Like that, I had to memorize the names and family relationships of the nobles currently residing in the capital. In the case of officials, their official statements — if not, I had to memorize all the details of the business.

I could not help but feel like I was going crazy.

'...No, why are there so many nobles staying here now?'

My head was throbbing.

After drinking all the mint-infused beverages, I began to stare at the letters. Meanwhile, Duchess Nerma gently fanned my face and said, "There are a lot of people left in the capital this year who were originally going to go down to look after their own territory after the festival."

"Why must—"

"Why do you think so?"

My teacher's cheeks turned red again. It makes me a little scared when she does this now...

"It's because this year is special."

"What's special?"

At my question, Duchess Nerma just peered at me and smiled. I immediately touched my forehead and answered.

"It's me..."

"That's the correct answer. You're a clever person."

The words on her lips were not very welcome.

These idiots...

Everyone, go home... Please.

"Look at the Baron Chevro. First of all, look at why Baron Chevro's important in the current Actilus. And, below that is there is 'Ariana Chevro,' right?"

I nodded my head at her question.

"She's just eighteen years old this year, so it's time to get married. I pointed out three influential families who are believed to send her a marriage proposal. After reading all about the family's clauses, what kind of power changes will be made when each family and Baron Chevro become united. And, what'll happen, should you keep them in check and support..."

After explaining her question, Duchess Nerma put her hands together slightly and finished her words.

"You can sum it up in fifteen minutes and tell me. Can you do it? Since Your Majesty's clever."

A groan escaped my mouth.

...I want the clever Angelica inside me to lend her power.

ﾟ· : * ✧ * :· ﾟ

Duchess Nerma's pressure quiz lasted two hours.

Even if I somehow solved the problem of her power structure, the problem of her family's history followed. In a cold sweat, I somehow managed to solve all of her problems. Although there were not many parts that were answered poorly, she was somehow satisfied.

After leaving all the ladies to get off work, somehow, my body felt warm.

'I think I am getting a little fever...'

I feel like my body is swollen.

Earlier, I kept eating dried plums because I was using my brain too much and I had to keep eating something. In addition, even before she left work, Duchess Nerma also lent me her husband's notebook. It was because she gave out a huge homework assignment as a bonus in which I had to dig through the notebook to solve it

'I will not do it! I am going to rest...!'

Could the Duchess scold me for not studying...?

I am the Empress!

I rebelled inwardly as I put the notebook on the table and slid into bed with only my negligee on. However, just before I called a maid and ordered them to turn off the lights, somehow, the note I had left on the table caught my eye.

...Should I read it just once?

To throw away the task I had to do and go to sleep like this, I looked like a useless coward. It was not as life-threatening as it was when we practiced hunting, but... It would be very shameful if I showed an unsightly appearance in society because I did not understand everything.

Eventually, I sighed and pulled up the covers. I returned to the bed with the notebook on the table and sat down with a pillow on my back.

"Haaah..."

I sighed openly and began to open my eyes to look at the parts marked with colored paper one by one. While I was pounding my head like that, the notebook suddenly disappeared from my hand.

...It was not like magic, someone took it.

Of course, it was apparent who that 'who' would be...

'Yes. It is a familiar thing now that His Majesty barges into my room without a word or a knock that says he is coming...'

So, I was not even surprised.

Meanwhile, Raniero naturally laid on my thigh. He flicked through the information written in Duke Nerma's wonderful handwriting notebook without sincerity.

"You're doing a boring job."

...And, as always, a direct and rude sentiment.

Haha—I laughed slightly while lying on the bed awkwardly.

"That's true."

...I wish I could only do fun things like Your Majesty, too.

Lying on my lap, Raniero flipped through a few pages of notes and opened his mouth again, "I don't know who gave it to you, though they're making you do useless things."

At that, he threw away the careful note.

"It, it's useless?"

What if I could not memorize all of those things and I am considered an idiot in the social circle in July...?

I could hear Raniero laughing near my knee.

He lifted his arm and raised my chin up, and continued.

"Yes, it's useless. In a place like that, all you have to do is raise your chin like this while smiling arrogantly and say, 'I don't know you. I have no intention of knowing. But I'll hear what your name is'."

It was a sweet and powerful voice.

My lips quivered.

"Where's the need to go down to them? It's not your duty to study and explain things like that. It's their responsibility."

He stroked my trembling lips with his thumb. The next moment, he rose up so easily and he came close to my face and placed his hand next to my thigh.

Raniero laughed softly.

​​

"You just reign. Aren't you my wife and the Empress?"