From the moment Della had taken her first step, Wellen’s younger sister had been obsessed with Kael and boldly declared that she would be the crown princess. For generation after generation, the household of Marquis Charis had always been of high repute in the empire, with a lineage that had produced many past empresses. As such, there was a time where marriage talks between the two had been seriously considered. It was only because of Kael’s firm refusal that an arrangement was never settled.

“Could you marry my sister, Danielle?”

The imperial couple had been blessed with two sons and two daughters, with Kael, the eldest son, as their second child. His elder sister had married the archduke a few years ago, and he had a younger brother and sister beneath him.

After picturing the youngest princess, Danielle, Wellen replied, “How could I marry the princess who I think of like a younger sister…”

“Your sister and mine are both just sixteen-year-old girls.”

“Women marry around 18 years of age, so they aren’t that young.”

“Did Della leave a threatening letter or something? You’re all for it today,” Kael grumbled, as his eyes filled with dissatisfaction widened.

Wellen pouted and timidly pushed the empress’s letter in front of Kael again as he retorted, “I think it’d be more apt to say I’m someone who is being overwhelmed by a great power, rather than a brother being tormented by his younger sister.”

In a huff, Kael fiercely grabbed the letter from Wellen, crumpled it up, and tossed it aside. “Even if it’s you, I refuse to allow any further meddling in this matter. How about you give me that now?”

“Oh, fine. Here it is.” Wellen reflected on how their close relationship was precisely why he needed to meddle with Kael’s life, but instead he swallowed a sigh and handed over the scroll he’d brought.

Kael immediately unfurled the scroll—a checklist of the tribute offerings—and began to read its contents. Irene’s name was the first item on the list. Kael could hardly believe that he was seeing a person’s name listed as the first item under the title of ‘Tribute items.’ In the blink of an eye, a great commander had been reduced to an item. Although it was an unavoidable result of the kingdom’s loss, Kael couldn’t help but sympathize with Irene’s unfortunate fate.

Unable to fight the urge to roll his eyes, Kael lifted up his face, which was practically touching the scroll, and gazed out the window. Feigning a nonchalant tone, he said, “Hmm… Who’s this?”

“Who’re you referring to?”

“Here.” Kael gently placed his finger on the first item on the list, as if afraid the scroll would be worn down if he touched it carelessly.

“Oh, you’re speaking of Irene M. Voltern. She refused admission to the academy, even though we offered to arrange for a professorship if she disliked being a student, and chose to stay in Atrichen instead.”

“So, you’re saying that she even rejected an offer to be a professor?” Kael asked, as he leaned back and crossed his arms.

“According to the person who dealt with her, she seemed totally despondent—as if the world was over.”

Kael’s thoughts turned to Irene and their encounter at the wall not long ago. The impression she’d left on him was unforgettable. She looked virtuous, but also as fragile as glass. “I heard that all but a few families, including the family of Voltern, were utterly corrupt. Foolish scumbags,” he said scornfully.

“If it were me, I would’ve never given her up,” Wellen agreed. “Still, since she could be considered a legitimate threat from our perspective, it’s best that she’s under the Empire’s control…”

As he thought of Irene, Kael lifted a hand to rub his chin and confusion clouded his green eyes. After a pause, he said, “I want her. My heart keeps wanting her.”

“That’s feasible. She would be a welcome talent for the Empire.”

“I want to see her.”

“Also a simple matter. I will have them make the arrangements.”