Patricia van Frentier was the daughter of a duke in the Lorelan Empire.
Her family had deep ties to the Imperial Family, and her grandmother had been a princess.
From a young age, it had already been decided that this noble daughter would become the Crown Princess by the age of five.
Though such education was harsh for a child so young, she took it all in stride without complaint.
She was a prodigy who had mastered everything—from the history of the Imperial Family to royal court etiquette, and even imperial governance studies, which were usually unnecessary for a Crown Princess.
Perhaps trusting her ability to foresee and navigate what lay ahead, by the time she was fourteen, the Emperor himself began seeking her opinions.
Patricia used her intellect generously to make the country a better place, spending her days with the simple hope that when she became Crown Princess and then Empress, she would create a nation where its people could smile even more than they did now.
But at that time, she never imagined that this very hope might one day backfire.
Sunlight filtered softly through the trees outside the window, and a gentle breeze caressed her cheek.
Birds chirped, announcing the arrival of morning.
Five minutes before the servants came to wake her, Patricia had already opened her eyes.
She shook her long, glossy black hair lightly and smoothed it with her fingers.
Then, with her violet eyes, she checked her reflection in the mirror.
“…Alright.”
Another day was about to begin.
“Good morning, milady. It is time to wake up.”
“Good morning, Emma.”
Emma, the daughter of Patricia’s wet nurse, entered the room with several maids.
Patricia smiled at the familiar face and sat down before her dressing table.
“Lady Drake will be visiting this morning. Prepare to entertain her. And in the afternoon, we will go to the Imperial Palace, so get ready for that as well.”
“Yes, understood.”
Since Lady Drake was known as a shining flower of the Society, Patricia could not afford to appear careless.
Her dress would not be too flashy, nor would it be neglectful—she chose calm-colored accessories and a pale blue dress.
After a simple breakfast, she went to meet her guest, where she found a graceful lady sipping tea.
The woman’s hair, a deep and beautiful wine red, was styled in elegant curls.
She was indispensable in the current social circle.
Such a woman gave the younger Patricia her highest respect.
“Long time no see, Lady Patricia.”
“Long time no see, Lady Drake. Thank you for coming.”
“Oh, no one ever turns down an invitation from Lady Patricia.”
They sat facing each other on the sofa, each taking a sip of tea.
The scent of roses wafted softly, letting Patricia breathe a sigh of relief.
“I apologize for bringing this up so soon, but I have a favor to ask.”
“Is it related to the Society, since it comes from you?”
“As always, you’re quick to understand. That helps.”
Lady Drake, who enchanted men and was envied by women, was the perfect person to ask this favor of.
Placing her teacup on its saucer, Patricia straightened her posture.
“You know that the Crown Prince is advocating the abolition of the slave system, right? After that, I plan to take in the children who were slaves into the orphanage. I want to ask Lady Drake for your support with this.”
“…I see. I understand, but why me?”
The Lorelan Empire was a splendid country, but behind the conversations of its people, there were those who silently suffered and wept.
They were the slaves of this land—those defeated in past wars, almost deprived of any rights.
“Because you are the person admired by everyone.”
To save them, basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter were essential, but the government was currently unable to provide that.
Not because of financial issues.
The nobility who held power in this country opposed it.
They had long resisted even freeing the slaves, so supporting them was unthinkable.
“The nobility won’t approve of government support for the slaves.”
“Exactly. Then what do you intend to do? You don’t expect the nobles to suddenly change their minds just because I support it, do you?”
“That’s precisely what I mean. There’s a saying: ‘Look at things from a different angle.’ What do the nobles value most?”
“…Honor and pride.”
“Then we just have to use that.”
Lady Drake was silent for a few seconds, but the sharp-minded woman immediately grasped the implication and opened a fan made of pure white feathers.
“I see. Understood….But surely it doesn’t have to be me. Lady Patricia, you have that talent yourself.”
That was something Patricia had indeed considered.
Her influence in the Society would certainly have an effect.
“I can’t do it. If I were to do it myself, it would feel like a duty.”
“――Indeed. It seems I am the right person.”
She was a friend who understood without explanation.
Though slightly older, Patricia felt she could truly trust her.
It was precisely because she was this kind of person that she could entrust her with this.
She exhaled in relief.
“Thank you. I will repay you someday, without fail.”
“No need. You’ll handle this well—as expected of Lady Patricia. Besides, it’s good to have a favor saved up with the future Empress.”
Patricia couldn’t help but smile wryly at Lady Drake’s words, but it seemed she let it slide.
“…”
The future Empress.
That was Patricia’s fixed future, something she believed could never be overturned.
Having grown up together since childhood, both walking hand in hand for the good of the country—it could not be otherwise.
Even if there was now an invisible wall between them.
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