[Location: Minister of the Seal's Office]

"Your Highness, today is the engagement ball. Why are you still so downcast?"

Lady Qian helped Beatrice pin up her long hair, feeling sentimental:

"She truly is the princess who has captured the hearts of countless nobles and elite families."

The exotic Beatrice was dressed in a champagne-colored gown and a pure white upper garment.

Exquisite yet not losing elegance, splendid yet not overwhelming.

A true beauty makes her clothes merely the pedestal for her natural grace.

And now, this much-admired beauty looked troubled:

"Qian, my prince seems a bit clueless. What should I do?"

"Why are you asking me? Your Highness, I've never been in love."

Qian said blandly: "Moreover, haven't you already arranged everything with Lord Gandalf?"

Beatrice tilted her head as she looked at her:

"I'm just a bit concerned, and you might guess who's causing the trouble..."

Beatrice recalled the events from a few weeks ago with distress.

...

Time rewound to several weeks earlier.

At that time, Louis had just returned from Dragonbone Prairie; the small swan had just been confined, and Marquis York was entangled with the farmers associated with Green Garlic and Black Water Commerce Association.

Beatrice traveled to the Tunisian Republic for Louis's sake.

Purchasing slaves as experimental materials was actually a gray area.

Even slaves serve as production tools; one shouldn't waste them like this.

But the experiment was already midway, and a result had to be reached.

In the end, nothing fruitful came out, so the Empire naturally called off the project.

All because of Beatrice, the faction of mages involved in the experiment still harbors some thoughts about Louis to this day.

After prolonged harassment, she simply exchanged talent with Tunisia.

The White Tower Master Gandalf presided over this matter.

Rumor has it he went with a giant sword to negotiate with those mages.

Half an hour later, a consensus had been reached between both parties.

Lord Gandalf even shouted some bizarre phrase, "Turns out you need a sword."

The hidden danger of the White Tower that Louis feared most upon his rebirth was thus nipped in the bud by Beatrice.

Upon her return to Tino City, she was sitting in a carriage heading to the office.

Peering out the window, she watched as the light of dawn spilled across the streets and alleys of Tino City.

"In a while, we'll be heading to visit Marquis Redias. Your Highness, why not rest for a bit first?"

Beatrice lazily raised her head and saw Qian standing beside her holding documents.

"I can't sleep."

The journey left her face a bit weary.

In the distance, galloping carriages braved the night wind towards the night. After a long silence, Beatrice finally spoke:

"Sister Qian."

"Hmm."

Qian's voice was light, seemingly not surprised by Beatrice speaking at that moment.

Suddenly, Beatrice had a feeling that perhaps the person who had been by her side all these years should already know what she was about to say.

"There's something I want to do."

"Is it something you must do?"

Beatrice leaned against the seat cushion, fingers gently winding her hair:

"I used to think sharing my life with a partner is bound to happen eventually."

"But whether sooner or later, it doesn't matter much."

"So the reason I first found Louis was his 'Major Sin: Greed,' but also for myself."

"Before officially announcing, I could fend off those suitors for four or five years, then part ways citing incompatibility; neither the royalist nor the new faction would have opinions."

Qian followed her thoughts, "And now?"

"I don't know," Beatrice admitted, "If people could truly understand what they want in their hearts, there wouldn't be any confusion."

Qian chuckled, "So at least you don't dislike him, right?"

Beatrice squinted, "No."

"Hmm?"

"Rather, I quite like him, but I'm unsure if it's the kind of affection one has for a lover."

"After all, you know I've always wanted the Empire to be more stable, more prosperous."

Beatrice smiled, tilting her head to watch Qian gaze out the window, sighing wistfully:

"But when I greeted him at the city gate, I suddenly realized that the Empire's prosperity has no end."

Qian said, "Don't let outsiders hear you say this."

"How rare, on other days you would have urged me to mind the princess's demeanor."

Qian's gaze rested calmly on Beatrice.

As they talked, the carriage came to a stop.

Someone outside said: "Your Highness, we're here."

The two women got off the carriage and returned to the Minister of the Seal's Office.

Once they entered the building, Qian suddenly said:

"To be honest, Your Highness, I'm quite selfish."

"As your Iron Guard, my only wish is for you to live well."

"Although I often say you shouldn't do this or that as a princess, I sincerely hope for your happiness."

Qian stepped forward, smoothing Beatrice's somewhat messy attire, both amused and frustrated.

"Ten years ago, you said you wanted to be a princess who wouldn't disappoint the emperor; I remembered that."

"Even if one day you've forgotten this youthful dream, I'll remember for you, and constantly remind you."

"Do you understand my meaning?"

"It's the Iron Guard's duty."

—In other words, she would always be on Beatrice's side.

Beatrice steadfastly looked at her Iron Guard, unsure how to describe her current emotions, feeling a stream of warmth rising from her chest.

The intense emotions seemed like if she blinked forcefully, something would flow from her eyes.

If Olivia was entrusted to Lumi by the Empress,

then she was entrusted to Qian.

"Sister Qian, I want to start Beatrice's next chapter."

"I want to have the life that someone my age should have, but I also don't want to forget my dreams."

"I need your help."

Qian checked the time, "It's time to visit Marquis Redias."

Beatrice honestly said, "I don't want to go today."

Qian stepped forward, knelt on one knee, smoothing Beatrice's skirt, disheveled from the journey, and said:

"When we got off the carriage, I already arranged for someone to inform Marquis Redias of the visit's delay."

Beatrice tilted her head, "Huh?"

The befuddled expression mirrored a small swan.

"I also gave the maid a note to inform His Highness Louis that you wanted to see him."

Beatrice was dumbfounded, her face turning red.

Apparently, she had no intention of dragging her out.

In her dazed gaze, Qian performed a knight's hand-kissing gesture.

"Your Highness, if you truly wish to solidify your resolve and convey your feelings to Lord Louis, then boldly take this step, and agree to the engagement."

"This is the last lesson from the etiquette officer; at this crucial moment, show the resolve of a future empress."

And just as she said this, Louis walked in:

"Beatrice, you called me... huh?"

One man, two women, staring at each other.

Louis blinked, "Did I come at the wrong time?"

He took a step back, preparing to close the door.

"Wait, hold on."

With her mind blank, Beatrice shouted:

"Louis, I wanted to discuss the engagement with you."

...end of recollection...

"Ahhhhh!"

Beatrice felt her hair almost splitting from frustration.

"Qian, do you think he believes I like girls?"

"Does he think I'm rushing the engagement just to silence him?"

"Why does it feel like he's so calm when I invited him to dance?"

"I feel frustrated; am I ending this before it starts?"

Qian didn't speak, but couldn't help the grin on her lips.

Ah, young love!

Then she heard Beatrice chide in embarrassment and anger:

"Qian, why are you laughing? You haven't dated either."

Qian's expression froze.

Her fist clenched!

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