After the Astrid's return to the southern kingdom, Sebastian spent the following three months reforming the monarchy. It seemed that corruption within the Carlyle royal family had erupted as a result of the political factions' misuse of the kingdom's allocated budget for their personal benefit. The Carlyle's did this to keep the support of their political allies, but the people who lived in the south suffered all these years because the royal family didn't help them.

The level of poverty is so high, and most of the cities have been left empty because the Carlyle political allies took over the citizen's businesses and shut them down. The majority of citizens moved to the city, causing it to become so crowded and filthy. Sebastian was aware of these issues even before he assumed his father's position, which is why he formed a political faction to monitor and counteract the Carlyle's corruption. Following his accession, he intended to usurp the monarchy, unite the two kingdoms, and rule them as one.

If he wanted to seize it with his military force, he could have done it in a day, but he thought, "Where's the fun in that?" He planned to manipulate the Carlyle family and their political vassals to turn them against each other. Unfortunately, his plans were changed when Rachel entered his life, and he became so preoccupied with her that he lost interest in political games.

While he was married to Rachel, he promised to his vassals that he would ascend to the throne of the southern monarch after capturing the dark sorcerers. He hurried the overthrow plan because he wants to proclaim his wife as the empress of the empire so that she will remain by his side for a long time. Before they fell in love and remember their past, this was his plan.

He believed that his wife would assist him in ruling the empire fairly because she had a big heart for all people, regardless of their social status. Rachel will be a marvelous empress standing next to him.

Sebastian issued the decree to exile the Carlyle family to the western kingdom and ordered the execution of the political vassals involved in the corruption. The crown prince did not fight back and surrendered the throne to Sebastian peacefully since he knew he had no chance against his cousin and, after recalling the past, he felt repulsed by what he had done to his ex-fiancée.

Hugo prayed that in his next life, he would meet Rachel with a clean slate and be given the opportunity to atone for his sins; if fate permits, he will do the right thing and confess his feelings for her. In this life, his witch wife took away his happiness, but he will make sure not to meet her again in the next.

Sebastian assumed the monarchy following the conclusion of the peaceful exile, passed a decree that unified the two kingdoms, and was proclaimed Emperor of the Kratoryah empire. The citizens of the south and north are elated because they know the Guardian will protect them and strengthen their empire's economy.

Not long after the change of monarch is celebrated, the great news arrives that the Empress is pregnant with twins. People realized that the Guardian's curse had been lifted when she gave birth to twins. As it became evident that their empress was actually a descendent of the Light Goddess, their affection for her increased.

When Rachel told Sebastian that she is three months pregnant already, he was so happy that he jumped and screamed in joy. His dream that his wife would have his children has finally come true. He decided to plan her crowning ceremony before her belly grew bigger.

After his official meeting with his vassals, Rachel entered his office and handed him a copy of their contract marriage. She misses her husband these days, and because of her hormonal pregnancy, she continues to tease him so that he will allow her to eat more sweets. Her royal doctor and healer have already prohibited her from consuming excessive amounts of sweets to prevent issues during her pregnancy, as her core is still weak and has not entirely recovered.

"Sebastian, I believe a year has passed already. Should we renew the contract marriage?" Rachel made a joke, but her face revealed a serious expression.

Sebastian raised his brow and smirk.

"My sweet Duchess, the contract has changed. I decided to keep you here forever."

".........."

Rachel can't believe she got scammed by the Duke. Why did she believe of this scum in the first place?

"Your Majesty, this is not what we agreed. Please let's follow the terms of the contract."

She almost cried of desperation to convince him to follow their contract. Rachel covered her face with her fingers and spread them to see how her husband would react. As she did this, she saw that he was angry.

Sebastian walked up to her side, picked her up, and put her on top of his desk.

"You can't run away from me Rachel. Your soul belongs to me in this life and the next."

Rachel giggled and encircled her arms around his neck.

"Really, husband?"

"Hm. Since you've been very naughty and annoyed your husband, I have to teach you a lesson."

He then carried her to their chamber.

"Husband! We can't do it again! The doctor said to do it only twice a week." Rachel hit his chest and pouted her lips.

"Then I'll borrow one for next week, so we'll only have to do it one by that time."

"You're such a scum husband! You always deceived me. Hmp!"

As Sebastian coax her over and over again, she finally gave in.

The couple didn't get out of their room until the next day.

***

In the 1023rd year of the Kratoryah empire, Sebastian oversaw the coronation of the Empress. He wanted to put the crown on her head and declare her his Empress.

The coronation will take place at the palace of Astrid, and the neighboring kingdoms will be invited to watch the new Empress take her place. This is to demonstrate across the continent that the Emperor Guardian thought highly of his wife and that she deserves the same respect they showed him.

Rachel walks down the red carpet in her empress's dazzling gown. She looks so beautiful and ethereal that people gasp in admiration.

As she approached her husband, Rachel bowed, and Sebastian placed the crown on her head. Afterward, he uttered the words and said,

"I, Emperor Sebastian Nicholas Astrid, have in sincerity pledged myself to you, as so you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust. In this resolve, I your husband, the Emperor of this empire will support you. I shall share all my ideals and all my affection for you."

Rachel kissed his hand as a sign of her acceptance and respect to his authority. She then recited,

"I, Empress Rachel Lily Astrid, solemnly promise and swear to pledge my loyalty and devotion to you. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust. In this resolve, I your wife, the Empress of this empire will support you. I shall share all your burdens and all my affection for you."

"I therefore grant my wife, Rachel Lily Astrid the title of Empress," Sebastian commanded to the people and said, "You can all give your love and devotion to the mother of this empire."

After proclaiming her coronation, their subjects and neighboring princes paid homage to the newly crowned Empress. It was quite a spectacle to witness how the great Guardian, Emperor Sebastian Astrid treasured his wife.

***

Six months after ascending the throne, Rachel gave birth to a fraternal twin. Her children are born with the same ethereal beauty as herself and Sebastian. Except for her eyes, the girl resembles her mother down to the color of her hair. Her eyes are a brilliant shade of ruby, precisely like her father's. While the little boy's eyes are crystal blue, they resemble those of her mother. The girl is given the name Princess Regina Astrid, while the boy is given the name Prince Conrad Nicholas Astrid.

Their ruckus and laughter permeate the entire palace. It is well known that Princess Regina is spoiled by her Emperor father, whereas Conrad is so attached to her Empress mother.

On their third birthday, the twins requested an intimate picnic with only family members in attendance.

Their grandparents, the ducal house of Monchy, were also doting on the twins.

(Excerpt: Sebastian elevated the Monchy family to the rank of duke, while Luther inherited the Marquis title)

When the twins saw that their grandparents had arrived, they ran to greet them. The old couple happily embrace the twins and shower them with kisses.

"Grandfather, Conrad is too lazy to study his lesson. I kept reminding him to finish his homework, but he just ignores me."

Princess Regina pouted and complained to her grandfather, Duke Henry Monchy.

"Is that true, Prince Conrad?"

Duke Henry patted his grandson's head and smiled as he listened to the adorable children's never-ending banter.

"Grandfather, Regina is being too dramatic. She just wants me to study beside her. I do my homework on time. I have my own things to do, and I also like to be with my mother. I like learning from her and Suhin because they are so cool."

Conrad's eyes shine brightly just like her mother's.

Henry laughs and winks at Conrad. "Alright, this grandfather understands, but it's also nice to support your sister. Your mother would be happy if you could do that."

Since Conrad adores his mother too much, he agreed with his grandfather. While the twins are vying for the Duke's attention, Duchess Lily interrupted and messed up their hair.

"What about this grandmother, is there something you need to tell me too?"

Lily pretended to sulk while she giggles inwardly. They love these twins so much that they are willing to give their whole lives for them.

"Grandmother, do you know that Regina...."

"No, grandmother, Conrad is like a baby..."

Rachel smiled and leaned her back against Sebastian as she watched her parents and children play together.

"Husband, look at how you spoiled Regina. Whose fault is it that she always gets what she wants?" She pinches his arm and purses her lips.

"Look who is spoiling who. Isn't Conrad just like her? The child doesn't even want to separate from you. You can see that boy wanted you all to himself, and I have to compete with him to get your attention."

Sebastian scoffed as he wrapped his arms around her and bit her neck. Then he said something in her ear that made Rachel's face redden.

"Sebastian!"

A laugh from behind interrupted the couple from flirting in broad daylight.

Luther and Louie bowed down, along with their two sons. Then the two lads ran away from them and went to see their cousins and grandparents.

"Your Majesty, I beg your apology for my impudence, but it's still daylight."

Luther winks at his sister, as Sebastian mocks his audacity.

"Marquis, remember your position. Don't provoke me." Sebastian warned about crossing his line.

The sisters-in-laws laugh and shake their heads since they are accustomed to these two's hot and cold exchanges.

As Rachel stares upon her mortal family with such happiness, she raises her eyes to the heavens and prays,

'Thank you, heavenly mother.'

***

"Mother, Huwaaahhh...hic', hic'... Conrad told me that you originally come from the heavenly realm. Is that true? Are you planning to leave us and return to your family in that place?"

Princess Regina cried so hard and hugged her mother tightly. On her third birthday, she acquires a special ability and can see the dreams of her mother. In her dream, she saw her mother's childhood life in heaven. She told no one, not even her twin brother. She wanted to tell her father about her dreams, but she's afraid to upset him because she saw how much he loved the empress, her mother.

"Oh? Where did Conrad get that information?" Rachel patted her daughter's back as she coaxes her to stop crying.

"He said that he heard you talking about it with Grandma. Is it true, mother?"

Rachel wraps her arms around her daughter and wipes away her tears. After that, she kissed her eyes, nose, and cheek.

"Yes, it's true. Your mother's past life was in the heaven realm, and I reincarnated into the human form who is now your mother."

She pinches her nose to stop her from worrying.

Regina stopped crying and asked, "Then, you will stay with us forever?"

"Absolutely, my lovely daughter. I will stay here with you for as long as it takes." She then showered her with kisses and tickle her tummy.

"Mother ha ha ha ha, stop...it tickles!" Regina forgot about her worries and laughed heartily.

Conrad came out from behind the door and joined her mother and sister.

"Mother why are you only giving kisses and hugs to Regina, what about me?"

"Oh my! I forgot my baby boy is here. Come here and give your mother a warm hug."

Rachel opened her arms and Conrad hugged her tightly. She hugs and tickles her twins until they laugh so hard that they hurt their stomachs.

When Sebastian opened the door, he could see that his wife and kids were having fun. He joined them and held the twins in his arms while gently kissing his wife on the lips.

As their parents kissed in front of them, Conrad and Regina put their hands over their parent's lips to stop them.

Rachel and Sebastian simply exchange glances and laugh.