Chapter: 501
But her hopes were shattered in vain.
Now, like it or not, she had no choice but to live here to protect Theor.
As Astelle was standing still and having such thoughts, someone looked at her and approached.
He was a skinny, middle-aged man.
“Um, Lady Astelle. Long time no see. I am Viscount Bürgen, Minister of Home Affairs.”
This wasn’t the first time she had heard the name.
He was a man who was a middle-ranking official even when Astelle lived as a Crown Princess.
Astelle remembers he was also quite close with the Reston family.
‘It seems that the great nobles who have fallen have now risen to the rank of minister.’
“Yes, long time no see. I heard that you were busy renovating the Empress’s Palace. I bet you’ll be busy preparing for a national wedding as well.”
The Minister of Home Affairs was happy when Astelle recognized his effort and continued the conversation.
“Yes, that’s right. I’m preparing for the wedding without any hiccups, so you don’t have to worry about it. I would like to congratulate you in advance because you will soon become the Empress—”
Astelle cut off his words in a polite but cold manner.
“I just brought the prince at the orders of His Majesty. The congratulations will be accepted after the wedding.”
She didn’t want to receive congratulations from the minister already because she hadn’t become the empress yet.
In particular, she had no desire to build friendships with people who move around like migratory birds according to the power landscape.
“Yes, that’s right. Then I will greet you again later.”
The Minister of Home Affairs said goodbye to Astelle with a disappointed expression. Then Astelle went to the temple terrace to avoid people.
She took a moment to breathe in the fresh air, admiring the garden in front of the terrace.
It was tiring to go to the temple immediately after moving into the imperial palace and to be a spectacle for people.
She needs time to cool her head, even for a moment.
“It’s nice to greet you here again, Lady Astelle.”
She turned around and saw a familiar person.
It was Seibel’s father, Count Ecklen.
“I’m seeing you at the temple again, Count.”