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[This is the last time I will clean up your mistakes. If you commit such an act again, I will never forgive you, so be careful in the future.]
She had been somewhat prepared, but the Empress's reaction was far more resolute and cold than expected.
However, Rosia, well aware of her fearsomeness, considered it fortunate that it ended at this level.
If the Empress had truly intended to abandon her, she would not have left such a stern warning.
Although losing her trust was painful, the assurance that she would not be reprimanded by everyone for this incident finally relieved her.
Rosia bit her lip and pondered.
'Things have become bigger than I thought.'
Ayla's last gaze as she returned with the knights still haunted her mind.
Deep, chilling eyes that seemed to see through to her very core.
If the fact that she had used Forbidden Magic was revealed in this situation, Ayla would not stand idly by.
Now, she was the owner of the Black Dragon, the lover of Felix Argenta, and a close friend of Princess Peony.
If evidence emerged that she had tried to kill her, Ayla would undoubtedly mobilize all her connections and power to bring her down.
'If that happens, I'm finished.'
The moment her usefulness disappeared, she would lose everything.
The position and role she currently held were all created by the Empress.
Moreover, the Empress was a person who always kept her word. The statement that this was her last chance was likely sincere.
Therefore, Rosia suppressed her humiliation and resolved to remain as quiet as possible, following the Empress's warning for the time being.
'It's frustrating, but I can't help it. I mustn't give Ayla any excuse with this incident.'
Rosia thought so and tried to calm her trembling heart.
Frankly, it was the first time she felt so cornered.
Until now, she had believed that Ayla had been able to escape her traps repeatedly because she had underestimated her.
But the current Ayla was different.
Looking at her, she could only feel fear and astonishment.
'When did she become so strong?'
Even for the daughter of the Blanche Noble house, this was an extraordinary rate of growth.
Moreover, Ayla's meaningful glances, since some point, made Rosia even more anxious.
Rosia placed her hand on her anxiously beating heart and took a small, deep breath.
'But my usefulness isn't over yet. If I lie low, there will surely be an opportunity to retaliate someday.'
At first, she had despaired, thinking she had been truly abandoned after seeing Prince Darian's reaction.
However, looking back now, it seemed to be merely the Prince's independent judgment. If so, she still had a chance.
Rosia decided to quietly build her strength in preparation for that day.
"Mother, what are you saying? You want me to drop the Subjugation Contest case?"
Darian stared at Empress Eliza with a bewildered expression. However, there was no agitation on her face.
'To come suddenly and say something like this.'
Just moments ago, he had been instructing his subordinates to investigate the truth about the incident.
But the Empress had suddenly burst into his office, blocking his orders and stopping his men.
Darian was perplexed by the current situation, as she had never interfered in his work in this way before.
"That matter is not something for you to be involved in, Darian."
The Empress replied briefly, looking around with a sharp gaze. Then, the subordinates, sensing the atmosphere, hurriedly left the room.
Darian frowned, seemingly displeased by the sight of his subordinates leaving without his command.
Come to think of it, his subordinates always prioritized his mother's orders over his own.
"I don't understand what you mean."
"I don't understand why a smart child like you is clinging to such a trivial matter."
"Trivial matter?"
Darian frowned.
"This incident clearly shows that someone was controlling the Monsters. It's not something to be taken lightly..."
"So? Were there any casualties? The victims are just a few students attending the academy."
The Empress cut him off coldly, leaving Darian momentarily speechless.
Empress Eliza continued, addressing her son in a softer tone.
"Darian, of course, you may not understand my words right now. But you have a much more important task than this, don't you? I hope you realize your priorities."
"Mother..."
"Think about it, Darian. We are not in a safe situation right now. Unlike you, Adolf and Peony have strong Dragon's Blood."
The Empress's tone was gentle, but the meaning behind it was extremely cold.
"Of course, even if you become Emperor, you wouldn't try to eliminate your siblings. But can you be sure that Peony and Adolf feel the same way as you?"
Darian remained silent with his mouth firmly shut. Eliza looked at her son with a pitiful expression.
"It pains me to say these things to you. But you have to face reality. Now is the time to focus on building your power, rather than wasting your energy on trivial matters."
Having said that, the Empress approached her stiff son. And she stroked his cheek gently, continuing.
"Don't worry too much. The Magic Tower has decided to take over the case. If this commotion is related to Magic, as you said, the Magic Tower is more suitable than you."
"......"
"His Majesty has also approved it, so you don't need to worry about it anymore, understand?"
The Empress looked at Darian as if urging him to answer. But he remained silent.
Of course, there was some truth in his mother's words.
If the Emperor had decided to entrust this matter to someone else, he would no longer have any justification to be involved.
Moreover, it seemed more reasonable on the surface for the Magic Tower to conduct the investigation.
So, rather than rebelling and going against his mother's words, it might be better to act like a good son, as always.
But...
"So I beg you, Prince. Please reveal the truth of this matter."
Ayla's appearance, pleading with him, kept lingering in his mind, making it difficult for him to make a decision easily.
Darian lowered his gaze and pondered.
"......"
The Empress looked at her son with a puzzled expression.
'Why is that child acting like this?'
Her son, who usually followed her words without a hint of doubt, was not readily nodding this time.
He was even making such a dissatisfied expression.
Sensing something strange, the Empress changed the subject in a gentle voice again.
"By the way, did you find any promising individuals at this Subjugation Contest? I heard that a student named Ayla was particularly active. I'm curious if you've gotten closer to her on this occasion."
Darian's expression visibly hardened at those words. Soon, he let out a hollow laugh.
As she said, Ayla possessed remarkable Magic skills that anyone could see, and she was even the owner of the Black Dragon.
But it was strange that she was telling him to stop the investigation while he was trying to gain the trust of such Ayla.
"Are you saying that while knowing that Ayla is a victim of this incident?"
The Empress's face was taken aback by Darian's sharp remark.
"Wasn't it because of you that I attended this Subjugation Contest in the first place? You even forced me to cancel my scheduled events. But now that an accident has occurred, you're telling me to drop it, so honestly... I don't understand."
"Darian?"
"Of course, I know that I have no choice but to follow His Majesty's orders. But since you keep saying things that don't make sense, it's hard for me to understand."
"......"
"You told me to win people's hearts, but when they are in danger, you tell me to turn a blind eye."
Darian finished speaking coldly and left the office without waiting for a reply.
The Empress stared blankly at the door he had left through.
Her eyes trembled slightly at her son's rebellion, which she had never experienced before.
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