be right back."
"Don't be nervous and just don't make mistakes."
Elena's eyes bent like a crescent moon. In other words, she will not fall from the first round
of competition unless she makes a mistake. Encouraged by the servants who came out to
meet, Elena got on the carriage. Anne and May were accompanied and Hurelbard, who was
escorted by a horse. The wheel rolled and the carriage sped up. Passing through the main
gate of the Grand House, they ran on a well-maintained street.
Soon after, the palace was seen far away. The Imperial Palace, which had undergone
several additions and repairs and added grandeur, felt the dignity worthy of the reputation
of being the heart of the millennium empire.
"Wow."
Anne exclaimed at the panoramic view of the palace. Unlike what was seen only from afar,
she was overwhelmed by the appearance of the Imperial Palace.
'I was like that, too.'
Elena smiled bitterly. Elena's gaze at the star palace beyond the wall of the Imperial Palace
became dim. Life in the Imperial Palace, called the heart of the empire, passed by like a
dream. Although there were not many years at the Imperial Palace, there weren't any good
memories that came to mind.
'Stop. What are you going to with the old days now?'
Elena cleared the useless thoughts from her mind. The important thing was now, not the
past. The carriage running through the Imperial Palace arrived at the *Eastern Palace. The
East Palace, located to the right of the main palace where the emperor resides, was the
palace where national events and ceremonies are held. As Elena got out of the carriage, the
Imperial Guard approached with a modest gait and courtesy.
(T/N: East Palace/Donggung (동궁): the Palace of the Crown Prince)
"Are you Princess Veronica? I'll show you inside."
Elena, who followed them to the drawing room, checked her physical condition for the last
time before the first round of competition.
'First round is tea time.'
A total of 36 candidates for the Crown Princess will have a tea time with six candidates,
with three well-known ladies from the social circle participating as observers. Observers
evaluate the physical presence, manners, speech and behavior of young women who
participated as candidates for Crown Princess, and calculate their social reputation as a
score and decide the outcome of the first competition.
Knock, knock.
She heard a knock. It was a guard.
"Miss, you must go soon."
Elena raised herself up when May delivered the words of the guard.
"I must go."
"You'll do a good job, but do better!"
Unlike Anne, who is making a fuss, May and Hurelbard, who knew that the Crown Princess
election ceremony itself was a time-consuming ceremony, replaced the greeting by bowing
their heads calmly. Elena came out into the hallway, and similarly, she ran into a young
woman on the move to participate in the first round of competition.
"Greetings to the Princess."
At the greetings of the young woman, Elena replied with a light silence. It was because they
looked and talked as if they were passing by anyway. Among the 36 ladies who participated
in the election ceremony for the Crown Prince, the young ladies, who have the qualities,
character, and family line that will truly become the Crown Prince, were counted on one
hand. The rest of them often participated in hopes of unforeseen luck or to have a history of
participating in the Crown Princess election ceremony.
"Sister."
The lady, who was at the head of a group approaching from the opposite hallway,
pretended to know her with a bright smile. With short wavy bobbed hair and dark silver
hair, she was the lady of the Reinhardt family, Avella.
"Avella."
Elena lightly called her name and pretended to know. When she met her in the middle of
the hallway, they held hands without saying anyone should come first.
"You've become prettier since I haven't seen you."
It was a very quick moment, but Avella's eyes fell from Elena's head to her toes. Avella, who
made her own estimate, smiled.
"My sister is. I'm so sad that the dress doesn't seem to be able to pull off your beauty."
Elena didn't think that was a compliment. She pointed out the rugged design of the dress
worn to emphasize quietness. Especially, she didn't know if it was intended or not, but
behind Avella, all the young women were wearing colorful dresses. Elena smiled and
responded to the obvious trick.
"I know. I envy you so much. You don't have to worry about this because the dress is
pretty."
"..."
Avella and Elena's eyes bumped into each other in the air, sparking a firestorm. She was
smiling hand-to-hand like a good sister, but she growled as if she faced her enemy.
'I owe you a debt.'
For Elena of this life, Avella was out of the spotlight. Unlike her past life, when she was
competing for the throne, the ceremony was just a means to buy time. However, Elena
remained bitter toward Avella due to her work at the academy. This is because she harmed
Elena, disguised as Lucia, because she didn't like Sian being close to her.
"Follow me."
Elena and Avella, who stood side by side, walked along the guard, letting go of their hands
first. Thirty-four ladies followed quietly with tense faces. As they reached the corridor
located in the center of the east palace, the guard who was walking earlier looked back.
"The ladies who have been called from now on, can go into the drawing room next door.
Lady Basilla, Lady Niz, and..."
Six ladies who were called entered the designated drawing room. The reason why they
randomly assigned young ladies to participate in tea time without prior notice is to ensure
fairness in the competition. After five repetitions in the same way, only six ladies remained
in the hallway.
'You're putting me and Avella in the first round of competition?'
Elena and Avella are the most likely candidates for the election of the Crown Princess. Even
Elena did not expect them to add such two ladies to tea time, the theme of the first
competition.
"For the ladies, you can go this way."
Following the guide of the guards, five ladies for Elena stepped into the drawing room. The
ladies in charge of the evaluation welcomed them sitting on the sofa across.
"Welcome, ladies."
Elena held up her skirt and returned their greetings with graceful movements.
'Mrs. Curie, Mrs. Dillons... I don't know one.'
She and Elena were close enough to go to Mrs. Curie's exhibition. On the other hand, she
understood that Mrs. Dillons had a close relationship with Reinhardt. Unfortunately, she
couldn't remember the last lady.
"Please have a comfortable seat."
They sat in groups of three on two round tables. On top of the luxurious tablecloth, tea
leaves and tea were placed to evaluate the tea ceremony, which was the best virtue for
women.
"If you don't have tea at tea time, you'll be sad, right? I'll prepare dessert, so ladies, please
prepare tea."
'Here we go.'
The bell rang to announce the first round of competition in earnest. The basic taste of tea
time is tea. As people say, tea ceremony shows women's taste and dignity. Elena was
familiar with it, and she warmed up the tea water with restrained movements and brewed
tea leaves.
The three ladies could not take their eyes off Elena's tea ceremony. At first, it was
surprising, they gradually admired her orphan hand teasing. She was faithful to the basics
and the line of her body was flawless. It was perfect enough to be a sample of tea ceremony.
Avella also tried hard, but compared to Elena, she was far short of her ability. There was
nothing to be pointed out, but there was nothing to be praised. Avella's expression
hardened as if she recognized the widening gap herself. But that was only a short time. A
meaningless smile formed around her mouth.
'Smiling?'
Unlike Elena, Avella was desperate. As she was in her past life, Avella was ambitious to
become the national mother of the empire. Maybe that's why she hated losing even in
several competitions against Elena. When Avella showed that attitude, Elena had to
wonder.
An empty teacup contained tea water directly brewed by the ladies. Just in time, the maids
of the imperial palace brought out a tray of desserts. A full-fledged tea-time continued as
the ladies also joined. Routine and trivial conversations came and went, and occasionally
there was laughter. The experienced ladies intentionally created a comfortable
atmosphere, but looked at the words and actions of the young women with hawk eyes. It
was because they knew that mistakes were made when one was relaxed. Sure enough,
some ladies were drunk with the atmosphere and made a slip of the tongue. It was a trivial
mistake that they could not even realize, but the ladies did not miss it.
As the atmosphere of tea time was ripe, Avella with a teacup looked at Lady Bella sitting
across from her. Lady Bella, who received the signal, looked at Elena and gave her
unpleasant praise.
"As expected of Your Highness. How can every move be so perfect."
"Don't say that. I'm embarrassed in front of people who are referred to as Lady of Ladies."
Elena humbly responded and praised the ladies. Looking at their expressions, they
pretended to be okay, but they seemed to like it inside.
"I heard she's been recuperating for three years, and she's amazing."
"Oh, did she recuperate? I didn't know because it wasn't long after I was in the capital."
Elena's eyes became thinner. The topic that Lady Bella brought up with intentions was
suddenly pointed out as if Lady Daisy had waited. It meant that it was planned in advance.
"I haven't seen you in three years. Did something happen?"
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Yes, I rested because I wasn't feeling well."

Elena smiled around her mouth and answered leisurely. It was ridiculous to say that the
only thing she did was to bet in the past three years.
"Well, you must have had a hard time. People don't know that and say weird rumors. The
Princess must have been very upset."
"Oh, what do you mean, rumor? Was there a rumor about the Princess?"
The lady, who was sitting with the same table in between, joined in and matched the
rhythm. Lady Bella was told as if she had waited.
"It was a hard-to-speak rumor. Of course, I didn't believe it. I heard she's a Princess with
such a straight and dignified appearance. She's classy, who she puts her eye contact with."
"Because there is no substance, it seems more exaggerated and inflated. That's what
rumors are all about, right?
"..."
Lady Daisy, who was sitting next to her, responded as if she was waiting for Lady Bella's
words. The intention was to bring up the bad rumors of the time and put Elena in trouble,
avoiding direct mention with clever speech.
'You've used your brain quite a lot.'
Though seemingly insignificant, the Crown Princess had to be completely determined as a
future empress and national mother. Not a little scratch was tolerated. In this context, the
gap of the past three years that did not show up in society has been a good prey. The more
unrealistic rumors are, the more they become inflated and distorted.
'They wouldn't have the guts to fabricate this. It's Avella's fault.'
Somehow it was strange from the beginning. It was suspicious that Avella and Elena, who
had to face each other only in the third round, were assigned as a team from the first round
of tea time. It was only possible for four major families to exert this much influence on the
selection ceremony of the Crown Princess.
Elena glanced at the faces of the ladies. All of the ladies had different facial expressions.
Mrs. Curie, who was favorable to the Grand Duke, was embarrassed to think about whether
to quit the conversation. Mrs. Dillons, who was close to the Reinhardt family, covered her
mouth with a fan and sat on the sidelines to see if she had any intention of stopping her.
The other lady also just watched and did not step forward.
"Stop it. Don't you know if it's rude to mention this?"
Avella came in at the right time and acted like she was worried about Elena. Like the young
women, who stopped fighting, Elena almost laughed at the detestable acting. But Elena was
fine. It was Veronica who was passionately flawed, not Elena. It didn't matter if Avella
tripped Veronica and broke her. No, there was no reason to hate it rather.
But the timing was not appropriate. She needed to be faithful as Veronica's stand-in until
she lost Leabrick. And it didn't suit her to just be beaten.
Elena smiled back. Just like the days when she once dominated society.
"Thank you, Avella."
"No, sister. You didn't feel comfortable talking about this, did you?"
"What's uncomfortable. As the name suggests, it's just a rumor."
Elena didn't lose her smile without feeling agitated. Looking at the peaceful smile, the
rumors circulating in the air felt really false.
"... If sister is relieved, that's great."
Avella's expression hardened slightly when there was no expected response. At that time,
Veronica's reputation was so terrible that Leabrick even decided to play a role. She ran
away in the middle of the night with her servant. Rumors had been circulating that she gave
birth to illegitimate children through her promiscuous life. As there was no way to confirm
or prove the time passed, the three years were the only shame for Veronica. So she devised
a trick and waved it, but the reaction that Elena now showed was far beyond Avella's
expectations.
Elena's mouth crept up. It was time to give it back now that it was passed safely.
"Have you heard about the late-night ball?"
"...!"
As soon as Elena got lucky, the ladies expressions were white and tired. The late-night ball
was a secret party that only the nobles knew. It was a banquet where illegal activities such
as promiscuity and opium, which should never be revealed above the surface, were
rampant. It was surprising that Elena mentioned it at the selection ceremony for the Crown
Princess, not elsewhere.
"I-I, well..."
"I've never heard of it before. Late-night ball?"
Embarrassed Bella and Daisy changed their faces and pretended not to know. However,
Elena didn't care. Elena's goal wasn't a small fry in the first place.
"I heard that a late-night ball was held in the capital a while ago. I heard that the masked
aristocrats do something like that in their mouths."
"I-It's a ridiculous rumor."
Elena asked Daisy's denial again.
"Is this a rumor?"
"Well, yes. R-rumors can't be trusted."
As the conversation continued on a tricky topic, Bella, who was watching from the side,
quickly changed the subject.
"Have you tried this whipped cream cake? It melts in my mouth. Try it, everyone."
"R-really? I'll try it, too."
Daisy, who was showing signs of discomfort, tried to turn her attention to the cake as if she
was waiting. Looking at her embarrassment, it was clear that she entered the late-night
dance, whether it was curiosity or not.
"I don't want to bring this up either. It makes me feel filthy just by putting it in my mouth."
"I agree."
Bella's face brightened as if she had been waiting. But Elena had no intention of doing as
she wished. If she had, she wouldn't have brought it up in the first place.
"But I don't think it's just a rumor. One of the candidates for the Crown Princess election
said they saw a lady who was in and out of a late-night ball."
Elena stared at Avella. The gaze turned Avella's complexion pale. Elena insisted as if she
knew nothing.
"Have you heard anything, Avella?"
Avella, who resembles Duke Chrom, her father, was good at trickery, but showed
embarrassment at Elena's unexpected attack.
'So, why would you touch me when you're quiet?'
It was a coincidence that Avella was known to participate in a late-night masquerade. In a
place where her identity should be kept secret, an unknown wolf named her publicly. It
was an open secret that Avella's surprised knight was suppressed while trying to restrain
such a wolf mask.
'And who was the other person in the wolf mask?'
If they were enough to subdue Avella's escort knight at once, they would never have been
an easy person.
"W-what are you talking about? I haven't heard anything."
Elena put her side hair behind her ear with a meaningful smile. Even the hand gesture was
full of grace and elegance.
"I see. I hope it's actually a rumor. The Crown Princess is a pious place to be the national
mother of the Empire. It doesn't make sense that a lady, who used to enter such a place,
would participate as a candidate. Don't you think so?"
Elena smiled and quietly talked to Avella and raised a cup of tea. Was there another dessert
that suits tea as much as Avella's pale expression?
Elena, who was savoring Avella's expression for a while, changed the topic of women's
gestures. Avella, who entered the late-night masquerade dance, kept her mouth shut and
did not say a word as she discussed virtues that would suit the Crown Princess election.
Elena picked up Avella and put her in trouble by asking her thoughts on her body.
After three or four hours of conversation on such various topics, the tea time ended. The
ladies praised the efforts of the young women who participated in the competition and said
they would send the results to the family soon.
"See you in the second round, Avella."
Elena, who left the drawing room, turned around with a smile of the winner. Her gaze at
Elena was full of poison, but now there was nothing Avella could do.
***
"Stella?"
Leabrick, who was handing over the documents, looked up. Her hand in hand, Artil, stood.
"She's said to be daughter of the Medichi family."
"It's a family I don't remember?"
Leabrick's forehead was frowned upon. Even she was unfamiliar with most of the
aristocrats in the capital.
"It's a capital noble, but it's a half-family. Research shows that the family's Lady Stella got
many invitations to the Masquerade."
Artil had been focusing his efforts on the disappearance of the plantation of finacea. In the
meantime, he found out that a number of invitations were circulated through Stella while
he was chasing their identity.
"Really? Let's find out more. Report as soon as you find a trace."
"Yes, ma'am."
Now Leabrick felt a little breathtaking. They were struggling to track down the masked
people who were involved in the loss of plantations because they caught the tail from the
other side.
"I have something to report to you."
Luminus, who was listening carefully, carefully opened his mouth with his glasses raised
with his fingertips.
"The movements of the Eastern, Western and Southern nobles are unusual."
"The nobility?"
Leabrick reacted sensitively. She was already aware that the aristocrats would be
dissatisfied with the issue of the pay-as-you-go tax increase. Meanwhile, it was nerve-
racking to hear that the movement of the nobles was detected.
"They didn't have an official meeting, but compared to immediately after the noble
meeting, the rate of leaving the territory increased. We'll report it again when we see a
clear move."
"Keep an eye on it. We need to crack down on it as the timing is bad."
The aristocrats were people who moved for their own good. Although they did not express
themselves, they could have rebelled as they were dissatisfied with the increase in
compensation.
'I have no choice but to set an example.'
In the worst-case scenario, she was also thinking of making an example of a family
member's death. There was no more effective way to govern aristocrats who are blinded by
their own interests than fear. Leabrick, who sent out Artil and Luminus, turned to the
document again. There was a mountain of work for her to care about as things were not
going well in the Great House.
Knock knock. She heard a deep man's voice.
"It's Lucas."
"Come on in."
When Leabrick's permission was given, a knight in uniform came in. With short hair and
serpentine eyes, he was the coachman and knight driving the carriage when Elena was
brought from the Duchy. Like Lorentz, he was one of the few people who knew Elena was a
stand-in, and he's been away from the Grand House to perform his personal duties. The
first order given to him by Leabrick was to follow Elena, who was just like Lorentz.
"I think I should report it now, so I'd see you."
"Talk to me."
Lucas, standing in front of Leabrick's office desk, answered low.
"It looks like the Princess and Sir Ren of the Bastache family came into contact."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Leabrick raised her head as if she were serious and made eye contact.
"Tell me again."
"I saw them talking at Mrs. Curie's exhibition."
Lucas reported exactly what he saw. The fact that he was far from his usual attire was not
omitted. Whether it was a disguise or not was a matter of judgment by Leabrick.
"What was the conversation about?"
"I'm sorry, but I didn't hear that."
Leabrick's expression became serious. She tapped repeatedly on the table. It was a habit
that popped out when she thought deeply.
She had witnessed contact between Ren and Elena twice.
First, the banquet for the first Grand Duke, and then at the aristocratic meeting.
The process was all that Ren forced Elena to dance. There was a lot of talk between the two,
but it didn't feel suspicious. In addition, shortly after Elena graduated, Ren visited the
Grand House. At that time, she heard only from reports from when Leabrick was absent,
but they said he went back after having a short conversation with Elena.
Maybe there was something that could develop the relationship between the two at a time
when she didn't know.
"Academy."
A word popped up between Leabrick's lips to fill the gap. Looking at it, the time they spent
in academia was never short.
Whether the relationship progressed or worsened, it was enough time.
"Sigh."
Leabrick, who was continuing the thought, breathed a short sigh. Lucas, who was standing
up, asked.
"What's wrong with you?"
"It's frustrating. I feel like I'm walking in the fog."
Recently, Leabrick has become very thin and skinny. In order not to miss the last chance
she received from Grand Duke Friedrich, she was determined to die.
But something didn't go her way. Leabrick prided herself in being more rational than
anyone else. Also, she believed in her own head. But now she really didn't know.
'Could it be a coincidence? After I let her into the Grand Duchy, I feel like I'm out of order.'
In the big frame, it seemed to flow according to her plan, but if she looked closely inside,
she can see that something is subtly wrong. Perhaps turning a blind eye to it because it was
subtle and unclear had led to the current consequences.
"Keep an eye on her. If there's anything special, report it right away."
"Yes, ma'am."
Lucas stepped out of the office with courtesy.
Leabrick, who was left alone, murmured with lingering anxiety.
"I can't trust Anne. I need to find out if there was something I didn't know at the academy."
***
Five days after the first round of competition for the Crown Princess.
The Imperial Guard visited Leabrick's office. It was an issue that required a face-to-face
report to Grand Duke Friedrich, but the guard visited Leabrick first as if it were natural.
"You're in the second round of competition. She was praised by the ladies, and she was at
the top of the class by a landslide."
Despite her good performance, Leabrick remained calm and pleased. It was a natural result
because two of the noble ladies who participated in the screening were recruited in
advance, except for Mrs. Dillons, who was in contact with Reinhardt.
"Is there anything else in the Imperial Palace?"
"Your Majesty's health is getting worse day by day."
In response to Leabrick's question, the guard recounted the internal circumstances of the
imperial family. In the first place, the support of the Grand Duke played a major role in the
background of his poor sword skills, which enabled him to become a member of the
Imperial Guard.
"And."
"I'm not sure, but the Crown Prince's whereabouts are strange."
"Strange?"
The tail of Leabrick's eyes crept up. Sian was a person of interest who she was carefully
interested in. It was not simply because he was the Crown Prince, but because he was the
kind of Prince where you could not understand what was going on inside his head.
"A few days ago, I heard the palace maids talking."
"Tell me."
"Every morning they clean up the Prince's room, they say there's a lot of sand and dirt on
the floor."
"Frequently?"
"Yes, obviously in the afternoon or at night, even though there were no official outside
activities."
Leabrick's eyes were deposited. It was trivial, but something was reluctant to listen and
spill in one ear.
"After listening to some rumors, there weren't one or two other things that were
suspicious. According to the maids-in-waiting, they were surprised that a small scar that
wasn't there until yesterday had appeared overnight."
"There's something."
Leabrick considered it a matter that should not be lightly spilled. It was still too early to be
sure, but it was clear that Sian was up to something.
"Great job. I'll take care of the rest."
"I'll leave you alone."
The guard of the Imperial Palace left the office and returned to the palace. Leabrick called
Artil and Luminus separately to tell them this story and ordered them to closely monitor
Sian using the people they planted in the imperial family.
"I've been worried since he won the Academy's Swordsmanship Festival. It's probably not a
fluke that the last man in his last year defeated Sir Ren and won the championship."
"There's something wrong with the appointment of the Crown Princess. Not long ago, the
imperial family had no intention of rushing. There must be some kind of dream."
Leabrick had a throbbing headache and a throbbing forehead. There were already a lot of
issues to deal with, but it was hard to pay attention to the imperial family and Sian's
actions.
"I'll delegate imperial affairs to Luminus. If you find something strange, you'll see."
"Okay."
Leabrick's eyes reached Artil.
"What did I tell you to find out?"
"They said they didn't get along well all the time they went to the academy. Sir Ren
unilaterally quarreled with her, and the Your Highness the Princess also accepted it, but it
was said that an incident was found."
Leabrick's eyes had changed. She felt like she had a clue.
"Really?"
"Yes, there must be some kind of relationship..."
Artil swallowed the back of his mouth. There are doubts in the circumstances, but it is true
that it was difficult to think that Ren and Elena were in a special relationship. But Leabrick
didn't think so.
'It's not a matter of pre-conclusion.'
Leabrick, who had been thinking for a while, got up from the chair. There was something
bothering her.
"I'm going to see the Princess."
Leaving the office, Leabrick headed to the drawing room. When she opened the door and
entered, she saw Elena sitting on the terrace enjoying tea time.
"Liv!"
When Elena pretended to know, Leabrick lowered her head lightly. When Leabrick, who
raised her head again, Elena, who was scared to sit in the chair, asked anxiously.
"Did you happen to have the results of the first round? It looks like someone went from the
imperial family earlier..."
"Yes, it's out."
"H-how'd it go?"
Leabrick looked at Elena like that. Looking at her, she could imagine how much expectation
she would have on the Crown Princess election ceremony.
"Yes, you're in the second round. You were the top of the first round."
"T-the top? Really?"
Elena put her hand on her chest and took a deep breath. She could feel the overwhelming
emotion from her eyes and facial expressions.
"Don't be nervous and get ready for the second competition."
"Don't worry, Liv. I won't let you down."
Leabrick's eyes narrowed as she saw Elena. In fact, such a reaction may be natural in some
way. She slipped out the word.
"You had a hard time at dinner, didn't you?"
"No. It's because I am not good enough."
Elena laughed bitterly. It was a forced smile.
"How was it at the academy? I'm sure you've bumped into each other often."
"At the academy?"
Elena's head has become colder and more rational than ever before. Because her five
senses sent a dangerous signal.
'Are you doubting me and Ren?'
Leabrick was never the type to say meaningless words in vain. It was highly likely that the
conversation she said was a leading question to find out something.
"Can I be honest?"
"Sure. Who would you be honest with if you weren't honest with me?"
Leabrick had a benevolent smile. It was a disgusting smile because it was abominable.
"We took a liberal arts class Continental History class together."
"It must not have been easy to be quiet."
Elena nodded.
"Honestly, it was hard. A little, no, a lot."
"Why didn't you tell me? Even if it's Sir Ren, he shouldn't be reckless with the Princess. If
I've done something..."
"I felt like I was going to keep relying on Liv. I wanted to show that I could do well."
Elena had a vision of holding her hands tightly on her knees and bowing her head. It was an
act to indirectly show the hardship and sadness that she had suffered.
Leabrick came next to Elena and comforted her by holding her hand tightly.
"You've been through a lot, haven't you? I'm sorry, Princess. Because I didn't help."
"It's because I'm not good enough. It's not Liv's fault."
She hid her true feelings and acted as close as her own sister. Beyond such actions, which
do not feel any heterogeneity, there was a fierce war of nerves to grasp each other's true
intentions.
'How far do you know about my relationship with Ren?'
Elena as Elena.
'She's not lying. But something's bothering me.'
Leabrick as Leabrick.
While continuing a sharp war of nerves, Leabrick was the first to draw a sword.
"Have you and Sir Ren ever gotten into a fight or something after graduation?"
"Yes, he's been to the mansion before when Liv wasn't around."
Elena told the story that Ren had been waiting for her when she returned from the opening
of the salon.
'It happened in the Great House. There's no way Leabrick doesn't know.'
There was no reason to hide it, and if she hid it, she would be suspected. To be honest, it
was better to talk and see the reaction.
"I'm sorry, Princess. I should have checked."
"Liv is a busy person. How can you care about all that?"
'There's something.'
Of course, Leabrick pretended not to know what she knew. It meant that there was some
intention.
"Has he done that recently?"
"If it's recent?"
"In a month or two. I'm asking if Sir Ren tried to contact you or if he had met you in
person."
"..."
Elena's eyes shook slightly. Now she didn't think that question was thrown in vain, she had
an idea that it was a test.
'She knows that Ren and I met.'
Otherwise, there was no reason to ask questions that seem to be experimenting with Elena.
'Was it at Mrs. Curie's exhibition?'
It was a crisis.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Leabrick even thought of Elena with the recent clue. At the same time, she pressured her by
hinting that she was suspicious.
'She's driving me to the outside of my head.'
The opponent was Leabrick of the conspiracy. A clumsy lie won't work. As soon as she told
her that she'd never met him, the doubt toward Elena will be certain.
'Do I have to admit it?'
It seemed better to admit it smoothly than to stand around now, when there was no
particular point. However, she also had something doubtful.
'Why would you show up in disguise!'
Anyone can't help but be suspicious. Why is it that Ren, who lives in lawless ways,
approached Elena in disguise and concealing his identity? It first occurred to her that she
was suspicious. It was only seen that there was some intention. In the end, whether she
denied it or admitted it, Elena was in a disadvantageous situation.
"Did I ask you a question that's hard to answer?"
Leabrick made eye contact and asked the bottom. Doubt deepened in the calm voice that
could not be felt high and low. Now she really had to make a decision either way.
'Let's admit it.'
Elena killed her emotion and made a thoroughly rational judgment. For now, she thought it
would be better.
'I can't be pulled, and I can't lose my face.'
If this continues, Leabrick would ask about Ren's disguise, and Elena would be forced to
insist or make excuses.
It was a picture that Leabrick wanted. There are mistakes and logical errors in the quick
response. There was only one way to turn the board upside down. Throwing a big topic and
re-organizing the issue.
Elena lowered her head slightly and shed heavy tears from her eyes. She cried breathlessly
without even making a sound.
"I-I'm sorry, Liv. I was so sad without realizing it."
Elena hurriedly took out her handkerchief and stole her eyes. Leabrick's eyes narrowed as
she saw Elena in quiet but sad sorrow. She was not dazzled by Elena's tears.
"Is something wrong?"
"Please promise me one thing. You won't abandon me."
Elena looked up at Leabrick with moist, wet eyes. Sadness was smeared on her face.
"What do you mean, abandoning the Princess? How can you think of that? I promise. It will
never happen."
'What's wrong with her?'
Leabrick could not read Elena's mind even though she kept the rhythm. There seemed to be
something, but there was no way to know what it was.
Elena, who was hesitant to confess despite Leabrick's promise, barely opened her mouth.
"... There's one thing I couldn't tell Liv."
"Don't feel pressured. Who else can you talk to?"
Leabrick pretended to be an adult and waited for Elena's next words. In time, words like a
bolt of blue flowed out between Elena's lips.
"He knows I'm a stand-in, Sir Ren."
"...!"
Leabrick's expression was distorted. It was a shocking story that she couldn't hide her
feelings from the moment.
"From when? Tell me the exact time."
"A-as soon as I went to the institute... H-he asked me if I was fake."
"That's a long time ago! So. What did you say?"
"I insisted. But he threatened me every time. He thought I was a fake, and he was confident
he could prove it... He was bullying me and threatening me..."
"Ha."
Leabrick sighed with annoyance. Her gaze on Elena, who had kept her mouth shut to this
point, was cold.
"You should have told me! If you did, you wouldn't have dealt with it in any way."
"I couldn't tell you because I was afraid I'd be kicked out."
"That's what it is."
"That's what Liv said. If they find out I'm a stand-in, I'll lose everything. So I had no choice
but to endure and endure."
Elena, who blamed Leabrick for her clever speech, shook her head covering her face with
her palms.
Elena's mouth corners crept up when she saw Leabrick's expression between her fingers.
'It worked.'
It was what Elena thought. It had created a bigger topic that was more than offsetting
Leabrick's suspicions, making her unable to afford to pay attention. In other words, the
board was re-arranged as Elena wished.
Even though she did what she wanted to do without asking Ren's consent, she wasn't very
sorry. The Leabrick she knows would take an easier route than messing around with Ren.
'They'll try to get rid of me.'
Elena's eyes sank cold. The House of Bastache was a branch of the Grand Duke. There was
no need to pretend as it was useful as a 100-year treaty.
But not Elena. Elena's utility value had been exhausted since Veronica woke up. With Sian's
help, he bought time by holding a ceremony to select the Crown Princess, but it was also a
short period of time. She didn't have to think complicatedly about it, but they could remove
Elena. And if Veronica comes back in place, Ren's argument will be powerless.
Leabrick was not bad enough to leave an easy way and claim a cumbersome way. That's
where the calculation stood, so Elena didn't hesitate to jump over Ren.
Elena, who lowered her hand covering her face, sobbed low.
"That day, too. I didn't expect him to come to Mrs. Curie's exhibition and bother me. He
threatened me to be Crown Princess on the fake subject!"
"Princess, let me ask you this. Please answer honestly."
Leabrick asked Elena, who had been silent so far, patiently pressed down on her irritation
and asked her dryly.
"Other than Ren, does anyone else know about the identity of the Princess?"
"None."
"You swear?"
"Yes, I can swear to Goddess Gaia."
Elena nodded her head with sincerity. Only then did Leabrick's expression soften a little.
However, her inner feelings beyond the expression were frightening.
'I can't leave her alive anymore. As soon as the election ceremony for the Crown Princes is
over, I must remove her.'
Two months later, the day the third round ends. She would kill Elena as scheduled. Then
everything would be done cleanly. Even though Ren knew she was a stand-in, there was
nothing he could do. Even if he claimed she was a substitute, there was a long way to check
it.
At best, it was all about bothering Elena. It was enough until when Veronica came back.
Then Ren has to deal with a tremendous aftermath. She may have to be prepared for the
extinction of his family, as he suspected the blood of the Great House.
'If you show your teeth first, there's nothing to look forward to...'
It would be a good cause to use the crisis as an opportunity to put a leash on the Bastache
family's neck.
"That's enough, Princess. You've been through a lot, haven't you? Don't worry now. I'll take
care of the rest."
Elena pretended to be relieved by the same consolation of Leabrick. She was anxious that
she would lose her position.
"Let me continue to be a Princess. I really want to be the Crown Princess and make Liv and
my father happy."
"Of course I should. There's only one Princess in the world."
"Liv."
Elena stared with her eyes filled with emotion and hugged Leabrick. Leabrick patted her
shoulder, which trembled gently to the small sobbing.
"Focus on the Crown Princess election. I'll take care of Sir Ren."
"Thank you, Liv. I won't let you down."
Warm words went over each other's cheeks in a diagonal line. There was even a mildness
that anyone could not help but misunderstand that it was for each other sincerely.
However, the eyes of Elena and Leabrick, who were mixed, were cold enough to be strange
no matter when they asked each other's necks.
***
Lorentz, who was ordered by Leabrick, visited Veronica in the safe house.
"Your Highness the Princess, it's Lorentz."
Looking at Veronica sitting on the window frame, Lorentz was polite. Unlike the
pretentious loyalty shown to Elena in her previous life, sincere respect and loyalty were
revealed.
"Sir, what are you doing here?"
Veronica stared at the blue bird in the cage and asked in a dull manner.
"I'm here to report something. The doll has entered the second round of the Crown
Princess election."
"Really?"
"Also at the top. In order not to affect Her Highness's reputation, Leabrick is working hard."
Despite Lorentz's report, Veronica did not give a glance. With such a cold attitude, Lorentz
continued with his eyes on her.
"There will be a second round of competition soon. Likewise, there will be nothing to worry
about for Your Highness the Princess."
"I see."
As expected, Veronica's reaction was dull. At first glance, she doesn't seem interested, but
in reality, she didn't like the situation of receiving such a report.
"The day the 3rd competition ceremony is over, she said she would take action so that you
could come back. She also said that His Highness the Crown Prince must go to the Crown
Princess appointment ceremony."
"So what?"
"What?"
"Of course I'm just saying it because I'm annoyed that you keep talking about it."
"I-I'm sorry."
Lorentz bowed his head and apologized. As he stood by Veronica's side even before she
became addicted to poison, she knew his sincerity better than anyone else.
"Tell Leabrick what I'm saying."
"Yes."
"Tell her to keep the doll alive."
"... Do you want her to save it?"
When Lorentz looked as if he didn't know, a chill fell from Veronica's eyes.
"The lowly bitch pretended to be me and enjoyed the undeserved interest in the subject, so
why don't we pay the price?"
"What is the price?"
"Despair."
Veronica opened the cage door and grabbed a flapping male bluebird with her hand.
"Look at this. He's been in mourning since his partner, the female, died... I added a new
female to him, and he's been singing since dawn."
"Is that so?"
"When I think about it, only the dead female bird felt pitiful."
Veronica squeezed the male bluebird, who was struggling with her grip.
Then the new female bluebird, who was left alone, flew frantically inside the cage and cried.
"This is what despair is. Taking away, trampling on, and crushing the most valuable things.
Fair enough to enjoy."
"..."
"I'm giving it to her. To the humble girl who looks like me."
Veronica threw the body of a male bluebird into the cage.
The female bird watched the male bluebird without any movement, and started chirping
sadly.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sect 20. Harvest

The day of the second round of competition for the election of the Crown Princess had
dawned. Elena started grooming even before dawn. As in the first round of competition, she
wore a classic pattern of dresses, and refrained from fancy jewelry and shoes as much as
she could. If the first round of competition was a place to check the minimum body posture
that should be established as a reputation and favor in the social world, the second round
of competition will be held in more depth than that.
'The Second round of competition is a face-to-face affair with the imperial elders.'
It was a place where the imperial family meets the candidates face-to-face to find out in-
depth whether they have the right qualities, eyes, knowledge, personality, and character for
the Crown Princess. It's a kind of interview.
"It's done."
"Good job."
Unlike Anne, who was eager to get dressed up, Elena was not very interested in her
reflection in the mirror. In the past, she would have been anxious to be in the eyes of the
imperial family at least a little bit, but now she had no intention or need.
'Whether I'm eye-catching or not, it's a given to enter the third round of competition.'
Looking back, Elena in her past life was very foolish. She believed that being selected as the
queen was the result of her own efforts.
But it wasn't. The imperial family members also lived in the Great Duchy, forgetting their
status and duty.
'If even the royal family is like that, I wonder if the conveyance of the message was awful to
His Highness.'
Now she could guess how lonely Sian had been fighting. There were enemies everywhere
for Sian. He tried desperately to regain his imperial authority, but no one could help him.
The weak and sick Emperor was not helpful, and the royal family had long turned their
backs on the aristocracy. That's not enough. Elena's being Queen, rebuke of the empress,
and Ian's birth...
Elena stopped her thoughts. She didn't know if it was because she lacked sleep or because
she was disturbed by the fact that she was entering the Imperial Palace, but she kept
thinking of old memories.
"It's stifling. Open the window."
"Yes, miss."
Anne thought it was because of the pressure, so she ran and opened the window wide. As
the chilly wind of the outside reached the edge of the flesh, her head became clearer.
"Oh? There's another knight I've never seen before."
Anne, who was turning around, blinked when she saw a knight that happened to arrive
under the window.
"A knight you've never seen?"
"Yes, seeing that the outfits and patterns are different, they look like knights from different
families, but come visit us by three or four people a day."
"Is that so? I guess there's an urgent business. Don't worry about it."
Elena was calm as if she wasn't interested. However, there was a significant smile on
Elena's mouth, which was turning her back on Anne.
'It's starting to sound like a pile of petitions are coming up.'
In the past few days, the household vassals and knights of the aristocracy belonging to the
faction of the Grand Duke constantly came and went back and forth. The knights, who were
young and lived in the pattern of their family, rather than servants or maids, visited the
Grand House in person to communicate the will of their lords.
'Liv, are you going to be in a lot of trouble? The nobles want you to stand up with one mind
and lose your position.'
Even at this moment, the nobles of the east, west and south sent knights to file a petition
with the Grand Duke. Looking at the contents, it was argued that Leabrick, the person
responsible for the incident, should be dismissed because she had to decide to increase the
amount of compensation to cover the losses she suffered from the ambitious Noblesse
Street project.
Until the first one or two petitions were posted, Leabrick would have snorted over them.
No, she may have devised to retaliate by remembering the name of the nobleman who
dared to challenge her, who took the lead of the Grand Duchy.
However, as the petition was pouring in every day, Leabrick must have realized the
seriousness of the situation by now. Even if there were complaints so far, the issue became
serious as the aristocrats, who had been holding their breath under the influence of the
Great House, systematically rose up.
'There's no justification for stamping out the nobles with authority.'
The nobles expressed their willingness to accept the symptoms of the payment, as set by
the aristocratic meeting. They only petitioned for the dismissal of Leabrick, who had
followed the demands of the Grand Duke but made the situation this bad.
As for Leabrick, she had no choice but to fall into an amnesty where she couldn't do this or
that. The relationship between the Great House and the four major families was also
complicated. It is also a blow to the status of the Grand Duke on the day when aristocrats
belonging to the faction were dissatisfied and attached to the four major families.
Elena carefully calculated the number of such cases and designed the fall of Leabrick.
'If I were in the past, I wouldn't have dreamed of this thought.'
There is a saying that the world can be seen as much as you know. That's exactly what it
was now. After facing a miserable death, she had an eye for discernment of the truth. Also,
whenever she had time, she read books and filled up her lack of knowledge. She is the
result of a long effort.
"Miss, it's time for you to go down."
"Let's go."
Elena left the bedroom and went down to the first floor. As she left the mansion past the
hall, Grand Duke Friedrich came out of the house as on the day of the first round of
competition for the Crown Princess election.
"I pray that Goddess Gaia will be with you."
The two people hugged lightly to create a friendly relationship between father and
daughter. Elena, who was about to get on the carriage, looked around and wondered.
"I can't see Liv?"
"It looks like there's something urgent to deal with."
"Really?"
Elena ate herself up on the carriage. She wanted to see her struggling smile, suffering from
a flurry of petitions, but she was sorry that she couldn't.
The horseman's powerful whip led the carriage to the ground. They left the Grand House
and went straight to the Imperial Palace. Elena, who arrived at the Imperial Palace, stopped
by the same reception room as in the first round of competition and checked for grooming
before the second round of competition.
"It's time. Let's go."
Elena followed the guards out of the drawing room. Walking along the long hallway, the
young ladies, who participated in the second round of competition, gathered one after
another. Avella was among them. Her face was cold whether she had something in mind
that had been in the first round of competition.
"How have you been?"
"Yes, what about sister?"
"Me, too. There was no reason not to stay?"
Avella hardened her face at Elena's dictation of the bone. It reminded her of the memory of
being attacked by Elena and giving her the top spot while playing tricks at the first
competition ceremony.
"That's true. I hope you'll do well in the future."
"You, too."
That's it for the raw private talk hidden in a smile. Twelve candidates who entered the
second round of competition in line with the call of the guards would be interviewed in
turn pretending to meet with the royal family.
"Lady Abella, Lady Lily, and Lady Aria go first. Please wait in the reception room next to the
rest of them."
Elena, who entered the empty drawing room, sat on the sofa and waited for their turn.
Perhaps because of tension, the ladies remained silent.
"Lady Veronica, Lady Idnin, and Lady Lia."
Elena, who was called, followed the guard to the reception room where the meeting would
take place. There were three sofas for two young women, including Elena, sitting side by
side on the other side of the sofa, two noble ladies and a middle-aged aristocrat. Mrs. Viola,
who ranks highest among the dogs, was also the cousin of the current emperor.
"Sit down."
Elena sat on the sofa at the recommendation of Mrs. Viola. Leaving out the formal pretense,
the royal family immediately began to evaluate the young women.
"Lady Idnin."
"Yes, ma'am."
Lady Idnin received the words with grace.
"What kind of position is the Crown Princess?"
"It's a place where we fulfill our obligations and responsibilities."
"That's a textbook answer."
The eyes of Mrs. Viola's, who exchanged short questions and answers, were on Lady Lia.
She swallowed her breath in the eyes of Mrs. Viola, who gave off a cold atmosphere. She
was intimidated by the pressure of black hair, which symbolizes the royal family.
"I'll ask the same question for Lady Lia. What kind of position does the Crown Prince look
like?"
"T-that's... Promoting the safety of the imperial family... And..."
"Stop. I don't want to hear more."
"...!"
Lady Viola's cool words made Lady Lia look pale. Her eyes shook as if she had lost her
composure as if she felt it was a reprimand. Mrs. Viola turned to Elena.
"I'll ask Lady Veronica. What kind of position is the Crown Princess?"
Elena, who was pointed out, answered with a light silent salute.
"It's a place to give up."
"Give up. Tell me more."
"I think the Crown Princess is a place to give up your name, give up your family, give up
your life... and prepare to live as the mother of the empire."
Elena was asked the same question in her previous life and at the ceremony of the queen's
election. And then she answered just like now. It was an answer prepared in advance.
'In the past, I didn't know the weight of those words.'
She was just blinded by the desire to be elected as the queen, so she did what she
memorized. She didn't realize what kind of life it was to be a Princess.
'I know now. It's not a place I can afford.'
Elena will give extreme speculation if someone recommends her to be the Crown Princess
again. She wasn't the only one who could fit the spot, and she thought a woman who was
more prepared than her should get on the throne.
"That's an interesting answer."
Mrs. Viola continued to ask other questions. The themes of the imperial law, the history of
the empire, the jurisdiction of imperial mercy, and the crackdown on social circles were
also diverse. She looked deeply into the values of young women as she demanded
subjective thoughts, not short answers.
"A groundless rumor spread throughout society about the Crown Princess. How would you
deal with the ladies if you were Crown Princess?"
"I think the first order is to find out the truth of the rumor."
"That... B-bring the ladies to the imperial court and severely reprimand them..."
Mrs. Viola's cynical eyes reached Elena through Lady Idnin and Lady Lia.
"Lady Veronica."
"I think the premise is wrong. If I do, I would behave so that there will be no rumors."
"Her ladyship's answer is beyond the point of discussion. I'm asking for an answer on the
premise that it's family, my lady."
Mrs. Viola stared at her. Despite facing her insensitive eyes, Elena did not hesitate to
express her belief.
"I think it's just a family, too. The Crown Princess's is the fault of the imperial family. If
there was such awareness, they would never have to make such a thing."
"That's stubborn."
Mrs. Viola did not ask any more questions. Her expression did not reveal her feelings, but
she seemed to like Elena's answer.
The race ended only after a few additional questions.
"After 10 days, we will notify the families of the young ladies."
Elena was courteous towards Mrs. Viola and imperial elders, who left the parlor after the
second round of competition.
When the three left, Lady Idnin and Lady Lia collapsed on the sofa, probably because they
were relieved.
Lady Idnin looked regretful, and Lady Lia shed tears at the fact that she ruined the meeting
with tension.
Whether or not, Elena left the drawing room as if she was not interested. She didn't even
feel the need to waste time by giving cheap consolation.
'I'm going to see Your Highness.'
Elena would have a secret conversation with Sian inside the Imperial Palace today.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Is the East Palace patronage this way?"

The guard who was guarding the drawing room blinked. Edmond Sponsor of the East
Palace was said to be free to visitors only, but it was often used to take a walk while outside
guests stayed in the East Palace. However, Elena, who came out of the second round of
competition for the Crown Princess election ceremony, was forced to look for the
patronage as if she were on a tour.
"I have a complicated head. I want to get some fresh air."
He could still hear Lady Lia crying in the drawing room. He didn't know the details, but he
just guessed that there might have been something to be hurt by the competition.
"You can go this way. Do you want me to take you?"
"No, thank you. I want to be alone."
Elena, who refused the guard's favor, stepped in the direction he pointed. She only asked
for the position of patronage in a formal manner, but she knew the structure of the palace
as a palm of her hand. Elena, who reached the patronage of Edmond, stepped in there. The
rustling sound stabilized the mind and body as she walked along the stone path where the
leaves were scattered. It was comfortable as if she came to her hometown.
"I loved this path..."
During her time as queen, Elena lived mainly in the opposite palace. There was a tomb
where the Emperor and the Empress lived. For this reason, the patronage of the palace felt
stronger than that of Edmond here, with colorful flowers in full bloom and well-managed.
"I came here often because I didn't like the artificial feeling."
Elena grew up in the most peripheral part of the Duchy, so this naturalness of the
patronage Edmond felt comfortable. It was the only place where Elena, who was like an
outsider, could feel the scent of her hometown.
"It's the same."
At the end of the stone wall, Elena saw a laurel in her gaze. The tree was huge enough for
three or four people to run in and wrap it with both arms. The giant tree was full of life
because it was green, and the leaves were fluttering in the wind.
Elena closed her eyes. She longed to be the Queen so much, but when she was in need of
consolation, unlike what she dreamed and hoped for, she found the laurel tree. The laurel
tree, which was quiet but reliable, was the only comfort and support that Elena could lean
on.
"I've been waiting."
Elena opened her eyes to Sian's voice, which was heard in the sound of the wind. As she
turned her head, Sian stood on the wide grass spread next to the laurel tree.
"Greetings to Your Highness."
Elena escaped from her old memories and greeted Sian gracefully. Reminiscent of the days
when she met Sian in the Imperial Palace at that time.
"I was worried."
He heard Count Lyndon every day saying that it was okay, but Sian never had a day when
she was not worried about her. From the time Veronica woke up, Elena looked like she was
walking on a thin ice sheet. Although he made a variable called the Crown Princess election
ceremony, even then he was not relieved. Leabrick, the conspirator of the Grand Duke, was
a mysterious woman.
Also, there was a long way to go to meet her as he was under suspicion. It was because
meeting her could put her in danger because she couldn't overcome the moment. So he got
sick. At the fact that he could not do this or that, only black ashes remained in Sian's heart.
"I'm fine."
Elena reassured him with a classical smile. The situation was still low and awkward when
Sian, who had never spoken warm words, was now more concerned about Elena's well-
being. And she was too grateful to look away from that feeling as if she didn't know it.
"How have you been, Your Grace?"
"I couldn't do it."
Sian stopped talking with a short answer, and he smiled a faint smile and brought up
another topic.
"Have you ever seen this laurel?"
She flinched for a moment, but Elena didn't show it and denied it.
"No, it's my first time. What's wrong with you?"
"I'm amazed."
"What do you mean?"
"I saw it unintentionally. How you put your hand on this laurel... You had a face that I had
never seen before. The serenity was like seeing a baby sleeping in a cradle."
"I had that look on my face."
Elena, who heard about her face that she had never thought of, swept down the laurel with
a sad touch. Her eyes became dim with stories that she couldn't tell. What a ridiculous
thing. The fact that inside the Imperial Palace was the only place to give her a rest after
entering the Imperial Palace and having no good memories.
"Is there no disruption to your plan?"
"Thanks to Your Highness's help, I think I'll be able to achieve a successful ending soon."
Sian nodded at Elena's bright appearance.
"I'm sorry to hear that you're doing great. There's no room for me to step up."
"Then I hope Your Highness continues to be disappointed. That's what makes it easy to
break down the Great House."
Elena hoped for revenge, and Sian hoped for the fall of the Grand Duke to pave the way for
a new empire. Although he was not here, Ren also had a deep grudge. Three people, who
did not fit in at all, moved like one body because such interests matched. Sian stared at
Elena like that. She was so perfect that she didn't give him room to help.
"The more I see you, the more there are no gaps. Everything is perfect."
"Perfect, that's not fair. If I didn't have Your Highness's help right now, I would be a long
way from getting out of the Great Duchy."
When Elena changed the subject to the main point, Sian's eyes calmed down. The reason
why Elena and Sian had a secret conversation in this palace despite the danger. Elena, who
lost Leabrick, was trying to come up with a way to get out of the Grand House safely.
"Tell me. What I can do to help."
"Your Highness's help will be absolutely necessary."
Elena talked about the plan she had in her head.
Her date of the execution was the third competition of the Crown Princess's election. Elena
was planning to evoke her actions in this imperial palace, where their influence was
inevitably small, rather than the Grand House, where she was bound to be constrained by
her actions.
After hearing about Elena's plan, Sian was perplexed.
"How do you know that? It's a secret of the Imperial Palace that only I, Your Majesty, and
Her Majesty know..."
What Elena mentioned now was a secret that only the immediate line of the imperial family
knows. However, it was shocking that Elena, not even a part of the imperial family, knew
such a secret.
'How do I know? Once upon a time, I was your Queen.'
After Cecilia was poisoned, Elena, who was an empress, played all the roles of empress who
was absent. She was also recognized as a member of the imperial family by giving birth to
Ian, who would succeed the throne. That's when she heard it. From her present emperor
and father-in-law, who was about to die.
"This is my plan. Does Your Highness know why I'm desperate for your help?"
Sian nodded. But he couldn't take his eyes off Elena. He seemed to have admired her
unpredictable plan.
"I don't know your end. No, is there an end?"
Sian looked blankly at Elena with a tinge of pressure. The feelings he had for Elena at this
moment were awe. Sian, who had been unable to take his eyes off for a while, showed her
how he was holding his heart.
"Meeting you was the greatest blessing of my life."
"I'm flattered."
Elena smiled bitterly. She was a blessing. Sian was a smile with a story that he would never
know.
***
Tak, tak, tak.
Leabrick nervously knocked on the desk with her fingernails. Through her dark expression
and faster than usual tapping, you could see how nervous she is now.
"Viscountess..."
Artil bit his lips without knowing what to say. Now, on Leabrick's desk, there were
numerous petitions sent by the nobles of the east, west and south. All of them were
demanding the resignation of Leabrick.
"Someone must be behind it. Otherwise, they couldn't be this organized."
"I feel the same way. We must find the people behind this by any means possible."
When Luminus insisted and fixed his glasses, Artil also helped. The fact that the nobles
moved together as if they had promised only seemed to have a clear center point.
"Do you know who it is?"
"T-that's."
At the question of Leabrick, who was half-curious, Artil and Luminus shut their mouths.
"It's just your guess that they have a background. Produce the result from the cause. Then
I'll know who's behind it."
Even in the midst of a crisis, Leabrick tried not to lose reason and keep cool. Even to her
eyes, the situation was unusual. At times like this, you should not be impatient or lose your
composure. She had to calmly analyze the situation and find a way to cope.
"Which aristocrat has been the most frequently out in the last month? It doesn't matter if
it's a banquet or whatever. Check it out."
"Yes, Viscountess."
Artil turned around and rummaged through what he had been reported by a person
planted in the nobles. As the situation is, he quickly put them together and reported them.
"Found it. Count Boroni in the west, Viscount Norton in the east, and Baron Juan."
Luminus' forehead was frowned upon.
"All three aristocrats have succeeded on our backs, right?"
"That's right. Thanks to that, they're paying more rewards than others, so they're
complaining about it."
"These men are ungrateful..."
Leabrick squinted her eyes. One thing that was missing crossed her mind.
"They're not. They may be bright enough to satisfy one's self-interest, but they have no
political sense. At best, they're servants, not a mastermind."
"B-but."
"There's a person behind the movement of three people. It's close, too."
Leabrick's eyes deepened. There was no clear context or evidence behind the scenes, but
one person kept getting caught in her head.
The only woman who came in contact with the three of them and danced at the aristocratic
dinner. Also, those who had additional contact with them at other banquets that they
visited to build a reputation for the Crown Princess election ceremony. Leabrick's reason
was pointing to her as the mastermind behind this.
"Princess."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"What did you just say?"

"Your Highness the Princess..."
It was a small murmur, but Artil and Luminus did not ignore it. Considering the sincerity of
Leabrick, who never made a mistake, it was highly likely that it was not nonsense.
However, there was a limit to Artil and Luminus' reasoning when they did not know that
Elena was in the role.
"Don't pay attention, it's just a slip of the tongue."
"..."
Artil and Luminus exchanged curious eyes on the unexpected excuse of Leabrick. But only
that, they didn't bite anymore.
"First of all, it is imperative that the petition is not filed."
"It's important to find the background, but you have to stick with it."
When the two most trustworthy people spoke in one voice, Leabrick nodded.
"I feel the same way."
A lot of thoughts went back and forth in Leabrick's head. The reason why their petitions are
scary now was that they were systematically speaking in one voice. Then it was enough to
disperse them.
"Divide the nobles of the east, west, and south."
"Indeed."
"It's a trick."
Artil and Luminus immediately grasped her meaning, even though Leabrick only talked
about it. Of the dozens of tricks that came to mind, it was time to sort out the most obvious
and high probability of success. A knock rang through the office.
"It's Lorentz."
"Come on in."
As soon as the words fell, Lorentz came in. Looking urgent even at the first glance, he
glanced at Artil and Luminus and reported to Leabrick.
"Viscount Norton is in the annex right now."
"...!"
Leabrick's eyebrows, which were surprised, were horribly distorted. Viscount Norton was
low, but based on the wealth accumulated from the mine, he was an aristocrat who exerts
absolute influence among Eastern nobles. And although he is still only an assumption,
Norton was believed to have had contact with Elena. Of all things, such Viscount Norton
came to the Grand House without any notice.
"What are Viscount Norton's whereabouts?"
"He came to the capital yesterday to participate in Count Wolfgang daughter's wedding, but
I did not expect him to come here..."
Artil did not miss out on Viscount Norton and checked everything. However, he did not
expect him to go back to the estate today, so he had no idea that he would visit the Grand
House in person.
"As the Grand Duke is not here, I think it would be good for you to meet him in person."
Luminus also nodded and agreed. It was not timely to say that he visited the capital while
accidentally stopping by the Great House. Given the nature of Viscount Norton, there must
be a good reason for suddenly visiting the Grand Duke.
"He's in a separate building right now? Let's go. I have to meet him."
"That's what it is. He said he didn't want to see anyone until he saw the Grand Duke."
"What?"
The expression of the Leabrick was pleasantly rough.
He didn't want to meet anyone. This was tantamount to a roundabout expression of his
intention not to meet Leabrick.
"If you don't want to meet, you have to wait until you meet."
Her pride was hurt, but she was not in a position to cover hot and cold water. What was
really scary was losing her current position, and the pride of the moment was not
important. It was not too late to get back from this crisis.
Leabrick headed straight to the separate building. The size of the detached building where
the outer aristocrats stayed when they visited was not so large, but it was a place of dignity
suitable for the Grand Duke.
"Tell him. Viscountess Leabrick came here because she wanted to see him."
As Leabrick said, the knight of Norton, who guarded the annex, hardened his face.
"I'm sure they said he wouldn't meet anyone. What kind of rudeness is this?"
"It's urgent enough to come even though I know it's rude. Tell him I want him to see him."
The aristocrat, Leabrick, asked politely, so the knight could not be strong. He entered the
separate building and came out, leaving a message to wait a moment.
"He says he doesn't want to meet."
"Please open it one more time. It's related to the tax rate of gold mines. He'll never lose
anything."
"But."
"Tell him."
When Leabrick laid down her voice and spoke coldly, the startled knight went back into the
separate building. A loud voice came and came from inside the separate house and the
knight walked out with a shit-chewing look.
"He says he doesn't want to see you. Don't put me in any more trouble and go back."
There was a chill in the attitude and tone of the knight, perhaps because he heard the voice.
"Would he come out like this?"
Leabrick turned her eyes and looked up at the second floor of the annex. They don't have to
meet to read his thoughts. The fact that he would not meet even though she took such a
pose proved that he was deeply involved in her loss.
"Tell him I'll come back tomorrow."
"Don't come. He said he wouldn't see you again."
The knight didn't even give a little room to see if Norton himself had made it clear. Leabrick
stared at the annex on the second floor for a while and turned around. As she moved away
from the separate house, she ordered Artil, who accompanied her.
"Find and report to other nobles. Especially, don't miss out on the movements of Count
Boroni and Baron Juan."
"Yes, Viscountess."
During her return to the office, Leabrick's expression was dark. It was the first time that
she was so anxious and nervous, as she controlled the Grand Duchy with her brilliant and
extraordinary head.
'I'm not going to collapse here. Never.'
Leabrick believed. There was still time. If she used her hands to divide the aristocracy
before it was too late, she could avoid the worst.
However, it took less than a day for such beliefs to be broken. The next day, Count Boroni of
the West and Baron Juan of the South made an unannounced surprise visit to the Grand
House.
***
Sitting on the terrace on the second floor, Elena was enjoying tea time leisurely. Everything
was perfect, including the warm sunshine, the finest black tea, and the dessert she cared
about. However, there was a separate joy that really made Elena happy. Elena's gaze down
the terrace saw Count Boroni visiting the Great House.
"It's today, Liv."
Elena's deep smile spread around her mouth. Count Norton, who visited earlier, Count
Boroni, and Baron Juan, who are scheduled to arrive at the Grand House in the afternoon. It
was Elena's meticulous introduction. At a time when public opinion on Leabrick was not
good, three people, who are equal to the heads of the Eastern, Western, and Southern
aristocrats, visited to build talks with Grand Duke Friedrich.
"You told me, didn't you?"
Elena took a cup of tea, savored a sip of black tea, and put it down on the pedestal.
"A cornered mouse bites a cat. So don't give it time, just bite the neck."
Leabrick taught that it was important to think carefully and act quickly. Elena followed suit
and took the social initiative Avella held and shook it in a short time. Elena's strategy of
slowly tightening Leabrick's breathing hole also stems from her teaching.
"You look happy today, miss. Is something good going on?"
Anne, who had just baked and gave out a warm cookie, blinked. She had Elena up close, but
it was the first time she had a soft expression like today.
"Does it show?"
Anne nodded her head, genuinely puzzled and strange.
"I had a dream."
"Dream?"
"Yes, it was an exciting and a good dream."
Elena had a deeper smile while drinking black tea. Anne, who was looking up at the vague
remark, hit her back as if something had come up.
"Maybe it's your dream to advance to the third round of competition?"
"Is that so?"
"That should be right! Oh, my. I should congratulate you in advance."
Anne made a fuss about her favorite thing. The closer Elena is to the Crown Princess, the
closer her entrance to the palace is. If so, it would not be a dream to become a royal maid of
honor.
"A knight also came when I said it... It looks like a person came from the Imperial Palace."
Under the terrace, a knight in uniform symbolizing the Imperial Guard was getting off a
horse. He was a member of the Imperial Guard who brought about the outcome of the
second round of competition for the Crown Princess election.
"I-I guess the results came out. Shouldn't you go down and see?"
"I can't get up because I'm nervous. You can go ask Leabrick instead. Can you do that for
me?"
"Me?"
Anne blinked with her eyes round.
"Yes, who else would I ask to do this to besides you?"
"T-That's true! I'll be right back. Just wait a little bit."
Elena didn't want to spend her energy on troublesome things as the results are expected.
So she sent Anne who was excited. When Anne left the room, May, who was left on the
terrace, said.
"Here we are at last."
"Sure."
Every night, she closed her eyes imagining revenge on Leabrick. As the vague imagination
gradually turned into reality, she was happy and puzzled.
"I hope it goes as planned without any problems."
"Don't worry too much. In my opinion, Leabrick is suffering. It may be hasty, but she
probably won't be able to make it."
"I hope so, too. But Liv is not a pushover."
May's remarks made sense, but Elena did not jump to conclusions. She watched the
situation without letting her guard down until everything was clear. If Leabrick leaves the
trap, it was to respond accordingly.
"If she were to be dismissed like this, I would have nothing more to ask for..."
***
"Count Boroni is here?"
Leabrick's eyebrows trembled. It was yesterday that she ordered Artil to find out his
whereabouts. It is surprising that Count Boroni arrived in the capital within a day after
visiting the Pavin estate two days away from here, but he came to the Grand House one
step ahead.
"That's not all."
"And what?"
"There's a sign that Baron Juan is about to arrive."
Leabrick's face darkened. There must be a good reason why the patriarchal nobles vacated
their territories and visited the Grand House in such a surprise manner.
"Have you identified the purpose of their visit?"
"It's like Viscount Norton. An audience with His Highness. I guess Baron Juan is probably
visiting for the same reason."
She never thought she'd be caught off guard like this. There was a plan to divide the nobles
and cover up the petition, but their actions were faster than Leabrick's.
"I'm going to ask His Highness. I want you to buy me time by putting off the audience as
much as you can."
What Leabrick needed most was time. If she could buy time, she was confident that she
could break it down somehow. But even that was not possible.
"That... Permission has already been given for the audience."
"What?"
Leabrick's face turned pale.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Once Grand Duke Friedrich trusts, he is generous with his full support. Didn't he give
Leabrick full power only to receive brief reports on the overall operation of the Grand
Duchy?
'Why is the one who did not shake even with a spoonful of shame and slander...'
There was a cold sweat riding on Leabrick's spine. After she took power, many people were
jealous of her. The wicked tricks to bring her down was constant. Even though she was
shaken everywhere, Grand Duke Friedrich firmly believed in her. Leabrick repaid the blind
faith with results. Even when she should have been dismissed for responsibility for the
failure of the Noblesse Street project, she was able to receive one more chance because
such trust was the basis.
Grand Duke Friedrich changed. Of course, she thought he would discuss with her and
decide whether to see them or not, but he did so by himself. Leabrick felt something
unusual.
"It's not the right time to be like this. I need to see Your Highness."
Leabrick felt nervous. After receiving one more chance, she moved her bones to make up
for her past mistakes. Although there was no visible achievement, the finances of the Grand
Duke were stabilizing at a faster pace than before.
"We have to stop them, so that I can slow down the conversation and buy me time to split
the public opinion."
She couldn't stand it because she was nervous just letting go of the hand. It was when
Leabrick, who couldn't stand it, was about to get out of her chair and leave the office.
"I'm meeting with Viscountess Leabrick."
She ran into a member of the Imperial Guard, who was about to knock while standing
outside the hallway. It was the knight that visited in the past to notify the results of the
second round of the election ceremony for the Crown Princess.
"I would like to inform you of the results of the second round of competition for the Crown
Princess..."
"Later."
Leabrick coldly ignored him and crossed the hall. He could see how nervous she was by the
urgent sound of her shoes.
Luminus explained the situation instead to the guard, who was embarrassed to see
Leabrick moving away.
"I'm sorry. She's in such a hurry, so I ask for your understanding."
"What? Oh, that's possible."
"Come this way. Looks like you're here to tell us about the palace. I hope the Princess will
be pleased with the news..."
As the situation was, Luminus filled Leabrick's vacancy instead.
At that time. Leabrick walked as fast as she could make a hole in the floor with her heels.
Artil followed closely, and his expression was as serious as hers.
Leabrick stopped in front of the door decorated with the most beautiful patterns and
patterns in the mansion. The knights in uniform greeted Leabrick in a restrained
movement.
"I came to see His Highness the Grand Duke. Please tell him."
"I'm sorry, but he told me to send Viscountess back quietly when she comes."
"... He told you to send me back?"
Leabrick's extraordinary anxiety had become a reality. As she was driven by a cliff, she had
nowhere to retreat now.
"Tell Your Highness I'll be waiting."
"Don't do that, go back..."
The knight carefully recommended it, but Leabrick was silent. She stepped back from the
front of the door and stood there and closed her eyes. She tried to figure out a way to
suppress the nervousness and anxiety she was feeling now and somehow meet with Grand
Duke Friedrich to seek cooperation rationally.
If she failed to persuade Grand Duke Friedrich today, she would fall to an unknown cliff.
Knowing that, Leabrick was more tenacious and desperate.
***
"What? Liv's standing in the hallway?"
Elena asked back at the news brought by Anne, who went to find out the results of the
second round of the Crown Princess election ceremony.
"Yes, the Grand Duke hasn't met her, so she's waiting for him. How frightening the
atmosphere is... It's chilling."
"What the hell is going on?"
Elena's heart, which seemed to know nothing, was thrilled as if the congestion that had
been silenced had gone down at once. She even forgot that she had to pretend to be good in
front of Anne when she was told that she won the top spot in the second round of the
Crown Princess election ceremony and advanced to the third round of the race.
'What should you do, Liv? It seems like the Grand Duke's heart has left?'
How impatient she must have been to throw away her pride and wait in the hallway. She
wanted to go see Leabrick, asking what was going on. She was confident that nothing would
be more exciting than watching Leabrick's face, which was distorted with pretense of being
worried. Elena, however, showed patience and held it in. It was still time to pop the
champagne. Leabrick, whom Elena had seen closely and experienced, was a snake-like
acquaintance and a terrible person. She couldn't relax until she lost all her power and left
the Grand House.
"Rather than that, I really want to reduce your advance to the 3rd competition, my lady."
"Yes, we're definitely going to the palace together."
"Of course! Because you are the top in the first and the second, you will surely become the
Crown Princess in the third!"
It was time to talk to Anne, who was excited with a sound that she didn't even think about.
The sound of a horse's hooves, which she could hear, stopped, and a carriage arrived. As
she looked at the door with 11 spears in the shape of a shield, a smile of meaning spread to
Elena's mouth.
"Finally here."
A man got off as the carriage door opened to a murmur so small that even the next person
could not hear it. Called the "Salt King" of the southern capital, he was Baron Juan, who
accumulated the wealth of the empire. He arrived without any special notice, just like
Count Boroni and Viscount Norton, who arrived earlier, and came into the mansion under
the guidance of the butler.
Elena picked up a cup of tea with newly brewed black tea and took it to her lips. There was
a lot of relaxation on her hands and facial expressions.
"Fierce enforcement, Liv. Wouldn't that make you even more desperate?"
Elena, who had always been hostile in Leabrick's conspiracy and was killed in misery, did
not exist anywhere in the world. She was the queen stirring the chessboard.
***
There was a heavy silence in the hallway where Leabrick stood. Despite a considerable
amount of time, there was no sign of opening the door of Grand Duke Friedrich's office.
'I didn't expect him to meet me easily in the first place.'
Leabrick was determined. Even if she had to fall down and die, she had to meet Grand Duke
Friedrich. If it didn't work today, tomorrow, and if it didn't work the day after tomorrow...
Then there will be a hole to live.
Click, click.
It was when the second hand of the clock somewhere in the hallway could be heard
particularly loud. There was a sound in the distance. It was unclear what the content was
because there was a distance, but it was certainly the sound of someone talking.
"Viscountess Leabrick?"
Leabrick turned her head slightly with the low-key voice. Count Boroni, Viscount Norton
and Baron Juan were walking side by side. They did not hide their unpleasant expressions
when their eyes met with Leabrick.
"Meaning, we're looking at a face we don't want to see."
"Ignore."
"Let's do that."
The three noblemen stood in front of the Grand Duke's office after seeing Leabrick with a
blatant contempt. Then the knight who was guarding the door said.
"Count Boroni, Viscount Norton, and Baron Juan have come."
"Let them in."
When Grand Duke Friedrich's permission was given, the three noblemen glanced at
Leabrick as if they had promised, laughing and entering the office.
Leabrick trembled with contempt she had never felt before. Those three noblemen were
emerging nobles who grew rapidly under the auspices of the Grand Duke. Behind the
scenes, Leabrick, who lost power, also played a significant role.
But, she didn't even dream of getting hit in the back of the head in this way. She wasn't
really looking for human rapport or something, but she felt uncomfortable for her position
that she had fallen enough to be ignored and despised by them.
'I'm not dying. I'm sure they'll be stepped on.'
Leabrick ground her teeth with poison. How did she come up here... If she were dead, she
would have died, but she would never be still.
Time had passed again. She pretended to be calm, but for Leabrick, this time felt as long as
a ghost. It was not easy to maintain calm as she thought there was talk about Leabrick's
downfall with one door in between.
Kiikk. The door to the Grand Duke's office, which seemed never to open, opened. When
Leabrick raised her head, the three nobles who came out after finishing the audience met
with eye contact.
"Incompetent things must be stubborn."
When Count Boroni clicked his tongue, Viscount Norton and Baron Juan twisted their
mouths and sympathized.
"I won't see you again, so I'm just saying goodbye. Thank you for your hard work,
Viscountess."
"... If it weren't for Your Highness, I would certainly hold you accountable. Ha."
Three nobles who planted a sense of humiliation in the face of Leabrick turned around.
Despite the humiliation, Leabrick remained silent. Leabrick gritted her teeth at the back of
the three distancing nobles. If she can save her seat, she could always pay them back. Now
Leabrick's mind was filled with thoughts on how to persuade Grand Duke Friedrich.
"Your Highness the Grand Duke has said you can enter."
With earlier permission than expected, Leabrick swallowed dry saliva. She was at a
crossroads between life and death. Leabrick entered the Grand Duke's office. Standing
against the desk in the office, Grand Duke Friedrich was glancing down over the front
window.
Leabrick felt sorry for his cold heart, which didn't even give her a look, but that did not
color her. She was able to bear this cold treatment. What she really couldn't stand was that
she couldn't change his mind.
"Greetings to Your Highness the Grand Duke."
Despite Leabrick's greeting, Grand Duke Friedrich only looked out of the window with his
hands behind his back and didn't give a single glance. It was a complete disregard. Leabrick
held her breath and waited for him to open his mouth. A heavy silence pressed her down
for a long time. Grand Duke Friedrich left her as if she were a nobody.
"Your Highness the Grand Duke."
Finally, Leabrick took courage and called him. She was in a hurry and anxious state, so she
couldn't let go of it. And shocking words finally flowed between the lips of Grand Duke
Friedrich, who had been silent.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Resign."
"...!"
Leabrick's complexion was white with one short but resentful word from Grand Duke
Friedrich.
"B-but."
"You're at this point, and you still have something to say?"
Still, Grand Duke Friedrich did not look back. The distance made Leabrick nervous.
"Give me time. 15 days, no, 10 days."
"If I give you time?"
"I'm planning to divide the aristocrats who are systematically moving. We can make the
petition go away."
Leabrick desperately tried to persuade the Grand Duke. Although Leabrick was a
conspirator to fly and grow, she was only a household vassal of the Grand Duke. With one
word from Grand Duke Friedrich, she had no choice but to put down the authority she took
for granted.
"Time. I think I've given you enough time to fill it up."
Grand Duke Friedrich turned around and faced Leabrick. There was no emotion at all in the
eyes beyond the outer lens. It meant that his heart was gone enough to be indifferent to
her.
"Your Highness is right. My petition is just a small disturbance. It's the process of stabilizing
the Great House. So..."
"That's pathetic."
At the cynical words of Grand Duke Friedrich, Leabrick bit her lower lip.
'I was wrong.'
Leabrick tried to persuade him, but in the mind of Grand Duke Friedrich, her place seemed
to be missing. Because it was Grand Duke Friedrich, who had already given her a chance, he
seemed to have erased her just by being surrounded by such noise.
"I'm increasingly disappointed. When we implemented the increase in compensation, we
should have expected this backlash."
"T-that's."
Leabrick, who was trying to protest, swallowed her words back. Why didn't she expect it?
Of course, she expected it. Therefore, she was more attentive to the aristocracy's actions,
and some figures of the state even released people and monitored closely. However, their
resistance was more organized than Leabrick's expectation. As if it was not enough to make
a flurry of petitions by gathering public opinion, she did not expect that they would make a
surprise visit to Grand Duke Friedrich.
"I'm disappointed, Leabrick."
"..."
Leabrick shut her mouth. She felt that any excuse was meaningless.
"Resign."
'It's over.'
It had been said twice that she should give up her seat and step down from the mouth of
Grand Duke Friedrich. Judging from his sincerity, it was safe to say that Leabrick's
dismissal was decided at the moment he repeated the same words twice.
'How did I come all the way here... Stepping on the weak, biting the strong...'
Her slender shoulders were in danger of collapsing just by touching them.
"... I'll step down."
As Leabrick, she had no choice. There was no one in the land of the Grand Duchy, or the
Empire, who could disobey Grand Duke Friedrich.
"Do it."
Grand Duke Friedrich had no formal words of consolation or encouragement. He gave
orders and Leabrick followed. That was all.
'There's nothing to be upset about.'
She was determined that this day would come one day since she seized the power of the
Grand Duke. Even if she did well a hundred times, she couldn't be forgiven for one mistake.
"I recommend Artil as my successor."
"I'll consider it."
Grand Duke Friedrich answered calmly. His indifferent attitude, not listening to her
anymore, hurt her unconsciously. She felt like she was reduced to the most useless person
in the world just because of the change in the attitude of Grand Duke Friedrich.
"It'll take about four days to get the urgent matter over."
"It will be done in two days."
Leabrick nodded at the words of Grand Duke Friedrich, who gave no room. There were
dozens of issues that came to mind immediately, including the Noblesse Street project, tax
hikes, tracking down the culprit who lost the plantation of finacea, and the election of the
Crown Princess. Arithmetically, there was not enough time to take over in two days.
'Now, what regrets remain.'
Leabrick let out a broken smile. She was miserable because she couldn't put down her
responsibility in the abandoned yard.
"Can I say one last word?"
"Do it."
She first revealed her secret suspicion that she had never told anyone.
"The fake Princess is suspicious."
"The Princess?"
Grand Duke Friedrich, who had been consistent with dryness so far, showed interest.
"The image of the Princess that I and the Your Highness saw is a fake."
Looking back, there was nothing suspicious about Elena's actions, facial expressions, and
tone. It was so perfect. It was so natural. That's why it was suspicious. Based on the
information she had collected, Leabrick had reported a suspicion that was close to
conviction to Grand Duke Friedrich. At first, he listened interestingly, but gradually
sympathized with her reasoning.
"So this doll from the street is actually deceiving us?"
"That's all I thought. I'll leave the judgment to Your Highness."
Leabrick did her best until the end. It was up to Grand Duke Friedrich to take action to
reason with her suspicions.
'If I knew this would happen, I would've done it sooner.'
It was regrettable that she could not twist Elena's neck because she could not find clear
evidence and circumstances. If she had, she would have been relieved at this moment when
she put everything down. She couldn't get rid of the uncomfortable feeling.
"Thank you for the long talk."
Leabrick stood with her hands folded and said goodbye. But Grand Duke Friedrich didn't
even look at her. There was no reason to even say goodbye. Although disappointed,
Leabrick, who was leaving anyway, left the office of the Grand Duke without any regrets.
Two days later, the Grand Duke officially announced the disappearance of the conspirator
Leabrick.
***
"Have you heard, miss? Viscountess Leabrick is leaving the Grand House today."
Elena's expression was dark when she saw Anne making a fuss.
"I heard it. My father is too much. No matter how much he has to dismiss Liv, it's too much."
"... Miss, is it no use dissuading him?"
Anne didn't want Leabrick to be dismissed enough to say presumptuous things. There was
a considerable amount of money that she had been paid by Leabrick every month in the
name of surveillance, but she had not received the money anymore.
"What strength can I have? It's my father's will, so I'll do it."
Elena's expression of pretending to follow reluctantly was full of regret. There was a sign
that she was sorry to let her really old friend go. However, her heart was different.
'Finally.'
Today, under the name of the Friedrich family, Leabrick's resignation was announced. It
was said that there will never be a reversal and that Leabrick, who caused the anger of the
nobles, would never return to the Great House.
Elena was so happy that she wanted to scream. She let down the Leabrick of the conspiracy
that shook the Empire. Her bleeding was all the more valuable because it was the result of
her hard work. May, who had been away, returned and reported the news that Leabrick
was leaving soon.
"I want to see her off, but I'm ashamed to see her."
Elena made an excuse and did not move a step in the room. As she thought, she wanted to
laugh at her while performing a poignant performance in the presence of Leabrick, but she
held back.
'I'm only halfway through. It's too early to be intoxicated with a good victory.'
The Grand House was still alive. Elena had constantly shaken and hit both inside and
outside, but its roots had been deep and hard. And Princess Veronica and Grand Duke
Friedrich were still alive. Leabrick's downfall was only a small achievement. Elena still had
a long way to go for the fall of the Great House.
Elena, who sent Anne and May out, leaned against the railing and looked down under the
mansion. She saw Leabrick coming out of the mansion. Whether she had a hard time with
the monochrome dress, she put her bag in the carriage first. Considering the fact that she
enjoyed great power and power as a heavyweight, her burden was unexpectedly small. It
was Artil and Luminus who wanted to see off Leabrick.
As if she felt Elena's gaze, Leabrick looked up reflexively with her chin raised. Elena, who
was leaning against the railing of the fourth floor, looked at her.
Elena didn't avoid that look. She no longer had to act to deceive Leabrick.
'I can't say goodbye, Liv.'
Elena had a faint but clear smile around her mouth. It was her true feelings that she had
never revealed.
'Don't think this is it. You'll fall into a worse abyss.'
Revenge was just beginning. She, who was kicked out of the Grand House, would be
interrupted by whatever means she can't make a second comeback. She would make her
huff in the sea of despair until the moment she lost her breath.
'Of course, on the premise that the Grand Duke will keep you alive.'
As she was in charge of actual power and practical affairs for five years, Leabrick must be
aware of the disgrace of the Grand Duke. Even the secret that Elena was the substitute. It
was impossible for Grand Duke Friedrich to keep her alive.
Leabrick stood and stared at Elena and got on the carriage. The carriage carrying her
slowly moved away from the mansion. It was a lonely exit that did not match the reputation
of Leabrick of conspiracy that shook the empire.
"We're through a little crisis."
Elena couldn't hide her blooming smile. Given the ultimate goal of the collapse of the Grand
Duke, Leabrick's fall was only the desired outcome, but it felt different to see her leave. She
was proud of herself for coming all the way here. But the joy didn't last very long. An
unexpected uninvited guest interrupted.
"What is Lord Lorentz doing here?"
Last life, the knight of betrayal with the sword stuck in Elena's abdomen. As soon as
Leabrick left, he came to Elena.
"Your Highness has ordered you."
"Order?"
Elena's eyes narrowed.
"Your Highness will soon become the Crown Princess. Along with Sir Hurelbard, His
Highness appointed me as a direct knight to serve you."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"...!"
Elena's eyes trembled. She knew she was under suspicion, but she didn't expect Leabrick to
take such extreme measures at the time of her downfall.
'It's the work of Leabrick.'
Until she left, she doubted Elena. To the end, Elena's road was interrupted by the subject of
being kicked out of the Grand House.
"My father is very fast. Sir Hurelbard had a hard time escorting alone, but I'm glad you're
here."
Elena looked at Lorentz with a smile on her face. It was a smile that anyone could see in
favor and goodwill.
"It's not enough, but I'll serve you with all my loyalty."
"Take care of me, Sir."
Elena stared coldly at Lorentz's head, who bowed his head politely. In Elena's eyes, which
were colder than the ice, there was contempt and anger toward Lorentz.
Although Leabrick, Grand Duke Friedrich and Veronica were indisputably hateful, Lorentz
was no less than them. The sword that Lorentz pierced Elena's abdomen... It was the sword
that Elena gave directly to him.
How pathetic was that? For a hypocritical knight that said he had never thought of her as
his real master for a moment, Elena difficulty rescued and delivered a great sword made by
the imperial master. Elena in her pathetic past life was dull and complacent. She was blind,
so she couldn't tell who to keep close to and who to keep away from. But now it was
different.
'I have Lord Hurelbard by my side.'
Elena's gaze reached at Hurelbard, standing silently. Why did the green hair reminiscent of
a meadow and cold look, look so reliable? In the past, his ability to grind emotions to match
his reputation as an ice knight developed day by day, and he was becoming a man who you
couldn't read the inside of with his expression.
He was the only one who looked foolish in front of Elena, but even that was reliable. Unlike
Lorentz, the Knight of Betrayal, Hurelbard had a strong belief that the empire would come
to two, and that he would stand by her even if the world turned around.
When Lorentz stepped down, Elena called May and Anne to groom herself. It was to
participate in a banquet organized by Madame de Flanrose, who is referred to as a Lady of
Ladies.
Knock knock. She heard a knock when she was about to get ready. As with any young
woman, she was most sensitive when she was dressing up before going out. There was no
way that maids or servants who knew it would not be careful.
"Go out and see who's here."
"Yes, miss."
Anne, who went out the door, was surprised and approached Elena and reported.
"Who is it?"
"The successor of Viscountess Leabrick... Would like to say hello to Your Highness the
Princess."
"Really? Tell them to come in."
Elena's eyes calmed down. It had not been long since Leabrick was dismissed, it was said
that a successor would be appointed, and only the words were said to be the Grand Duke.
'Who's the successor to Leabrick?'
There was a person who was supposed to be. It must be either Artil or Luminus, who had
been the hands and feet of Leabrick and took care of the work of the Grand Duke.
"Welcome."
Elena, who was sitting with her back on the door, stood up, touching her head. Her
successor, whom she faced, was beyond Elena's expectations.
"Greetings to the princess. I'm Baron Acelas, who will be responsible for the operation of
the Grand Duke from today."
The first thing that drew attention was Acelas's bloated body. His face and drooping belly
made people frown. At first glance, it was an unforgettable impression.
'I don't remember. I've never seen him before.'
Elena didn't make a fool of herself by looking down on her opponent. Where is this place?
The Great House which drops birds. The extraordinary talent sponsored by the Grand Duke
was constantly being produced. A successor to Leabrick would never be a pushover.
"The project must be exhausting, but coming to greetings in a hassle. I could go to find you."
"That's a remark that's devastating. Of course, the one below should greet you. I look
forward to your kind cooperation."
"Me, too. Please take care of the Great House."
Elena had a smile around her mouth, but her eyes did not smile. Acelas shone in her eyes to
grasp the human being even a little bit. The fact that he became a successor in charge of
practical affairs on behalf of Artil and Luminus proved that the interest was better than the
previous two. In other words, his relationship with Elena, who wants the collapse of the
Grand Duke, was inevitably at odds.
"Please, I beg you. It's not fair. I have to be loyal until my bones are crushed. But you must
be going out?"
"Yes, I was invited to a banquet hosted by Madame de Flanrose."
Many thoughts crossed Elena's mind. How far does he know? Does he know she's a stand-
in? If he knows what kind of action was he going to take?
Acelas suddenly looked embarrassed.
"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you'll have a hard time going out today."
"What?"
Elena became sharp as she raised her voice. Elena had status as the Princess, whether it
was the successor to Leabrick or whatever. There was no authority anywhere to stop her
from going out.
"That... His Highness the Grand Duke has ordered you to refrain from going out until the
ceremony for the election of the Crown Princess to be concluded."
"My father?"
"Yes. There may be groundless rumors coming out ahead of the 3rd contest, so it's better to
take care of yourself."
Elena didn't listen to that word straight. It meant that he would control her because he was
suspicious of Elena. From Lorentz's appointment to the control of going out, it would not be
a coincidence. It was an order issued by Grand Duke Friedrich, but it was highly likely that
the move was caused by Leabrick's suspicions.
"I understand what you mean. It's my father's word, so I'll have to follow him."
Elena made a gloomy face. Then, Acelas comforted her with good words.
"I know it's frustrating, but just hang in there. You'll be rewarded with everything if you're
sealed as the Crown Princess."
"Okay, go out."
Acelas, who didn't want to go out of sight, quickly said goodbye and stepped down. Anne
was sad when she had a hard time going out after finishing her grooming.
"You're so beautiful... You must be sad that you can't go."
"What can I do? It's the words of my father."
Unlike her words, Elena's expression showed no signs of regret. It was just a formal outing
anyway, and it was not an important occasion either.
'It was good to prepare in a hurry. Otherwise, my hands and feet would have been tied up.'
Elena didn't care much about whether he was putting Lorentz as a direct knight or
controlling her outings. The plan was built enough that she no longer had to use her hands.
Furthermore, with the third round of competition for the selection of the Crown Princess,
the only action the Grand Duke could take was confinement.
'There's not much time left. Everything will change soon.'
And time passed faster than Elena thought.
***
"It's tomorrow."
Elena lay down on the bed early in the evening, as she had to get up early in the morning to
get groomed. Tomorrow was a more important day for Elena, who had always walked as
close as walking on thin ice. If she didn't escape safely as planned, she could repeat the
miserable ending of her past life.
"That would never happen."
Elena believed in herself. She had done what others can only say was reckless. She shook
the roots of the Grand House, where even the imperial family was bent, and defeated
Leabrick. Nevertheless, anxiety sat in the corner of her chest with a twist. A moment's
mistake could have destroyed everything she had built so far.
Then, she heard a low voice outside the door. It was not a long voice but a small voice, but it
was so quiet that she could only hear it.
As the sound of the voice faded, Elena rose from her bed and walked to the door.
"Are you there, sir?"
It was too small to hear, but it was not something that a knight with more five senses than
the general public would not hear.
"Yes, miss."
Elena's mouth, which had been stiffened by the soft voice from beyond the door, softened.
A man who was as cold as a glacier to others, but as warm as her, a man who melts tension
was standing outside.
"Sir Hurelbard."
"You didn't sleep. Is something wrong?"
Hurelbard's voice across the door gave her a sigh.
"Nothing's going on. I just wanted to hear your voice."
Like Elena, Hurelbard planned to disappear today from the eyes of the Grand Duke. If so, he
would be branded and criticized for his defection from the Great House. It would not be
easy to show his face like now.
Hurelbard chose Elena even at the risk of all that. She was so grateful and sorry to him who
decided to stay by Elena's side even though he had to live without a promise until the
Grand Duke collapsed.
"... Please close your eyes even a little. It will be a long day."
"I will. Thank you."
A blunt but thoughtful word melted Elena's tension. Perhaps thanks to the rest of her mind,
she fell asleep as soon as she lay down on the bed. Although it was only a short time, it was
a deeper night than ever.
At dawn, Elena, who woke up at the knock of Anne and May, was heated up. As it was the
last competition for the Crown Princess to be decided, the maids paid attention to
grooming with all their sincerity. Elena, who finished grooming for nearly four hours, left
the mansion.
"I won't say long. Do what you've done so far. I'm sure there will be good results."
"Yes, Father."
Elena raised her skirt and greeted Grand Duke Friedrich.
"I'll be back."
Elena, who had no intention of coming back.
"I'll get you a congratulatory gift."
Grand Duke Friedrich, who will present a miserable death suitable for a doll.
After saying goodbye to her true feelings, Elena got on the carriage. May and Anne were
present, and Hurelbard and Lorentz led the horse and escorted from side to side of the
carriage. So the carriage carrying Elena left the Grand House. As the carriage moved away
from the mansion became smaller than a dot, Grand Duke Friedrich said.
"Do it."
At some point, Artil and Luminus, who were not there until they saw Elena off, appeared
and moved.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

At that time. Elena, leaving the Great House, was immersed in a subtle emotion that was
beyond description. Unlike before the return, was it because she found the Grand House on
her own feet, and now she was on her own? She felt that there was a lot of way left to go to
bring down the proud but still robust Grand Duke, which was flowing as she intended.
'Half.'
Elena decided that she had come just as far. Returning to L's status, she had to touch the
detonator of the latent Grand Duke and burst it. She still had a long way to go to relax. She
was excited even though she knew that. She was looking forward to what it would be like to
break away from Veronica and live her whole life. Vague fears and expectations coexisted.
A life that had never lived in the past. She wanted to complete her revenge as soon as
possible to live an unknown life.
The carriage that left the Grand House entered the Imperial Palace. Unlike the first and
second rounds, the third round of competition would be held in the West Palace.
'If I went to the third contest, I would have seen the Empress.'
The West Palace was the main residence of the Empress, Queen, and imperial concubines.
The reason for the third competition here is that Empress Florence personally observed
the faces of the candidates and conducted dialogue and evaluation.
As a young woman, Empress Florence was a woman who was united by anarchy and
ambition. When Sian's mother, the predecessor Empress, died young, she was named
Empress, a wedding ceremony for one of the four great families, Duke Gillingham.
Despite her age gap with the current emperor by more than 20 years, she did not mind
becoming an empress. Empress Florence had an ambition to succeed to the throne by
giving birth to a son who inherited her veins. As he had his maternal family, Duke
Gillingham was thinking about replacing Crown Prince Sian at any time
But her ambition ran into difficulties from the start. Empress Florence did not see the
latter. When there was no news of her return to office for ten years, even her biological
father, the Duke Gillingham, turned against her. Aside from the fact that she was his
daughter, it was because her political value had been exhausted.
Empress Florence, who became so alone, remained only evil. She grabbed little Sian as if he
were a rat and persistently harassed Elena and vented her anger. She was a mother-in-law
without a single drop of blood, but as an adult of the imperial family, she could not treat her
carelessly.
'I feel it every time I come, but I don't have many good memories in the Imperial Palace.'
Elena smiled bitterly.
"Miss, I think you should get off."
"Yes."
When she got off the carriage, the guards were waiting. When Elena walked along,
Hurelbard and Lorentz, who got off the horses, followed. May and Anne also chased each
other with frequent steps to fall behind.
"If you wait here, a separate message will be received."
Elena, who was guided to the drawing room in the West Palace, said as she entered the
room.
"Sirs, can you stay away from the door? I'm a bit sensitive today, so I'm getting nervous."
At Elena's request, the guards withdrew without saying a word. This is because there was
an instruction from Sian to cooperate as much as possible because ladies' nerves were in a
hurry ahead of the selection ceremony of the Crown Princess.
Elena came into the drawing room and sat in front of the mirror.
'It's important from now on.'
If she made a mistake here, it would lead to an irreversible situation. She had to act as
naturally as possible.
"Lord Hurelbard, Lord Lorentz."
"Yes, Your Grace."
The two knights standing in the back answered at the same time.
"It seems that the dress is uncomfortable... If the lords stay there, it will be difficult."
"Oh, I'll leave."
Elena said one more thing when Hurelbard and Lorentz left the drawing room as if they
knew not to talk for a long time.
"In that case, leave the drawing room. As you may have heard earlier, I'm a little sensitive
today."
"I will."
When Hurelbard stepped up and said he would, Lorentz followed smoothly without any
resistance. There was nothing suspicious about Elena being sensitive before the third
competition.
When the two knights stepped down, Anne asked, looking at them.
"Miss, are you uncomfortable?"
"My dress is too tight."
When Elena exposed her displeasure, Anne didn't know what to do. Still, it was an
important day, and she was afraid that the dress was dried up inside by her own fault.
"I-I'll take a look at it."
"Will you do that?"
Behind Elena, Anne untied the strap that had the dress firmly fixed. She carefully moved
her hand to see if it would irritate Elena's skin.
At that time, May's hand, which was holding the peeling dress so that it wouldn't get dirty,
hit Anne's neck faster than lightning.
Puck. The focus disappeared in Anne's eyes when her vital point was hit accurately. May
quickly helped her fall down after losing consciousness and losing strength in her legs.
Elena admired May, who beat Anne perfectly without making a single mistake.
"Skilled work."
"You know, I once tried to assassinate the Grand Duke."
May was the only assassin who almost succeeded in assassinating Grand Duke Friedrich,
which no one had done. As a result, it failed, but if Grand Duke Friedrich had been more
careless, he would have lost his life to her dagger.
May looked at Anne, who had lost consciousness, and asked for her intention.
"Will you take her?"
"I guess so."
May took out the cloth and closed Anne's mouth. After making no sound leak out, her hands
and ankles were tightly locked. She felt like she wanted to leave her here, but she wasn't
able to do that.
'Don't leave a trace.'
Elena hoped to evaporate like water vapor. Leaving Anne here was likely to give the Grand
Duke a clue and an excuse to track her down.
"Let's go."
"Yes, miss."
May carried Anne, who was bigger than her, on her back. Considering that she lost
consciousness, she was outspoken even though he would weigh more than her original
weight.
Elena walked to the fireplace in the drawing room. As the empire had a mild climate
throughout the four seasons, the use of fireplaces was extremely short. Nevertheless, the
bedrooms and reception rooms in the palace were equipped with fireplaces.
Why? Do they need to set up a fireplace that is only used for 15 days a year because it was
called the imperial palace? The answer to his question soon came out. Elena grasped the
candlestick that was standing next to the fireplace. Instead of pulling as hard as she could,
she moved the candlestick according to certain rules. It was a kind of lock designed to
prepare for a possible chase.
Click! When something perfectly sounded, the wall behind the wood firewood in the
fireplace opened at an angle.
"Miss, is this a secret passage?"
"That's right."
Elena also heard it, but it was the first time she saw it with her own eyes. Elena demanded
and intervened from the design stage only at the salon, but this secret passage was
different. It was worth noting that such a place existed in the imperial palace, which was
built more than 500 years ago.
"There is no time to delay. Let's hurry."
"Yes, miss."
Elena turned on the torch she had brought and pushed herself into the fireplace. The black
ash buried everywhere stained the dress, but there was no time to care.
"Give me your hand."
She helped May, who was struggling with Anne on her back. At this moment of life or death,
it didn't matter what your position or status was. When May, who was carrying Anne in the
secret aisle, came in, Elena stepped on the pedal on the inside.
There was a loud noise and in the fireplace, the secret door was closed. At the same time,
the candlestick in the drawing room also found its place. Only calm silence remained in the
reception room, where the warmth and movement that had been felt until a while ago
disappeared.
"This way."
Elena didn't lose her composure even in a pitch-black secret passage. Despite relying on
only one lantern, she did not lose her direction and moved on calmly.

***
A carriage stood in front of the main gate of the palace. It was a common carriage that could
be seen everywhere, so no one on the streets was interested. A man with a robe
approached the carriage. Before getting on the carriage, he scattered his eyes and went into
the carriage like an arrow.
"Are you here?"
A man took off his robe when asked by a thin but glaring woman. With his serpentine eyes
and short hair, he was Lucas, a knight of the Grand Duke.
"Sorry for being late."
Lucas, who was silent, looked up. In front of him was Leabrick, who was known to have
been dismissed from the Grand House.
"What happened to the siege?"
"As instructed, we have deployed the 2nd Knights."
"Good job."
Leabrick moved to the 2nd Knights, which symbolized the Grand Duke, and placed them
around the palace. It was to prepare for an unexpected situation.
'I'm definitely going to kill that doll today.'
Leabrick's eyes were filled with life. It was officially announced that she was dismissed, but
as seen, Leabrick oversaw the actual work of the Grand Duke. Her loss was just a show.
Lucas, who was watching Leabrick's eyes, carefully spoke.
"Viscountess, this may be a cheeky statement, but do you have any reason to do this? Isn't
Lord Lorentz by the side of the fake princess?"
"Do you think I'm going too far, Sir?"
"To be honest... It seems so."
Contrary to expectations, Leabrick admitted it smoothly.
"That's what I think."
"What? But why?"
"I'm nervous."
After leaving the Grand House, Leabrick went into the safe house. She took some time to
look back. She analyzed what she missed, where she went wrong, and why she eventually
failed, and reached one conclusion.
"On the subject of the stand-in... She's always exceeded my expectations."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Leabrick no longer looked down on Elena. She was recognized as an equal to or greater
than herself. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to drive Leabrick of conspiracy, called
the best Mosa of all time, into a corner.
'There's no way out.'
The word carelessness did not exist for Leabrick today. In preparation for an unforeseen
situation, the 1st Knights also selected knights with outstanding sword skills and kept them
hidden around the Imperial Palace. It was a measure that even considered the worst
situation. Elena had been treated well by her, but it would be the past tense from today.
The reality is what the survivors make. When the third round of competition for the Crown
Princess election was over, and she went back to the Grand House, everything would be
over. She just had to be careful until then. As the knight Lucas said, excessive was better
than lacking. If the result was good, everything would be forgiven.
'But why? Why am I so nervous.'
Leabrick did not show it, but her heart jumped irregularly. It felt like her body had been
eaten by a vague sense of anxiety.
"Oh? Oh! Look over there!"
Lucas, who was silent, suddenly raised his voice and pointed out outside the carriage. As
Leabrick turned her head and looked, a luxurious carriage with the patterns of the Grand
Duke was coming out of the palace.
"That is the carriage that the fake princess rode on!"
Leabrick's expression was hardened. At this time of day, it was time to start the third race
for the election of the Crown Princes. If there was no other reason, the carriage should also
be waiting in the Imperial Palace to be normal.
"Track it! Check why it came out and who got inside!"
Lucas kicked out of the carriage scared to nod his head. Leabrick felt nervous and bit her
lips. She took all the steps she could take. Nevertheless, something was not right.
***
Inside the palace, the garden of Neminesia. Located in the backyard of the main palace, it
was a space only for the emperor. In the well-organized garden, statues and monuments of
the previous emperors were erected, making it a place where the glory and history of the
empire were remembered.
There was the present Emperor Richard sitting. At the beginning of his fifties, he didn't look
well with a skinny body. At a glance, the emperor's dignity and spirit were not visible,
perhaps because he was weak.
"Hoho, I don't know how long it's been since I saw you."
Emperor Richard's voice cracked as if he was running. A man and woman were sitting on
the left and right sides of the round table with tea. Prince Sian, who inherited the black hair
of Emperor Richard, and Empress Florence, called the national mother of the Empire. She
was called by a sudden call from Emperor Richard before the third round of the Crown
Princess election. It was the same with Sian.
"What a surprise. For years, you haven't found me, and some wind has blown you to drink
tea."
Empress Florence exuded cold air. Even though she constantly tried to have an heir, she
couldn't get pregnant. She considered all of this to be because the sickly and weak Emperor
Richard wasn't doing well in the office. Maybe that's why she still blamed him.
"Isn't it a good day for a new family?"
"Family?"
Empress Florence clicked her tongue as if she were full of energy. The relationship between
the three was not very good to be tied up with a fence called family. As soon as Florence
was sealed, she kept young Sian in check. As he was the number one priority that should be
eliminated if she gave birth to an heir, she did not give any affection. She turned a blind eye
to Sian, who longed for his mother's affection, and blamed him for nothing. It was to kill
and trample Sian for later.
Since he had endured that hard time, he had been polite to the empress from a formal level,
but had not even been involved with her since he became an adult. It was a distorted
relationship that was embarrassing to call it a family. Even though there was no way that
he didn't know such a thing, Emperor Richard treated it senselessly.
"How does the prince feel? Your companion is about to be decided."
"I believe the Empress will take care of a wise Crown Princess."
Young ladies, who entered the third round of the Crown Princess election ceremony, would
undergo a final screening and be hired by Empress Florence. Since the founding of the
empire, the selection of the Crown Princess and concubines has been the task of the
empress in charge of the inner palace.
"Empress, yes."
Empress Florence twitched her lips as Emperor Richard looked at her. After looking at Sian
disapprovingly, she got up from the chair.
"The Crown Princess is waiting for me, and I don't think we can delay the election
ceremony anymore. I'll get up, Your Majesty."
"Hoho, there's nothing more to ask of the Empress because she loves the Crown Prince so
much. Go ahead."
Empress Florence was lightly courteous and turned around and left the garden. There was
nothing more to say, and it was uncomfortable to face each other as they were in an
irrevocably away relationship.
"Are you ready now?"
Richard, the emperor who confirmed that Empress Florence had left the garden, asked.
"Yes, father. Thank you."
"What the hell are you doing? Yes, you asked me to tie up the Empress, but... Cough, cough."

Emperor Richard, who continued to talk, coughed. He wasn't feeling well, but he coughed
more than usual because he came out to the garden.
"Are you all right?"
"It's just a cough. Never mind."
"But..."
Sian's sad face deepened. This is because Emperor Richard's health had deteriorated
noticeably in recent years.
"What's the point of having not much left to live? I'm just sorry that I'm leaving you a big
burden."
"..."
"Go. Don't you have something left to do?"
Emperor Richard breathed out a harsh breath and shook his hand. He was here to buy time,
but his mind was elsewhere, so he could see the inner heart of Sian.
"I'll bring in an imperial physician."
"If there was a cure, they would have cured it right away. Take care of your business
instead of doing nothing. Go, hurry."
At the urging of Emperor Richard, Sian bowed silently and left the garden in a hurry. Sian,
who left the main palace with a quick step, moved to the separate palace.
'Are you getting out of here as planned?'
Sian's head was full of thoughts of Elena. The reason for having an unscheduled tea time by
asking Emperor Richard was to make time for her to escape. While her escape from the
imperial palace using a secret passage, he delayed the third contest, and used his hand to
realize that she had disappeared. By having an unscheduled tea time with Empress
Florence, he succeeded in buying time.
'You don't know.'
The role of the Sian next was bait. It was the role of dispersing the minds of the Grand Duke
as only Sian, who had the status of Crown Prince, could do.
'I'm holding myself back from running to you right now.'
Even now, he wanted to use the secret passage to make sure that Elena was safe. If he
could, he wanted to run and help her escape safely. However, he had no choice but to
swallow this desperation because he couldn't.
When Sian arrived at the annex located behind the main palace, the Imperial Guard was
lined up. The guards greeted Sian in unison when the commander of the Imperial Guard
first held an example.
"Ready?"
"We're done, but are you sure you're going hunting? Now the competition..."
Sian nodded when asked by Gerard, the captain of the Imperial Guard.
"It has nothing to do with me. When I'm in the palace, I can't help but feel stuffy."
Sian spoke in a size that could be heard by other knights around Gerard. It was a
thoroughly calculated act. Let the guards report to the nobles in the upper line about what
Sian said. It was to give justification to Sian's actions after a sudden hunt.
"Let's go."
"Yes. Follow Your Highness!"
Sian, who climbed on a white horse with a beautiful mane, took the lead and went out to
the separate palace.
***
"The princess asked to bring her shoes?"
Lucas, who came back after tracking the carriage against Leabrick's opposition, nodded.
"That's what the horseman says. The princess tripped and said she broke her heel and told
him to hurry up and bring it."
Leabrick frowned. Considering that today was the Crown Princess election ceremony, there
was no way that Anne or May on the market did not bring extra shoes. But, she told them to
go to the Great House to get shoes? It didn't add up.
"I'm sure she's up to something."
Leabrick bit her fingernails in nervousness. It was not a big deal, so it was not only once or
twice that she had seen a failure after passing it lightly.
"I'm not so sure... But maybe you're too impatient."
"No."
You'll never know unless you've been beaten. Beyond Elena's shallow-looking behavior,
there was always a high-level plan ahead of Leabrick.
"I need to get into the palace and find out the truth."
Leabrick shook her hips as if she was a going to run out of the carriage right away.
"Calm down. Let me check."
"Go to the imperial palace right now. You shouldn't pass over anything trivial. Report it to
me without skipping anything."
It was when Lucas, who received the new order of Leabrick, tried to move his body himself.
A member of the Knights of the Grand Duke knocked on the door of the carriage.
"What's wrong?"
When Lucas opened the door at an angle and asked, the knight reported in an urgent voice.
"Now the Crown Prince has come out to the palace."
"What the hell?"
Lucas, who hardened his expression, looked at Leabrick. Leabrick also showed signs of
confusion. Previously, Sian was not scheduled to go out.
"Trace him! Come on!"
"But..."
Lucas blurted out his words. The opponent was the imperial family. There was also a
possibility that it would become difficult if the fact of tracking with a member of the
Knights was discovered.
"I just need to check if there are any defectors. Can't you even do that?"
Leabrick's voice changed sharply. Nervousness reached its peak as vague anxiety became a
reality. The knights, who were ordered, hurried. Considering the distance from here to the
annex, there was no time to delay. That was the same with Lucas. There was a sense of
urgency from the expression.
"I'll move, too. I'll be right back after I figure out what's going on with the royal family."
"Hurry up, please."
After Lucas left, Leabrick, who was left alone in the carriage, bit her nails.
At that time. Lorentz and Hurelbard, who were far away from the drawing room under
Elena's order to stay out, stood at the door when they were told to bring Elena to the third
round of competition.
"The competition is about to begin."
Hurelbard knocked and said, but there was no answer from the inside. Although Anne or
May may appear, they had not been heard from.
"Miss."
Despite Hurelbard's several calls, there were no answers from the drawing room.
Lorentz, who felt something strange, turned the door knob roughly and ran into the room.
Lorentz's expression hardened when he witnessed the empty drawing room. He searched
inside the drawing room like a man possessed by something, but he could not find Elena's
trace anywhere.
Click. As the confused Lorentz looked back, he saw Hurelbard walking and locking the door.
"What are you doing?"
Lorentz set up a vigilant face by looking at Hurelbard, whose expression did not change
even though Elena disappeared.
"The lady told me to deliver a message."
Hurelbard pulled his sword out calmly. A frosty look flowed down from a colder look than
the ice.
"I will present you with the gift of rest to Lord Lorentz, the Knight of Betrayal. That is the
punishment for you."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Lorentz's expression distorted nicely. It sounded insulting because it was absurd because
his dark junior was saying he would punish him.
"A knight of betrayal? I've accepted you, into the knights, who had no foundation, and
you've lost your sense of reason. It's a sight."
"..."
"Listen to me, Hurelbard! The knight of betrayal is not me but you. You don't even know
your owner is a fake princess. It is an act of betraying the Grand Duke by putting a sword in
me!"
Despite Lorentz's threat, Hurelbard did not change his face at all. He repeatedly lifted the
sword and showed determination.
"This is my chivalry."
"What?"
"My lady is the only one. Betraying her is the most disgraceful dishonor to me."
"You, this bastard... You knew everything from the beginning!"
Lorentz's eyes were tightened. It was now understood that the situation was going roughly.
It was planned to keep him and Hurelbard away from the drawing room under the pretext
of being sensitive ahead of the third competition. Rather than being surprised that Elena
disappeared, he locked the drawing room door and showed hostility as if he had waited.
Lorentz gritted his teeth. The branch was overshadowed by the former grassland tribe
member who could not have stepped into the Knights of the Grand Duke without the
recommendation of his predecessor.
"That's why you don't accept anything without fundamentals. You or the menial bitch."
Lorentz pulled out the sword he was wearing on his waist. A sharp, chilling, bleak energy
came out of the blade. It lived.
"If I torture you, I can make the whereabouts of the fake princess better."
Things went worse than Leabrick feared, but Lorenz remained calm. He belonged to the
First Knights, which were classified as an elite within the Grand House. In terms of his
sword skills, he was excellent enough to be in the top five in the 1st Knights.
"Do you know that the fake princess made a mistake?"
"..."
"The one that left you here. You'll never beat me."
As soon as the words were over, Lorentz kicked the ground and threw himself. His sword,
which flooded to Hurelbard at a faster speed than lightning, was drawn diagonally.
Hwek! Hurelbard lay on an angle and dropped the attack. The blade passed by, grazing at
the chest. The first strike ended in failure, but Lorentz was satisfied with breaking
Hurelbard's posture. It was because he has the most important momentum. Every time
Lorentz's sword cut through the air, a sound of waves burst in the room.
"How long are you going to avoid it?"
"..."
"I don't know if you can punish me with such poor performance?"
Lorentz, who overwhelmed the starting line and pushed ahead without a break, was
laughing. Whoever saw it, Lorentz took the lead in this game. Hurelbard could not even
respond properly in front of Lorentz's stormy sword and was busy avoiding it.
"Can you manage to avoid it... Even if I cut your legs off?"
Lorentz was in high spirits. As shown by the overwhelming difference in skills, it was
considered a matter of time before Hurelbard was defeated. It was not arrogance but
reality. No matter who looked at it, Hurelbard was losing ground, and he was as close as
standing on thin ice.
"Is this just your strength?"
"What?"
"Then I'm disappointed."
"A cheeky bastard."
Lorentz laughed and laughed. As long as he lived his mouth was alive. It only seemed that
the cornered mouse was bluffing.
Teuk. A shower of blades drove Hurelbard to the wall. Furthermore, Lorentz, who
preempted space enough for Hurelbard to defend his body, drew the sword with a near-
perfect movement. He aimed exactly at Hurelbard's right thigh from the side.
"...!"
At that moment, Lorentz's spine became cold. The nerve-racking chills of his whole body
were overwhelmed.
'W-what is this?'
He felt uneasy, but the blow didn't stop. As the sword was almost touching Hurelbard's
side, he tried to shake off anxiety by making an attack. However, such a judgment led to an
irreversible situation.
"U-unbelievable."
Lorentz looked down at his abdomen with uncontrollably trembling eyes. A cold blade
seemed to stick out behind his waist through his abdomen. He didn't even see the
movement, and he didn't understand where he put the sword.
'Afterimage?'
Hurelbard seemed to be stopped in Lorentz's eyes with such a sharp movement that it
could not be good for the eyes.
'T-that's ridiculous... To those from the grassland tribe who have no foundation...'
Lorentz grew up listening to the word 'genius' since he was young. Still, the record for the
youngest knight he received at the age of 18 has not been broken. Then he couldn't get a
blow from Hurelbard. It was not a one-man difference, but an overwhelming gap. Even the
commander of the first division of the Grand Duke that was a phenomenal ability that could
not be guaranteed to win.
Hurelbard looked indifferently at Lorentz. Hurelbard's take of victory for granted made
Lorentz more miserable.
"T-This bastard... Cough."
Blood flowed back when the blade, which felt cold, dug into his flesh and abdomen. It was
the time he couldn't stand the blood flowing back through his mouth.
"Up."
Hurelbard tucked his handkerchief into Lorentz's mouth. Back flowing blood reddened the
handkerchief. It was an insulting act that even seemed to laugh at death, but Lorentz had no
resistance left. Looking at him like that, Hurelbard said without hesitation.
"The punishment of the lady is rest."
Death's rest.
"But, don't think this is the end. You'll pay for the insults of my lady. In the way of the
grassland tribe you neglected."
Hurelbard had a scary look that he had never shown before. He didn't know what he was
trying to do, but he could see that it would never be a good thing.
'V-Viscountess, I want you to know the truth...'
Despite the blurry consciousness, the thought of going to Leabrick lingered in his head. But
his dying body was drooping, betraying his will. Hurelbard, who saw that he was out of
breath, supported his body falling down with one hand. Then, he took out an extra
handkerchief and stuck it in the area where the sword was embedded. It was a measure to
prevent blood from leaking out as much as possible.
Elena instructed not to leave any trace. That's why Hurelbard did not confront Lorentz and
aimed for a gap in the process of overpowering Lorentz. It was close to impossible for him
to pull himself out if the guards gathered after hearing the sound of the sword and the
sword bumping into each other.
"There's still a long way to go."
Hurelbard rebuked his ability for lack of discipline. It was good to deliberately avoid a close
game, induce Lorentz to let his guard down, and then overpower him. It was not that
difficult as the difference in skills was so big. The problem was in the hands. He was so
excited to insult Elena because she was a low-born child, that he showed a violent reaction
without realizing it. Due to his emotional impact, he saw more blood than expected and
killed Lorentz.
"I don't care if you insult me and spit on my face. But I can't forgive you for swearing at my
lady."
Lorentz's cold body was dragged to the fireplace. Blood from the sword-stuck area soaked
Lorentz's uniform. He had taken action with a hand towel, but if he waited, blood would fall
to the floor.
Hurelbard grabbed the candlestick and manipulated it as Elena told him.
Click! It sounded just right, and the wall inside the fireplace opened, revealing a secret
passage. Hurelbard moved to the secret passage to avoid shocking Lorentz's body with the
sword. Then he looked inside the drawing room and looked for any traces he might have
left, and disappeared into the secret passageway.
Kung. The stone wall behind the fireplace closed and returned to its original form. The
parlor was so peaceful that it was unbelievable that there was a disturbance. As if nothing
had happened.
***
Elena stepped along the shady secret passage. It was hard not to have a single light, but it
was not easy to speed up because the interior was made as complicated as a maze.
"May, hang in there. We can get out soon."
Elena comforted May, who was struggling behind her. It must have been hard for her to
carry Anne, who had lost consciousness, but it must have been overwhelming to walk along
a narrow secret passage with no visibility.
"I'm fine, so don't worry."
Elena, who felt sorry for May, who answered bravely, moved forward again. By the time the
endless silence and darkness were slowly squeezing her chest, the sound of water flowing
from afar was heard. Elena's face was in a bright light.
"I think we're almost there."
There were a total of two exits through secret passageways. Among them, the first passage
was this underground waterway. Elena looked closely and the current wasn't that strong.
The depth of the water was that deep, so one adult long-sized body was just right to be put.
'It's said if you leave your body to this current, you'll be able to escape the capital at once.'
Very few people know that such groundwater flowed under the imperial palace. Who
would have thought it would be used for emergency escape even if they knew it?
'Unfortunately, this is not the way.'
However, Elena did not soak herself in groundwater. It was said that it can escape the
capital at once, but it was impossible to know exactly where it would go. There was a river
that was roughly estimated, but considering that it had been hundreds of years since the
palace was built, there was no certainty that the underground waterway would not have
been damaged. Even if she really went out safely, it was too much to take Anne out without
consciousness.
"Let's go over there."
Elena chose the second way out. Instead of using the current to escape to the outer part of
the capital, it was a way to escape to the palace using a gap between the outer and inner
walls of the palace.
'You must be out of your mind by now.'
Maybe the palace was flipped upside down? Elena, the maid, and the knight who were
waiting in the drawing room for the third competition would have disappeared.
That's not all. Elena's carriage went back to the Grand House, and Emperor Richard opened
an unscheduled tea time to delay the competition. Sian, who was reluctant to elect the
Crown Princess, went hunting. Necessities disguised as coincidences would occur like a
chain reaction, disrupting the Grand Duke, which had been watching her.
'Everyone should do well...'
Elena swallowed her anxiety. Although she worked hard to plan carefully, nothing is
perfect. Because it's something humans do, there are always variables.
"Here it is."
At the end of the secret passage, Elena, standing in front of a dead-end wall, groped over
the stone wall. She pushed the bricks of different textures that reached the tip of her hand.
Little by little, the stone wall opened and light leaked in. As May, who put Anne down,
stepped forward and helped, the stone wall opened up enough to suck in her body.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena took the lead in pulling herself through the stone wall. Even though it was daytime,
she was impressed that it was dark because of the high stone wall. The outer wall of the
imperial palace, which was far high, stretched out to 11 characters, and Elena felt trapped
in between. It was like being in a narrow alley.
"Let's go."
Elena walked between the outer walls as narrow as the secret passage. As the width of the
left and right sides were narrow, there were no vagrants or homeless people common in
the alley.
How long would Elena have walked looking at the blue sky over the very high fence? She
felt a disturbance in the distance. It was the usual sound of the capital, such as the vibration
of a running carriage, the sound of passers-by talking, and the act of a fruit seller. It meant
that the alley was almost over.
When Elena retreated around the corner, she could see the end of the outer wall, which had
led to 11 characters. It was now the capital's main street if she left the alley between the
outer walls. It was too early to be relieved, but she had escaped from the palace safely.
"We're almost there."
Elena stopped. The outer wall ended here. There were no more alleys. It was a road ahead.
However, she couldn't move forward. It was because a foreign tent was blocking Elena's
front.
"Hah, I'm really nervous... Do you know how worried I was because it was delayed more
than expected?"
A man grumbled and walked out behind the tent. His hair, dark skin, and unique attire were
close to a colored species.
Elena replied friendly rather than being wary of such a man.
"The secret passage is a little more complicated than I thought."
"As long as you're okay. Come on in here."
The identity of the man was Khalif disguised as a gypsie. Her clothes, which she
participated in the election ceremony for the Crown Princess, drew attention from people
around her as soon as he went out to the streets. That was why Elena put Kalif at the end of
the alley in advance. It was an arrangement to get out secretly and quietly.
It was cramped inside the tent. This tent was a wandering carriage favored by wandering
ethnic gypsies.
"I'll be back, so change your clothes first. It's a serious situation right now."
Khalif tightly rolled the outer tent so that no outsiders could see it. In the meantime, Elena
took off her dress and changed to shabby traditional clothes worn mostly by wandering
gypsies, just like Khalif.
"What's the situation?"
"There's a whole bunch of the Grand Duke's knights around the palace. Even if it's a little
suspicious, or if it's coming out of the Imperial Palace, they chase and inspect it."
"Is it that bad?"
"No kidding. It's scary to look at them directly."
Elena's eyes were unexpectedly calm after hearing about the situation. After the fall of
Leabrick, the Grand Duke was blatantly wary of Elena. The evidence was that Lorentz was
additionally assigned and she was banned from going out to prevent contact with the
outside world.
'I expected it, but it's too much. It's like you've been waiting for me?'
The Grand Duke's actions were excessive beyond what Elena thought. It was a dancing
siege as if they had predicted that Elena would run away, even considering the number of
knights deployed around the palace.
'Is the information leaked?'
Elena shook her head and erased the question.
'There's no chance of that.'
Most of the people who knew Elena's escape plan were her people. If they had betrayed
even one person, they would not have come this far.
'I don't understand. How the hell did they know?'
Leabrick was dismissed and left the Grand House. Acelas was appointed as a successor and
even greeted Elena. It was hard to conclude with a short conversation, it seemed that she
didn't know if Elena was a substitute.
"... Don't worry about what's going on out there. Sir Hurelbard will be here soon. We just
have to move on as planned."
Many thoughts crossed, but Elena pushed it into a corner. It was no use crying over spilled
milk. Now she had to move as planned. Next, if there was a variable, she had to take active
measures in time, so it was an adventure to be scared in advance and change her plan.
After the conversation, the three held their breath in the tent. Time went slowly in her
nervousness. Elena's gaze did not fall off the pocket watch in her hand. It couldn't be, but
she was worried that Hurelbard's delay might have been wrong.
"It's me, miss."
Hurelbard's voice was heard from the alley between the outer walls, and color struck
Elena's face.
When Khalid lifted the tent next to the carriage, Hurelbard came in. Elena was relieved to
see him safe and sound.
"I'm too late because of the aftermath. I'm sorry."
Aftermath. Elena didn't ask because she knew what that meant. Hurelbard came safely, so
that was enough.
"Don't say that. I'm happy to see you again."
Now Elena could smile faintly. Although she has yet to relax, they had been following
Elena's plan so far.
"Senior, let's go. There's no time to lose."
"I've been waiting for that."
Khalif tied the tent tightly behind the wandering carriage and left the carriage. Compared to
the size of the wagon, it carried many people, so the movement speed was higher. However,
she did not feel impatient. Gypsies, a wandering ethnic group, had many daily necessities as
much as living in a carriage. It was rather natural to move slowly. Thus, the carriage
carrying Elena and her party moved away from the Imperial Palace.
***
At the same time. The palace flipped upside down. Princess Veronica, who was supposed to
participate in the third round of the crown princess election ceremony, did not appear in
the competition. When Princess Veronica, who had even entered the palace, did not come,
Empress Florence ordered the guards to find out what was going on. The guard, who
visited the parlor assigned to Princess Veronica, opened the door and entered as there was
no response no matter how much he knocked.
The guards went out after seeing the empty parlor. Not only the Princess Veronica, but also
the two knights and the two maids who followed them as attendants disappeared. The
guards, who thought something was wrong, urgently reported it to Empress Florence.
Empress Florence felt something unusual and pressed the guards to find out what
happened. Matters went from bad to worse when The number of personnel to investigate
was extremely short, as Prince Sian, accompanied by a large number of guards, went on a
hunt as a result of being overwhelmed. Later, the guards confirmed that the carriage of the
Grand Duke had disappeared. When they checked the entry list, it was clear that they had
left the palace. The guards reported the fact to Empress Florence.
"Ha! Just went back? How dare they insult the Imperial Family!"
Empress Florence huffed and puffed and canceled the third contest for the Crown Princess.
It was because she felt that the holy and pious election ceremony that determined the next
national mother of the empire was insulted. The four young ladies, including Lady Avella,
were forced to return to their families. The selection of the Crown Princess was subject to
the jurisdiction of Empress Florence, the biggest adult of the inner palace, and they had no
choice but to comply with her will.
At that time. Leabrick was repeatedly looking around the palace in a carriage. She
wandered around the palace to prepare for what might have happened, while she sent
knight Lucas to find out about the inside of the imperial palace.
"I think there was a wandering carriage here..."
As the main street was formed around the palace, there were many people coming and
going. No matter how good Leabrick's memory was, it was impossible to remember all of
them. However, the scene of a wandering carriage, which rarely came into the central part
of the capital, was memorable.
"Was I too sensitive? I can't believe I'm even paying attention to a gypsy."
Leabrick pressed her forehead with her finger. As she became very sensitive after losing
her position, her fatigue seemed to have accumulated.
"It's slow today."
Some unexpected things have happened, but there have been no superficial problems yet.
Her anxiety would disappear if she finished the ceremony to elect the Crown Princess...
"It's Lucas, Viscountess."
"Come on in."
When Leabrick opened the door of the carriage that had been locked, Lucas came in
urgently. It was different from when he went to find out what was inside the Imperial
Palace. Leabrick was also nervous.
"Have you found out?"
"We're in trouble. The fake princess disappeared."
"What?"
She was so surprised that Leabrick's shoulders were shaking. Her eyes shook mercilessly
as if there was an earthquake.
"Tell me again. What do you mean, disappeared? What do you mean?"
"The fake princess didn't participate in the final competition. The guards said that it seems
that she left the Imperial Palace in the carriage that they had been riding on..."
"Tell me about it!"
Leabrick's voice turned nervously with a ridiculous voice. She already had Lucas check it
out, but there was no Princess in the carriage.
"What about Lord Lorentz? He would have been next to the fake princess."
"Lord Lorentz disappeared with it. Lord Hurelbard and the maids."
Leabrick was dumbfounded by the incredible report. The carriage that returned to the
Great House under the pretext of shoes, the hunting of Crown Prince Sian, and the
disappearance of Elena's group. Whatever she imagined, it was far beyond her
expectations. What was more scary was that the series of events felt like a series of
inevitable events, not coincidence.
Leabrick assumed the worst. What if it was Elena's escape plan, pretending to be a
coincidence? It gave Leabrick's forearm goosebumps. If that was the case, it meant that
Elena played with Leabrick in her palm.
"She ran away."
Leabrick's voice trembled. She assumed it was the worst, but the worst became a reality.
Otherwise, there was no way to explain the current situation.
"But, Viscountess, if the fake princess wants to run away, she has to drop Sir Lorentz away.
Sir Hurelbard's ability to do so..."
"If there is."
"What?"
"What if even that was the fake princess' plan?"
Leabrick's heart sank. She kept thinking that maybe her entry into the Grand House was a
monster she couldn't handle.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"I know Sir Lorentz's skills better than anyone. If you look back carefully, you'll find the
tail."
Despite the serious situation, Lucas remained calm. Although it was an unexpected
situation, he trusted him as much as he knew his skills better than anyone else. But
Leabrick had a different idea.
'There's a good chance Lord Lorentz's been attacked.'
Leabrick bit her lips and went into thought. On the premise that Elena was equal to her or
that she was one level above herself, she tried to get closer to the nature of the events that
took place today. Without that ability, she would not have been able to drive her to a cliff.
'There's only one thing.'
Leabrick made a distinction between bait and substance. The carriage returned to the
Grand Duke and the Crown Prince's sudden hunt was just a bait. It is unknown what kind of
magic she used to hide in the imperial palace, but it was important that Elena escaped
intentionally.
Leabrick took out a map of the capital, which she had briefly put aside.
"Where did the carriage that carried the fake princess come from?"
"The front gate."
"Then what direction did the Crown Prince leave?"
"It's probably on the East Palace's side. He said he was going to the forest of Prague, an
imperial hunting ground."
Leabrick nodded and turned back to the map. Her eyes were fixed on the north and west
gates of the imperial palace.
"Not the North Gate."
Leabrick was sure of this. The north gate where the separate palace is located is a direct
command within the imperial palace given to the Grand Duke by the Imperial Family. The
influence of the Grand Duke was so great that the late-night masquerade was held at the
separate palace. Even though it was dark under the lamp, she would not have taken the risk
of walking into the realm of the Grand Duke. Then the only thing left was the preface...
"Wandering carriage!"
Leabrick's shoulder was shaken when she thought of something. If she wasn't in the
carriage, she might have spurred reflexively.
"Do you have anything to point out?"
"The cold wind will blow soon, right?"
"Yes, it's frost season in a month. But what does that have to do with this?"
Lucas didn't understand very well. He was proud to have a good head, but he couldn't
figure out what the connection between the wandering carriage and winter was.
"It's mild, but winter is winter. Is there any reason for the wandering gypsies to spend the
winter in the capital of the Empire?"
"That's strange to hear. As far as I know, gypsies usually spend the winter in the south."
There was an intellectual gap in Leabrick's eyes. Leabrick did not miss out on what she
could have done in a trivial way. Out of common sense, it was doubtful. The wandering
carriage was built on the outer wall of the palace in an area with a large floating population.
The alley between the outer walls where the wandering wagon disappeared. Leabrick
assumed Elena was in the wandering carriage. No, she was sure.
"Trace gypsy's wandering carriages right now. Call the Grand House and ask for additional
assistance."
"Okay."
Lucas nodded. Leabrick's idea had rarely been wrong. If she had been adamant, Elena must
have fled in a wandering carriage of the gypsy tribe. It was when Lucas was about to rush
out of the carriage, as it was about to deal with touch.
"Sir."
When Lucas turned around, Leabrick's eyes were full of murderous intent.
"You can kill the fake princess."
"...!"
"I'll take care of it. I can handle it. So make sure you kill her."
"I will."
Lucas, who was ordered smoothly, ran out of the carriage. Leabrick, who was left alone, bit
her lips tightly. The original plan was to bring her to the Grand House and remove her
quietly. She thought it was the perfect end of the grand play that deceived the empire. But
things have changed. It was right to choose the wrong side rather than facing the worst
situation of missing Elena.
"Sir Lucas wouldn't make a mistake."
Leabrick closed her eyes gently and hypnotized herself with a wave of anxiety. Lucas was a
great knight enough to pair up with Lorentz. The next knight commander was influential
enough to have both cultural affairs. Then he began to pursue with elite knights of the
Grand Duke.
Even if Elena's direct knight Hurelbard removed Lorentz because of unexpected power, it
was not enough to deal with all of them. There was no more failure than stepping on the
tail. Elena would die today.
***
The western outskirts of the capital.
A wandering carriage carrying Elena and her party was moving smoothly across the
mountain path. Hurelbard crept through the tent of the wandering carriage and looked
behind him. He remained vigilant just in case.
"I can't see a pursuit."
"That's a relief."
Unlike her words, Elena couldn't relax. Khalif, who was driving a carriage in a gypsy seat,
helped a word.
"It's just a little further. We can change the carriage there and go into the salon."
"I hope nothing happens until then."
Elena's expression was heavy when she talked with a small wind. Looking at the quick
response of the Grand Duke, Leabrick's shadow felt numb.
The wandering carriage climbed up the hill. The west side of the capital was sparsely
populated by forests. Except for herbalists and woodcutters, most of them did not use it.
Therefore, the roadway was not well maintained. That's why Elena chose this place as her
destination. It was easy to secretly change the carriage and easy to erase the track.
By now, a luxury wagon carrying a fake L would have reached its destination after its
western tour. Elena even calculated the movements of the fake L. It was a success when
they met each other and went to L's carriage and returned to the salon.
'There's not much time left. The time when I can live as myself.'
Before growing up, she was taken to the Great House and lived as Veronica's substitute.
The purpose was different, but this life also walked into the Grand House on its own and
claimed to be a Veronica's substitute. She was getting closer to time to throw the sick and
tired shell and get her life back completely.
"Miss, hide yourself."
"What's going on?"
Elena was also nervous about Hurelbard's unusual remarks.
"There's dust rising under the mountainside. It looks like they're riding a horse, but it
seems like a pursuer is attached."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
'Ha, my tail's been stepped on.'
Elena blamed herself for not being more meticulous. The chase meant that she left a trace
where she was not conscious. In other words, the plan was not perfect.
"They'll catch up soon. Stay inside."
"Be careful, I don't want Sir to get hurt."
"My body belongs to my lady. If I am forced to be hurt, I will ask for your forgiveness."
Elena silently nodded at Hurelbard's loyal words. It was a pleasure to see the loyal and
honorable knight of the ice stand by, but she felt heavy when she thought of the pursuers. It
was the same with Hurelbard. The number of knights chasing was not small, presumed by
the rising dust.
"I have a favor to ask of you, miss."
"Favor?"
"It shouldn't happen, but if it's too much for me to stop them alone, I hope you don't look
back and run away."
Hurelbard's eyes were more serious than ever. No matter how strong he was, it was not
easy to reverse the numerical inferiority against skilled knights.
'If you're determined to go after my lady... it could be too hard to protect.'
The problem is that they blatantly tie Hurelbard's feet and aim for Elena. Even if Hurelbard
says that there is no business in front of numbers, it would be difficult to show his ability.
"Sir, I know what you're worried about."
Elena looked at him. She looked at Hurelbard's eyes, feeling solemn, and said as if she didn't
want him to feel bad.
"But, the worst is not going to happen."
"What?"
"There's nothing more stupid than not dealing with the worst."
Elena, who left a meaningful remark, turned around and hid herself in the carriage.
Hurelbard, who was grumbling about her words, recognized that Khalif who was driving
the carriage that a pursuer had been attached. Khalif turned blue with a sense of crisis that
he might die.
"I-I'll look around first. If you haven't seen it yourself, do you think I'm in this carriage for a
trick?"
"Please. I'll be prepared for any situation in the tent."
Hurelbard, who asked for his understanding, hid himself in the tent. In time, the sound of
horse hooves kicking the ground disturbed the still forest. Knight Lucas was the leader of
the first division, and the knights, who are considered elite, chased him to the bottom of his
chin.
"Halt!"
At Lucas' cry, Khalif stopped the carriage. The knights who followed him surrounded them
in a circle around the wandering carriage.
"W-what's the matter with you?"
Khalif asked, stuttering as if he was scared. It was hard to tell whether it was acting or real.
"You'll find out, what's in the tent?"
"What? It's my daily necessities for eating and sleeping..."
"Pimir!"
Lucas called as he cut off the words. Then a young knight came forward.
"Search."
The knight, Pimir, who was ordered, got off the horse and approached the wandering
carriage. It was when he tried to tear the tent and check the inside because he couldn't see
anything special from the outside.
Bonjjok. The sunlight pouring through the torn tent touched the iron and reflected the light.
When Pimir raised his hand reflexively to cover his eyes, Hurelbard, who was hiding
behind a wooden box, popped out like lightning.
"Hyuk!"
A sword was lodged in Pimir's heart without a moment to scream. Pimir, who was shaking
like a leaf, rolled down the wagon. It was an instantaneous death.
"Pimir!"
The confused knights pulled out their swords, revealing their fierce intentions.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

'Nine.'
Hurelbard appeared out of the tent, squeezing the number of knights to deal with. The fact
that their colleague had been killed revealed the killing and enmity of the knights, but
Hurelbard did not even move like ice.
"Hurelbard, you bastard! You're cutting down on your colleagues! You've lost your honor
and you still call yourself a knight!"
Lucas glared his eyes as if he were going to rush and run. When a close junior died in front
of his eyes, his anger flew halfway.
"My honor is one. Protecting my lady. To do so, I cut."
As soon as the words that could not be felt were ending, Hurelbard kicked the ground. The
eyes of the knight Adele, who was standing closest to the wandering carriage, were
confused. He was trying to deal with Hurelbard, who was inundated with agile movements,
but disappeared from view in an instant.
"Where... Hyuk!"
Adele, who felt chilled, looked up. Hurelbard, who quickly disappeared from sight, jumped
higher than the horse and threw out a sword like a lightning bolt.
Chaeng! Like a skilled knight, he instinctively laid the sword down and lifted it over his
head to stop Hurelbard's sword. The two metals collided and a deafening sound roared
through the forest. Knight Adele was terrified. It was just a step away. If his body hadn't
reacted first, he thought he would be a cold body by now, so he swallowed without
realizing it.
"You punk!"
As a result, Hurelbard's raid failed. Furthermore, the large movement led to a gap due to
the prolonged duration of the stay. If he stabs the sword like this, Hurelbard, who is
defenseless, will not be able to avoid it.
However, Hurelbard was a knight far beyond his common sense. He twisted his body
flexibly in the air and gave centrifugal force to rotate it. Adele, perplexed, turned his upper
body and chased Hurelbard, but it was already late.
Hurelbard's blade was drawn leaving a faint trajectory. The knight shivered and flinched.
The agile response grew more and more, and soon fell. Blood flowed from the sword
engraved in Adele's chest and soaked his uniform.
"Adele!"
Lucas' eyes were reddened. How could he compare the sadness of losing two of his beloved
colleagues in front of his eyes?
'Eight ahead.'
Hurelbard was as cold and chilled as frost. The two were subdued by surprise, but the
situation was still not good. If they were determined and aimed at Elena, his behavior
would be restricted.
'The sneak attacks won't work anymore.'
Lucas is also recognized by the First Knights. He was also well-known in command to the
extent that he was openly called the next Knight of the Order. Look at him now. He felt an
unbearable atmosphere at the loss of his colleague, but he was never flustered.
"I've taken you easy."
"..."
"I should have known how mean the grassland tribesmen are. I didn't expect you to hide
your skills. Lord Lorentz would have died by your hand, right?"
Hurelbard didn't bother to answer. Silence is affirmation. Lucas's face became more
intense.
"I'll kill you today to appease the dead knights."
"If you could."
"What the hell?"
Hurelbard intentionally flew provocative words and rushed toward Lucas. It was to make
him focus on him instead of Elena still hiding in the carriage.
'Aim for the leader.'
If Lucas was removed, there would be no one to control the knights. Of course, there would
be no attempt to target Elena, and the remaining knights could be broken individually.
"From both sides!"
Lucas jumped off the horse and ordered. As the space was narrow in the forest, it was
disadvantageous to fight on horseback.
An arm-to-arm scuffle broke out. It was a real match with no retreat on either side. Even if
he lost his life due to a single mistake, he was so full of murder that there was nothing
strange.
The pendulum of the match, which had been boiling, tilted to one side as the battle grew
longer. It was Hurelbard's side that was increasingly on the defensive. He stepped back
from the onslaught of eight knights who moved like one body and was busy defending
himself.
The more crisis it was, the fiercer the knights attacked. Hurelbard deliberately showed a
gap, pretending to be overwhelmed. When the knight who caught it stabbed his sword, he
reacted as if waiting. Hurelbard's quick sword drew enemies faster than the sound of
cutting through the air.
"Kol!"
"Brook!"
Knight Brook, who cut his abdomen, stumbled and slumped forward. He hadn't die yet, but
the bleeding looked so big that it would be difficult to live.
"Haa, haa."
Hurelbard gave up a rough breath.
"From now on, seven..."
Although his physical strength was gradually depleted, Hurelbard's eyes were sharper than
ever.
"Oh! You monster."
Lucas gritted his teeth. Hurelbard's strength was real. It was questionable why a knight
with this sword skill remained unknown so far.
The reason was Elena. Elena, who was appointed as an immediate knight to keep
Hurelbard around, intentionally hid his presence. He expected this day to come at any time,
so she left him as a trump.
"You said you would appease the souls, but now you've got more soul to comfort."
"Hey, hey!"
Lucas' face heated up red with Hurelbard's sarcastic remarks. Four knights belonging to the
1st Knights, called the Grand Duke's Sword, were killed by Hurelbard, a knight from a
commoner. There was no such disgrace.
"Regardless of the means and methods, only you... Ah! Was it like that?"
At a moment's thought, Lucas twitched his cheek. Something kept feeling uncomfortable,
but now he thought he knew what it was. Lucas smiled and pointed to the carriage with a
chin gesture.
"Is that fake princess the reason why you provoked and provoked me purposely?"
"..."
"That's why. To separate us from the fake princess.... What about this? It's true that you're
strong, but now I know."
Despite being stabbed to the point, Hurelbard did not change his face. However, Lucas was
convinced of his ideas. He also recalled what Leabrick said before coming here. Only then
did he know exactly what the priority was.
"Tie Hurelbard's feet together. You can't kill him. Don't let him move a step from here."
Lucas smiled broadly, revealing his teeth.
"I'll get rid of the fake princess in the meantime."
Hurelbard responded quickly and tried to stop him, but the remaining knights blocked him.
Lucas laughed and approached the wandering carriage.
"Your opponent is us."
The six knights cut off the path and rushed in without giving him a chance to catch his
breath. Lucas was far from overpowering as he was missing, but they were confident that
he could do it if they blocked his path. As the battle went back and forth, Hurelbard's eyes,
which had not lost his composure, showed impatience. It was not easy to keep them apart
from the persistent biting and hanging.
"Miss, you have to run!"
Hurelbard shouted and announced the emergency. Khalif, who was sitting in the
horseman's seat, hit the reins as hard as he could and ran.
"Where are you going to run away!"
Lucas' body movements were faster than the speed at which the wandering carriage
accelerated. He jumped in an instant and jumped on top of a wandering carriage. Lucas
swung the sword and tore the tent apart as it became ragged. As the light came in, he saw a
pile of clumsy piles of luggage.
"I know you're there."
It was time for Lucas to smile, revealing his white teeth. A short dagger flew between the
piles of luggage with a sound breaking through the wind. However, it was no threat to
Lucas, an experienced knight. Just before his body was touched, the dagger that was struck
by the sword fell and was stuck in the carriage.
"What a clever trick."
Elena and May, who realized that there was no point in hiding anymore, appeared. May had
a dagger in her hand that she had just aimed at Lucas.
"Oh, my God, I'm going crazy!"
Khalif, who thought it was no longer meaningful to drive the carriage, took out the sword
hidden inside the horseman's seat. He had never held a sword in his life, but he tried to
resist it.
"Princess."
Lucas looked at Elena, who was standing in front of him like a noble crane. She was wearing
a gypsy traditional costume, but he felt a nobleness that could not be hidden.
"Kuk, you've changed a lot. You used to be a fool when I brought you from the Duchy, but
now I can see that you're a law nobleman."
"... I remember. You were the coachman back then."
Elena saw through Lucas at a glance. She erased him from her memory because she
couldn't see him after that day, but she didn't know she'd face him like this.
"You have a good eye. Well, I guess you've been trying to fool other people's eyes and made
such a bold plan? "
"Is it you. Who noticed my plan?"
"No way."
Lucas grinned. Elena's expression hardened.
"It's Leabrick."
"As expected, sharp."
Elena remained nonchalant despite her remarks acknowledging the existence of Leabrick.
There was no surprise as she expected it to be her.
Lucas narrowed his eyes to Elena's reaction. Elena remained aloof when she was in a
situation where she was about to die. The attitude of acting as if death had moved away
was annoying.
"These are Viscountess Leabrick's words. I'm going to kill you by any means."
"That's not going to happen."
When Elena cut it off and talked conclusively, Lucas twisted his mouth and laughed.
"Really? Then let's see who's right."
Lucas flew straight away as if he had no intention of dragging.
May, who was standing next to her, threw the dagger with all his might, but Lucas lightly
took the sword and smacked it.
"Miss, avoid!"
"Get away!"
May and Khalif blocked Elena's defense. It was an emergency, but Elena didn't move. She
stood there without moving and stared indifferently at Lucas, who was rushing from the
front. Lucas paused with unexpected anxiety. For a moment, he felt ashamed of the fact that
he was intimidated by the eyes of a single girl, and flew more fiercely.
It was then.
"Hyup!"
At the moment, Lucas felt a murderous feeling on his left. His body reacted before the head.
It warned that if instinct did not avoid it, he would die. Lucas stopped moving just before
the sword touched Elena's neck. Sudden braking caused his body to slip in trouble.
Between Elena and Lucas, a sword came flying and stuck in the carriage. No matter how
powerful it was, the wagon trembled because it tore the wagon.
"What a shame."
Lucas looked at the direction the sword flew in, the source of the sound. A black masked
man stood on the branch where his gaze touched.
"Who are you?!"
The black masked jumped down to the carriage with a light body that played like a
swallow. Then he pulled out the sword that was stuck in the carriage and put it on his
shoulder.
"Who. A villain who catches villains."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Ten days ago, Grand House.

After Leabrick's downfall, Elena felt that the atmosphere in the house was not the same as
before. Since it was not enough to prevent her from going out, they also blocked contact
with outsiders. Knight Lorentz never fell from Elena. There was nothing she could do with
her will, as if her limbs were cut off.
'Beyond the level of doubt.'
Elena felt that a countermeasure was needed.
'If I let go of the hand, I'll be eaten.'
Elena, who had been struggling over and over again, brought Cuil, a dessert chef, into the
room. Cook Cuil was a watchman planted by Ren. He told her to contact him if she was in a
dangerous situation that she could not use or if she needed his help.
"Please tell Ren I need his help on the day of the final competition."
Elena told him about her plans for the day step by step. Cuil, the chef who remembered
without an error, added.
"There was a saying that if the princess asks for help, he has a word to tell you."
"Tell me."
"Nothing in the world is free."
Cuil, the cook, bowed down and left the room.
***
"Can't you show up earlier?"
He protected her at the critical moment. The resentment against Ren, who appeared only
now, came first. It was still creepy to think of the coolness at the end of the neck that she
felt a while ago.
"Did you miss me?"
"That's not what I'm saying."
Elena shed her eyes. Either that or not, Ren's eyes hidden in the mask were smiling. Why
did he feel so good when Elena looked at him hatefully or at herself? He even thought it
might be a serious pervert taste.
"Sir Lucas!"
With the appearance of the masked man, the knights who were dealing with Hurelbard
rushed to the side of the carriage.
"Damn it, I didn't expect you to get in the way again."
A harsh word popped out of Lucas' mouth. Because the situation of going back was not
good. Hurelbard, who joined belatedly, stood in front of Elena with a tired look. Elena was
worried when she saw him with his clothes ripped and bloodstains everywhere.
"Are you all right, sir? Wound..."
"It's not enough to care about it. Rather than that... It's him."
Hurelbard recognized at a glance that the identity of the masked man was Ren. It was
possible to infer from the circumstances, the repressed momentum, and the light of the
eyes.
"We're not even close, so let's skip greetings."
"..."
Ren shrugged his shoulders and turned to Lucas and the knights in the standoff. Standing
on his legs, he said arrogant things.
"I'll give you a chance as a graceful personality. Make a wish with your knees boiling. Then
I'll save you."
"That bastard!"
One of the knights was in a fit of rage. It was the greatest insult that he had ever
experienced since he was a child and became a knight of the Grand Duke by taking an elite
course.
"Then I'll count. One, two, three... The end!"
Ren stabbed leisurely with his sword.
"You'll die now."
"Sir Lucas, will you keep quiet?"
"Please give me my order. I'll clean him up!"
Lucas bit his lips hard. Even if he didn't have to face the sword, he could see that the
masked man's ability in front of him is not easy. At least he had similar skills or was maybe
stronger.
Lucas calmly checked the current situation. It was hard to deal with a single Hurelbard, but
even a masked man who is unknown has joined. Considering that he was never a pushover,
it was safe to say that the balance of the game was over.
'I need to ask the Viscountess for help.'
Lucas clenched his fist in humiliation. He held it so hard that his fingernails dug into his
palm and blood gathered. Lucas glanced back and gave a look. Knight Kaid, a longtime
friend and comrades, nodded silently. Looking straight ahead, Lucas fixed the sword. All he
had to do was tie their feet and hold out until the reinforcements came.
"Come on, let's die. But it's not us, it's you."
Lucas came out in a murderous way. This is because only when he pursues vigorously can
Kaid have the space to leave.
In a flash. Ren, who was standing in the front, reached out his hand and blocked Elena's
vision with his palm.
"Cover your eyes."
"Why?"
"It's not a good sight. It's bad for your mental health to watch a stabbing."
"..."
Elena's expression was subtly distorted by his unexpected consideration. He was always
like this. He was always arrogant and reckless, but he took care of her like this.
"Attack!"
"Never look."
At the last moment, Ren, who asked Elena, moved. Hurelbard also led a weary body to
confront the enemy.
May carefully said as there was a fierce battle between life and death.
"Miss, don't look..."
"No, I have to see it. It's because of me that those two are ready to fight and die."
Elena was determined to pull herself together. If she were not disgusted and afraid of blood
and slaughter, she would be lying. Nevertheless, Elena didn't turn her head. On the
contrary, she tried not to miss a moment while putting pressure on her eyes.
As did Ren, who joined belatedly, Hurelbard risked his life and was cutting his old
colleagues. It was not right to turn a blind eye to Hurelbard, who chose Elena, at the risk of
the stigma of betrayal, which is the most dishonorable thing as a knight. Elena's pupils
showed a determination of solemnity.
"I'll see you till the end. And we're all going to start anew. The people who trusted me and
followed me."
Lucas and the knights responded conservatively. They could take a chance to move out
Kaid and bring in reinforcements. Until then, don't overdo it and just hang in there. No, they
were going to.
"D-damn it. Not one monster, but two..."
Lucas and the knights were to die. Ren's ability, referred to as the Empire's Three Swords,
exceeded common sense. If Hurelbard rationally confronted the enemy and used a hard-to-
see sword, Ren stood at the counterpoint. Like an untamed beast, he wielded a sword
regardless of form, and it was breathtakingly fierce.
"Damn it."
Lucas gave a look to his intuition that he would not be able to hold on for long. In the midst
of a fierce fight, Kaid, who was only looking for a chance to leave, nodded. Kaid, who dug
into the gap between the fierce battle and the battle, ran to the side of the horse.
When Hurelbard, who felt unusual, tried to chase him, the knights blocked. At this rate, he
had no choice but to miss Kaid. On the other side, Ren, who was pressing Lucas and the two
knights with his skills, shouted.
"You're going to get hurt even with your eyes open?"
Ren already expected this situation to happen. It was because the feeling of Lucas and Kaid
exchanging eyes was unusual.
"A villain knows a villain well."
Ren grabbed the handle with both hands and swung the sword with all his might. Lucas
was pushed back by the heaviness on the sword. Ren kicked the ground and dusted the
eyes of two other knights.
"Ugh!"
Ren jumped onto the carriage.
"Let me borrow it."
Ren suddenly took away the dagger May had in her hand. In the meantime, Kaid, who
turned his head, hit the reins without looking back. It was when the horse raised its front
foot high, to kick its back foot.
Sak! They heard the sound of digging in the air and the iron flashed. The dagger that flew
away reflecting the light was exactly inserted into the back of the Kaid.
"Kaid!"
Before Lucas' echo disappeared, Kaid's body, which was sitting in the saddle, stumbled, lost
its balance and fell to the floor. Ren grinned and jumped back in front of Lucas.
"Hey, you're acting like that because I'm doing a good job."
"You bastard!"
"Don't yell, will you? They're surprised in the back."
His tone was playful, but Ren's eyes were cold. It was not good to think that Elena was
surprised by the sound of Lucas picking up the pig's role in a place full of blood and dead
bodies.
"Let's die now."
Ren, who no longer felt the need to take time, swung the sword with all his might. A knight
who was working with Lucas in an unspecified onslaught collapsed with one or two
bloodshed. Despite his exhaustion, Hurelbard cut down all the knights who had been
blocking his way.
'S-such... That's ridiculous..."
Lucas, who could not withstand the attack close to Ren's bombing, collapsed. The blade on
the shoulder was drawn diagonally and his arms were tattered. When all the situations
were cleared up, Hurelbard and Ren approached near the wandering carriage.
"Thank you. You two saved my life."
Although her stomach was in the blood, Elena did not express herself. It was considered
that it was not courtesy to the two who fought for life or death.
"I just did what was natural. I was too delayed. Go away from your seat... Miss!"
When Elena faltered, Hurelbard reflexively assisted.
"I-I'm okay. I was dizzy for a second."
"You don't look well."
Seeing Hurelbard, who didn't know what to do, Ren sprang up.
"Look at her, right?"
"What do you mean?"
"She says she's okay, but keeps doing that."
"Sir, I'm fine now. I can stand alone."
Elena stood back on her own feet as if she was dizzy. There was a mixture of anxiety and
worry in Hurelbard's eyes looking at Elena.
"Get out of here. There might be a chase in a little while."
Considering Leabrick's persistence and the power of the Grand Duke, there is no knowing
when the chase will come again. So they had to get out of here quickly. Khalif took the reins
again and drove the wandering carriage. Only one person, Ren, did not join and kept his
seat.
"Are you not going?"
"Go ahead. I still have work to do."
"It's dangerous. Let's go together."
Elena sincerely worried about Ren's safety. No matter how strong Ren is, there was no
business in front of his head. Ren grinned.
"So you're telling me to go first. Don't worry."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Senior."
Elena stared at Ren like that. What did he mean don't worry? It was always like this. He was
mischievous, but behind it was a delicate consideration that she had never thought of.
Naturally like air. Then it just popped into her mind.
"Don't open your eyes like that. I'll be in your dreams."
"... Don't die."
She looked calm, but Elena's words were filled with her sincere concern for Ren. She didn't
want to see Ren get hurt, maybe because she hated him.
"Am I a normal person who can be killed?"
"I'm just saying this because I'm worried."
"I'm not dying. You can't even claim the wish you owe me, will I die because of regret?"
Is it because of Ren's calmness to make a wish even in this situation? Elena was strangely
relieved.
"Okay. I'll grant your wish. See you later. It's a promise."
"Go."
Ren turned around and shook his hand. It was a gesture to hurry up. Elena couldn't wait
any longer. She was worried about Ren, but if they dragged on here longer, they could face
a chase from the Grand Duke. Elena's gaze as she drifted away in the ragged wandering
carriage was not expected to fall from Ren's back.
Human affairs are really strange. In her previous life, he was like an enemy, and even after
her return, it was not in a good relationship. Was the nickname son of a bitch?
Then Ren changed. He stood next to Elena, not as her enemy. Maybe that's why. She could
find herself relying on Ren. She was unconsciously ignoring and denying it, but now she
had no choice but to admit it.
As the wandering carriage went down the hillside quickly, Ren was no longer seen. She
knew he would not die easily because he was a strong man called one of the Three Swords
of the Empire. Hadn't she seen it before? His unprecedented strength to trample elite
knights of the Grand Duke with overwhelming swordsmanship. However, even if she
understood it in her head, she couldn't open up her worries towards Ren.
"If he dies, I won't let it go."
At that time. Elena and her party left, and Ren looked around. There were traces of fierce
fighting around the bodies of the sprawling knight.
"Did she go?"
The forest was full of bird chirps and the sound of leaves swaying in the wind. This means
that the wheel of the wandering carriage had become far enough to be heard at all. Ren
grinned. He didn't think the smile would disappear from my mouth if he thought of her.
"This is exciting."
One of Ren's little pleasures was to think about Elena all day long. Ren, a brilliant enough-
to-be-called genius, had remembered everything about Elena since he first met her. The
atmosphere of the grand opening ceremony, Elena's hairstyle, dress, eyes, and cold
speech.... There was nothing more meaningful to Ren than looking back on Elena, who was
asleep in unconsciousness beyond her graduation.
It was the same today. As the memory that could be kept meaningfully had increased, will
he not like it and leave it? Ren, who was smiling like a fool, came to his senses. The place
was not very good to enjoy alone. Ren approached the body of Lucas, whom he killed.
"What if I'm sorry? I could've killed him neatly, but I couldn't."
It may sound arrogant, but Ren's words were true. In today's fight, Ren didn't do his best.
Ren's sword trick is a stab. Ren's specialty is the stabbing he showed when he fought with
Sian in the final of the Academy's swordsmanship department. The wild sword technique,
which relies on instinct, was just an eye trick for stabbing the opponent to be sure to kill.
Ren, however, never used the stab in the process of overpowering Lucas. The same was
true when he confronted knights who had been attacking him.
"Don't be so insulting. I wouldn't have been able to do this if I counted more than three.
Let's say it's all about the tragedy that happened because you were weak."
The reason Ren, who cleverly blamed Lucas, did not use the stab was to leave no trace. It
was said that in the present empire there are no knights who are as stubborn as Ren and
use perfect stabbing.
And one more. In addition to hiding the stabbing, Ren tried something more.
"Oh, that's pretty good from me. Anyone would say it's Sir Wolford's swordsmanship."
Ren grinned as he checked the wound of Lucas, who had become a dead body.
Sir Wolford, Knight Commander of Reinhardt family. As a mercenary from the grassland
tribe, he was a possessor of swordsmanship, slicing the opponent's body with the force
emanating from the giant. He was defeated by Sian, who was chasing the opium plantation
in the past, and his whereabouts were unknown.
Ren imitated the swordsmanship of Wolford, who had previous knowledgeable experience.
It was an ignorant sword technique that he made as if Wolford were here.
"If you break the sword, it's perfect."
Ren lifted the sword that he had in his hand. It was a famous sword with a symbol of
Reinhardt and was actually used by Wolford. Ren took away the sword held by the dead
knight with the other hand.
"Hoo."
After taking a deep breath, he threw Wolford's sword in his right hand over his head.
Wolford's sword rotated in the air and fell to the floor. With the sword Ren held in his left
hand, he cut the sword of Wolford with all his might.
Sagak. The sound was so soft that you couldn't believe it was a collision between iron and
iron, and Wolford's sword broke in two.
"Okay, neat."
Ren picked up a blade that broke in two and threw it at the opposite tree.
Puk. He didn't even think he tried hard to throw it, but the blade stuck in the tree shook. He
grabbed the remaining handle and threw it next to Lucas.
"The end."
It was a complete cover-up and manipulation. Today's event was completely disguised as
the work of the missing Reinhardt Wolford. Lucas's physical examination or broken
Wolford's sword will support the situation. Ren threw the sword in his left hand far away
and shook his hand.
"Your Highness will finish the rest. Let's get the bad guys out of here."
Sian and Ren met secretly and put their heads together instead of Elena, who was detained
in the Great House. As a result, the relationship between the Duke and one of the four major
families of Reinhardt could be aggravated. It was planned to nullify the election ceremony
for the Crown Princes on the basis of unsavory events. It was a great justification because
the ladies of the two families who were involved in the incident entered the final
competition.
Ren flew over the branches of a tree and disappeared over the thick forest.
And within a long time, the 2nd Knights and a carriage arrived at the scene, raising sand.
"H-how could this happen..."
Leabrick was shocked to see the devastating scene. Annihilation. There was a sense of
separation in the results that were not convincing in common sense.
"Sir Lucas!"
"Kaid, wake up!"
Leabrick's mind returned a little when the knights cried after catching the cold bodies.
There was a deep shadow of despair in her rational eyes. She was more thorough than ever
in preparation for the worst. Among the members of the 1st Knights, also called the swords
of the Grand Duke, she picked the elite and made them track down with Lucas. She was
nervous, but she didn't think of a failure.
The panoramic view she faced was devastating. Ten elite knights of the elite became cold
bodies. Among them were Lucas, who was considered the next Knight Commander.
"Look for traces. Find out where the beast went!"
Leabrick took the spirit of almost letting go and screamed. It looked ridiculous. She, who
had kept the aristocrats under her feet, was in a situation where she stared behind others.
Leabrick's tightly rolled fist trembled. She couldn't admit it. It was not enough to be
deceived by that lowly bitch, and even though she had prepared everything, she lost it
terribly. Was there anything more insulting than this?
She heard the illusion that she could hear Elena's laughter somewhere. How much would
she laugh at her, who didn't even know the subject, pretended to be smart, and was
intimidating.
Leabrick looked up at the sky with her lips in her mouth. As she looked at the empty sky,
she was filled with anger. The misery that began with a sense of inferiority made her bear
poison. She would do anything to kill Elena. Even if the emperor was changed.
"Viscountess, look at this!"
The knight came with a fragment of a broken sword and stuck it out. The pattern of the
family familiar with the sword broken in two was engraved.
"Duke Reinhardt?"
"Yes, it is presumed to be the missing Knight Commander of the Reinhardt family, Sir
Wolford."
"What?"
Leabrick touched her throbbing head. She didn't know why this sword is here, but if
Reinhardt was involved, it could not be easily passed.
"Ah, I think it was a sword of Lord Wolford."
"This destructive examination is clearly Wolford's."
"Ha."
The knights the articles continued to report, the more panic came. The existence of the
missing knight of Reinhardt, Wolford left her mind wandering even more with confusion.
"Why would Reinhardt intervene in this..."
She didn't know where to find a connection from. If Reinhardt really exists behind this, it
was the worst situation that Leabrick would not be able to deal with.
"Viscountess, you have to avoid it!"
Surprised by the knight's cry, Leabrick's head turned. Sand rose from across the mountain
to the point where the warning was overshadowed, and the palace guards came in. At once,
a young man on a white horse drove out of the gap between the guards who surrounded
the scene.
Black hair symbolizing the imperial family, eyes filled with excellence, and patterns
engraved with black dragons symbolizing the imperial family. After the emperor, Leabrick,
who recognized Sian, the noble prince, and the knights of the Grand Duke bowed their
heads and gave examples.
Sian scattered the scene while looking at their greetings and notified them in an
authoritative tone.
"I will order an investigation on the outskirts of the capital city under the authority of the
Crown Prince. I hope that the Friedrichs' knights and vassals cooperate."
Leabrick looked up at Sian with a vain glance. He was the Crown Prince even if his
authority had fallen to the floor. If she rebelled, that would have no choice but to inflict a
huge political blow on the Grand Duke.
'There's no way you calculated up to this far, did you?'
Why was the Crown Prince who went hunting here, whether it was Elena's intention, and
how many steps forward she was looking. Leabrick shook her head with a sense of
frustration that she had never felt before. Rather than the sense of defeat that she lost in
the ruse, she ate a little bit of her despair that perhaps she could not fill the gap with Elena
even if she tried her whole life.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sect 21. The Eve

There was an unprecedented incident in which knights of the Grand Duke were killed, who
said they would drop birds from outside the capital. Crown Prince Sian, who went hunting,
witnessed the accident and launched a direct investigation.
The investigation revealed a surprising fact. A broken sword of Wolford, the Knight
Commander of Reinhardt, who is known to have gone missing at the scene of the accident,
was found. Even the scars on the body of Lucas, a dead knight of the Grand House, matched
exactly that of Wolford, who performed a subversive sword technique. Evidence and
circumstances pointed to Reinhardt as a felon in the murder of the Grand Duke's knights.
Duke Chrome, who leads Reinhardt, denied it, saying it was a setup. Wolford, who had been
missing for several months, said he had nothing to do with the incident, saying he had not
returned to his family for months and was dismissed from his post.
The frustrating thing was also the Grand Duke. Due to Sian's intervention, he lost the
initiative of the investigation on the scene. In the imperial law, the area near the capital
must report to the imperial court when moving the knights in consideration of the
rebellion of the nobles, which was violated by the Grand Duke.
Leabrick planned to chase Elena after finding clues at the scene came to nothing. The
investigation was launched belatedly, and all traces were erased. Furthermore, the
situation fell into mystery as Reinhardt's involvement was suspected behind Elena. The
relationship between the two families, which formed the axis of the empire, was rapidly
cooling down as Wolford was known to have been involved in the death of a knight
belonging to the Grand Duke.
To make matters worse, the existence of Leabrick was revealed to the sun by Sian, who was
investigating the scene of the accident. The nobles protested strongly when it was revealed
that she, who had been disqualified, was leading the Knights of the Grand Duke. Led by the
heads of the West, East, and South, who led to the fall of Leabrick, Count Boroni, Viscount
Norton and Baron Juan openly expressed distrust of the Grand Duke.
In the end, even Grand Duke Friedrich stood in front of them and comforted the angry
nobles. The incident drew the line that Leabrick was acting arbitrarily and had nothing to
do with him. She also explained that she would take the heavy responsibility for the unruly
movement of the Knights.
Rumors have also been circulating about the election ceremony of the Crown Princess.
Rumors spread that the mysterious accident may be a confrontation between the two
families related to the election of the Crown Princess. In such a chaotic situation, Elena
disappeared.
As the Princess Veronica did not return to her mansion for several days after the final
contest for the crown prince's election, the vassals of the Grand Duke questioned.
Acelas, who was in charge of the Grand House as a successor to Leabrick, said that the
princess was in recuperation due to her poor health. When Veronica was absent,
groundless rumors circulated that the disease did not actually worsen, but that she gave up
the final competition because she had an internal relationship.
A few days later. A carriage entered the Grand House. The luxurious carriage, pulled by six
white horses, was more spectacular than the imperial carriage.
After seeing the carriage in front of the mansion under the spotlight, all the knights dressed
in uniform opened the door. The blonde haired woman looked up at the mansion once and
got off the carriage with a step.
"Greetings to the Princess."
The maid and servants bowed their heads in unison and greeted them. Veronica said,
scattering their faces with cool eyes.
"It's annoying."
"What?"
"Tell the gardener to pull out all the tulips and daisies."
The butler blinked his eyes and said.
"It is clear that the Princess asked to plant lively tulips and daisies..."
"I've never done that before?"
"..."
The butler was speechless. It was apparently Princess Veronica who told them to remove
the lilies planted in the garden and plant the tulips and daisies. But now she was saying
something else as if she had never done that before.
"Butler."
"Yes, Princess."
When Veronica hardened her face, the butler was startled. A fierce look pierced him.
"You can answer yes to my words. If you keep vomiting, I can't let you go."
"I-I'm sorry."
When the butler tightened his head, Veronica let go of her expression as if she had never
done so.
"I want to smell lilies in the garden. In two days."
"T-two days? Yes, miss. I'll take care of it right away."
After seeing Veronica's eyes thin, the butler quickly corrected it with a cold sweat. The
knight who escorted her just in time took out a cage from the carriage. Veronica looked
down at the singing bluebird and smiled a cold smile.
"Let's go. Where I belong."
"Yes, Your Grace."
***
Sswaaaa. Maybe it was not a familiar bed, but Elena woke up with the sound of the rain that
sounded especially loud. Located in the main building of the Secret Salon, it was Elena's
home to live in as L. It was still low and awkward, but she felt comfortable.
"I guess I'm relieved. I've been sleeping all day."
Elena was so overslept that it was awkward to take a nap. Even after returning, Elena
couldn't let go of her habits as Queen. Rather than oversleep, getting up early and getting
dressed was as natural as breathing.
But why. After she came to the salon, that habit disappeared. Khalif, worried about Elena,
who slept all day.
"It's time to get up."
Elena lifted herself up by putting the blanket away. Someone knocked, perhaps feeling the
rustling sound.
"Miss, this is May."
"Come on in."
May was wearing a dress, not a maid uniform. It was monotonous compared to what the
young ladies wore, but it was a costume that she could never dream of when she was a
maid.
"Are you waiting outside again?"
"Yes."
"When do you expect me to turn this off. Don't wait."
Elena sighed lightly and blamed her. She hoped May would no longer work as a maid. Since
she was no longer a Princess, she wanted to present a better life to May, who has suffered
so far.
"I do this because I want to. I want to serve the miss all the time."
"Thank you."
Elena shook her head as if she was sick of it. I can't break that stubbornness now, but it's
only for a while. Elena appreciated May's ability and plans to someday have her play a
necessary role in the operation of the Secret Salon.
"Any update?"
"... Princess Veronica is back."
"Really?"
Elena was calm. She expected her to come back. There was no reason not to come back
because of the absence of the final competition for the Crown Princess's election ceremony
and the absence of her for a long time.
'I want to see you.'
Elena did not lose her composure even though she recalled Veronica, who was like an
enemy. Much had changed compared to the time when he was miserably dying in a
dungeon.
The secret salon's hostess, L. The modern woman who leads cultural arts. Refusal to take
control of the capital's business world.
Elena's reputation for social influence, connections, and cultural ripple effects were all
stemming from inside the Grand House as Veronica, looking down at Veronica.
"What about Anne?"
"She should have reached the Duchy by now."
Elena expelled the maid Anne from the empire. When the Grand Duke was told that the
knights were suspected of the dead accident, she trembled and begged for her life. Emilio
said that if she wanted to live, she had to leave the Empire.
The destination was Mariana Islands. It was mentioned as a ground paradise in an old fairy
tale, but in reality, she was sent to an abandoned land where pirates were infested and the
waves were strong.
"Let's go see Emilio."
"Yes, miss."
Elena washed her face and wore a daily dress designed by Christina. Elena, dressed lightly,
left the bedroom. In principle, masks should be worn inside the salon, but the top floor of
the main building was the exception. This is because access was strictly controlled except
for some, such as Emilio and Khalif, who were in charge of the salon's actual work.
Knock, knock. Elena knocked into the office.
"It's me."
"Are you here? Please sit over here."
Emilio, who was reviewing the documents, welcomed her.
"Are you feeling better?"
"I've gotten a lot better. Except I'm still falling asleep."
"That's a relief. Sleep is the best rest in the North. If you're sleepy, please go to bed."
Elena nodded with an open smile. In the meantime, May served black tea.
"Did you recognize what I asked you to do?"
"Yes, as the benefactor said, there lived a noble couple in Cardiff, the northern city of the
Empire, with such names and surname."
Elena's hand trembled subtly with the teacup. Her composure was unbroken, but she was
emotionally agitated.
"How are they doing?"
"If you're asking me about their life, they've been living a well-to-do life thanks to their
prosperous business. People around them say that the couple has good luck and the people
are honest."
"..."
"If you don't mind, may I ask who they are?"
Elena's eyes, which had never shown tears before, became moist.
"They're my parents."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena recalled the two people she had buried in her heart. Have you escaped safely, are you
alive, are you doing well, and are you healthy... Words buried in her heart were piled up
like lumps.
When she opened the salon and had a small influence, she was immediately overwhelmed
by the desire to find them. But she held it in. She was worried that her parents might get
angry at her revenge. A little more, a little more, put it off like that and eventually got here.
Emilio carefully said.
"Why don't you meet them now?"
"No."
Elena's answer, which seemed to be going to meet at once, was unexpected. Elena moved
her emotions behind her red eyes.
"It's nice that they're, and I can't wait to hear that they're doing fine. Later, I'll look for them
in a little more time."
"Benefactor."
Elena pretended as if nothing had happened. She wanted to run even now... but she was not
foolish enough to not overcome the feelings of the moment.
'The Grand Duke is still alive. I wonder if Leabrick is really out of the picture, and Grand
Duke Friedrich is only now at the front. I have to hold it in. My parents could be in danger.'
Elena and the Grand Duke cannot live under the sky. Such a Grand Duke is alive and well.
She didn't know what she would do on a day when her parents were discovered. Rather, it
would be better to postpone the reunion. It wasn't too late to visit them after this revenge.
'Yeah, that's better.'
It hurts a little now, but it throbs as if it was stabbed by a thorn...
"I'll take care of those two."
"I'm a little relieved that Emilio said that. Have you heard anything else about them?"
Emilio told her everything he had heard. They settled in the northern part of the country,
and are said to have worked on the wine business. They added brandy to the wine in effect
to develop liquor-enhancing wines, which started in small stores and now are so popular
that they are delivered to northern aristocrats.
Elena was so proud of the two of them who settled in an exotic land with no connection.
Port wine's casting method was written in a letter given by Elena, but it was their ability to
succeed. When they were talking about a lot, Khalif who went out, came back.
"I'm here, huh? Were you here?"
Khalif slumped across the empty sofa. His tired face showed hardships.
"Senior, you're half-faced. Is it because of work that day?"
"Oh, is it because I was scared? It's still hard to fall asleep with the blood and bodies I saw
that day."
"I'm sorry. It's because of me..."
Elena was truly sorry. He saw a person die in front of him. That alone was shocking, but
since he suffered extreme fear of dying, even a grown man would not be able to overcome it
mentally.
"No, I didn't mean to pester you for an apology."
The muffled Khalif changed the subject by scratching the back of his head.
"Stop talking about the past. What's your next plan?"
"Take their breath."
Elena continued calmly.
"I'm working as an L for a while, and I'm going to strengthen the interior of the salon. I
need some time to pick up the rotten parts of the Grand Duke. I'm thinking of selling a
trap."
"Do you want to put some dirt on him?"
"So far, I've been passive, but things have changed. I'm going to hunt."
Elena has had many restrictions. As she planned to avoid the surveillance of Leabrick, she
had a narrow choice. But not anymore. Elena was now able to take the initiative in breaking
away from the surveillance and oppression of the Grand Duke.
"I checked the financial statements and business reports that Emilio gave me. I expected it,
but the real estate investment income exceeded my expectations."
"Yes, I thought it was expensive, but nobles and merchants who want to buy it more
expensively lined up."
"I guess it's true that real estate doesn't betray unless there's an epidemic or a severe
drought."
Elena had a deep smile around her mouth. Recently, land prices around the salon soared to
the ceiling site. The annex, which was grander and more elegant than the main building,
gradually brought out the beauty of the building, and as the basilica, a rectangular multi-
purpose giant building, took its dignity, the price of land fluctuated.
'It was a good idea to buy the surrounding land and buildings as soon as I could.'
Elena saw the Grand Duke earn astronomical amounts of money from the Noblesse Street
business. She realized the importance of real estate investment by watching the land in the
slums bought at a bargain price become a gold duster.
Thus, there were more than a hundred buildings, forest and land purchased in the capital in
the name of L. In addition, the difference from the sale was large enough to remain after
building new salons. In name and reality, it was not enough to be called the Empire's
greatest financier.
"Senior."
"Why are you calling me like that again. I have a lot of work. Get someone else to do it."
"People would misunderstand me as a bad employer. Please arrange a seat with the
masters."
Khalif, who had been limp like a pickled cabbage on the sofa, jumped up in surprise.
"Why are you? Are you really going to fire me?"
"Don't flip it over. I'm trying to build a relationship."
"Relationship?"
"They've been sponsored by me, but they can't dwell on it until when. It's the master's
mind that you can't buy it even with a billion dollars, and I'm going to keep them close from
now on."
That's why she sponsored the masters of the times and had a close relationship with them
through Khalif, an art broker, since her days at the academy.
It was home to the masters of the times, leading art streets, and cultural centers ahead of
the times.
When Elena's painting is completed, Noblesse Street will lose ground. The aristocrats who
are sensitive to fashion and value their artistic views will come to this street where salons
are born.
"I see what you mean. I'll schedule it."
"Please add a message to Count Willem and the Bastache family. I hope we can see each
other together."
Khalif asked back as if he was surprised.
"Your Highness and Ren together?"
"Yes, I have something to discuss."
While Elena fled to the salon, a collaboration between Sian and Ren brought Reinhardt.
Thanks to this, it succeeded in turning attention from Elena, and the Grand Duke who
moved the Knights without reporting to the imperial family became quite difficult. Elena
did not miss this opportunity and wanted to further isolate the Grand Duke politically.
Then, the help of those two was absolutely necessary.
"I'm sad to hear that. Your Highness, even if he gets hurt, is discussing it with Ren, and
you're not going to discuss it with me?"
"If you..."
"Look at her talking. Let's talk about it. That... Right, trap. Yeah, let's talk about a trap
again."
Khalif with folded arms opened his eyes. It was a sign that he would not give up until they
discussed it. As if she couldn't help it, Elena said.
"I will destroy the ambition of the Grand Duke."
"Good, good. You should be ambitious. But what's the Grand Duke's ambition?"
Elena's eyes deepened. She knew the real purpose of Grand Duke Friedrich, who had never
spoken before.
"The Regent."
"What?"
"To take control of the Empire on behalf of the Emperor."
"Hiccup!"
Khalif, surprised enough to make his heart flutter, hiccuped.
***
The safe house where Veronica left was sad. If it wasn't for the luxurious carriage at the
entrance, it was so bleak that it could be believed to have been abandoned. The footsteps of
Grand Duke Friedrich rang in a gloomy dungeon that couldn't be reached.
"H-help me! I was wrong. I can do it now!"
"Please, get me out. Your Highness! I'll tell you everything. Yes?"
Despite the earnest request of those trapped inside the bars, Grand Duke Friedrich did not
give a single glance. Being trapped here itself meant that it was those who fought against
the Grand Duke, those who were useless, or those who disobeyed. Stopping at the end of
the hallway, Grand Duke Friedrich looked down over the iron bars.
"You look ridiculous."
Leabrick, who became half-faced due to imprisonment, raised her head. Her hair was
messy and her neat dress was dirty. There was no trace of the woman who was shaking up
the empire with the brain of the Grand Duke.
"Tsk, tsk, you've been beaten by a girl who doesn't even know the roots of the duchy."
"..."
"The Leabrick of the conspiracy seems to have had a lot of bubbles in its reputation. Or,
after tasting moderate success, you became arrogant."
Leabrick's eyes were trembling at the insulting remarks of Grand Duke Friedrich. She could
bear it as much as he wanted. What was more miserable than that was that she was
trampled so badly by Elena that she couldn't deny a word of it.
"... Kill me."
"You want me to kill you?"
Grand Duke Friedrich laughed and laughed.
"This is hard. Didn't you see me as too merciful?"
"..."
"They're asking to pay a huge fine for moving a knight without permission in the imperial
family. Is that all? The nobles talk a lot about your command of the Knights."
Leabrick became a honeyed chick. It was a mistake and a failure. She had nothing to say
even if she had ten mouths. Looking at her avoiding eye contact, Grand Duke Friedrich
sarcastically said.
"Have you looked in here? Half of the people trapped here are your work."
"Y-Your Highness."
"Keep rotting in here. Every day look back at yourself in their place and despair, Leabrick."
When he mentioned her name, Leabrick's lips, which had already turned blue, trembled.
Grand Duke Friedrich fluttered as if he enjoyed her reaction.
"Don't you know again? I wonder if my mind will change over time. Then I may think of
your talent and bring you out."
"Please..."
Grand Duke Friedrich turned around with a small laugh as if she could not hear her. Before
long, the stillness that had been laid over the flickering candlelight was broken by the cries
of the prisoners.
"Y-You're Leabrick?!"
"You locked me in here. I'm innocent!"
"I'm gonna kill you! I'm gonna kill you and I will die too! Ugh!"
Prisoners trapped in the bars of iron used various swear words and went crazy. As Grand
Duke Friedrich said, half of them were either deceived by Leabrick's conspiracy or were
taken in hostile ways and trapped here.
"Stop it."
Leabrick pulled her legs up and curled. Just by being trapped, she suffered terrible horror
and despair, and when the abuse, insults, disparagement, and contempt of prisoners with
resentment poured out, she had no mental skill to grapple with.
"Please, stop!"
Leabrick covered her ears with both hands and screamed. However, her cries were of no
use but to further stimulate the prisoners who were held in evil. Rather, they became more
intense, as if trying to crush her mind. For a very long time.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The air of the Grand House had changed. The externally noisy incident also played a part,
but not necessarily because of that. Everyone held their breath at the whims of Veronica.
Veronica became a different person from the election of the Crown Princess. Everyone was
worried about seeing only her eyes.
"Miss, I've got coffee."
Even when she served coffee, the maid always couldn't shake off her question. Veronica
enjoyed drinking black tea. If you think about it, black tea is among the real products of the
Grand House. However, one day Veronica didn't even put black tea in her mouth. She only
drank coffee that was thick enough to be considered bitter.
The interior of the bedroom and reception room has also been changed. The patronage
tulips and daisies were pulled out and all chrysanthemums were planted there. In the
process, the gardener who failed to meet the time was fired.
Veronica smiled satisfactorily as she looked around at the new mermaid dress reflected in
the full-length mirror.
"It's like a dress that exists for me, no matter who looks at it."
"You're right."
"I don't know how you can be so charming."
The maids poured out compliments to dry their mouths. Veronica took such praise as if it
were natural.
"Christina was the first person to design this dress?"
"In the capital, they are called revolutionary designers, and there are many young ladies'
orders."
"Tell her to come to the Grand House."
"Yes, miss."
Veronica was very satisfied with her first mermaid dress after her return. She liked the
design that saved the body line and added proper exposure to the fullest. As a result, she
was overwhelmed by the desire to try on Christina's dress, which is considered the highest
peak of mermaid dresses, not sub-products.
It was when Veronica, who finished dressing up, sat on the sofa and savored the coffee that
the maid had served.
"Huh? Uh!"
The youngest maid, who was trying to clean up the bird droppings in the cage in the corner,
was surprised and shrank. The bluebirds, anxious by the strange touch, came out of the
cage.
Bluebirds roamed around the drawing room, chirping loudly as if life in the cage had been
frustrating. The youngest maid, who got up late later, tried to catch the blue bird in the
white light of the day, but it was not enough to catch a bird flying higher than her height.
"I-I beg your pardon, miss. I'll grab it and put it back."
The youngest maid sweated and tried to catch the bird somehow. Her shoulders trembled
at the anxiety that this incident would bring down corporal punishment.
Veronica slapped her lips as she put down her coffee cup.
"Everyone can make mistakes."
"I-I won't let this happen again. I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
"But not my maid."
"M-miss."
The face of the youngest maid, who was already pale, was whiter than a blank sheet.
"Open the wardrobe."
Veronica's words quickly opened the wardrobe of nervous maids next to her. The interior
was empty because it was mainly used by outsiders to hang up outerwear.
"Put yourself in."
"M-miss! Please forgive me once. I won't make this mistake again."
"Why did you do something you shouldn't do again? Lock her up."
Afraid of Veronica's words falling, the maids rushed in and threw the begging youngest
maid into the wardrobe and closed the door.
"Lock it with a lock. If she's locked in for three or four days, she'll get a little conscious."
Ignoring the appeal of the youngest maid in the wardrobe, Veronica raised her body. She
told her to keep the bluebird and left the drawing room. Across the corridor, her arrival
was at the office of Acelas, who was in charge of the Grand House instead of Leabrick.
"Welcome, Princess. Sit this way, please."
With Veronica and the table between them, Acelas sat face to face.
"Did you hear from my father?"
"Yes, he told me to discuss the matter with the princess and decide."
"Discuss."
Veronica's expression, which was smiling, completely lost her grin.
"The baron just needs to give his opinion. I'll decide."
(T/N: Acelas is actually Baron. Not a Baroness.)
"I've made a slip of the tongue. I'll do that."
Acelas smiled servilely and showed thorough obedience to Veronica. Veronica's eyebrows
curled like a crescent moon.
"You're good at dealing with the world."
"I'm good at grasping the subject."
Acelas grinned. There was an insidiousness that was not suitable for an oversized body.
The most likely successor to Leabrick was Artil. He was evaluated as having as good
analytical skills as Leabrick, and had determination and action. However, Acelas was
appointed as her successor. The reason was the flexibility to bend depending on the
opponent.
"Do you know why my father left me to work?"
"How am I supposed to go through the depths of His Highness? I just believe and follow."
"Because I look like my father. This idea."
Veronica gave an act to poke her head with her finger.
"It's something nobody can do. As my father did, I'm the only noble-born one who can
succeed the Grand Duke. I don't dare imagine the low things."
Veronica's face became full of smiles. For some reason, the meaningful Acelas felt uneasy.
"Do you know why Leabrick failed? It's simple. They played with each other, she didn't
know how to properly step on it."
"..."
"If it were me, I would have stepped on her so she wouldn't even make eye contact. That's
what human fear is all about."
Acelas breathed without knowing. Veronica's lip-biting actions and eyes showed a madness
that he could not believe was the spirit of a young lady. For a while, Veronica returned with
a gentle smile, as if she had never done so.
"Then I'll give you candy. More vicious. Like a puppy wagging its tail after longing for his
master's praise."
"..."
"You understand me, don't you?"
"It's everything I know. I'll give Your Highness my life if you say so."
"That's a desirable attitude."
Veronica began a full-fledged discussion about the practice of the Grand Duchy.
"When is the completion of Noblesse Street?"
"We expect half a year until some disclosure time. It's about a year away from completion."
"Pull it forward."
"What? That's a field situation..."
"I'm the judge. Do as you are told."
It was already speeding up the construction process by moving up the timing. So, half a
year later, some remodeling was made possible, but Veronica even ordered him to move it
forward.
"Okay."
Acelas said she would do that's what he said. He thought he should push the lower ones
more for his own safety.
"We've moved up the schedule, so we need to get ready, right? I'm going to bring a master
who could symbolize the dignity of Noblesse Street."
"Is there anyone you've thought about?"
"Painter Raphael, designer Christina, musician Centonio."
Veronica did what she considered. Masters up and down in aristocratic society will be able
to raise the level of Noblesse Street, where only nobles can enter.
"Let's get in touch."
"Promise honor, not money. Artists want honor when they're full like a habit, like beggars."
"That makes sense."
"If you say that you'll put them in a page in the history of the Grand Duke, of course they
will come. No, they're going to throw away their pride and come."
Looking at Acelas with his head moving, he added if Veronica had anything in mind.
"Oh, if they still don't come?"
Veronica's eyes became colder.
"Get rid of them. We'll just have to find another replacement."
 ***
"Senior!"
Elena's voice, which opened the drawing room on the top floor of the salon, was greeted.
Throughout the past and present life, a meeting with a man who gives Elena the most
comfortable rest was arranged.
"Long time no see, Luci... No, L."
Raphael smiled awkwardly as if the name L still stuck to his mouth. It wasn't just a name.
Faced without disguise as Lucia, Elena subtly lowered herself. Her nobility and dignity,
which could not be approached recklessly, have made her feel different from his memory.
"I know you have a lot to say. I'm sure there are a lot of things you want to ask. It's late, but
I'll tell you everything now."
Elena understood the confusion Raphael must be feeling now. A few months ago, when they
met in the salon, she hinted that she was a stand-in for Veronica.
'At that time, I was too busy to explain it properly.'
She didn't have a chance to explain because of her previous appointment with Ren. If she
knew she wouldn't see him for such a long time, it was better not to speak up at that time.
Elena confessed things she couldn't say to Raphael.
How she became Veronica's character, why she disguised herself as Lucia, and how she set
up the salon and prepared revenge by becoming L. She had a lot to talk about.
"I should have told you earlier, but I'm sorry I told you too late."
"No, you couldn't tell me, and you had a reason, right? Now that you've told me, I'm fine.
Whatever L's real name or identity is, it doesn't really matter to me."
Raphael had a unique complacent smile. Elena's mind and body were relaxed just by
looking at that smile.
"You're always the same, senior. That's why I feel comfortable spending time with my
senior."
Raphael swallowed a bitter smile. That word of comfort came to him with a wound. As the
saying goes, "If you get away from your eyes, you get away from your heart," he thought
that if he stayed away, his heart for Elena would cool down. But as soon as he saw her
today, the touching feeling came back to life like it was then.
On that day, Raphael was so worried that he couldn't sleep when he was told that she was
not the real princess. Now that the wall of status has disappeared, he wanted to take
courage and confess. He wanted to give his heart to her even if she refused.
But when he saw Elena, he couldn't bring it up. He was afraid she'd get far away. He was
afraid she'd feel uncomfortable. He was afraid she'd be disappointed.
Numerous thoughts interrupted his head, and eventually Raphael was forced to stand in
front of Elena and smile at what he had been doing so far.
"And it turns out that the Grand House sent me a person. I was wondering if it was from my
junior, but I guess it's not."
"It's not me. What did you talk about at the Grand House?"
Elena's attitude changed when Raphael mentioned the Great House.
"They told me to come in Noblesse Street."
"...!"
"I thought maybe it was from my junior, so I said I'd think about it and they sent me back,
but if I knew it, I would have refused."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena's eyes became thinner. There was still a year and a half left until the opening of
Noblesse Street. The initial plan would be completed in a year, but as the redevelopment
project progressed, it was often postponed, and Elena's obstruction also contributed.
Considering that, she predicted that she would not contact the masters until about half a
year later, but the Grand Duke was far ahead of her expectations.
"That's weird. It's still a long way from completion, but I can't believe you're already
looking for you."
"According to what I heard that day, they said that they would release partial disclosure
sooner."
"Partial disclosure?"
She thought two main reasons might have played a major role in the fact that the Grand
Ducks had no choice but to decide on some disclosures. The salon and the development of
the streets, and the pressure of funds.
As astronomical funds have been invested, Noblesse Street is a high-risk project for large-
scale houses. In the meantime, Leabrick, who had been pushing for the project ambitions,
even suffered a disagreement. She was also anxious that Noblesse Street would lose its
place as the area developed differently around Secret Salon.
"Yes, and they told me to come into Noblesse Street and help the business. Leave my name
on a page in the history of the Grand Duke. It's going to be an absolute honor."
Elena laughed in vain as if she was full of energy. Raphael is a master of the era that led to
the revival of culture and art. It was ridiculous for Raphael to talk about the history of the
Grand Duke.
"I don't have eyes for it. You're not a page of history, you're a great master enough to write
a book."
"..."
"There's nothing they can't say to a man who moves the time. Oh, I'm angry."
Elena was really angry, so she even made a hand fan and shook it. Raphael's mouth corners
went up to see her passionate for him.
"I'm not that great."
Elena stared at him and threw a word.
"Then let's call you amazing."
"... I want to hide in the hole of a mouse."
"Why? I'm serious. I'm not lying. No, I can't. As times go by, senior will be recorded as a
greater artist. Believe me."
Elena's eyes were filled with desperation to convince him that he was really that kind of
person. Raphael smiled without malice to know the truth.
"Did you? I've always been fooled. You kept everything a secret from me."
"That... Oh, I feel like a shepherd girl."
Because of her sin, Elena couldn't complain about anything and her lips were sweet.
Raphael's smile became stronger when he saw that.
"Just kidding. You're a junior who recognized and believed me. So I'm not going."
Elena looked at Rafael with a subtle look. Raphael said, with his eyes as serious as ever.
"Tell me not to go."
"... Don't go."
Elena carefully expressed her true feelings. It's not just about catching him because he's a
good senior and an artist who leads the times. For Elena, who ran only for revenge, Raphael
was a relief between the past and the present.
Raphael's expression became loose due to Elena's dissuasion. He had no intention of
leaving in the first place, but he was not strong enough to go even after hearing the bad
relationship between the Grand Duke and Elena.
"I'm not going."
"Senior."
"I won't leave unless the owner of this salon changes. So get your revenge as much as you
want. Tell me if there's anything I can do to help."
Raphael smiled as if not to worry. Elena felt overwhelming gratitude for the smile that she
couldn't express in words.
"Senior, there's no return."
"That's better."
The two laughed face to face.
***
Elena, who started working at the salon in earnest, was very busy. It was overwhelming to
meet and communicate with the masters and prepare for the opening of the annex. It was
unclear whether she would butter even two bodies if she participated in future
presentations or discussions in the salon.
"Miss, you look happy."
"Do I?"
"Yes, I've never seen this face in the Great House."
As May said, Elena had a very rewarding and enjoyable day by day. Due to the tight
schedule, her body was full of energy, even though she was tired.
Elena met Christina, who was considered a revolutionary designer. In favor of Elena, she
confessed that the Grand Duke had proposed to leave the salon.
"Why would I go there? My muse, L, is here. The inspiration for my work itself. Are they
going crazy?"
Christina refused to give room to the offer of the Grand Duke. It was the same with the
other two masters.
"I heard that a disease cannot be cured if you miss the treatment period. I have no intention
of leaving until this ear is deaf."
Centonio, the father of the symphony, who was able to receive treatment on time thanks to
Elena's support, felt that he could not repay anything for it.
She met other masters separately, but there was no additional artist who tried to contact
the Grand Duke. That meant that the Grand Duke had contacted Raphael, Christina and
Centonio the most.
"He must be in a lot of trouble by now. The Grand Duke has been rejected by a single artist,
so will his pride be hurt?"
With the status of the Grand Duchy at the forefront, the bridge of the nose was bound to hit
the sky. It was nice to see such a Grand Duke. For Elena, it was thrilling as if her insides
were pierced.
"I can't stand still. The construction of the basilica is a month after the opening of the salon
annex. We need to hurry up and arrange the boutiques and shops of the masters."
Elena planned to give the royal floors and zones of the basilica to the masters. It had been
prepared since she asked architect Diaz to build the basilica. If masters open boutiques or
shops there, aristocrats will inevitably flock to the streets of the salon. The aristocrats are
sensitive to fashion and scarcity. Everything went smoothly.
And then, one day. She got a reply from Sian and Ren. A smile spread around Elena's mouth
when she saw the letter.
"Tomorrow."
The three of them could get together in one place.
Elena's daily routine began with reading newspapers early in the morning. It was to
understand the situation of the capital and to read the trend of the times.
Elena paid attention to the story of the rally, which embellished the front page of the
newspaper. Speakers who recently visited the square in the capital city were busy
spreading their ideas to the people of the country.
Most of these were commoners from academic institutions or fallen aristocrats. Having
interacted with Jacqueline, ideologically influenced, they constantly argued for
enlightenment. Everyone, regardless of their status, must learn and realize. Don't rely on
others and make your own choices.
It seems so natural, but there are not many imperial citizens who live on their own will
except for the nobility. They only lived the day fiercely like a wheel. Since eating and living
was the first priority, learning was a luxury, the status system, which was rooted to the
core, was considered natural for them to obey the choice of lords and nobles rather than to
make their own choices.
"The problem is the nobles. They don't want the common people to learn."
The common people were no different from livestock in the perception of the nobles. For
them, commoners were only targets of exploitation and nothing more than that.
However, the story changes when commoner people learn. They feel unfair and voice that
something is wrong.
The nobles, who hoped that the vested interests would not be broken, did not want such a
change. Learning is a force that makes you think. The possibility of thinking that one's life is
unfair increases.
The nobles wanted the common people to remain livestock. Therefore, the aristocracy's
antipathy toward enlightenment was natural.
"I can Your Highness working so hard unconsciously."
Sian encouraged plaza rallies and eased crackdowns. If it weren't for him, the rally
wouldn't have been so public. He also put pressure on newspapers with the words of Count
Willem and deleted a number of contents that could provoke aristocrats. He took into
account the fact that the main consumers of newspapers are aristocrats.
No one else knows, but Elena knew. She heard the speakers talking directly as she was
passing by the rally site in a carriage. Among them, many speakers had radical tendencies.
The reason why they are not rumored was also due to Sian's effort without realizing it.
"Civil consciousness needs to grow and aristocrats need to change."
Elena had no doubt that this small wind would turn into a typhoon. Although it was slowly
changing, just as a small crack eventually breaks into two pieces of rock, changes in
perception will eventually culminate in the destruction of the Grand Duke.
"Hey, miss."
May, who brought soup, simple bread and salad, said, putting the plate on the table.
"What's wrong?"
"We have a visitor."
"Visitor?"
Elena, who was savoring black tea, blinked her eyes and put down the teacup. She couldn't
believe there was a guest. In the early morning.
"Sir Ren."
"What?"
"If you've invited him, he told me to tell you not to make your guest wait long."
"That man is so..."
Elena's lips twitched. Absurdly, a foolish laughter flowed out. She had an appointment with
Sian and Ren to discuss the future today. But the scheduled appointment was scheduled in
the afternoon. It was too early to say that he came early. It was as if he had come early to
annoy Elena.
Elena hurried down the secret passageway to the drawing room. When the bookshelf
opened as it moved sideways, Elena stepped into the drawing room with a skirt.
"Come on in."
Ren, who threw off his mask on the sofa, waved his hand and pretended to know. Elena
stared at Ren with a worried look.
'Thank God. He doesn't look hurt.'
On the day she ran away from the chase of the Grand Duke, she was worried about Ren,
who was left alone inside. When Sian came in, seeing that he wasn't at the scene of the
accident, she guessed that he would have escaped safely, but after seeing him with her own
eyes, she was more relieved.
"Ha... Isn't it too early to say that you're here on time for an appointment?"
"I'm kind of diligent. I think you're a little lazy."
"Senior, didn't you arrive too fast?"
Ren shrugged his shoulders at Elena's pointed answer.
"Wish."
"..."
"You're supposed to grant me your wish, aren't you?"
Ren cut the front and back and threw the main point. He wished for something to be
granted as a condition to help Elena escape. Ren asked for it.
"Tell me. Again, I can't listen to anything more than my ability."
"I don't even want that in the first place."
"So what?"
When Elena looked at him, Ren grinned.
"Use your time on me."
"W-what do I use?"
Elena asked back because she thought she heard it wrong. Time, what else is this about?
"Let's see."
Ren took out his watch. The hour hand was running toward nine o'clock.
"It's about six hours before Our Highness comes."
"..."
"Stay with me for that time."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena stared at Ren with shaky eyes. It was always like this. The man caused a stir by
throwing stones into Elena's gentle stream with vague words.
"... Together?"
"Yeah."
"What are you doing? I can't go out of the salon, you know."
"Who wants to go out? I like this place. Let's stand here."
"Here?"
She was at a loss for asking too much, but Ren didn't want much. It was even small.
'It's not a difficult request, let's do it.'
She didn't know what he was thinking, but as long as she promised to grant him a wish, she
thought this was better than unreasonable demands.
"Okay. Instead, it's not ripe."
Although she accepted it, it felt awkward to be alone in one space. Maybe that's why she
kept talking to him.
"Have you eaten?"
"What about you?"
Rather, Ren asked again.
"Not yet."
"You can't skip meals?"
"Thanks to whom I haven't eaten yet."
She was about to have breakfast when she heard that Ren had come, so she hurriedly
dressed up and came down.
"Okay, I'm full even if I don't eat, but I'll eat it with you. I have such a big stomach."
"Thank you very much."
Elena laughed in vain and shook the string on one side of the drawing room to ring the bell.
Soon after, May came down through the secret passage.
"Did you call me?"
"Please prepare a meal. I'll eat here, so make it simple."
Elena, who had been burdened by cutting meat since morning, asked for soft and light
salmon.
Then Ren suddenly came in.
"Not salmon, beef. Fish is not so good. Châteaubriand on the part. Bearnaise on the sauce."
Elena looked at Ren with a face asking if there was anything like this in the tricky order. As
if to enjoy such a look, Ren smirked, shrugging his shoulders. May disappeared back into
the secret passageway to prepare for the meal.
A little over thirty minutes later, the secret passage door opened again. May, who brought
the cart, set them up on a table on the side of the drawing room.
"Eat."
Elena and Ren sat face to face at the end of the table and started eating. Ren cut and ate
steaks one after another to the point where the word "I'm not hungry" was overshadowed.
"I heard you're full even if you don't eat?"
"I'll be punished if I leave food."
Ren grinned and chewed the steak in his mouth. Elena's cheeks twitched because he was
unknowingly cheeky. Even Elena's facial expression was a small pleasure for Ren. In fact,
Ren had a hearty breakfast. Nevertheless, he thought Elena would eat a little more if he ate
deliciously.
When the meal was over, May cleaned up and went back. Elena checked the watch and
there were five hours left until the appointment.
"A cup of tea, won't you?"
"Were you going to give it to me now?"
Elena stood up against Ren's brazen demand. She told May to boil water in the kettle and
poured it into the tea leaves.
Ren couldn't take his eyes off Elena. He put it all the way to his chin and captured Elena's
eyes as she made the tea and every gesture. He wanted to keep the appearance of her
making tea just for him for a long time.
"Here."
Elena held out the clear and deep tea to Ren. Ren, who picked up the cup, slowly savored
the tea. He didn't know the taste of black tea, and he didn't know how to enjoy it, but he
liked it.
"Would you like more?"
"Give me."
Elena poured tea water into the empty cup.
"What should we do now?"
"There's nothing to do?"
Ren leaned back as if he were lying on the sofa. He took a very comfortable posture and
stared at Elena.
"Why do you look at me like that?"
Elena's eyebrows frowned. Either that or not, She didn't know that Ren's gaze would fall
from Elena's face. As the time got longer, Elena was bothered and burdened. If she didn't
turn her head once and look through, it would be even more weird if that didn't bother her.
"Can't you stop watching?"
"Why?"
"I feel pressured."
Ren smirked.
"I don't want to."
"..."
"You do your job. I'm doing my job."
She listened to it with a big heart because it was his wish, but Ren's wish was too simple.
'Does he really want this? I remember he wasn't like this before.'
Elena glanced at Ren. Ren in front of her was hard to define. The same person as in the past
is clear, but the attitude toward her was clearly different.
"Don't regret it later. You told you to do what I want, so I'm sure I will."
"Do it."
Elena picked up a thick book from the bookshelf and sat down. It was a book called <The
History of Philosophy>. Ren grinned at the title.
"Philosophy is good."
"Senior, would you like a copy, too?"
"No, look at it. It's complicated and a headache."
Elena turned her eyes to the book as if she knew it. It was described from what perspective
philosophy had developed throughout the times. It was a boring story as long as the full
type, but once it was taken away, Elena fell into the book. It was even more interesting to
see it compared to the time of the present empire when enlightenment ideas emerged.
"Ah."
Elena, who was reading intensively, covered the book for a while. This is why she had a stiff
shoulder after reading a book in one position for a long time.
"Ah?"
Elena, who was stretching while touching her shoulders, felt that the sense of
incompatibility had disappeared and looked ahead. As before, she saw Ren sitting with his
chin, on the sofa.
"... He fell asleep."
Perhaps because of the still silence, she could hear Ren's breathing sound calmly. Elena,
who was staring at the scene, quietly got up on the sofa. As if it would break, she crept to
the fireplace like a thief cat and took out a blanket.
"You look like a baby."
Elena, who carefully covered the blanket, couldn't take her eyes off Ren, who fell asleep.
Who would know this man as the worst person in the Empire? With that peaceful face, he
slept like a baby in a cradle.
"This is what he looks like."
Today was the first time she'd seen his face in detail, even though she'd seen a considerable
amount of time from the bad relationship of the past life to the relationship of the present
life. He was handsome when she opened them one by one. It occurred to her that he has a
jawline that goes well with his straight eyebrows, nose, and curly hair flowing down the
forehead. The firmness underneath the free-spirited-looking shirt was both young and
strangely well-suited.
It was hard to understand what life was like. Would she have guessed it would be such a
relationship with Ren and not someone else? Bad relationships are also fate, this sentence
was really moving. Thinking about the terrible past, it didn't make sense for Elena to come
out and cover him with a blanket.
"Hey."
"... You didn't sleep?"
"You're too close."
A hoarse voice came out between Ren's lips. Only then did Elena step back, realizing that
they were close to each other as if she could hear breathing. Perhaps because she was in a
hurry to be surprised, she sprained her ankle.
"Huh? Uh!"
I tried not to fall by putting strength all over my body, but it was useless. As soon as the
unbalanced body was about to fall, Ren stretched out his arms and grabbed Elena's wrist. It
was quick, but it didn't hurt, so friendly that the warmth of your hands could be conveyed.
At the same time, the force of pulling Elena contained an irresistible force.
"Oh!"
When Elena let out a short scream, her body, which had lost its balance, regained stability.
Of course, on Ren's lap. Like holding Ren's arm as a prop.
Elena swallowed her breath without realizing it. No, she couldn't breathe. He was worried
that he might hear her heart beating so fast. Ren's eyes and breath touched her very
quickly, and from her neck to her face, she burned red.
'I-It's too close.'
Maybe that's why her alertness was broken when she saw Ren who fell asleep earlier.
Elena was as embarrassed by the feelings she felt as much as this situation.
"Careful, huh?"
"..."
"I saved you again."
Ren grinned. Clear, attractive, without lies. Elena, who had put his smile, voice, and warmth
for a while, stood up from Ren's leg as she pushed. Ren didn't catch Elena like that either.
Instead, he was just looking at Elena with a silent smile. To avoid this awkward situation,
Elena pretended to be fine.
"I'm sorry, I'm not that bad at making mistakes."
"Did you?"
"And you saved my life. If I had saved you, I would have saved you, when would senior have
saved me?"
The smile near Ren's mouth became deeper. He'd already saved her a few times. He didn't
know why Elena, was forcing herself as if she doesn't know such a fact, looked pretty.
'Ah, what if I make this mistake.'
Elena regretted approaching Ren rashly. Otherwise, there would have been no way to
express embarrassing feelings because of this unexpected accident. Elena, who hurriedly
escaped from his arms, returned to her seat. Ren's face was fresh to see Elena like that.
"I have something to say."
"... Go ahead. When did you get permission?"
Elena's words, saying she didn't know what to do because of what happened a while ago,
went out loud.
"Hey, this isn't a conversation. Don't you have to look at me?"
Ren was mischievous about Elena, who avoided attention.
'Let's calm down.'
Regardless of his will, she managed to calm her beating heart as if it were broken. Elena,
who regained her composure in the near future, said shamelessly as if nothing had
happened.
"What do you want to say?"
"Will you hate me if I tell you this?"
"I still don't like you very much."
"Then will you hate me more?"
"I hesitate to know what it is."
Not like Ren's procrastination, Elena urged. As he was an unpredictable type of human
being, she was nervous about what he would say.
"The reason why you became a stand-in, or why you had to be."
"..."
"What if I was at the beginning?"
Ren's mouth was smiling, but his eyes weren't smiling. Behind the playful way of speaking,
there was a seriousness that had never been seen before.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

'The reason I had to be a substitute?'

Elena's eyes looking at Ren shook. The background of coming to the Grand Duchy, the
reason... and the fact that Ren was at the center of it caused a stir.
"Don't you wonder why Veronica disappeared? Suddenly that healthy kid?"
"Why?"
"She was poisoned."
Elena's eyes were strengthened. Considering that she couldn't show up for nearly three
years, she thought she was really suffering from a disease. But poison? Does that mean
someone intentionally poisoned her?
"No way."
Elena, who was lost in thought, looked up with a cold feeling. Ren smiled faintly. It was a
different smile than usual for some reason.
"That's right. I poisoned her."
"...!"
Ren didn't hide it and told everything honestly. He could just hide it, but he didn't want to
hide it strangely.
"And the Grand Duke built a stand-in. That's you."
'It was. It was like that.'
Elena faced the truth that she wanted to know so much. It felt completely different to know
the truth from just guessing. She didn't expect Ren to be at the beginning.
"Hey."
Ren sang bluntly, looking at Elena's unusual expression. Elena, who raised her head, looked
at Ren like that.
"Are you angry?"
Ren's voice and eyes trembled slightly. He always seemed uncharacteristically nervous,
having nothing to fear in the world in his own way. Elena's eyes, looking at Ren, who was
anxious, were furious.
She'd been separated from her family, she had Ian taken away, and she had been killed in
misery. If Ren hadn't poisoned Veronica, such misfortune might not have come.
"..."
When Elena was silent, Ren's lips dried up.
'Should I have said nothing?'
He confessed the truth because he wanted to be honest, but his heart burned as Elena's
silence grew longer. He never learned or experienced this situation, so he didn't know how
to deal with it. This is all Ren could say.
"Do you want to hit me?"
"..."
Elena's beautiful eyebrows went up. He remained playful as usual, but his expression was
somewhat rigid. Maybe that's why? She felt that maybe this was a kind of apology.
"I'm actually angry."
"..."
"I hate you, I resent you."
Elena opened up and poured out her feelings. Elena could tell even though he was
pretending to be okay. That Ren was hurt. The evidence was the despondency and
awkward smile that she'd never seen before.
"But senior couldn't help it either."
"What?"
"You must have been mad at Veronica, hated her, and resentful."
Ren's eyes shook mercilessly as if there was an earthquake. No one had ever tried to
understand his wounds and sincerity, so Elena's words that understand Ren, let alone
blame, permeated Ren's thinnest and weakest part.
"So I understand."
'It hurt a lot, and it still hurts now, but...'
It was her past life marked by regret, but it was her choice in the end. And she met Ian
there. It was a blessing to meet Ian and a joy that was the best in the world. Now she can
say this, but thanks to Veronica's poisoning, Elena could be there.
She became the hostess of the secret salon, L.
She was called the leading new woman of the times.
It transformed terrible relationships into a relationship.
Elena smiled. A smile stronger and more confident than ever was filled with pride in the life
she is walking now.
"What, you scared me."
"Were you scared, senior?"
"That's what I'm saying. Do you think I'm gonna scare you with that?"
Ren bluffed. He pretended to be strong because he didn't want to be caught.
"Call me Ren."
"Ren."
Elena called out his name as if she had waited as soon as the word was over.
"How can you get used to it so quickly?"
"Honestly, the word "senior" didn't stick to my mouth."
Elena also looked relieved. Calling Ren a senior was unnatural, as if she had a thorn in his
throat.
"Tell me now."
"What do you want me to tell you?"
"Your real name."
"..."
"Can I keep calling you hey?"
"Call me L."
"Hey, it's a happy day. We don't even know our names on a day like this?"
Elena asked again as if it was absurd.
"What kind of relationship do we have?"
"Between names?"
"I'm not on board yet?"
"That's why you should be."
Elena laughed ridiculously at the absurd logic. Why. She used to be fed up with Len's
ridiculous demands and coercion, but not anymore.
'I can't believe that story sounds like a joke.'
It was an unbelievable change even when she thought about it herself. Maybe that's why.
She was able to hide it, but she appreciated Ren's sincerity in confessing that he was
involved in the poisoning of Veronica.
"... Elena."
Elena felt awkward even when she said her name. This is because this is the first time she
had revealed her real name since she came to the empire. It was nonsense that Ren was the
opponent.
"Elena. Elena. Elena. It's good to be on the same page."
Ren, who repeatedly murmured her name like a parrot, seemed excited.
"Elena."
"What?"
"Elena."
"Stop calling me."
He wasn't a kid, but a sigh came when she saw Ren playing with her name. Her head was
pounding with regret that she shouldn't have told him.
"How's the Grand Duchy going?"
After leaving the Grand Duchy, there was a long way to find out the internal situation.
However, it was easy to get information because there were people planted by Ren in the
mansion.
"It looks like Veronica's getting into business?"
"Veronica?"
Elena's voice went up. Unlike Ren, who acted like it was nothing, it was a very important
issue for Elena.
"There's been more contact between Acelas and Veronica in the mansion. What would the
two of them do spending all that wonderful time together?"
"Conspiracy."
"They're going to be thinking head-to-head."
Elena was lost in thought as she touched her chin.
'Is Veronica working?'
When Veronica returned to the Grand Duchy, she thought she would concentrate on the
work of a princess. It was a misjudgment.
'Then I know nothing about Veronica.'
Before she died, she faced Veronica and had a few conversations. She guessed the cruel
nature and sincerity, but she never knew what kind of person she was. It was hard to
predict how she would turn out without knowing Veronica.
"Do you happen to know anything about Veronica? Even so, you're cousins, right?"
"You know, we're not good cousins."
Ren was right about that. If they had a good relationship, he wouldn't have tried poisoning
her in the first place.
"What are you curious about?"
Ren leaned loosely on the sofa. He even made a gesture of tapping his hand as if to ask
anything.
'I can't trust you.'
Unlike grumbling, Elena trusted Ren deeply. From planting spies in the great streets to
poisoning Veronica. Without systematic and sufficient information collection and planning,
it would never have been successful.
"Tell me about Veronica."
"She's a crazy bitch."
"Don't play around."
"Really?"
Elena put up with it once.
"She's completely out of her mind."
"Can't you answer me seriously?"
"I'm serious. Do you think I'm messing with you?"
When Ren, who was relieved of his smile, said again, Elena bit her lips. She didn't like the
answer very much, but it was ambiguous to question him anymore because he even looked
serious.
"Do you know what the dog likes? Birds."
"Birds?"
"Dead birds, to be exact. The birds she kills herself. "
"...!"
A mysterious painting hung in the Veronica room passed through Elena's mind.
A mysterious painting hung in the Veronica room passed through Elena's mind.
'It's too cross-sectional. I need to figure out more.'
She understood that she had a cruel nature. However, it was difficult to understand more
than that. What was her personality and the direction of her thoughts? She wanted to get
some information that would help her out, but Ren consistently said she was crazy.
"Don't try to understand or grasp her. Just accept her."
"What does that mean?"
"How are you going to understand a crazy bitch?"
"..."
"There won't be another madwoman like that across the Empire, or across the continent.
She's not a woman who can be defined by common sense."
Elena's expression was stiff. Ren's words, which she had been dismissing as a joke until
now, began to reach her sincerely.
'Are you saying she's a real nut job?'
Elena pulled out Veronica from her memory. She remembered Veronica looking at Elena
dying in the dungeon. Her brutal smile, waving Ian's hand, was nothing short of a devil.
"She's like this. She's a bitch who believes the world revolves around her."
"That's arrogant."
"She doesn't accept mistakes. If you refuse her request or demand? Kill them. She takes it
for granted without guilt."
'Wait a minute.'
Elena's head reminded her of something that she almost overlooked and passed on.
'It's not Veronica who ordered the three to conciliate, was it?'
Raphael, Christina and Centonio were contacted to take them to Noblesse Street. Elena
thought she naturally attributed it to the successor, Acelas. However, while talking to Ren,
she strongly thought that it might not be true.
"Ren, what if. If Veronica really ordered someone to come."
"But."
"They refused to go. So how will Veronica turn out?"
So far, it was just a guess. However, there was no harm in being careful about knocking on
the stone bridge. Elena didn't know much about Veronica yet.
"I told you earlier, she's crazy."
"Then..."
"She's going to kill them."
Elena's face became serious when Ren's answer popped out without a second of hesitation.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

'I let my guard down.'

Elena bit her lips. She neglected to collect information about Veronica. If it weren't for Ren,
she would have lost precious people by an irreversible mistake. It was fortunate that she
could defend herself even now. Even so, Veronica's existence was still tricky. She was not
the type of person who you could deal with using common sense.
'It might have been easier to deal with Leabrick.'
She spent a lot of time with Leabrick, combining her previous life and her present life. It
was no exaggeration to say that Elena learned her mind from Leabrick. The reason why
Leabrick was able to be dismissed was because Elena read Leabrick's thoughts and moved
one step faster.
"Thank you, Ren."
"With what."
Ren shrugged his shoulders. The smile didn't leave his mouth because he was helpful to
Elena.
Elena fell into thought. Ren sat with his chin up, and didn't take his eyes off Elena. He
smiled happily with open eyes to see what was so good. However, Elena, in a deep thought,
couldn't recognize Ren's gaze.
'I need to protect three people.'
First is safety, second is safety, and third is safety. If anyone gets hurt or dies, Elena will not
live without the guilt.
'It's too much for Lord Hurelbard to handle three people on his own.'
Even if Hurelbard flies and crawls, it was too much to protect Raphael, Christina, and
Centonio, who have different movements and lifestyles at the same time.
"Why is your face so dark? It bothers me."
Elena, who was unconscious, looked up at Ren's words and matched her eyes.
"Now that Veronica is back, we need to take countermeasures to stop her."
"Countermeasures?"
Ren suddenly snorted. Then he looked serious.
"You'd lose if you built something like that."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, they've never had a countermeasure."
Elena smiled in vain.
"Is it an illusion that no countermeasures sound like a countermeasure?"
"What do you see her as? She always makes a preemptive strike. She'll make the situation
she wants. The same goes for you."
"What do you mean?"
"Make a situation where you have an advantage. That's how you win."
"...!"
Elena was shocked as if she was hit hard on the head.
'Ren's right. It doesn't have to be dragged passively.'
There is no surveillance or sanctions, unlike the Great House that was no different from the
enemy. Elena was able to move freely. She didn't have to limit herself until now when she
left the Great House.
"I can't think of anything. I don't like the expression "preemptive strike."
Ren grinned as if he felt better by Elena's positivity.
"I'll do my best to help you, so don't go around and tell me."
Elena smiled silently and fell into her thoughts again.
'We need to lower our risk, and we need to plot a blow to the Grand Duke.'
As long as she decided to lead the game, it was not very difficult to plan a scheme. Elena
started drawing the big picture in her head. A sketch made of crude lines took shape and
was covered in color.
"We have to reverse their tactics."
"You're so smart. I'm telling you one thing, and you know two?"
Elena rang the bell and called May. As it was urgent, she said she would like three people,
Raphael, Christina, and Centonio, to come into the salon by tomorrow morning. She also
added a word to Emilio that Christina and Centonio should be escorted by talented
mercenaries, except for Raphael, who had not yet answered. It was a temporary measure.
Time passed in a blink of an eye. It was rather short of time to fill up the loopholes and
threads of the scheme that was being planned after taking various measures.
Ren looked at the watch and said, breaking the silence.
"It's almost time?"
"Don't you regret it? I think you wrote your wish in vain."
"Then listen to me again."
"No."
Ren smiled.
"Don't worry. It's more meaningful if you're left with regrets."
"Anyway, you're such a weird guy."
The door to the secret passage opened around the time when she shook her head while
looking at Ren, whom she knew and didn't know. May walked out and bent over.
"I've brought in His Highness the Crown Prince."
Elena raised her body as soon as she finished talking. Ren slowly got up on the sofa a few
minutes earlier as if he was unpleased with Sian. Sian, who was behind May, walked
forward.
"Greetings to Your Highness."
Unlike Elena, who had a polite manner, Ren bowed his head half-heartedly.
Sian's gaze at such Ren seemed somewhat uncomfortable. Although it didn't show up, Ren,
who came first, didn't look very satisfied.
"How are you?"
Sian asked Elena affectionately. It was Sian that always lived bluntly, killing emotions, so
anyone around would have been shocked if they saw it.
"Thanks to Your Highness's concern, I've been well."
"That's a relief. I wanted to come earlier, but I couldn't, and I felt sorry for the whole time."
Ren, who was watching the two exchanging warm regards, suddenly intervened and
disturbed.
"I'm here, too?"
Sian's eyes reached Ren. He caught his gaze, and then he looked at Elena.
"Let's sit down. There's a lot going on."
"Me, too. Sit this way."
Elena recommended the top seat of the sofa to Sian. Elena and Ren sat on the left and right
sides of Sian.
"You look thinner while I haven't seen you."
"Really? I've had a good sleep. Maybe it's because there's a lot to worry about. "
Sian's eyes were softer when he saw Elena. It was fortunate that Elena wasn't hurt, and it
was great to see her like that.
"Will you please accept my greetings, Your Grace?"
Ren was unconscious in the conversation and made his presence known.
"I know you received the greeting?"
"Really? I didn't know you were so dry."
Ren, who interfered with everything, began to get in Sian's eyes.
"Isn't that enough? We're not even happy to see each other."
"Why are you keeping me in check so blatantly. It's like having bad feelings."
Sian's eyebrows wriggled at Ren's provocative remarks. When a fierce war of nerves broke
out between Sian and Ren, Elena stepped up and mediated.
"Stop it, Ren."
'Ren?'
Sian's eyes narrowed. When the name Ren came out carefully from Elena's mouth, a sense
of unexpected inferiority came to him.
"If I stop, I should leave it, right?"
Ren smiled at Sian and obediently followed Elena's words. On the contrary, Sian's hardened
face looked somewhat serious.
"What are you doing with all the busy people? Let's discuss the future. Come on."
Elena's lips twitched at Ren's urge. It was absurd to come to the salon from early in the
morning and suddenly rush to the subject.
"There's time for a cup of tea."
Elena, who drew a line, brewed tea water because May was coming out new. A deep scent
of tea that stabilized the mind and body spread in the drawing room. The conversation
resumed only after Sian tasted the first sip.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you first. If it weren't for you two, I wouldn't have
been able to get out of the Grand House safely. Thank you."
"It's about helping you. Gratitude isn't appropriate."
"I agree."
Elena smiled openly. The allies, who had a public enemy called the Grand Duke, felt reliable
and more reliable. Sian, who put down the teacup, opened his mouth.
"We asked the Grand Duke to pay a large amount of compensation for moving the Knights
without reporting to the imperial family."
"Good job. It's better to take care of the thread because you can't force it."
Sian dealt with it wisely. They are guilty of operating the Knights' Order freely near the
capital without reporting to the imperial family. As long as the cause was in the imperial
family, no matter how much the Grand Duke was, he could not avoid compensation
equivalent to the price.
"Now that the Grand Duke has shrunk, we are trying to reform the Imperial Guard."
"That's a wise idea."
Elena agreed. The Imperial Guard is the authority, dignity, and power of the imperial
family. The current imperial guard was operated with donations voluntarily paid by the
nobles. As a result, aristocrats and those recommended by the nobles frequently came to
the guard. The pride of defending the imperial family had long been an old saying, and
there are a number of people who practiced the reckless behavior of nobles.
"Recently, the number of meetings in the capital has increased significantly. As Your
Highness cares about inside and out, the imperialists seem to be changing a little."
"Thanks to the school you built. Children are learning and changing their parents' minds."
Sian was grateful to meet Elena again. If it weren't for her, he would have been obsessed
with the idea of strengthening the imperial power, unable to read the times and tied to the
old.
Elena, who grasped the situation and atmosphere of the conversation, brought up the main
point.
"I wanted to see you both to discuss what's going on."
Ren and Sian stared at Elena and waited for the next word.
"The Grand House is shaking. But its roots are deep and hard, so it won't collapse even if
it's shaking."
"You're going to need a critical hit. Something that's going to send it all at once."
"Yes, that's true."
Elena glanced at the two people. Sian, who is sitting like a noble crane, and Ren, who is
unable to stay still, seemed to be unable to mix like water and oil.
'Maybe that's why it's more synergistic.'
Elena witnessed with her eyes what the results would be if the two's abilities were united
in the process of running away from the Grand House. From now on, Elena needed to focus
on her ability as well as the two people.
"Ren, I want you to know the course of the Great House. What they're doing, what they're
trying to do. Don't leave out trivial and useless things and check them out."
Ren grinned. The background checks and surveillance were his specialty.
"I'm going to stimulate the Great House to create opportunities."
Elena was planning to openly aim for Veronica. When she learned that Elena, who was
treated as an insect, was L, she was already looking forward to her expression.
"Your Highness, please put pressure on the Grand Duke with justification."
"Sure."
Elena took her breath, and, with a determined look, put a wedge.
"Grand Duke Friedrich, we'll erase him from the Empire."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The discussion ended when the dusk fell and the streets were covered with dim darkness.
It is not a remarkable achievement, but a rough sketch has been completed. It was expected
that more meaningful results would be achieved if the details were supplemented and
cooperated more quickly.
"It's worth the trouble."
Elena smiled satisfactorily. So did Sian and Ren. It was also meaningful that the three
people who acted independently joined forces to move together. Ren shook his head at
Elena, who was leading the plot.
"Don't let me fight you. This kid's insidious."
"Now you know? Be careful so that you don't have to deal with it. You won't know what to
do."
"Hey. I want to see more out of your eyes because I hear that."
Elena smiled at Ren, who was acting crooked. It was unimaginable before. However, even
that joke is now affectionate.
"Your Highness is coming with me, aren't you? I feel lonely going alone."
"Ah, Your Highness, for a while..."
"You go back first."
Ren paused at the simultaneous words of Elena and Sian.
"What's this?"
Ren alternately looked at Sian and Elena as if he was digging. Elena showed a slight
embarrassment as if it were not promised beforehand, but she soon spoke calmly.
"It's because I have something to say to Your Highness."
"Just the two of you?"
"Yes, just the two of us."
Ren mouthed.
'Oh, I don't like it.'
It wasn't refreshing. It felt like he was the only one being bullied. He didn't like it because
he knew Sian's feelings very well. But he couldn't help it. They wanted to talk to each other.
'I'm gonna pretend to be defeated.'
"That's why the hindrance disappears. See you again. I hope Your Highness will see work
and go quickly. Wouldn't it be suspicious if you left the Imperial Palace for too long?"
It was time for Ren, who left a crooked goodbye toward Sian, to walk away.
"Oh! I almost left this behind."
Ren turned around and picked up the blanket that was hanging on the sofa. It was the
blanket that Elena covered him with.
"It's a souvenir. Put it on my wish."
'Wish?'
Seeing Sian's eyes flashing, Ren grinned and left the drawing room. Elena smiled at Ren,
who was taking a blanket that was common. Souvenir? He didn't know if she knew what
Ren was thinking. Sian, who was looking at Elena gently, broke the silence and opened his
mouth.
"Wish. May I ask what he means?"
"Ah. It's nothing. In return for helping me, I decided to grant his wish. He used it as a wish,
but it's embarrassing."
"..."
Elena smiled at a glance because it was ridiculous. Her smile hurt him badly without
knowing it.
"I see."
Sian's lips were only sweet, and he bit back everything. He was so curious about what the
wish was, but he swallowed it inside because it seemed impolite.
"I have something else to say..."
"For what business..."
When the words overlapped by coincidence, Sian's expression softened a little.
"You go first."
Elena smiled openly and stuck out a luxurious patterned envelope to him. Sian, who took it
out of the blue, looked at it as if he were confused.
"Open it."
Sian, who was alternating between her and the envelope, checked the contents. And he
stared at Elena. In surprise, astonishment, and confusion.
"It's a bill."
"Why are you giving this to me?"
"I want you to help reform the Imperial Guard. The compensation from the Grand Duke is
not enough."
Elena smiled as if she knew everything. The Imperial Guard was the source of the imperial
authority. There would be no new empire without their reform. During this period when
the Great House was reeling, Sian was right to put a knife on the Imperial Guard.
'In his past life, he failed due to opposition from the nobility and financial problems.'
On the day of the failure of the reform, she visited Sian to comfort him. That's when she saw
it. Sian, who seems like he won't shed a drop of blood even if you poke him with a needle,
was crying.
Although he had sword skills comparable to the Empire's Three Swords, excellence, and
acting ability to deceive aristocrats, he eventually failed. Elena was also confused when she
recalled the scene. She was always sad that she couldn't give him weight off his youth.
"The Grand Duke never collapses easily. The more cornered he is, the more he will try to
overthrow the empire. It seems that the former emperors were abolished and the present
emperor was established."
"..."
"Then you'll need the Imperial Guard, your own exclusive property. Please use this money
as a foundation."
Sian looked down at the bill in his hand. It was an astronomical amount. It is more than five
times the amount of compensation that the Grand Duke will pay.
"Are you really giving me this?"
"Because Your Highness needs more money than I do."
There was a bitter smile around Sian's mouth. This bill contained Elena's sincere heart to
help him. He knew everything, but why did he feel so miserable? The current situation,
which had no choice but to receive this bill, was so uncomfortable. Even more because he
couldn't refuse.
"Thank you. I can't express it enough."
Sian's hand, who had taken the bill, tightened hard. This is the only time he owed Elena. He
pledged not to make the same day again today with seed money. Sian, determined,
confessed about the reason he was left in the salon.
"I, too, have something for you."
Elena blinked her eyes and stared.
"I'm going to grant you a title."
"Y-Your Highness?"
"You said before. The Northern Trilateral Alliance has the title of Belkan Kingdom."
Elena nodded embarrassingly at the unexpected words. The identity of L in Elena's
activities was paid by Belkan Kingdom, the home of the Castol Corporation run by Emilio.
Sian continued without a high or low voice.
"It would be better to have a title granted by the Empire in order to leave the Grand Duke
and work in earnest."
"No. I'm good enough."
Elena waved her hand and refused. The right to confer a title is unique to the imperial
family. It was not too difficult for Sian, the Crown Prince. But she was an exception.
'The problem is I'm a woman.'
Throughout the history of the Empire, women are bestowed a title. Many of them were
inherited by their fathers or husbands, and few were granted titles alone.
Of course, L's reputation, fame, and influence were among the highest in the empire. But
that was it. It was likely to antagonize the upright neutral aristocrats. The aristocrats who
value vested interests will not like it.
"It can give cause to the nobles."
"I know what you're worried about."
"Please step back. Just receiving Your Highness's heart is enough."
Elena politely but firmly expressed her gratitude. It was not hoped that the arrow of
criticism would go to Sian because of her.
"I'll endure it as well."
"Your Highness."
Sian's eyes became stubborn.
"The murder of a noble is a felony. I believe that the title I gave you will serve as a
minimum stabilizer."
Even the Grand Duke could not beat or kill the nobles who were officially given their titles.
In that case, it would be presented to the aristocratic meeting and discussions will take
place close to breaking the title.
Sian wanted to protect Elena as far as he could. This law, which was made by the nobles to
protect themselves, is used to prevent the Grand Duke from persecuting Elena.
"I am more worried about you than you are about me. I won't allow you to refuse."
Elena was moved by Sian's sincere heart. It was strongly thought that Sian would not
receive a bill if she refused the title by being stubborn.
"... I will take it, Your Grace."
"The title is *Baronetess. The award ceremony will be held in an informal manner from the
outside. We'll send someone to the salon."
(T/N: A woman holding the rank of a Baronet in her own right. A rank below Barons, but
above knights.)
"The Empire will be greeted with a loud bang."
As long as she has decided to receive the title, it will make a noisy announcement that L has
become an imperial nobleman. That was her only return for Sian's favor. And her
reputation and influence will make no one vomit.
'Next is society.'
She was about to go into society to provoke Veronica. Sian's title gave her the same starting
line as Veronica, her only stigma. Now was the time to fly with her body and wings wide
open.
"It's late."
Sian sneaked out of the eyes of the watchmen planted by the nobles. He had to go back
because he couldn't leave the palace empty for too long.
"I know. It's been a long story conversation, Your Grace."
"Sian."
"What?"
"Call me that."
Elena was surprised and waved her hand when he allowed his name.
"No. How dare I for Your Highness's presence... I like it the way it is."
"..."
"It's never going to happen. Please, step back."
Elena was once a queen, so she was sensitive to these manners. The only woman who could
allow Sian's name was a companion who would he spend the rest of his life with.
"You will."
"What?"
Elena opened her eyes like a deer and blinked. Sian was prudent in everything. If it was
going to be so easy, it was right not to even speak.
"However, there are conditions. No, I'd say it's a request."
"Request?"
"Will you allow me your real name?"
Elena, who became ill at the sudden change of topic, stared blankly at Sian.
'I don't think it's because you want to know my real name, right? No, it can't be.'
She didn't know why, but seeing Sian with an awkward expression as if he was wearing an
inappropriate outfit made her deeply convinced.
"I'm sorry."
"Is it difficult?"
"I should have told you earlier, but it's too late."
Elena's eyes became so soft. Sian has never urged anyone to do so. Elena, who he didn't
even know the name of properly, silently believed and waited for her to tell him first. Now
it's time to repay the wait.
"Elena."
"Elena..."
Elena's facial expression became strange as she looked at the lingering Sian. It was new to
tell him her real name for the first time and to hear her real name through his voice.
Sian muttered her name as if it were imprinted. He had a feverish smile on his mouth.
"Let that name be kept for a long time, Elena."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Christina, the revolutionary designer. She was as busy as her empire's ringing fame.
The boutique she was running was visited by young ladies. Many people from other
countries also visited her after hearing her fame. Even if they made a reservation now, they
had no choice but to receive a dress after a year.
She didn't neglect her design research even though she was pressed for work. She was the
one who created the craze for the mermaid dress, but to keep up with the competition with
other designers who inherit and develop it.
"Oh, I'm dazed. Is it because I'm short of sleep?"
Christina, who was sketching on the second floor of the building where the boutique was
located, stretched. Still, she couldn't get her head around it.
"I need to wash up. I look terrible."
Christina, who saw my skeleton reflected in the mirror, clicked her tongue at her sly
appearance. The days when she couldn't enter her house were so frequent that it was
embarrassing to see it with my eyes open. As she immersed herself in the bathtub, her
fatigue went away. She came out to the studio, drying her hair with a much fresher body.

"Huh?"
As soon as she was about to sit on a chair with a towel thrown in the corner, she found a
note attached to the design note. There was no note until she entered the bathroom. The
word soon hardened because it was no different from saying that someone went to the
studio while he was washing up.
And as soon as she saw the contents of the note, her eyes sank calmly.
Knock, knock.
"I think you should leave."
Christina was struck by the voice coming from outside the studio just in time. She grabbed
the note right into her arms. Then she said calmly as if nothing had happened.
"Oh, wait a minute already... I'll be right out."
Christina left the studio in a hurry to finish her preparation. Then, a giant man waiting in
front of the door bowed his head. It was a mercenary Phil hired by a mercenary guild.
"Let's go."
When the boutique came out, the horseman was waiting for the carriage. Christina, who
was about to get on the carriage, lowered her foot again, which she had put halfway over
the footrest.
"It's been a long time since we've had a meeting, but the carriage is a bit."
"What?"
The horseman blinked at Christina's whims.
"Go to the horse market ahead and get a new carriage."
"D-do you mean now? You'll be late for your appointment."
"What's wrong with being late? The Empire knows I'm busy."
"Okay."
The horseman hurried to the horse market. Fortunately, it didn't take that long to get a new
carriage because there was a horse market across the street.
"I don't really like it... but I can't help it."
Christina, who was appalled by the sight of the horseman who had picked a carriage that
was not much different from before, reluctantly got on the carriage. The carriage that
departed ran on the capital's road and arrived at the meeting place. Christina, who spent
time enjoying tea time with her acquaintance after a long time, returned to the boutique.
Safely.
Genius musician Centonio recently rose to prominence as a conductor. Unlike in the past,
he did not lose his hearing, and as a conductor of the symphony, he tried to express the
feeling and atmosphere of the symphony he composed.
At the end of the command, the audience's thunderous applause poured out. Centonio
turned to the audience and bowed politely. At this moment, Centonio was more excited and
overwhelmed than ever. He felt that he was alive while standing there listening to that
applause.
After the concert, Centonio asked for understanding from the members who wanted to
have a company dinner, and got on the carriage returning home.
While looking out the window, Centonio found a note attached to the window. The eyes
that read the note apart contained surprise.
The carriage arrived at a small mansion outside the capital. The mansion, which was saved
by Khalif's consideration, was a very good environment for composing because it was
sparsely populated and quiet. When Centonio arrived, a maid who managed the mansion
came out and greeted him politely. Since it was not a very large small mansion, a total of
four people stayed together under one roof, including a Centonio, a maid, a horseman, and
a mercenary hired for an escort not too long ago.
Is that because he was tired from the concert? Shortly after returning home, the house
lights went out.
As the night grew a little deeper, someone hung around outside the mansion under the
cover of the night. In time, there were unknown sparks everywhere in the mansion.
It was a fire that happened simultaneously. The firewood piled up on one side burned as
wealth and spread quickly as if to devour the mansion.
Just before even the roof of the mansion burned into the flames, Centonio, mercenaries,
maids, and horsemen escaped safely through the back door. What's surprising is that,
despite the differences in their living spaces, they escaped at the same time as if they had
promised. The four people who had fallen far away watched the burning mansion.
"Haa, haa. It could have been a disaster."
Looking at the fire, he remembered the words of the note in his arms.
[Mansion arson scheme. Turn off the lights, wait on the first floor, and escape.]
If it were not for this, he would have died trapped in that burning flame.
***
"I'm sorry, I tried to disguise it as an accidental death..."
Acelas sweated and made excuses to Veronica. With the exception of Raphael, who asked
for more time to think, Christina and Centonio, who rejected the offer from the Grand Duke,
he tried to remove them as Veronica ordered. But it failed beautifully.
'What a ridiculous failure...'
Although Acelas is a lot behind compared to Leabrick, he was also known as a gifted person
from a young age. It meant that he was not stupid enough to do things poorly.
He tried to remove Christina by disguising it as a carriage accident. The wheels of the
carriage were pulled out to lead to a major accident, but the purchase of a new carriage
resulted in failure.
The survival of the genius musician Centonio was followed by luck. Even though the
mansion was burned without any shape, he escaped safely.
Veronica glanced at the bird in the cage with a drowsy look. It was an attractive western
parrot with red fur.
"You failed?"
"I'm sorry, I hope it won't happen again..."
Kwajik! A grotesque noise shook Acelas, who had raised his head reflectively. At Veronica's
fine grip on the cage, the parrot, which had been crying until a while ago, was drooping.
"Oh, my God, it's dead."
"..."
Acelas broke into a cold sweat at Veronica's way of speaking, where he could not feel any
regret or guilt. Veronica clicked her finger at him. Acelas got up like bitter flesh from the
sofa and stood near Veronica. He didn't forget to bend his back to match her eye level so as
not to offend her.
Veronica looked at him with a crooked look and hit him on the head with the edge of a fan.
"Is this a decoration?"
"..."
"Why can't you think of anything else?"
Veronica pushed Acelas' head hard enough to shake with his fingertips. Although it was
insulting, he felt so miserable that it was humiliating, but Acelas was forced to shrivel in her
eyes.
"What I wanted was an example."
"I-I know."
There's no way he didn't know. Acelas also tried to remove them to show what it would
cost if they refused to accept it.
"You know, why did you do that? It's the wrong way."
Veronica smiled kindly.
"T-that's."
"You should have just killed them. Tore the body to shreds, so you couldn't even look at it."
At Veronica's eerie words, Acelas shook his shoulders. Acelas was chilled at the thought of
the unconscious Veronica. What's even more horrifying is that Veronica's smile is on her
mouth, which talks about this.
"That's what fear is. It touches the deepest part of the human race. When you are caught in
fear, you can't think of it."
"I-I'm afraid it'll be suspected..."
Acelas looked up and looked at her answer, which was so brazen. Veronica smacked his
cheek with the fan.
"I don't know how you succeeded Leabrick with that head?"
"..."
"Doubt?"
Veronica's expression showed no guilt.
"Doubt is something the weak can't do to the strong. They doubt us? How dare they go to
Grand Duke Friedrich?"
Acelas couldn't deny that remark. Even if there is evidence, it is enough to say that it's the
Grand Duke. Who can hold the Grand Duke responsible?
"Straighten up, Acelas. If you make a mistake like this, I'll have to treat you harshly."
Acelas gulped dry saliva. Like a bird in a dead cage, there was a fear that he could die.
Knock knock. Veronica shook her hand as if to go.
"I won't let this happen again."
Acelas bowed his head loudly and then went to the sofa across from her and sat down.
"Come on in."
The man who came in with Veronica's visit was Luminus. Once Leabrick's hand, he was
appointed assistant to Acelas to assist him in his work.
"Greetings to Your Highness the Princess."
Luminus, who greeted Veronica politely, also lightly condoned Acelas.
"What's going on?"
"They said L made a big announcement a while ago. I thought I'd give it to you."
"Do you think the Princess should be briefed on that? You can't figure out the subject."
Acelas made a big impression. To others, she was the modern woman and a young hostess,
but to him, she was only a madam. She is a lowly woman, not to mention in Veronica's
interest.
"It's about the artists we've come into contact with."
"What?"
"That's interesting. Keep going."
Veronica, who was sitting next to him, made a jaw move. Acelas, who was about to say
something, closed his mouth and said, "Go ahead." With his eyes.
"The painter Raphael will publish his works exclusively in the secret salon run by L for 10
years, and says he will accept and teach his students at the Salon."
"W-what?"
Acelas' complexion was white. He reported to Veronica that there were positive
conversations coming and going, but it was because she was drinking nicely.
"The announcement of Christina's new dress will also take place at the salon, and L has
decided to open a boutique at the Basilica under construction."
"S-such..."
"Likewise, musician Centonio also announced through Salon that he will release later songs
exclusively at the Secret Salon. Also, the concert will be held at the concert hall located in
the annex of the Secret Salon, which will be completed soon..."
"That's too much. She's annoying, L."
Acelas saw it. The eerie smile on Veronica's lips. It was the first time that the saying that
smiling is not smiling touched his heart so much.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Is Liv the one who had a pretty hard time?"

"Yes, she had a problem with land purchases and natural marble supply during the
Noblesse Street project."
Luminus answered.
"Even Liv can't be tough. This happens because she didn't step on her for sure."
Luminus shut his mouth. He swallowed a word he couldn't possibly say.
'... It's not that she didn't step on it, she couldn't step on it.'
The financial situation of the Grand House was difficult because of the astronomical
amount of money spent on the Noblesse street business. In addition, the salon is the center
of the empire's culture, so it was on people's lips, and even L has a reputation that cannot
be touched recklessly. He was thinking about saying this was the reason, but he quit. It
would have sounded like a lame excuse.
"The person named L is called the modern woman, right?"
"That's what people call her."
Veronica's mouth corners were twisted.
"It's funny. How insignificant would you call such a woman the modern woman and raise
her up?"
"That's what it is. It's not fair."
As if he were sympathetic to Veronica's words, Acelas responded fiercely.
"You can't underestimate her."
Luminus, who had been watching silently, finally opened his mouth that had been shut. He
wanted to raise awareness to the two people who underestimate L, which even made
Leabrick embarrassed. Veronica's eyes drew a line while looking at Luminus. It was a smile.
"I'm saying that because you or Liv's level doesn't reach L."
"T-that's."
Luminus bit his lips. He had nothing to say to Veronica's biting criticism. It's true that he
lost the fight with L along with Leabrick.
"L is a figure wrapped in a veil. It was impossible to identify her real name, birth, or even
her identity."
"Are you admitting you're incompetent?"
"..."
"Listen, those of noble birth do not hide themselves. Just by looking behind the pseudonym
L, she's not worthy of a title."
Veronica's voice, which discussed identity, was strongly convinced. She did and took it for
granted, so she didn't even have any doubts. Veronica's eyes changed. It was an arrogant
and prideful look.
"Everyone must have forgotten, but the heart of the Empire is the Great House. The Empire
moves around the Great House."
"Of course. The Grand Duke is the true sun of the Empire."
Acelas agreed vehemently. On the other hand, Luminus nodded his head reluctantly and
stood silently. There was a cool chill in Veronica's eyes looking at the two people.
"No, you don't. If you knew that, you wouldn't fail."
"What?"
Veronica, with a bizarre smile, suffered from her lips.
"If artists refuse to come to Noblesse Street, kill them all."
"..."
"That's what the food chain is. If you kill all the top artists, the top artists become top artists
and fill the gap. That's what bugs do. You kill and kill, but another bug takes over."
Acelas felt through Veronica a madness that cannot be seen in the general public.
'... I think I know. Why the princess said she looked just like the Grand Duke.'
Grand Duke Friedrich, who was standing at the peak of the food chain, was also in a frenzy.
Rather than following the existing order, he was a man who created order by dragging
down the emperor. Although their temperament was different, Veronica looked like Grand
Duke Friedrich.
"Keep it in your head. It's not about following orders, it's about making them."
Veronica's smile deepened. It was a smile of cruelty in softness.
***
Inside the secret salon, the main drawing room. With Elena in a butterfly mask on the left
and right, Khalif and Raphael, Christina and Centonio were sitting in a line. For the first
time in a long time, Elena was sharing tea time while drinking tea she had made herself.
"Thank you for coming despite your busy schedules."
Elena expressed her heart with sincerity. They were great masters who are considered
necessary talent for Noblesse Street, even the Grand Duke tried to contact them for the first
time. How could she not be thankful that they stayed in the salon?
"I'm getting sad because you keep saying thank you. As long as L is the owner of the salon,
we won't leave."
"The same goes for me. L's the one who made me live."
Christina and Centonio, who put down the teacup, expressed their deep affection and
gratitude for L. It may be pennies for them now, but they might not have been here if it
wasn't for Elena's sponsorship a few years ago.
Raphael smiled silently and expressed his feelings. Elena was at the beginning and end of
the salon. When the atmosphere was ripe, Elena brought up the main point.
"I'm glad you're all safe. You trusted me and followed me, and if you died because of that, I
couldn't have done it."
"I washed it out of the bathroom and there was a note on my desk. Still, it's a shame
because I avoided a big accident because of that. Even now, it's dizzying to think that I was
in that carriage."
Thanks to the mysterious note, Christina was able to escape death. If she rode the wagon as
usual, the wheels would have fallen out and led to a major accident.
"It was stuck on the carriage home from the concert."
"Really?"
"If it wasn't for the note, I might have died in the fire."
Christina and Centonio, except Raphael, were threatened by the Grand Duke. If they had not
dealt with it in time as they tried to disguise it as an accident, their life might have been
affected.
"But L, who the hell brought the note?"
"I was curious, too. How they know and leave a note, that looks even better."
Elena smiled.
"I've never seen them myself."
"L, too?"
"Yeah, they're very new to me. What's clear is that we can't outperform them in this field."
Elena's head reminded her of Ren smiling.
'Intelligence group Majesti.'
Elena was horrified when she first heard it. It is surprising that there was a group with
phenomenal skills in analyzing information that cannot be handled by the guild, and she
was surprised that the head of the group was Ren.
She was convinced that the reason was because they suspected Elena in the academic
institution and identified her identity because of that kind of hunch. Majesti was also
excellent at stealth and blackmail. It was enough to covertly stay with Christina and
Centonio and figure out the plans of the Grand Duke.
Elena was relieved that Ren was on the same side. He was a very difficult person when he
was an enemy, but he couldn't be more trustworthy as he became an ally.
"Oh, be sure to bring mercenaries when you go out. It's too early to relax."
At Elena's old feelings, Christina said that she was not worried.
"That's right. Most of the mercenaries are tough, but the people sent by L didn't speak so
much. I feel like I have a knight."
"Me, too. I feel safe with you."
"That's a relief."
Elena's smile spread around her mouth. The mercenaries attached to them are those
Hurelbard secretly visited the guild and carefully selected. They're the ones in the eyes of
the picky Hurelbard, so what else can they talk about?
"Take this."
The three received an envelope with a gold pattern that Elena handed over.
"It's an invitation."
"Invitation?"
"The salon's annex is about to be completed."
"Finally!"
The annex to the Secret Salon was of everyone's interest. Compared to the main building, it
is nearly four times larger, and expectations were high as it was built in a style that has
never been shown in the Empire. It moved in line with the pre-release of Noblesse Street in
the Grand Park. According to the original history, it was to steal the attention, interest, and
fame that Noblesse Street should have taken.
"Also, it's a meaningful day for me."
"Meaningful?"
"Honoriously, Your Highness the Crown Prince is giving me a title."
Three people were surprised except for Khalif who knew the whole story. That meant that
Elena would become an aristocrat of the empire.
"L's becoming a noble... Why am I so happy that I can cry? I have to go back. I have a dress I
prepared for L, but don't think that's enough."
"That's why Khalif asked me to prepare for a new song release. Don't worry. I've already
been working with the band, so we're going to be able to perform at the best of the scale of
the annex."
Elena was deeply moved when she saw Christina and Centonio, who were just as happy as
they were. Raphael also congratulated him sincerely. Although he did not want to hide his
personal relationship, he was sincere in his congratulatory remarks.
Sect 22. A Place To Be
The capital was in a state of turbulence. The completion ceremony of the Salon Annex,
which is revered as a cultural center, was just around the corner.
"Did you get an invitation from the salon?"
"No, I didn't. I really wanted to go..."
"I heard that Lady Violet received one."
"Really? What's the standard for receiving invitations?"
The noble young men and young ladies disagreed on whether or not they were invited. In
particular, the young ladies, who were not invited, were burned down. The ceremony for
the completion of the annex was very different from the general banquet organized by the
nobility.
Elena hoped that the salon would become a cultural center and increase its influence on
society. The plan was aimed at capturing the hearts of aristocrats who consumed culture
and art while sticking to the method of hiding their names and identities under masks.
Elena invited the masters that Khalif managed to celebrate the Salon's annex. Although the
fields such as art, music, sculpture, science, poetry, and costumes were all different, the
plan is to make it a historical venue where the masters of the time, who lead the arts,
fashion, and literature of the capital, gather together.
In addition, there is a separate space for visitors to open and appreciate the master's works
in the annex. Many of them wanted to use the annex ceremony as a venue for public
relations as they were scheduled to enter the basilica in the form of boutiques, shops,
research labs, and academies. In other words, it was a preview of the streets of culture and
art to be shown after the opening of the basilica.
Is it because they've heard such rumors? The nobles, who did not receive the invitation,
stamped their feet because they were impatient. As the number of nobles who could
participate in the ceremony was limited, it was harder to get an invitation than picking up a
star in the sky. Some of the impatient aristocrats were eager to save the invitation even
after paying more.
"What do we do? Do I have to pay more?"
"You can spend as much money as you want. Get the invitation no matter what!"
"The fashionable dresses and shoes are on display there this year! I have to get an
invitation to steal it or not!"
Elena, who knows the social world well, intentionally encouraged the atmosphere to cause
an invitation chaos. It encouraged people to fret using the psychology of aristocrats who
have a strong sense of privilege. The effect was better than she thought. Even the
aristocrats, who had not been interested in the salon, wondered why they were such a fool
and became interested in the salon. As Elena wished, the ceremony to commemorate the
completion of the annex was at the center of attention.
The small world of salons shook the imperial capital, which had been around for a
thousand years. That was the impact of culture and art. And in the center was the salon's
mistress L. At a ceremony where the nobles, called the innermost part of the capital,
gathered, a good picture was drawn that received the title given by Sian and recognized as
a noble externally.
Everything was as planned. One person. Until an uninvited guest came.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"It's finally today."

May, who helped Elena dress up, was more excited than usual. So far, Elena had been
restricted from traveling to and from the salon to avoid the eyes of the Grand Duke. But as
of today, L will throw off that latch. She was no longer repressed and tried to lead the
imperial culture and pressure the Grand Duke.
'She's a person I can't even compare with me.'
May's heart skipped a beat when she saw L gain public recognition. She knew better than
anyone else how great Elena was because she had been watching what she had done
closest to her.
"You know what, miss?"
"What?"
"Miss is the only person I respect."
Elena, who was touching her hair, turned her head and looked at May. May, who was
overwhelmed by Elena's gaze as if why she suddenly said such a thing, said something else.
"You're so beautiful today. Go ahead and look in the mirror."
Elena also stood in front of a full-length mirror because it was ambiguous to ask.
"Ah."
When Elena saw herself in the mirror, she was unknowingly amazed. For today, wore a
carefully made mermaid dress created by Christina and had her hair up even though it was
a wig. As a result, her neckline and drop earrings revealed the height of elegance. As it was
said that dignity differs from one side, Elena's face overflowed with elegance. There was
even reverence in the nobility that made people look up to her.
"Is this really me?"
"Yes, miss."
Despite May's confirmation, Elena couldn't take her eyes off the mirror. Elena was now
imbued with the elegant beauty that could not be discussed even during her time as queen,
was decorated with the most precious and expensive jewelry and dresses on the continent.
It was an aura that only she could have alone in this empire, free from interference, duty,
and oppression. Finally, Elena finished all preparations by wearing a butterfly mask
specially made to fit the dress code.
Knock knock. She heard a knock just in time.
"We have a visitor from the palace."
"Let them in."
When Elena willingly allowed it, a man in imperial robes came into the drawing room. He
was formal and polite.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Den, the Imperial Secretary."
"Welcome, Den."
Den, who faced Elena, let go for a while. At first, he couldn't take his eyes off her beauty,
and then he was drunk on the air that seemed to suck him in.
'Just the same, Den.'
He has a clumsy side, but has an outstanding loyalty, and he is Sian's confidant. In her
previous life, he had a hard time playing the role of conveying Sian's words and intentions
instead.
'He was so sorry for me.'
It was not his fault that he was born with a good heart, and he sincerely felt sorry for the
relationship between the two who lived with pretending. It was nice to see Den again, along
with Raphael, the only ones who had no malice.
"Please sit over here."
"Ah."
Den, who belatedly realized his rudeness, quickly caught his eyes and sat face to face on the
sofa.
"I heard from Your Highness. That you're beautiful, wise, and deep inside."
"That's too much. I'm glad if it doesn't bother Your Highness."
Elena responded humbly and moved on to the main point.
"You know there's a big event at the salon today, right?"
"Everything. The procedure will be informal, but the ceremony will be grand."
"Yes, that's right. I look forward to your kind cooperation."
"I-I also look forward to your kind cooperation."
When he faced Elena with a deep smile, Den unknowingly avoided her eyes. How could he
say it, some indescribable godliness and elegance made him not to look at her carelessly.
'It's my first time meeting you today, but... I think I know why Your Highness is suffering
from heartache.'
Den unintentionally drew Elena standing next to Sian. There was no other perfect pair. It
was not something for him to dare to judge, but he thought that she was the best woman
for Sian.
"Oh, Your Highness told me to deliver this, too."
"It's a letter."
Elena was handed an envelope with a seal symbolizing the imperial family. When she
untied the gold thread, a letter came out.
I wanted to go there myself, but I couldn't, so it's strange. You are the brightest and most
brilliant woman in the Empire. In order not to lose that light, I will always help you.
Although blunt, Elena smiled when she read the affection contained in it.
"It's Your Highness's friendly letter."
"I'm sorry."
"What? What's wrong with Den?"
Elena blinked, looking at Den suddenly bowing his head.
"Your Highness has a very poor way of expressing his feelings. Living under the heavy
responsibilities, duties and threats of the Crown Prince, he was forced to suppress himself."
"..."
"I dare say that the sincerity in the letter is dozens of times, no, hundreds of times is His
Highness's sincerity."
"I know."
Elena spoke low. Den's pupils grew bigger as if he had not expected such a reaction.
"How can I not know? He's working so hard..."
"L."
"I don't know about anyone else, but I know. So I'm more sorry and grateful."
Elena smiled bitterly. Elena was the one who understood more deeply than Den, who was
closely serving Sian, and the emperor and empress. Therefore, her heart felt sadder.
"Can I say something presumptuous since you said you knew?"
"Yes."
"Your Highness told me that. There's something he really wants to protect. He has to
change the empire to protect her."
Elena couldn't answer that remark. Sian's determination was stronger than she had
thought.
'Maybe Your Highness is not... No, that can't be true. Let's not think about it.'
Fragments of memories of her past life, which had been shattered, lingered in her head. In
the days of the queen who was blinded by resentment, the thought of whether there was a
truth that was not seen because of her blindness and her ears closed.
Den was courteous and stepped down. She kept feeling like she was missing something, but
as soon as the ceremony began, Elena couldn't be more lost in thought.
Just as she left the drawing room, she saw Khalif approaching from the far side of the
hallway. He looked very tired for a moment as he received a guest on the first floor on
Elena's behalf.
"Are you ready?"
"As you can see."
"The atmosphere down there is not a joke. There are a lot of noble young ladies and men
who have no connection with us where they got the invitation. Don't be surprised, Lady
Avella from the Reinhardt family also came."
Elena was a little surprised.
"Is Avella?"
"Yes, that's right. I have that kind of eye-precision."
"That's the ideal I was hoping for. I mean, the imperialists are paying attention to our salon
as long as Avella comes, right?"
"That's it."
It followed Elena's wishes. Despite being able to issue a sufficient invitation, the reason
why she did not do so is to increase scarcity. The privileged aristocrats will be proud of
being invited by the salon, and those who do not will be tempted to come even if they seek
an invitation. The result is this. Avella, who's never visited the salon before, got an
invitation from somewhere.
"And who was that earlier... Um, never mind."
Khalif, who was going to say something, but shut up. He wasn't sure if it was all he saw
while he was so busy that he was passing by the public hall. As it is such a sensitive matter,
he did not want to bring up something that was not clear for no reason to bother her.
"What are you talking about."
"It's nothing. The one who gets the invitation more difficult than that, will come all the
time?"
"Yes, once you've stepped in, you won't be able to survive without coming to the salon. The
moment you stay away from the salon, you'll fall behind in society."
Elena would often hold events that require invitations to be brought in. She intended to
give images of intellectuals, cultural figures, and fashion leaders to those invited. It would
not be limited to aristocrats, and even common people will be invited without mercy. It was
to stimulate human psychology that is differentiated from others and wants to be ahead,
and to raise the level of salons at the same time.
Today, the main hall of the main building is decorated in the form of a cultural and artistic
space. Christina's unannounced new dress was hung, and ergonomics, the parent of
Raphael's work, was also on display. It also unveiled a telescope to observe the stars of
Camille, a former pseudo-scientist. Today, the salon itself will be a cultural aggregation. The
invited people were very prepared to feel proud.
Khalif laughed lowly about what he liked so much.
"As expected, you're amazing. How can you think of all these strange things?"
"... Because I've been through it. Compared with the other side, they should feel a better
sense of superiority, and then they can feel the restless desire. "
With Elena's significant words, Khalif scratched his cheek awkwardly. Sometimes, he felt
intimidated when he heard Elena's expression and words, who went through a lot of
hardships that didn't suit her age.
"Hey, let's stop talking about difficult things and get down there. Time's up."
"Shall we?"
Elena stepped forward with a confident walk. Standing at the corner in front of the stairs
going down to the main hall of the main building, she heard people laughing and talking.
Khalif gestured around the corner, the band changed the song and played it. The eyes of
visitors who could not take their eyes off the booth turned to the stairs. Elena walked down
one step at a time under escort with her slow but impeccable graceful steps.
"Wow."
"L is still mysterious. Is it because of the dress?
"I know. There's a strange atmosphere that I can't explain."
Regardless of age or gender, there was only admiration and awe for Elena, and no one
showed hostility. Elena's actions, which they had seen so far, were different from simply
vanity-loving ladies. This is because L, the heroine of the tomb, was identified with the
salon as a cultural space.
Elena, who came down to the stairwell, greeted them with grace and elegance. The VIPs
also welcomed Elena's appearance with loud applause.
"I would like to thank all the guests for attending the opening ceremony of the annex today,
and I would like to applaud Randol, the great architect who was responsible for the design
and construction of the salon."
Under the stairs, Randol, who threw off his work clothes and dressed up in a neat mellow
suit, greeted the crowd.
"Today is a very happy day. The much-anticipated annex was completed without any
problems, and many VIPs visited it. And..."
Elena, who was talking leisurely, took a break and opened her mouth with a smiley face.
"It's a very meaningful day for me, who's not enough. The imperial court gave me a title to
work harder for the Empire."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

When Elena's remarks were over, the party was bustling.

"Did she just say title?"
"I didn't hear her wrong, did I? L's a girl, right?"
No matter how much authority it has fallen, it is a millennium empire. It was great to send
people to congratulate her, but to say that they even gave her the title, it was surprising
beyond surprise.
Den came out of the midst of such VIPs and walked up to the stairs where Elena was. The
nobles, who were watching Den in royal robes, had big eyes. Den gave Elena a light silent
bow and turned to the crowd.
"I'm Den Frost, the Imperial Secretary. From now on, we will honor the order of the royal
family and hold an informal ceremony."
Elena held up her skirt slightly and set an example. She then bent her upper body at an
angle, indicating that she was ready to comply with the imperial order. Then Den coughed a
couple of times and opened the scroll he had held and read it in a resonant voice.
"On behalf of His Majesty The Sun Emperor of the Empire, I, Claudius de Sian, honor your
achievements for making great contributions to the cultural development of the empire.
Therefore, I will grant you the title of Baronetess, so that you may honor and not be
ashamed of it."
Elena put her hand on her chest and bowed slightly to show her gratitude to the royal
family. As the distant Khalif winked at the band, the conductor played more pious and
magnificent music as if he had waited, raising the situation even further.
Den folded the scroll and handed it over to Elena.
"Take it."
"Please say thank you to Your Highness."
As soon as Elena accepted the letter of appointment, Khalif applauded. The VIPs, who had
been staring blankly, joined the applause line to congratulate them.
"Did I hear something wrong? It seems that I have heard the honorific title of His Highness
the Crown Prince."
"I'm sure I've heard."
"Right? Isn't it the first time the Crown Prince himself has given a title?"
The VIPs paid attention to Sian's name, which appeared at the front of the letter of
appointment.
"Maybe L and His Highness know each other?"
"It's surprising that a woman was given a title, which was exceptionally granted by the
Crown Prince. I don't know, but I can say that they're close friends."
"Ho! The more I see L, the more amazing she is. I can't believe she's connected to the Crown
Prince."
Throughout the applause, curiosity about the relationship between Sian and Elena
remained in the VIPs' heads. Some suspected that they might be in a relationship. However,
they did not get much response as they knew nothing about the two people.
Elena, who received the letter of appointment, was polite to the VIPs gathered under the
stairs. The VIPs clapped their hands at Elena and responded to her greetings.
'It's a success.'
Elena was very satisfied with the current situation. The nobles invited to the salon today
are high-ranking nobles who are quite influential in the capital. They were particularly
concerned about the selection because it contained the meaning of recognition just because
she was given a title of nobility and applauded in front of her and paid special attention to
the selection.
'Now we have to move on.'
Elena took this opportunity to aim for three things.
The first is to announce that she became an aristocrat after receiving a massive title.
The second one is to show the influence of salons by revealing the annex.
Finally, targeting Noblesse Street, it was meaningful to announce that artists' habits,
boutiques, and shops will soon be located in the basilica.
The reason why the master craftsmen's non-public works were released at the main hall of
the salon today is to attract the attention and curiosity of the guests. Although it was not
too early, Elena planned to focus on the attention, interest, and expectation of the
aristocracy one step ahead as the Grand Duke accelerated the opening of Noblesse Street
and invited masters.
"How did you see the salon today? We want to decorate the space of comprehensive culture
and art by displaying the master craftsmen's private works..."
Everyone's head turned at the sound of a glass breaking somewhere in the hall. There, a
young lady, dressed in a mermaid dress with a deep back and wearing an owl mask with
jewels as tightly as a Milky Way, stood proudly.
Stomping on the broken piece of glass with her heels, she walked right down the stairs. The
VIPs frowned at the obvious act of damaging others, but she did not care.
"Huh? She's..."
Khalif's eyes narrowed. It was the woman he saw in the hall as if passing by. He wasn't sure
because of the owl mask, but he remembered the jawline, lips, and eyes that were slightly
exposed were strangely similar to Elena. However, he thought she wouldn't come if he
didn't invite her, so it was light. That was a misjudgment.
"I unintentionally bothered L and the VIPs."
Elena's shoulders trembled thin at the voice of the young lady wearing an owl mask. She'd
never forgotten this voice before. The devil's curse of laughing at her dying voice was still
vivid enough to ring in her ears.
'No way?'
Elena's whole mind was focused on her.
"I think I should apologize... but I don't think I'm wearing a mask, so I'll take it off."
When the young woman tried to take off her mask when the owl went, a young man
standing next to her in an eagle mask next to her, dissuaded her.
"Miss, don't take off your mask at the salon. It's a rule."
"Do you think I'm getting permission now?"
The man felt an unknown reluctance when she smiled over the mask. Ignoring the advice,
the girl untied the string that fixed the owl's mask. The beautiful blonde hair that was tied
up on the string poured out like a waterfall. And the original face hidden in the mask was
revealed. A tall nose, pure white skin, big eyes, and subtly raised eyes. The authoritative
eyes and noble atmosphere that make people feel discouraged had shocked people.
"P-Princess Veronica?"
"Really. The actual Princess Veronica."
Veronica put her messy hair over her shoulder. She smiled refreshingly as if she didn't care
about the rules of the salon.
"I don't know why everyone is using this. Are you not so confident in yourself?"
Veronica's biting criticism hardened the VIPs' complexion. They were insulted by the proud
aristocrat who stood up and laid it down in front of their faces.
Veronica looked away, laughing at them.
"Or did the owner of the salon make these rules because she didn't have much to see? Is
that right, L?"
Veronica openly looked at Elena and made a mocking remark.
***
Veronica's visit to the salon was a kind of play. She thought about looking at the face before
she brushed off the L, who started to become annoying. That way, when L flocks to the cliff
and despairs with a distorted expression, the pleasure would double.
However, the moment she visited the salon, her mood plummeted to the bottom. She didn't
care because she could think of it as a small scarlet by the time she wore a mask. It was also
ridiculous that the VIPs invited to the ceremony were crowded in the salon. When Noblesse
Street opens, they'll leave the salon behind and come over. Booth's masters weren't worth
paying attention to. Kill all the first-rate and fill the position with the second-rate that will
become the first-rate.
What really made her feel uncomfortable was the presence of L, not anything else. Most of
the VIPs who visited Salon were fond of L. They even praised or showed awe to the point of
embarrassment.
'Little people. I can't believe you're praising a woman who doesn't matter.'
Veronica felt twisted because she was not full of energy. It was pathetic to see that the
aristocrats gave low-level favors to a woman who was not even aware of the basics.
Maybe that's why Veronica changed her mind. It was not fun to just kill. She wanted to
destroy L more seriously. She wanted to take those aristocrats who like L as examples, so
that she can find the root.
Veronica clapped a small hand as she saw L, who appeared on the steps of the hall after the
ceremony began. This is because it was so funny to smile without knowing that there might
be a despairing shadow in her future. The smile disappeared from Veronica's mouth
because of the title.
"Ha, giving a title?"
Feeling uncomfortable, Veronica twitched her lips. The aristocracy was the ruling class at
the top of the food chain of the empire. But you include the rootless L in the aristocracy?
She didn't like it. The value of nobility comes from the veins. Was the lowly bloodline
changed by ignoring the importance of birth and giving a title?
The reactions around her also scratched her nerves. A noble should be united by a sense of
privilege and superiority. But look at them. The aristocrats recognized and accepted the
conferment of the title of L. The self-endowed nobility was told to erase the specialities and
to receive equal treatment with that rootless woman.
"I'm losing my temper."
It was time for Veronica to sweep her bangs down the owl mask.
"I, Claudius de Sian, honor your achievements for making great contributions to the
cultural development of the empire..."
Veronica's eyes were chillingly cold after hearing the passage of the letter of appointment
read by secretary Den.
Claudius de Sian. She was angry at the fact that the person who gave the title to L was
Crown Prince Sian.
"... How dare you undermine Your Highness's value?"
Veronica felt unbearable displeasure. It was the worst feeling she had ever felt in her life.
For Veronica, Sian was special. It was not because of personal acquaintance, likes, or
relationship. Prince. Sian, who was born with the most noble descent of the Empire, no, the
continent, had the only qualification to become Veronica's man. From the moment she
realized that the world revolved around her at an early age, her partner was Sian, and she
had never been shaken or changed. The sacrament of noble lineage and blood. What more
does it mean?
Veronica wanted to shine like a noble star. To be so far away that even the sun's light is
hidden. In order to do so, it was essential to combine with Sian. Only the lineage of the
imperial family can make Veronica shine brighter.
But there was an unexpected L. The aristocrats, who chatted in small groups, suspected
their relationship with L based on the name of Sian mentioned in the letter of appointment.
"Ha."
Veronica felt unpleasant and unaffordable irritation with filth.
'How dare you be tied up in a set with Sian?'
An unbearable anger flared up at the sight of the woman who didn't even know the subject
lowering the standard of Sian.
Veronica intentionally dropped a glass of champagne in her hand on the floor and broke it.
Until the first time she came to the salon, she thought it was a light play. But not anymore.
Veronica's desire to tear L apart was overwhelming.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Standing in the stairwell, Elena looked down at Veronica.

'I didn't expect to see you like this again, but...'
Despite Veronica's provocative remarks and actions that broke common sense, Elena
remained unnerved. She was surprisingly calm even before the object of hatred that stole
Ian was in front of her. No, rather, she even misunderstood that she was glad to see
Veronica.
'You have no idea how much I've missed you, Veronica.'
She looked forward to the day after returning. Looking at Veronica, who looks just like her
in the mirror, she realized that time for revenge would not be long. Elena tightened the
tension more as she felt the desired fruit was getting closer to reality.
An unpredictable woman Veronica, who, using Ren's words, fits the expression "crazy
bitch," was a kind of human being that was not explained by common sense. Look at her
now. She visited the salon without warning, and even threw off her mask and provoked
Elena. Considering the situation in which salon has become a culture in the capital, it could
only be seen as an unconventional remark and action.
'I don't understand. Even if you wanted to disturb me, wouldn't it hurt your reputation if
it's like this?'
Elena's idea was very common sense. Salon culture is also broadly included in the realm of
social activity. In other words, Veronica's rude remarks and actions will inevitably continue
to be spoken in the social world. It was so fatal that even a princess of the Grand Duke
could be eliminated from the social world.
'Or, is there something else you're after?'
Elena kept worrying about falling over by the salon's rule of exchanging culture and arts,
wearing a mask, concealing their identity and name.
'Don't be conscious. The salon is my area. I can take it to my advantage.'
L, the hostess of the salon, is none other than Elena. There is no need to respond to it by
being dragged passively. It was important to create an advantageous situation.
"The rules of the salon have unintentionally caused Your Highness inconvenience. As the
head of the salon, I apologize."
Elena looked at Veronica under the stairs and politely showed courtesy. More than half of
today's guests are aristocrats. It was a demand to build a good image using Veronica's rude
words and actions and gradually use L as a stepping stone to increase the influence of
society.
"In addition, I would like to express my gratitude. It is not enough for me to receive a title,
because the Your Highness the Princess came and made this place bright."
Elena quickly continued to use Veronica's status and reputation to make herself stand out.
She was once at the pinnacle of society, so such a clever conversation was not a difficult
task.
Veronica's cheeks twitched. She seemed to be smiling, but the smile was bloody. It was
because Elena's manipulation was annoying.
"I didn't know L cared about me that much. Then I can't just go. I will deliver a
congratulatory speech on behalf of the nobles, the descendants of the founding
contributors."
"Congratulatory speech?"
Elena's forehead, which was covered by the mask, was furrowed.
"Why? Don't you like it?"
"Why would I not? Please."
Elena chewed but reluctantly agreed because it was hard to refuse.
'What are you going to do?'
Elena's anxiety grew because it was an uncontrollable Veronica. Veronica smiled
significantly and walked a few steps up the stairs. Standing at a high level, she looked back
at the table. There was contempt and ridicule on the way to see the masked VIPs.
"I think L is really great. How can she put up a salon, put on a ridiculous mask and insult the
system of status, the foundation of the empire?"
"...!"
"So, as L did here, I'm here to enlighten you on your stupidity."
Veronica's public insults distorted the faces of the distinguished guests. Stupidity. No
matter how much of a princess of the Grand Duke, it couldn't be a good mood to demean
the nobles in this way.
Veronica's smile at the mouth deepened. Even the antipathy of such aristocrats was only a
pleasure for her.
"You."
Veronica, who was looking down the hall with an arrogant look, pointed at one person with
her hand. He was a man wearing a mask that embodies a cow.
"Me?"
"So, you. Are you a nobleman?"
The man in the cow mask who was asked was embarrassed.
"Why so suddenly..."
"I don't remember giving you permission to ask questions?"
"..."
"I'm asking, nobleman."
When Veronica's sharp question was raised, he couldn't answer anything, but only his lips
were soft.
Silence is a positive. Smiles spread on Veronica's full face as she looked down at the
bewildered cow mask. It wasn't that difficult for her to distinguish the nobility from the
common people. His faded tailcoat and the atmosphere, he was a commoner.
"Why can't you talk?"
"That's..."
Veronica, who was openly sarcastic, went down the stairs. Veronica, the glass from a lady,
who was standing blankly holding champagne, approached the man on the cow's mask.
'No way?'
Elena couldn't believe her eyes. At the same time, she hoped her guess was wrong. But the
ominous prediction did mark without fail. Champagne glasses over his head on the cow
mask, it was Veronica, who cocked it to the person's head. To wet from his head to his face,
very slowly.
In silence, Veronica's laughter spread low in the salon. Her crazy laughter was so bleak and
creepy that it was shocking enough for the victim, the person watching, and even Elena to
lose her words.
"W-what the hell are you doing!"
The man in the cow mask's voice raised when he came to his senses. His pride is hurt by the
humiliating situation. But Veronica enjoyed the situation.
"Angry?"
"..."
"What's the difference when you're angry? What can you do? You're a lowly commoner,
aren't you?"
The cow masked man bit his lips at Veronica's words. There was enough anger to raise
blood in his head, but he had to resist. Wall of status. He was devastated by an
indescribable gap with Veronica.
"Everyone."
The VIPs held their breath at Veronica's mad eyes.
"Does wearing a mask make a commoner a nobleman?"
"..."
"How can you give up your aristocracy because of the ridiculous rules, and honor a human
being who might be a commoner? Oh, it's humiliating to think about it."
Veronica's words in madness contained a strange persuasion. It shook the foundation of
the salon culture, which emphasized the exchange of culture and art beyond its status, and
at the same time reminded the aristocracy of its privileged consciousness.
"You can't be a noble in an instant. Throughout the ages, nobility is completed by blood
vessels. Do you think it makes sense for such a noble to be equal to a commoner?"
Veronica asked questions and looked up at Elena in the stairwell. It meant that she was not
recognized as a nobleman who became a nobleman today.
"... It seems to be correct when I hear it."
"Am I possessed by something? I'm a nobleman, but why am I being treated the same way
here?"
"Why did I follow that rule? I feel cheated. The more I think about it, the more unpleasant it
is."
Veronica's words agitated some aristocrats. Although they had been tamed by salon culture
and had forgotten the sense of privilege of the aristocracy, Veronica has set off the fire
again.
Elena's eyes looking down at the elated Veronica gave a chill. Veronica shook the
foundation of the salon. The space that Elena promoted, a place for cultural and art
exchanges that transcends status, has passed from the root.
However, she was not Elena who would sit still and be beaten. Elena walked down the
stairs with an elegant walk. As she got closer, the voices of the nobles who sympathized
with Veronica became smaller. That's really strange. Even if they did it a little while ago,
they tried to make noise that the salon's rules were unfair, but they didn't speak when they
faced Elena. Elena had an atmosphere that they couldn't do it recklessly, and they shrank
without realizing it.
Elena, who ignored Veronica and passed by, approached the cow masked man. She took out
a handkerchief and wiped his wet face and neck.
"As the owner of the salon, I'm sorry I made you go through this."
"N-no."
Elena's sincere heart shook his head.
"I will take you to a separate place. I will also prepare new clothes and masks."
Khalif, who had quietly followed Elena's footsteps, left the hall with the cow mask man.
Elena bowed her back and head to express her apology to him as an example. Elena's
attitude was as polite as she knew he was a commoner.
Elena turned around and confronted Veronica. At Veronica, who was doing such a senseless
thing with that face that looked surprisingly similar to her like a mirror, she was
overwhelmed with anger. On the contrary, Veronica felt an extraordinary refreshment.
Whenever she destroyed the things that had degraded Sian, joy came.
"What do you think? Isn't there no reason to be treated like this while wearing a hardy
mask?"
Veronica looked back at the crowd and smiled. Although authoritative, the nobles, who
hesitated to follow people with strange smiles, sympathized one by one and took off their
masks. The number was well over a dozen.
Veronica looked at Elena triumphantly. The aristocrats, who took off their masks and
flocked to her, stole her neck.
It was then. In a situation that could be difficult, somehow Elena's expression began to feel
more relaxed. As if nothing happened, even the critical moment also implies that this is a
step back smile in order to move forward.
'You're smiling?'
Elena's significant smile was very annoying, but Veronica tried to ignore it. This is because
it was considered as Elena's bluff that had broken the rules.
"That's ugly, L."
Veronica was sarcastic and then turned to a haughty gesture. It was followed by the
unmasked nobles. The number of nobles who hesitated and sympathized reached nearly
20. Elena said as she looked at Veronica moving away.
"I'll see you again."
Veronica, who stopped walking, turned around. Elena, who still had a faint smile, kept
scratching her.
"Don't get me wrong. Because I'm the one who decides whether to see you again."
The last nobles who sympathized with Veronica left the hall.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

After leaving Salon, Veronica looked back with triumphant eyes. The twenty noble people
who followed her looked at Veronica and hesitated to make any gestures. Although they
came out of the salon in agreement with Veronica's will, they did not even think about the
next move.
Veronica looked at them and spoke in a soft voice.
"Today you protected the pride of the nobility. You can be proud."
The words were spoken as if the nobles had waited.
"No. I think I did it for granted as an aristocrat."
"If it weren't for Your Highness the Princess, I would still be wasting my time there.
Terrible."
"It's all thanks to Your Highness."
Veronica's smile on the face became stronger. It's refreshing to have hit L's salon, but it's a
pleasure to have even the young ladies who follow her unintentionally.
'The more dolls, the better.'
Veronica was preparing to start socializing in earnest. To do so, a faction was needed to
check Avella, who has the largest influence in the current social world. They will be part of
it.
"I think you, who have not lost the pride of nobility, deserve my invitation."
"I-invitation."
The eyes of those who were in conflict have changed because they may have done well. The
words "invitation of Veronica," the heir to the Grand Duke, stimulated their expectations.
"I cherish relationships very much. I will not forget to remember and invite you to the
Grand House."
When Veronica turned around, the nobles in the back looked as if they were reminded. Just
having a chance to get close to Veronica made them feel as if they were going to fly away.
"Have a safe trip home."
"I'll wait for your invitation. Please don't forget."
"I'll thank you for what happened today. Take care."
Veronica did not give a glance and got on the carriage. The wheels rolled and the carriage
advanced.
When Veronica looked outside, the nobles were greeting the carriage with courtesy. It was
a tearful effort to somehow catch Veronica's eye. Despite such efforts, Veronica did not pay
attention. She was a princess and had no reason to feel grateful for the obvious.
"It was a refreshing day."
Outside the carriage, Veronica's mouth corners curled up to see the furrowing salon.
***
The salon that the storm swept away was full of heavy static. No one had to open their
mouths first, and they were busy rolling their eyes and looking around. This is because the
aftermath of Veronica's atrocities remains. But not everyone was like that.
"That's weird."
Someone snapped out the words. Wearing a bear mask, he was assumed to be a young man
by his voice.
"It's normal to feel bad, but I don't feel bad."
The voice of a bear mask who broke the silence was calm.
"Me, too."
"I wonder if I should be like that."
Elena looked back at the audience with affection. The bear mask brought up his feelings
with all his conviction.
"There was a minor disturbance and some people left the salon."
"..."
"But there's a lot more people left in the salon than those who left. Just like me."
It was what he said. Although about twenty nobles followed Veronica, it was not noticeable.
Nearly a hundred VIPs still remain in the main hall, even in the eyes of the public. When
friendly public opinion was created, Elena stepped forward as if she had waited. It was time
to repay their trust and response.
"The salon's rules are not broken."
"...!"
"Rather, I think it was an opportunity to realize that many VIPs respect salon culture."
Elena witnessed a change in perception with her eyes. Not only the common people who
learned and enlightened by enlightenment, but also the aristocrats, who were vested, were
changing slightly into exchanges of culture, art, and learning through the salon.
This is the result. Many aristocrats who did not follow Veronica did not show off or demand
treatment, showing their superiority. It was proof that they acknowledged the salon,
respected rules, and accepted it as a culture.
"So please enjoy our culture as usual. We have the freedom and virtue to enjoy even a small
disturbance, right?"
Elena gently emphasized us. It is to instill a sense of pride while at the same time attracting
solidarity with the frame.
She realized that they were true intellectuals who could appreciate the works of artists
representing the times, access new dresses of revolutionary designers, and enjoy great
symphonies.
Elena's smile and voice were indescribably proud. Such overwhelming feelings were
conveyed to the VIPs. It aroused the pride that they were grown-up who had enlightened
themselves more than others who can enjoy salon culture beyond the privileged
consciousness of being a noble.
"L's right."
"There is an old saying that you can see as much as you know. Because they don't know the
culture, they don't even know how to enjoy it."
"The salon is a happiness for me. I don't know how I lived without the salon."
"The more I watch the debate, the more I open my eyes to a new world. You shouldn't be
stuck just because you're an aristocrat."
The distinguished guests responded to Elena's words with their own hearts. She was proud
of them for understanding and enjoying the salon culture, and she was satisfied with the
people gathered here and the border of us. It gave off the impression that it was special.
Elena grabbed the glass of champagne from the maid. The distinguished guests also raised
glasses.
"For you who know how to enjoy the Secret Salon."
After the toast, the frozen atmosphere melted as if it had never happened. Just as
Veronica's actions were forgotten in her head, everyone enjoyed the salon culture and had
a wonderful time.
Elena spent some time greeting VIPs and having small talks. That alone gave the salon an
unparalleled look.
After spending a considerable amount of time, Elena asked the VIPs for their understanding
and left the hall. Soon after, the highlight of the day, the annex, will be unveiled to the VIPs
and the opera theater will release a new song by the great musician Centonio, because
there is still work to be checked.
When May reached the top floor, which is not accessible except for officials, she came out to
meet him.
"Ren?"
Behind May was a man wearing a wolf mask. Seeing his crooked clothes and his unique
curly hair, she couldn't help but recognize him.
"Are you okay?"
"Are you worried about me?"
Ren nodded with a serious face.
"There's no reason not to be okay, is there?"
"Don't pretend to be strong."
"I'm wonderful. Wouldn't you have to take this much to tame a madman?"
"What? Tame?"
For a moment, Ren blanked out. Actually, he was going to quietly congratulate you and go
back. But when he saw Veronica's act of violence, he came up because he was worried
about Elena. But Ren's worries were alright, and Elena was calm. No, she looked relaxed,
not hurt. Ren was relieved with a smile on her eyes and tone that were more stable than he
thought.
"Then that's enough."
"Ren."
Elena looked at Ren, singing low. The faint smile on the lips was meaningful.
"What?"
"I guess I've been stuck with Ren for too long. I think it's contagious."
"Am I a parasite? And by my standards, I don't have enough time to spend with you."
Elena stared at Ren and said.
"I want to give it and then take it."
"What are you going to give and then take?"
"The nobles Veronica took today."
Ren, who understood Elena's meaningful words at once, applauded. It's surprising how she
thought about this in that short moment.
"Hey, she's gonna be pissed off? She'd used to stealing and trampling, but she doesn't have
immunity to stealing. But what she took away is taken back?"
"Wouldn't that be enough to pay her back? Dozens of times."
Elena had no intention of ending it simply by retaliating. This is a lucky day. It will be the
starting point to bring Veronica out and bring her to ruin.
'You touched the salon, so I'll bust the Grand House, too.'
Today's work helped Elena a lot. Knowing Veronica, which was defined simply as a crazy
year, was a huge profit. What's left is where to provoke Veronica to destroy her.
"Ren, I need your help."
"Tell me. I'm sad if I don't do something exciting."
"Please investigate the nobles who followed Veronica today. Especially for the aristocrats
who often hang out."
To destroy a person, you must target the surrounding area first. It was time for Elena's
ploy, which had been desperate enough to suffer even Leabrick, to shine.
"It's not hard. What's next?"
"To discriminate."
Sometimes simple is a clearer law. The more complicated this happens, the more difficult it
is to approach. First of all, it is a requirement to give many benefits to those around them
and those who are in contact with Veronica. Soon, she will invite them to a new fashion
show at the salon, and she will also give them the right to purchase accessories, costumes,
and shoes first on that day.
"I have to let them realize how out of style they are not interacting with the salon."
"You're trying to make them impatient?"
Elena nodded. No matter what anyone says, the salon is the cultural center in the capital. As
they followed Veronica, she intended to instill the perception that they are falling behind
the fashion as far as they kept the salon away. There was nothing as shameful as getting the
impression of being left behind even though they paid the same amount of money to the
nobles who were bound to be sensitive to fashion.
"When the young girls who follow Veronica roll their feet, I want to send an invitation. By
coincidence, it's the day Veronica held tea time or had a party. What choices do the young
girls make?"
"I think Veronica's face is worth seeing?"
Ren and Elena are already looking forward to the day. Those who have become out of
fashion and are crushed and anxious walk into the salon with their feet, and what kind of
expression Veronica, who has been abandoned, will make.
Elena, who said goodbye to Ren, changed into a new dress and moved to the annex.
The VIPs opened their mouths to the size of the magnificent opera theater. They were
excited to see concerts, operas, and musicals in the future.
Centonio's new song "The Winter Bird" stole the ears and hearts of the guests. At the end of
the performance, the standing ovation did not end for more than five minutes at the opera
theater.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The capital was flipped over. Although social activities are rare, the incident between
Veronica, whose presence alone is an absolute influence, and L, the mistress of the Secret
Salon, caught the attention and attention of the capital.
"So who won?"
"If you raise your hand, isn't it Your Highness Princess Veronica? She took her followers
out."
"Honestly, I would have done that. How can a commoner be equal to a noble? I can't accept
it."
"But I don't think so. There were a lot more VIPs left in the salon. According to my
acquaintance, the opera theater concert was very impressive."
The social circle was divided into two, favorable to the rules of L and Salon, and
sympathetic to Veronica, who said noblemen should receive special treatment. The opinion
that the salon should be recognized and accepted as a culture and that it should be
considered aristocratic was sharply opposed.
The public opinion, which had been in a tie as rumors were inflated and distorted through
the mouths of luxury socialites, gradually tilted to one side.
The root of society is aristocracy. The privileged aristocrats opposed the fact that they were
treated equally as commoners, leaving the culture. The growing antipathy toward the salon
as it was now also contributed to the enthusiastic appeal of Veronica's followers. They, who
had just entered the faction, spoke more passionately to justify their actions in order to
somehow get Veronica's eyes.
"Honestly, L doesn't deserve the title."
"It's because you don't express it, so there must be a lot of dissatisfied nobles?"
"That's right, they didn't give credit to the Empire, what do you mean a title? I think it was
too much."
Veronica's followers openly criticized Elena. That's not enough, so they tried to get
Veronica's eyes in protest at the salon.
Whether or not, the response from Secret Salon was calm. This has been the case since the
annex was opened and closed for maintenance work. No official announcement was made
despite negative public opinion spreading out of the social circles.
"Hey, can you let it go like this? The salon and your image are getting worse."
To make matters worse, Khalif was burned down because the rumors were not good at a
time when it had no choice but to be closed due to renovation work. Elena savored black
tea with a relaxed look.
"Am I the only one who cares?"
"That's it."
"That's what you're saying. You don't know the social world, but if you stay like this, you'll
see..."
"Senior."
Elena laughed and cut off his words. Khalif's words were illogical. Is there anyone in the
Empire who knows society better than her? She assured him, there is no such thing. Elena
talked leisurely as she put down the teacup.
"The social world is a living thing."
"What do you mean by living thing?"
Khalif blinked with his eyes wide open. He doesn't seem to understand at all.
"The social world is alive. Self-preservation, proliferation, and change. Please wait a little
longer."
"Hey, then..."
"I know you're nervous. But there are times when you have to endure and endure. It's the
same now."
Khalif nodded reluctantly at Elena's persuasion. He was still worried, but he thought Elena
had a good reason to say that.
"There's something you believe in?"
"There's no such thing?"
"Hey, I'm nervous. Do you have it? Say yes. It should be."
"Shh, trust me quietly and work hard to prepare for the reopening. That day, it's going to be
the busiest since it opened."
Elena didn't do anything. There was no need to be swayed by rumors or public opinion.
'They're coming. The largest number of visitors ever.'
And Elena's prediction was right.
The opening day of the salon.
The main hall of the salon was filled with VIPs who flocked without any time to step on it.
Despite the expected number of visitors, more than twice as many people as usual visited
the salon.
Thanks to this, Khalif was sweating. It was not until all reception rooms on the first and
second floors were opened and accessible to several rooms and corridors on the second
floor that overlooked the hall was allowed.
'Is there still?'
Khalif screamed happily as he saw the VIPs waiting in line at the entrance.
At that time. Elena was looking down at the VIPs coming from the reception room on the
top floor of the salon.
"Didn't I say so? The social world is a living thing."
The social world is where yesterday's evil woman becomes today's lady. Whenever it was
so harsh and dismal, as soon as it reopened, they swarmed like a bunch of dogs.
"Honestly, isn't there no other cultural space in the Empire to replace the salon?"
The nobles always search for new and stimulating things. Unlike common people, who are
in a hurry to make ends meet, the majority of them are relaxed, so they have no choice but
to dwell on their superiority and experience they have never had. This is why they have no
choice but to find the salon, even though they pretend not to be on the outside.
"If you wear a mask, you can hide what you come from, so you have no reason to worry
about it. It's the aristocrats who are pretentious and hypocritical, right?"
You should hide your face with a mask and not reveal your name and identity. These rules
served as a means of hiding the dual behavior of aristocrats. Elena had this much in mind.
The main hall of the salon.
"Oh, you're really intelligent. I heard that story for the first time today... Huh? Uh!"
"Y-you... Lil... Hyop!"
Lady Karin quickly shut her mouth when her opponent's name tried to pop out without
realizing it. The young lady, who was almost called Lily, also seemed embarrassed.
"Didn't you say you weren't coming?"
"W-what about you? You said you'd fall apart when you hang out with the commoners."
"That's just what I said..."
Apparently, during tea time just two days ago, Karin and Lily pointed out the salon's rules
and promised not to visit again. But somehow, the appointment was overshadowed, and
the two ran into each other at the salon. Funny thing is, there are not one or two people like
that. Until just yesterday, even those who said that the salon was shaking the foundation of
the status system and that it should put an agenda on the imperial family so that it could be
shut down came to the salon.
No one pointed out such contradictory behavior. As if a smeared dog could not be blamed
for a poop-covered dog, they hugged it as if they didn't know and acted casually. A
nobleman who can't argue without pretense.
Elena even took it as a transition period. It was natural that aristocrats, who are immersed
in a sense of privilege and superiority, experience a gap between salon culture. As the
perception of aristocrats changes like wet clothes in the drizzle, they will harmonize with
the common people.
'It's the Empire Your Highness wants.'
It was no exaggeration to say that this salon is a miniature version of the state supported
by citizens, not common people.
Since that day, gossip and criticism related to salons have disappeared from society like
snow. It was because constant contradictions are subject to criticism even though they can
be passed with their eyes closed at least once.
Eventually, the salon was back on track. No, as the saying goes that the ground becomes
harder after rain, the status had soared rather than before. But Elena wasn't satisfied there.
"The salon should always be at the center of the talk. It can't be disconnected."
The Grand Duke was rushing to open some of the streets of Noblesse earlier than the
original. He felt a sense of crisis as the salon's influence grew and the construction of the
basilica was imminent.
"Spread the word in the social circle. I, L, am officially debuting in society debut."
The capital was agitated again. The fact that they can finally see the beauty of the
mysterious woman L drew attention not only from the social world but also from all the
people.
Is she a beautiful woman as she is rumored to be? Rumor has it that she's wearing a mask
because of a scar? How old is she? 20 or 30? Or maybe a teenager?
As all eyes were on L, who had been veiled and curious, the salon was on people's mouths
again. Everything went smoothly.
***
Elena invited the noble girls that were close to the salon who were around those who
followed Veronica. Some of them had little dream friends of their followers, some
depended on like an older sister, and some competitors did not want to lose. Although
relationships with followers varied, Ren's research indicated that they were the closest and
most influential.
"You were surprised by the sudden invitation, weren't you?"
Elena, wearing a butterfly mask, gently led the conversation.
"To be honest, I was a little surprised. I'm not really close to L..."
"Me too. I never imagined L would invite me."
"This is the first time I've ever visited the salon, so..."
Elena took some time enjoying tea leisurely. After putting down the teacup with an elegant
gesture, only then did she stop drinking.
"Everyone here has a good social reputation."
"U-us?"
"You are young and beautiful, and your conduct is excellent enough to be an example of a
noble spirit. And..."
Elena's praise changed the expressions of the young girls strangely. It's a formal
compliment, because it was vague because of the invitation.
"You say you have an excellent fashion perspective and sense. I heard the reputation that
you are at the center of the capital trend."
Only then did a smile spread to the faces of the nobles, whose doubts had disappeared.
"Oh! That's why."
"If it is..."
"Now I understand."
"I dress up more attentively than others..."
Noble women work hard on decorating regardless of age. It is the individuality of
expressing oneself and the first step in discriminating against others. As a result, they like
to say that they have a good sense of fashion and that they are better at decorating than
others. Even if others look away, they mistake themselves for their individuality. That's
why they were pleased with Elena's invitation.
"That's why I invited you today. I wanted to talk to you and interact with you, who are
pioneers of fashion in the capital city."
"That's what I was hoping for."
"I'm looking forward to communicating with L."
Elena had a conversation on a topic that they would be interested in. Through Emilio, she
showed rare jewels imported from the north, brought scarves by type, which she started
looking for one by one due to the chilly weather, and matched them to the fabric and color.
"It's a small thing, but the scarf is a gift."
Elena got their favor with a proper gift. The ladies were also very happy because it was a
new product that made them think that the scarf, which is a suitable mix of silk and
cashmere, would hit the capital this year.
'Which dress should I match to the scarf?'
'Oh, it's so pretty. I'm excited just to see it.'
'This is going to be in fashion. It's so sophisticated!'
Elena touched her scarf and took a cup of tea to her mouth, seeing the young ladies who
showed their desires. That expression was the best dessert for black tea.
"I have something to tell you all."
When Elena carefully brought up the words, the eyes of the young children were focused.
Their eyes, which were taken away by a scarf, showed their strong affection for L.
"We'll have a fashion show at the salon soon."
"Fashion show?"
"What is that?"
The ladies shined their eyes with curiosity. They didn't know exactly what it was, but just
the fact that L and the salon are pushing for it filled their expectations.
"You can think of it as a venue for designer Christina to present her new work."
"A kind of new dress presentation?"
"It's similar, but it's a little different. If you've ever shown a dress in a hanger or
mannequin, the models will wear it themselves."
"Models?"
The mention of a new fashion show, unfamiliar to the aristocracy, was overwhelmed with
excitement. It was even the revolutionary designer, Christina's fashion show, so that
expectations were even greater.
"The fashion show will be a very special event. I'm going to invite only a handful of nobles
to suit the occasion."
"Then do we have any..."
When a young lady blurted out her words with anticipation, Elena was told as if she had
waited.
"I have to invite you first priority, you're special."
The ladies mouths were caught in Elena's praise. Was there anything else as pleasant as
hearing praise for being special to L, who is referred to as the modern woman and even
received a title as a woman? How much more, a fashion show. They were already excited.
"So make sure you come and shine."
Elena smiled as she swallowed her backstabbing.
'So Veronica can see it.'
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Schwaltz, the wife of a capital nobleman Viscount Billy, was in a bad mood. It's been a long
time since she invited her acquaintances, but she couldn't join the conversation. It was
because she received the impression that she, the main character and the organizer of the
day, was falling behind in the topic. It wasn't very pleasant.
"The scarf is so pretty. Where the hell did you get it?"
"You probably won't get it. L gave it to me as a gift."
"L gave you a scarf?"
"Yes, touch it. It's a mixture of silk and cashmere, so it's too luxurious, right?"
"..."
Schwaltz did not like this situation. On the day of the ceremony to mark the completion of
the salon's annex, she, one of whom followed Veronica, was very uncomfortable to mention
L and the salon.
"Let's stop talking about this. I think I've been talking too much about scarves."
"I know. Let's talk about something else."
The young woman, who read Schwaltz's discomfort, hurriedly wrapped up the
conversation.
"Then Leona, you're wearing a bracelet I've never seen before?"
Schwaltz turned the subject herself. Interested in pretty bracelets that caught her eye all
the time.
"Really?"
"Let me see."
Leona, who suddenly received the attention of the young woman, held out her wrist as if
she was embarrassed. After weaving rose gold into small pieces, a blue sapphire was put in
it. The bracelet was sophisticated at a glance.
"Wow, it's so beautiful to see it up close."
"It must be a master craftsman. Where did you buy it?"
"Let me know, too. I really want it."
Lady Leona, who couldn't overcome the urge of her surroundings, covered her lips.
"I-I got it as a present."
"From whom?"
"It's not Sir Zergadis, is it?"
"N-no, he and I don't have that kind of relationship."
Leona blushed and hurriedly waved her hands. Sir Zergadis was a man she usually had in
mind, so she was shy just by mentioning him.
"Then who did you get it from?"
"Come on. You're not trying to keep it to yourself, are you?"
"Do you know that Lady Leona is like this?"
"What am I?"
Eventually, Leona replied hesitantly.
"R-rather than getting it from someone, I went to the salon and accidentally won the
prize..."
"..."
Leona's answer brought silence. The ladies glanced at Lady Schwalzt's eyes. At tea time,
where information is exchanged and interests and hobbies are shared, the conversation
itself was not established except for the salon. As such, the salon's cultural influence and
repercussion were great among the young aristocrats in the capital.
As a result, even though they talked about various topics, the last one was definitely a salon
conversation.
"..."
Schwaltz felt terrible even though she was forced to smile. She was completely alienated
from tea time to show off her involvement in Veronica's faction. What was more irritating
was that she was lagging behind in areas where she had pride in fashion and trends than
the ladies who came to tea time now.
"Oh, right. I heard you were invited to tea time for the Princess."
"Yeah, come to think of it, in two days."
Leona, who was wary of the previous incident, changed the subject. Then, the ladies said a
word as if they were waiting.
"Wow, I envy you. You're invited by the Princess..."
"You said the Grand Duke's mansion is more elegant than the Imperial Palace? Please tell
me when you come."
Thanks to this, Schwaltz's mouth was covered with a real smile.
"I guess they invited a merchant from the north to tea time."
"Really?"
"Yes, it is said that the only business in the empire to do business with the Grand Duke."
"Wow, a merchant like that would have a lot of rare jewels."
"I heard so. So, I'm looking forward to it. You don't get a chance to save things that are hard
to see in the Empire, do you?"
At the center of the conversation, Schwaltz showed off her relationship with Veronica and
bragged about it. The young women opened their eyes round and looked at her with envy.
'Wouldn't the Great House be better than the salon?'
Schwaltz, regretting whether following Veronica in her heart was a good thing, made up
her mind. She didn't think there was no reason to say that the Grand Duke was above the
imperial family. Schwaltz regained her confidence and led the tea time lively. Now that
there is a corner of faith, there is no need to hesitate or be intimidated anymore.
But it didn't take long for her confidence to break.
***
Invited to Veronica's tea time, Schwalts realized that it was far from what she thought. The
size of the magnificent mansion, which is known to be comparable to that of the imperial
palace, was surprising, but only that. The Gothic style had an orphan taste but did not feel
the attractive beauty of the eye-catching.
'I think the Salon's annex is much more magnificent and elegant.'
Even if she didn't want to compare it, the salon, which was built in the form of a huge dome,
was so impressive that it was not inspiring.
'The furniture in the drawing room is also a little...'
It gave a quiet and calm atmosphere, but it was very old-fashioned.
'Compared to that, the salon is...'
She heard that Gaff and his disciples, who are revered as the best carpenters of the Empire,
made all the furniture in the salon. They were really cool, yet they contained the unique
splendor of antique.
It was then. Veronica, wearing a mermaid dress with a distinctive figure, greeted the guest
with a smile. A conversation was held, ordering tea and coffee to suit their taste, and eating
cakes served by dessert chefs.
'Uncomfortable.'
Schwaltz was not comfortable in this position as if she were wearing clothes that didn't fit.
The reason was Veronica.
Schwaltz wanted to use this opportunity as an opportunity to get closer to Veronica.
Veronica was the only heir to the Grand Duchy. She was considered positive not only for
her own safety but also for her marriage and family. But when she opened the lid, she
wasn't like that at all.
'She can't even speak properly.'
Veronica's unauthorized and overbearing atmosphere was uncomfortable to look at. It was
all the more so because it was a clear vertical relationship.
Schwaltz wasn't the only one. The majority of Veronica's followers were aristocrats who
entered the Secret Salon and were influenced by their own free-spirited mindset and
culture. As a result, they were not very interested in tea time when this kind of vertical
relationship was forced and formal.
'It's not fun.'
'There is much more useful and good information when you go to the salon...'
'I can't bring up the salon and I'm so frustrated that I have to be careful with what I say.'
'I didn't come here to do this.'
Although they did not express themselves, the young ladies inner thoughts were not much
different. Veronica checked the time and smiled and said.
"It's already time. A Northern merchant who has been trading with the Grand Duke for
more than a hundred years has come. I have his noble jewelry and gems on display
downstairs, so let's go see it together."
The eyes of the half-dead ladies were alive. The highlight of today's tea time is finally here.
They followed Veronica into the drawing room on the first floor with excitement. The
ladies, who saw precious jewels and accessories in the glass display case, headed there as if
they were bewitched.
"This..."
Disappointment spread through the eyes of the ladies looking at the items on display.
'I think I saw this necklace at the salon a few months ago?'
'I like sapphires, but their work is tacky.'
'Are my eyes wrong? It doesn't get caught in my eyes.'
The Northern Jewelry handled by the salon is brought in through the Castol Corporation. As
a result, they always handle only the finest, and they go through the hands of the best
craftsmen in the salon. As the salon treat it as a priority and sell the remaining items
outside, the level has been forced to drop.
'What should I do? She said it was a merchant from the north, and it hit me with a big bang.'
'I shouldn't have tea time for a while.'
Veronica grinned without knowing the inner feelings of the ladies who tried to manage
their facial expressions.
"What do you think?"
"I-It's so pretty. This necklace pendant, wow, I can't help but admire it. Rubies in the North
are the best."
"Buy it if you like it. I told the merchant to pay attention in terms of price."
"What? Yes... I'll just think about it a little bit. There are so many things I like..."
The ladies were embarrassed and surrounded. They'd already seen more sophisticated and
valuable necklaces at the salon, and they didn't want to spend any money to fall behind
them.
In the end, some ladies, who failed to win Veronica's recommendation and sense of duty,
reluctantly bought the cheapest ring or bracelet.
Veronica ended the tea time and made an appointment for the next time.
"We're going to have a recital with pianist Luvsky in the annex of the mansion soon. Of
course, I will invite you with aristocratic culture."
"Oh, solo concert. The Princess is too noble."
"I've heard of the name Luvsky. I heard he's a great pianist."
The ladies said they were looking forward to it. However, unlike the outside, the inside was
different. The piano recital, which was boring and uneven, was frankly out of interest. It
was just a formality.
"I'll send you an invitation, see you that day."
Veronica said good-bye, which was tantamount to a notice, and left the drawing room.
Many people were disappointed by Veronica's authoritative appearance, although their
superiors did not even learn to speak of their subordinates.
Schwaltz's expression on her way back to the mansion in the carriage was dark. This is
because she'd never experienced such a breathtaking and meaningless tea time.
"Ha."
Suddenly, she was envious of the ladies who entered the salon freely.
One day when deep sighs were deepening. Two invitations arrived to her mansion.
"It's here after all."
Schwaltz's face was dull when she opened the invitation sent by Veronica. It was the first
time in her life that she had no expectations or excitement. Schwatlz turned to another
invitation.
"I-It's from the Secret Salon, isn't it?"
Schwaltz became ill when she saw the invitation with L's seal. Despite the loud noise, she
was surprised by the wide generosity of L who sent her an invitation.
"You're inviting me to a f-fashion show?"
Surprised for a moment, excited excitement flooded in like a wave. The first invitation was
L. She thought that there would be enough justification, and that it would be enough if she
wore a mask anyway.
"Huh? Uh! Wait a minute..."
Schwaltz, who was excited about going to the salon, checked the two invitations with a
sense of incompatibility. It wasn't long before her face was white.
"The dates overlap?"
***
"Will they come?"
Khalif bit his nails nervously. Rather than anxiety about the first fashion show, he was were
more interested in whether Veronica's followers were looking for the salon today.
"They're coming."
"How can you be sure of that? You said it overlaps with Veronica's piano recital today!"
Despite Khalif's whining, Elena didn't shake her eyes at all.
"They're coming, no matter what. Veronica can never fill the deficiencies they feel."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"If you are, it would be like that, but... Won't you be always nervous and live on expulsion?"
"Senior, please focus on the fashion show. It will be a representative event that will
symbolize the salon in the future, so the first button is important."
Elena put a lot of effort into Christina's fashion show today. The fashion show prepared
with her ideas and efforts was also the way for the salon to move forward.
'It's a declaration of war against Veronica.'
Today's work will surely fall into Veronica's ears. If her followers made excuses as if they
had made an appointment and miss the piano recital, she would be surprised.
"There are as many as six rehearsals. If there is an elevation problem like this, it will cause
even the sky to fall."
"What are you talking about? Even if the sky falls, the salon must not fall."
"They're coming. I'll go check it out one more time."
Unable to overcome Elena's nagging, Khalif turned and left the drawing room. There was no
delay as the time for guests to arrive was imminent.
Elena, who was left alone, felt her hands sweat.
'How many people are coming? Half? No, It'll hit a little more. Between 60 and 70 percent?'
On the day of the opening ceremony of the annex, Veronica had exactly 28 followers. Elena
thought it would be a success if only half of them came. Hurelbard, who was silently
protecting Elena's back, opened his mouth.
"You look nervous."
Elena turned her head. After experiencing quite a few storms with her, Hurelbard was
perfectly suited to the title of Knight of Ice.
"Can you tell? But I'm not just nervous."
"..."
"I'm excited right now. Very much."
Elena felt very good. The right tension and excitement were mixed to maintain a better
rhythm than usual. This rhythm will be delivered to the VIPs in the field.
"Today's fashion show, I feel like it's going to be the best event of my life."
At the entrance of the salon's main building, Khalif was busy greeting the VIPs. Even though
there was some time left until the fashion show, there was a long line outside the salon.
"Can I see your invitation?"
"Here."
The lady, dressed nicely, showed an invitation inside. The eyes of Khalif who received it
were distinctive.
'Lady Schwaltz?'
Khalif glanced up and looked at the woman in front of him. The invitations are numbered
uniquely. This is to check how many of Veronica's followers came to check the invitation.
'Even a little bit of the face is thick. When you're the second earliest when you're playing
the board?'
Khalif greeted with a smile, criticizing Schwaltz's duality inside.
"Thank you for coming. I hope you enjoy it."
Schwaltz walked with her chin up and entered the salon. Khalif looking at her back was
dumbfounded. This is because it was in stark contrast to the day when she chased Veronica
with contempt for the salon. Khalif turned his head and checked the invitations again.
'Again? Did you make a promise? Why are you so early?'
Despite just opening, eleven followers who followed Veronica entered the salon that day. It
was almost half the number.
'You must have been impatient.'
Khalif barely held back the laughter that almost leaked out.
'Half of it's a success.'
Elena swears that they would definitely come, but if no one comes in, she would be able to
save herself a bit less for Khalif, who was nervous.
Since then, one in every ten people have been Veronica's followers. The ladies, who entered
now, stood right next to Veronica on the day of the opening ceremony of the annex, gave
strength to her shoulders and went out in high spirits.
'Wow. Look at her shameless face. I'll feel better if I squeeze everything. How many did I
count?'
Khalif, who almost forgot the most important thing, quickly recalled.
'Twenty-four people! Then, including the person that has been put in now, twenty-five...
Wait a minute, twenty-five?'
Khalif, who was unconsciously counting, was astonished. Of the 28 followers who followed
Veronica, as many as 25 entered the salon.
'T-that's awesome!'
Khalif called for good luck inside. This news was delivered to Elena quickly through May.
"Miss, there are as many as 25 people here!"
"More than I thought have come."
She pretended to be calm, but the smile of conversion on Elena's mouth gave her a sense of
the joy she was feeling right now.
"Are you not happy?"
"I'm glad. There's no reason not to be happy, is there?"
"You look so calm..."
Elena shook her head. A full smile remained.
"Are you satisfied here? It's not too late to enjoy the joy a little later."
May looked at Elena in front of her with a fresh look. She was such a great person. Without
a moment's notice, she constantly pressed and squeezed the Grand Duke.
"Let's go down now."
"Yes, miss."
May's eyes, looking at Elena's back as she walked earlier, were proud. The back of that little
woman felt bigger than any other giant.
When Elena appeared on the stairs down to the main hall, applause poured out.
"I'd like to say hello to the VIPs who came to the fashion show today. I'm L."
Elena put her hand on her chest and lowered her upper body and lifted it.
"I think many people are unfamiliar with fashion shows. But I think that's also a process.
Starting today, the fashion show will approach you as a symbol of the salon. So, shall we get
started?"
Elena didn't explain the fashion show in a slow manner. It's more certain to see it with your
eyes than with a hundred words.
Elena left and the chandelier's light went out. The only light in the dark main hall was
around the runway, which focused people.
Shortly after the band's concert began, a pair of masked men and women walked out of the
end of the runway with a proud yet elegant walk. With a confident walk, they walked across
the VIPs who filled the runway to the very end, posed lightly, turned around, and went
backstage.
The guests blinked at the unfamiliar scenery they had never experienced before. They
didn't know why they came out and went back in, because they passed too quickly.
However, such embarrassment was brief, and the guests quickly fell in love with the
fashion show.
The walking of the model who cannot shake eyes. Christina's new clothes came out with
admiration. Finally, the specialty of being invited to this fashion show.
The reaction of the distinguished guests was so enthusiastic that it far exceeded Elena's
expectations.
'It's a success.'
Elena applauded the models and Christina for the finale. She would like to thank Christina
for her hard work in accepting and preparing for the fashion show in respect of Elena's
opinion, which could be reckless.
"I would like to express my gratitude to L for being here today and for having you here."
When Christina pointed to L, the VIPs welcomed her with applause. Elena naturally climbed
onto the runway as the situation was scheduled from the rehearsal. Then Elena, who would
be wearing a congratulatory speech to celebrate today's success, brought up the
significance she wanted to include in the fashion show.
"Fashion shows will lead the fashion of the capital and the empire. Models walking on the
runway, aren't they so beautiful and cool?"
The VIPs nodded their heads. Christina's new product were great, but the contributions of
the models that made such a work even more brilliant could not be ignored. Elena smiled
and glanced at the models posing on the runway.
"There are commoners and aristocrats among the models. Everyone can get on the runway
if they want, apart from their status. The salon plans to foster models as formal jobs."
There was a burst of admiration here and there. Elena solved questions about the models'
personalities. At the same time, she also talked about a job that did not exist until now.
'Shall I stand on the runway, too? I think everyone would be thrilled if they looked at me.'
'Model? How much profit would the profession have?'
'It's not going to be easy. If you want to highlight the outfit, you need to show
professionalism in walking and posture. I have to take care of myself...'
Everyone had different ideas, but the first impression of the unfamiliar model was
favorable. This is exactly the same response as Elena's desired harmony beyond status.
This self-sustaining power of the salon will be the foundation to firmly take root as a
cultural center. It was a root that was so hard that even the Grand Duke could not reckon
with it.
'Veronica, what kind of facial expression would she have by now?'
Elena held the smile of the winner.
***
"There."
Veronica's humming, standing in front of the mirror and touching her side hair, stopped.
The maids who were organizing her clothes were very nervous.
"The hem of the dress is folded right?"
"I-I'll... Spread it out q-quickly."
The maid quickly opened her dress in contemplation. However, the once-lost wrinkles did
not straighten.
"I-I'm sorry, I stopped paying attention... No. It's all my fault. It's my fault. I won't do that
again. Please, forgive me once."
The maid boiled her knees and begged for her hands to be feet with a white face as if she
were going to die soon. A few days ago, she was more desperate because she witnessed a
maid almost died in the closet for four days due to a minor mistake.
"You're lucky. Because I don't want to worry about trivial things on a day like today.'
"T-thank you. I won't let this happen again."
Veronica's forgiveness gave the maid a tightening of her head. She seemed surprised by
Veronica's generosity, which even the surrounding maids had never seen before. Veronica
hummed, touching hair again. She looked especially happy today.
Veronica paid much attention to the upcoming piano recital. As she began to form a faction
in earnest after the last tea time, she wanted to take this opportunity to give the social
world the perception that the event she organized was special, and the results seemed to
be satisfactory.
Veronica, who finished her last grooming, left the bedroom. Her walk was light as usual,
and his humming continued. The mere fact that she was invited to the recital today made
her happy, listening to the piano playing, the praises of the intoxicated ladies who will be
ecstatic, had already been heard and entertained her.
"Open the door."
Veronica made a jaw move when she arrived at the reception room in the annex where her
followers gathered. The attendants, who followed her closely, quickly went forward and
opened the door.
"Princess Veronica is here."
As soon as the maid's words were finished, the marble door opened. Veronica stepped into
the drawing room with a bright smile.
"Welcome. You've come a long way..."
Veronica's smile disappeared as much as her blurred back words.
"..."
She couldn't believe it when she saw the empty drawing room with her eyes. She invited 28
ladies. However, there were only three ladies sitting in the reception room. Even the
women who got up from the sofa and greeted Veronica seemed embarrassed.
"What's going on here?"
Veronica's voice sank colder and chillier than the frost in the middle of winter.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The maids kept their mouths shut and looked around. They didn't know what was going on,
so they were idle not to provoke her. They were cautious because they didn't know what
kind of anger she would get.
"Did I come to the wrong drawing room?"
"..."
"I'm asking. Are you deaf?"
"T-this is the right place, miss."
At Veronica's urging, the first maid, Kate, answered with a trembling voice.
After checking through the mouth of the lower part, this unbelievable situation touched her
skin.
"You must have sent them an invitation, right?"
"I-I've confirmed that the butler sent them."
This means that the invitation was sent properly. In other words, they didn't come even
though they knew. Flames rose below Veronica's icy snow path. Deep inside her body,
anger boiled like lava just before an eruption.
"How dare they..."
If a few couldn't come, that's when she could move on. There must be an urgent situation
after making a hundred concessions, so she could understand it with broad generosity. But
there are only three. This means that even after receiving the invitation, 25 people ignored
it. It was so insulting that it made her think that they were trying to tease Veronica.
Veronica's face turned red.
"Are those bitches insulting me?"
Her eyes glistened with uncontrollable madness. The reason was so simple that she
couldn't even feel the fishy blood that lingered on her tightly closed lips.
'Bitches who won't be able to chew and eat.'
It was the first time for her to be ashamed as today. It would have been embarrassing if the
bitches lesser-than-bugs were invited, but she never dreamed they would dare to stab her
in the back like this.
The unaffordable insult seemed unlikely to be resolved even if all the ladies who did not
attend the recital were caught and killed.
"There must have been a mistake."
At Veronica's cold words, the three ladies lowered their eyes and avoided eye contact.
That's because they were intimidated.
"The recital is canceled. Go back."
"What? Like this?"
Among them, the tactless girl blinked her eyes and asked back. She was hoping that it
would be a good opportunity to see Veronica as no one else came. But she couldn't help but
feel disappointed to just go back.
"Ha."
She eventually scratched Veronica's already sensitive nerves.
"Do you think I'm asking permission?"
"Oh, I'm... Sorry..."
Only then, the girl's words, which she realized she had made a mistake, crawled in. But the
water was after it fell.
"So? It's a shame, so take responsibility for me, what do you mean?"
"I-I'm sorry about that... I must have lost my words."
The girl apologized with her face bent as if it were touching the ground.
Veronica's approaching footsteps cringed the girl's shoulders. Veronica's shadow slowly
neared and her quiet voice came to be heard.
"Do it right. Don't make fun of me."
"..."
The girl couldn't even answer the eerie warning and nodded repeatedly. Veronica, who
straightened her back, warned coldly as she saw the two ladies, who were scared and
intimidated.
"Let today's work go to the grave. You know what I mean?"
"What? Yes, I understand."
"I-I'll keep my mouth shut until I die."
Veronica, who was promised by the ladies, turned around and left the drawing room.
Veronica, who left the annex with a fierce look and entered the main building, arrived at
Acelas' office.
"Open up."
At Veronica's words, the maid quickly opened the door. It was rude to skip knocking, but
now the priority was not to offend Veronica.
As soon as the door opened, Acelas, who saw Veronica entering the office, got up from the
chair.
"Without a message, How could Your Highness..."
Acelas' eyes rolled fast. Judging from the situation of going back and Veronica's expression,
he felt that something unusual had happened.
"Have a seat over here."
Veronica, who sat on the sofa with Acelas' authority, unfolded three fingers.
"Three hours."
"Calm down and what's going on, step by step..."
"Find out where the 25 ladies who didn't come to the piano recital are and what they're
doing. Right now."
"But..."
Acelas looked embarrassed. The Grand Duke maintains a wide-ranging intelligence
network in the capital. However, it was not easy to track down 25 people in three hours.
Veronica urged him when he showed signs of hesitation.
"Don't say you can't."
"Your Highness the Princess."
"I've run out of patience. You'll have to find out. What if you're late?"
Veronica's mouth corners were strangely twisted.
"I don't know what I'm going to do."
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Acelas kicked off the sofa.
"I-I'll find out right away!"
The nature that made her in his present place warned him. Never be out of Veronica's sight,
or you can face a situation that cannot be turned back.
Acelas mobilized all the night crows, a group specializing in intelligence gathering and
maneuvering in the Grand Duchy. This is because even one more person is needed to
improve the track record of the 25 ladies.
Tick, tick, tick. It was felt that the clock and minute hand of the closet clock were going very
fast. Veronica's stated time passed in a blink of an eye.
"It's been three hours."
"If you wait a little while..."
Acelas begged with sweat.
"You must have a wife and children, right?"
"Y-Your Highness the Princess!"
Acelas' face was pale. She said it insinuatingly, but she wasn't really close to saying that she
wouldn't leave his family.
'What are these bastards doing without a hurry?!'
Veronica was not a bluffer. No one knows what terrible things his family will suffer if they
stay here longer. It was when such fear and anxiety reached its peak.
"We got it! I got it!"
In Acelas' hands, there was parchment delivered by the night crows through the window
without knowing the rats or birds.
"You're lucky."
Veronica looked down at Acelas with her thin eyes. A sigh of relief swept Acelas' chest.
"Tell me. Where and what they're doing. Don't miss a thing."
Acelas' eyes, looking at Veronica, who threatened him, turned to the parchment. There
wasn't much information collected because it was the behavior of the 25 ladies.
'W-what?'
The eyes of Acelas, who was reading parchment paper, shook. As soon as he said this, he
was strongly afraid that there would be an unaffordable aftermath.
"They are all in the same place..."
"So where."
"A-at a fashion show in the salon..."
"..."
As soon as Veronica shut up, the conversation stopped. Even Acelas, who was determined
internally, was chilling at the response.
'W-what kind of person's expression.'
Veronica's face, which was twisted as if she wasn't smiling, swallowed his dry saliva. He got
goosebumps with a look of madness that he was reluctant to face.
"L."
Hate was poured into Veronica's low-pitched words. It was clear that the salon also held a
fashion show intentionally overlapped with Veronica's piano recital. It was aimed at her as
if they were after the game.
"A bitch who can't be ridiculous even if she's torn to death doesn't even know the subject?"
It was the first such insult since she was born as the heir to the Grand Duchy and
recognized that the empire was at its feet. That's why it was more humiliating. She couldn't
believe she was humiliated by a woman whose bloodline was unclear.
She didn't think her anger would go away without throwing away the salon. She would
push her followers into the pit of despair. If she had a family, she would search the
continent and kill them in front of her. And she would bring L and take a piece of flesh and
beg her to die in pain.
"Let's pull a plan. I need to kill them all."
"What?"
"Not only the artists who belong to the salon, but also all the close associates in the salon's
key posts are to be found and killed. If they have a family, find them and kill them all."
"I-I see."
She was about to use her hands. While preparing for the early opening of Noblesse Street,
the masters who belong to the salon are almost a sight. All of them had to be removed to
make the second-rate artists on Noblesse Street the first-rate.
"And did you say basilica?"
"Yes, it's a large building that's being built around the salon."
Veronica also remembered going to the salon. Even its overbearing presence will hit
Noblesse Street.
"Burn it."
"...!"
"Salon area, and make it impossible to rebuild."
Veronica's eyes were filled with madness.
***
"Crows are black."
"So the darker it is, the less noticeable it is."
Mel also received the meaningful words that Ren threw. On the roof of a building far away
from the Grand Duke's mansion, the two had long, thin objects in their hands. It was a
telescope.
"It's a great thing. I can't believe I can see people from such a long distance. This makes it
even easier for Majesti members to gather information."
"So."
Ren smiled and agreed. The telescope was given as a gift by Elena for Ren's convenience in
charge of information.
It was the work of Camille, a scientist belonging to the salon, a mysterious object that
allowed them to see close by using refraction of light for a long distance that cannot be
identified by the naked eye.
"Now that I've received the gift, I'll have to make it up to her, right?"
"To L? It seems to me that you've already done enough."
At least it was in Mel's eyes. When it comes to L, Ren walks off. A man who dislikes
annoying things rather than dying laughed and took the lead more passionately than his
job.
"Not enough. I mean, I want to be a generous tree for her."
"You may end up giving it away."
"Oh, that's possible. But what's wrong with that?"
Mel looked at him as if they were dumbfounded.
"Are you serious?"
"If I die after giving generously, won't she remember me forever?"
"..."
"That's exciting."
Ren's expression conveyed his true feelings without any lies. Common sense Mel was still
not understood by such Ren's method.
'He's originally that kind of person, but...'
They always felt sorry for Ren, who was out of the normal way. Ren looked at the members
of the Night Crows moving through the telescope under the cover of the night sky.
"Don't miss the night crows."
"Don't worry. I'm focusing all my information on Majesti."
Mel's voice was full of confidence. This means that they were putting all their attention into
it.
"I know Veronica well. If that crazy girl doesn't focus on herself, she'll try to ruin
everything. When she overdoes it, we have a cause for destroying the Great House."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sect 23. A Sign of a Downfall

The members of the night crow have no names. They're called just number one or number
two. The veiled night crows are dedicated, loyal, and give up their lives exclusively for the
great house.
The main task of the night crow is collecting information. In addition to the capital, the
dark-spreads of the continent watch over the aristocracy and watch the movement.
Leabrick was able to sit in the office and look down at the situation of the empire like it was
on her palm because of the watch of the night crows woven like a spider's web.
In addition, the night crow was responsible for the dirty work of the Great Duke.
Representative examples are assassination. Each one of them was optimized for
assassination, which could be called a murder weapon. Even well-known knights were
often caught, as they used to kill by any means.
The secretive three crossed the capital's building, where darkness fell without a single
moonlight.
'Is that it?'
Three saw an ordinary building that can be seen anywhere in the capital. At night, the lights
were off on both the first floor and the second floor. The third approached the building
quietly under cover of night. He leaped to the roof with his agile body like a cat and slid
down.
'The smell of paint is vibrating.'
He passed the canvas piled up in the attic and came out into the hallway on the second
floor. As he had known the structure in advance, he went straight to Raphael's bedroom.
Perhaps lucky, the bedroom door was also open at an angle.
Having successfully infiltrated the bedroom without any difficulty, No. 3 approached the
bed. Perhaps because of the cold, he could see Raphael sleeping under a blanket.
Before he knew it, there was a small but sharp dagger in his hand. The third shot down the
dagger with all his might. The heterogeneous feeling delivered to the fingertips made No. 3
blinked. It didn't feel like penetrating bones and flesh. The pillow was lying down when he
removed the blanket in the mood of penetrating the cotton.
"Night crow."
On the other side of the room, a quiet voice flowed from behind the lightless curtain. As No.
3 turned its head, a man wearing a silver mask covering his eyes and nose stood holding a
sword.
"So-called number three. A murder weapon specialized in assassination."
No. 3 realized that even if something went wrong, it was seriously wrong.
'They've got information!'
The man in the silver mask knew not only about the existence of the night crow, but also
about himself. That means he knew he would be here to assassinate Raphael and waited.
'The mission is a failure.'
The remaining task for No. 3 was to escape the current crisis safely.
"I don't kill. Instead, you have to go with me."
Perhaps he read such intentions of No. 3, but the man in the mask narrowed the distance
and pressed him. His presence alone was so terrible that he was intimidated. But No. 3 was
skilled. A dagger held in both hands of No. 3 flew away like an arrow.
Chaeng! The man in the silver mask hit the dagger accurately even in the dark without a
lamp.
"It's meaningless."
'That's what you think.'
The third took a lightning rod out of its arms. The lightning rod, which was as big as a
finger, spreads out with dozens of needles and hits the enemy when it is struck. The third
mixed lightning rod between the daggers thrown like a shower. The man in the silver mask
hit the lightning rod and tried to escape the moment the needle scattered.
"I was told to watch out for the lighting rod."
The eyes of No. 3 shook. The man in the silver mask accurately hit the dagger, but the
lightning rod turned around and let it flow.
'How far did the information go?'
Things have changed rapidly. If he even knew the lightning rod, he knew about them one
after another.
'I'm getting out of here somehow.'
No. 3 took smoke bombs out of its arms and detonated them. The fog spread, obscuring the
surrounding view. It was when he tried to move his body to get out of the door after he
pretended to go out through the window on the other side.
"Kol!"
A groan came out of No.3's mouth. The sword stuck in the left shoulder blade dragged his
body with great force and hit him into the wall like a skewer. However, he also suppressed
his other arm as if it was not enough.
'It was a mistake.'
He was too strong. In addition, knowing the technology, it was a long way from running
away. No. 3 endured the pain and scratched the molar teeth with his tongue. Discretion was
hidden in the iron clip on the molar. It was a suicide device for the worst.
"Up!"
At that time, the man rolled into No. 3's mouth. The sword filled the inside of his mouth and
made it impossible to take out the iron clip or chew.
"My lady did not allow you to die."
'My lady?'
No. 3 was cut off there.
***
"They got the Night Crows?"
"Yes."
"No. 2, No. 3, and No. 6?"
As Artil nodded, Grand Duke Friedrich's expression became serious.
No. 2, 3, and 6 were specialized in assassination and murder in the night crows. If they
became a full-time knight, they were born with the qualities that were more than one of the
first knights. Such assassins were beaten. It was not a matter to pass lightly.
"What about the bodies?"
"They're completely gone."
Grand Duke Friedrich looked down at the patronage beyond the front window with his
hands on his back. There seemed to be a lot of thoughts beyond the indifferent gaze.
"What is the possibility of remaining a follow-up?"
"Even that's hard to identify. I assume it was self-evident, but there's no way to confirm it..."
"If that's the case, I'll have to use my hand here first. Dismantle the night crows."
Artil opened his eyes as if surprised. Until the current Friedrich family, the night crow had
done all kinds of good work. He ordered the elimination of such an organization at once.
"As long as the information is leaked, there is no value of the organization. It is only
necessary to hold onto it to hold the ankle."
"I'll take care of that."
Artil was impressed inwardly. It was not easy to give up such an organization, so Grand
Duke Friedrich's decision was like a knife.
"You're in charge of the successor organization."
"Do you mean me?"
"You've learned something from Leabrick, so I'm sure you can do that."
"I won't let you down."
Artil's eyes flashed. This is an opportunity. To master the intelligence organization meant
that he would become the influential figure of the Great House.
"I don't feel very good."
Grand Duke Friedrich looked down out the window and narrowed his eyes.
Although Veronica and Acelas were entrusted with practical business, they were not letting
go of their hands at all. After the fall of Leabrick, the general details of the Grand Duchy
were being reported to him through Artil.
"The chances of success in Noblesse are low?"
"Yes, even if it is opened early, it is uncertain whether it will exceed the status of the
salon..."
"It's all the more so because even they even failed to remove the artists."
Artil replied with a small nod.
Since when? The finances of the Grand Duke, which even looks down on the imperial
family, have deteriorated noticeably. The value of the high-priced artwork plummeted, and
the opium business was forced to close due to the loss of the finacea plantation. And there
were many difficulties in the Noblesse street business, which resulted in greater financial
losses than expected.
Artil recalled what Leabrick said just before she was suddenly dismissed.
"Keep an eye on L. She's a dangerous woman."
Come to think of it, it was only after the appearance of the woman named L that the Grand
House began to rewind. Looking back, he even got the impression that the salon itself is a
counterpoint aimed at Noblesse Street.
"Is Veronica determined to throw away the salon?"
"Yes, she's pretty upset about the recital."
"Disturbance in many ways. The salon, L, too. We have to step on it."
Noblesse Street and the salon, Veronica and L. Neither are compatible. The patience of
Grand Duke Friedrich, who does not move easily, was now at its limit.
"Close the salon."
"Do you have any idea?"
"I'll see Your Majesty tomorrow."
Richard, the current emperor, is an emperor established by Grand Duke Friedrich. His
influence on the imperial family is also absolute, as he has been upgraded from a duke to a
Grand Duke in recognition of his contribution.
'The salon will close soon.'
Emperor Richard is nothing but a puppet emperor. There was no power to reject the
request of Grand Duke Friedrich, who took control of the empire and shook it. With such an
emperor in place, Grand Duke Friedrich was planning to regulate the salon and push it to
close down.
"Tell Veronica, too. Put off playing with fire until later."
***
Urgency was smeared from Sian's footsteps across the corridor of the imperial palace. It
was nerve-wracking to hear that Grand Duke Friedrich had been in the imperial palace
without any notice, but he couldn't stand still when he heard that he had asked the
emperor to stand alone.
'Did you notice?'
He tried to calm down, but Sian was bound to be nervous. Based on the fines paid by the
Grand Duke and the funds provided by Elena, he secretly began reforming the Imperial
Guard. He was planning to cut out the rotten guards who were weak and had no loyalty to
the imperial family, and replace them with those who were outstanding but faced the limit
of their status or were left behind for many reasons.
When they saw Sian arriving at the main palace, the maids and guards bowed their heads.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince."
"Your Majesty?"
"He's in a private audience with His Highness Grand Duke Friedrich."
Considering the time Sian came to the Imperial Palace after hearing the news late, he was in
an audience for more than an hour. In other words, the conversation is getting longer than
expected.
"Since the Grand Duke is here for the first time in a long time, I should say hello. Open it."
"But..."
When Sian stared at him, the guard nodded as if he knew.
The door of the word, which had been firmly closed, opened. Grand Duke Friedrich,
wearing a coat and glasses, came out after completing his audience.
"I haven't seen you in a long time, Your Highness the Prince. You have become more
proficient without seeing it."
"... The Grand Duke is still there."
The eyes of the two, who asked for formal regards, clashed in the air. They didn't take their
eyes off each other as if they were trying to read each other's inner thoughts, but neither
side could read their emotions. It was Grand Duke Friedrich who stopped the silent
collision first.
"You've matured."
"I'm flattered. You had a private audience with Your Majesty? Why didn't you call me?"
"I wasn't sure I would. Your Majesty couldn't communicate, so I feel very unpleasant now.
Your Highness will be a little different, right?"
"..."
Despite maintaining expressionlessness, Sian felt terribly insulted. He dared to annihilate
the emperor against a noble, even the Prince, Sian, he looked down on. When Sian shut his
mouth and gave no answer, the wrinkles on the face of Grand Duke Friedrich became dark.
"Please tell His Majesty. I won't forget what happened today."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sian stood and caught the back of Grand Duke Friedrich, who was moving away. He, who
does not show his feelings for most things, even gave such a warning, also meant that
Emperor Richard had cut off the conversation firmly.
As he hurried inside, he could see the emperor sitting on the throne touching his forehead.
Perhaps because of his recent deterioration, his coughing appearance seemed emaciated.
"Cough cough, are you here?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Have you encountered the Grand Duke?"
Sian nodded and asked back.
"What happened to him? I've never seen an emotional Grand Duke before. I was struggling
not to forget what happened today."
"I just played a little father."
Sian stared at Emperor Richard. The word father, which had never spoken out before, rang
Sian's heart with sorrow.
"This is what he said to me. Put down an imperial order and shut down the salon."
Sian's eyes shook. Shut down the salon. The fact that he directly asked the emperor was
tantamount to saying that Grand Duke Friedrich was blatantly aiming for the salon.
Emperor Richard looked tired, but he spoke in a firm tone.
"I refused."
"Father."
"Aren't you like that? We have to protect that place. It's the starting point for the new
empire you want to build."
For Sian, the salon was a compass. It was a symbol that suggested directions and told
where to go.
'Little Empire.'
Sian painted the future empire while looking at the salon. It was possible to see clearly the
process of enlightening and changing the perception of the people of the Empire, not by
spear and sword, by putting culture ahead. He dared to say that it was a miniature version
of the new empire that Sian pursued. Emperor Richard protected it from the Grand Duke
Friedrich. Knowing that it was not easy, Sian was grateful and worried.
"The Grand Duke will not stand still."
"I'm sure. Isn't he a human being who will change even the emperor if not in the castle?"
Emperor Richard is a hindrance to him, but he was as indifferent as others.
"Son. You don't want to get involved in this."
"You can't do that. I'll step up and..."
"No, that should be the case. If you succeed in reforming the greatness of the Imperial
Guard, wouldn't it be worthwhile for me to win the attention of Grand Duke Friedrich?"
Sian's eyes shook. There was a faint smile on the lips of Emperor Richard, who saw such a
son. He looked weak, but it was a smile that felt strong.
"I have come to the throne of the Emperor, whom I had never wanted, and I have given you
a great burden and responsibility."
"I've never thought my job was a burden."
Sian answered firmly and unwaveringly. After recognizing his status as Crown Prince, he
accepted it as his destiny. He had never once blamed Emperor Richard for holding such a
duty.
However, Emperor Richard's eyes deepened as he looked up at the ceiling of the high
palace. His expression of looking at the mural containing the founding history of the empire
crossed his mind. His son who lived without questioning and fulfilling the duties of the
prince naturally was sad, and the helplessness of himself, not like the emperor, was sad.
"I was ashamed."
"..."
"You're trying so hard, but I, your father, had been swayed by them with their eyes on me."
The emperor regretted the time spent in vain without even trying. Although he was late,
Sian wasn't late, so he wanted to do something.
"Arrowheads are as good as I am."
"Father."
"I turn away. Pretend I don't see anything. So if I can be of any help to you, I think I can take
the burden off my mind. Cough, cough."
Sian tried to say something, but he shut up. He couldn't say anything because he was a
father who had never talked so hard in his life.
'I won't let you down, Father.'
Sian was determined. He believed it was the only way to repay his father's sacrifice.
"Did you say L?"
As the cough calmed down, Emperor Richard changed the subject. Sian looked up and
looked at him.
"I'd like to see her at least once."
"Father."
"You're the one who doesn't laugh at all. And when you talk about her, you smile, so isn't it
no wonder I'm interested in her as a father?"
"..."
"I'm not putting pressure on you. If she comes to the palace now, she'll be a target. I don't
want that. It's just a little wind in the future."
Emperor Richard was also well aware of the reality, leaving only room for it.
'I'm afraid you'll miss the child.'
He swallowed a word he couldn't bring up. He wanted Sian to be happy as a father, leaving
the emperor.
'He must be greedy, too.'
The weight of the throne is like that. One day, Sian will realize that it is a place where
sacrifices are demanded and forced to give up. Whatever choice he made, he hoped he
wouldn't regret it when it comes.
"It is difficult now... but I will introduce her to you in the future."
Sian failed to turn a blind eye to such a request from Emperor Richard and promised to
return. It was the best promise he could make at this moment.
"That's enough."
***
Nothing can be better than this.
It would be the perfect words to express the situation between Elena and Salon. The
assassination of the great masters, which the Grand Duke had been pushing for, failed. The
night crow, who claimed to be the darkness of the Grand Duke and carried out intelligence
operations and assassinations, dismantled the organization as if it were an admission that
all his activities were revealed.
As Elena protected the masters safely, the salon was in a position to lead the gap, which
was no match for Noblesse Street. A second-rate work will not be noticed forever as long as
it is first-rate. Now that the masters belonged to Elena's salon, Noblesse Street could not be
a competition.
Elena wasn't satisfied with the gap and spread the story of the opening of the annex and the
opening of a massive rectangular basilica sooner or later. Although it was not possible to
see the appearance with the naked eye because it was still covered with camouflage, the
magnificent dignity comparable to the imperial palace was enough to raise people's
expectations.
In addition, Elena spilled the fact that she ruined a piano recital organized by Veronica to
the social world. The show, which was held on the same day, announced the huge success
of the salon's fashion show, and drew public opinion to be compared.
The impact of the work was huge. In the past, ladies who had been devoting themselves to
Veronica or Avella, who had great influence in society, calmed down. Except for the few
ladies who want to enter the faction to sacrifice themselves for the family, the need to line
up for the successful ladies had disappeared.
There was a salon for that reason. The salon was not closed for one day out of 365 days a
year. If you cross the threshold, you can interact with various people beyond your status,
and various cultures coexist. In addition, Elena planned to make the basilica a systematic
and specialized shopping area.
As a revolutionary designer, Christina's boutique is representative. The boutique, which
will open on the first floor of basilica with a wide-ranging plain that has never been seen
before, was busy preparing to emerge as a brand, displaying not only her works but also
the works of apprentices.
Elena was excited as the early opening of Noblesse Street approached day by day.
Everything was perfectly prepared. Nevertheless, she did not relax. Despite the
approaching early opening of Noblesse Street, she was worried about the quietness of the
Grand Duke. A message came from Ren, who was watching the Grand Duke's every step of
the way, whether he knew such thoughts.
It was news that the survivors of the night crow left the capital and there was no
movement, so it was safe to do so. Only then did Elena worry a little less. It is entirely
possible to trust the information Ren gives.
So Elena's day of revenge was gradually getting closer to reality.
***
Veronica lived with irritation all day. She blamed nothing and kept the maids in the
wardrobe or abused them in a cruel way. She couldn't feel better even though she went to a
social gathering and received a lot of attention. Unlike before, the ladies, who looked up to
her and even had a death test, disappeared. When she saw the ladies bowing down at her,
she couldn't stand it because she wanted to slap them even on the cheek.
Acelas, who lost weight due to Veronica's suffering, said with difficulty.
"The day after tomorrow, I will burn the salon."
"If you fail again, it will be difficult to preserve your position."
Veronica threatened. With the early opening of Noblesse Street just 15 days away, the salon
had to be hit by any means. Otherwise, it would be followed by a tail mark of failure in the
ambitious Noblesse Street project.
"Don't worry. I've put in a double effort."
"Let's hear it."
"I'm going to set fire inside and outside the salon, on both sides."
Acelas investigated the salon thoroughly. The fire will be difficult to spread due to the small
wooden structure, as the stone and marble are the main forms.
Nevertheless, Acelas was confident of success. There may be limits to growing flames
outside, but the inside is different. Even for decoration and embellishment, wood is used a
lot, so it is easy to build a fire.
"We've got a man in the salon who's free. He'll set fire inside, he'll set fire outside, and
swallow it in a single breath."
The more he continued, the more confidence gained in Acelas' voice.
"The very L and her associates who I investigated live on the top floor of the salon. Is it a
little high there? I can assure you. If the fire starts on the first floor, she can't come down.
They'll fall through the window, or they'll choke on the smoke."
"It's interesting. The crash is not bad. Wouldn't it be even more devastating to see the salon
go down after she fell and became a cripple?"
"O-of course."
Acelas was puzzled by Veronica's story, which was even more popular. Hr always felt that
Veronica's cruelty was beyond imagination.
Veronica left the office with a warning that she would not forgive the mistake. She went
straight up to the waiting carriage and found the safe house. Veronica, who had been
recovering from poison, went underground. Candles, ripe steaks and wine were placed on a
high-end table that felt heterogeneous on the side of the dreary and desolate underground
prison.
"The atmosphere is nice. Start."
It was when Veronica sat on a chair and cut the steak into bite-sized pieces. The man
walked into the bars across from where Veronica was sitting and began to whip
indiscriminately at the prisoners.
"Argh! Euak!"
"S-save me..."
Veronica chewed and swallowed steak in response to a painful scream, and enjoyed this
moment while sipping the wine.
"It's a great dinner."
Veronica's full face spread a satisfied smile.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"We've decided to burn down the salon?"

"Yes, Your Highness. We are planning to gather close aides from inside and outside to build
fire."
Artil reported to Grand Duke Friedrich everything that was going on. Externally, he was
nothing more than an errand boy for Acelas, but from some point on, Grand Duke Friedrich
kept him close and acted like a hand.
"What are the chances of failure?"
"It seems that there are very few... I think it's good to be prepared for an emergency from
the crows' work at night."
Artil approached carefully and carefully. To be honest, the salon's plan for the whole plant
was not particularly flawed. While Acelas has a strong opportunist side, he would never
have succeeded Leabrick if his tactics were sloppy.
'L will be trapped.'
For him, Leabrick was like the sky. She developed his intelligence, which was only an
orphan, and raised him as an imitation. Leabrick, who had been, warned to be careful of L. L
is not an easy-going person, as is the case with the night crow.
"You've thought about the contrast, haven't you?"
"Of course. The dismantled Night Crow's crew was sent to the periphery to distract them
from their attention."
The night crow had already revealed its existence. If they were going to throw it away
anyway, it was right to use it usefully.
"And just in case, I'd like to give you one more move."
Grand Duke Friedrich, who was sitting at his desk in his office, raised his head and looked
at him. He looked as if he wanted him to keep talking.
"We're planning to place an archer on a roof nearby."
"Archer."
"In the worst case scenario, we'll shoot L through the flames."
Leabrick spoke like a mouthpiece. The failure of the scheme is the beginning of a new one.
The capability of the imitation is determined by whether it is planned double or triple. If
you want to succeed yourself, you'll have to plan three times.
Grand Duke Friedrich smiled low. Artil, who didn't know the meaning of the smile, was
nervous.
"Now you're doing your job."
"T-thank you."
"I'll put Stein on you."
Artil opened his eyes.
"Y-you mean Lord Stein?"
"Yes. Make sure you don't make any mistakes."
"Understood, Your Highness."
Artil's lightly rolled fist put strength in it.
'L's done, too.'
Who was Stein? He is an escort driver from the grassland tribe who serves Grand Duke
Friedrich. More loyal than anyone else, he was good at magic and archery. An anecdote of a
flagpole standing more than a hundred steps away from a windy meadow and him
knocking it down with a bow is still a topic.
The deep eyes of Grand Duke Friedrich, looking into the distance, were looking farther
beyond measure.
"L's death will set a good example."
"To Our Majesty who doesn't know the subject and behaves like a foal. Oh, even to a dog
barking without recognizing its owner."
A wild beast's madness was overflowing in the eyes of Grand Duke Friedrich. Just facing
each other, Artil was suffocating.
'It's not just the Emperor. He's also drawing a line for the Crown Prince. Don't cross it.'
There was no one in the capital who didn't know that the person who gave the title to L
was Crown Prince Sian. Rumors circulated that L and Sian were very close, and that L might
become the next empress.
Grand Duke Friedrich noted L. The incident also played a part in interfering with the work
of the Grand Duke, but she judged that it would be closely related to the imperial family. By
killing such L, it was a reminder for Emperor Richard and Sian. I'm your master, don't
forget it.
"We'll make sure you don't make mistakes."
Artil bowed his head and showed submission. A man who will remain even after changing
the emperor if he wants to. Who can go against his will.
***
"Good job, everyone."
Elena took off her mask and encouraged her close associates in the drawing room.
"What do you say we did? It was done by my benefactor."
"You've been through a lot. Reading discussions alone would be exhausting, but I would be
tired of hosting poems."
Emilio and Khalif waved and praised Elena. Their job was simply to help or assist in the
salon's events, but Elena became the organizer, grasping and leading. Perhaps the weight of
responsibility was different.
Elena smiled, leaving her tiredness behind.
"Thanks to your help. May, you did a great job. Thanks to you taking care of me, I could not
make a mistake."
May answered instead by bowing her head silently. Like that silence, Elena was able to
focus on her role because she always followed Elena's side like a shadow and checked
every little thing.
"You made it through the day. Take a good rest. I'll be busy tomorrow morning visiting the
basilica and preparing for the opera in the afternoon."
"Oh, I'm running out of even two bodies. You didn't give me any days off. Aren't you evil?"
"Do you want to rest? Do you want me to give you a good rest?"
When Elena smiled and asked, Khalif faltered and pulled out.
"She makes the words violent with a smile on her face."
"What did I do? You wanted to rest, so I told you to rest. What's wrong?"
"Don't talk, talk."
It was always Khalif who suffered losses in this kind of verbal battle, so he had to lose.
"Take care of your health, too. It's the most important time."
"I'm trying to, but it's not working. There's a lot of work to do, a lot of motivation ahead..."
Elena didn't lose her smile, although she looked tired.
'I'm happy just to see the salon grow.'
The heart of the salon is Elena. The status of the salon changes depending on how much she
takes the front. So Elena couldn't let go of her hand. A little more, more, more. Greed was
the driving force behind her life. Now she made her live as the owner of a salon, L, and feel
alive.
"You have to be careful at times like that. The human body always gets sick when you
overdo it."
"I'll take Emilio's words into my heart."
Elena looked back at Hurelbard, reflecting on her sincere advice.
"Well done, Sir."
"It's nothing."
Hurelbard shook his head firmly. All he did was watch Elena without falling from her side.
In Hurelbard's eyes, Elena, who leads the empire's culture with a small body like a violet
flower, was incredible and admirable.
Elena ended the day with a smile and left.
"That's a long conversation. Let's really go and rest."
Elena returned to her bedroom on the top floor of the salon. With May's help, she dipped
herself in the bathtub, came out, and lay on the bed as if she were falling. She put her hand
on her forehead and murmured looking up at the ceiling.
"I feel like... I'm finally living like myself."
Elena's eyes, tired from fatigue, became dim. She was proud and happy that she felt like she
was living her life completely, not in Veronica's shadow.
"I'll protect my life."
To do so, she must bring down the Grand Duke. Elena's eyelids slowly closed with that
thought. She was tired, so she couldn't think deeply about it and fell asleep.
At that time. The chandelier's light, which was shining on the main hall of the salon, went
out. It meant a complete closure as a ceremony to wrap up the day.
You could feel the movement over the moonlight leaking from outside the window. At the
same time as the closure, there were no people inside because outside access was strictly
controlled. Of course, there are still those who took charge of housekeeping and chores, but
only a few, and even they lived in accommodations set up in the annex. As a result, the
appearance of a man who appeared in an empty hall was unfamiliar.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Heuk."
The name of the man who repeatedly sobbed his apple without subject is Sean. He was in
charge of cleaning and maintenance inside the salon from the beginning of its opening. Due
to the nature of the salon, which was visited by more than tens to hundreds of guests a day,
and was not closed all year round, Sean was the first contributor to keeping the salon like a
new house.
The reason that could have been made was due to the inability to tolerate even a single
grain of distant colonization. Such a pathological obsession eventually became a blessing in
disguise and was recognized as indispensable to the salon.
"I shouldn't be like this... but I shouldn't be like this even more considering the grace given
by L..."
The tears of apology hardly stopped. He would be too obsessed with his excessive
obsession, and he was often expelled soon after finding a job. It was because he couldn't get
out of his obsession. It was L who accepted him who had no place to go.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
It was 15 days ago that his wife and daughter, who were recuperating outside the capital
due to poor health, lost contact. His eyes were turned upside down at the news of his
disappearance, and an unidentified man came and threatened him. He was holding his wife
and daughter hostage, and if he wants to see his family again, do what he says. He'd kill his
wife and daughter immediately if he did anything stupid or asked for help.
Sean could not afford to lose his precious family, which is no different from a reason for his
life. A daughter who will not get sick is more important than his own life. Eventually, he
chose to set fire to L's salon for his family's safety.
"... I'm sorry you'll die."
He will also atone for L by burning himself. Sean visited the reception room on the first
floor as instructed in advance. When he looked under the corner bookshelf, he saw an oil
can someone had brought.
By opening the lid, the unidentified man added oil to the wooden ornaments next to the
closet mentioned.
"I won't even ask you to forgive me. No, don't forgive me when I'm dead, L."
The hand took out matches from the arms and lit them. Now, it was just a small ember as
small as fingernails, but the fire quickly grew when the adult, who left his hand, touched oil.
His hands sobbed out of the drawing room. The unidentified man ordered that at least
three fires should be set. The salon was built of marble and stone, which was why it was
strong against fire.
'I can't do this. It shouldn't be done in human masks.'
Though he knew, his hand couldn't stop. Then, the more the fire grew beyond control, the
salon was used as wealth.
***
"What's wrong with you?"
Mel asked Ren, who analyzed the information collected by Majesti based on their analysis.
It was because they felt something was not clear from Ren's expression.
"That's weird. Was the Grand Duke supposed to be this easy?"
"How can that be? It's a family that's never been shaken."
"Right? That's what I think."
Ren's eyes deepened as he passed the report.
"It's too easy. That's why it's weird."
"Do you have anything to point out?"
"This."
Ren pointed out a line while giving out a report. Mel, who saw it, read it aloud.
"Grand Duke's direct knight, Stein, didn't come to the hunt hosted by Duke Whit, are you
talking about this?"
"Yes."
"Let me figure it out."
Mel didn't even ask the reason for the doubt. It is up to them to identify and analyze, but it
is up to Ren to judge. Ren's sharp touch had never missed before.
"The activities of the night crows are also strangely disturbing... W-what's tha?!"
Ren's eyes were blanked out as if he had been hit on the head with a hammer. He thought
this would be the feeling that if a person was shocked too much, they would temporarily
lose their mind. Mel also showed signs of embarrassment.
"I-It's towards the salon over there, but isn't the salon on fire? Sir!"
Ren ran away without knowing the situation. Ren, who was racing toward the salon like a
madman, had only one thought in his head.
Elena. If she's safe or in danger. There was no room for other thoughts to come into his
head full of worries and concerns.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Elena fell asleep deeply after a long time. She had a happy dream. It was a dream that a
family gathered around the cake and had a happy birthday.
"Miss!"
It was Hurelbard outside the room that woke Elena up from a sound sleep. It was an
uncharacteristically very agitated and urgent voice from the man called the Knight of the
Ice.
"... Sir?"
Sleeping Elena lifted her heavy eyelids. It was the harsh performance that drove out the
dreamy spirit.
"Miss, I'll be rude!"
Hurelbard, who was knocking violently on the door, ran into the bedroom. May was also
seen following the scene.
"Are you okay?"
"What's going on?"
"There's a fire in the salon. We need to get out of here quickly."
"There's a fire?"
Elena's expression of asking back as if she couldn't believe it hardened. It was no
exaggeration to say that the salon is l everything to her. It was the reason for her life and
the driving force that supports her life. The anxiety that a fire could break out and lose her
salon ate her little by little.
"You've got to get out of here, miss. The flames are spreading from the first floor."
Despite Hurelbard's urging, Elena remained steadfast.
"Miss, it's dangerous! Breathing smoke can be fatal."
May, who was next to her, also talked urgently. The place where Elena's bedroom is located
is the top floor of the salon. As the fire that started on the first floor spread, black smoke
came up. If they do something wrong, they could lose their lives due to gas poisoning.
'Stay calm, Elena. I can't lose my salon like this.'
Elena raised her hands and slapped her cheeks hard.
"Miss!"
"It'll just take a minute. Give me time."
Elena, who woke up, got out of bed and ran to the window. When she put her head out of
the window and looked down, she saw a fire rising from the main building.
'The fire stays on the first floor.'
The main ingredients of the salon are stone and marble. Unlike wood that is weak against
fire, stone and marble have strong fire properties. Thanks to this, it seemed to be
preventing the fire from spreading quickly.
'There's still time. Time to put out the fire!'
Elena grasped the situation calmly. The situation does not change when you are impatient
and confused. They need to find the best way to do it now and take action. Elena, who made
up her mind, firmly said, putting a hand towel with water on her mouth.
"I'll put out the fire."
"Miss!"
"There's a way."
Elena gave strength and said. But Hurelbard did not back down either. The duty of the
knight is to protect his master. Elena's safety came first at any time, even if he gave up his
life.
"Okay. One, first get out of the salon..."
"It's late by then."
Elena shook her head firmly. The fire is now confined to the first floor, but it will soon
spread throughout the building.
'The fire in the main building could spread to the annex.'
Elena bit her lips hard. When the salon collapses, everything that has been built so far
collapses like a sand castle in front of the waves. As it becomes difficult to check Noblesse
Street, there will be a major setback in the revenge of the Grand Duke.
"The salon has a sprinkler."
"Sprinkler?"
May asked back.
"It's a device that's installed to spray water from the ceiling in case of fire. If you turn on the
valve, you can control the fire."
"...!"
"Does that exist?"
Elena was not trying to put out the fire without any countermeasures. Genius architect
Randol had been making safety devices to prepare for a fire in the salon since the design. It
was not just about appearance, but also the basics and interior of architecture have been
strengthened. If you open the valve live inside the salon, you can catch it before the fire
spreads.
"Hey! Cough, are you okay? We have to get out of here. There's smoke coming up!"
"Benefactor."
Just in time, Khalif and Emilio ran with their handkerchiefs covering their mouths and
noses. They also looked confused by the sudden fire.
Elena said solemnly.
"Senior, we need to open the sprinkler."
"What?"
"Don't be late. Open the valve right now, so we can catch the fire!"
Elena didn't have time to hesitate as she was dealing with the situation. In the meantime,
the fire was growing further by using the salon as food.
"Hey, the valves are in the end rooms of each floor. Even though it's upstairs, the floor is
now smoky! The flames are getting bigger, and if you do something wrong, you can burn
yourself to death."
"But I still have to go."
Elena spoke solemnly and went into the bathroom and covered herself with water. She
looked like a mouse in the rain, but she didn't care. If she could kill the fire for a moment
and have enough time to open the valve, that would be enough. Hurelbard blocked Elena
from taking an adventure.
"I can't let you go. It's too dangerous."
"Get out of the way."
"I'll go."
Hurelbard looked at Elena with determined eyes and turned his eyes.
"Mr. Khalif, I beg of you."
"What? Yes. Don't worry. I'll take her out safely."
Khalif answered seriously, erasing his dazedness. He was usually not a manly man, but he
wasn't a man without responsibility enough to act lightly even after receiving such a
request.
"Sir."
Elena looked at Hurelbard with a low voice. Hurelbard added, knowing what the eyes were
trying to say.
"There is no knight in the world who sends his lord into the fire. That's the biggest
dishonor for me."
"..."
"I'll open the valve, so get out. Mr. Khalif, there's no time to lose. Go ahead and take the lady
out."
Elena, who hesitated until the end, nodded. She realized that staying here and being
stubborn was a hindrance in itself. Hurelbard, who used water all over his body, was about
to leave the bedroom after clearly recognizing his location.
"Sir, you must be safe. Swear that you will."
"I swear."
Only then did Elena nod her head as if she was relieved. When Hurelbard left the bedroom,
the Khalif urged her as if he had waited.
"Come on, let's go."
The hallway that Khalif followed was full of smoke. It was not easy to see because of the
blurred vision, but as it was a place where he always lived, he could reach the end of the
hallway without difficulty.
"I think it was around here... Ah, here it is."
Khalif who was groping the wall and took off the decorated painting. Then a secret space
was revealed, and he put his hand in it and pulled the switch hard.
Kkiiing.
The marble-decorated wall opened and the emergency exit was revealed. It was an
emergency exit from the salon in the form of a slide.
"Let's get out of here. The smoke keeps coming up, cough."
At the urging of the caliphate, Elena, May, and Emilio took the slide. The circular slide led to
a drain between the salon's main and annexes.
Elena, who escaped safely, looked back at the salon with a worried face. The flames rising
near the entrance of the main building were devouring the salon as if they were responding
from inside and outside. The fire had not spread to this floor or roof yet, but it seemed that
it would devour the entire salon at any time if it was left as it is.
"Miss, cover your face with this."
May tore her skirt all the way and held out a thousand pieces. They couldn't even afford to
wear a mask because they had no circumstances. There was a concern that her face would
be exposed if they stayed like this. Elena quickly wrapped a piece of cloth around her
forehead, chin and mouth. May also wrapped a cloth around her face. It was a temporary
measure, but it was the best for now.
"Sir."
Elena's eyes looking at the burning salon became desperate. It is no exaggeration to say
that the future of the salon depends on Hurelbard's shoulders. People from the outside are
trying to control the fire by drawing water and pouring it, but they cannot extinguish the
fire without quelling the internal fire.
"You must be safe."
Elena prayed eagerly.
"Please, protect the salon."
At that time. Hurelbard closed his mouth and nose with a wet hand towel and went down
to the first floor. It was judged that it was urgent to first control the flames of the first floor,
the starting point of ignition.
The fire on the first floor was incomparable to this floor. The fire was hot enough to melt
the whole body. Hurelbard flashed his eyes like a hunting predator and moved toward a
place where the fire. He crossed the flames with a gentle but light gesture like a butterfly
and threw himself toward the drawing room at the end of the hallway on the right side of
the hall. Nevertheless, his skin, which could not overcome the heat of the clothes, was
burned as if it could not avoid all the strong flames.
He couldn't even breathe properly due to unbearable pain, but Hurelbard didn't stop.
Fortunately, the fire had not spread yet where the valve at the end of the hallway is.
Hurelbard stopped at the end of the hallway and opened a small box.
"Cough cough."
Hurelbard coughed in the smoke that pushed in even if he didn't want to breathe it. He was
only there for a while, but he was confused and dizzy. Hurelbard turned the valve in the
box as hard as he could. When the tight valve turned around, he heard a rumble from the
ceiling. In time, Hurelbard looked up at the water dripping from the ceiling.
Sswaaaaa. Water poured from the ceiling like a midsummer shower. Starting with the
hallway, fire extinguishers installed in the first floor parlor and the main hall scattered
water and killed the fire. Hurelbard, who had room, came out of the center hall through the
fire. The valve on this floor also opened to kill the embers that were transferred to the
corridor on the second floor.
Hurelbard, who was going up the stairs to the second floor through the flames, paused. This
is because he found a man lying in the corner of the hall.
"Sean?"
Hurelbard recognized him at a glance. At the same time, his eyes sank. He thought he would
know the starting point of the fire, which is unknown. Hurelbard blew himself toward his
hand and touched his nose. It was fine, but he found out that he was breathing and put him
around his shoulder. The urgent thing was to catch this fire. There was no time to hesitate.
'Miss will be worried.'
Hurelbard hurried. He didn't want to see Elena worried about this.
 ***
"Look over there, miss. The flames are dying down!"
"Really. Less than before!"
May and Khalif were happy to see the gradually dying fire. In Elena's eyes, the flame inside
was noticeably diminished.
'Sir did it.'
Elena clenched her fist slightly. The bell tower, marble, and bronze sculptures, which form
the front and exterior of the salon, were strong against the fire. As a result, it was urgent to
control the flames inside the salon, but it was accomplished.
It was time for Elena to pray earnestly after putting her hands together. A man fell from the
opposite building. May and Khalif kept in front of Elena, nervous at the unfamiliar
appearance. This is because in the worst case scenario without Hurelbard, the two have to
protect Elena.
The man slowly raised his head. Elena murmured his name when she saw his face exhaling
rough breath, no matter how fast he ran.
"Ren?"
Only then did May and Khalif clear their boundaries. No matter what anyone said, Ren was
on the same side. Ren walked with a serious look that he had never built before. May and
Khalif took a step back in an atmosphere that cannot be ignored.
"You."
Ren stared at her as close as he could reach me if he fell down. When he saw Elena's safe
appearance, his heart, which had been stiff with anxiety and concern, was suddenly
relieved. Ren, who could not overcome the relief, hugged Elena.
"...!"
Elena's eyes were as big as the full moon. It was such a sudden hug that she couldn't even
react to it that she didn't even think she'd struggle or push him away. Ren whispered to
Elena, who was mesmerized as if her soul had escaped from space.
"I was worried."
"Ren."
"I can't handle it myself right now? So let's just stay a little longer."
"..."
'I shouldn't be doing this. I have to push him away.'
She could imagine all kinds of things with her head, and Elena's heart was pounding.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

'W-what is happening to me?'

Elena became ill when unfamiliar feelings that she had never felt came. Regardless of will,
her heart beat faster. It was fast enough to explode because it didn't calm down. This
feeling was never felt by Ren.
'It's weird. Why... Ah! This is not the time. Wake up, Elena.'
She knew with her head that she had to push Ren away, but strangely, her body didn't even
dream. But it wasn't that Ren hugged her so hard that he couldn't even be pushed. She
could push as much as she wanted to.
In the past, she would have hated Ren's rudeness, but she didn't feel that way. She hated
him so much, but it was a surprising change herself.
"Can you get away?"
Elena said calmly, suppressing feelings she couldn't describe.
"Can't we just stay like this for a little longer?"
"Ren."
"I was a little surprised. Let's do this for a second. I beg you."
Ren ignored Elena's reproachful call. There were no jokes or tricks in the usual way. Ren
was half out of his mind. The fear of losing Elena paralyzed reason and thinking. A long
time ago, he lost a precious person. Elena's warmth was a sedative to Ren.
"Now I'm feeling a little better now."
Ren, who fell from Elena, grinned. The appearance of losing the world disappeared before
he knew it, and he was the same as usual.
"What a relief. You're fine."
Elena's face turned red when she faced such Ren, recalling the previous hug. Her heart was
pounding with an awkward and embarrassing heart. What brought Elena back to reality
was a change in the flame that engulfed the Salon main building.
"L-look! They're catching fire!"
Khalif shouted at the calming fire. The flames caught not only from the outside but also
from the inside were losing momentum surprisingly quickly. Only then did Elena sweep
away her surprised chest. It was too early to be relieved, but the fire did not spread further
and decreased noticeably. It was only a matter of time before the fire went out at this rate.
'I'm glad it's done.'
Thanks to Hurelbard, it was effective to extinguish the fire early. The exact damage should
be confirmed, but the worst case of burning the main building or spreading fire to the
annex was avoided.
"Huh? Uh! Miss, that's Lord Hurelbard!"
"Sir!"
May pointed to the passage connecting the main building and the annex. Hurelbard, who
opened a window in the middle of the aisle, stood here as if he was relieved. Only then did
everyone sigh with relief. There was nothing more to ask for as they caught the fire and
confirmed that Hurelbard was safe.
"May, take L to the annex. Emilio, come with me."
"Senior, what are you gonna do?"
"My face was sold out, right? I'll stay and sort things out."
Khalif showed an inconsistent and reliable appearance. He was inspired by Hurelbard, who
was running into the flames to save the salon at the risk of his life.
"Okay."
Elena followed smoothly. Already, the area around the salon was crowded with people who
gathered to put out the fire and bystanders who watched it with fire despite the late night.
There was a risk that the identity could be discovered as the Grand Duke had yet to give up
Elena's pursuit.
Elena turned her head and looked at Ren. It was strangely awkward because of the
lingering feelings earlier, but she tried not to show it.
"Go."
Ren shook his head and shook his hand.
"Are you coming with me?"
"I've seen you safe, so that's enough. Why don't you go ahead, and I go through this the way
I do?"
"You think it's an arson."
"Isn't it the same for you?"
Elena nodded as if she agreed. There are no suitable clues or circumstances yet, but it was
likely to be arson.
Come to think of it, it was amazing. Ren and her talked well even if they didn't have to talk
about everything. Would it be suitable to say that the perspective and view of the case are
strangely similar?
"Go. I'll see you go."
"Thanks for your concern."
Ren's face that Elena saw today was real. He sincerely wondered if Elena might have been
hurt. She was grateful for that, so Elena's eyes on Ren became hazy. Elena turned around
with Ren's softer smile in her eyes.
With a crooked leg, Ren caught Elena's distant back for a long time. It was time to see her
off by watching her without saying a word. Every moment of chilling tension hit the whole
body. An unexplained sense of incompatibility stimulated Ren.
Ren is not a knight who uses disciplined swordsmanship based on systematic training.
Instinct, wild, and sense. Rather, he was more like predators such as lions and wolves. It
was similar to the hunting method of a predator that bites and kills an opponent even with
a sword trick. Rather than developing through acquired training, he overpowers enemies
with innate instincts, wildness, and senses like predators.
For that reason, Ren instinctively had an excellent ability to detect threats. Even now, the
back of his spine was cool because the hair all over his body stood out and felt chilly.
'Threat!'
Ren recognized the identity of this unclear and reluctant energy that could be explained by
common sense. He quickly scattered around and tried to find the source of the sinister life.
People in the crowd, inside this story building, on the rooftops, on the streets, and in
alleys ... He scattered all the visible places.
'There's none?'
Ren's eyes were stained with urgency.
The murderous intent was dangerous enough to be called blatant. His five senses have been
warned that they are dangerous. Ren's eyes, which were looking around without giving up,
were strengthened.
The clock tower across the street, more than 100 steps away from here. A silhouette of a
man pulling the bowstring tightly in the gentle moonlight was seen.
'Stein!'
Although he could only see his figure dimly, Ren saw through his identity at a glance. At a
distance of more than a hundred steps, only one person in the empire and knight Stein has
the marvelous archer who can hit his target accurately in this pitch darkness, where the
moonlight is everything.
'Why is he here...'
Stein, who never left Grand Duke Friedrich's side, did not show up for a hunt hosted by
Duke Whit today. He appeared here as if he had waited. It didn't take much time to find out
why.
"Elena!"
Ren shouted hurriedly and flew away. Stein's livable arrowhead was aiming at Elena, and
Ren saw it and tingled his body reflexively.
Elena looked back with an impression at Ren's call, which was filled with urgency.
"It's not a name I told you to call me anytime."
Elena pointed out with eyes. She allowed the name, but it was a name that she only allowed
to be called when alone. However, there was no time for Ren to argue about such a thing.
"Avoid!"
Elena blinked, "What the hell are you talking about?" Ping! Stein had put up a
demonstration. The arrowhead with moonlight flew like lightning, spraying a subtle
trajectory.
Tearing the air, the arrow aimed at Elena's heart. Elena, who was standing there without
knowing anything about it, saw an arrow flashing in the moonlight. It was time to
instinctively think that it was too late to avoid it.
Ren suddenly flew in front of Elena. As stealthy as he was, he blew himself around Elena.
Exactly the arrowhead that should be plunged into Elena's heart was plunged into Ren's
back.
"Ugh!"
Ren rolled around the ground hugging Elena with a short groan.
"Ren!"
Elena, who raised her body, was shocked to see the arrow stuck in Ren's back.
"Don't get up!"
Ren screamed and held Elena tightly.
Another arrow was inserted into Ren's back even before the sound of pachong ringing in
his ear was swept away. The arrow trembled as if it was a pity that it couldn't penetrate
Elena's heart. The red blood stains on Ren's back became clear.
"Miss!"
"Benefactor!"
May and Emilio surrounded Elena and Ren. All the two people could do now was risk their
lives to protect Elena. Elena, who grabbed Ren, who fell, cried out.
"Ren, wake up! You're not dead, are you? Ren!"
"..."
"Who asked you to save me! Wake up! If you die, I won't let it go."
Ren threw himself for her and sacrificed for her. Watching Ren dying in front of her, she
was suffocated and forgot that she had to run away.
"Haa... Haa."
Every time Ren exhaled a rough breath, the bleeding in the wound became severe. Even
though his face was getting white like a dead body, he didn't think that his eyes would fall
off the clock tower.
'He'll do it again.'
Ren was nervous. As long as he was determined to kill Elena, he would not step down from
here. It was time to raise up with a determination to protect Elena even though he
struggled with pain.
Stein's silhouette moved. It was too far away to know what was going on, but Stein, who
was attacked by someone, was accepting the attack in panic. Ren finally let go of his
tension. If he intervened, there would be no more dark attacks.
"How are you going to leave me alone?"
Ren turned his head and grinned.
"Are you smiling? Are you smiling now?"
"Then will you cry? Shame on you."
Ren didn't hate this situation now. Neither the pain brought by cold iron nor the fear of
distant death were anything.
It was nice to be in Elena's arms. It was good to receive Elena's attention, and it was just
good.
One thing that is unfortunate is that the body and mind were not intact enough to enjoy this
moment that was good enough to go crazy for a long time.
"Elena."
"Don't tell me! It's bleeding out."
"Even if I die..."
Elena's eyes shook violently. Dying. Ren's death touched the skin even more when he said a
human being who is more likely to survive even hell would die.
"Live well. As you do now, in style."
Do I look cool? In the meantime, Ren grinned as he imagined himself to be seen reflected
Elena.
'Well, I protected you. That's enough.'
Ren could no longer hold onto the separation of consciousness and let it go.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

It was pure luck that Sian found Stein aiming a bow in the clock tower. Sian, who left the
palace and met with Count Lyndon and Jacqueline to discuss the reform of the Imperial
Guard, came running frantically when he found the flames soaring in the salon. He was
calm and rational in everything, but emotional when it came to anything about Elena.
'Please, you have to be safe.'
By the time Sian arrived near the salon, he could see Elena safely leaving the salon.
"You were fine."
Only then did Sian catch his breath. Elena wasn't hurt, so that was enough.
Sian turned around. He wanted to see Elena's face and ask if she was okay, but he held it in.
Although he was wearing a mask, there were a lot of eyes to see. He couldn't come out,
fearing that he would harm her through his reckless behavior. He thought it was a
consideration for her, and he tried to turn around.
"Blood thirst?"
Sian turned his head to the blood thirst with hair standing all over his body. The silhouette
of a man standing far away in the clock tower caught my eye. His arrowhead, which pulled
the bowstring hard, was fixed to Elena, who had just escaped from the salon.
"There!"
Sian pulled out a sword and rushed to prevent the arrow from hitting her. However, it
could not have been faster than the arrow that had already been placed on the
demonstration. The arrow was fired faster than the wing of a hawk descending for hunting.
The arrow was faster than Sian's response to contemplation. Sian felt his mind getting dark.
The anxiety of losing Elena, the helplessness of herself. He was suffocated by the feeling of
the sky collapsing and the distantness of falling on an endless cliff.
The sound of arrows hitting the goal shook the silence of the night. Sian's despairing eyes
turned to life. Ren blew himself close and fell down after being shot by an arrow on Elena's
behalf.
Sian turned his head and looked low, staring at the clock tower.
"Stein."
A knight of a great meritorious subject and an archer close to wonder. He was seen putting
the next demonstration on the bow.
Sian clenched his teeth and flew away. It was a quick move, but it was too far to prevent the
second bow held in Stein's hands.
The arrow that flew at a speed that was too fast and was stuck in Ren's back again. If it
wasn't for Ren, it would have penetrated Elena's heart.
"How dare you."
An angry Sian moved as if the strings of reason were breaking. As a member of the royal
family and the Crown Prince of the empire, his eyes, which had always killed emotions and
valued reason, cooled down. There was a lot of life that had never been revealed before.
Sian pulled out a dagger from his waist. He fixed the handle of the sword and threw it with
all his might toward the clock tower as if throwing a spear. The sword that left Sian's hand
flew more intensely and fiercely than the arrow.
Stein, who was aiming at Elena by pulling the third arrow's demonstration, felt an
unknown sense of incompatibility. He had goosebumps all over his body just before
counting 1, 2, and 3. He, who is from a grassland tribe and has excellent ability to sense
threats, turned around without ignoring the warnings sent by his instinct. Though he had
managed to avoid it, the sword touched his body faster than he expected.
"Keuk!"
A painful groan flowed out of Stein's mouth. He was pushed to the extreme from an early
age and did not budge from most pain, but the examination between his armpits and
shoulders was more fatal than expected. In particular, the bones and muscles that connect
the arms and upper body were torn apart, making them more tattered.
Sian, who made it impossible to shoot an arrow anymore, ran with all his might toward the
clock tower. Stein was astonished to find Sian, who was like a bloodthirsty beast,
narrowing the distance. He targeted himself on that street? Stein's forearm gave him
goosebumps. He could guess his strength by throwing a sword, not an arrow, and aiming
for him accurately.
'I have to avoid it.'
Stein didn't think long. His mission was to shoot Elena. Unfortunately, the mission failed.
Nothing is more foolish than being bound by a failed mission.
However, it did not seem easy to escape. Every time he moved his body, the blade between
his shoulder and armpit moved. The blade, which was sharper than unbearable pain,
widened the wound and gave a direct hit to the lungs and heart.
Stein made a decision. He took out the long sword he was wearing in his waist and cut his
left arm. The arm separated from the body fell on the floor of the clock tower and flinched.
"Ugh."
Stein, who tore his clothes and wrapped the cutting surface at the same time, jumped down
to the building next to the clock tower. There was no delay in running away from Sian, who
was approaching at an alarming rate.
"Stand up."
Stein was quickly caught up, perhaps because of his injury. Sian, who up to never taken his
eyes off him, saw him escape through the window of the clock tower and caught up to the
point. Finally, on the roof of the building, the two faced each other in the moonlight.
'It's it for me here.'
Stein looked coolly back at his physical condition. He stopped bleeding, but as he moved his
body violently, the amount of bleeding was higher than expected. He was already dizzy. In
this case, chances were slim that he would beat the masked man in front of him.
"I didn't expect this kind of death. It's in vain."
"No, you will live."
"..."
"I'll make you think it's better to live and die."
Sian lowered his voice and growled in a low tone. It was the first time in his life that he had
so much weight for personal reasons. However, after finding out that the assassin was a
knight of the Grand Duke, he suppressed the intent to murder with superhuman patience.
'The felony of inflicting death on a noble. Even the Grand Duke cannot avoid it.'
The capture of Stein could deal a huge blow to the Grand Duke. He would not admit his
crime, but it is enough to torture him to open his mouth.
"If I can."
Stein took a step back when he left a meaningful remark. When he reached the end of the
roof, there was no place to retreat anymore.
"There's nowhere to run."
"You can't catch me."
Stein grinned and left himself under the roof as if lying back. It was made clear that he had
no will to live with his arms and legs stretched out in a long line.
Thud! It was already late when Sian ran. Stein, who fell from the roof, died instantly after
his head exploded. Sian bit his lips hard at Stein's unexpected choice. A little more carefully,
regret came to him that he should not have even given room for suicide. It was not easy to
pressure the Grand Duke after he died, as if he had captured Stein alive. Grand Duke
Friedrich wasn't a pushover to push him for clues and circumstances.
***
"Don't lose your mind! I told you I wouldn't leave you alone!"
Elena, who hugged Ren, cried her throat out, but he didn't move. He was breathing in a fine
way, but that was it.
"Benefactor, you need to avoid it yourself."
"Miss, Sir Ren will be there, so come on to the annex..."
It was quiet now, but they didn't know when the arrow would fly again to target Elena.
Ren's life was important, but it was more important for May and Emilio for Elena not to get
hurt.
"Ren comes first! If you leave him like this, he'll die!"
Elena was desperate. Ren sacrificed to protect Elena, not anyone else. As time went by, the
pulse weakened and the bleeding increased, and there was a fear that Ren might die.
"I'll take Sir with me."
Elena looked up nervous at the unfamiliar voice. May and Emilio were wary of the man who
was revealed without a trace of popularity.
"There is no time to delay. It's dangerous if he doesn't get treatment right now."
Mel was the man who seemed calm, but his mouth was drying up. He chased Ren, who ran
out like the wind, but by the time he arrived, there was already an arrow in Ren's back.
Elena looked at Ren once and looked at Mel. Mel silently showed a tattoo of his forearm,
which symbolized him belonging to Majesti.
"No, I can't allow it."
"L!"
Mel was impressed by the unexpected refusal. A quarter of the time was wasted by Elena.
"You and I must be thinking the same thing. We need to save Ren."
"So I'll take him with me..."
"Leave it to me. I can leave the best doctor to treat him."
Mel paused when Elena said she would bring the best doctor. He didn't know which doctor
she'd take Ren to, but he didn't think he'd be able to save him.
In the meantime, Elena was calmly thinking about whom to treat him.
"Ren is like this because of me. Me, I can't watch Ren die."
"So, let's get him treated at the annex. Come on."
Elena's tone became desperate. In the meantime, Ren was dying. There was no time to
delay in the midst of a hasty fight.
"Okay."
Mel, who was in conflict, nodded. He decided that it would be better to get treatment from a
doctor with excellent skills.
"Please move Ren to the annex right now."
"Yes."
"And May, go get Mr. Neville right now. Come on!"
May rushed to say yes and ran away. Fortunately, Neville, a genius surgeon, was staying in
the capital today at a debate.
He was also one of the people Elena sponsored.
'Mr. Neville can save Ren. He can save him.'
Elena's gaze did not fall from Ren for a moment while Mel moved Ren to the annex.
When she saw Ren with a pale complexion, her heart collapsed.
"I promise. I'll save you somehow. So endure until then."
Elena prayed earnestly to the Goddess Gaia with a longing heart.
'Please, may Ren be safe.'
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sect 24. Dawn

Elena, who laid Ren in the hospitality bedroom on the top floor of the salon's annex, was
worried. All Elena could do was wipe the cold sweat off Len's forehead. She could not touch
him because of the high risk of injury or touching other parts while trying to pull out the
arrow's touch.
"Hold on with your teeth."
She owed Ren her life. She didn't expect the price because she was so focused on the fire in
the salon. If it wasn't for Ren, she might have been asleep in the arms of the Goddess Gaia
by now.
"That's not how I'm going to pay this debt. I'm not gonna let it go if you're really dead."
Elena constantly talked to Ren about what would happen if he really died and criticized
him.
"I have a lot to argue with. I didn't get a proper apology for bothering me."
Ren trembled like a leaf. As if he was flinched by Elena's comments. However, the reality
was that the arrowheads on his back shuddered with pain.
"Benefactor."
Elena, who couldn't leave Ren's bedside, talked to Emilio, who had been away for a while.
"They say they've succeeded in extinguishing the flames at the main building."
"What about the damage?"
"It's not as big as we thought. Randol is about to arrive, so we'll figure it out and take care
of it."
Elena answered instead by nodding her head, unable to take her eyes off Ren. No matter
how precious the salon is, it's enough to repair it. In the worst case, you can rebuild it.
However, when a person dies, they cannot be revived. That was why she was heartbroken
at Ren's sacrifice.
"Miss, I've got Neville here!"
"Come on in!"
Elena wore a peacock mask that she had put on the bedside table. Emilio brought it to her,
saying that no matter how busy she is, her identity should not be revealed yet.
"Is this him?"
"Yes."
Neville, who is small and round, examined Ren's body. When he checked his back with an
arrowhead, body temperature, and pupils, he opened the medical bag he brought. Inside,
the tools needed for surgery were neatly organized.
"I'll remove the arrowheads first."
"Can he live?"
Elena asked, suppressing her agitated mind.
"Doctors do not discuss life or death in front of patients. I just do my best to save them."
"Please."
Neville nodded at Elena's earnest request.
"Please prepare hot water. I need someone who can stand by me."
"I'll do it."
"L herself?"
Neville looked at Elena as if he was surprised.
"He was trying to protect me, but he's going back and forth between dead and alive. I have
to do it."
"I'm going to slice the flesh and pull out the arrowheads. Do you mind if I do that?"
"Yes, it's okay."
Elena's eyes were grim, even though she was covered in a mask. Surgical surgery opens the
body and collects, so people with weak stomachs cannot even look at them properly.
'Who the hell is this man?'
He was curious about whom L was trying to save, but he didn't ask. The name and identity
of the patient doesn't matter to the doctor.
"Please prepare several sets of hot water and clean towels. Oh, I need courage."
Elena nodded and went directly to the bathroom and got hot water. May stepped up to say
she would do it, but Elena refused. It was nothing else, but she couldn't keep her hands off
as much as he did to protect her.
Three people, Neville, Elena, and Mel, were left in the hospitality bedroom. An operation
was carried out to pull out Ren's arrowheads under Neville. As the back part was in contact
with the spine, she couldn't let go of the tension for a moment.
'Ren.'
Elena did not take her eyes off during the surgery, holding her breath. Also, she didn't
forget to take care of Neville so that he could concentrate on his work. It was the only thing
she could do for Ren right now.
It wasn't until after an hour or so of the surgery that Neville let go of the knife. The empty
container contained an arrowhead containing blood.
"What happened?"
"We're over the hump."
"Thank you, Neville."
Neville packed his bag and left the bedroom. He did his part. What's left is the patient's will.
Elena, sitting by her bedside, wiped the cold sweat on Ren's forehead with a handkerchief.
"I won't wait long. If you keep me waiting for a long time, I'll kick you out, so get some sleep
and wake up."
"He will surely wake up."
Mel's voice and expression, which added words, were blind convinced. It was a belief in a
human being named Ren that he had seen.
"I believe so, too."
Ren is the man who seems to come back alive from hell. They couldn't believe such a
human being would die like this.
Knock knock. She heard a knock.
"Miss, it's me."
It was Hurelbard.
"Come on in."
When permission was given, Hurelbard, wearing a mask, quietly opened the door and came
in. Elena, who turned around, opened her lips small so as to not disturb Ren.
"Sir, you're not hurt, are you?"
"I'm just a little tanned."
"I'm sorry. I put Sir in danger..."
It was a shame that the results were good, but she couldn't be free from the guilt of driving
Hurelbard to the extremities to protect the salon.
"What do you mean by danger? It's not fair."
"Sir."
"I mean it. I'm grateful to be able to live for my lady. So you don't have to be sorry for this."
Hurelbard sincerely hoped Elena would do that. He was ready to take any risks for Elena.
Aside from the mainstream relationship, his first, second, and third thoughts were filled
with Elena, so there was no small gap to squeeze in.
Hurelbard's eyes glanced at Ren. Seeing him cross life and death, he felt a pain in his heart.
'It's because of me. I should have stood by my lady...'
Hurelbard rebuked his complacency. He should have come to Elena right after turning on
the sprayer. Although the situation is inevitable, she should not have been left unattended
for a while to expose herself to the killing. If it weren't for Ren, Hurelbard might have lived
his life as a sinner for his lack of protection.
"Miss, I have something to say to you."
He settled on a sofa as far away from the bed as possible so that Ren could relax. He was
wary of Mel for a moment when he saw him for the first time, but soon he looked at Elena
and continued.
"Sean was down in the hall."
"At that time?"
Elena squinted her eyes. Today, there was no night party, so it closed earlier than usual. No
matter how severe Sean is, he would not have cleaned the inside alone until that time.
"Did you ask him why he stayed?"
"I haven't been able to ask because he hasn't woken up yet. When I saved him, he seemed to
have already breathed a lot of smoke."
"That's suspicious.
Elena was under the impression that something was suspicious. It was too early to
conclude, but there seemed to be a need to investigate.
"I agree with you, too."
"Please ask Neville for treatment."
"He asked if there were any more patients, and he went."
Elena nodded as if that was enough.
'It's not a coincidence that the fire broke out.'
The starting point of the fire was inside the main salon building. Rather than the possibility
of natural ignition, she had no choice but to think that someone had set fire inside.
'Maybe it's an arson.'
It's a conspiracy. As if waiting for Elena soon as she stepped out of the salon on fire, the
aiming sniper proved it. Meanwhile, he found Sean collapsed in the main hall of the salon?
It means that Sean is likely to be involved in a fire or to have clues related to the fire.
"L."
Elena looked back when Mel, who was listening with his mouth closed, opened his mouth.
"The man named Sean, can I look into him?"
"Sean?"
"L, as you know, it's our specialty.
It is no exaggeration to say that Majesti is the best in the empire, or continent, in the field of
background research and information analysis. Elena agreed because she heard about it
through Ren.
"Please."
"Then I'll ask for Sir."
"I'll take care of him."
Mel turned around with his head sticking his head around at Elena's definite answer.
Perhaps worried, he couldn't take his eyes off Ren until the moment he went out.
'We need to help L. He would have wanted that too.'
Ren won't die. A man who will come back from hell. With such a firm belief, Mel wanted to
prepare for the next. Revenge, which is torn to pieces in search of a beast.
Elena, who also exported Hurelbard, was left alone in the hospitality bedroom with Ren.
Despite his lack of consciousness, Ren's expression distorted repeatedly and groaned in
pain.
"Elena."
At that time, Elena turned her head in surprise at the voice she heard without a trace of
popularity. Sian, who was unmasked, entered the room through the window frame.
"Your Highness."
When Elena got up from the chair, Sian waved as if to sit down.
"What about Ren?"
"The consciousness is still..."
Sian walked slowly and stood in front of Elena. Elena's eyes were moist.
"Ren was trying to protect me..."
"It's not your fault. So don't blame yourself. If it were the same situation, I would have done
it too."
Sian looked bitterly at Ren as if he knew everything about the story. Then he added.
"He'll wake up. Don't doubt it."
Sian comforted Elena, who was about to collapse. Elena held back her tears. And believed.
He's still alive, so let's not cry. When Elena seemed to be grinding her emotions, Sian
carefully brought it up.
"The archer who targeted you was Stein."
"Do you mean Lord Stein, the escort knight for Grand Duke Friedrich?"
"You know that. That's right."
Elena's expression, which had been absent-minded for a while, turned scary. She was not
sure yet, but from the suspected arson to the shooting. When it was almost clear that the
Grand Duke was responsible, Elena's eyes were as seething as lava just before the
explosion.
"I chased it, but I failed to capture it. It's my carelessness that I didn't think I was going to
do."
"No, Your Highness overpowered him in time, so we could stop here. Thank you."
Elena thanked Sian for coming late. If Sian failed to prevent it in time, many, as well as Ren,
may have lost their lives to Stein's arrow.
"I was so complacent. The opponent is the Grand Duke, and I should have prepared for this
situation. It's my fault."
"Elena."
"I'm not even going to give him room anymore."
Elena changed her mind.
If she didn't hit first, she'll get hit. The words touched her skin to the bone.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

From the first meal of the morning, Grand Duke Friedrich, who enjoyed steak and meat,
stopped cutting. With no expression on his face, he put down his knife and fork and wiped
his mouth with a napkin. Artil couldn't raise his head.
"Report again."
The voice of Grand Duke Friedrich was colder than ever. Artil reported in a crawling voice,
unable to keep eye contact.
"Sir Stein died with his arm cut off."
"Huh!"
Grand Duke Friedrich exclaimed as if he were full of energy. Who's Stein? He was a loyal
knight who he kept close to his side 20 years after his harvest during the war against the
grassland tribe. He couldn't believe that he was dead even if he was called the best archer
on the continent.
"Who's responsible?"
"... We are grasping."
"Wine."
When Grand Duke Friedrich spat out, a maid waiting at the end of the restaurant came out
with red wine. Grand Duke Friedrich drank wine like water to the point where the term
"wine lover" was overshadowed.
"Go on."
"The fire also failed. There was a fire-prevention device in the salon. Water poured from
the ceiling..."
Throughout the report, Artil couldn't raise his head. It was the first time in his life that a
spray device existed in a building.
"L's shooting also failed due to a sudden intervention by a third party."
"Intervention?"
"Sir Ren of the Bastache family threw himself and was shot by an arrow instead of L."
Grand Duke Friedrich's eyes narrowed. It was also surprising that Ren's name popped out
here, but it was even more shocking that he threw himself to protect L.
"Was Len with L? Was he on good terms to protect her?"
"I think so."
Artil, who was first reported, was also surprised. Ren, who is treated as a social heretic, is
the kind of person who cannot be mixed up anywhere. He couldn't believe Ren was close
with L. The fact that they were so close that he even gave up his life surprised Grand Duke
Friedrich.
"It's not just Ren. The Crown Prince also gave the title to L, right?"
"He did."
"That's ridiculous. The salon's arson failed, and L's shooting failed. Stein is dead... the
worst."
"I'm sorry."
Artil bowed his head in the cynical response of Grand Duke Friedrich. He had nothing to say
even if he had ten mouths.
"L, the more I know, the greater she is."
"..."
"She tamed the wolf and melted the ice. She insulted Veronica, and she's got a man who can
beat Stein. Ah! Should I say that Leabrick's downfall was also her work?"
Grand Duke Friedrich circled with a glass of wine that the maid had refilled. His eyes, which
had always been soaked in boredom, deepened.
He thought he was going to clean her up whenever he wanted, but he was mistaken. It was
assumed that she would be standing at the center of the disturbing movement toward the
Grand Duke.
"Tsk, tsk, there aren't such talents in the Grand House who come to the Empire."
Grand Duke Friedrich pointed out Artil's incompetence to his face. It was not mentioned,
but it also included Acelas, who planned the salon's fire.
Artil relaxed his biting lips.
"If you give me more time, I will take measures..."
"Leave it."
Grand Duke Friedrich wet his throat, talking like someone else's business.
"B-but, Grand Duke. Noblesse Street will soon be opened early. If you leave it like this, the
damage will be severe."
"So?"
The tone of Grand Duke Friedrich asking back was cold.
"What can we do now? Do you think that L will put her hand in the yard where tricks are
known?"
"But."
"The wind has changed its direction. Wait until the wind blows back to us."
Despite what Grand Duke Friedrich said, Artil was not easily convinced. The current
situation in the Grand House was not as good as it seems to be with the naked eye. If the
Noblesse Street project fails, accumulated side effects would burst out at once.
"You look like you don't understand. That must be true. That's what all the smart people
do."
"..."
"I warn you, I won't forgive your own actions."
Grand Duke Friedrich tied his hands and feet together. He threatened not to take any action
until his order was given.
'I don't know what he's thinking.'
Does he not know the reality of the Grand House? Suddenly, he thought that, but he
wouldn't. Although it seems like he is leaving his hands to work, Grand Duke Friedrich is
briefed on everything. He could not have known because he had played the role.
"Tell Veronica, too. Don't be so frivolous."
"Okay."
Artil obeyed reluctantly.
"After that, did you figure out how hurt my nephew was?"
"He got two hits on the back. According to a right hand, it will be difficult to live..."
Grand Duke Friedrich took a sip of wine and said as if he had made a decision soon.
"Few people survived from the bow of Stein. Say a message to Spencer. I want to see him."
***
Elena's actions were swift. In contact with the guild, reliable mercenaries elected by
Hurelbard were hired and placed in the salon and basilica to take turns guarding them. This
is because they didn't know what kind of petty means the Grand Duke would use to
sabotage, who is about to open Noblesse Street early.
At the same time, she devoted herself to restoring the main building of the salon, which was
destroyed by fire. Even if the annex is much bigger and stately, the symbolism of the main
building cannot be ignored. What was encouraging was that the restoration work
progressed much faster than was feared. Wood was mainly used for decoration and
insulation rather than the main frame of the building, which was composed of stone. As a
result, the replacement work was easy. Of course, there were many things to touch, such as
scorched marble or sculptures distorted by flames. To make up for that, Randol
collaborated with Diaz, who designed the basilica under Khalif.
Although the construction was different in terms of construction method and the ideal
pursued was different, Diaz's construction method, which was faster than Randol, was
suitable for the reconstruction of the lost main building. Did the efforts of these two pay
off? The restoration of the main building has gained momentum.
Elena stood in the bedroom on the top floor of the annex and looked down. Repair work
was underway on the side of the main building, and the last internal construction was in
full swing ahead of the opening of the basilica on the other side. Elena turned and went to
the bedside of the bed. She squeezed a wet towel and wiped Ren's forehead.
"It's already been four days. Aren't you sleeping too long?"
Elena's eyes were full of worry and anxiety, although she seemed to be criticizing. Genius
surgeon Neville said that the later he woke up, the more severe the brain damage is. Elena's
eyes deepened as the day went by.
Elena didn't leave Ren's side for nothing. She only left for a short time when there was an
urgent matter to deal with, but she took care of Ren all night, sleeping on the sofa. It was
the only effort she could make for Ren, who was wandering the dead.
"You know what? We've known each other for a long time."
Elena constantly talked to Ren, who was unconscious. This is in the hope that Ren will wake
up after hearing her voice.
"I hated you so much. But at some point, you made me feel sorry, and now you make me
feel grateful and sorry."
Elena smiled bitterly. It's a human relationship that she didn't know anything about. She
thought Ren and Elena were just like that.
Elena's eyes were dimmed. Sadness was smeared on the touch of passing his curly hair
over his forehead.
"Please don't die."
All he had to do is live. That's enough. However, Ren's return was a silent response. All she
could hear was the sound of breathing.
"I sent an invitation to Veronica."
Elena controlled the opening day of Noblesse Street to coincide with the opening day of the
basilica. In addition, she openly deceived Veronica by sending her an invitation. To pay
back for what she's done.
"Maybe she'll come. Like Ren said, she's crazy."
"..."
"You'll miss it. Veronica's distorted face. I'll show you. So always wake up until then."
After that, Elena talked nonstop. She prayed that her voice would reach Ren's
consciousness.
Did that desperation touch the heavens? Ren's fingertips moved slightly. Unfortunately,
Elena didn't see such a move.
***
"Ha."
Veronica was on the verge of explosion with irritation and discontent. The ambitious fire at
the salon failed. There were some losses, but it was enough to be rebuilt. Crucially, Elena
didn't get hurt a speck. Nothing went her way at all.
"I'm frustrated, too, but there's nothing I can do about it because it's the Grand Duke's will."
Veronica raised her eyes and glared. Her eyes were overflowing as if she would strangle
Acelas right away.
"This wouldn't have happened if you had done it right."
"I-I'm sorry. I never thought there would be a sprinkler in the salon..."
Acelas quickly bowed his head and apologized. What would Veronica have done to his
family, under the pretext of the failure of the arson, had it not been for Grand Duke
Friedrich's orders.
Veronica was on the verge of losing her temper. There was never a time when she was born
and never had what she wanted or what she wanted didn't come true. However, there have
been too many things that have not been done as she wanted in recent times. Meanwhile,
an invitation arrived in front of Veronica.
"Is the lowly bitch humiliating me?"
Veronica's hand shook with the invitation. Elena's invitation scratched Veronica's nerves,
which had already been offended.
Sending an invitation, although obviously knowing it was the opening day of Noblesse
Street, was an act of sarcasm and insult to Veronica. In the heart of sending the invitation,
the Noblesse Street would be ruined anyway.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"I-Ignore it. The last one to smile is the Princess."

Acelas asked for her, sweating out. But Veronica's face, distorted by humiliation, was in
danger of an accident.
'L, she's a scary woman.'
Coincidentally, it didn't occur to him that Noblesse Street and basilica's opening day
overlapped. Even the three-day banquet was the same in commemoration of the opening.
He never thought she would dare do such a grand deed that would pour cold water on the
long-cherished project of the Grand Duke, who is above the imperial family. She also sent
an invitation to the Grand House, provoking Veronica.
"I guess I looked easy."
With Veronica's determined eyes, Acelas swallowed a dry saliva.
"She's worked so hard to send me an invitation, and there's no reason not to go?"
"What? Please reconsider. It's a loss for the Princess to go. You don't have to do anything
good for them."
Acelas dried it desperately. Veronica's going there meant a lot. Still, as it is the Noblesse
Street, which is less competitive compared to salons and basilica, it will only make the
salon's banquet stand out more magnificently.
Veronica turned her head and looked at Acelas, who was dissuading her. The terrible glare
made Acelas flinch.
"Acelas."
"Yes, Your Highness the Princess."
Acelas replied with a crawling voice. Veronica then hit his head with the fan she was
holding.
"Is your head a decoration? Why do you keep misunderstanding?"
"..."
"Noblesse Street? Tell it to fail. Let's say it's a loss. Do you think that's going to destroy the
Grand Duke?"
"T-that's..."
Acelas couldn't answer readily and glossed over. If Noblesse Street collapses, the blow will
be fatal to the Grand Duke. This is because the opium business has been shut down due to
the loss of the finacea plantation, and additional income is urgently needed.
Even so, if he was asked if this would lead to the collapse of the Great House, the answer
was "no." It had lasted for a thousand years since the founding of the empire. Hasn't the
Grand Duchy ever been so precarious in such a long time? It was. Even though it was, the
Grand Duke was alive and well.
Veronica raised the end of the fan and pressed Acelas' head.
"That money? That's enough without it's enough. Time fills up more than you lost."
"..."
"My pride is more important than money, business failure. That's the pride of the noble
blood that flows through my body. Do you understand me?"
"But Your Highness the Grand Duke said do not act rashly..."
Acelas tried to stop her, but Veronica remained steadfast.
"It's just a preview to accept the invitation. L, L, I won't kill that chewable bitch easily. I'll
smash her bones and apply flesh to kill her."
He was unable to stop her anymore and swallowed a sigh inside. Even he, who was just a
household aide, had limitations in defeating Veronica's stubbornness.
"Last day, L takes off her mask, right?"
"They said yes."
Veronica smiled significantly.
"If so, then I'll have to go even more. I think L's rotten face will make me feel better."
As he watched Veronica, who didn't bring out what she was thinking, it was burning up in
Acelas's heart.
'I hope nothing happens.'
Please, he hoped and hoped that this would not harm him.
***
There was a constant procession of wagons entering the capital of the Viscilia Empire.
Many aristocrats visited the capital to make no comparison to even National Foundation
Day, the best event in the empire. Among them, there were many aristocrats from other
countries. Despite the strict immigration procedures, young nobles from other countries
have been preparing to visit the capital for months. It was an idea of how much fashion and
culture influence young aristocrats.
Thanks to this, the capital enjoyed a boom. You couldn't find an empty room. Some of the
capital's aristocrats opened their annexes and parlor, offering them to the nobility and
receiving the price.
The streets were lively, too. Foreign aristocrats who toured the empire's capital began to
consume. The reason why so many nobles gathered was because of expectations for two
streets to open tomorrow.
First, Noblesse Street. Because it is the sky of the Empire, it is a noble street created by the
Grand Duke of Friedrich with astronomical amounts of money. It was a dense area of
marble buildings built in the Gothic style, and is a street for aristocrats, which is accessible
only to aristocrats. This is why aristocrats who value privilege awareness and
discrimination are enthusiastic.
The second one is basilica. Constructed by architect Diaz, the basilica stood at a
counterpoint on Noblesse Street. It was a large rectangular building built with 11
characters facing Salon, and it had a total of three floors. In terms of total area, it was much
smaller than Noblesse Street, but the number of stores located inside the building, cultural
facilities, shops, and boutiques were overwhelmingly larger than the early Noblesse Street.
Even the stores were gorgeous. Christina's boutique, which designed the mermaid dress,
could be called a collection of craftsmen, including a jewelry shop run by the nation's top
three corporations, a 14 generation shoemaker, a translation bookstore run by a diplomat,
and a 10th generation-old carpenter's furniture store.
The two streets, which were scheduled to open simultaneously, were enough to satisfy
fashion-conscious, cultural-hungry, and new aristocrats. For aristocrats, luxury, decoration,
and the fulfillment of culture and knowledge were the most important factors in
determining the quality of life for the aristocrats.
"Ha, I'm nervous. It should work out, right? What if it doesn't work out? No, it'll work out.
It'll work out."
Khalif muttered nonstop like a monk who was rained on. Anxiety was at its peak ahead of
the opening of basilica, which is just a day away.
"It'll work out."
"If it does, then it's like that, but I can't calm down."
Elena was lying if she said she didn't feel nervous. She was proud to have prepared enough
to crush Noblesse Street, but it's man's job to know nothing until she opened the lid.
"On the first day of opening, we may be pushed back. As my benefactor knows, the
connection and influence of the Grand Duke over the decades will be absolute in the noble
society."
"I think so, too."
Elena agreed with Emilio's opinion. The main body of Noblesse Street is Grand Duke
Friedrich. In the empire, the specialty of the last name Friedrich is unrivaled. The salon has
a great cultural influence, but they are not comparable to the Grand Duke who had been
strong for decades.
"It's only one day. The next day, we'll be ahead, and the last day, every capital nobleman
will find the basilica and the salon."
Elena showed confidence. It was a grounded confidence.
'Some people have never been to the salon, but no one has come only once.'
That's the influence of a culture-leading salon. The basilica is the only space that satisfies
their needs in the form of purchasing and consuming the results of such culture.
"I hope so. I feel like I'm going to die from exhaustion. From musicals to fashion shows,
concerts... Ha, even ten bodies are not enough to restore the salon."
"Senior, I'm sorry and grateful to you."
"Did you know that now?"
When Elena seemed to recognize his hard work for a long time, Khalif was in a hurry.
"So I'd like to ask you one more favor."
"What? Hey, I don't even have 10. I'm going to die!"
"Mr. Emilio."
When Elena glanced, pretending to hear Khalif's grievance, Emilio took out the envelope
and handed it over. Suddenly, Khalif, who received it, looked to see what it was.
"This is the expected financial statements for Noblesse Street. Starting with total
investment costs, they're systematically organizing future operational expenditures, lowest
returns, and revenue-to-visitors."
"How do you know this when it's not even opened yet?"
Khalif opened his eyes round and asked back.
"I have Emilio."
"Ah."
Khalif nodded and was convinced that Elena's short answer explained it. For Emilio, the
top-ranked Castol Chamber of Commerce, who is referred to as the top in the continent, it is
not a matter of identifying and writing such expected financial statements.
"But you know, why are you giving me this? I'm not even close to numbers."
"There's someone you can give it to."
"Who?"
Elena quickly added the words.
"Earl Boroni, Viscount Norton and Baron Juan."
They were three aristocrats, each of whom was as influential as the heads of the nobility
leading the western, northern, and southern empires. The three noble families were
deceived by Elena, who was a stand-in for Veronica, and invested astronomical sums in the
Noblesse street business. And the money was washed through Emilio and used for the
salon. Of course, the three noble families didn't know that. As much as they invested in the
Noblesse Street business, they only wanted to get it back.
"Don't you think the three nobles should know now? The status of Noblesse Street."
"Veronica, you must be embarrassed? You've never been invested, but the nobles are
making a fuss. Heuheu."
Khalif gave a low laugh.
"I'm going to take this opportunity to certainly divide the Grand Duke and the nobility."
The completion of Noblesse Street included a small amount of money for the nobles who
followed the Grand Duke. That alone is frustrating, but the three nobles, who have made
huge investments in addition to the payment, will be in the sky if Noblesse Street fails and
the investment is not recovered. No matter how big the Great House is, it will be an
unaffordable accident for the aristocracy in a financially unstable situation.
"I understand. I'll make sure this is delivered to the three nobles."
Khalif, who was waving the envelope, hummed out of the parlor. Just thinking of Veronica's
distorted face made him feel good.
"Benefactor."
Elena turned her head at Emilio's low call.
"The Princess. Do you really think she's coming?"
"Yes, she's coming."
Emilio was confident that he had a good eye for people, but with Veronica, he couldn't catch
an idea. He didn't know where she was going.
"Do you have any reason to be sure?"
"Because she's a madwoman."
"What?"
Emilio was embarrassed by the words that did not match Elena, who was always full of
dignity. Elena recovered the words that popped out unknowingly.
"... That's what Ren said."
"Somehow, I was surprised that the benefactor used that word."
"I know. I guess we look alike."
Elena laughed bitterly. Ren, who still hasn't regained consciousness, is on her mind.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"The princess must be frightened to see the benefactor."

"That's why I'll take off my mask. Feel how miserable it feels to be stepped on by a
substitute that she ignored like a bug."
Elena made a sweeping announcement that she would take off her mask on the last day of
the basilica opening banquet. It was an arrangement to relieve people's anxiety caused by
the fire that occurred in the salon and a means to bring the topic of the Noblesse Street.
'There's no reason to shrink anymore.'
Elena decided to take off her mask because she didn't have to keep wearing it. Her
reputation for running the salon had become so high that even the Grand Duke couldn't
treat her recklessly. She was recognized as a noble in the name and substance of the
Empire by her title from Sian. Elena was no longer the one who died at the words of the
Grand Duke.
The mistress of the salon, L. The Grand Duke may not be able to admit it, but that's how the
public sees her. That was the reality and where she is now.
Her face is identified, her name is identified, and her presence is reputation.
From the perspective of the Grand Duke, she would have been a well-heard doll who he
could break the neck of whenever he wanted, but now the situation has changed. The
Grand Duke cannot be reckoned with Elena. The Grand Duke enjoys an invincible power.
However, there is a rule of noble society.
It is not possible to harm a woman recognized by the people in broad daylight, and the
death of a noble is a felony that is taboo in the Empire. Even the Grand Duke cannot avoid
criticism, and the nobles who felt a sense of crisis would not stand still.
"I've been gone too long. I'm going to go see Ren."
"He'll wake up soon. Don't be so heartbroken."
"I'm not hurt. I've never thought he couldn't get up."
Elena left the office with a bitter smile. She came back to Ren's room. Seeing Ren asleep like
a child, she felt sad in the corner of her heart.
"Can't you see me? People say it's half. It's the day I stand in front of Veronica that I've been
hoping for."
Elena held Ren's hand without moving. She felt warmth in his hands.
"Stop sleeping and wake up. You want to see Veronica's distorted face."
It was time for Elena to pray with the hope that he would wake up as soon as possible. Was
it an illusion? She just felt that Ren's fingers, which Elena was grabbing tightly, wriggled.
"Ren! Can you hear me? What?"
Elena called Ren with a sad look of hope because of the fine but clear sense of life. Contrary
to expectations, however, Ren did not budge. He thought he was opening his eyes like a lie,
but such a dream-like story did not come true. Elena smiled bitterly not to show her
disappointment as if this was not the first time.
"How many times is this... I'll assume you're struggling to wake up. Please win and stand
up."
Neville, the surgeon who visited yesterday, said. The unconscious state is a time of struggle
to wake up, and the role of the person next to them is also important.
"It's me, L."
At that time, Elena's head turned at the voice she heard behind her back. It was Mel, the
head of the intelligence organization Majesti. He, who is good at hiding and lurking,
suddenly popped out without warning.
"Are you here?"
"You're still here with him."
Mel's expression was dark as he approached the bedside. He believed he would wake up,
but he couldn't help but get nervous as the days went by.
"I have something to tell L."
Elena nodded as if she was ready to listen at any time. After Ren fell unconscious, most of
the information that Majesti collected and analyzed was reported to Elena. It was against
the principle, but Mel had no doubt that it was Ren will.
"I'd like to report something related to Sean."
Elena guessed that Sean had a close relationship with the salon's fire. So, Mel investigated
it. Sean admitted that he was the one who set the salon on fire. He said he wanted to atone
for her death.
"He chose to volunteer because he was sorry. I think there must have been a reason for the
arson."
"As L guessed. He was being threatened."
Elena's eyes turned cold. This is because there was speculation.
"The Grand Duke."
"Yes, because he took his family hostage, his hands set fire to the salon."
"Oh, that's awful."
She expected it, but she didn't know it would come out this cowardly. Threatening his
family as hostages. He even tried to shoot Elena because he didn't have enough. It should
have been said that he tried to burn and kill not only the entire salon but also everyone.
"Is Sean's family safe?"
"His daughter was safe, but when we went to the rescue, his wife was already..."
Mel blurted out the words. Elena's expression darkened as well. She knew that Sean's wife
was in poor health outside the capital.
"I should have paid attention, but my carelessness took away his happiness."
Elena closed her eyes tightly. She didn't think the Great House would approach his wife,
saying she expected the worst. It was her fault that Sean went through this kind of thing
being completely complacent. But now that there is no turning back, Elena had done the
best she could.
"Please tell him that her body will be enshrined in the Gaia denomination for a magnificent
funeral. If Sean wants, I'll give him the money to settle down with his daughter. Tell him I'll
make sure there's no arson."
Mel's eyes deepened as he stared at Elena. Her character was as benevolent as her
breathtaking high-altitude and elegant exterior.
'There was a reason for Sir to fall in love.'
The average aristocrat would question the arson rather than the circumstances of Sean.
Elena, however, was concerned about the hand that had caused the salon great damage.
The dishes were different in the first place.
'Wake up, Sir. If you miss her while sleeping, you will regret it forever after hitting the
ground."
Mel took a look at Ren, who was asleep, and looked at Elena.
"I don't know... if I should tell you this or not."
"What?"
"Viscount Spencer has been summoned to the Grand House. Words were summoned, and
he was dragged."
"Viscount Spencer's been dragged away? Why?"
"I have a question, too. He's still in the Great House."
Everything has its cause and its consequences. I assumed there was a good reason for
Viscount Spencer's visit to the Great House, but there was no way to know.
'What's the reason?'
Elena didn't pass the job lightly.
'Is it because of my relationship with Ren?'
Ren's relationship seemed close. From the standpoint of the Grand Duke, he would have felt
that sanctions would be necessary in any way if Ren were in the same league as L and Sian
alone in the solidarity between L and Sian.
"Now the Bastache family's patriarchal position is vacant. I'm taking care of all the urgent
matters, but that's the limit. Sir Ren is still unconscious, and his family may collapse."
"Doesn't Viscount Spencer have anything else to say?"
"The Lord only knows that Sir Ren is gone for some reason. He went to the Great House,
leaving only for Sir, to wait until he returned to his family."
Elena frowned. She chewed somewhere. She felt something was something missing, but she
couldn't get a clue what it was.
'There's one thing that's bothering me, but...'
The approach with simple estimates was still too lacking in circumstances and information.
She should use her hands.
"I need you to do something for me."
"Anything you can say comfortably. L's words are the same as Sirs' words to me."
Elena glanced at Ren and talked with determination.
"Please tell the capital that Ren is dead."
"W-what did you just say?"
Mel asked back with a stiff face. Elena's request was unconventional enough to go beyond
his common sense.
"I need to check something out. The reason why the Grand Duke summoned Viscount
Spencer imprisoned him. I think that'll tell us what kind of trick Grand Duke Friedrich is
after."
"But if it is known that Sir Ren is dead, the family will be in chaos."
As the absence of Viscount Spencer and Ren's absence prolonged, words and other things
were being said within the family. In the meantime, the family would be uncontrollably
confused if there are rumors that Ren is dead. Elena knew about that. For now, however,
the first thing to do was to figure out the dream of the Grand Duke. That way, she can deal
with the next.
"It won't take that long. The family may be confused... but it's because I'm nervous enough
to check it out at risk."
"So much. Excuse me, can you tell me what you're worried about?"
Elena, who was in conflict over whether to speak or not, carefully thought out.
"I think Grand Duke Friedrich is after the Bastache family."
Mel, who was trained from an early age to control his emotions, could not hide his
trembling eyes at this moment.
"A-are you serious?"
"So far, it's just a guess. But I can't rule out the possibility as long as I've witnessed Ren
being shot while trying to protect me."
Elena's eyes sank. There was no room for emotion in the eyes filled with this.
"Article 7, the law of the nobility of the Empire. If all of the immediate blood is angry or
there is no heir..."
Mel swallowed his saliva with a nervous face. Elena finished what he couldn't say by
looking at him like that.
"It will be extended from cousin to cousin so that the family can be connected."
Mel couldn't continue. It was hard to imagine how long after the 100-year treaty and
independence, that the Grand Duke would again reveal his ambition to swallow up the
Bastache family.
"It's a guess everywhere. That's why we need to check."
Grand Duke Friedrich is a scary man. Elena had never confronted him because he has not
been at the forefront for some time, but she knew better than anyone else that he was a
man who could not be seen lightly.
'The most dangerous man in the world.'
It instinctively occurred to her that maybe he would move.
"To make a rumor that Sir is dead..."
"I'm trying to see how the Grand Duke works. That's how I'll prepare for it."
Elena's eyes stayed on Ren after she finished talking. The icy eyes seemed to melt for a
while, but soon froze again.
"If he really plans to swallow it... I'll protect the Bastache family."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The safe-house cellar. In the subdued and shabby place without any sunlight, Leabrick was
lying down curled up like a bum. Her eyes were half open as to what she was thinking.
"Where did it start? What I missed..."
Leabrick's fingers drew a line along the floor. As the lines that looked like scribbles
overlapped, Leabrick's eyes gradually became clearer.
"By any chance?"
Leabrick jumped up and sat down to see if there was anything to point out. The deposited
eyes gave life, and the change of thought took place quickly.
"Yeah, that makes sense. Then from the beginning..."
Leabrick swallowed the dry saliva and blurted her back words. Then she murmured in an
incredible way.
"The fake one was L."
Leabrick's voice was convinced. It was a conclusion that came out through reflection after
thinking hundreds or thousands of times. If she thought they were the same people, Elena
disappeared as if she were evaporating, and L was looking into the interior of the Great
House as if she were at home.
"But when did you create that status? You didn't even have a connection to the Empire?"
The conviction just before hit a logical wall. Nevertheless, Leabrick did not stop her
thoughts.
"Academy!"
That was the only time. It was when Leabrick was going to take her eyes off her and freely
plan something.
"Are you saying... That you've been preparing to destroy it since the moment you came to
it?"
Leabrick's mind went crazy. It wasn't until she abandoned her lingering feelings that
everything began to look clear.
"That's what happened to the parents. We didn't miss them, she used her hands to take
them away."
Even before leaving the Duchy, Elena might have looked this far.
"The appointment of Hurelbard wasn't about his face. He's stronger than Lord Lorentz. She
knew that."
She got chills in her spine. Her forearm got goosebumps and her hair stood on end.
"She wasn't the one I could handle from the start."
Even though she knew Elena was superior to herself, she could not recognize her in a
corner of her heart. It was her last pride as a supporter of the empire. However, now she
couldn't even show her self-esteem that was close to flattery.
Elena was a creepy, scary woman. Her smile, tears, stupidity, vanity... Everything Leabrick
has seen was fake. She tricked her from head to toe. Leabrick bit her lips hard. The fishy
taste of blood lingered in my mouth.
"It's not too late. I can use my hands now. I must kill her. Otherwise..."
Leabrick swallowed dry spit.
"The Grand Duke will be eaten."
Although she may believe that the empire is going to collapse, she couldn't easily believe
that the Great House will collapse because it is the sky of the empire. But that's the reality.
Now is the time to worry about the safety of the Great House. The last bastion, she couldn't
be confident that they would be Elena's opponent, even if it was Grand Duke Friedrich.
"Security! Get Artil right now. It's an important matter for the life and death of the Grand
Duke!"
Leabrick held the bars and screamed at the entrance to the underground prison. Although
she was abandoned by the Grand Duke, there was still a chance. She wanted to prove her
worth by breaking Elena's breath and surviving, which had fallen her into the abyss, not by
her petty loyalty.
"Shut up!"
"Bite your mouth before I rip it off."
"Are you crazy? You must have forgotten where you are, but you're done. Do you think the
Grand Duke will rewrite you?"
The prisoners taunted and insulted Leabrick. But Leabrick ignored what they said. The
guard who read the underground prison was planted by Artil. A little while ago, Leabrick's
cry will go into Artil's ear through security. Artil, who still follows Leabrick, is sure to put
everything aside for her call.
'You have to come quickly. If it's too late, you might not be able to go back.'
Leabrick, who didn't know what was going on outside, became anxious. If the Grand Duke
falls, she got more nervous to lose every last chance she has to make a comeback.
***
Noblesse Street opened early today. When the gate was removed, the streets where marble
buildings were concentrated attracted people's attention. The buildings, which were
properly mixed with Gothic and Baroque styles, were not magnificent, but they gave off a
sophisticated and orphan feeling. It's a street that gives an impression of nobility.
More than hundreds of nobles visited Noblesse Street in time for the opening. As there was
no time to step in, it covered the streets where only a few of them had opened.
"Look at the nobles over there. Your Highness the Princess, this is more than expected."
At the Forum on Noblesse Street, centered on the central fountain, Veronica and Acelas
watched the noblemen flocking. As the salon's reputation increased and the dignity of the
basilica hidden in the tent was so magnificent, they were worried about what if the nobles
went all the way there. But why? When they opened the lid, not only the capital aristocracy
but also the nobles who came from other countries visited Noblesse Street as the first stop.
"Don't make a fuss. It's a natural result."
"I-is that so?"
Acelas smiled awkwardly and scratched the back of his head.
"I've circulated an invitation with the seal of the Grand Duke. It's not comparable to a salon
built by the rootless L."
Veronica's expression, eyes, and voice, which were followed by words, showed pride in the
Grand Duke.
"Your Highness is right. This is all about the power of the Grand Duke."
Acelas echoed, catering to the taste of Veronica.
However, the insides of Acelas were different. The opening event seemed to be a success,
but anxiety still lurked behind it. Now, the nobles, who received invitations bearing the seal
of the Grand Duke, have been weighed down by expectations and irresistible authority, but
there was no guarantee that they would continue to do so.
Consumption was a scene that indirectly showed the anxiety factor. So far Veronica has not
noticed, but it was clearly visible to Acelas.
'Luxurious second-class aristocrats don't spend money.'
There was nothing in the hands of the nobles walking in and out of boutiques, shops, and
stores. What did not lead to purchase even though they looked around for a long time
meant that it could not stimulate the nobles' desire for consumption. In other words, it was
said that they were not equipped with items that could catch the eyes.
'They're going to turn it around. I expected it, but it's much more serious.'
Most of the masters of the time, and most of the artisans' shops were located in the basilica,
which was built by L. As a result, the shops of artisans and artists on Noblesse Street fell by
one or two levels. This gap was likely to lead to a drop in sales, and as a result, it was a
direct blow to the high price of taking part of the profits generated on Noblesse Street.
"What's my father doing? It would be nice if he could show his face on a day like this."
"Your Highness would have come and delivered a congratulatory speech, and it would have
been much better."
Despite the father-daughter relationship, Veronica was unable to read the inside of Grand
Duke Friedrich in recent times. Ever since the salon's arson failure, Veronica's behavior has
been restricted, and she has been in a state of limbo. It was hard to see Grand Duke
Friedrich even in the mansion.
Veronica swallowed her anger. Even when she was still, she suddenly felt a desire to rip L
up and kill her. It was not enough to prevent it, so she was resentful of Grand Duke
Friedrich, who said she didn't know the streets of Noblesse.
"I don't like everything."
Veronica pressed down on the boiling stomach. It was not refreshing to hear the screams of
dying creatures. The fun of abusing prisoners in the safe house dungeon has also waned.
The blood dripping from the peeled flesh did not arouse her taste.
"L."
Veronica chewed Elena's name. It was all because of Elena. No matter how hard she tried to
feel, she couldn't get better.
"What happened to what I told you to prepare?"
"I have it ready... but where are you going to use it for?"
Acelas asked back carefully. He prepared it because it was an order, but I was reluctant to
do it because it was such a bizarre and crazy act.
"I'd like to give it to her as a gift."
"Y-you mean that? To whom... No way?"
Acelas's eyes shook to see if there was anything she could tell.
"Who do you think it is? Of course, it's L. I want to congratulate her properly because I have
a sense of dignity."
Looking at Veronica smiling, Acelas swallowed his saliva. Veronica's unconventional and
bizarre behavior was well known, but it was limited to the Grand House. But now she was
trying to cross the line.
***
Emperor Richard and Sian were sitting at the patronage and having a conversation.
"How are you feeling?"
"Can you get away with this? It's worth holding on to."
Richard spoke with confidence, but concerns were not lifted from the eyes of the Sian. He
was worried about the recent increase in cough and deterioration of health.
"The Imperial Guard's reform is almost final, isn't it?"
"Yes, I'm adjusting it for the last time."
Sian expressed confidence. All that remains is to dissolve the former palace guard, which
has decayed by surprise, and replace the newly reorganized palace guard with the position.
"The time is ripe. I'm going to have to move."
"Father?"
Sian opened his eyes round and looked at Emperor Richard.
"The four great families and the Grand Duke will not stand still. We still have a long way to
go. Do you really need to antagonize them?"
"Father."
"The Imperial Guard's reform was carried out by me. I'll give you the right to lead, but I'll
take care of the consequences."
Richard didn't want to leave any blemishes on Sian, who will succeed as the next emperor.
Therefore, he intended to take care of the complaints of the nobles caused by the Imperial
Guard's reform.
'They won't just let it go.'
The Imperial Guard is a group of armed forces symbolizing the power of the imperial
family. For aristocrats who do not want to strengthen the imperial power, there is no
choice but to be strong opposition.
'It's enough to ignore the crowd. But, it's not for Grand Duke Friedrich.'
The only person Richard was concerned about was Grand Duke Friedrich. The patriarchs of
the four major families cannot be ignored, but even if the four are combined, they are no
match for one Grand Duke Friedrich. Richard, who ascended to the throne with the help of
Grand Duke Friedrich, was able to see his true character better than anyone else.
"No, I'll take care of it."
Richard's expression was pleased to see his son's face, which was polite but felt stiff.
"Don't do that. The Emperor's name is the emperor, and shouldn't we write a line that
makes it plausible in history?"
"Father."
Sian stared at Richard like that. Richard showed an unusual appearance. Everything seems
to be rejuvenating. It was a breakaway that only those who were prepared to die could see.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"The kid named L. Cough, cough."

Richard, who had been changing the subject and talking point, coughed. When his cough,
which wasn't very cool, calmed down, his complexion looked very exhausted.
"I'm going to give her a medal. How about that? I think it would be good if it was a cultural
medal and a big contribution to the empire."
Cultural medal. It was awarded by the imperial family to honor the great contribution to
the cultural development of the empire. Looking back at the past imperial commendations,
there was a precedent that Felix, the architect who built the palace, and Chrome, the
imperial musician who composed the state, received. All of them are talented people who
have inspired the founding of the empire.
"I'm fine, but I'm worried that this will leave her out of the eyes of the nobles."
Sian was cautious. It hasn't been long since Elena was granted a title. In addition, it would
be detestable to the nobles if she was given a medal.
"Sure. They're not aristocrats who will stand still."
Richard nodded and agreed. However, his appearance was not cool at all.
"You're not giving L a medal because you want to see her, are you?"
"You're my son, but I can't fool you."
Richard acknowledged and looked at Sian with his eyes full of excellence.
"I have something to tell her."
"Are you talking without going through me?"
"Yes."
Sian's eyes deepened. It was low because it was Richard, who had never shown this before.
"You can't say it to me?"
"I can do it, but you won't agree. So I want to tell her."
"What the hell are you talking about..."
Sian couldn't read Richard's mind at all. He was also worried about what he was trying to
say and whether it would be a burden to Elena.
"You won't be worried about anything. I'm just trying to ask her a favor."
"I'd like you to give me a summary of this."
"Tell me."
Sian stared at the emperor. There were concerns about Elena in the deep green eyes.
"Can L get sick or hurt at that request?"
Sian's eyes were more serious than ever. In the seriousness that seemed to never be shaken
by a storm, there was a heart for only one person.
'That's what it was?'
Richard was always sorry for Sian. He felt sorry and pity for his son, who did not even
know happiness, because he was weighed down by his duty and responsibility to meet his
incompetent father and be the only prince in vain. Sian changed. When he talked about
Elena, he was as lively as a completely different person. It was really occasional, but he
even smiled faintly.
"That's possible."
"..."
"But, it's for everyone. And the child won't refuse."
If you gain something, you lose something. Richard knew a long time ago that sometimes
life requires sacrifice.
***
In line with the opening of the basilica, there was a large crowd in Salon Street. It was as
crowded as National Foundation Day because it was a street where anyone could freely
enter regardless of their status.
"W-why is the building so big? Is it the Imperial Palace?"
"The salon's great, too, but this is even bigger. It's even beautiful. It's like a cathedral."
Surprised by the magnificence of the basilica, the overwhelmed visitors were astonished at
the scene. It was not just a huge building, but also a perfect harmony of appearance using
exterior windows and statues in between columns.
"Wow, my God. There's nothing not inside. It's all boutiques and shops of artisans who hear
master craftsmen and masters."
"Hyuk, there's an old book store. Also, there will be lectures by masters regularly in
connection with salons."
"It's like a different world. Look at those sophisticated dress designs and shoes. Wow,
wouldn't it be here if there was heaven? I'm so excited."
Visitors to the basilica were surprised by the huge interior space and surprised twice when
they saw stores that were countless concentrated on each floor. There was nothing that
could not be done in the basilica, including boutiques, shops, bookstores, restaurants, and
dessert cafés. In particular, with the salon as the center, luxurious shops are located in
Building 1 on the left and affordable shops in Building 2 on the right, making it possible to
consume according to the characteristics and needs of visitors.
"Is this a dream, am I alive. Do you see that line?"
"I'm watching."
Elena's group, gathered on the top floor of the main building, was checking the opening
reaction by examining people entering and leaving the basilica through the window.
Among them, the most exciting and worked up one Khalif.
"They're all lined up to get into the store, right? I can't believe it. I think I'll at least pinch
my cheeks. Oh! It hurts. It's so good to be hurt."
Khalif smiled as if he had not felt the pain in his cheek. It wasn't just Khalif. Emilio had a
satisfied smile inside, and May seemed pleased with the successful opening. Hurelbard was
the only one who didn't show his feelings and was expressionless.
"It seems that lesser nobles, academic institute students, and commoners visited more than
high-ranking nobles."
Elena didn't even feel excited at all. Her calm voice was more rational than ever. Khalif
looked at her as if he was fed up.
"Do you sort that out in the middle of all this?"
"Analysis is a must. That way, I can prepare for tomorrow."
Elena predicted that the visit of a high-ranking aristocrat would be poor on the first day of
the basilica opening. This is because the early opening of Noblesse Street overlaps with the
date.
'We cannot ignore the thousand-year-old stronghold that has been with the founding of the
Empire.'
She had to admit what she had to admit. Noblesse Street is a project that has been
promoted as the main subject of the Grand Duke. That alone has enough intention to visit,
but the invitation to the nobles was stamped with a seal symbolizing the Great House. Also,
since it was a street for nobles, it is natural that Noblesse Street becomes the first option
for nobles.
'Things I've been determined to do since the beginning. I don't have to think about it.'
Elena was calm. She had to admit their symbolism even though she hated the Grand Duke
like crazy. The streets are not easy enough to be pressed overnight.
'But that's only until today. It'll be different from tomorrow.'
Elena's eyes were full of confidence.
"Hey, do you know what the jackpot is? It came up from the annex? It's crowded there right
now. Theatrical popularity, wow. The concert hall is full and there are people who want to
stand and watch."
"Is it that much? Your hard work paid off."
On the first day of the basilica's opening, Elena targeted lower aristocrats, commoners and
students with more direct plays on the forefront, replacing operas, musicals, concerts, or
fashion shows that required knowledge and consumption. It was calculated that the
content will be easier to understand in proportion to the short performance time and that
it will be more familiar as there are many street performances.
"That's why I'm so sure of success."
"You mean cultural consumption."
Emilio, who had been silent, came in and threw a word. Although he was quiet, his keen
insight into the core was like a leader in the top ten of the continent.
"Yes, that's true."
"Cultural consumption? What is that?"
When Khalif, Emilio explained on behalf of Elena.
"It refers to intellectual, creative, emotional, and spiritual fulfillment that is not necessary
for human survival, but only things human beings can enjoy. Going to concerts, enjoying
musicals, and watching exhibitions are also cultural consumption."
"That's our salon, isn't it?"
Elena agreed.
"Because I was aiming for that."
"You didn't... Did you? You've been looking this far since you set up the salon..."
"Senior, there's no coincidence in the world."
"Oh my God."
Khalif was so surprised that he pointed at his forehead. A few years ago, the appearance of
an impassioned freshman suggesting a partnership in an academic school passed by. The
seemingly impossible plan gradually took shape and the salon became the cultural center
of the empire. This woman in front of him became a mastermind who ruled the empire
with that small body.
"That's the decisive difference between Noblesse and us. By leading and consuming culture,
they find the salon, and naturally induce material consumption through basilica."
"Wow, you're so... I'm speechless. Hey, why didn't you tell me this? I wouldn't have been
less surprised if you told me in advance."
"I didn't feel the need to speak. You weren't even curious."
Khalif twitched his cheek at Elena's blunt answer.
"That's true, but... Aoh, I hate it. I'm so annoyed because you're so excellent."
"I'll take it as a compliment."
Khalif shed his eyes lightly. It was unfair to see something like this.
"You know what?"
"What?"
"Perfect everything, but surprisingly soft and insensitive. Especially in the relationship
between men and women."
"Me?"
Elena looked at him as if it was absurd. When she heard advice from Khalif in an
unexpected field, she laughed in vain.
"Are you giving me a lesson?"
"Hey, I'm a big consumer..."
"It's a tip, so I'll take it in. But you're looking at me too closely."
"It's not like that. I don't know. Hey, why don't you be honest?"
Elena's eyes grew bigger at the sudden remark of Khalid. Khalif, who used to talk nonsense,
sometimes had a knack for embarrassing Elena.
"What?"
Elena pretended not to understand. For her, who always ran for revenge, this topic was
very sensitive and difficult.
"Are you sure you don't know, or do you want to pretend you don't?"
"..."
"I don't think you know, so I'm telling you, someone who's less sorry when you say no.
There's a good chance you're serious. I'll go now!"
Khalif, who caused a stir by throwing a stone into Elena's calm lake, left the room as if he
were running away. As if the typhoon had swept away, Emilio was calm as Elena's face did
not soften.
"Don't worry too much. He's usually like that, right?"
"He's not a senior who says wrong things, though it's a bit of a joke."
Elena's eyes became complicated.
'There's no way I don't know.'
She knew about it and turned away from it. She pretended not to know because revenge
came first. However, Khalif's words that he inadvertently threw made her no longer look
away.
"A person who is less sorry..."
A man's silhouette came to Elena's mind when she was making Khalif's words. She didn't
know why the man came to mind, but this one thing is clear.
He's the one who feels less sorry. And she thought of him more often.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

The situation turned around as it got closer to the last day. There was a noticeable decrease
in the number of people on Noblesse Street, which was crowded without any time to step
on. Compared to yesterday, it was so quiet. By contrast, the salon and basilica attracted the
largest crowds since their opening. It was visited by nobles who visited Noblesse Street
yesterday.
"It feels different from Noblesse street. If it was cute there, it's magnificent and suffocating
here."
"For that, the structure is practical. Is it optimized for shopping?"
"Oops, you all know that the fashion show is going to be held in a little while, right? Let's go.
You'll be restricted if you're late."
"Really? I'm here to watch it, and I can't miss it. Hurry up."
Among the events organized by the salon, the fashion show has established itself as a
representative event symbolizing the salon. In particular, local and other aristocrats, who
rarely visit the salon, were expected to put a fashion show on the must-see list when they
stopped by the capital.
"The scarf that the model is wearing is so impressive. At first glance, it looks like silk, but
the material is unique. Can I buy it at the basilica?"
"Is there any way to be a model? I want to be on the runway..."
"Wow, I didn't know. It doesn't stand out too much in that way, and it's in harmony with
the dress."
The aristocrats, who enjoyed the fashion trends that were about to become popular
through fashion shows, headed to the basilica in a month. Models who were walking on the
runway did not hesitate to open their wallets to buy dresses, accessories, and shoes they
were wearing. The desire to have a trend-leading image by projecting oneself in the mirror
rose.
Even this was Elena's aim. Rather than just purchasing products, the plan to experience and
appreciate various cultures and naturally lead to consumption has worked.
In addition, the event continued at the annex of the salon. The musical "Song of Love" by
Obermance, a rare playwright and director, was enough to decorate the grand finale of the
opening night. The musical, which deals with the love of men and women who faced the
opposition of their parents, filled the audience's emotions with stage production, script,
music, and actors' acting. The fulfillment of emotions played an important role in making
the salon's image perceived positively by the aristocracy.
"I'll have to come back again."
"I'm looking forward to tomorrow's concert."
"I didn't know there was a place like this. Why didn't I come earlier?"
"I'm so happy when I go to the salon. It'll be my life's energy."
Culture enhanced the sentiment and sensitivity of aristocrats. The feeling of being as loose
and better as possible naturally affected the spending. The sales, which rose sharply from
the previous day, were evidence of that. Compared to the first day of opening of the
basilica, sales increased 17 times. It was a rapid rise, although mostly visited by
commoners and subordinate nobles or merchants.
On the contrary, Noblesse Street, where the number of visitors dropped sharply, was hit by
a fatal blow. Even so, sales were lower than the number of nobles who visited Noblesse
Street, and the number of visitors plunged, resulting in a sharp drop in sales.
Elena didn't let go of her tension despite the results that were distinguished by the naked
eye. It was still reassuring to say that the nobles who flocked to Noblesse Street on the first
day found salons and basilica on the second day. Joy and sorrow were likely to be divided
on the last day. This is because aristocrats who visited both sides once will visit either place
on the last day depending on their taste, preference, and satisfaction.
Of course, you don't have to open the lid to know the result. Elena's philosophy that
cultural consumption leads to spending, the huge sales and pouring orders posted by
basilica carefully focused on the possibility of a revisit. Furthermore, there was a decisive
reason why visitors had no choice but to visit the salon tomorrow.
The young hostess who runs the salon.
The modern woman.
It was the day when L, who was called numerous modifiers and gained fame not only
throughout the capital but also throughout the empire, announced that she would take off
her mask and officially reveal her face.
"It's finally tomorrow."
"Is the rumor real? That L will take off her mask tomorrow."
"It's real. I asked the organizers earlier, and they said it was true."
"Wow, I'll finally see L's face. There are a lot of rumors that say she's a saint or a witch, so I
wonder what she's like."
"I must come. Do you know if L will fall in love with me? Haha."
"Didn't you hear that L was His Highness the Crown Prince's lover?"
"Is the rumor real?"
Maybe it's the reason why curiosity about L has grown due to mysticism. L's appearance
was a matter of interest to many people as she became a talker in social circles. Rumors
were rampant that there were scars or burns on the back of the mask, ugly enough to be
hard to look at, or that it was hidden because she was so beautiful. When L said that she
would take off her mask and reveal her face, they couldn't get enough without going.
Maybe that's why? It was expected that the Grand Duke would also lose the internal
competition. Except for the fact that there was the Grand Duke behind Noblesse Street,
there was no lead in any part, including competitiveness, cultural influence, and topic.
Crucially, they could see by looking at the adjustments made to prevent overlapping times
with the salon earlier in the closing banquet. When he set a counterattack, he seemed to
avoid being fatally injured in his image to the point where it was impossible to make a
comeback due to a clear comparison.
Elena didn't understand the lukewarm response of such a Grand Duke. She hit a trap and
put him out of the corner. However, despite the fact that Noblesse Street, which was
completed by investing astronomical amounts of money, was tilted from the opening, the
response of the Grand Duke was too passive. It was too early to jump to conclusions, but he
was so relaxed that she even got the impression that the Grand Duke abandoned Noblesse
Street.
"... I've just confirmed Veronica's departure from the Great House."
Just before heading to the annex to participate in the closing banquet, Elena stopped by just
in case to see Ren and received a report from Mel.
"That's as I expected."
"You have to be prepared. Now that Veronica's here, we're not going to move on quietly."
"I'm prepared, she's going to try to get me in trouble somehow."
Elena knew that Veronica's visit was never favorable. She guessed that there must be a
good reason for a woman who is wicked enough to threaten her hands and even attempt an
assassination, to come to another person's party.
"This is a salon. It's my space. No matter what Veronica does, it won't happen twice."
Elena's expression was serious and full of confidence. Not long ago, she was embarrassed
by the sudden behavior of Veronica in the salon, but it was a moment. Elena wasn't an easy-
going woman enough to be beaten in the same way twice.
'A crisis is an opportunity.'
Elena expected Veronica to overdo it at the upcoming closing banquet. It was the reason to
use it as an excuse to push Veronica into a corner. If she did well, it could be an opportunity
to hold the cause in her hands and extract the weakened roots of the Grand Duke.
"Ren."
Even though Elena called, Ren didn't move.
"Can you hear my voice?"
Elena's eyes became complicated to see him, who was silent.
"Wake up, please. Veronica you hate is coming. Don't you want to see her face distorted?"
Elena reached out and swept Ren's bangs over. Despite her care, Ren looked very thin.
Elena was so heartbroken the whole time she saw him.
"Get up a little. That's too much."
"..."
"I have a confession to make. I've been spreading rumors about Ren's death in the capital."
"L."
Mel's eyes became sad. Even though it was inevitable to dig into the ambition of Grand
Duke Friedrich, he could feel the sincerity of hoping Ren would wake up from Elena's
words as if she were to blame herself.
"... You're still alive and you're dead. I'm a bad girl. So open your eyes quickly. I'm preparing
to resent them."
Elena pulled the blanket over his chest and got up. She wanted to be with him a little
longer, but she was sorry that she couldn't.
"Please stand by, Mel."
"Okay."
Despite Mel's answer, Elena, who was looking back at Ren several times, left the bedroom
with a lingering look.
'He's less sorry.'
Elena, who was reflecting on the words in her mind, briefly folded her complicated feelings
and headed to the annex. May followed quietly.
It was refreshing to see the visitors from the window outside the hallway. Thinking that
countless people had found Elena's salon and basilica, her status was so different compared
to before her return. The fact that she, who was only a stand-in, finally came all the way
here made her overwhelmed.
"Veronica."
Elena cut her name low.
She still remembered vividly. Veronica's disgusting gaze, which looked down at Elena as if
she were watching a worm, and the devil-like image of Veronica, who was smiling while
taking Ian away, as she was crying over not being able to reach Veronica, passed by like a
flashlight.
Horrible memories that came to mind whenever she closed her eyes. The trauma of deep
scars that seemed like it would not be healed forever.
Through long preparations, Veronica's neck could be grabbed at any time. Now is the time
to clear up the remnants of her memories.
The salon had prepared a closing banquet at the annex, not the main building, as it had
attracted the most visitors since its opening. The hall alone is not enough, so the theater
and performance halls were used as a space.
Even though it was a huge space more than three times the main building, there was no
room to step into the hall and the passageway of the main building, as nearly 500 visitors
visited.
Elena stood in front of a huge marble door that entered the main hall of the annex. There
were murmurs from beyond the door.
One of those people is Veronica. The thought of facing Elena soon made her thrilled with
strange excitement and tension.
"Hey, don't be nervous, okay?"
"Senior, you're good at it. Don't make a mistake."
"Oh, strong? That's the position. Step cool and come on. Now, open the door."
Kkiiik. A masked Khalif opened the door with all his might. The eyes of visitors wearing
shimmering chandeliers, lights, and various masks turned to Elena.
Except for the gentle sound of the performance, Elena's shoes rang coldly in the quiet hall
as if she had promised. The sound of applause. The applause of many visitors, which was
incomparable to the opening of the main building, made Elena's heart race.
Elena greeted the visitors gracefully, covering her chest with her hands. Elena first tried it
with a new way of greeting with the popularity of the mermaid dresses, and now it was
widely used by ladies.
By the time the applause gradually subsided, Elena lifted her head.
"Hello, distinguished guests. I'm L."
Elena, regardless of age or gender, smiled with a seductive yet elegant smile that could not
help but be fascinated once seen. Her eyes were on a young lady, the only unmasked visitor
among hundreds of people.
It was Veronica Friedrich, a woman who was weighed down by an eye-catching mermaid
dress, dark makeup, and authority that looked vulgar but could not dare to challenge,
making it difficult to even make eye contact.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"There, Princess Veronica."

"Oh, my God."
"She's making such a fuss and coming again. What is she thinking?"
"Yeah. Why is she here again? I don't want her to pour cold water like last time."
The eyes of visitors who were conscious of Veronica's existence were not favorable. This is
because her hateful head was stuck once breaking the atmosphere. It wasn't much different
today. Ignoring the salon's rule that masks must be worn, the unruly behavior of taking
precedence made everyone frown.
Elena walked forward the stairs with a proud but graceful walk. When she stood in front of
people as L, she wore a brown bobbed wig that she had used since she was an academic
student. The move was aimed at freeing herself from the pursuit of her dual status and the
Grand Duke.
But there was no need for that anymore. There's no reason to hide behind or hide herself
anymore. L's stature, reputation, and presence made it impossible for even the Grand Duke
to enjoy the power to remain after swallowing up the empire.
"Thank you so much for coming to welcome the opening of the basilica. I was anxious about
the recent small accident in the main building, but you made me feel relieved."
Even though her soft voice and smile led the atmosphere, Elena's cold gaze did not fall from
Veronica. I know you're the one who set the fire. So be careful. I'm aiming for you. But
whether she was shameless or guiltless, Veronica smiled again. Like what she could do.
'Can you smile at my face?'
The more she thought, the deeper the smile that had spread on Elena's face. When she
learned that the substitute she had so ignored and despised was L, she couldn't imagine
what kind of expression she would make.
"There's another person who made me happier today that I'm happy enough to pick as my
life's hand. The most noble and beautiful person in the empire visited the salon to celebrate
the opening of the basilica. Give her a round of applause, Princess Veronica."
Visitors applauded Elena's introduction. The infrequent applause and lukewarm response
suggested that the majority did not welcome her. Knowing this clearly, Elena's introduction
of Veronica was to indirectly criticize her for disregard for the salon's rules and use it as a
means to raise the salon's status. Veronica gave strength to her waist whether she knew
such a situation. And she walked up the stairs with her chin pulled proudly.
Veronica smiled at Elena on the stairwell without even asking for her permission.
"You're anxious, aren't you?"
Elena laughed at Veronica's provocation.
"No way. I'm rather looking forward to it."
"Looking forward?"
"What kind of thoughts the Princess is going to have. Will you be able to smile even after
seeing what I have prepared?"
Elena and Veronica, who faced each other on the stairs, smiled at each other. It was a
malicious smile hiding their true intentions and hiding knives that would stab each other in
the back.
"Since I've been invited, I'll give you a congratulatory speech as a courtesy."
Elena stepped back as if she wanted to. It bothered her, but she wasn't very anxious. This is
because she was confident that she could cope with whatever she does.
Veronica looked down at the crowd and opened her lips.
"I'll let you know in advance because I'm afraid you might misunderstand. I came here at
the invitation of L. L sent me a gesture of reconciliation, and I responded. There's no old
emotion left between us."
Visitors were jumbled by Veronica's unconventional declaration. It was the worst
relationship between the two women to the point that no one knew that the relationship
between the two women wasn't a catastrophe in the capital. Considering the competition
between Noblesse Street, Salon, and basilica, it was right to see it as a bitter enmity that
could not be closer.
"I hope L and the salon will be honored."
After a perfectly normal congratulatory speech, Veronica turned around and went down
the stairs. Veronica, who went down the stairs, turned her head and smiled significantly as
she looked up at Elena standing in the stairwell. It was a smile that made people chew.
Although it was annoying, Elena proceeded with her next schedule because she couldn't
care about Veronica until when.
"I would like to express my gratitude to Her Highness Veronica for taking this difficult
step.... Distinguished guests, shall we all celebrate today?"
Maids deployed to help the banquet walked around with champagne and filled visitors'
cups of flute. Elena was also handed over a glass that Khalif gave her. The wonderful scent
was the most brilliant color of exotic champagne.
"For the glorious glory of the salon and the distinguished guests who have made this place
shine."
"For!"
In line with Elena's lead, the VIPs shouted and took champagne to their mouths and soaked
their throats at the same time.
"Ah!"
Veronica's whole body, seeing Elena savoring champagne, was filled with uncontrollable
joy. It was a thrilling experience enough to penetrate the spine.
"Ah, I'm nervous."
Expectations were high for Veronica's eyes, which were making meaningless remarks.
It's soon.
The poison, which was airborne from grassland tribes, will be toxic as soon as it is
absorbed into the body. Even in a small amount, gastric fluid flows back into the pain of
burning the five organs, and the head is spinning. And they struggle with pain and die
slowly.
"I have a hunch it'll be the best day of my life."
Veronica's eyes did not fall from Elena. It'll be just a little while. It was insanely fantastic to
imagine Elena struggling with her relaxed face distorted and her eyes turned upside down.
Visitors were a bonus. If you eat the main dish, but there is no side menu, will it be rich?
There is no longer any need to treat poor people who have lost their nobility and have been
tamed by cheap salon culture. She wondered if they would not know if they chose Noblesse
Street instead of the salon because they had the least perspective.
"It's like livestock. Beggars."
Kill them all. Either way, it would be up to Elena and the salon, who organized the banquet.
Of course, it's the premise of surviving.
Time had slipped along. Perhaps because of expectations, every second felt as slow as a
minute. Veronica's heartbeat slowly subsided. Her expression of excitement hardened.
'The poison must have spread throughout your body already?'
Why aren't there a lot of people screaming for help in pain? It was time for Veronica to be
embarrassed because there was no expected response.
"The crystal champagne I've served you now was given by the Imperial Family."
"What?"
Veronica's eyes shook. Obviously, the champagne for today's banquet was supposed to be
supplied by an outside company. Champagne from the imperial family. She'd never heard
of it before.
"I got a commendation for my contribution to cultural development for overlapping
slopes."
Applause poured from all over the place.
Elena returned with a light bow.
"Thank you. Crystal champagne, a precious wine that's hard to get even with money. I
wanted to share it with you all. It's all thanks to you all that I can be here right now."
Veronica's expression changed as scary as the devil. There was no one close to her, but they
were reluctant to even get close.
"Th... This!"
Veronica, whose eyes were turned upside down, was as close as she could have caused an
accident right away. When the perfectly prepared plan went up in smoke, she was not
controlled by herself. Anger captivated her whole body and expressed her hatred toward
Elena.
But there was something else she couldn't stand. That was Elena's face. The gaze that
looked down at her leisurely as if she knew everything, scratched her nerves to the point
where she wanted to dig out her eyes.
"You went too far."
Veronica's head turned around as if tossing, and realizing exactly that it was pointing to
her. He had a high dignity that could not be hidden even though he was covered with a pure
white lotus suit, dark black hair, and a golden eagle mask. Veronica recognized at a glance
the identity of the man with an eye-catching figure.
"You are... Sian?"
"I remember I never allowed you to say my name."
There was a blatant displeasure in Sian's voice.
"It's your fault."
Veronica glared fiercely. Her fierce and cold eyes were vicious enough to bite even the neck
of Sian, the Crown Prince of the Empire.
"Just one question. Did Grand Duke Friedrich agree to this reckless and ridiculous plan?"
"Ha, I don't know why you're curious about that. You're a subject that's lost his dignity and
is blinded by L."
"Answer the question."
Veronica flinched at the low voice of Sian.
"You'd better tell me."
Like being bound, she was suffocated by the murderous intent and her shoulders shrank.
'He's Crown Prince Sian?'
Veronica was confused with the man in front of her and the Sian in her memory. Though
not affectionate, he did not appear to have the image of being a polite gentleman. Sian's
murderous eyes and violence were so intense that even Veronica flinched and was
intimidated.
"Because I'm barely putting up with what I want to kill right now."
***
Sian couldn't relax for a moment after Ren lost consciousness. An excellent swordsman
named Hurelbard always stands by Elena's side, but as he could see from Ren's situation,
there was no guarantee that he would be able to prevent anything inevitable. So Sian
focused on Elena, the salon, and the Grand Duke. He hoped nothing would happen, but it
was just in case.
Two days ago, suspicious movements were detected on such a surveillance network. He
witnessed the Grand Duke's people entering and exiting the champagne warehouse, which
was supposed to be supplied to the salon in time for the closing banquet. Sian was cautious.
Rather than moving forward, he focused on figuring out their intentions. And when he did
an investigation with the champagne they had touched, he discovered that a thin injection
was inserted into the stopper and a lethal poison that was fatal.
Sian was shocked. This is mass murder. It was a one-sided massacre that killed not only
Elena but also visitors indiscriminately.
Due to the seriousness of the situation, Sian left everything aside and contacted Elena.
When Elena, who heard the whole story, said she would change the supplier with a straight
face, Sian shook his head.
"You said. We need to know how to turn a crisis into an opportunity. Can you follow my
plan for this?"
Sian was no longer hunched down. Under the pretext of cultural symbols, champagne will
be presented by the imperial family, so he asked to keep it a secret before the closing
banquet. He wanted to buy time for a survey. Elena said she would. Her aides, Hurelbard,
May, Emilio, Khalif, and Mel, kept their promise and acted unknowingly.
Eventually, with Elena's cooperation, Sian succeeded in securing evidence that the Grand
Duke was behind the poisoning.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Is it you?"
Veronica stared fiercely at Sian. Although Sian's blood thirst, which squeezes the whole
body, could be disrupted, her pride and spite supported her.
"I ask you, is it Your Highness?"
Sian's eyes sank.
"I must have warned you? I'll ask."
Sian's eyes flashed beyond the golden eagle mask. It was the eyes of a predator that made
his natural enemy tremble to the point where they wondered how they were breathing.
Veronica swallowed dry saliva. Her body kept shaking and her upper and lower teeth
collided. Her hair stood up, and she couldn't breathe. Fear ate away from the tip of her toes
to her head.
"You think you're going to scare me? Kill me if you're confident. Kill me."
Despite her pale face, Veronica turned to evil. No, as time passed, her eyes became more
intense like a poisonous snake.
"We've seen each other since we were young. I am confident that I know enough about
Your Highness. You can never kill me."
"I guess my words won't reach you."
Sian said back and took a threatening step forward. Veronica held her shaky arm and
straightened her waist. The Sian in her memory was not emotional enough to kill her in
such a public place.
'I'm Veronica von Friedrich. I'm the only heir to the Grand Duke. Even the Crown Prince
can't touch me.'
Veronica dismissed Sian as bluffing. It was because she was confident that he would turn
the Grand Duke to the enemy if he even scratched her.
But why. She could tell from her head, but she had inexplicable anxiety and fear.
"There's one thing I didn't know."
Sian's low-down voice sent a colder chill than frost.
"There is someone who can heat my heart, which I thought was cold, hotter than lava."
"...!"
"You tried to touch her."
As Sian took a threatening step closer, Veronica unknowingly took a back step. She was
terrified by the expressionless face and the thrilling momentum shooting from beyond the
mask. For Veronica, Sian was just a good-blooded husband. Her husband, who is a good
talker, was dismissed as an accessory that would make her stand out more.
But now that she saw him, he wasn't. This man is dangerous.
Veronica, who was stepping backward, bumped into someone. Someone caught her, who
was losing balance and reeling because of her high heels.
"Are you all right, Princess?"
Veronica, who was helped, looked back reflexively.
"L."
"You don't look well."
Elena's lips, which were not covered by a mask, went up. It was an obvious ridicule.
"Would it be very annoying? The woman who should have died by now is alive and well."
"You!"
When Elena made a sarcastic remark in a small voice, Veronica stared as if she were going
to kill her. A stranger with a faint smile scratched her temper to the point where she
wanted to cut her with a knife.
"Did you think I was going to suffer such a poor plan? It's not even a threat. Compared to
Liv."
"...!"
Veronica's eyes were strengthened when an unexpected name popped up.
'Liv?'
Liv is a nickname for Leabrick. In Veronica's memory, there was no one but her who
allowed Leabrick to be nicknamed in the Grand House.
"Ah, I'm scared of habits... I've been calling her that for years, and now it's popping out."
"Who are you?"
Veronica asked with a cold voice. She wasn't asking because she didn't know the woman in
front of her was L. This is because she read in the nuance that there was something she
didn't know.
"Do you want to know?"
"Don't play with words. Before I rip your mouth off."
Despite the threat, Elena smiled silently. At this moment, Veronica felt very unpleasant. She
wanted to dig out those eyeballs that looked down at her as if she were a subordinate.
"Don't get too excited. I was going to tell you now. Look who I am."
Elena reached out her hand and held the knot where the mask was fixed. How long had she
been waiting for today? It was a time to get compensated for the days when she lived with
her heart on the day when she died after being used in misery.
When she untied the knot, Elena's face, which was hidden behind the mask, was revealed.
"Y-you!"
Veronica stuttered as she faced Elena at the base. Elena's face, which looks just like her in
the mirror, shocked her as if she hit her head with a hammer.
"Do you know who I am? What I was to you. And what you're looking at right now."
The smile that drew on Elena's face had a lot of grief that had accumulated over the years.
She didn't have to hide behind the scenes anymore. Elena was no longer begging for a fake
reason and being ignored and miserable for being a substitute. Equal gaze, no, even
Veronica rose to a position where she could lay her under her feet.
Visitors were also shocked.
"O-oh my God."
"Are my eyes wrong now? L and Your Highness the Princess look just like each other way
around."
"Do they happen to be twins?"
"I've never heard of that. How can people be so alike?"
Visitors, surrounded by Elena and Veronica, alternately looked at the faces of the two.
Many people visited the salon because they were curious about L's beauty. Expectations
were also high. However, Elena's face, which was revealed, resembled Veronica
surprisingly. As they stood facing each other, their similar appearance was bound to attract
attention.
"But you know, the atmosphere is strangely different."
"I think L is more sensible and elegant."
"Is it okay to say this? L looks like a true princess. It seems like the two have changed. She
didn't hear me, did she?"
"How would you like to hear it? If you pretend you don't know, it's okay. And it's true. She
has a different elegance."
Each one bowed in a small voice, but some of the words sounded clear to Veronica's ears.
"T-this."
Even though she had received Sian's murderous intent, Veronica's hand trembled like an
aspen. There was no insult to her, born of a noble birth, as severe as being compared to
Elena, a stand-in who is vulgar and has unknown roots.
Simply looking at her appearance, Veronica's eyes went up, giving her a more fierce
impression. On the other hand, Elena's slightly drooping eyes and deep eyes gave people a
favorable impression to people. That alone was not enough to determine who was superior.
However, the image that had been instilled in the public had determined superiority.
Veronica has lived authoritatively in the background of her title as a princess and the Grand
Duke. In particular, it was a face of criticism even in the social world, saying that it was an
act of no respect to visit the salon not long ago and disturbance. And Veronica had to deal
with the damage as Elena, who played Veronica, disappeared without participating in the
final contest for the Crown Princess. No matter how great the Grand Duke is, she was
criticized for ignoring the imperial family. Such activities overlapped, and the social
reputation of Veronica was not good.
On the contrary, public evaluation of L was different from Veronica. Her intellectual, quiet,
and sophisticated dignity was so noble that it was hard to find even if you look back at the
history of the empire. She was well-received by the society, and even received a title from
Crown Prince Sian. Considering that fewer than five times in the history of the empire were
women given titles, they could guess how much of L's public confidence and reputation are
located. Furthermore, it was revealed that she was close to Crown Prince Sian by saying
that he would give congratulatory champagne and even give cultural signs today.
Except for the background of Grand Duke, Elena's lack compared to Veronica was not found
even after washing eyes.
The inferiority complex compared to the identical appearance of twins made Veronica even
crazier and more jumpy. The fact that she, who was born with a unique and noble birth, is
treated like this itself has gathered.
"As of today, people will remember this."
Elena smiled as the winner. Then she spoke in a triumphant voice.
"I don't look like you, I mean you look like me."
"What?"
Veronica's eyes turned upside down. Elena's words, provocative enough to paralyze even
her thoughts, broke even a strand of pride that made Veronica support.
"How dare you speak ill of me when you're a fake?"
Veronica's lips trembled.
'You're only a substitute! You're a lowlife with no foundation!'
This moment was so humiliating that it was unbearable.
"What do you mean fake? Where in the world is real and where is fake? Even if there is, it's
not Her Highness's place to judge it."
Elena responded by choosing polite but scratching words. Visitors who are not aware of the
unknown circumstances and old feelings of the two would only see it to be arguing because
Veronica does not like L's face that resembles her.
"That mask, you should have worn it to death."
"There's no reason for that, so I'd take it off, right?"
Veronica gritted her teeth against evil. At first, she thought she would feel better if she
poured the champagne she was holding onto Elena's face, broke the glass, and burned her
face with fragments. She couldn't even guess herself what the accident would have
happened if a strand of reason had not caught her.
'Do you think father's going to leave you alone if he knows you're a stand-in?'
Veronica thought it would be better. Elena is the woman that should have been killed
earlier. These four months have passed because Leabrick has not been able to do the job
properly, but she should not be kept alive anymore.
"I'll see how long you can have that face."
Veronica turned around biting her lips. If she spoke about it with her mouth anymore, it
would only make her miserable. She'd tear her to death and then mash her body with her
feet. The fact that she is the last person to smile never changes.
Despite the trembling threat, Elena let out a smile.
'Ah.'
Elena felt as if her chest was pierced. A thrilling joy penetrated the whole body as the goal
of the emotion that had been dormant was resolved in a moment.
"I don't know if I have the energy to care about her."
Elena muttered with a meaningful smile.
Now she won't see anything in Veronica's eyes. She'd think she could twist Elena's neck
right away with the Grand Duke on her back. But soon she will find it difficult, and it was
even more evil for her. It was regrettable that Veronica's face cannot be seen in her face.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sect 25. All-Out War

"I have to confess to my father. I have something to say."
Veronica visited the office of Grand Duke Friedrich as soon as the sun rose. Blood was in
the eyes of Veronica, who couldn't sleep at all because of the fever all night. The fact that
she could not step on Elena according to her nature was about to burst into anger.
"I'm sorry. Your Highness told me not to let anyone in."
Grand Duke Friedrich's immediate maid asked for her understanding. Even that bothered
Veronica's eyes, whose screening was twisted. It reminded her of Elena that didn't get
discouraged and kept talking back to her.
Without delay, she slapped the maid on the cheek. She hit so hard that the head of the
maid's head turned and the body that was out of balance fell to the floor. Veronica grabbed
the head of the trembling maid.
"Do my words sound like nonsense to you?"
"I was just..."
Veronica, who threw away the head of the maid's head and pushed it to one side, entered
the office. It was rude, but no one could stop her and held their breath.
"Father, it's me. I'm going to tell you something... What are you doing?"
Veronica's eyes widened when she entered the office. Grand Duke Friedrich, who loosened
his shirt, was leaning against the desk in the office, and a large leather bag was placed in
front of it. Next to it stood knight Holland, curiously holding an iron bat, not a sword.
"I'm sure I said not to let anyone in?"
"I'm your daughter, so it's a no-brainer. More than that, who's this?"
Veronica responded brazenly and pointed at the bag of leather with a chin. The fishy
bloody scent lingering in the nose, the blood spots on the bag, and the iron bat, she
wondered if they were under corporal punishment.
Grand Duke Friedrich, who was proudly crossing his arms, answered in a dull manner.
"It's Acelas."
Veronica's eyes shook. She didn't think Acelas, who is in charge of the actual work of the
Grand Duke, would be hit like a blood cake in that leather bag.
"Y-Your Highness the Princess."
"...!"
Sure enough, Acelas' painful voice was heard in the leather bag.
"Salon work... W-what you did on your own... Your Highness the Princess asked me to do
it... Uk! S-save me... Kol!"
Knight Holland swung the iron bat indiscriminately, as Acelas' pleas sounded sad. Only
then did the club stop when Acelas, who was struggling without even screaming, did not
move as if he fainted.
"I was punishing the dog for being presumptuous."
"For being presumptuous?"
"Yes. He tried to poison the salon's nobles."
Grand Duke Friedrich gazed at Veronica, shutting his mouth with an indifferent glance.
"Did you know that?"
"No, I didn't know."
Veronica caught it without changing a single expression. Even Grand Duke Friedrich
nodded a little, but didn't ask any more about it. That was their way. Didn't Grand Duke
Friedrich know that he was ordered by Veronica? He knew, but he didn't hold her
accountable. Even if they commit a felony condemned, they have indulgence because they
are of noble blood. Who dares to hold them accountable.
The responsibility is always on the dead. It doesn't matter if it's unfair. There were so many
talented people who wanted to set foot on the Great House to achieve success and
ambition.
"Be careful, I told you. There is no need to put humans underneath whom do not follow
your words."
"I agree. He didn't have an outstanding ability compared to the position given."
As soon as Veronica pointed out that he was incompetent, Acelas flinched. He had a lot to
say, but he swallowed it inside because he was afraid of clubbing.
"What is to be said?"
"Do you know who L is?"
Grand Duke Friedrich answered in a profound way.
"It must be your stand-in."
"You heard the story."
Grand Duke Friedrich seemed not interested in anything, but he knew the stories going
back inside and outside the Empire. However, he left small matters to the aides and did not
intervene. It was his way of running a huge family called the Great House.
"Looks like you. The hostile moves L has shown us so far. There's no reason to doubt it
anymore."
"You know, it's a quick conversation. Are you going to leave it like this?"
Veronica's eyes glistened with hatred. Yesterday's events left an indelible disgrace and
humiliation to Veronica's pride. The anger was so deep that it would not be resolved even if
Elena was chewed and killed.
"If not?"
"We have to get rid of her."
Veronica did not hide her hostility.
"It's not the right time. The hand is too big to hold."
"Father!"
Grand Duke Friedrich looked at Veronica with a dull look. On the back of his indifference,
there remained a deep sense of pity for his daughter, who had been poisoned and crossed
life and death, and her mental age, which had not grown up without consciousness for the
past three years.
"Don't speak too long. You should only pay attention to Noblesse Street."
"I don't understand. It's enough if you put a decent cause and sweep the salon away."
"There is no justification."
Grand Duke Friedrich spoke in a snap.
"L is protected by the imperial family. Even if there is only a shell left, the imperial family is
a cumbersome object just for its existence. And the reputation and support L has built in
society is not very easy."
"Reputation? I'll crush it. If I spread the word, if I find fault with her, I can drop her into the
abyss."
"Veronica."
Veronica's face hardened when she faced the low-lying eyes of Grand Duke Friedrich. The
creepiness in his eyes that looked indifferent like glaciers was something Veronica had
never seen before.
"L left your hand."
"B-but!"
Veronica bit her lips tightly. She wanted to argue more, but she couldn't because she was
afraid that she might incur the anger of Grand Duke Friedrich. He was an infinitely
generous and understanding Grand Duke, but once he drew the line, he refused to allow
further rebellion.
Knock knock. They heard an urgent voice at the same time.
"Your Highness, it's Artil."
"There's been a lot of guests since morning."
When Grand Duke Friedrich chinned, knight Holland opened the door on behalf of him. It
was so urgent that Artil couldn't afford to grasp the atmosphere of the office.
"Y-Your Highness, we're in trouble."
"These days, I feel like something big is happening every day."
Grand Duke Friedrich leaned back and raised his eyes. It meant to tell him what he was
talking about.
"The Imperial Guard has been disbanded."
"What?"
Grand Duke Friedrich's eyes were in a straight line, but they were shaken thin.
"Last night, the Crown Prince took control of the guard's headquarters by surprise and
stripped the guards of their titles under the guise of an inspection ceremony."
"Go on."
"The new guards, hand-picked by His Majesty, have announced that they will take their
place. The appointment ceremony ended in a summary manner, and they have appointed
His Highness the Crown Prince as their new captain."
Upon hearing the shocking news, Grand Duke Friedrich shut his mouth tightly.
The Imperial Guard symbolizes the power of the imperial family. It was also the Imperial
Guard that Grand Duke Friedrich first worked to neutralize the imperial family. That's why
he brought in incompetent aristocrats by highlighting the image of honorary positions
rather than the meaning of actual armed groups. It was intended to exist but to be reduced
to a group that was ineffective.
However, it is said that the Imperial Guard was disbanded and newly established. They
even named Crown Prince Sian, who will succeed the next emperor, as the next great
commander. It was a clear will to strengthen the imperial power and a declaration of war
against the Great Duke, who led all this.
"I must have misjudged him."
Grand Duke Friedrich laughed self-helpfully and put on a single eyeglass.
Emperor Richard, what a weak imperial family member. He was not very wise, had no
determination, and had a weak body. He was the perfect person to present as a puppet. The
prediction was right, and he was submissive enough to give a vision of death in every word
of Grand Duke Friedrich during his decades in the throne. However, he has shown signs of
disobedience to the words of Grand Duke Friedrich little by little recently, and eventually
revealed the fangs he had hidden.
"You have to take action right now. We pressure the royal family by collecting opinions
from the noble families and insisting on unfairness..."
"That's enough."
Grand Duke Friedrich cut the pieces and ignored Artil's opinion.
"Now there is nothing to change even if I move."
"But, we have to prepare for something now."
Even Veronica was worried, but Grand Duke Friedrich's reaction was indifferent as if he
were dealing with others.
"You can't change the flow of water. Let it flow."
"..."
"Father!"
Artil remained silent and Veronica raised her voice to protest against the will of Grand
Duke Friedrich.
"I want to be alone. Get out."
Grand Duke Friedrich turned and walked to the window glass. Standing behind his back
meant he didn't want to talk to anyone, so Artil and Veronica left the office. Knight Holland
also left quietly, wearing the leather bag.
After being left alone, Grand Duke Friedrich muttered as he saw himself reflected in the
glass window.
"It's been a long time. I think that a long time is enough time to change people, Your
Majesty."
His beautiful blonde hair was white as he couldn't overcome the years. It was a long time
enough for Emperor Richard, who was in a hurry to look at Grand Duke Friedrich like a
mouse in front of a cat, to reveal his rebelliousness that he was holding back.
"By the way, Your Majesty."
A smile was drawn on the mouth of Grand Duke Friedrich.
For the rest of your life, why don't you just bear with it a little longer before you leave?"
Richard's declaration of war awakened his wildness and nature, which had been mired in
boredom for decades.
Grand Duke Friedrich, the worst man in the history of the Empire.
The dangerous man was trying to move again.
***
"Ha."
Veronica's full face, riding a carriage across Noblesse Street to the forum, was irritated.
Yesterday's incident was on the verge of explosion, and as soon as the early opening
ceremony was over, the number of visitors decreased noticeably. The ladies were rarely
seen shopping, and there were only a few. Even that, there was no sign of consumption.
When Veronica got off the wagon and entered the forum's office, she waited. A man
approached as if. He was Baronet Olden, the general manager of Noblesse Street.
"Count Boroni, Viscount Norton, and Baron Juan have been waiting since morning to see
the Princess."
"The three of them?"
Veronica tilted her head. She wondered what the three nobles came to see her for.
'It just happened to be good. If my father doesn't move, I can rip L with those three people
in front.'
Veronica, who quickly changed her mind, smiled inappropriately around her mouth.
"Tell them to come in."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

As soon as permission was given, three nobles who were waiting came into the office.
"Welcome."
Veronica's full face was smeared with a softness that had never been seen before. These
three people are the golden rope. If she can use them well and make them on her side, she
can pressure L and Salon without the help of Grand Duke Friedrich. The question is, are
they going to help her...
'It's impossible not to help if you have brains, isn't it?'
Veronica was confident. The name Friedrich, which follows her, and the title of the only
heir, is enough to move them. Although Grand Duke Friedrich is still alive now, time cannot
go away. Before that, the three nobles would not be dumb enough to miss the chance to
catch Veronica's line.
"Sit down."
Veronica greeted them with a friendly smile that she had never made before. The three
noblemen bowed their heads and sat in a row on the sofa.
"I've seen you when I was young, and I haven't seen you for a long time, but I can
remember your faces."
"... Did you say it's been a long time since you haven't seen us?"
Count Boroni smiled at the wonder. As he saw her only a few months ago, Veronica talked
as if she hadn't seen him in years.
Veronica couldn't read their subtle feelings and was busy saying what she had to say.
"Have you looked around Noblesse Street?"
"Yes, I'm actually going to see the Princess..."
Veronica cut out Viscount Norton's words, who brought them out carefully.
"It's still an unfinished street, so I'm sorry to hear that, but it'll get better. I'm very happy
that three of you have come to see me."
"What? Of course, it is..."
"You have an eye for the ages. Maybe that's why I want to get close to you three."
Veronica even smiled out of place and praised the three nobles for their actions. The three
nobles blinked at each other as if Veronica's response was completely incomprehensible.
"Excuse me, Your Grace."
"Yes, Baron Juan. Speak comfortably."
"Looking around Noblesse Street, the area of some of the opening streets was smaller than
I expected. You probably didn't have enough funds. Why is it so slow?"
Veronica's face hardened when asked. Talking about the area and even mentioning the lack
of funds sounded like a nuance of seeking responsibility. As if they had waited just in time
for the door to open, Count Boroni and Viscount Norton also asked questions.
"If you don't mind, can you tell me about sales trends?"
"May I know when the whole opening will be? If you do, do you have any plans to reverse
the situation?"
"Stop."
Veronica had a look of chills. Her face, which was sweeping her bangs up, was smeared
with unbearable annoyance.
"Don't you think these are presumptuous questions?"
Despite Veronica's intimidation, the attitudes of the three nobles remained unchanged.
"I apologize if it sounded uncomfortable, but I think we deserve to know."
"Your Highness the Princess, please put yourself in our shoes. Can you stay still?"
"I'm not asking for responsibility. I'm trying to come up with a plan. I don't think you need
to be this uncooperative."
Veronica had a serious look. In her life, she had never been subjected to such harassment
by the nobles. She was nervous about what the hell these people believed and were doing.
"I think you'd better be careful with what you say?"
"I don't know what's wrong with you, Princess."
"When you have got help, and now you've changed your attitude?"
"You can't do this."
'Are these people crazy as a group?'
Veronica's forehead was distorted. If this is enough, it is understandable, but the act of
trying to match without noticing is way out of line. It was time to make sure that the things
in the shadow of the Grand Duke should be understood. When she asked for help a while
ago, Viscount Norton's words rang in her ears.
"Wait a minute, did I get any help? What do you mean?"
"Ho! Are you sure you're doing this?"
"You're too much. Have you already forgotten that we led to the fall of Leabrick at the
request of Your Highness?"
Veronica's eyes shook violently. The remarks that she had never imagined came through
Baron Juan's mouth.
"What's that about? Please explain so that I can understand."
If Veronica was going crazy with frustration, the three noblemen would go crazy in a
different sense.
"We don't know why you're doing this. Didn't Your Highness ask us to approach us and
gather public opinion so that Leabrick could be dismissed?"
"Me? I've never done that..."
Veronica's face became serious for a moment. Veronica's hesitating attitude poured out
words as if Count Boroni was running out of heat.
"Is that all? Didn't you accept the investment by promising to share the profits on Noblesse
Street? Are you going to take it away because you don't know that?"
Veronica was absent-minded. What the three nobles said was so enormous that even she
couldn't handle it.
"I knew you would, so I brought you a handwritten certificate. Look at it with your eyes."
Baron Juan reached into the pocket of the jacket and pulled out the envelope. I opened it,
took out the finest parchment paper, and gave it to Veronica so that the letters could be
seen.
"Give it to me."
Veronica took it away and read it down. The content was that Veronica shares the profits
generated on Noblesse Street and guarantees commercial rights on the condition that it
receives astronomical amounts of investment.
"T-that bitch dares..."
Veronica's hand, muttering low, rattled.
'How dare you act like me and do this to me?'
Veronica, who saw the handwriting on the certificate, doubted her eyes. The handwriting
was so similar that she was confused whether she really wrote it. In particular, the
signatures on the signature column was the same as hers.
Anyone could only believe Veronica signed it. The problem is that there is no way to break
this situation. The evidence was so clear that they could not accept it even if it was not
Veronica. Veronica's feelings that she had never felt in her life made her even hotter and
more emotional.
"Stop. Stop it."
Veronica warned low, but the three noblemen whose eyes were turned upside down did
not stop their quest.
"Are you going to keep pretending you don't know?"
"The three of us have invested an astronomical amount of money. I think we have the right
to know sales."
"Tell me where the hell you put that big money into."
"Th... This."
Veronica's face, which failed to overcome her anger, heated up. It was an instant that she
felt wronged. She couldn't stand the fact that she was being questioned by the aristocrats,
who couldn't have enjoyed the power of the present without the help of the Grand Duke.
"Get out."
"Get out? We're here to have a conversation."
"Isn't this not how you treat us?"
Veronica said again.
"Get out when you say those things. Right now."
"Your Highness the Princess!"
The faces of the three nobles were also filled with anger. As their opponent was Veronica,
they couldn't push her forward, but they were displeased that they were only used and
abandoned.
"You're too much. When did you say you were on the same boat, and how could you wipe
your mouth like this?"
"When did we tell you to take responsibility? Are we not even entitled to know the current
situation?"
"Responsibility?"
Veronica stared at the three nobles as if to kill them. When she was told to take
responsibility for something she didn't do, she was outraged. As a result, it was natural that
Veronica's mouth, which was filled with emotion, could not say good words.
"What do you want me to take responsibility for?"
"Is this really what Your Highness the Princess will mean?"
The oldest of the three nobles and the most influential Count Boroni asked about her
intention. But Veronica had no intention of talking.
"Can't you hear me? I've told you so many times that I'm not in the mood for a
conversation."
"You'll regret it."
"Regret?"
Veronica laughed as if she was full of energy. It was upsetting to see things that were not
the same trying to pressure her with regret.
"Are you threatening me?"
"Your Highness the Princess, we are asking for you to respect us more."
Count Boroni's tone was courteous. But it couldn't have sounded good to Veronica.
"Who's the reason you're living like this."
"..."
"There's only one respect I can give you. Get out when you can."
Veronica pointed her finger at the door. It meant that she didn't want to talk anymore.
"There's nothing more to say. I'll be back tomorrow."

"Okay. I don't know if I'll be free tomorrow."

Count Boroni's eyebrows wiggled.
That was tantamount to saying that she wouldn't meet them even if they came soon.
"Okay... I understand. If that's the meaning of the Princess, I'll know that and step back.
Let's go."
Count Boroni bowed out of courtesy and turned around. Viscount Norton and Baron Juan
stared at Veronica with disapproving eyes and left the office coldly.
"L! What the hell have you been doing, pretending to be me?!"
Veronica, who couldn't win her temper, threw away everything on the desk as if she had
wiped it away. She suddenly grabbed the scissors upside down as if it was enough for her.
Veronica shot down the sofa like crazy with the scissors. At this moment, it was not the sofa
but L that Veronica was stabbing.
"L! Die! Die! Die! Die!"
The leather was torn and hairs escaped from it and scattered. For Veronica, whose eyes
turned, they were flesh and blood of L.
At that time. The three nobles who moved to the residence of Count Boroni were having an
in-depth conversation about their work today.
"Count, are you going to leave your hands alone?"
"Didn't you see the attitude of the Princess? You shouldn't stay still. How easy it is to look at
us and wipe her mouth like that."
Count Boroni, who was listening silently, wore a somber tone.
"The top that received the investment has disappeared."
"What?"
"Are you sure about that?"
Count Boroni nodded.
"Why would I lie? I've got a man on it, and they're gone without a trace, not long after they
got the money."
"That means she was determined to use us from the beginning, doesn't it?"
"I'm speechless."
Viscount Norton and Baron Juan were full of spirit. Judging from the circumstances of her
return, the idea of being used and abandoned by Veronica weighed on them.
"As you know, it's hard to prove that she's invested with a handwritten certificate now that
the top is gone. She'll just say it's forgery."
"That's..."
Viscount Norton and Baron Juan did not deny that statement. It is difficult to prove legally
because the seal of Princess Veronica was not stamped. The only thing they can believe is
the signature, the handwriting sentiment of this era was ineffective because it was a nose
ring when hung on the nose, and an earring when hung on the ear.
"Ha, I never thought I'd get this from the Princess in my life."
Baron Juan sighed. He was devastated by the thought that he had been beaten so
thoroughly that it was beyond his control.
Count Boroni was silent, too. He wanted to overturn it if he had a personality, but his
opponent is the Princess, the successor of the Grand Duke. He swallowed it inside because
he had to run wild to get beaten up.
At that time, Viscount Norton, who had a reputation for being clever and insane, poured
out.
"I mean. I can't be beaten like this. I think we should take this opportunity."
"Do you have a good idea?"
Count Boroni carefully opened his mouth.
"There's one thing."
"Does it work? Go ahead and tell me."
Baron Juan, who was impatient, urged. Viscount Norton, who had been taking a break for a
while, took turns looking at the two people and answered sternly.
"We're not paying any more money to the Grand Duke."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Payment?"
"I don't think the Grand Duke is going to stay still?"
It was a tempting proposal, but they had no choice but to hesitate. There was a high
possibility of facing an unaffordable aftermath as it was considered a backlash against the
Grand Duke.
"If you don't move without a plan. But don't we have a justification?"
"Do you mean a handwritten certificate? I told you, it won't work very well."
Count Boroni's reaction was negative.
"It won't work. But it's good enough to make it a justification."
"Justification."
"I don't know what you're talking about. Please explain in detail, Viscount Norton."
Baron Juan asked again as if he couldn't understand well.
"We are trying to gather public opinion from the territories with the certificate of
handwriting. Honestly, we're not the only ones who are dissatisfied with the payment, are
we?"
"That's right."
"I'm going to take this opportunity to make sure. It's too much to pay. Let's show them that
they shouldn't fool the aristocrats like this."
"What if we get into trouble? Grand Duke Friedrich won't stand still..."
Baron Juan dimmed. Originally a merchant, he grew into a powerful nobleman in the
southern part of the capital by building a salt field under the protection of the Grand Duke.
That much, he was obsessed with wealth and his own, but he seemed to be hesitant about
losing what he had accumulated while rebelling against the Grand Duke.
"Heuheu, I wouldn't have brought it up without any countermeasures?"
"Do you have a plan?"
When Count Boroni, who was cautious about everything, showed interest, Viscount Norton
opened his mouth.
"The Grand Duke's financial situation is not good."
"I've heard so."
"I don't know how far you've heard, but it's worse than that. It can't get any worse."
"Is it that bad?"
Count Boroni is not a fool either. The fact that the compensation was raised even at the
expense of the noble families proves that the situation of the Grand Duke is not that good.
Even the opening reaction of Noblesse Street, which poured astronomical budgets, was low.
Everyone was shushing, but it was widely believed that they are less competitive than the
salon and basilica.
"I assure you. If we don't pay enough money for three months, the Grand Duke will suffer
from severe financial difficulties."
"Hoho."
Count Boroni laughed broadly. Viscount Norton, though sullen, is not a frivolous person. If
so, it would not be possible to exert absolute influence in the East in such a short time. The
fact that he guaranteed it means that he believed that much.
"We're going to collect public opinion from the noble families and then make a massive
public release of their own handwritten certificates. And I'm declaring it."
"Declaration?"
"We will give up our astronomical investment. Instead, I'm asking him to deduct the
amount of money that the nobles have to pay."
Count Boroni and Baron Juan brightened up at the trick of Viscount Norton.
"If we don't pay the nobles' bonuses on the pretext of investment, we can get the nobles'
support, and that alone puts a lot of pressure on their finances."
"You're catching both rabbits!"
Viscount Norton nodded with a cheesy smile.
"It's not us who's in a hurry, it's the Grand Duke. Soon, the funds of the Grand Duke will dry
up. The thirsty man will find the well, and he will have to reach out to us."
A smile spread across all sides of Count Boroni and Baron Juan. Unlike the first time when it
was considered reckless, the reason was because they thought there was a chance of
winning as they talked over and over again.
"It's going to be an unbeatable fight."
"You're amazing. If that's the case, the Grand Duke can't help it, too."
The three noble people laughed loudly as if they were happy just by imagining it.
***
There was a buzz in the capital. It was rumored that Ren, the most influential of the
emerging aristocrats, was missing. According to the story, Ren was killed by a blind arrow.
Even witnesses appeared, fueling rumors of no substance.
In the meantime, there was even a rumor that a lady, who loved Ren deeply in her heart,
sobbed, saying that Ren, who died in her dream, came out. It was just a dream, but it was
accepted as a support story for Ren's death in line with the timing and circumstances.
In addition, when Viscount Spencer, who was taken to the Great House, did not return, the
Bastache family shook greatly. This is because the absence of the two men who are the
spiritual pillars to lead the aides had prolonged.
"As expected. He was after."
Elena's face was messy. The sinister premonition wasn't wrong.
"It seems that all the key members of the family, starting with the butler, have been bought
into the Great House. Some of them were replaced without even realizing it."
Mel couldn't hide his gloom. Until Elena first brought it up, he was unsure. However, it was
clear to see how it was going.
"Have you found out where Viscount Spencer is?"
"I can't figure it out."
Mel bit his lips hard. Majesti had never felt so lethargic for more than a decade since he was
the head of an information organization. After an official visit to the Great House, he
disappeared as if he had evaporated.
"Please keep looking. Viscount Spencer's safety is the most important thing."
"Okay."
"Don't be so impatient. I will protect the Bastache family until Ren wakes up."
Elena, who relieved Mel, turned her head and looked down at Ren, who was unconscious.
He looked much better than before, but he still couldn't wake up.
Genius doctor Neville warned that it would be dangerous if the coma lasted longer. Ren's
body had been able to endure so far because it was different from ordinary people, but
even that has reached its limit. As the day goes by, mental damage is inevitable.
Knock knock. Khalif opened the door and came in.
"Let's get going. You'll be late if you wait any longer."
Elena nodded and gently caressed Ren's cheek. The pathetic touch contained sorrow for
Ren.
"I'll be right back. Mel, please stand by him."
Elena, who asked Mel for Ren, turned around and left the room. When Elena, who had
finished preparing to go out in advance, came out of the annex, a carriage sent from the
imperial family was waiting. Next to it, the guards stood in a modest position.
"Hello, I'm L. Hwigin, Vice Commander of the Imperial Guard. I'll take you to the Imperial
Family."
"I look forward to your kind cooperation."
When Elena smiled, Hwigin, who had been distracted for a while, coughed in vain.
"Look over there, it's L!"
When the nobles who visited the basilica found Elena standing in front of the protocol
carriage sent from the imperial family, they talked. Today was the first time she appeared
outside the salon after revealing her private face.
"I don't know why she's been covering herself with that beauty so far."
"I heard that she had to wear sunglasses because of her appearance similar to Veronica."
"Well, that could be true. Isn't she too elegant? That luxury... I don't think you can buy it
with money."
"It's said she was born with a talent, but I guess it's true. At first, I thought she looked like
Princess Veronica, but the more I looked at her, the more different she looked."
"But why did the imperial family send her a carriage?"
"You didn't know? His Majesty today praised L for her contribution to the cultural
development of this empire and gave her a cultural commendation."
Elena got on the protocol carriage dispatched from the imperial family. The wagon wheels
rolled along, escorted by guards on white horses. Not too fast or too slow, Elena recalled an
old thought in the carriage to the Imperial Palace.
"Will you keep watching me."
Emperor Richard in her memory is a man who remains with Raphael at the Imperial Palace
with good feelings. He always treated her warmly and mildly, despite being the daughter of
the Grand Duke who is hostile towards the imperial family.
"I hope you're healthy."
It is around this time that Emperor Richard will go down. As his congenital chronic diseases
worsen due to old age, he would eventually die without being able to get up.
The protocol carriage that was crossing the road reached the imperial palace and stopped.
When the vice commander of the Imperial Guard, Hwigin, opened the carriage door, an
unexpected person greeted Elena.
"Your Highness?"
When Elena looked at him with her eyes wide open, Sian held out his hand.
"I've been waiting."
Elena, who placed her hand on Sian's palm, got off the carriage with his escort.
"I didn't expect you to meet me."
Elena was unfamiliar and puzzled with this situation. In a space called the imperial palace
filled with pain, Sian's kindness embarrassed her.
"I wanted to tell you. How I, Crown Prince Sian, the imperial family, and even how much
this empire cherishes you."
The new Imperial Guard, which had been lined up next to the carpet, pulled out their sword
from their waists and raised it high. The straight swords were slowly lowered diagonally to
create a nice tunnel.
"Let's go."
Elena, who was walking under the escort of Sian, was overwhelmed by the huge welcome.
She wondered if she deserved such a welcome.
Elena, who entered the main palace, headed straight to the palace. A palace maid opened a
door large enough to reach the high ceiling.
Elena walked along Sian to the throne with her head down. This is because it is the Imperial
Court's etiquette not to raise your head until the emperor's permission is granted. When
she reached the front of the stairs to the throne, Sian stepped aside and introduced Elena.
"Your Majesty, I have brought L."
Elena greeted him with an elegant manner as if she had waited.
"Greetings to the Emperor, the noble star of the Empire."
"Raise your head."
At the words of Emperor Richard, Elena slowly lifted her head. At a speed that is neither
fast nor slow, but at the same time, her body's line and balance did not collapse.
Emperor Richard could not take his eyes off Elena's manners. She was more noble and
excellent than any other manners he had ever seen in his life.
When she looked up, and he saw Elena's face, Emperor Richard admired. As you get older,
you will have an eye for people. It was not absolute, but the years of experience sometimes
exerts a spirit that cannot be ignored.
'This child is...'
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Decades ago, Emperor Richard met a man in amazement and despair. It was Grand Duke
Friedrich, a man who changed the times. It was still clear that Richard, who was nothing
but an imperial family member, was sitting as the emperor's seat, but he was bored. He not
only came to the world, but also put the Empire under his feet. The irresistible authority
and arrogance were great enough to defeat Richard's willingness to take the throne and
make him despair.
He didn't know why, but looking at Elena reminded him of the Grand Duke Friedrich in his
youth.
'I can't believe it. She looks exactly like him, but is so different from him.'
As if they were similar, the two were different. The intelligence in Elena's eyes was enough
to brighten the darkness with light. In addition, she was warm and soft, and it could be seen
at a glance that she had the power and distribution to cover the world.
Nevertheless, the reason why the two were placed on the same line was because they had
the dignity of a giant who dominated the times.
'Is this also a sign that times are about to change?'
He was sure of it, Elena is the child who would save the dying candle of the Empire. She
broke down the wall of the Grand Duke, which was like an iron fortress, and pushed a knife
into the neck of the Grand Duke. The evidence was more dramatic and ridiculous than any
other narrative.
The mouth of Emperor Richard wrote. He had lived all his life in the shadow of Grand Duke
Friedrich. He thought he was an insurmountable wall, and he didn't even dare to cross him.
However, this child was different. She reminded him of his weak and pathetic young days.
"It is said that our Crown Prince owes a lot of favor."
"What do you mean by favor. That's ridiculous. I always get help from His Highness the
Crown Prince."
"Haha, you're so humble."
The eyes of Emperor Richard looking down at Elena warmed. Even if she says a word, she
is a unique and friendly child.
"I heard about the salon. Many aristocrats from other countries are looking for it."
"Yes, Your Majesty, the number of recent visits has been on the rise in cultural exchanges."
Sian kept talking.
"The capital economy is booming in decades. After the opening of the salon and the basilica,
the shrinking consumer sentiment is believed to have melted."
"Really?"
"In addition, L is leading the education business. She opened three schools in the capital
city alone and provided free education for the common people. And..."
Sian praised her achievements without a moment to breathe. It could be one or two things,
but Elena was embarrassed when he continued to show off her arms.
'What's wrong with him? You can stop now...'
Elena was even more embarrassed because it was his words and actions that she had never
seen before.
"Hoho, I fully understand the meaning of the Crown Prince. Well, wasn't it a place that he
was prepared to commend?"
It was not until Emperor Richard stepped out that Sian swallowed his back words,
accepting that he felt a sense of shame. Then, he felt sorry that he couldn't show off more
when he looked at Elena.
"You have contributed so much to the development of the empire, but I can't just go over it.
Is there anything you want? If there is, tell me without any pretense."
"There is nothing."
"Is there really nothing you want?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, the title and commendation you have bestowed are enough."
Elena declined cautiously so as not to offend Richard, the good willed emperor. The kind
words and excessive warmth that she received in her past life was enough.
"A child without greed. I will show you my sincerity. I want you to accept this."
"Your sincerity... Thank you, Your Majesty."
Elena said she was willing to do so because she thought it was not polite to refuse sincerity.
"Crown Prince."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Sian bowed his head at Emperor Richard's call.
"I personally told them to prepare for the imperial treasury, so the Crown Prince will bring
it."
"Do you mean directly?"
Sian asked back with a slight surprise. Usually, this kind of work is ordered by a
subordinate, but the words to go hand-in-hand were considered strange.
"The Crown princes must bring it, for it is a precious possession of the imperial family."
"... Understood."
Sian glanced at Elena. He is a father mixed with blood, but for Elena, Emperor Richard may
be a difficult and uncomfortable person, so it was on his mind to leave it alone.
Elena smiled as if she knew how Sian felt. It meant that he should go because she was okay.
Only then, Sian, who was relieved, left the main palace.
Emperor Richard's voice changed when only two people remained in the vast palace.
"I have something to say, so I want you to stay."
Elena's eyes sank. In the changed tone of Emperor Richard, she noticed that he
intentionally created this situation.
"The Grand Duke is a dangerous man."
"... I know."
"He's after the Bastache family."
Elena nodded her head calmly for a moment as she showed surprise at the unexpected
topic.
'As far as Your Majesty knows, it means that the imperial family is also under political
pressure.'
In other words, much of the behind-the-scenes work to devour the Bastache family was
made.
"Hoho, that's what you know. Yes, I heard about Sir Ren from Sian. He's unconscious, isn't
he?"
"At the moment. But, the wound is completely cured, and I believe he will wake up soon."
Elena believed that sooner or later, Ren would wake up as if nothing had happened and
grumble at her.
"He's going to have to wake up soon..."
"What's the matter?"
"Viscount Spencer will not live long."
"...!"
Elena's pupils were shaken by Emperor Richard's remarks. This is because she heard the
news of Viscount Spencer, which was unknown even if the intelligence organization Majesti
poured all its energy into it.
"Do you know where he is?"
"I don't know that. But, I know better than anyone what kind of man Grand Duke Friedrich
is."
"That's what I'm saying."
"Viscount Spencer will die. This fact does not change."
For not just a few years, he had watched Grand Duke Friedrich. He could see roughly how
he handled things and what he was thinking.
"He can't do that. I'll stop him somehow."
"It's late."
Elena bit her lips tightly at the determination of Emperor Richard. As he said, if Viscount
Spencer died, it would be shameless to see Ren.
"You know how foolish it is to hang your neck on something that you can't undo because
you're a wise child."
"..."
"I have a trick to catch the Grand Duke. Do you want to hear it?"
Elena's eyes widened. Although she felt that the flow of conversation was unusual from the
beginning, she did not know that Emperor Richard would first bring up a proposal to
destroy Grand Duke Friedrich.
"I'll listen to it. Please allow me to tell you one thing before that."
"Go ahead."
"I'm only the owner of a salon, and I'm just a Baronetess. Also, there are no knights to take
control of the Grand Duke. I wonder what Your Majesty's intention is to bring out such a
word. Even more, the Crown Prince is not here right now."
The Imperial Guard battalion, where Sian served as the commander, was the only force
capable of standing up to the knights of the Grand Duke. If it is a trick to bring down the
Grand Duke, of course, they also had to discuss it with Sian. However, Emperor Richard
intentionally ruled out Sian. As if he had something to talk about to only her, that shouldn't
be heard by Sian.
"I'll tell you that."
Emperor Richard opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind. Elena's eyes grew as big
as the full moon due to Emperor Richard's words. It was a series of flags beyond
astonishment. It was such a bold and unconventional plan that it could only be realized
with Elena's consent.
"That's it."
"..."
"Now do you understand? Why I had to rule out Sian. Why I told you, and why only you can
do it."
Elena couldn't keep talking easily. She couldn't figure out what to say from where. It was so
shocking that her mind was tingling.
'Your Majesty, you were hiding a knife in your stomach.'
Who dared to point out Emperor Richard as a puppet Emperor? He was just waiting for the
right time with his breath on.
'But, if so, Your Majesty will...'
This scheme inevitably forced the sacrifice of Emperor Richard. It was Sian who would be
most sad at the sacrifice. Elena didn't want to see him sad. Looking at Elena hesitating,
Emperor Richard urged an answer.
"As a father, I have done nothing for my son. I want to do my father's duty. Will you help
me?"
Elena's eyes, which were unable to speak easily, became distinctive. A way to avoid
sacrifice came to mind.
"I will obey your will. Instead, let's make an agreement."
"Agreement?"
The subsequent story of Elena surprised Emperor Richard. This is because Elena knew the
secret of the imperial palace that only a member of the imperial family should know.
"I will."
Elena's expression brightened after receiving a definite answer from Emperor Richard.
'That's enough.'
As soon as they could find a compromise, Sian returned. A small chest was placed on a
pedestal received with both hands.
"Your Majesty, I have it."
"Give it to L."
Elena bowed her head and waist lightly to be polite and accepted it.
"The Crown Prince opens the box."
Sian reached out and opened the box. Then, there was a brooch with a star-shape with a
breathtaking ornate handwork, and a black pearl studded in the center.
'T-this is.'
Elena noticed the identity of the brooch at a glance. It is an object given only to members of
the imperial family, and she had seen it worn on several occasions by a woman whom
Elena was familiar with. Why was she so envious of it?
'It's Empress Cecilia's brooch.'
It was considered to be something that only the empress with imperial legitimacy could
possess. So she wanted to have it, but she couldn't have it.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"It's a brooch that's been handed down to the imperial family for many generations. We
praise you for your hard work and come down with the hope that you will continue to be
the beacon of the imperial family."
Emperor Richard secretly expressed his innermost thoughts.
A beacon of the imperial family. It may sound like asking her to work hard for the empire,
but it is not, considering the meaning of the brooch.
'He wants me to be a person of the Imperial Household.'
Looking back at past examples, when the imperial family or aristocrats met their favorite
counterparts, they often gave brooches as gifts to ask them to be their own family.
'It's not something I deserve.'
In the past, she would have gladly accepted it, but not anymore. Elena didn't have any
lingering attachments to the brooch anymore. Rather, it came as a burden because she
knew the meaning and weight of the brooch.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, but I would like the brooch to be withdrawn. It's too precious for
me to dare to receive."
"How can that preciousness compare to the way I care for you? Take it."
Elena was in a lot of trouble when Emperor Richard recommended it again. She hesitated
because she seemed to turn a blind eye to Emperor Richard's heart.
"Your Majesty thinks I'm precious, so I'll take it. I'll keep it for you."
"Hoho."
Emperor Richard laughed in vain.
Elena said she would keep it without wearing a brooch. It meant that she could not make an
agreement to become a member of the imperial family. It may be harsh, but this was the
best concession Elena could make.
Elena glanced at Sian's eyes. She couldn't see what he was thinking when she saw him
expressionless. Did he feel Elena's eyes? Sian, who turned his head, was eye-catching.
Facing Elena, he gave her a gentle smile.
'Ah.'
Was he always such a warm-hearted person? The feelings of regret and pressure that were
running deep inside Elena's heart melted like snow.
"Yes, that's enough. I was glad to have a meaningful time for a long time. I'd rather have a
drink, but I'll put it off next time. Cough, cough."
Emperor Richard's complexion rapidly deteriorated, perhaps because of his lack of energy.
He was not feeling well even if he didn't, he stayed in the royal presence for a long time and
overworked himself.
"I'm glad to see you, Your Majesty. I'm leaving."
'I hope you live a long life.'
Elena was polite and came out of the royal presence with a brooch and a cultural
commendation. Sian also avoided the throne so that Emperor Richard could rest.
"It's your first time at the imperial palace, so would you like to have a cup of tea?"
"First time?"
Elena opened her eyes wide and blinked at Sian's suggestion. Hadn't she visited the palace
several times as Veronica's identity to participate in the Crown Princess selection
ceremony?
"This is L's first official visit to the palace."
"Ah."
"So I hope you will allow me the first tea time to drink with you at the Imperial Palace."
Elena burst out laughing lightly.
"I've never known Your Highness to speak like this before."
"Because I'm in front of you, and I'm afraid you'll reject me."
"I can't refuse you, can I?"
Sian's expression softened by Elena's favorable answer. His impression was so different
that she wondered if he was originally this good at smiling.
"Give it to me."
"What?"
Sian reached out and took the box containing the brooch and a cultural commendation. It
was thought that even this was too heavy to lift with the hands of the slender Elena.
It was the garden behind the main palace that the two people headed out of the royal
presence. It was created artificially separately from the main palace, the west palace, and
the east palace, and it was small and compact, but it had the comfort of covering up like a
cradle.
Sian said while looking at Elena, who savored a sip of black tea and lowered her glass.
"The brooch didn't even occur to me. If you feel pressured, I apologize on His Majesty's
behalf."
"Apology? No way. It's Your Majesty's sincerity. But..."
Elena fiddled with a beautiful look on the teacup.
"I'm just careful because it might not be mine."
"Is that so."
Sian kept quiet, pondering his thoughts. It wasn't because he wasn't curious. He didn't want
to put it on the line and put her in trouble. He had chosen to wait as he had done so far.
Elena, who was talking about everyday things, carefully said.
"You didn't ask me anything. About what Your Majesty and I talked about."
"Were you in an uncomfortable position?"
"No, I don't know how this might sound, but I didn't have a difficult time with Your Majesty.
He's a good person."
Sian took the teacup to his mouth without saying a word. There was a faint smile around
the mouth covered by the tea cup. He was the emperor who leads the empire. It was
difficult for him to even say a word. Sian couldn't help liking a woman who said Emperor
Richard was not difficult, but a good person.
"That's enough."
"Your Highness."
"I won't ask you anything. I don't want you in trouble. If it's something I need, I'll tell you
first."
Elena was still not used to it. She'd seen Sian like that all along, but it was still awkward. It
was amazing not because of the memories of her past life, but what he believed and waited
for her.
"Elena."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"That's not why I asked you for tea time. I wanted to put aside the complications and let
you rest here for a while."
She always felt it, but Sian thought of Elena before himself. The sincerity was enough to
deliver a small vibration to Elena's mind, which was stiff with tension.
***
Veronica's heel, which clicked through the hallways of the mansion, spread loudly. More
than dozens of maids and servants hoped to pass quickly with their heads down.
"Open the door."
Upon arriving at the office of Grand Duke Friedrich, Veronica was unable to control her
feelings of cutting like lava.
"Your Highness the Grand Duke says to not let anyone in..."
The maid blocked her again this time, but Veronica was helpless. She pushed the maid
down and opened the door and went inside.
"What's going on here? I don't know a single thing."
Looking at Veronica, who came in with a harsh breath, Grand Duke Friedrich sighed low.
Next to him stood Artil, who was in charge of the overall work of the Grand Duke, replacing
the fallen Acelas.
"I'm sure I told you to be careful?"
"It's my job! How can you keep silent when that bitch dared to do something terrible with
my name and status?"
"Veronica."
Grand Duke Friedrich called her name as if he were a tyrant, but Veronica's anger hardly
subsided as if it had added fuel to the flames.
"Do you know my reputation in the social world? I'm a snob and shameless woman who
eats the backbone of aristocrats. L, do I have to suffer this humiliation because of that one
madwoman?"
Veronica was anxious enough not to control herself. She, who had been struggling with
pride in her bloodline and a sense of authority, was criticized for what L had done, which
made her resentful and furious.
"It's not just you. What the girl did aroused strong opposition from the nobles."
"Yes, Your Grace. Our situation is not good either."
Artil also added in a somber tone to the words of Grand Duke Friedrich.
As evidence of the handwritten certificate written by Veronica by Count Boroni, Count
Norton and Baron Juan, protested, saying they would collect public opinions from local
nobles and pay no compensation for some time. It even led to voices of condemnation
complaining about the indiscriminate increase in payments.
Veronica's alleged certificate was a forgery, and there was no evidence of astronomical
money being invested, but it was useless. Many aristocrats have said they cannot believe
the words of the Grand Duke.
When the payment was cut off, the finances of the Grand Duke deteriorated further. After
the collapse of the opium business due to the loss of the finacea plantation, the streets of
Noblesse were considered the last bastion, and even that was not good.
The value of artworks that were held as slush funds has also fallen beyond recognition. Of
course, there were many valuable works that have been kept for more than a hundred
years, but as the salon culture blossomed, the demand for new things increased than the
old one, making it difficult to get the right price for the next few decades. Since the first
Duke, Rosette, opened the Friedrich family, there was a serious crisis, but it was the first
time that was driven to the worst like this.
"Don't you need to make up your mind at times like this? How long are you going to let go
of your hands and watch her? If you can't do it, I'll do it."
"Wait."
"Until when!"
Veronica, who couldn't bear it, demanded it, but Grand Duke Friedrich ignored her.
"Until I get my hands on the House of Bastache."
Veronica's eyes grew bigger at Grand Duke Friedrich's remarks.
What kind of family is the Bastache family? It is an emerging aristocratic family led by
Viscount Spencer', who is from the Great House. Although the family's history may be short,
the political position, finance, and even armed forces were solid enough to be referred to as
the head of the emerging aristocracy.
"Is it true that Ren is dead?"
"That's what we've investigated. No one has ever not been killed by Lord Stein's arrow."
Veronica's face lit up when Artil confirmed it. Although he is said to be a cousin, Ren, and
she had not been on good terms since childhood. On the subject of collateral, it was an
uncomfortable way to quarrel with her, who is the direct successor of the Friedrich family.
When Veronica calmed down, Grand Duke Friedrich returned to the point.
"What about the imperial side?"
"I've put my hands in many ways... but I don't know if the Emperor will break his
stubbornness."
"I, Grand Duke Friedrich, don't need someone's permission."
Grand Duke Friedrich spoke with arrogance as if he had even put the emperor at his feet.
He was the man who looked down on even the emperor because he was the sky of this
empire.
"You don't have to keep him any longer. Viscount Spencer, send him back to his family."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Did you say mercenary?"

Hurelbard opened his eyes wide and asked back. Emilio, who was next to him, also had less
facial expressions but was surprised.
Elena said calmly.
"Yes, skills are not the top priority. It would be nice if you were a soldier. Someone with a
heavy mouth and discipline. Sir, please check and select."
Hurelbard nodded.
"Well, how many shall I pick?"
"About fifty."
"You mean that much?"
It was Emilio who was listening to the conversation. Considering that the knights of
ordinary Viscounts are organized into about twenty or so, it is twice that. It is a record that
will not lose no matter how many knights compete.
"Benefactor, may I ask what you're trying to use all those mercenaries for?"
"I'll use it as a bait."
Emilio was lost in thought, mulling Elena's words. It was to infer how the mercenaries
would be used as bait.
"This won't come with a sense of continuity. What the hell are you trying to catch so you're
trying to use that kind of bait?"
"It's a big fish."
A meaningful smile hung around Elena's mouth.
"Grand Duke Friedrich."
"Ho!"
Emilio was shocked. There was a stir in Hurelbard's pupils.
"The Grand Duke is already isolated. Now that he's in a tight spot, their options are one
static. I'm thinking of ending this long fight."
The big framework and foundation of the plan was provided by Emperor Richard. Elena
was responsible for responding to the changing situation and adding weight to materialize
it, but without Emperor Richard's idea, it would have been a long way from establishing
such a scheme and taking action.
"I see what you mean. I can't understand the deep meaning of the benefactor, but I'll pay
particular attention to the employment of mercenaries."
Emilio was a clever man. Even if Elena doesn't have to talk about it, he will cooperate with
the guild to secretly hire as many as 50 mercenaries and prevent them from being on
people's lips.
Hurelbard also bowed his head in a restrained movement. He proved himself with one
action rather than ten words.
"Sir, you should be especially careful. You're conscious of people's eyes, but Sir can be a
target of the Grand Duke."
Elena's external status is L. Therefore, even the Grand Duke can't touch her recklessly.
However, Hurelbad was different. As he was a member of the Grand Duke's Order, his
identity and face were exposed. The Grand Duke said he had already nailed Hurelbard as a
disgraced knight and issued a summary injunction.
"I'm fine. I'm more concerned that I have to vacate the seat next to my lady often than not."
"Don't worry about that. Your Highness said he'd send Knight Bell."
Only then did Hurelbard nod his head as if he had agreed. He didn't know much about the
knight Bell, but he thought that if Sian's eyes were on him, he would have the ability to deal
with unexpected accidents.
"Let's call it a day then."
Elena left the office after the meeting. The face of walking down the hallway to the drawing
room was worn out. It is also difficult to formulate a scheme to draw Grand Duke Friedrich
out, but she was tired to participate in the salon-organized conference and issue this order
every day from the morning.
"At times like this, Ren will wake up and cheer up."
Elena laughed bitterly. She felt like her blood was drying day by day.
"L."
Someone stopped Elena from going to the room to see Ren. It was Mel.
"Is something wrong?"
Elena's eyes shook nervously when he talked to her in the hallway, who rarely showed up.
She was worried that something bad might have happened.
"It's said Viscount Spencer is back in the mansion."
"What?"
Elena opened her eyes wide as if she didn't believe it. Viscount Spencer, who was
summoned to the Grand House, had been missing. Mel couldn't find him even if he
mobilized the intelligence organization Majesti to ask everything. It is said that Viscount
Spencer has returned to the family. No, to be exact, it would be right to say that Grand Duke
Friedrich sent him back.
"It's something to be congratulated since he came back safely, but... I'm not sure."
"I feel the same way."
"Be careful. It could be a trap."
Nearly half of the Bastache family's vassals were captured by the Grand Duke. Even the
Knights and the Deputy Knights are at odds with each other, causing controversy, so what
else is there to be said? In the meantime, Mel's entry into the mansion was likely to become
dangerous. This is because it is not easy to catch a tail due to the nature of the information
organization that operates in the dark, so he can take this opportunity to organize it.
"I'm thinking of seeing the Viscount secretly in the middle of the night. Don't worry, we've
prepared an active status in the mansion."
"Okay. Ha. Please, nothing should have happened..."
Elena's anxiety deepened. She was more aware of the viciousness of the Grand Duke than
anyone else, so she didn't think he would have let go of Viscount Spencer without any
action.
"I'll report it tomorrow. Don't worry too much until confirmed."
"I'll be waiting. I'll protect Ren's side, so take care of yourself."
Mel, who replaced the answer with a silent bow, turned the hallway and disappeared from
sight. Elena buried a bit of anxiety in her chest and found a room on the top floor. Ren was
fast asleep on the bed in a quiet room. Compared to the first time, his complexion has
improved, but he has not been able to eat and has not been active, so he has dried up day by
day.
"Stop sleeping. Why do you sleep so long? Do you want to see me die of pity?"
Elena, who was worn out, grumbled. Her look at Ren's reproach seemed so sad.
"Don't you get tired of nagging? I think you'd open your eyes because you don't want to be
nagged. I've been talking nonstop all day and night, and you'll get a scab in your ear."
Even though Elena said to herself, Ren was still silent. It was always up to her to talk.
Elena's eyes, looking down with tired eyes as if she was used to it, turned to Ren's hand.
The hand was so thin and beautiful that it could not be believed to be a hand that caught a
sword. Elena held the hand tightly and prayed. She desperately hoped that her voice would
be a little bit warm and help him to come to consciousness.
"Please, open your eyes. That's enough. If you're making fun of me, you can take a break
and make fun of me."
Did Elena's desperation touch the heavens? Ren's drooping hand gave strength. Ren was
smiling helpless when she turned her head with surprise.
"Can you... Nag me more?"
"Ren!"
Elena, who could not overcome the overwhelming emotions, rushed to Ren. Elena held on
tight not to miss Ren because she doubted if this moment was a dream.
"Why are you getting up now! After all the sauce is melted. I... do you know how long I've
been waiting for you to open your eyes? No!"
Elena's eyes became moist. She was overwhelmed by the fact that she could see Ren and
hear his voice.
"Did you miss me?"
Silly joke. She missed that smile a lot. She thanked Goddess Gaia for giving her a chance to
see him again. Elena, who gave a hug, stole the eyes and responded.
"Who said that?"
"It's written on your face."
"Don't say weird things. I'm worried because you made me do this."
Ren laughed. Perhaps because he had just come to consciousness, he seemed to have no
energy in his smile.
"Why is this because of me? I just wanted to protect you."
"Yeah, don't protect me. Let's just leave it. Why stand there."
"That's not working. I can't see you getting hurt even if I die. It's better for me to get hurt in
the same situation."
Elena's heart fell with a thump when she saw Ren smiling. He said he would throw himself
for Elena again if the same situation comes to life after death. His sincerity, which did not
mix a single pretense, caused a stir in Elena's heart.
That's why. She couldn't hate him anymore despite hating him in her previous life. The
same was for Sian, and she was grateful to have Ren locked in the past.
"Don't do that. What if you really die."
"Then I'll die."
"That's what it is."
Elena cried her eyes. She hated him getting hurt as much as she was grateful.
"Isn't that a good ending?"
"What are you really saying. That's enough. Stop talking nonsense and have a test."
Despite a brief conversation, Ren's breathing became unstable and rough. This was the
reason because his physical strength dropped significantly as he lacked nutrients while he
was unconscious.
"I don't want to sleep, but I'm so sleepy."
"Go to bed. That way, you'll get better soon."
It was time for Elena to bring in the messy blanket and cover it again. Ren, who closed his
eyes gently, called her low.
"Elena."
"Don't talk, go to sleep."
"Sorry."
Elena stared at Ren at the sudden apology. It's because she didn't have a good idea of what
he was apologizing for as much as the subject was missing.
"What are you sorry about?"
"The one that bullied you."
"..."
The conversation could not continue further. Ren's lips no longer opened and only his
breath sounded weak as if he had fallen asleep.
Elena sat by the bedside and looked down at Ren with complicated eyes. Though Ren may
not have memories of his past life, his apology to Elena, who lives in the extension, has
come to mean a lot. It erased the remnants of bad memories that remained like crumbs
and, like Sian, allowed her to see Ren completely in the way she had seen and experienced
in this life.
"Thank you for your apology. By the way, Ren."
Elena reached out and handed over Ren's bangs that came down his forehead. The touch
was more affectionate than ever.
"I've already forgiven you."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Mel disguised himself as a horse dealer. It had been used for more than a decade, so he was
able to infiltrate without anyone's suspicion.
Since becoming a member of Majesti, Mel had always endured this hassle. When he met
Viscount Spencer, he disguised himself as a various personality or secretly contacted him at
night. It was the fate of an intelligence agent operating in the dark.
"Have you heard? Viscount is kind of injured."
"I've heard it, but is it true?"
"Lynn was surprised to see him earlier. He said he was out of his mind."
"Oh, my God. I'm so glad Viscount is back. What if he's sick?"
Mel's expression darkened as he brushed the horse's rake and overheard the conversation
of the maids. There was a strange talk between those who witnessed Viscount Spencer.
They say he's wide, he's out of his mind, he repeats the same thing like a parrot. Bad stories
about Viscount Spencer made Mel nervous and impatient.
'I need to see the Viscount soon.'
He was ahead of his mind, but it was not easy to meet Viscount Spencer himself. For some
reason, the knights took turns guarding Viscount Spencer's bedroom and office. The
problem was that they were the knights who followed the deputy chief who was recruited
by the Grand Duke. In other words, it was right to say that the Grand Duke, who took
control of the interior of the mansion, monitored Viscount Spencer.
Mel stayed at the mansion for three days, looking for an opportunity. He identified the
movement and shift times of the members of the knights and established an optimal
infiltration plan.
On the fourth day, he successfully infiltrated Viscount Spencer bedroom.
"My lord, it's Mel."
Viscount Spencer was sitting in an office chair looking out the window. He thought he
would have fallen asleep as it was late, but it was unexpected.
"I should have come earlier, but I'm sorry I'm too late."
Mel boiled his knees at him sitting on his back and tore his head on the floor. It had been
several days since Viscount Spencer returned to his family, and he had apologized for his
incompetence that has only come now.
"But I've got some good news for you. *Prince Ren is alive."
(T/N: Like how Veronica is called "Princess" because she's the Grand Duke's daughter.)
Mel reported in an exasperated tone of voice. The Grand Duke's plan to devour the
Bastache family by using Ren being alive was as good as crossing the water.
"Ren... Ren, Ren."
Contrary to expectations that he would be delighted, Viscount Spencer repeatedly
murmured Ren's name.
"Ren is dead. Ren is not in the world."
"My lord?"
Mel's eyes shook violently. He felt something wrong in Viscount Spencer's behavior. Mel,
who raised himself, slowly approached Spencer and turned the chair around.
Mel was frightened to see Viscount Spencer sitting on a chair like a doll. His pupils, which's
focus was lost, and his face that was out of focus, looked alive but could not be considered
alive.
"Ren is dead. Ren is dead..."
Viscount Spencer said the same thing like a parrot with a face that was empty. Mel took the
liberty of shaking him to wake up, but it was not enough.
"Ren is dead. There is no successor. Grand Duke Friedrich leads the family. I offer the
Bastache family."
"My lord."
Mel bit his lips hard and closed his eyes tightly. Seeing his master, who was brainwashed by
the Grand Duke, was in itself a pain for him and was a non-conformity, which made him
tear up.
Viscount Spencer was in the worst condition. His body was skinny, and his red bloodshot
eyes made him guess that he couldn't sleep for several days and remained awake. In this
state, there was nothing strange when he stopped breathing.
"Because I'm not good enough, I made my lord like this. For this sin, after the revenge is
over, I will go to my lord and take it sweetly. Forgive me for being alive until then."
Mel stamped his head on the ground with guilt. Hot tears rolled down his eyes. It was
deplorable that he had made a man who had the capacity to make a mark on the history of
the empire as the head of the emerging aristocracy look like this at an instant.
"To Grand Duke Friedrich, the Bastache family..."
***
"How are you feeling? Isn't it uncomfortable to move? What about memory blurring or
something?"
Elena asked persistently about Ren's health. Recently, it has improved to the point where
he has been able to move alone with a quick improvement, but the aftereffects could not be
ignored as he has been unconscious for a long time.
Elena kept that on her mind, and even though she was working at the salon, she visited Ren
when she had time to take care of his health.
"I think so, and I don't think so."
"Don't say weird things. Don't you have dizziness?"
"As you can see, I'm fine."
Ren was devoted to rehabilitation in the parlor on the top floor of the annex. As Ren is
known to be dead, it was to avoid external exposure.
"Then that's enough. I told you to pay special attention to your meal, so don't skip it and eat
it all. You know what I'm saying, right?"
"Elena."
"Why are you calling me?"
Ren called Elena up to participate in the upcoming debate.
"Your nagging is addictive."
"What."
Elena laughed in vain without even realizing it was ridiculous. In this situation, it was not
clear whether Ren's mental state of saying such a thing was really okay or not.
"I'll be back when I have time. Eat well, rest and rehabilitate."
It was when Elena with the doorknob was just about to leave the parlor. She heard a knock,
opened the door, and a man came in. It was Mel. As soon as he heard the news that Ren had
been conscious, relief ran into his eyes.
"Prince."
"Don't cry. I hate men crying."
Ren grinned as he played a joke. Looking at the smile, he could be relieved that the
hardships of his heart melted like a lie.
"I'm going to get going. You two can talk."
Elena wanted to avoid her position so that the two could talk comfortably.
"Please stay with me. I have something to tell you."
Mel caught Elena's footsteps. The joy of Ren's awakening briefly turned to Elena's face,
which became serious. Ren's expression hardened as if he was aware of something unusual.
As soon as the three sat on the sofa, Mel began to talk.
"I went to see my lord."
"How is he?"
Elena asked, swallowing anxiety.
Hearing a rough introduction, Ren waited for Mel's words without saying a word. He was
pretending to be okay, but his eyes looked uneasy.
"He's been brainwashed. And..."
Mel talked about all the conditions of Viscount Spencer he saw. Losing his mind, repeatedly
saying he'd hand over the Bastache family to Grand Duke Friedrich like a doll. And then he
lost his vitality, as if he died.
"How could he do such a thing."
For a moment, Elena felt unbearable anger. Based on what Mel said, the Grand Duke
intentionally destroyed the spirit of Viscount Spencer. And he would have brainwashed the
Bastache family. Of course, it was highly likely that Viscount Spencer was rapidly damaged
in the process.
"Ren."
Elena, who turned around because she was worried about Ren, was surprised. It's been
from last life to now. She'd seen him for many years, but she'd never seen him with such a
scary look before.
"I need to see my father today."
Mel and Elena protested as soon as Ren's lips, which had been silent for a long time,
opened.
"But Prince, your family has already..."
"Ren, I know how you feel. But hold it in. That's too much for you!"
But Ren, who had already made up his mind, did not break his will.
"I hate him, but he's my father. It's right for me to visit him. Mel, get ready."
"... I understand, Prince."
It won't be easy, but Mel said he would. As a household vassal who served the Bastache
family, he could not leave Viscount Spencer alone.
"Ren, stay calm. If you give me time, I'll figure out a way to get Viscount Spencer back."
Elena persuaded desperately. This is because it is too risky to enter the Bastache family,
which has been dominated by the Grand Duke, and meet Viscount Spencer while he is still
not feeling well.
"No, you do your job. This is my job."
"My job, where's my job? I'll come up with a way. So trust me and wait a little bit. Do you
understand me?"
"You're on the same side, so I'm going alone."
"Ren, please."
Despite her entreaties, Ren didn't break his will. He had a unique smile on his face. He
smiled as usual, wondering if Elena would be worried.
"Sorry. I don't usually listen to you."
***
A deep and subdued place without any sunlight. There were men and women sitting there
with metal bars between them.
The woman dressed in rags was so messy that you couldn't find any neatness and had
messy hair. On the other hand, the man across from the bars was well-mannered and neatly
dressed. Funny thing is, in this situation, the woman trapped in a metal cage is smiling like
a lost person.
"Are you all right?"
Artil's attitude toward Leabrick beyond the bars was still polite.
"L was her. Why didn't I know before? I was stupid. I was stuck in my thoughts."
Leabrick still talked to herself with a smile on her face. It was a habit of being locked up
alone in a dungeon for a long time.
"You sent Viscount Spencer back?"
"Yes, Your Highness the Grand Duke did. He brainwashed him and it seems that he didn't
have to keep him anymore because it became a foregone conclusion that Ren was dead."
Artil told Leabrick everything that had happened outside. He wanted to ask for advice as he
didn't think Leabrick was crazy yet.
"Then it's over."
"What? It's over?"
"There's nothing they can do."
Artil blinked his eyes. Leabrick taught that supporters should look ahead and prepare for
everything. However, what she said now was irresponsible enough to violate her beliefs.
"There's nothing they can do as long as the Grand Duke has moved."
"What do you mean?"
Leabrick smiled significantly at Artil, who didn't understand at all.
"There's not much time left. The day when the Empire's sun will shine."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Ren and Mel in masks crossed the wall like stray cats under the cover of nightlife.
"Ugh."
As soon as he landed, Ren's legs were loosened and reeling. His muscles were so weak that
he couldn't withstand the impact of falling to the ground. Fortunately, Mel helped just
before he collapsed.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah."
Ren nodded as if he didn't mind.
"Wait a minute."
For four days, Mel, who had infiltrated the mansion disguised as a horse dealer, had a rough
understanding of the shift times and patrol routes of the changed knights. Next to the
garden, behind the zelkova trees, Mel and Ren hid themselves.
They saw knights patrolling from far away. Those who betrayed their families and were
recruited to the Grand Duke following the deputy commander.
"Didn't you hear anything just now?"
"I didn't hear anything?"
"Really? Am I sensitive."
"Don't talk nonsense and just go. It's almost time for a shift. If you're late, you'll be nagged
again."
Mel gave a signal as the knights passed in front of the zelkova tree. Ren and Mel, who
exchanged their eyes, flew away without saying who came first.
It sounds like a loud noise just by stepping on the leaves of a tree at night when the silence
is heavily laid. The two moved quickly and cautiously. They succeeded in approaching the
mansion in the tense situation.
As they hid themselves in a blind spot, they heard the footsteps of the knights who finished
their shift. Knight Rabin and Gel. Even within the Knights of Viscount Spencer, they were
cherished by their excellent sword skills. Even the two have returned to Great House. It
could be seen that the deputy commander, who took control of the family under the
protection of the Grand Duke, planted his own people.
"What a mess."
Even when Viscount Spencer was strong and Ren was firmly established as his successor,
the knights who swore loyalty seemed close to the Grand Duke as if they had ever been.
"You're all a bunch of shit. Haa..."
Ren, who was continuing his speech, breathed out a poor breath as if he was tired. In the
past, he would not have even been out of breath with this much movement, but his entire
body was shrunk and convulsed due to the aftereffects.
"Are you all right?"
"I just need to catch my breath."
Ren took a few deep breaths and shed a sharp eye.
"Move."
Mel nodded and went back to the back of the mansion, following where the moonlight
could not reach. A member of Majesti, who is disguised as a servant in the mansion, was
ordered to leave the window open in the last room.
"The patrol will be here soon. If we enter first, we have to infiltrate immediately.
Although it is a blind spot, there was no room for delay. Mel opened the window on the first
floor and flew away. Ren followed suit. It was heavy, but he had no time to lose.
Mel, who succeeded in getting into the mansion safely, closed the window.
The next one was easy. If you go upstairs through the brazier, there is a secret conference
room that only a few people know. It was bordered by Viscount Spencer's bedroom.
Ren, who pushed through the bookshelf in the bedroom through the secret meeting room,
faced Viscount Spencer. Viscount Spencer was sitting on the chair with a focusless look like
a doll.
"Father."
Despite the call, Viscount Spencer was silent like a man who left. He just stared blankly at
his son, who was known to have died as if he had lost his mind.
"Ren is dead. Ren is dead."
"..."
"I leave the House of Bastache to Grand Duke Friedrich. The Bastache family..."
Ren's eyes were reddened to see Viscount Spencer, who was like a living but dead man.
"What's this? It seemed like you wouldn't shed a drop of blood... Why did you become like
this. Hit me on the cheek. That's what I know of you."
To Ren, Viscount Spencer was a love and hate. Forced to escape from the shadow of the
Grand Duke, he forced Ren to press and push him to the limit. He was also the one who
overworked his wife, who was not well, under the pretext of serving her family.
"What is this."
Ren bit his lips tightly. He couldn't stand the fact that he, who looked like a giant, had fallen
into such a weak existence.
"Ren... Ren."
Ren approached the murmur of Viscount Spencer. He felt an indescribable warmth in his
voice repeating the name Ren.
"F-father?"
Viscount Spencer was crying. He was still out of focus and had a long face, but hot tears
flowed down his eyes.
"Ren. Ren... Ren."
"Yes, it's me. I'm here."
Ren swallowed his anger and held his hand.
"Ren... Family... Grand Duke... Uhh."
Viscount Spencer, who was continuing his speech, suddenly became convulsed. His loose
pupils shook and his body trembled like a leaf.
"Do you recognize me?"
The more Ren sang, the worse the symptoms became. Mel also had no choice but to look at
this situation in silence as if unexpected.
"Ren... the family..."
"Okay, I'll protect that damn family. So..."
Ren's words didn't last. Viscount Spencer gasped as if he were out of breath, and dropped
his head. Even though he knew what it meant, Ren denied the reality.
"Get a hold of yourself. Wake up and look at me."
Mel touched Viscount Spencer's neck and shook his head.
"He's gone."
"There's no such thing as this. I couldn't even pay you back for what you did. This is
cheating. Open your eyes. Open your eyes."
The dead don't talk. Despite Ren's earnest plea, Viscount Spencer did not budge. It was a
lonely exit compared to the past move, which was independent of the Grand Duke and
walked as the head of the emerging aristocracy.
"Prince, with all due respect, you have to go now."
For a while, Mel returned to reality and urged Ren to return from Viscount Spencer. He felt
like he wanted to allow Ren to stay by his side a little more, but he couldn't. At dawn, the
way out of the mansion becomes difficult.
"I don't think I can make it to the funeral."
Even giving a bitter goodbye for a while, was also a moment of life in Ren's eyes.
"I'll take it to the cemetery. The neck of Grand Duke Friedrich, whom he had hoped so
much."
Ren wasn't hasty enough to commit irreversible things under the emotion of the moment.
It was believed that cooling down hatred and destroying the Grand Duke as Elena planned
was the only way to deal with the dead Viscount Spencer.
"Let's go back."
Ren, who had his father's face in his chest, turned cold. He could have looked back at least
once, but Ren didn't look back at the end.
Salon annex, reception room located on the top floor. Elena wandered where Ren was lying
unconscious just a few days ago. The sight of her hovering around the place looked uneasy.
"Please, I hope everything's fine."
Elena's mouth was burning hard.
Ren didn't fully recover his health. His physical strength was not as good as before, and his
body was sluggish. He lead his way into the Bastache family, which has been taken over by
the Great Duke. Her stomach was burning up.
"I won't ask for anything, so please come back safely."
Is that the kind of wind that touched her.
Kkiiik. Elena's head turned reflexively at the sound of the doorknob.
"Ren!"
Ren walked in through the half-open door. He smiled faintly at Elena, who welcomed him.
"Why aren't you sleeping?"
"Will I fall asleep if you went out with that body? Are you hurt anywhere? Have you met
Viscount Spencer?"
Elena poured out questions like a fast-forward. Ren laughed without realizing it. It warmed
his heart to think that those questions were her concern and interest in her. Elena's
expression suddenly darkened by Ren's response. Somehow, there is a different sense of
incompatibility than usual.
"Tell me, what happened? Did something bad happen to Viscount Spencer?"
"You noticed."
"Don't stay still. Say something."
It was when Elena couldn't stand the frustration and urged Ren. Ren's body tilted and
leaned against Elena. He passed Elena's cheek and put his head on her shoulder before
stopping.
"W-what are you doing all of a sudden."
Elena was embarrassed and tried to push Ren away when a strange situation was produced
as if he was hugging and leaning.
"Can't we just stay like this for a little while?"
Elena paused at Ren's voice, which could not be felt at all.
"It'll just take a minute. So."
"..."
"Let me stay this way."
Elena couldn't say anything or do anything. She couldn't figure out what the hell was going
on that Ren was having such a hard time. She couldn't even comfort Ren because she
thought it would be hard to ask him that. Therefore, Elena had no choice but to remain still.
But why. Ren was sobbing in a small way. She was confused.
"Ren."
There was nothing she could do for Ren now except to lend him a shoulder. Elena stood
there for a long time, hoping to comfort Ren like this.
***
"Hey."
"..."
"Hey, can't you hear me?"
Khalif who attended the regular salon meeting, called Elena, who could hardly concentrate
on the meeting. Elena, who came to her senses only then, replied.
"Did you call me?"
"Did I call you? What's wrong with you today? You're so distracted like a crazy person. Are
you sick?"
"I'm a little tired. There's a lot to think about. Where were we?"
When Elena tried to continue the meeting casually, Emilio spoke this time.
"Benefactor, if you're tired, why don't you take a break? You don't look well."
"I can't do that. If it's not now, I might lose my chance to destroy the Great Duke forever."
It may sound stubborn, but Elena was perfectly right. Now that the plate is in Elena's favor,
she should not give time to the Grand Duke.
"Sir, did you hire all the mercenaries?"
Hurelbard nodded.
"Yes, miss. We've searched for reliable people and arranged for them to stay in an inn near
the capital."
"Good job."
It was not easy to select the ones who can be used among the rough and unruly
mercenaries, but Hurelbard's eyes were reliable.
"Now talk to me straight. Why did you hire mercenaries?"
"I'm also curious, benefactor. How are you going to use them as bait?"
Not only Khalif, but also Emilio, who didn't ask first, was curious. This is because Elena's
intention to gather mercenaries secretly and quietly was not guessed.
"I'm thinking of camouflaging."
"Did you just say camouflage?"
"As what?"
Elena answered the questions of Khalif and Emilio, who popped out reflexively.
"Bandits."
"...!"
"I want the imperial family to have to set up a large-scale subjugation team of the ferocious
mountain bandits around the capital."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Aside from being surprised by Elena's remarks, the three were quite embarrassed. The
bandits and the imperial crusade. Since it was called bait, they understood that it was
aimed at drawing out the Grand Duke, but no painting was drawn.
"Am I the only one who thinks it doesn't add up? What if the Imperial Subjugation Squad
gets set up and the Guard moves?"
"That's what's going to happen."
"Then it's weird. The bandits are allies, and the Guard, headed by the Crown Prince, is on
our side... Oh, my head hurts. It's up to you. Do I have to know? I'll do as told."
Khalif was neither curious nor interested in order to know more. While Emilio was
continuing his worries without giving up, he opened his mouth to see if there was anything
he could point out.
"Are you trying to pull the enemy out?"
"It's similar."
"Benefactor, is it possible that he is an enemy..."
"Grand Duke Friedrich."
The Grand Duke, who was shunned by the nobles of the east, west and southern provinces
after Noblesse Street failed, continued to remain silent, refraining from external activities.
The finances of the Great House deteriorated day by day, and it was as unstable as before
the storm. The plan is to intentionally give the cause for Grand Duke Friedrich to move and
lure him into a trap and throw him away.
"You are indeed my benefactor. Counterattack. I dare not guess."
Emilio was pure in admiration. Although he has been running the Castol Corporation for
decades and raised it to the top of the continent, he had never seen anyone as resourceful
as Elena.
"I didn't decide by myself. His Majesty's help was great."
"There aren't many people in the world who can act just because they know their heads."
Emilio has seen countless people who run the upper ranks and are ahead of their word. On
the other hand, Elena did not go against her words and actions. It was the source of trust
that made him trust and follow her.
"Counterattack? What do you mean? And why is the Emperor coming out of here?"
Khalif, who was acting like he wasn't interested, suddenly joined the conversation.
Counterattack, Emperor. Just to pass by, curious words attracted curiosity.
"You said you didn't have to know."
"I don't have to know. It works, but there's nothing bad about it. Right, Sir Hurelbard?"
Khalif attracted Hurelbard, who stood silently, to his side. Hurelbard, who ignored the
Khalif's expectation for a response, showed respect.
"I am deeply moved by my lady's heart."
"What, am I the only one who doesn't know?"
Only then did Khalif realize that Hurelbard also knew Elena's tactics, and built an
arrogance. He felt a sense of alienation for some reason.
Elena continued the conversation calmly.
"There's something Sir can do for me. It's going to be undesirable."
"My feelings don't matter to what my lady wants me to do. Don't mind giving me orders."
The worst dishonor for Hurelbard is his inability to protect Elena. Whatever Elena wanted,
he was ready to do it.
"Be the leader of bandits."
"What? What are you saying..."
"You'll have to disguise yourself to fool people perfectly. You will have a beard and bloated
hair. You have to look like a real bandit."
Hurelbard's lips, which rarely changed their facial expressions, had a small twitch. He was
ready to handle anything, but pretending to be the leader of the bandits in disguise is
something he'd never thought about before.
"Okay."
After showing signs of embarrassment for a while, Hurelbad gave in as if he had never done
so. Elena had no hesitation because he was the one who could jump into hell if she wanted.
"I think I'll ask Emilio a difficult favor, too."
"Please speak comfortably."
"I want to grow the board. It is a picture where the top of the entering the capital is taken
away by bandits."
The reputation of the Castol Chambers, one of the top, has grown across the continent. The
top of the Castol Chamber is attacked by bandits near the imperial capital. The upper guard
warrior violently resisted, but eventually lost to the bandits and all items were taken.
If such rumors spread, the imperial family has enough motivation to move. The security
around the capital is the pride of the imperial family. If so, the Imperial Guard has a
justification to move.
"I see what you mean. We'll buy two or three additional small top spots and make them
look like they've been taken away by bandits."
When Emilio said one thing, he understood two or three and took action. Not only the
Castpl business but also the small and medium-sized businesses were likely to disguise
themselves as if they had been taken away by bandits, erasing even the doubt.
"Are you serious? Why am I the only one who doesn't know? I'm gonna have something to
do, right? Then you have to tell me."
"Senior, I have a favor to ask of you."
"Then yes. Will you just leave high-quality manpower like myself unattended? What is it,
tell me."
Unlike the triumphant Khalif, Elena's expression was dark.
"Please prepare a set of mourning clothes."
"Mourning clothes?"
Khalif's face was full of playfulness in an unexpected heavy subject.
"I'm afraid we'll have to pay our respects."
Elena's face was filled with bitterness.
 ***
Salon, the drawing room on the top floor drawing room.
Unlike the chilly weather outside, the indoor air was hot. It was not a bonfire, but the air
was heated by human body temperature.
"Haa. Haa."
Ren repeatedly raised his upper body with a harsh breath. It was an exercise aimed at
rehabilitation, but sweating was more of a self-abuse.
"Five hundred and forty-four, five hundred and fifty-five..."
Ren abused himself under the pretext of rehabilitation. Without bothering the body, he was
not confident in controlling the ever-increasing atmosphere. Even so, if Elena hadn't
controlled it, he might not have overcome the moment's feelings and just stormed into the
Great House.
'Ah.'
When he thought of Elena, his exasperated feelings eased. Last night was the most terrible
and difficult night Ren had ever experienced in his life.
He realized that he was relying on his father's existence, which he considered to be the
object of hatred. The sense of loss caused by Viscount Spencer's death was fatal enough to
break him down. He couldn't even be confident about what would have happened if Elena
hadn't stood by all night and encouraged him not to do anything nonsense.
"All I have left is a dog now."
A dewy feeling formed on Ren's bitter smile.
Since when? The fact that the child took such a big place in his heart.
'At first, I was just curious and interested.'
Before he knew it, she became a pillar to support him.
Knock knock. He heard a knock.
"Ren, it's me. I'm coming in."
Elena came back after the meeting just in time. She became sweaty and hated seeing Ren
exercising.
"What are you doing?"
"As you can see, it's rehab."
"What kind of rehabilitation are you going to do? Didn't you hear Neville? He said
overdoing it now will harm your health!"
When Elena nagged and scolded him, Ren couldn't be more stubborn.
"Yes, yes, who are you talking about. I have to follow it."
"Oh, really. I'll be waiting, so go wash up. I have something to tell you."
"Let you wait here? I like it, but will it be okay? Because I don't like being cumbersome
again."
Ren lightly asked back and smiled playfully. Elena blushed at the moment, but she tried to
act like nothing was wrong.
"Oh, my God, there's nothing to see. Don't say anything weird and just wash up."
Ren laughed and went into the bathroom. Elena looked at Ren's back while sitting on the
sofa, and it was a pity. Even with such a silly joke, it is regrettable that he tried to forget the
sadness in his heart.
Elena and Ren talked a lot all night. Ren was too weak to handle and needed comfort. Elena
listened to him and stood by him. She thought that was the only consolation Elena could
give for Ren.
It was a precious time for Elena to deeply understand and get to know Ren. How Ren lived,
Viscount Spencer, and his affection for him.
"It's cool."
After taking a shower, Ren walked out in a gown, drying his hair with a towel. She thought
he wouldn't come out like that, but Elena got angry at Ren's behavior that didn't go beyond
expectations.
"You can dry your hair from the inside. Do you have to wear a gown, too?"
"The gown is for you to take a shower and wear. I just came out of the shower and I'm very
attractive."
Ren put a towel around his neck and sat on the sofa opposite Elena. Elena wandered
without knowing where to look.
It can't be attractive to talk like that. She felt strange when she faced the firm chest
revealed between the moist remaining hair and the gown, and the eyes that looked slightly
loosened. Elena went out hard to hide her feelings.
"Isn't it embarrassing to say that yourself?"
"Is there anything to be embarrassed about? It's true."
Elena clicked her tongue as if she was speechless.
"No thanks. Are you feeling okay?"
"Thanks to you."
"That's a relief."
Elena added with relief.
"There's a funeral for Viscount Spencer tomorrow. The burial site is an aristocratic
cemetery managed by the Gaia Church."
"Really?"
Ren was calm. However, Elena felt sorry to know that he would be upset.
"I'll be right back."
"..."
"I've been thinking all night. If Ren can't go, I think it's right for me to pay my respects. I'll
protect your last."
Elena agonized over Ren, who was sad all night. If she wants to avenge Grand Duke
Friedrich for killing him, it should not be known that Ren is alive. In the end, Ren was far
from going to the funeral. Elena came to know Ren's terrible feelings, which he could not
even see his father's last appearance.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Ren picked and laughed. Without Elena's warm comfort, it would have been too much to
hold on like this.
"Isn't that it?"
"I don't know. I didn't say it."
"Yes, what I have said from now on is something I have never said before in my life."
Ren, who was looking at Elena with a deep look, said a little awkwardly.
"Thank you."
***
Viscount Spencer's funeral was held in a grand manner.
The burial site was an aristocratic cemetery located near the monastery of the Gaia Church.
It is a place where Gaia church priests can manage and receive blessings even after death.
They also made an official position on Ren's personal affairs, which had been hushed.
The rumors of the capital, various circumstances, and evidence weighed on death. Ren's
death was indirectly admitted. It was the result of the vassals who took control of the
Bastache family, who lost the house, holding hands with the Grand Duke. They even built
Ren's mausoleum next to Viscount Spencer's tomb, and formulated no successor to the
Bastache family.
"Now that Viscount Spencer is dead, the new aristocrats have lost their focus."
"It's not even Sir Ren's funeral. He was a promising talent..."
"It's said he didn't know what was ahead of him, but it's useless. I didn't expect him to go
like this."
"You indifferent person. What are you going to do? What about us?"
The mourners who visited the burial site were all saddened. This is because the death of
Viscount Spencer, the head and center of the emerging aristocracy, was a fatal blow to the
emerging aristocrats who had just established a foundation and formed a power. Even
Ren's death, who was believed to lead the revival of the Bastache family, coincided with the
family's collapse.
"The Bastache family will soon be absorbed by the Grand Duke."
"Viscount Spencer wrote his will. Hand it over to the Grand Duke."
"Hoho, there's a lot of bad news."
"He knows what he's doing. He's the Grand Duke."
"It's a family affair, too. No matter what anyone says, it's a spray of direct and farthest
lines."
There was no aristocrat in the capital who did not know that Viscount Spencer was taken to
the Great House. The same is true of the fact that Viscount Spencer, who had been fine, had
to leave his own work because of the Grand Duke.
However, no one questioned or challenged such a fact. Even though he was suffering from
difficulties recently, the stronghold of the Grand Duke remained. No one tried to fight back
because they did not suspect that the Great House would collapse. They didn't know if the
four major families would move forward, but they only kept silent and rarely moved.
"Huh? Look at that carriage."
"It's a familiar carriage..."
"I know. It's a carriage that L rides."
The door of the stopped carriage opened and Elena in mourning got off. She covered her
face with a wide-brimmed hat, and she felt mourning for the deceased. Questions arose
over the faces of mourners glancing at Elena.
'Did L and Viscount Spencer know each other?'
'I haven't heard of such a rumor...'
'Or did she know Sir Ren?'
While various questions were growing, a four-wheeled carriage with imperial patterns
arrived at the cemetery under the escort of the Imperial Guard.
Kkiiik. When Sian got off the carriage, the surprised nobles bowed quickly and showed
courtesy. Sian stood next to Elena, nodding in greeting. Both of them went naturally to the
burial site.
"You came instead."
"Yes, he couldn't come."
The subject who fell into the conversation referred to Ren. Sian agreed because he knew
why he couldn't come.
"How's it going?"
"He's getting over it."
Ren was holding up well. Even though he wasn't allowed to participate in Viscount
Spencer's funeral, he was patiently trying to get revenge.
"I'll stop by the salon after the funeral."
The conversation couldn't continue further. This is because the coffin was laid in the
sunken burial site and the prayers of the priests who wished for him to be held in the arms
of the Goddess Gaia continued. When the prayer was over, the High Priest, who was in
charge of the funeral, turned around and said.
"I will lead to the end of Sir Ren's funeral."
When Elena turned around, a monument with the name Ren Bastasche was erected.
Although the body was not found, the tomb was temporarily built now that the death
became a fact. The mourners held a white rose, one by one, and threw it onto the coffin, the
last ritual to send the dead away.
'Ren is healthy. So put everything down and relax. No matter what anyone says, he's the
Viscount's son.'
Elena prayed that Viscount Spencer would find rest with Ren's heart, who could not come
to the funeral. Soon the soil was piled up on the pipe. Meanwhile, a visitor turned and
brought a white rose in front of Ren's tombstone. Elena prayed for peace just like them, as
if she didn't know Ren was alive. After the funeral, Elena and Sian left the cemetery in their
own carriage.
"You think they're in a relationship, don't you think?"
"I think so. They whispered to each other earlier."
"L and the Crown Prince. It's a perfect match."
A carriage carrying Elena arrived at the salon, leaving behind the noble's murmur. By the
time she stopped by the bedroom, changed into a dress and finished dressing up, there was
a message that Sian had arrived in the lobby.
"Please take me to the drawing room. Tell Ren to come, too."
Elena went to the drawing room first and met Sian and Ren. Ren remained the same. Sian
changed his carriage and dressed in plain clothes to hide his visit to the salon.
The three people sat face to face at the vertex of the triangle.
"Your Highness also came to stay until the end."
Ren stared at Sian without saying a word and nodded lightly. Such a behavior was not like
Rend. However, he was grateful that he participated in his father's funeral instead of
himself. Looking at these two people, Elena had a faint smile on her mouth for some reason.
"The fall of the Grand Duke is just around the corner. He's already politically isolated and
financially at the worst. I'll have to end him without giving him time."
"Do you have an idea?"
"I'm going to talk to you from now."
Elena came up with a final plan to destroy the Grand Duke. As Elena's words grew longer,
the expressions of the two changed moment by moment. Surprise, shock, astonishment.
They were astonished by the trick of moving one step ahead by penetrating the psychology
of Grand Duke Friedrich. Ren clapped his hands.
"Wow, you're a genius?"
"I didn't do it alone. It's thanks to His Majesty."
"His Majesty? Don't tell me then..."
When she mentioned an unexpected person, Sian reacted reflexively. Elena and Emperor
Richard had a long conversation while he went to get the brooch. He thought maybe the
words went back and forth at that time.
"Yes, Your Majesty didn't give up. He was holding it in."
Elena talked to Sian about the revised plan, not the original one. Emperor Richard
described it as a sacrifice, but Elena did not want it.
"The three of us have to work together to make the plan successful. If any of the cogs on the
cogwheels go wrong, we'll be eaten."
Leabrick spoke like a habit. There is no perfect scheme in the world. Elena took the words
to her heart and never forgot. Grand Duke Friedrich is by no means an easy opponent. He is
an enemy who cannot guarantee that she will be able to win with all her power. Be alert
and don't always miss the tension.
Knock knock. A knock rang and May came in.
"My lady, I think you should come down for a moment. He's a member of the royal family of
the Kalona Kingdom, and Emilio says it's better to meet him in person."
"We haven't finished talking yet. Ask him to wait."
"I hope you'll be able to give him some time since he's already been waiting since the
morning... Even for a short time."
Recently, the number of royal families visiting from other countries has increased. After
experiencing salons and realizing the greatness of culture, they hoped that a salon could be
established in their own country and demanded that Elena visit directly. A few days ago,
the Seventh Prince of the East came across the sea and said he wanted to see Elena.
The same goes for the royal family member of the Kalona kingdom. Knowing that it was an
important meeting, Emilio wanted her to come down, and he was likely to be one of the
three royal family members in the order of succession to the throne of Kalona.
This was all due to the spread of L's reputation throughout the continent, not to stay in the
empire. What kind of man in the world would reject a woman who is intelligent and wise as
well as her outstanding beauty?
"Ha, I'll be right back. Let's have dinner together."
Elena sighed lightly and asked for their understanding.
As the owner of the salon, she was obliged to accept such an official visit. This is because
Elena's response will soon result in an image of the salon.
"I'll wait."
"Go ahead and come back."
With Sian and Ren left, Elena left the reception room. May followed suit.
There was an awkward atmosphere when only the two of them were left. It had been like
that since they were an academic student, but it was awkward and raw. Elena, who was in
the hearts of the two, played a part in the reason.
It was surprisingly Sian who broke the silence and opened his mouth first.
"You look fine. Shouldn't you start looking for a place to live?"
Sian noticed that Ren's stay in the salon was not desirable. It was childish even when he
thought about it himself, but it was true that he cared.
"Oh, I was going to do that, but I want to be a little more careful. Elena said so."
Ren grinned back. His mouth was smiling, but his eyes were not smiling.
"The days are heavy."
"It's too bad to go, so it's a shame to go isn't it?"
There was a spark between the two. Ren took the laugh out of his mouth and said.
"You must have forgotten what I told you. Don't like her. You won't be able to keep her."
"..."
"Though things have changed a bit, I think they're still valid, Your Grace."
Ren intentionally gave strength to the message of the Crown Prince. Ren, who noticed
Elena's secret while attending the academy, warned Sian.
How could he forget that day? Sian had never forgotten what happened that day. The status
of the Crown Prince is a place where responsibility and duty take precedence over the
happiness of a woman. Even more so if you become an emperor over a vast territory. The
splendor and happiness that the emperor enjoys is less than a tenth of the proportion of his
life to be young.
"I was once shaken by your words. Because I couldn't argue."
"Well, it sounds like you're trying to contradict me right now?"
Ren's eyebrows wriggled at the strange margin of Sian's words.
"Because the words of that time no longer reach me now."
Sian's eyes showed his deep affection for Elena.
"To me, she is so precious that she transcends duty and responsibility."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Ren's eyes were strengthened by Sian's unexpected confession. The Crown Prince is forced
to take duty and responsibility. Sian, who cannot be unaware of it, said he cherishes Elena
more than his duties and responsibilities.
The meaning of those words was by no means light. That shouldn't be possible, but... He
was saying that Elena was so precious to Sian that he would put everything down.
"You've changed."
In Sian's determined gaze, Ren saw a determination to remain unshakable.
"Because I'm not good enough even if I bet my whole life."
Ren kept smiling around his mouth. Why? He didn't want to hear that comment from Sian,
who was like a rival. Not only Sian, but also Ren. Elena was so valuable that he could risk
his own life.
"Really, it's wrong to get along."
"It sounds like you're not giving up."
There was a fiery nerve war between Sian and Ren.
"It was more than Your Highness, and I didn't do less. And in terms of resolution, wouldn't I
be more risking even my life?"
Ren grinned. He risked his life to protect Elena. Ren never had a medal like this. If Elena
was involved, she would have gone wild. What's clear is that he feels a little ahead of Sian.
"I can't believe you're trying to show it off. I also..."
It was when Sian was going to get angry and counterattack.
Kkiiik. The closed door opened and Elena, who had been away for a while, came back. She
looked very tired of the unwanted visitors.
"I'm here."
Despite her coming, Sian and Ren looked at each other without giving her a glance. Elena,
who felt at odds with the different atmosphere earlier, asked.
"What happened while I was away?"
"Nothing happened."
Sian replied calmly. However, seeing the two people growling at each other made it feel
less reliable.
"Did you two fight?"
"Not a fight. I'm not a child."
Ren shrugged.
"Then what did you do?"
"Conversation. Gentlemanly."
Elena's eyes narrowed. It was because the atmosphere of the two was harsh because the
conversation was gentlemanly.
"What did you talk about?"
"A conversation about you."
Ren summoned Elena casually. Surprised Elena looked at Sian with her eyes round. Sian
was silent but didn't particularly deny it.
"What did you say about me?"
"If you listen, you would be hurt?"
Only then did Ren turn his head and smile playfully.
"Did you gossip?"
"No."
"Then what did you do? Tell me, I won't be angry."
Ren made a different request to Elena's interrogation. When she looked at Sian, frowning,
he also avoided looking into her eyes and did not give an answer.
"What the hell did you talk about?"
Elena asked again, but the two shut up as if they had promised. It was such a childish topic
that both Sian and Ren would be embarrassed to bring it up.
"Are you really not going to tell me the whole story? Ren, Your Highness?"
Elena shook her head when she saw the two people who did not open their mouths.
***
"That's it, miss."
"Really?"
At May's words, Elena, who was reading while sitting on the sofa behind the parlor, woke
up. She walked in front of the dressing table with graceful steps and was surprised to see
Hurelbard reflected in the mirror.
"Are you serious?"
She was so surprised that Elena's eyes were as big as a full moon. The cold and smooth skin
like ice became rough, and the unruly beard looked wild. In addition, he wore clothing
made by weaving the hairs of animals, usually worn by herbalists and hunters. The messy,
pouting hair that seemed to have not washed for several days was of a bandit who lived in a
mountain house.
"I don't recognize you. I can't see you."
"..."
Despite Elena's admiration, Hurelbard could not smile. This is because his reflection in the
mirror was awkward and unfamiliar.
"Sir, do you know what?"
"What are you saying."
"You look strangely naive. A bandit is a bandit, but an unstained bandit?"
"... Don't make fun of me."
Hurelbard blushed. He was a bandit of clear colors, but he couldn't laugh or cry when he
heard that there was an unstained simplicity.
"Sir won't make a mistake, but be careful. You never know what will happen."
"I'll do it with my heart in my mouth."
Hurelbard felt a great sense of responsibility. It is no exaggeration to say that Hurelbard is
in charge of the success of the scheme.
"Have you thought of a mountainous name?"
"I haven't thought about it yet."
"Hue, what do you think? I've always thought that Hue would be good if I had a nickname
for Sir."
For a moment, he was surprised by the nickname that he had not thought of, but Hurelbard
nodded to see if he did not mind the nickname that Elena had given him.
"I'll use that name."
Elena smiled and turned her head.
"May, living in a mountain cottage is not going to be easy. Are you sure you're going to be
okay?"
"Don't worry. I've been to the bottom."
Not only Hurelbard but also May will go today. The wife of the bandit Hue. May joins to help
the mercenaries live in a variety of fields, from meals to disguises.
"I trust you two, but take care of yourself. Okay?"
"Yes, miss."
Elena captured the images of the two for a long time. With the promise of a safe reunion.
"Are you here, benefactor?"
When Elena visited Emilio's office, she was told that the Grand Duke's real estate had been
sold for sale.
"Is the volume of the sale large?"
"It's two houses in the capital, six outlying lands and six commercial buildings."
"Is there a noble family who showed willingness to buy?"
"The houses were of interest to some aristocrats, but the land and buildings had no
buyers."
Although the demand for houses was sufficient for aristocrats who moved from provincial
to capital cities, the commercial building is more like an investment. Now that the Salon
area has emerged as the yolk of the capital, aristocrats are not fools enough to invest in
buildings off the outskirts of land or downtown areas.
"Use your hand so that they can't even buy the mansion. If there are any questions, please
let them know your intention to buy it, make a down payment, and delay payment as much
as possible."
"I see what you mean."
A house for sale is expensive. Even aristocrats rarely pay a lump sum payment. Most of
them proceed with installments. If Emilio uses a third person to pay for the purchase in a
lump sum, he or she will not be able to refuse the cash-strapped Grand Duke. Then, make
an excuse to delay the payment and prolong the financial difficulties of the Great Duke.
Mel came to them while they were talking about other matters to be dealt with. If it had
been before, he would have waited in the parlor for Elena to come, but as the situation was
ahead of the retreat, he was not constrained by the location.
"What happened?"
"We have figured out the means of communication between the Grand Command and the
Grand Duke. Considering the distance between the capital and the Grand Duke, I think it
could cause confusion."
"That's good news. Good job. Please take care of it. I'm guessing you're not moving easily,
but you have to prepare for the worst."
Elena's eyes are on Grand Duke Friedrich because of his soldiers. The size of the Knights
staying in the capital has already been determined, so it has been possible to respond to
some extent, but if Grand Duke Friedrich moves thousands of his soldiers, it could lead to
an uncontrollable situation.
Concerned about that, Elena planned to use the intelligence organization Majesti to confuse
the means of communication between the Grand Duke and the Grand Command. Just tying
the feet of the colonel's soldiers prevented the worst from happening.
"I also brought news of the Imperial Palace."
"Talk to me."
Mel mingled his lips at Elena's permission. That's because what he had to say from now on
was not a very pleasant story.
"The nobles are speaking in unison to insist that Grand Duke Friedrich inherit the House of
Bastache."
"It must be a foot of evil to catch the eyes of Grand Duke Friedrich."
Even though the Grand Duke is experiencing a crisis, no one thinks he will fall. Who would
suspect that the Grand Duke, which had enjoyed the power since the founding of the
Empire, would collapse? It was an initiative to use this opportunity to stamp the eyes on
the Great House.
"The Emperor says he's holding out, but the demands of the nobles are so strong that he
doesn't know how long he'll be able to hold out."
"Don't worry about that."
Elena spoke with confidence.
"Your Majesty will never allow it."
***
Mount Kazbegi, which surrounds the northern part of the capital.
The bandits came. People grabbed the boat and laughed. They're bandits in the capital,
which is a symbol of an empire. They only thought that they were humans whose *liver was
sticking out of their stomach.
(T/N: to be overbold and foolhardy, ignoring apparent hardship.)
However, as time went by, the presence of bandits was unusual. Attacked the well-known
core business groups and seized all the goods. Although the guard warriors of the business
group resisted fiercely, the mountain bandits were very powerful.
A few days later, a bandit confronted the top of the Castol Chamber of Commerce, the
continent's top ten business group. At best, people didn't think that they would survive by
competing against the outstanding guard warriors of the business on the subject of bandits.
The bandit's evil behavior was expected to end.
However, Captain Musa, a top escort from the Knights, who is known from the northern
region, failed to stop the strike of the bandit leader and lost in vain. At first, no one believed
it, but it turned out to be true when witnesses from the surviving upper workers were
reported.
It has been said that the leader of the bandits enemy is a strong man who surpasses most
knights, and he has begun to be recognized by the public as a person who can no longer be
reckoned with. Hue, the leader of the bandits, his notoriety shook the empire's capital.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Inside the Imperial Palace, the main hall.

Emperor Richard's eyes, sitting on the throne and looking down at the main hall, were
uncomfortable. It was beyond the continuous river line of the nobles.
"Your Majesty, how long are you going to leave the Bastache family alone?"
"It's a great loss for the country. We must proceed with the inheritance under Imperial
law."
"I can't understand why Your Majesty keeps delaying this. Grand Duke Friedrich is the
apparent first heir to the House of Bastache."
The aristocrats said in unison that he should step forward and proceed with the
inheritance of the Bastache family. It was an initiative to take this opportunity to get the
eye of Grand Duke Friedrich. Despite the voices of such aristocrats, Emperor Richard did
not readily allow inheritance.
"We still have something to investigate. Wait."
The aristocrats raised their voices as if they were going to eat him, apparently refusing.
"You've set up an investigation team to check again. What else are you investigating?"
"Viscount Bastache had been in good health since returning home."
"Didn't Your Majesty see any findings that the autopsy results of the imperial doctor were
clear?"
"What are you doubting when Viscount Bastache's will is left behind, Your Majesty!"
Emperor Richard's expression was distorted by a flurry of opposition from the aristocrats.
He did not hide his displeasure and stared at Grand Duke Friedrich.
"Grand Duke, do you think the same as them?"
He, who had been trying to proceed with inheritance with the nobles, visited the palace to
make a direct decision as the opposition from Emperor Richard lasted longer than
expected.
"It is believed that everything is in order."
"Ho. In order."
Richard laughed in vain as if he was full of energy. He turned to a noble speech, but
eventually appealed that he, his closest relative, should inherit it according to the current
law of the empire.
"Let's do as the Grand Duke says."
"Your Majesty!"
"That's a wise judgment."
The aristocrats' faces brightened up. At last, Emperor Richard finally broke his will.
"But find Sir Ren's body. Or get me some evidence. That's the order."
Joy was also briefly distorted by Emperor Richard's stubbornness.
Until just a few months ago, Emperor Richard had accepted most of the nobles' wishes
unless it was an excessive demand. It was after the reform of the Imperial Guard that such
Emperor Richard changed. He took control of the Imperial Guard by surprise and
appointed Crown Prince Sian as the head of the group. Emperor Richard, who succeeded in
catching three rabbits, symbolism, justification and force representing the imperial family,
began to antagonize the nobles.
The nobles of some loyalist families, who were holding their breath due to the change of
Emperor Richard, defended the imperial family. One example is Count Lyndon, who was a
neutral aristocrat.
"Are you really going to be so stubborn?"
Grand Duke Friedrich, who had been stepping back, expressed his feelings about the
incident for the first time. His low but chilly voice swallowed the nobles. Despite the
indifferent eyes of Grand Duke Friedrich, Emperor Richard did not avoid the eye.
"Stubborn. Don't you think you're being stubborn?"
There was no sign of the past when Emperor Richard was weak. The emperor's energy,
which he had never seen before, was in his eyes.
"It's a matter that can't be delayed until when."
"I'm not putting it off. We just go through the verification process. Or just wait half a year
until life and death are confirmed. I won't be stubborn then either."
"Honestly..."
Grand Duke Friedrich looked at Emperor Richard with a blur of words. In the snow, hotter
feelings fluctuated than the seething lava.
Half a year. It's not that long. It was clear that it would be a surplus if Bastache took the
door after waiting for half a year. However, his current state of affairs was not good enough
to wait for half a year. The financial situation deteriorated rapidly over the course of the
day, although it was not enough to collapse overnight. This trend could not only lead to
tightening of finances but also a reduction in the number of knights.
As soon as the belt is tightened, the Grand Duke will be over. Noblemen are like hyenas. As
soon as they smell that the Grand Duke has weakened, they would turn their backs on him.
The three noble families of the East, the West, and the South showed their intentions. The
title of Grand Duke will also become fruitless.
If so, it was likely that the four largest families, who were holding their breath, would move.
The addition of power will collapse, and it may take decades, or hundreds of years, for the
Grand Duke to peak again.
"Half a year is too long. It's a disregard for imperial law."
Grand Duke Friedrich put up with the boiling anger and offered a compromise.
"Let's make it three months."
"Half a year."
As soon as the words fell, Emperor Richard drew the line with a short answer. It clearly
stated that compromise is impossible. Grand Duke Friedrich' eyes became as cold as ice.
His emotions were cold enough to cool down his anger.
"My meaning is clear, so don't mention it anymore at today's meeting."
Several aristocrats were upset by Emperor Richard's declaration, but no one was able to
step up. It was because Grand Duke Friedrich, the subject, bowed his head and followed his
will.
'Duke, thirty years. I've endured such humiliation.'
Emperor Richard knew. How scary the breathless Grand Duke Friedrich must be right now.
If it had been like before, he would have cringed at the power of Grand Duke Friedrich, but
he would not do that anymore. Rather, it stimulated him. The emperor hoped that he,
unfamiliar with humiliation, would make a more extreme choice.
"I heard there's been a lot of bandits around the capital lately?"
Emperor Richard skillfully changed the subject. The House of Bastache was just an
introduction to him. It was time to get to the point now that the board had been laid out
enough.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Even the Castol Corporation has suffered great damage."
"Hoho. Even the top business?"
"It is said that the swordsmanship of the bandit leader Hue is great. Most of the knights
were no match for him."
The nobles pushed back the complaints accumulated earlier and discussed issues to be
dealt with. They could no longer observe the bandits running around the capital. This is
because there is a risk of being robbed of tributes or taxes from local estates. As they are
sensitive to losses, they showed solidarity as if they had never done so before.
"I can't let it go any further. So, is there anyone who can stand before the bandits for the
Empire?"
"..."
As Emperor Richard looked around the aristocrats and took the chance, the crowd became
silent as if it were dead. Each of them turned their heads or did something else, avoiding
eye contact.
For the nobles, the knights were a kind of asset. If a member of the knights is injured or
killed while fighting against the bandits, the damage will be severe. That was why they
didn't come forward easily.
"How come there is no answer."
"..."
"How about this? Each family will bring out its knights and establish a punitive force. I
think it's very fair."
Emperor Richard proposed a mediation plan, but the nobles' response was lukewarm. It's
because they thought even that could be a loss.
"Say something. Are you going to leave my hands like this?"
"Your Majesty."
A middle-aged aristocrat who had been silent toward frustrated Emperor Richard opened
his mouth.
"Yes, Viscount Khan."
"The millennium capital of the Empire is a symbol of the imperial family. In such a capital,
bandits are booming, so it seems appropriate to send the Imperial Guard to establish the
dignity of the imperial family and subdue it."
"The Imperial Guard?"
The voice of Emperor Richard showed disapproval. Just as the nobles valued their knights,
he also valued the Imperial Guard. Viscount Khan glanced at the nobles. It was a sigh that
they should quickly agree unless they wanted their knights to be called out.
"Your Majesty, there is a point in what Viscount Khan says."
"For generations, the Imperial Guard was in charge of the capital's security, wasn't it?"
"Show us the dignity of the Imperial Guard and His Majesty."
"Hoho."
At the request of the nobles, Emperor Richard laughed as if it were absurd. His face was full
of energy as they united to avoid losing damage somehow.
The nobles exchanged their eyes and gathered their meanings. Public security near the
capital is the pride of the imperial family. There was also a calculation that he would not
refuse even in order to give a plausible contribution to the Crown Prince Sian, who served
as the head of the newly reformed Imperial Guard.
"Because your will is like that, I'll let the Imperial Guard take charge of the defeat of the
bandits."
"That's a wise move."
The nobles bowed their heads in unison. Although they didn't talk to each other, relief
flowed in their eyes exchanged. Emperor Richard's eyes were fixed on the slightly tilted
head of Grand Duke Friedrich.
'Grand Duke, aren't you the one who's going to miss this opportunity?'
He did everything he could. What's left is whether or not Grand Duke Friedrich gets caught
in the net or not.
***
When he returned to the mansion, Grand Duke Friedrich had been lost in thought for hours.
It was not until the bright sky turned into pitch-black darkness through the sunset that his
mouth opened.
"Get Artil."
His eyes were calmer than ever. Although the concern may have been long, there was no
hesitation as long as the decision was made.
"You called me?"
At the call, Artil bowed his head. Grand Duke Friedrich looked out the window and said,
with his hands behind his back.
"Call in the knights on an outside duty."
"All of them?"
"Every single one. Secretly."
Artil's eyes were distinctive. He didn't speak long, but he could guess that Grand Duke
Friedrich made a significant decision.
"Okay."
"Get out. And tell Veronica to come up."
Shortly after Artil stepped down, Veronica visited the office. She was like a symbol of
glamour, but her face has been very damaged recently. As the finances of the Great House
deteriorated, she gave up much of what she had to enjoy, and suffered from the severe
stress.
As there were many things that she couldn't do as her personality did, Veronica's hatred for
Elena grew out of control. Her personality became more vicious, and her bizarre and
sadistic behavior increased.
"I heard you. I heard the Emperor stopped you from inheriting the Bastache family again."
"Yes."
"Ha! Really. He doesn't even know who he's in that position because of."
Veronica's cheeks twitched. The imperial family is like a dog that listens well to the Grand
Duke. When such a dog came up to bite the owner, it was overwhelming, so it was about to
burn.
"Are you going to stay silent?"
"..."
"Say something. Noblesse Street is also ruined!"
Veronica's voice, which failed to overcome the frustration, became pointed. In the vulgar
language, Noblesse Street flew only flies. Some nobles often visited for sightseeing, but that
was all. They went to the salon and basilica without spending anything.
As a result, the accumulated damage was enormous. Except for simple investment costs,
the Grand Duke was not able to cover the daily operating expenses of Noblesse Street,
which only accumulated debts. If Emperor Richard continues to delay the inheritance of the
Bastache family, the Grand Duke's finances will be at their worst.
"Veronica, go down to the estate for a while."
Veronica's eyes shook. This is because it sounded like the situation was bad when she was
told to go down to the estate.
"What's the reason? Did our Great House collapse beyond reproduction?"
"No."
"Or what? I'll understand if I know why."
The eyes of Grand Duke Friedrich were terrifying.
"Maybe we should change the Emperor."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"...!"
Despite being surprised for a moment and saying that he was turning over the sky,
Veronica's face spread with an indescribable smile.
"Have you finally made up your mind?"
"Yes."
"You should have started. You can't look at a dog that's trying to bite its owner. Bad
manners."
Veronica covered her mouth with her hands and laughed. The center of the empire is not
the imperial family but the Grand Duke. It is the present Grand Duke Friedrich who
appointed Richard, who was only a royal family member, as the emperor. It was ridiculous
to forget such a situation and reveal his teeth.
"I'm not going to the estate."
"Veronica."
Grand Duke Friedrich called her name as low as he could. Although he did not consider
failure, he was still planning to send Veronica to the estate just in case. Worst case scenario,
he could prepare for a sit-in in the land. But Veronica refused.
"I'm going to the imperial family, too."
"You..."
"I want to go and see the Emperor down and kneel with my own eyes."
Veronica expressed her determination not to go after her somehow. She didn't want to
miss the moment when the emperor was under her feet, and she wanted to feel the status
of the great house, which tramples on the imperial family and even changes the emperor.
That pride will be the driving force behind the empire, which the Grand Duke will be the
master of.
"After the Emperor, it's the Crown Prince's turn, right?"
"There's no reason to keep him alive. I will execute him as soon as I return to the capital."
Veronica nodded.
"He insulted me. If you kill him, kill him in the most evil way. Oh, tearing up his limbs and
pulling out his neck would be fine."
"I will."
Grand Duke Friedrich obeyed the request. History is bound to be written in the hands of
winners. If the rebellion succeeds, Sian will be killed with a plausible crime. It was not a
difficult request.
"We're gonna kill L, right?
"I'm about to."
Grand Duke Friedrich took this opportunity to clean up.
"If you're going to kill her anyway, give her to me."
"To you?"
Veronica's eyes were filled with deep hatred.
"Isn't it plain to just kill? I think I'll break her until I'm free."
"Okay."
"Oh, give me the salon. It looked useful."
Grand Duke Friedrich promised to do so. After killing L, it's the salon. After seizing her
property with a suitable cause, he can give it to himself, who will become a contributor, by
ordering the newly established puppet Emperor. Then, starting from Noblesse Street, it
was possible to form a troika of the capital economy leading to the salon and the basilica.
"Then I know I'll follow my father."
"It's your will, so let's go together."
Although he was troubled, Grand Duke Friedrich allowed Veronica to accompany him.
There were no two letters of failure in his calculation.
***
"Your Majesty has thrown the bait."
Elena calmly explained the current situation. Rumors spread widely in the capital that the
newly reformed Imperial Guard will launch a massive crackdown on bandits. In order to
revive the status of the Imperial Guard, which had been reduced to a famous group, a large-
scale inspection ceremony was held and Sian, the leader and Crown Prince, led the way.
The remaining task is whether Grand Duke Friedrich will take the bait.
"Will Grand Duke Friedrich move? I didn't think he'd try to change the emperor twice, not
once."
"He's going to move. Because if he doesn't move now, he'll know better that he'll die."
Contrary to concerns from Khalif, Elena showed strong confidence. The financial situation
of the Grand Duke was running toward the worst, and even the inheritance of the Bastache
family was blocked due to opposition from Emperor Richard. In this situation, there were
not many options for Grand Duke Friedrich to choose from.
Elena turned her head and looked at Emilio.
"Is there any news for Sir Hurelbard?"
"Yes, benefactor."
"I hope it's nothing but good news."
"Don't worry. Lord Hurelbard would have already prepared for the Imperial Guard near the
mountain quarters."
Elena's eyes, which were moving her head, were filled with strong faith in the two. In a
nutshell, they are two people who have followed her before, rather than Khalif or Emilio.
Elena's belief in these two people was absolute.
"Why did you call me instead? You said you had an emergency."
At Elena's call, Khalif, who had been called instead of working, asked.
"I wanted to talk to you about something, so I asked you to see me."
"Me, too?"
Elena nodded at Emilio's objection.
"I want you to stay out of the capital until the work is done."
"...!"
Surprised by the unexpected remarks, Khalif's eyes widened. Emilio looked at Elena as if
the same was true.
"The salon will also be the target of the Grand Duke. In the worst case, it will be difficult for
me, my senior, and Emilio, who are the main axes of the salon."
"So stay away from it, is this it?"
"I mean, there's no need to take risks."
If the absence of Emilio and Khalif is prolonged, the operation of the salon will be
disrupted, but Elena can handle it alone for a few days. It was too much to help so far, but
she didn't have the patience to walk their life.
"Wait, so you're going?"
"I'll stay in the salon."
"You stay and we go alone?"
"I know it may sound upsetting. But if I'm out of my seat, Grand Duke Friedrich will be
suspicious."
Elena should stay in the salon, though no one else knows. The salon is L, and L is the salon.
As always, just showing up in the salon will greatly help to dispel the suspicion of Grand
Duke Friedrich.
"I'm not going."
"Senior."
"You did it the other time, and now you're doing this again. Again, I'm not going."
Khalif insisted on not breaking his will. It was the same with Emilio.
"I'm sorry, benefactor, but I can't do this favor."
"Mr. Emilio."
Elena sighed. She felt an infinite amount of gratitude for the two people who were so
stubborn, but she felt sorry. She was so grateful that she could not repay them for the rest
of her life even with the help she had received, but she was at a loss how to repay them for
their lives.
"I understand your will. I won't bring this up anymore. Let's all live together."
The plan had to be successful if the heart for them was not to be ignored.
"Benefactor."
Elena looked up.
"When we're done, I'm going to bring Lucia back to the capital."
"Your daughter?"
"Now that the disease is completely cured, I want to stay in the capital and show a bigger
world. And if she sees the benefactor, she'll learn a lot."
"Yes, I miss Miss Lucia, too."
Elena welcomed with a smile. She really wanted to meet her, who lent me her name and
status for a short time. As soon as Emilio spoke of the wind, Khalif scratched his head and
opened his mouth.
"I want to introduce someone to you."
"Senior, do you have a girlfriend?"
"Yes, she's a good person. She's not very pretty, but she's considerate, nice, and she loves
me a lot."
Originally, she was supposed to be the wife of Khalif, but when he met Elena, it was a
relationship that went wrong. She hoped it would be her.
"I really want to meet her."
Elena's heart, which smiles faintly, rang bitterly. In this situation, she can guess why Emilio
and Khalif are bringing up the inside story. Let's all survive. After everything, let's have
time to be happy. Impressed by the sincerity, Elena left the office with her emotions. She
thought she would be able to show her weak mind if she stayed there longer.
Elena headed to the room where Ren stayed. And she was about to knock on the door.
Kkiiik. The closed door opened and ran into Ren.
"Good timing. I was going to go see you anyway."
As soon as he saw Elena, Ren grinned what was so nice to see. However, Elena's expression
was somewhat dark.
"Are you going?"
"I'm going. There's a lot to sort out."
Ren said it as if it was nothing, but it is not at all. It cannot be easy to lead a body that is not
yet intact and find and deal with traitors who are in the Bastache family. The fact that the
knights had to clean up in a short period of time could not rule out the possibility of armed
conflict.
"If you get hurt again, take care of it."
"Why, take care of me?"
"Are you crazy?"
"I thought if I got hurt again you'd take care of me, but I think I should be considerate."
Elena looked at him hatefully with her eyes drooped.
'That's how you say you'll be careful.'
"Go. See you alive."
"Don't overdo it. If you think you can't, run away. Do you understand me?"
Ren didn't look back, waved his hand to say goodbye to her, and then disappeared with
Mel. Elena felt an unknown emptiness when he disappeared and entered the empty room.
This is because the warmth felt in the drawing room has cooled down in recent times.
"Make sure you live, Ren."
Elena, who murmured, came out and closed the door.
"Let's work, work."
Everyone had work to do in their respective positions. Even if she worried, it wouldn't
change. She was just doing her best in what she could do now. Elena decided to focus on the
present.
***
The palace garden.
After a long time, the couple faced each other, Emperor Richard and Empress Florence,
were drinking tea.
"How many cups of tea have you had already? Didn't you call me for something?"
There was a chill in the voice of Empress Florence. It had been a long time since the
relationship between the two was broken as she, who was full of ambition, failed to have
children. They were a couple with only a shell left.
"Do you have to have business?"
"..."
"I've been missing you for a long time. The Empress is still heartless."
Emperor Richard laughed in vain while drinking tea. His wrinkled smile was full of
sincerity, not malice. Even though she knew it, Empress Florence turned a blind eye to such
feelings, as there were many years of living as a couple, if not close.
"If you don't have anything to say, let's go back. I hope you don't call me without any
business."
It was a political marriage from the beginning. As with all marriages of the imperial family,
other things were prioritized over personal feelings. However, as time went by, everything
was regretted and felt useless.
"Thank you for coming today."
"..."
The wrinkles were caught in the forehead of Empress Florence, who was turning around
with courtesy. Suddenly, Richard's attitude of being friendly like someone else was alien.
"I've sent you a small gift with all my apologies. Please keep it safe."
Empress Florence left the garden without even looking back. Richard, who was left alone,
muttered, his eyes good from behind.
"I'm sorry, Empress. I'll leave you with a great burden until the end of my life."
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Sect 26. Song of the Sun

Military inspection. The Imperial Guard, standing in line, held a ritual while raising their
swords high in the sky.
Passing in front of the Imperial Guard members lined up by Emperor Richard, he checked
their condition and equipment to boost their morale. He wondered if it was too much fuss
about defeating bandits, but the first campaign of the newly reformed Imperial Guard was a
great deal.
"Let's go."
Sian, the leader of the Imperial Guard, advanced on the white horse. About 50 guards
followed suit in a row.
Ppuuuuu! The gate opened to the sound of a flute echoing from the castle, and the Imperial
Guard left the palace.
The skillful procession of the Imperial Guard across the streets of the capital attracted the
attention of the Imperial people. So far, they were selected as aristocrats who had no ability
and had a lot of problems, but now they felt discipline and theft that were quite different
from the constant accidents.
"I think it's true that Your Majesty has been changing the Guard."
"I know. They look like real knights."
"It's not the same atmosphere as those gangsters. When I think about the fact that I almost
died because of an argument, my teeth grind."
"Of course. Your Highness the Crown Prince is in charge of the regiment, will it be in vain?"
Expectations were high for the eyes of the people watching the procession of the Imperial
Guard. It was the commoners who have become tired as the aristocrats' breaths have been
strengthened. They were in a position where they couldn't say a word even though they
were unfairly robbed and exploited by the nobles. Even now, they had no choice but to
hope that Emperor Richard and Sian, who regained the imperial power, would make a
better world to live in.
There was a carriage watching the procession of the Imperial Guard approaching the North
Gate.
"Don't get hurt."
Inside the carriage, Elena had a long-standing glimpse of Sian leaving the North Gate,
leading the Imperial Guard. This plan does not tolerate any single mistake. It could only
succeed if it moved closely and fit together like a cogwheel. Sian's appearance was no less
than the first step.
"I pray to Goddess Gaia. May everyone be safe and successful."
It was Elena who designed the big plan, but the success or failure depended on the three
people, Ren, Sian, and Hurelbard. There's no middle. Dead or alive. To eat or to be eaten.
"Let's go back to the salon."
When Elena said to the horseman, the wheels of the stopped carriage began to roll. Just as
the three of them had work to do, Elena had work to do. Protecting the salon as usual. That
was the only thing Elena could do now.
At that time. The Imperial Guard, who left the North Gate, set foot on the foot of Mount
Kazbegi, which surrounds the northern part of the capital. Just a couple of months ago, it
was possible to see the tops and pedestrians traveling in and out of the northern region,
but in recent times the search for human enemies was like picking stars in the sky.
This is because rumors have spread that the bandit boss, Hue, set up a mountain
stronghold and attacked the companies and robbed all items. In particular, there were
rumors that the bandit boss Hue was brutal and that he enjoyed killing, and people were
completely cut off. Inevitably, the companies and passers-by who traveled to the northern
region chose the path to bypass Mount Kazbegi, even if they were uncomfortable.
"Wow."
At the beginning of the mountain, Sian got off the horse. Except for the road, the
mountainous area was rough, so it was too much to travel by horse.
"We have to go another half day. Hurry up."
Sian led the way through the forest. It was confusing to say that it was a road because of the
thick forest and the rough mountains. Although it was a remote road mainly used by
herbalists, Sian stepped on it without hesitation, as if it were a frequent route.
'From here to the left.'
In Sian's mind, a map was acting as a compass. The forest path that leads to the stronghold
by following mountain techniques is newly renovated by Hurelbard based on the trails that
herbalists who are well versed in mountaineering come and go through. May drew the
mountain path as a map and delivered it to Elena, and Elena handed the map back to Sian.
The reason why they had to endure this hassle was to outrun the surveillance of the Grand
Duke.
A pretty tough and long march followed. There were some places that were dangerous
enough to fall if they missed their feet. However, as Sian was strict and elected, there was
no one left behind.
"It's here."
As they walked in for a while, they saw the stronghold. In terms of living, it was all about
building a few shabby huts in a large vacant lot and putting up wooden fences.
Sian walked alone toward the hillside. Despite the enemy's strike, there was no sense of
alertness. He felt comfortable even as if he was a frequent visitor. Guard Captain Hwigin
raised his hand and put the guards on standby. As if there had been a prior announcement,
the guards were not anxious or worried about Sian's dangerous behavior.
It was about the time Sian had just arrived.
"Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince."
A man with a beard walked out of the woodwork and had manners. He was the famous
bandit boss Hue, or Hurelbard, who had eyes that seemed to be innocent, unlike his rough
and harsh appearance.
"Ready?"
"I'm already done. Come in the stronghold."
Sian nodded and looked back. Knowing how he felt just by looking at his eyes, the captain
Hwigin, who was near him, led his subordinates to enter the stronghold. There were
mercenaries waiting, disguised as bandits, who knew they would arrive around this time.
"From now on, we are paired with bandits who are similar in size. Then, take off your
uniform and change into your daily clothes. Conduct."
When Hwigin's order was issued, the guards changed into daily clothes given by
mercenaries of similar body types. They were literally unnoticed and dressed like an
ordinary imperialist. There, with the luggage to hide the sword, the appearance of the
guards disappeared completely.
Sian was no exception. He changed into casual clothes instead of a fancy uniform. The
uniform Sian wore was worn by a mercenary hired separately by Hurelbard.
"Are you done?"
When Hwigin turned around to check, Sian nodded. The guards, who changed into
everyday clothes instead of uniforms, were certainly not noticeable. If you don't pay
attention, you can believe that you are a passerby. However, Sian, with beautiful skin,
excellent black eyes and black hair symbolizing the royal family, decided to use a robe
because he could not hide his nobility and temperament.
"We're running out of time. Let's move right away."
Hurelbard led the Imperial Guard with Sian. Sian was in the opposite direction, but the way
down the hillside was tougher than the way he came.
There was a more comfortable road to travel, but if he went there, he had to go around.
Considering that it's only half a day away from the capital, they had to hurry to get there on
time.
As they came down the hillside, they saw a horse and a cart tied to a tree. The items were
taken away while posing as bandits, including the Castol Corporation. It was kept here to
infiltrate the capital without being suspected.
Under the leadership of Hwigin, the great men moved in unison. Some rode a horse, some
dragged the cart, and some walked down the mountain with a time difference.
"Sir, aren't you going?"
Sian, who boarded the horse, looked down at Hurelbard. The strong recognize the strong.
Although he had never met the sword, he could see that the sword skills of this guardian
knight, who had never left Elena's side, were not much different compared to himself.
Considering that the power is inferior to the Grand Duke, Hurelbard's help was absolutely
necessary.
"There is a job left behind by my lady. After processing, I will join you so as not to be late."
Sian nodded to replace the answer and drove down the horse. If Elena ordered it, there
would be a reason. He had no doubt that he would arrive on time even if he didn't rush.
After sending Sian and all other members of the Imperial Guard, Hurelbard returned to the
mountain. While away for a while, May, who was pretending to be the wife of bandit leader
Hue, was cracking down on the attire of mercenaries wearing uniforms at will.
"As planned, we will camp in the mountain-tech vacant lot. I warn you, I do not accept
dogmatic behavior."
Hurelbard spoke calmly, but no one listened in vain. They were honored by Hurelbard's
overwhelming performance against a knight at the top of Castol. Without any delay,
Hurelbard left the stronghold with the mercenaries. He also felt like he wanted to go to the
capital right away. But he couldn't leave because he still had work to take care of.
"I'm sure there's a watchman from the Grand Duke. It's not too late to move after deceiving
their eyes."
Elena was called upon several times. She would make Grand Duke Friedrich believe that
the mercenaries disguised as the Imperial Palace Guards are staying on the mountain. She
also added that the disappearance of the Imperial Guard could bring all plans to nothing as
soon as it falls into the ears of Grand Duke Friedrich.
'She's perfect for everything.'
When he thought of Elena, the tail of Hurelbard's mouth crept up.
Elena, who seems infinitely soft, was a wise and stronger person than anyone else. It was
such a great thing that no one can do it alone to make the Grand Duke, who enjoyed such a
prowess as to say that even though the empire will fall, the Grand Duke will not fail.
'I want to serve my lady until my life is complete. That's my dream.'
Elena was a great person who would change the world. If he could devote the rest of his life
to Elena, Hurelbard was confident that there would be no more glory and honor as a knight.
To do so, this plan had to be successful.
***
"Is it today?"
Leabrick, leaning against the cool wall inside the iron bars, looked up at the ceiling and
muttered. If you stayed here without any sunlight, the concept of time disappears. It was
difficult to tell whether it was daytime or nighttime.
Just a few days ago, if Artil hadn't been there, she wouldn't have been able to tell how much
time had passed.
"L, no, Elena. I'll admit that you're better than me. I couldn't cross you. That's why I'm stuck
here."
Admitting her defeat may hurt her pride, but the smile did not go away from Leabrick's
mouth.
"But the world is big. You're dead. This won't change."
Leabrick quizzed. It was a word that showed a sense of bitterness from a failure.
"Maybe you're expecting it all. Because you're always above common sense."
Leabrick pulled her bangs back like a madman. She couldn't even eat properly, so she was
all skin and bones, but her eyes didn't die.
"But you know what. There's one thing you don't know."
Leabrick's voice, which spoke as if Elena was next to her, was significant.
"You and I can never cross Grand Duke Friedrich with our brains. That man."
Leabrick, who stopped talking as if she was leaving a lingering impression, whispered to
Elena.
"He's a real monster."
Leabrick laughed out loud and clear. With a creepy, bizarre laugh.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

A pitch-black night came after sunset, which made the capital city with a long history more
romantic. As the sun set, the street in the lively and busy capital disappeared. Crowds
flocked to the red and night markets, but only a small number.
"It's the beginning of a long night."
Grand Duke Friedrich spoke to himself, looking over the window of his office at the dark
sky. He had nothing to fear in everything, but there was a subtle tension today ahead of the
event.
"I'm reporting. Owls have confirmed that the Imperial Guard is camping on Mount
Kazbegi."
Artil picked up the minute-by-minute information and delivered it to Grand Duke Friedrich.
"There are four members of the Imperial Guard left in the palace. There are 30 other
members of the Imperial Guard."
"..."
"There's a big ball going on in the salon. We believe that the majority of the capital nobles
participated."
Grand Duke Friedrich had no response but to listen silently, with his hands behind his back.
He stared out of the window indifferently at what he was thinking.
"How, I think the sky is helping us. Don't you think so?"
Veronica, who was sitting on the sofa arrogantly, twisted her mouth and laughed. Instead of
wearing a mermaid dress that she usually wears, she wore a horseback riding suit that fits
tightly to her body, she was all ready to accompany him to the big event.
"Don't become careless."
"Is there anything to be careless about? If they knew what we were planning, they wouldn't
have moved on. They should have left half the guards in the palace, right?"
Grand Duke Friedrich remained silent and did not return. There was nothing wrong with
Veronica. If they had noticed the rebellion, they would not have left the palace empty to be
defenseless.
'Am I overreacting? I feel like someone is pushing me.'
Emperor Richard and Sian's handling of the situation was sloppy. It was a very different
move from when the Imperial Guard was suddenly reformed.
"Any other reports regarding the Imperial Guard?"
There is a saying to beat the stone bridge and cross it. The failure of the conspiracy is the
extermination of the three tribes. Even Grand Duke Friedrich had to be cautious.
"Yes, there were no particular suspicious circumstances."
Veronica frowned as she watched Grand Duke Friedrich, who remained vigilant despite
Artil's report.
"You're overreacting, aren't you?"
"It's an overactive reaction. Maybe so."
Grand Duke Friedrich laughed it off. Even if he thought about it a little rationally, there was
no possibility that the rebellion would fail. The palace was empty, and the Imperial Guard
was stationed at Mount Kazbegi, half a day away from the capital. Even if they hear the
news and rush to the palace, the event will be after it is over.
'I'm old, too.'
In his youth, Grand Duke Friedrich had no roughness. His actions precede his words. When
he made up his mind, he did not hesitate to change the emperor of the empire.
But he changed. As he got older, he tended to stay away from difficult situations. Apart from
being cautious, his youthful spirit had faded.
"Artil."
"Yes, Your Highness the Grand Duke."
"Gather the knights together."
When Grand Duke Friedrich's words fell, Artil's eyes caught his attention. Finally, he made
a decision. Grand Duke Friedrich, who sent Artil out, walked to the closet. When he opened
the door of the glass cupboard, there was a sword in it. On the sword made with the hand of
a master, a pattern symbolizing the Great House was engraved with the exquisite harmony
between the sound and the embossments of the Great House.
"Planverge."
Grand Duke Friedrich lightly curled the sword's name. It was a favorite sword that he had
been using since he was young.
"Every time I took out this sword, the world changed. It will be the same today."
Grand Duke Friedrich, who was sweeping the sword with his fingertips, put a sword in the
hold and put it on his waist.
"Let's go."
"Yes, father."
Grand Duke Friedrich Frances headed for the parade with Veronica. All the 1st and 2nd
Knights were standing in line with each other, except for the knights who were carrying out
overseas missions. Including unofficial performance knights, the number reached nearly a
hundred.
In line with the appearance of Grand Duke Friedrich, the entire knights temporarily drew
swords and carried them to their foreheads with courtesy. Grand Duke Friedrich on the
podium looked down at them and gave a solemn speech.
"Tonight, I will go to the palace with you."
Despite the shocking remark, none of the knights were agitated. It was not the emperor or
the state that they swore allegiance to. Their only master in the world was Grand Duke
Friedrich.
"Occupy the Imperial Palace and depose the incompetent emperor. I will establish a
competent emperor in the position."
The knights were determined. They lived in their lord's command, and they died in their
command. That is the honor, loyalty, and life of a knight.
"Let's go, knights of the Grand Duke. Let's write a new history of the Empire."
"Respect."
At the declaration of Grand Duke Friedrich, the knights raised the sword high with a
diagonal line and held the ceremony of victory. Grand Duke Friedrich, who came down
from the podium, inspected the Knights and finished all preparations. It was not long
before the knights led by Grand Duke Friedrich quickly escaped from the Great House
through the rear gate.
His destination is the Imperial Palace, and his goal is Emperor Richard.
***
"Your Grace, look over there. The Grand Duke has moved."
Hwigin, who is hiding at an inn near the Grand Park, reported the situation. Grand Duke
Friedrich and the knights were moving quickly toward the Imperial Palace, driving their
horses. Fast-paced. They were alert as if they were trying to succeed at once without giving
time to prepare.
Sian said, watching the actions of Grand Duke Friedrich and the knights.
"Ready?"
"We can move at any time."
Members of the Imperial Guard, disguised as commoners and descending Mount Kazbegi,
were hiding in inns and buildings near the residence of the Grand Duke. As many as 50
robust men would be suspected if they gathered, but they were not found out. This is
because Elena bought inns and some buildings near the Great House in advance, and made
room for the members of the Imperial Guard to hide themselves.
Sian admired Elena's vision. He couldn't even keep up with the prospect.
"I'll give the palace and take over the Great House."
When he first heard that, the shock was vivid. After encouraging Grand Duke Friedrich's
rebellion, she said, "Let's make the palace attack and use it as evidence of his capability." In
the meantime, she told Sian to occupy the Great House and take advantage of it. That's all it
was. It was even perfect to escape Emperor Richard, who will remain alone in the Imperial
Palace, through a secret passage.
"We're moving, too."
As soon as Sian's order fell, Hwigin gestured. The guards, who were waiting inside the
building, rushed out of the building and lined up. Sian, who came down from the rooftop
and stood in front of the Imperial Guard, took off his robe. His pitch-black hair and eyes
were perfect for the night that seemed to devour the world.
"Tonight."
He didn't need a long talk. Sian pulled a sword from his waist. The sword tip of the sword
with a symbol of the imperial family headed toward the Great House.
"The Grand Duke will be erased from the Empire."
***
The grandest dance performance since the opening of the salon was held. The ballroom
was full of visitors, who were not enough for the main hall alone. The ball provided music,
decorations, and alcohol with different themes to the annex, main halls, and theaters so
that visitors can enjoy themselves according to their tastes, allowing them to communicate
more with people who fit their will.
The result was a great success. The salon's ball, which was not only one, and also respected
and pursued diversity, became an acceptable cultural venue not only for the picky
aristocracy but also for visitors with narrow and uniform tastes.
"I'll go up first. Take care of my back."
Elena, who scattered the ballroom as a whole and had formal communication with the
visitors, left the latter to Khalif. Although she became a member of society, dealing with
many people have always been difficult. Even at this hour, there must be a life-or-death
dialect somewhere. It bothered her, and it was hard to be as usual.
Elena came up to the office with Bell, the escort on behalf of Hurelbard, and headed to her
desk without even having time to sit on the sofa. There, the notes received by Majesti's
agents through the war zone were arranged in chronological order.
Hurelbard is moving to the capital with ten mercenaries.
Just before participating in the ball, it was the last note Elena saw.
"I hope he won't be late."
Elena muttered a worrisome self-talk. In the past life, Hurelbard, who is called one of the
Three Swords of the Empire, has absolute power. For hundreds of years, Hurelbard had to
arrive on time to confront the knights of the Grand Duke, considered stronger than the
Imperial Guard.
[Ren, eliminating traitors and taking control of the family.]
[Grand Duke Friedrich, on his way to the Imperial Palace, estimated to be a hundred
knights.]
[Crown Prince Sian, begins his attack on the Great House.]
[Count Lyndon, accompanied by the Knights, to the House of Bastache.]
Elena looked calmly at the information collected by Majesti's sources. Based on reason, she
thoroughly analyzed it as if she would not miss even the smallest details. She kept an eye
on the changing situation from time to time and kept her eyes on the situation.
She is a control tower. It was a trick to stay in the salon and participate in the ball. It was
her who was briefed and controlled each and every one of these urgent cases that are
happening in various parts of the capital.
"Don't miss a thing. The moment I miss it, it's over."
Just in time, a pigeon flew in through the wide open window. It is a carrier used by the
information organization Majesti for communication. The pigeon stood and stopped
flapping and sat on a pedestal next to Elena's desk.
Elena reached out and checked the note tied to both legs of the pigeon.
"W-why!"
Elena's voice was shaking as she was reading the contents. Her wobbly eyes made it easy to
guess how agitated she was now.
"Why didn't you listen to me? You even made a promise with me, but why."
Her eyes became moist. He told her he would live and even gave her a promise to do so, but
he didn't keep his promise.
Once, he was a caring father-in-law. She was so resentful of him for making this choice, as
she wanted to show an empire without the Grand Duke.
"I told you that you have to live... But why did you do that? Why? Your Majesty?"
Elena, who could not overcome the overwhelming sadness, shook her head. The note Elena
let go of her hand as if she had relaxed her strength was written like this.
[Emperor Richard, waiting for the Grand Duke in the Imperial Palace. Refused to flee.]
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Inside the palace, the Emperor's palace.

Under the ceiling depicting the founding of the Empire, Emperor Richard was sitting on the
throne. Knowing what was about to happen, he looked as if he was in a hurry.
Boom! The doors of the emperor's palace, as high as reaching the ceiling, opened roughly.
The knights of the armed Grand Duke poured in and filled the place where the vassals
should be.
Grand Duke Friedrich walked with white hair between the knights lined up from side to
side. Veronica, dressed in tight clothes, followed with a mocking smile.
"Greetings to Your Majesty."
Grand Duke Friedrich bowed his head.
"You've come."
Despite the threatening situation, Emperor Richard's voice was calm as if he had been
dealing with it for a long time.
"I think you've been waiting for me."
"Why not?"
Emperor Richard smiled a good-looking smile. Despite the threatening situation, there was
room.
"It's been thirty-three years. It's a long time. Because I know a person like you."
Grand Duke Friedrich's eyebrows wiggled. Emperor Richard's attitude was too nonchalant
to report him who caused outrage.
"That's what it is. If you had respected me, our company could have been longer."
"Aren't you just doing this because you don't like me?"
His eyes smiled, but his mouth didn't smile. Emperor Richard pointed the sword of
emotion, which had been repressed for thirty years, to Grand Duke Friedrich.
"You've come to terms, Your Majesty."
"How long do you think I have left? I have to say what I want to say."
Grand Duke Friedrich's expression cooled down. There seemed to be something to believe
in, but he couldn't figure out what he believed in. That relaxed attitude bothered him even
when he was about to die.
"The times have changed, Grand Duke. Old people like you and me have to back off."
"When you step down, you step down, but you'll have to build the foundation right away."
"Is it the foundation you're talking about to bring knights to the palace and persecute the
emperor?"
Despite Richard's angry scolding, Grand Duke Friedrich did not change his face.
"To establish a new emperor who will abdicate the senile emperor and lead the empire.
That's my role as the loyalist of the Empire and the head of the nobility."
"Haha. That's the best sophistry I've ever heard of this year. I didn't expect you to have a
knack for making people laugh."
He felt strongly that he was hiding something from Emperor Richard's words and actions.
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and the Imperial Guard are not coming."
"Even if the sun rises, the nobles will not stand on your side."
"He knows. Don't I know that you have risen to the throne because of your treason?"
On that day 33 years ago, Grand Duke Friedrich, who caused a rebellion, forcibly deposed
the former Emperor, who was trying to regulate the nobles. After that, Emperor Richard,
who was the only royal family member, was seated as emperor. He did not want to become
emperor, but he had no veto. As Emperor Richard went through the process, he had no
choice but to know how Grand Duke Friedrich would take control of the Imperial Palace
and take care of the affairs with the consent of the nobles.
"It's a quick story to know. I hope you become a faithful dog until you are deposed. Just like
when you first ascended to the throne."
Grand Duke Friedrich blatantly showed ambition. The task of Grand Duke Friedrich, who
took control of the imperial palace and secured the recruits of Emperor Richard, was to
deal with the blocked state administration in favor of the Grand Duke.
"We'll take care of all the pending issues here today."
"It must be the inheritance of the Bastache family."
"Wouldn't this not have been possible if the inheritance had been allowed earlier?"
Emperor Richard stared at him with a cold look.
"That's not the end. You're going to force the Imperial Guard to disband and bring the
Crown Prince into custody? And sooner or later, you'll put him to death on a charge that's
not the same."
"I don't know how this wise emperor turned a blind eye to my wishes."
Veronica, who was standing next to Grand Duke Friedrich, who was making a fuss, came in.
"We'll kill L, too. You can't save a woman who insulted the foundation of an empire by
setting up impure ideas."
"I forgot about that."
"And I implore the new emperor. Give the salon and the basilica in honor of my father, who
is a semi-spirited meritorious subject."
There was contempt for Emperor Richard's expression of seeing the perfect match between
father and daughter. It was right to say that she was her father's daughter. From
disrespecting the imperial family to the foreign mouth of the empire, the sphere resembled
the pride of pride. If Veronica had been elected Crown Princess and became a companion to
Sian, it would have created an irreversible situation.
Maybe that's why. When he was looking at Veronica, which was so low that he felt sorry to
compare her, Elena kept on stepping in his eyes.
'I will be relieved if the child stays by Sian's side...'
He even gave her a brooch to make a relationship with Elena. Because the two of them
didn't come out, he wanted to participate because he was greedy. But that's all he could do
on his feet. It was presumptuous to go any further, and in the end, it was up to the two to
take care of themselves.
"It was Veronica, wasn't it?"
"You've managed to remember, Your Majesty."
Veronica laughed as she looked straight at the emperor. It was because it was ridiculous to
pretend to be still an emperor when he was about to be deposed.
"You must be craving the salon. What should I do with this? You can't reach L, so even if
you get the salon, it won't last long."
"E-excuse me?"
Veronica's face turned red with shame at Emperor Richard's unannounced criticism. To
Veronica, who still feels inferior to L, the emperor's words felt unbearable humiliation.
"What do you know about all that stuff?"
"I'm just saying what I saw and felt. If L is a peacock, Veronica, you are nothing but a flying
duck without knowing the subject."
"Y-you!"
Veronica, whose eyes were turned upside down, breathed out a harsh breath as if she was
about to commit a mutiny.
"Calm down, Veronica."
Grand Duke Friedrich extended his arms and controlled Veronica, who could not control
her anger. Then he looked up at Emperor Richard sitting on the throne.
"It's not that long at night, Your Majesty. Let's stop chatting."
"Can I warn you, Grand Duke?"
"Warning can only be given to those who have power. I'm afraid you do not."
Even the last strand of pride will be laid down by Grand Duke Friedrich.
"No matter what you want, nothing will go your way."
"You don't really touch me, Your Majesty."
"Ha, pretending to be an emperor."
Veronica sarcastically said, frighteningly, that Grand Duke Friedrich's words would end.
Veronica, the only heir to the Grand Fume who even changed the emperor, sounded sorry
that Emperor Richard's warning was not funny.
"Bring the Emperor to a kneel."
Grand Duke Friedrich, who had issues to deal with overnight, ordered the knights without
delay. After capturing Emperor Richard, the plan was to force him to seal the document and
seize both cause and effect.
It was when the knights strode to the platform with the throne. Emperor Richard picked up
the sword he had placed next to him. It was the sword he used to use even before he
became the emperor.
"Dismiss the sword, Your Majesty."
"What if I can't?"
"Now you know that resistance is meaningless, don't you? I'd like to be considerate of Your
Majesty, but this can't be done."
There was an irresistible coercion in the voice of Grand Duke Friedrich, pretending to be
polite. It was a warning that if he crossed the line, he would not give even the least
treatment as an emperor.
"I saw. What happened to the emperor who was deposed. It was a humiliating day when he
couldn't die but live."
Emperor Richard squeezed the sword and brought the blade to his Adam's Adam's apple.
The knights who were approaching his unexpected behavior paused. Grand Duke
Friedrich's eyes were also shaken. Although he recently revealed his teeth, they did not
expect Emperor Richard to do such a thing after decades of breathlessness.
"Your Majesty, don't do anything useless."
"Do you really think so, Grand Duke?"
"..."
"The stigma of going into the palace at night and killing the Emperor is not easy for you.
You're going to be a traitor, not a semi-justice."
"I'm sure you'll stop..."
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Grand Duke Friedrich tried to stop him, but
Emperor Richard's move was faster.
"No!"
At the same time as the cry of Grand Duke Friedrich, a bloody fountain sprouted from the
neck of Emperor Richard. The emperor smiled as the winner with his tottering body.
"I-In hell... S..."
Emperor Richard, who stained the throne with blood, drooped helplessly. There was no
lingering regret or regret left in his slowly closing eyes. It was enough if he could be helpful
to Sian like this. He was an infinitely ashamed and incompetent father and emperor, but at
the very end, he made a choice not to be ashamed of his predecessors painted in ceiling
murals.
Watching the scene, Grand Duke Friedrich gritted his teeth. It was the worst. He had to
control him without giving him time, but he couldn't, so he had to suffer this death.
"What do you care so much about? He was supposed to be killed anyway."
Veronica acted as if it was no big deal, but the expression of Grand Duke Friedrich did not
spread. This is because the seriousness of the situation is more grave than expected.
"Even if it rots, it's still a herring. It is the imperial family of the empire with only bones left,
but its symbolism is not small."
(T/N: An expression meaning something whose original value is good will still be of worth
even if it becomes old or worse.)
"So? Now the dead emperor doesn't even come back to life, does he?"
Veronica casually stepped on the red-colored podium of Emperor Richard's blood. Even the
nose-poking scent seemed calm as if it were perfume for her. Veronica was on the podium
and in front of the body of Emperor Richard.
"So why are you making fun of me."
Veronica raised her foot and crushed the face of Emperor Richard, who became a body. It is
a revenge for insults by comparing L and her before. Then Veronica kicked the body hard
enough to shake it off.
In the meantime, Grand Duke Friedrich was grappling with a serious face. As Veronica said,
he could not revive the late Emperor Richard. He decided that it would be better to move as
planned than to dwell on the water that has already been spilled.
"Bring the emperor's seal."
The knights who were ordered moved in unison and searched the emperor's palace like
this. However, no seal was found anywhere. The same was true of the knights who
returned from searching the main palace, including the emperor's office.
The face of Grand Duke Friedrich was filled with anger. The absence of a seal where it was
supposed to be means that it was taken away in advance. Grand Duke Friedrich stamped
the deceased Emperor Richard's hand on a document that had to be dealt with urgently. He
was blindfolded in the yard where Emperor Richard died, but he couldn't help it. This is
because if the Grand Duke does not put the least justification first, it can cause backlash.
"There is no time to delay. We're going straight to the Bastache family."
The most important task now is to take practical benefits. If the Bastache family can be
absorbed to show the robustness of the Grand Duke, they will not be able to criticize the
Grand Duke over the death of Emperor Richard. After all, it's power and defeat that moves
the world.
'It was a good thing to ask for help.'
He said it was the worst, but Grand Duke Friedrich had his own faith. He was not reckless
enough to do this without such insurance.
Just as he was leaving the emperor's palace, a knight jumped in.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Your Highness the Grand Duke, we're in trouble!"

James, the 2nd Knight Commander, stepped forward as if he was trying to find out what
was going on.
"Aren't you the apprentice knight Anthony? Why are you here when you should be in the
Great House?"
"T-the Imperial Guard, led by the Crown Prince, raided the Great House."
"What nonsense?! I heard that the Imperial Guard is now in Mount Kazbegi. What do you
mean, they're attacking the Great House? Do you think that makes sense!"
James shouted as if he couldn't believe it. He was also reported that the Imperial Guard was
camping at Mount Kazbegi until sunset. It takes a long half-day to ride a horse from Mount
Kazbegi to the Great House without rest. It was a common sense story that didn't add up.
"I don't know what's going on. It was clear that the Crown Prince and Lord Hwigin, the
commander of the Imperial Guard, were clear."
"You didn't see it wrong?"
"N-no! I saw it with these eyes."
Anthony, the trainee knight, also raised his voice as if he was falsely accused.
"Your Highness, I think it's true."
James reported in a gloomy voice and bit his lips. His desperate attitude did not seem to
report a lie, even though he was a probationary knight.
"..."
Grand Duke Friedrich remained silent. It was time for anxiety to spread like an epidemic
that the Great House was attacked due to the prolonged time.
"Keke."
The low laughter of Grand Duke Friedrich spread in the emperor's palace. The static
laughter grew louder and louder, and soon the emperor's palace roared.
"Father?"
Veronica looked as if she didn't understand such Grand Duke Friedrich. It was like being
caught off guard by Crown Prince Sian, but it was inevitable to wonder that he was talking
like a lost man.
"Is that right, Your Majesty?"
Grand Duke Friedrich looked up at the cold body of Emperor Richard on the podium.
"I never thought you'd attack the Grand Duchy with the Crown Prince in front of you. This
was a good blow, Your Majesty."
Why. Contrary to the saying that he had suffered, the smile did not disappear from the
mouth of Grand Duke Friedrich. It was also a mockery full of ridicule.
"But, Your Majesty. Perhaps the heavens are not on your side."
Veronica's patience has reached its limit due to the incomprehensible words. She thought it
over, but she couldn't figure him out at all.
"They're not on Your Majesty's side? I can't understand what you mean."
"Now the Grand Duchy is just a shell."
"But?"
"It's all about wealth, and it's all about collecting people. But the only noble blood of the
Grand Duke is me and you."
Veronica, who noticed what Grand Duke Friedrich meant, quizzed. If Veronica had
remained in the Great House without participating in the rebellion, she would have been
held hostage by Sian and the Imperial Guard. There's nothing worse than Veronica, the heir
of the Grand Duke, being held hostage. However, Veronica escaped the crisis by joining the
event. It was safe to say that luck was followed.
"Maybe heaven is helping us."
The anxiety on Veronica's face disappeared like snow, spreading a smile around her mouth.
"We're talking about blessing in disguise. You got the cause that the Emperor tried to kill us
first."
In the end, history is used in the hands of winners. The Emperor and the Crown Prince
drew their swords first, and Grand Duke Friedrich had a cause in his hand that he had no
choice but to kill Emperor Richard to live.
"There is no more delay. We will absorb the Bastache family as planned."
Now that the Great House was lost, there was a need to take control of the Bastache family
and make it a temporary base. Richard's handling of the body and control of the imperial
palace cannot be neglected, but he did not have to pay attention to that because his helper
would replace him soon.
'All we have to do is deal with the Crown Prince.'
This revolution will be a success if he takes control of the Bastache family and slaughters
Crown Prince Sian and the Imperial Guard, who lost their place to go. Grand Duke Friedrich
went in the battle with the knights.
***
House of Reinhardt.
The founding family and a pillar of the Empire called the Four Great Families. His daughter
Avella visited the office of Duke Chrome, the head of the Reinhardt family.
"I know you're inside. I'm coming in."
Kkiiik. When she opened the door, she saw Duke Chrome sitting at his desk and talking to
his aide with a serious look.
"Avella, what's going on at this late hour?"
Duke Chrome, who bit his aide, asked affectionately. He felt a lot of affection for his
daughter, who resembles himself, who is good at tricks.
"What's happening in the capital right now. You don't know, do you?"
"What did you hear?"
Duke Chrome's expression hardened on the topic Avella brought up. That's why he, who
should have been in bed, kept his office until this time.
"That's not important right now. Is it true that the Grand Duke moved the Knights to the
Imperial Palace?"
"It's true."
Duke Chrome admitted in a gentle manner. Avella frowned at a calm attitude as if talking
about others.
"Ha, are you looking at that? We should do something."
"What should we do?"
"Is it because you don't know? If the Emperor is deposed and the Grand Duke becomes the
new Emperor, it will be a world of the Grand Duke."
"You talk like it never was."
Avella punched her chest in the frustration of talking to the wall. She always admired her
father, who was good at political insights and tricks, enough to lack the modifier of genius.
However, he was crazy about why he was so black-eyed today.
"So we've got to go for this opportunity! We need to get cooperation from the other four
families and drive the Grand Duke as a traitor."
"You're driving in reverse? The four great families are united?"
"Yes, there's nothing you can't do, right? If it's not now, there is no more opportunity. The
moment the Grand Duke establishes a new emperor and stands behind him, we will spend
our whole life chasing the Grand Duke."
Avella regarded it as an opportunity for a genius. The Grand Duke, who suffers from
political position and financial instability, was unreasonable and moved the Knights. In this
case, she insisted that the Grand Duke should be pressed to break his power and rebuild
the game of power around the four major families.
"It's impossible."
"Why? Why do you say no?"
Avella made an impression when Duke Chrome cut the words.
"Reason, Avella, I'll ask you. Do you think the four great families will work together?"
"What else can't we do? I don't think there's any reason to say no if he's at the center."
At first glance, Avella's claim was very valid. Under the influence of the Grand Duke, the
four major families have been unable to cheer up. They did not make any significant moves,
just keeping the Grand Duke in check with tacit sympathy.
"The four great families never join forces."
"Is there a reason why I don't know?"
Avella asked carefully. Because she knew that Duke Chrome never makes a groundless slip
of the tongue.
"Duke Whit moved."
"...!"
One of the four great families, the House of Buckingham, was Duke Whit. He was famous for
not making enemies as the oldest of the four family heads.
"Why did he... No way, right?"
"It's your guess. Surge to help the Grand Duke."
Avella's eyes shook. Duke Whit was close to the Grand Duke, but she dismissed it as a
formality. But she thought it might not be that.
"I don't know what the relationship is between the two families. One thing is clear: during
the reign of the Emperor, they moved like one body."
"I-I can't believe it."
Avella felt hopeless. I thought the power of the Grand Duke was finally going down, but
Buckingham, one of the four largest families, is implicitly helping the Great House. That
alone, the balance of power was as much as leaning toward the Grand Duke.
"Daughter, engrave it on your heart. The world is a word. What you see is not everything."
Avella bite her lips. She was an ambitious woman. Her younger brother led the family, and
she always had the desire to become empress and put the empire into her hands. When
that time came, she had no doubts, believing that even the Grand Duke would be able to
sleep according to her will. However, she realized how arrogant it was.
"Why is your father crouching? Because that's the only way."
"..."
"Keep that in mind, the Grand Duchy will never fall as long as Grand Duke Friedrich is
alive."
Duke Chrome allowed Avella, who was in despair, to realize the reality in a cold way rather
than comforting her. This is because he thought it was better than revealing her nails
without knowing the subject and then having the family exterminated.
"Because he is the strongest and most dangerous man in the empire."
***
Elena paced around the office with unexpected anxiety. Even if she tried to calm down
while breathing deeply, there was no sign of improvement. Her hands got wet with sweat
and kept getting nervous. The rise of this anxiety sentiment had a significant impact on the
sudden actions of Emperor Richard who remained in the Imperial Palace.
"This is not the time. I have to check everything I miss."
Elena, who could not overcome her anxiety, sat in front of her desk again. She constantly
read the notes she received through the carrier. Only she, who claimed to be a control
tower, was able to analyze the situation coolly and respond actively.
A pigeon that entered the office circled the ceiling and sat on a pedestal. Elena reached out
and checked the note that was tied to its leg.
[Sian, the Great House is occupied. Veronica is absent. She went to the imperial palace with
Grand Duke Friedrich.]
A groan flowed between Elena's lips. The plan to take Veronica hostage while
overpowering the Grand Duke went wrong.
"Let's not be disappointed. Isn't this degree of variability anticipated?"
Elena calmly checked the other note. It was said that Sian, who finished the situation,
would move to the Bastache family with members of the Imperial Palace Guard as planned.
"There's nothing complicated. All we have to do is catch the Grand Duke as planned. Then
it's over."
Although it was a pity that Veronica could not be secured, Grand Duke Friedrich was also in
danger as Emperor Richard died. In the end, it was safe to say that winning or losing
depends on whether or not she can overpower Grand Duke Friedrich.
Notes arrived one after the other.
[Grand Duke Friedrich, leading the Knights to the House of Bastache.]
[Ren, control of the Bastache family is complete.]
[Count Lyndon, leading the Knights to the House of Bastache.]
[Hurelbard, arriving near the capital's north gate.]
There were variables, but in the big picture, the plan was going smoothly.
"Good thing. He won't be late to join."
Elena was a little relieved. Elena wanted to concentrate all her energy on one place, as the
Bastache family is expected to have a final showdown. Considering the size of the knights,
she judged that it is important to gather firepower as it is inferior to Grand Duke Friedrich.
The carrier flew in again.
"...!"
Elena's face turned white after checking the note. The pupil shook as if it were an
earthquake. Incomparable to the previous news, it contained shocking content that would
remain even after all plans were thrown into vain in an instant.
[Count Lyndon, in battle with the knights led by Duke Whit. An overwhelming power gap.
Likely to be annihilated.]
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

"Why is one of the four great families? No, Duke Whit was in a match with the Grand
Duke?"
Elena was half-concerned by an unexpected situation that was far beyond her expectations.
No other family, he is Duke Buckingham. He was a cornerstone that supports the continent
and is a Great House that can be referred to as a four great family. She couldn't believe he
was cooperating with Grand Duke Friedrich's demeanor. It was unexpected of him.
"Likely to be annihilated."
Elena's voice, muttering the last sentence on the note, shook. The knights, led by Count
Lyndon, are a hidden card to catch Grand Duke Friedrich. Ren took control of the family
and the half knights of the Bastache family and the Imperial Guard were planning to join
forces to suppress the knights of the Grand Duke.
However, Duke Whit's intervention caused things to go wrong. Even though Count Lyndon
has high and strong knights, his opponent is Buckingham's Knights' order, one of the four
great families. Even if you say that skills are inferior, you are bound to be inferior in
number of heads.
"It's my mistake. I haven't figured it out at all."
Elena bit her lips. On the desk, the rolled fist trembled. It was the first time that she felt so
lethargic while preparing for revenge step by step.
"If, indeed... Count Lyndon were to be attacked..."
Elena closed her eyes to the worst situation she didn't want to imagine. If so, it will quickly
lean toward the additional Grand Duke Friedrich. Ren and Hurelbard are the three swords
of the Empire, so they're strong, and there is Sian who is equivalent to that, but there is no
way to avoid numerical inferiority. As soon as the knights of Duke Whit and the knights of
Grand Duke Friedrich join, the power is nearly doubled, or tripled.
"Save Count Lyndon and stop the loss of power. To do so, first..."
Elena, who regained her composure, rushed to come up with a solution. Because that's
what Elena, who is in charge of the control tower, will do.
"There's only Sir Hurelbard."
It was just after hearing the news that Hurelbard had reached the northern gate of the
capital with mercenaries. Now she can move Hurelbard to save Count Lyndon.
However, one premise followed.
"... Ren and Your Highness have to endure it."
At this rate, the joining of Count Lyndon's Knights and Hurelbard will inevitably be delayed.
The slower the attack, the more likely the inferior Sian and Ren were to be in danger.
Although there was a conflict, Elena did not worry for long. For now, she had no choice but
to trust Ren and Sian.
"Owls, can you hear me? Please deliver it to Your Highness and Ren right now. Count
Lyndon will be delayed. Please delay the fight as much as you can."
Elena spoke to herself in the air as if she were possessed by something. It must have been
strange to others, but there was definitely a person in the office who heard it.
"Okay."
She didn't know where they were answering, but a low and clear voice rang in the office.
These are Majesti informants that Ren had planted in preparation for such an unexpected
situation.
"We're in a hurry, too."
Elena got up with a desk when the movement disappeared. Then Bell asked with surprised
eyes.
"Are you going to go in person?"
"It's all the way from here to the North Gate of the capital. And Lord Hurelbard's
movements are best known to me who planned them."
Elena chose to move on her own rather than send Majesti. No matter how skilled Majesti is,
they are not more accurate than Elena, who draws all the pictures in her head.
In this case, it was regrettable that carriers are limited. The precursors using the regression
instinct of pigeons are limited to limited places. It was impossible to contact Hurelbard on
the move, even if she could have the pigeons come to the salon.
'It's a fight. There's no time to lose.'
Every minute and second was urgent. In the meantime, the fate of the knights, including
Count Lyndon, will be exchanged.
Elena touched her neck and lowered the dress strap without hesitation.
Originally, she couldn't take it off alone, but it was a dress that Christina ordered so that
you can take it off easily in the absence of May. When the snake shed its dress like a molt, a
tight riding suit was revealed. Elena threw off her shoes, put on boots and urged Bell.
"What are you doing? Let's go."
"O-okay."
Elena moved with Bell, who was embarrassed. Using an emergency exit, they came down to
avoid the neck and drove a horse out of the salon. The capital's night streets were quiet. It
was hard to believe that a battle would take place somewhere in the capital city.
Elena's head didn't rest for a moment, even though she was driving without a moment to
breathe. Based on the location of Hurelbard, which was first written in the preface, the
distance and time the pigeon flew, and the distance that Hurelbard would have traveled
while Elena traveled out of the salon.
'By now, he should be near the North Gaia Cathedral at the earliest.'
Elena drove the horse more vigorously. Because even if there are differences, there may be
irreparable situations. Elena, arriving near the cathedral, calmed the horse by sweeping the
mane.
"Not yet?"
She waited for Hurelbard to come, holding her breath. Every minute and second felt as slow
and long as a year, as it was an urgent situation.
"You're not past it, are you?"
It was time for Elena to get nervous because she couldn't see Hurelbard who had to come.
"Look over there!"
Bell pointed his finger at the boulevard beyond the cathedral. Ignoring the curfew after
midnight, they could see the stout men driving like crazy.
"Sir Hurelbard!"
Elena, who was hiding under the eaves of the cathedral, drove her horse forward.
"Sir, it's me!"
Elena, who showed her face completely, shouted and waved. Did he see Elena like that?
Hurelbard, who was speeding, slowly slowed down by pulling the reins of the horse, and
approached Elena and bowed his head.
"Miss, why are you here?"
The pleasure of meeting again after a long time was brief, and Hurelbard felt that
something was wrong with Elena's dark expression.
"Sir, I don't have time for this right now. We need to save Count Lyndon before we go to the
House of Bastache."
"Where should I go?"
Hurelbard did not ask long. Elena's voice and face, which seemed urgent, explained many
things.
"West, Arc de Triomphe."
"I'll be right there."
Hurelbard, who turned his horse's head without hesitation, led the mercenaries to support
him. Elena turned around as they were so far away that she could not see their backs.
"Follow Sir."
"You mean me? No. I can't do that."
Bell soon shook his head and refused, even though he was in conflict with her unexpected
words. Although he was worried about the safety of the Sir and his fellow knights, his
mission was to protect Elena's safety. He couldn't neglect it.
"Now it's when we need even one person. I'll follow you, so go ahead."
"But..."
"It'll be a lot later if I use my riding skills. Go. Come on. Go and help."
Bell, who hesitated at Elena's urging, nodded as if he was determined, turned his horse's
head and left.
"Sir Hurelbard, please."
She's done everything she can. All that remains is to trust Hurelbard.
***
After leaving the Imperial Palace, Grand Duke Friedrich arrived with the knights and
arrived at the Bastache family. Like the head family of the emerging nobles, the capital
aristocracy was presumptuous enough to fold one number.
"They've been living quite big on the subject of a horseman."
Veronica staggered her lips. For generations, the farthest line survived for the direct line.
Although the independence of the Bastache family was allowed under the condition of the
Hundred Years Treaty, the Bastache Family had no choice but to look unfortunate.
"That's what they let go. See, have they left much for their master?"
"Oh, that's what I hear."
Veronica entered the house with a smile covering her mouth. The gate was also wide open
because most of the household vassals were purchased in advance. It was not comparable
to the Great House, but she saw the house when she crossed the garden and fountain,
which belongs to a fairly large side.
"Didn't you say you took over the family? Why isn't anyone here?"
Veronica's question was not answered by Grand Duke Friedrich. The vice commander and
knights bought by the Grand Duke were supposed to clean up the inside and greet Grand
Duke Friedrich with a seal.
But what's going on? Despite getting closer to the mansion, there was no ant cub in sight.
"Look over there."
"...!"
By the time they reached the mansion, there was a lot of strength in the eyes of Grand Duke
Friedrich and Veronica. The lamp outside the house lit up, illuminating everywhere.
Beyond the brightened view, 20 people were seen sitting with their knees boiling at the
entrance of the mansion with their hands and mouths covered.
"This is Sir Jean-Pelin, vice knight of the Bastache family. The one who should greet us is,
why..."
It was time to be embarrassed because there was a face that James, the 2nd Knights, knew
well among the overpowered men. A man in a mask walked out of the mansion. He stood
behind Pelin, the knight division commander, struggling while trapped, and drew the
sword on his waist.
"Crime, disloyalty."
The masked man who left unknown words wielded the sword as it was. The blade, which
was flashing under the light, struck Pelin's neck with a trajectory.
"Kol."
Pelin died with a scream of fluff. Those frightened by his death struggled. However, not
only the wrists but also the ankles were tightly locked, so that only the body fluttered and
could not resist.
"W-what are you doing!"
James, the 2nd Knight, was shocked. He said something was strange, but he didn't expect
Pelin to be killed this way. But that was just the beginning.
"Look over there!"
"H-he's the one!"
The masked man slashed the necks of nearly twenty people. It happened so quickly that
they didn't even have time to stop it. The masked man created twenty bodies in a blink of
an eye. Blood droplets flowing down his sword soaked the ground.
"Punishment, summary execution."
It was low and small, but everyone heard the voice that came out of the masked man's
mouth clearly for Grand Duke Friedrich.
"Who are you, you guy! Do you dare to do something like this and be safe?"
James, who noticed that those who were killed, were either bought by the Grand Duke, or
that it was the cause of the enslaved vassals or knights, scorned. If it wasn't for Grand Duke
Friedrich, he would jump out and cut the masked man's neck.
"Oh, there's another one."
The masked man turned his head and looked at Grand Duke Friedrich. The glaring eyes,
like an untamed wolf, immediately seemed to tear up the Grand Duke Friedrich.
"The sinners, Grand Duke Friedrich, Veronica, and the gang."
"..."
"Crime, treason."
Grand Duke Friedrich's eyes narrowed. It was the same with Veronica. It's because it was a
familiar voice as they kept listening to it.

"Likewise, the death penalty."

As soon as the words were finished, the masked man threw off his mask.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Red eyes and curly hair. The eyes full of unbroken rebelliousness. Like a wolf's tooth that
chews and bleeds its prey, a man who fits perfectly with a sword with blood.
"Ren Bastache."
Grand Duke Friedrich made a low voice. He didn't expect it either. He didn't expect his
nephew Ren, who was known to be missing and had a funeral, to appear in front of him
alive.
"Why are you... Didn't you die?"
Veronica seemed quite surprised. Ren, her cousin who thought she was dead, was alive. But
that was only for a short time, and the surprise soon turned into ridicule.
"You're so hopeless, aren't you? If you were alive, you'd have to live like a mouse. Why are
you showing up here? Are you wearing your head as decoration?"
Ren smiled and swept his bangs away at Veronica's sarcastic remarks. Something sharper
than an awl flashed in his bored eyes. Ren, who raised his head, stared at Veronica and
threw a word.
"You know what?"
"I don't want to know?"
"No, you need to know. How I feel. I want to dig out my eyes that I couldn't tell you apart
from a woman who was so good that you couldn't even keep up with her."
"What?"
When he was a student at the academy, there was a time when he believed Elena, whom he
first met as a substitute for Veronica, was Veronica. Ren wanted to cut out the memory. It
was disgusting to think that such a nasty and vulgar crazy bitch and Elena were the same
person.
"You're crazy, aren't you? You're going to die as a best man. How dare you compare me to a
girl who doesn't even have the basics?"
Veronica was not a fool enough to not understand Ren's figurative expression. It was
Veronica, who was caught up in an inferiority complex toward Elena and lost her sense of
self-interest. Meanwhile, Ren's insulting remarks hurt her nerves.
"You're the only one who doesn't know what the world knows. Why don't you grab anyone
in the capital and ask? Who doesn't have the basics."
"Shut up! Before I cut out your lips and cut off your ears."
"Try to do it if you can."
Ren laughed and shrugged his shoulders. Veronica's hand, which was holding the reins in
shame and insult, shook thin.
"You've been like that since you were a kid. You're a horseman's bloodline, but you're
trying to match mine. You've always been challenging. Bad luck."
"Was I?"
"Father."
Veronica drove out and stood next to Grand Duke Friedrich. At the same time, the hateful
look did not fall from Ren.
"Give me him. He's known that he's dead anyway, so it doesn't matter if I play with him and
kill him, right?"
"Sure."
Grand Duke Friedrich promised to do so. After receiving the Bastache family and changing
it, it doesn't matter that Ren is alive.
"As Veronica said. If you had kept your breath, you could have continued. You shouldn't
have stepped up to death."
"Hey, uncle. I'm an unfilial son? But I'm not a motherfucker enough to pretend to be
unaware of my father's death, so I can't just pass it over?"
Ren's whole body was full of life. He was so threatening that even if he jumped out right
away and put a sword in Grand Duke Friedrich's heart, there was nothing confusing about
it.
"What a tearful filial piety."
Grand Duke Friedrich m was surprised that Ren was alive and twice surprised he took over
the family and killed the knights and vassals who he bought in front of his eyes. Even so,
there was nothing different. He'd rather be glad. If he had been hiding for no reason, he
would have remained a source of trouble, but he showed up on his own.
"Go to hell and apologize to Spencer. Your rashness cuts the line."
"You're the one who's going to have to apologize. To death. I'm going to say hello to my
father with that neck up."
Ren growled low and gave a signal. Then, the knights waiting inside the mansion ran out
and roared. Originally, the size of the Knights was close to 30, but there are only about 15
left after dealing with the traitors who were bought into the Great House.
On the other hand, the number of the 1st and 2nd Knights led by Grand Duke Friedrich
seemed to be about a hundred. It was an overwhelming power difference. The expression
of hitting rocks with eggs was appropriate. Despite his inferiority, Ren was not
discouraged. Rather, his eyes glistened like a hungry predator. He was as fierce as he could
bite his neck right away.
"We don't have to take any more time. James."
Grand Duke Friedrich called James, the second knight commander, feeling that there was
no need to adjust to Ren's rhythm anymore. He, who had malice towards Ren, who killed
the vice-commissioned knight Pelin, who had difficulty in capturing him, stepped forward
and bowed his head.
"Organize."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
It was when James, who was ordered, stared at Ren as if he were going to kill him and
pulled out a sword.
"Your Highness, look over there!"
Grand Duke Friedrich and Veronica, who were confronting Ren at the cry of the knight in
charge of the rear, looked back. The sound of horses' hooves, which came with vibrations
ringing the ground, gradually grew louder, and a group of swordsmen popped out and
blocked the retreat.
"What are you jerks!"
With the advent of the mysterious armed group, Pelin, the first division commander, ran by
himself to secure the rear. It was a response with a sudden surprise that disrupted the
ranks.
Pelin's gaze, full of vigilance, scattered the enemies of the gate. Although they were wearing
clothes that commoners usually wear, the attitude and way of holding the sword gave the
impression that they were not ordinary people. It was also called the empire's best armed
group, and was not shaken even while confronting the knights of the Grand Duke. It was
said that they were also mentally trained.
At that time, a man on a white horse drove out from among the armed groups. Black hair
that seems to swallow even a pitch-black night. The deep, still eyes like the Great Sea made
them look at them without any hesitation. However, the heat hidden in the calmness was
hotter than lava.
"Crown Prince!"
Sian lifted his chin slightly and stared at Grand Duke Friedrich, who was confronting Ren.
The gaze made his presence known to Grand Duke Friedrich.
"Spread out!"
The Imperial Guard, which was concentrated under the command of Hwigin, widened the
gap. At the same time as blocking the rear, they spread wide and surrounded the enemy.
Grand Duke Friedrich twitched his cheeks as if he were dumbfounded. The number of
Imperial Guard units brought by Sian is about 50. Combined with the Knights of the
Bastache family led by Ren, there were fewer than seventy men. It was a pathetic choice
because it was reckless to build a siege network with only two-thirds of the power
compared to the Knights of the Grand Duke.
Grand Duke Friedrich turned his head toward Sian. Standing in the middle of Ren and Sian,
he crossed formal greetings.
"Greetings to Your Highness."
"Grand Duke."
Sian still kept his eyes on him. He felt a deep goal of emotion that words could not express.
"I was going to come and see you, but this saved me the trouble."
"..."
"Have you seen the mansion? Why didn't you tell me if you were curious about the Great
House? I was always willing to show you around."
A relaxed smile spread around the mouth of Grand Duke Friedrich. For him, the Great
House was just a place to stay. The real Grand Duke is where he is. Wherever he is, it may
be a wilderness, but that's the real Grand Duke.
"Ah, aren't you worried about Your Majesty's presence?"
Grand Duke Friedrich smiled significantly and provoked. Sian's silent lips widened little by
little.
"Your Majesty..."
Sian blurted out the words. He heard the news from Elena on the way to the House of
Bastache. Emperor Richard, who refused to escape, remained in the palace and was hit by
Grand Duke Friedrich. Sian knew better than anyone else what it meant.
Sacrifice. Richard chose death to serve as the foundation for Sian's new empire.
Sian clenched his teeth and swallowed tears. He decided that he would never waste his
father's death, and that he would live up to the results as valuable as the sacrifices he
received.
"What about Your Majesty? Do you want me to tell you for you? He's dead. He's covered in
blood. He's very ugly."
"Veronica."
Sian looked at her in an insult to the deceased. There was a whirlwind of anger rather than
a torrent under the calm eyes like a calm wave. Veronica said, flipping her hair behind her
ears, as if she wasn't interested in Sian, just before he exploded.
"Why did you do that? If you really held your breath by my side, Your Majesty wouldn't
have had a chance to look too bad."
"..."
"What can I do. You were so fascinated by an unfounded bitch that you couldn't even
discern. Personally, I personally liked you, but if that's the only thing you can see... You
should die. Can you do anything?"
Veronica's brutal smile showed no lingering feelings toward Sian. It was still vivid that he
insulted her while taking Elena's side at the salon. Veronica erased Sian from her mind
because of that incident. Before that, he was the man of the blood that would make her
stand out the most in the Empire, but not anymore.
"If it wasn't for L, I might be doing it like you said."
There was a strong possibility that if he did not meet Elena and had a change of thought, he
would have aged, wasting time to peek at opportunities without a promise.
'The incompetent and unsuccessful emperor on the pages of history.'
"She changed me. This is the result."
"To the very end."
Veronica's mouth corners were twisted. In the meantime, she felt like she wanted to peel
off his bones and flesh when she saw Sian who defended that woman.
"That's why you're dying. Miserably."
Further conversation was meaningless. As long as each other wanted each other's lives, one
side had no choice but to die.
"It's windy."
Grand Duke Friedrich looked up at the night sky. It was like this on that day 33 years ago.
The moonless night sky was calm and the wind that brushed the cheek was cold.
It was a great day to overturn the imperial family.
"Get rid of them."
As Grand Duke Friedrich's order fell again, Pelin, the first commander, ran to kill Sian and
James, the second commander of the division, ran to kill Ren.
"As of today, I will rewrite the history of the Empire. I'll take the lead. Follow."
Sian grabbed the sword with determined eyes and led the Imperial Guard to confront the
enemy.
"Come on, shall we play?"
Ren grinned as he fixed the sword with blood droplets. An angry beast was trying to run
wild.
 Shadow Queen (그림자 황비)

Arc de Triomphe, northwest of the capital.

It was the first new street to be established and designated as the capital after the empire
was founded. The Arc de Triomphe, which was erected to honor Vermont I, who unified the
city-states and became the first emperor, was also a cultural heritage symbolizing the long
history of the empire. However, such a triumphal arch was being stained with blood.
"I'm ashamed to see Your Highness."
The full face of Count Lyndon, who was wielding a sword without a moment to breathe,
was filled with despair. The plan to join Sian, who attacked the Grand Duke, and hit the
Grand Duke Friedrich had long been shattered. This is because he was unexpectedly
attacked while moving to the Bastache gate.
Count Lyndon grazed at the gray-haired old man standing far away. It was one of the four
great families, the Duke Whit of the Buckingham family. With a faint smile on his face, he
relaxed and watched the battlefield without even pulling out a sword. Surprise is also a
surprise, but there is no reason to step up because the number is nearly twice as different
compared to the Knights commanded by Count Lyndon.
"Hold on. If you die here, Your Highness will be in trouble. You have to cut and live!"
Count Lyndon encouraged knights and wielded a sword. Inspired by Count Lyndon's
courage, knights fought their enemies to death. However, there was a limit to surpassing
the overwhelming power with their spleen.
Still, is the Duke Buckingham a common family? There is a tradition worthy of the
reputation of the four great families, and it is a great family with a noble order of knights.
The obligation of individual knights was never low either. Even if Count Lyndon was angry,
the gap could not be narrowed. As time went by, Count Lyndon and the knights were
exhausted. Considering the surprise attack, he was more active than expected and cut
down his enemies, but it was also too much to turn the tide. Feeling that he had won, Duke
Whit slowly drove the horse forward.
"Long time no see, Count."
"Duke Whit."
Count Lyndon stared at him with a bloody look. For the past few years, he had been absent
from politics, but he could not figure out what kind of wind he was doing.
"Sure, I'll stay in the mansion. Why are you on the side of the imperial family?"
"Why did such a Duke claim to be a dog of the Grand Duke?"
Count Lyndon responded with evil. Despite his insulting remarks, Duke Whit stroked his
beard leisurely, rather than getting angry.
"Hoho, dog. I don't like the tone, but it's not wrong. It can be seen like that."
"..."
"Let me tell you one thing, Count. If U were in a boat between our family and the Grand
Duke, from before you were born, long before your grandfather's grandfather led the
family, would you believe it?"
"W-what?"
Count Lyndon had a big mouth. That means the two families have had a close relationship
for hundreds of years. When people change, the relationship between the families changes,
and they have joined hands for such a long time.
"That's all, Count. We've been the real owners of the Empire for a long time."
"..."
"That's enough to clear your curiosity. This must be the end of our relationship. Goodbye,
Count."
Duke Whit gestured. It was an order to see the end of the battle, which had been in a lull for
a while.
'Is it this far?'
He tried not to have negative thoughts, but the situation was too pessimistic. It was not
enough to change the trend, but to increase the number of companions in the underworld.
Count Lyndon clenched the sword hard. He can't give up here. He must somehow get rid of
these people and go to help Sian. Otherwise, there is a high possibility that the Sian will be
in danger. Be prepared for death and cut down on the enemy.
At that time, there was a loud sound of horses' hooves somewhere. With the growing sound
of horse hooves, a group of people were seen crossing the Arc de Triomphe. Count
Lyndon's face dimmed. Since he was already in a tight spot, he seemed to have to give up
his life if even the enemy's reinforcements came.
The man's horse in the lead has been running with a loud cry. It was time to slow down, but
somehow he'd been speeding up and breaking into power.
'H-he's?'
The eyes of Count Lyndon, who saw the face of the man gradually getting closer, was
strengthened. The day was ripe somehow, and it was the escort knight who guarded Elena
at the late-night masquerade meeting that followed Sian. It was nice to see him, but Count
Lyndon's stiff face did not unfold. Less than ten people were far from enough to turn the
situation around.
"H-hold on! Stop!"
Count Lyndon shouted urgently at Hurelbard, who did not slow down even though he was
in a desperate position. He didn't know what he was thinking, but Hurelbard ran toward
the enemy like a burning room alone. If they rush like this, they will enter the middle of the
enemy camp and die. But Hurelbard did not seem to stop. Like a stallion racing through the
plains, he shot past Count Lyndon and his knights and ran toward the enemy.
"Hoho. Are the reinforcements that come all the way to such a novice? The Count is also
very high."
Duke Whit touched his beard and clicked his tongue. He was ignorant of recklessness. It is
true that horseback riding was specialized in charge, but the troop gap was overwhelming.
Ordinary soldiers may not know, but skilled knights are not so clumsy as to be subjected to
such indiscriminate raids.
"You're gonna see all the crazies."
"Kill the horses first."
The knights didn't panic and blocked it head-on. As soon as the horse passed by, they were
going to step back from side to side and cut the legs of the horses that were almost
defenseless.
"You! Can't you hear me say stop!"
Count Lyndon shouted, but it didn't work. No, they were forced to be attacked by enemies
even if they stopped.
Hurelbard kicked the horse's hind with his reins in one hand and a sword in one hand. It
was an act of suicide, but there was no hesitation in the rushing face with a darker hair
than the green. The horse howled and spurred the ground with its hind feet and leaped into
the air.
"...!"
As soon as Hurelbard approached, the eyes of the knights who were waiting to cut the
horse widened. Hurelbard's stallion, which leaped high enough to surpass the head of an
adult male, was as extraordinary as a bird. It was so sudden that it was just good for the
eyes, but the knights could not respond.
The rich horse cut through the wind and narrowed the distance at once. The knights
opened their mouths wide. It was truly a phenomenal victory magic. Knights also train in
horseback riding, but that level of leaping is impossible if they do not treat horses as part of
their bodies.
Tadak, Tadak, Tadak. In the meantime, Hurelbard did not stop running. Ignoring the
embarrassed knights, he just looked ahead and drove his horse.
"Stop it! Don't let him close to the Duke!"
The Knight Commander, who belatedly noticed the unusual situation, used evil. Only then
did the knights come to their senses to defend Duke Whit.
Hurelbard measured the path with his eyes and let go of the reins. In a blink of an eye, he
showed his way up to the saddle and flew himself away. The horse's leaping power, with its
back as a support, made Hurelbard fly as elastic as a leopard. Beyond the knights who
blocked the front, Hurelbard, who was crossing over Duke Whit's head, turned his
crouching body and threw out a sword.
"Hyuk!"
Although it was in a situation where it was impossible to control the body, the tip of
Hurelbard's sword was surprisingly elaborately dividing the head from Duke Whit's
forehead.
"Duke!"
When the knights looked back, Duke Whit had already died with his eyes open. The knights
were half lost. It happened in a blink of an eye. Without any time to spare, the knights
suffered the worst disgrace of losing their master.
Hurelbard, who landed on the other side, looked down at Duke Whit, who became a
carcass.
"..."
Hurelbard's eyes were indifferent even after killing Duke Buckingham, Duke Whit, of the
four largest families that supported the empire, in a single stroke.
"I-Is that possible? Are you sure it's a man's prestige?"
Count Lyndon exclaimed with astonishment. Until the first time Hurelbard rushed, he tried
to stop him from being reckless. However, it was a useless concern. The horse riding skills,
athletic ability, and swordsmanship, which were excellent enough to transcend Count
Lyndon's common sense, were beyond his imagination. As soon as he arrived at the scene,
he realized that it was difficult to turn the situation upside down, and it was also surprising
that he was aiming for Duke Whit, the head of the enemy.
'Does he have two hearts?'
The knights surrounded Hurelbard with bloodshot eyes as if to eat him. They were
determined not to let him go, and they were determined to kill him, who killed their
master.
Hurelbard did not shrink even after he was surrounded by a tremendous amount of work.
For a long time, he was as deep-rooted and unshakable as the Arc de Triomphe, which
symbolized the capital.
For a while, the knights who were pressed by the momentum of Hurelbard hesitated for a
while to take revenge on their lord. That was instinct. Their hearts shouted for revenge, but
Hurelbard's overwhelming inaction stiffened their bodies.
"It's not the right time to be like this. We need to save him. Come on!"
Count Lyndon shouted urgently and moved the knights and mercenaries. He succeeded in
killing Duke Whit, and thus Hurelbard went deep into the enemies. Now that he has been
besieged by dozens of knights, Hurelbard has no means of holding out.
Hurelbard watched Count Lyndon heading this way to save himself. Everything is as
planned. He was able to tie many knights' feet by killing Duke Whit and settling in the
middle of the enemy's camp. It was tantamount to say that it could reduce the risk of being
concentrated on Count Lyndon. However, there was also a high risk of dealing with a large
number of knights alone.
However, Hurelbard did not consider his safety. He only thought of Elena's order to rescue
Count Lyndon. To do so, the most practical and sure way was to dig into the enemy's camp
and cut the head's throat.
Hurelbard shook off the blood on the sword and honed his prayers.
"Don't make my lady uncomfortable"
Elena will soon reach the battlefield. Hurelbard did not want Elena to see the battlefield
filled with blood if possible.
______________________________
(T/N: Wattpad said that there are "too many parts" to the story. So I created a separate
"part 2." It's on my profile.)