yes?


    If you cant control a fleeting desire, youll end up like the Emperor.


    The Empress murmured without hesitation.


    .That makes me wonder, how does the Empress view the Emperor?


    Maybe the Emperor ranks lower than a beast?


    The Empress gave me a kind reminder.


    Furthermore, if theres anything that makes you ufortable, just say so.


    Its okay. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.


    Yes. However, Lize, you arent nervous?


    Im nervousbut I can pull through, I have to do well, I answered, strengthening my shoulders.


    Itll be fine. I memorized everything about the harvest festival.


    Candidates, it turns out, dont y a big role.


    I wont have to do too much. I only have to help the Emperor and the Empress as they perform the rite, its not overwhelming.


    The Empress patted me on the back, her smile exuding an air of confidence.


    Well, my Charlize can do anything she puts her mind to. I believe in you.


    I felt a whirlwind of emotions as I looked up at the Empress.


    The Empress has so much confidence in me, how can I ever let her down when she believes in me?


    Trust me, Ill be the best candidate yet!


    Your Majesty, the Empress.


    A handmaiden approached us, announcing her presence.


    I widened my eyes in excitement when I saw her.


    The Empress is so benevolent to have Damians preparations be done directly at the Empresss pce.


    Even the handmaid who was supposed to aid the Empress was instead assigned to Damian.


    Setting the Empress as someone evil, author are you out of your mind?


    ah well, it doesnt matter.


    The handmaiden is finally here!


    The crown prince is all set. Shall I bring him to you, your Majesty? inquired the handmaiden.


    That means Damians preparations areplete!


    Ive been looking forward to it all day!


    Frankly, people might not know his personality but his beauty alone is outstanding, isnt it?


    He was pretty even when he was in a dirty state but as a candidate how handsome will he look after hes had a good scrubbing?


    Go ahead.


    The Empress nodded.


    The maid left for a bit before returning.


    Knock. Knock.


    Light thumping could be heard.


    Your Majesty, its Damian.


    Come on in.


    Click! The door opened.


    Damian stepped into the room.


    Wow.


    My eyes flickered in awe.


    To be honest, I never thought that a person prettier than the Empress could exist in the world.


    The Damian in front of me was like a work of art that God poured all his heart into.


    Like, is it unfair to be so beautiful?


    I mumbled to myself unconsciously in a somewhat enchanted tone.


    your Highness. Youre really, really pretty today.


    You dolt, youre supposed to say handsome, not pretty to a man.


    Damian might have scolded me at the same time but he wasnt hung up on it. And it certainly came from a face I couldnt hate.


    Though I must say, couldnt he have been nicer about it?


    But then.


    The Empress called my name with a strangely dissatisfied expression.


    Lize.


    Yes?


    Am I prettier or is the crown prince prettier?


    The moment she finished that question, the Empress and Damian looked at me intently.


    Trapped by their eager gazes, I felt like I had an upset stomach.


    But women are loyal to each other!


    I opened my mouth.


    Her Majesty of course!


    Did you hear that, your Highness?


    The Empress looked back at Damian with a triumphant expression.


    I could only smile awkwardly at a disappointed crown prince.


    Im sorry, Damian.


    Although Im responsible for you, I am still the Empresss maid.


    Well,e to think of it, your Majesty!


    Huh?


    How was the harvest festivalst time?


    It was crushing to be under Damians resentful gaze, so I quickly changed the subject.


    Hmm, the harvest festivalst time


    We held the ritual at the imperial pce. Was it conducted outside the pce?


    As the Empress recounted, I took a peep at Damians countenance.


    Damian tried to act uninterested but I could see him prick up his ears, listening intently.


    After quite some time, the Empress shook her head.


    No, the rituals arent conducted outside the pce.


    Oh really? I uttered.


    The festival is usually held for a total of three days. That includes the day of the harvest.


    Whoa, three days?


    Damian was all of a sudden staring at the Empress with a fascinated expression.


    Did I just seed in changing the topic?


    I breathed a deep sigh of relief.


    The Empress continued to exin about the festival.


    Lots of scrumptious food are sold and theres a lot more to see during the festival.


    That sounds like so much fun! Did Her Majesty regrly attend the harvest festival?


    I used to beforeing to the pce.


    Beforeing to the pcehum.


    Does the Empress miss those days?