On the way back to the hotel, Shizuru was still upset that Alistair had lost.

Alistair: Don't be so upset, my dear.

Alistair: I will lose anyway, no matter.

Shizuru: What!?

Miki: Why!?

Alistair: You must not forget that those people are also kings and queens. Their decisions are based on their interests and prides.

Alistair: If people have to choose a side, they will choose only the winner.

Alistair: Westernia empire is large and complex. Its power and influence are real.

Miki: Well, are you ok to lose your hotel?

Alistair: Of course not.

Miki: So, you believe that the queen will come, right?

Alistair: Not quite really.

Shizuru: I guess, you have another plan.

Alistair: Well, my dear daughters. Can you guess why I had to cook those pastries?

Shizuru: I see! My dad is so smart!

Miki: What did you put in them?

Alistair: Well, it's not that dangerous and it's all over. Let change the topic.

Miki: Ah...

Shizuru: Daddy, What is The Black Market?

Alistair: In the past, it was an amazing place for foreigners to do their businesses but after Lustro had become king, everything has changed. Now, it was for illegal businesses and the real owner of the market is King Lustro, himself.

Shizuru: Oh my god!

Does the queen know?

Alistair: Yes. She knows everything.

Alistair: Now, it's my turn to ask both of you.

Can you get along with the queen?

Shizuru: Oh! I got it, Daddy. Leave it to us.

Miki: ?

Shizuru: Miki chan, don't you get it?

Daddy wants us to help him in relationship with the queen.

Miki: Ah...

Alistair: Don't get me wrong. She has already married therefore I want to keep distance. But whenever she is free, I will take an action immediately. What I can do now is waiting.

Shizuru: Oh poor Daddy...

Alistair: But if my daughters don't like her, then I will give up.

Shizuru: Really!?

Alistair: I believe the happiness in front of me than the one that I haven't seen yet.

Shizuru: So, we are your happiness!

Miki: [Obviously! He's lying.]

Shizuru: Daddy, will they be getting divorce soon?

Alistair: Probably. Nialla is different from the other Westernia Empire's queens. She is already queen of her homeland before she got married. Her pride and backup are in different level from those who were from noble families. If she want to be free, nothing can stop her.

Miki: [Nialla has her own kingdom!? Surely, this is quite different from the version that I've read.]

Shizuru: How about her country, Daddy?

Alistair: Niwelheim is just a small kingdom but its location is good and the food are great.

Shizuru: But now her country is a part of this empire...

Alistair: Not yet and nearly impossible.

Shizuru: Oh!

Alistair: The marriage between Nialla and Lustro is just a politic contract. They are more like business partner.

Miki: Thinking about their attitudes, it makes sense.

Alistair: The marriage was arranged by predecessor to prevent another countries to get Nialla. Everyone knows that.

Miki: Why is Queen Nialla so special?

Alistair: It's what you have to find out.

Miki: ...

Shizuru: So, Daddy wants her too because she is kinda special, right?

Alistair: It's hard to say.

Shizuru: ...

Travis: Your Majesty, we have arrived.

Alistair: It's enough for today. I want to have a rest.

Shizuru: Sure, Daddy.

Miki: Thank you for today.

In Meanwhile, Lustro called Rottie to his chamber. He was selecting some jewerly while Rottie was extremely frightened. She kept kneeling and asking for forgiveness.

Lustro: Stop crying and I'll forgive you.

Rottie: T..Thank you, Your Majesty.

Lustro: Rottie, tell me the truth. Why did you go there, The Black Market?

Rottie: I didn't go. You have to believe me.

Lustro: Rottie, do you still remember Lady Judy, my ex-concubine?

Rottie: L..Lady Judy.

Lustro: Don't worry, little bird. I'll say no more about her if...

Rottie: *Shaking*

Lustro: Now, can you tell me?

Rottie: I just want you to win the competition. So...

Lustro: Still lying?

Rottie: *Shaking*

Lustro: Little bird, don't you know who is the owner of The Black Market?

Rottie: Who?

Lustro: *Glare*

Rottie: !!!

Lustro: If your face isn't pretty like an angel, you will end up like Judy.

Rottie: I'm so sorry. I was wrong. Please...

Lustro: How dare you hire rouges to assault Nialla!!!

Rottie: I... I...

Rottie: *Sobbing*

Lustro: You fool! If Nialla asked for your head, I have no choice but send you to death.

Rottie: I just want to punish her for you, my king. She always look down on you. I heard that she said many bad things about you so I could not stand...

Lustro: *Glare*

Rottie: *Shaking*

Rottie: I'm sorry. I...

Lustro: Remember, Nialla is my only queen! Don't make me find your replacement so soon!

Rottie: But I didn't poison those patissiers. I swear!

Lustro: I know. You didn't.

Rottie: So, the queen lied.

Lustro: But it was a good lie instead of letting everyone knew about your silly scheme.

Rottie: ...

Lustro: You have a lot of things to learn if you still want to stay in this palace. You can go now, I have something to do.

Rottie: May I ask about those jewelry? For the queen?

Lustro: No. All of these for Alistair's daughter, Shizuru.

Rottie: What!? But Your Majesty and King Alistair...

Lustro: I don't care about him. Getting his daughter is also a good revenge too.

Rottie: But she is still a kid.

Lustro: Shut up and go back to your chamber.

Rottie: As you wish. Good night, my king.

When Rottie was backed to her chamber, she saw Cota who was waiting to serve her.

She slapped and hit Cota many times. Rottie blamed Cota for the idea of using The Black Market. At the same time in Alistair's room, Travis was preparing tea and snack for his lord.

Alistair: I need more pratices if I want to make a delicious cake like this.

Travis: Your black tea, Alistair.

Alistair: *Sip tea*

Alistair: Travis, the girls asked me to allow you to call them by names.

Travis: !

Alistair: They seem like you a lot.

Travis: *Blushing*

Alistair: And you seem like them too.

Travis: They are so adorable, don't you think so?

Alistair: Indeed.

Travis: Should we change the plan?

Alistair: No need.

To be continue . . .