"How long do I have to put up with Howard?!"

Blake was enraged.

Malicious rumors about Ancia were spreading. However, there was nothing he could do even though he knew who the culprit was.

Blake wanted to kill Howard right away, but Tenstheon dissuaded him.

"It's not the right time yet."

"How long do you want me to wait?"

Blake was willing to do anything for Ancia.

Just like how she protected him in the past, he wanted to protect Ancia this time.

He wanted her to live in happiness every day. He hoped that she wouldn't have any worries.

The Kensway family ruled the church for a thousand years.

In the Asteric Empire, the Kensway family was like the church's mascot. Many believed and followed them like they were gods.

Evidence of spreading malicious rumors about Ancia and Chang was found in the church, but they couldn't act with this alone.

Even if he made them go to trial if they claimed that they were just telling the truth and all the rumors were true, then he would be the one to suffer.

In that case, people would think that Ancia, the demon, had blurred the eyes and ears of the emperor and the crown prince to get rid of the Kensway family, who protected the goddess.

Until now, people only gossiped about the rumors, but if Howard was caught, it was highly likely that every vile rumor he created would rise above the surface.

"They're a very strong pillar. If we mess with them hastily, it will backfire. We have to do it right at once."

He only had one chance. Once Kensway is ready to bring out all the rumors, he will act then.

Words are tougher than swords. If he messed up and made a mistake, he would be unable to control the outcome.

If it goes wrong, even after the collapse of the Kensway family and its lineage, rumors that Ancia is a demon might survive and inconvenience her.

"Okay."

Blake was also aware of that so he tried to suppress his anger.

"But when it's time, leave it to me to dispose of them."

"Of course. Let the whole empire know what happens when they touch our Ancia."

"Yes, I will make them regret being born."

Tenstheon and Blake's voice were cold.

At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

"Enter."

The servant froze when he entered because of the chilly aura inside the office.

These two scary people were always inside the office, but today's atmosphere was especially frightening.

"What's going on?"

"Her Highness is here."

The servant replied with a hasty bow.

***

"Your Highness can enter now."

I entered the office with the servant's permission.

"Father, Blake, I'm here."

"Wife."

Blake quickly got up from the sofa and approached me.

"Come on in."

Tenstheon welcomed me with a gentle smile.

"Am I interrupting you two?"

It seemed that the two were sitting together on the sofa and talking until I came.

"No, we were just taking a break."

"That's right, we were only having a light chat."

I can't believe the two of them would sit face to face and chat.

I think they're slowly getting along because they've been together a lot for the crown prince's lessons.

"What did you talk about?"

"I heard you grew the seeds you received from Eunhan."

"Yes, I planted it with Blake. I also made tea today."

"I can't wait to drink it."

"Let's go out and eat then."

I smiled brightly.

We eat our meals together once a day.

In the past, Blake couldn't go outside so we only spent time at the Amoria Palace even when the three of us were gathered together.

"Don't mind me, Blake. Eat a lot."

"I'm eating a lot and it's better to see my wife eat."

Blake flashed a beautiful smile. Tenstheon persuaded him too.

"Yes, eat a lot. You're still too thin."

"I eat a lot."

"That won't do."

We were anxious because we couldn't convince Blake.

"Don't you two have anything to say to me?"

"Huh?"

"What do you mean?"

"The rumors about me and the Chang Empire."

The two could not hide their surprise when I said that.

"Ancia..."

"A-About that..."

"Don't try to hide it. I already know everything."

"...I'm sorry."

"It's just a piece of crap that isn't worth reaching your ears. I thought I'd let you know after I've dealt with everything..."

They were so apologetic that they didn't know what else to say. They looked more surprised than Collin was.

"You don't have to be sorry. You did it all for me."

I was also careful not to let nasty rumors about Blake reach his ears, so I understood why they did it.

Blake suddenly stood up from his seat.

"Blake...?"

"I'll go and wipe them out right away."

Blake's expression was very determined.

I grabbed him in surprise.

"N-No! Don't do that! I didn't mean it like that."

Our opponent has a lot of followers. It's necessary to move more cautiously than when we handled the Duke of Cassil.

It was a matter of the imperial family, but it was also connected to the church.

I made Blake sit and spoke to the two of them.

"I know you were only worried about me, but I hope you won't do this again next time. I'm not that weak and we're a family. If someone has a problem, we should solve it together."

"I'm sorry, I won't do that again."

Blake held my hand tightly.

"I will tell you everything from now on. I would never hide anything from you."

Tenstheon looked at me in the eyes as he said that.

They told me everything they knew about the rumors. Fortunately, there seemed to be no movement other than spreading rumors.

"That's a little weird. Those rumors will lose their influence once the trade begins."

They're false rumors anyway.

When trade with Chang begins, various items such as pottery and silk from the East will come in. The price of spices such as pepper would also drop significantly.

The rumors may lead the people to doubt the goods in the beginning, but it won't last long.

People are vulnerable to their interests.

The price of pepper, which was expensive enough to match the price of gold, is dropping. Will there be anyone who would rather believe the rumors and reject the price drop?

People will eventually accept the goods and their perspective on the trade will change positively.

"We looked into it because it was suspicious, but there was no particular movement."

Blake said.

"He either tried to attract public attention with those rumors, or he's secretly planning for something bigger."

"The high priest will arrive here soon. He will bring evidence of the Kensway family's misdeeds, so let's wait a bit longer."

"Yes, Father."

I nodded just as Collin entered the dining room.

"Your Majesty, the trading ship that left for Chang Empire is back."

"What?"

Tenstheon's brows narrowed, while Blake and my expression stiffened.

The trading ship should have reached the Chang Empire by now. Even if it arrived in Chang earlier than expected, it could not have returned to Asteric Empire this soon.

There must be something wrong.

Collin's pale complexion expressed that it was a serious situation.

"What's wrong with it?"

"There's an outbreak of Tancinol on the trading ship."

"Tancinol?"

I exclaimed in surprise.

Tancinol was a disease that Phillip created by using the power of the goddess in the past.

As a result, the Zelcan Empire fell and I lost Rakshul. It was the cause of the Roums' persecution.

Recalling the past a thousand years ago, I held Blake's hand without realizing it.

"It's alright, don't worry."

Perhaps he thought I was scared of the Tancinol, Blake held my hand and reassured me.

His warm hand calmed me a little.