The three elders were at a loss for words, staring at me like I have grown another head. Ezekiel was slightly smirking as he slowly shook his head.

The Emperor with the most inexpressive face I have seen in my whole life leaned back on his throne.

'I wonder if His Majesty knows how to laugh? I am incredibly curious...'

"2 weeks would set the empire into disarray. But I can give you a week," he offered.

'That is much better than I had thought of...'

"I thank His Imperial Majesty for his benevolence," I remarked and gave a curtsy for the second time.

"Leon, you are given a one-week leave. You are not to get involved with anything relating to politics within that allotted time. You are not to work at home either," he declared and then turned to me in a query, "Is that what you want?"

.

My brows raised in astonishment for a moment before I slightly nodded, "Yes, your majesty."

"Then it is settled," he announced.

'Ooohh~ This is quite exhilarating!'

I was enjoying the whole thing that I had forgotten my slight fright with the Emperor. He doesn't look as strict and overbearing as he looks. This whole thing was quite refreshing, actually...

Hmm... And it seems that it is finally over too. That was quick!

"Nadia, why don't you join me for a cup of tea?" the Empress suddenly implied.

I was a little stunned, of course. It's not every day that a person of a higher power would invite me out.

'A tea with the Empress? Hell yeah! Who gets to drink tea with the royals just like that?'

A smile painted on my lips, "If Her Majesty insists."

The Empress was quite pleased from hearing it. She then stood up from her side of the throne, with, surprisingly, the help of the Emperor.

'That's kind of cute...'

"Come with me to the garden. I heard you like flowers," she mentioned and glanced at the rest, "Let us leave these men to their talks," she remarked and with a warm smile, beckoned me.

Nadia walked side by side with the Empress as they walked out of the main hall. They were then joined by Nathan and Eon who acted as their escorts and made their way to the palace garden.

The dukes and the marquis that were left there with Ezekiel were all mystified. They had watched them disappear from their sight, and when they were out of range, the two dukes looked at the Marquis.

"Leon, you have such a... what is the correct word?" Duke Reichen uttered and scratched his chin.

"Unique?" Duke Ethalion answered.

The former narrowed his eyes slightly, "Not quite so, but she really is unique," he then turned to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, what do you think?"

The Emperor tilted his head, "She is different? That is strange. I remember her the same as before when she first stepped into the palace," was his reply to their queries.

"Is she?" Ezekiel muttered with a look of wonder on his face.

But he remembered her as an annoying little brat who always chases him around, she had changed though, greatly.

Duke Ethalion suddenly clicked his tongue, "I have forgotten to thank her for saving my daughter."

"You can do that later before they go back," Duke Reichen remarked.

The emperor gazed at the still silent Marquis.

"If you need to finish something for today, then you do it. You can take tomorrow and the next few days off," he declared and nodded at him.

"But..." the Marquis began to protest before he was silenced by him.

"That is her wish," Emperor Kael stated, not giving more room for argument.

The Marquis sealed his mouth and heaved a sigh, "Yes, your majesty."

----------------------------------****

We were in a garden which was filled with different flowers, obviously. There were tulips, azaleas, and roses in different varieties. The field was also clean-cut and it looks absolutely beautiful. This might be the most beautiful garden that I have ever seen. Not that our garden at home isn't my favorite, it's just, this was lovelier.

'It's the palace...'

"How have you been? I have heard of your sickness. It is great that you are well," the Empress voiced out with a look of warmth in her eyes.

"I am perfectly fine! thank you for your concern, Your Majesty," I answered in my most humble voice.

The Empress put down her cup, "Oh, just call me auntie. Like before."

'Huh? Did Nadia call her like that in the past?'

Wait, do they know each other? I am confused, but oh well...

"Auntie..." I uttered which was surprisingly easy.

'That actually came out so well. I thought it would be awkward but it wasn't.'

The Empress then gazed at the field, "You used to come to the palace when you were little, and you and your mom would accompany me for tea," she then mentioned.

I smiled as a response because I have no idea what to tell her. I have no memories of those days but I feel the nostalgia just from sitting here with her. It must be true then, Nadia had known the Empress even before. Did she meet Ezekiel here as well? More importantly, did she meet Janus here before?

Ah but, mentioning my mom, I mean this body's mom. I tend to get confused with my identity these days...

Yeah, but when she mentioned my mom, I suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of longing.

"I miss her..." I blurted out of the blue.

Strangely, I felt like I truly meant what I said. This body must have been really distraught when the marchioness died, maybe that's why she became like that. She was very young when it happened, and losing one's parents at that age might have put a void in her heart. Despite my pity for her, I still hate what she did.

'She still is a venomous woman, through and through. There is no excuse...'

"You would visit the palace again, wouldn't you? I have been missing a company these past few years," the Empress noted and looked at me expectantly.

Who am I to decline a royal's wish? Moreover, I was kind of enjoying spending my time with her anyway. I truly feel like I have known her that deeply.

"I will, auntie."