She subtly nods her head while wearing a pleasant grin.. "No, I don’t think I am proficient enough to be called talented. I will only grow my skills so that maybe, if not now, I can find a heart to respect which destiny may happen to me."

That was a reality she had not foreseen. When she awakened as Selena Solen Alvadiz without a caution, leaving her obligated to carry the title of a wicked woman, even though she did nothing for people to mock her. She’s striving to survive despite knowing her chance of survival was pretty slim.

This world was testing her ability as an author. She wished to flee back, but she couldn’t do so. At this moment of time, going back was not her option anymore. 

The only choice she had was either by killing herself, or living this life and changing it. The quandary of her life comes with a price. If she wants to live harmoniously without the notions of ending her life, she must concede it.

"Your majesty, if I must," the lady said, and she looked at her diligently. "The empress was once the epitome of magnificence, yet I have heard whispers that your mental faculties have diminished. Might you divulge the reasoning behind such gossip? Regrettably, my absence from high society has left me uninformed on this matter."

Selena thoroughly looked. There is part of her that was wondering the same as of the reason Selena looks so distant from the rumors of her before. 

The author created Selena as someone with a vile personality and wicked judgments. However, she never shaped her more than that. She didn’t give her the ability to lead, nor does she have the insight of perfect management. 

Selena smiled and she placed the teacup down to the table. "The title of an empress is just deserted. My husband is a man who doesn't even love his wife. A political marriage has never been fulfilling, so I thought it was better to become vile and mad instead of acting in the name of unrequited love."

‘Unrequited love?’ Surely, she never thought about it. Now she can see it, the truth of becoming a wife to a noble and royalty.

"Pardon?"

She leaned in and spoke softly, "As your empress and the mother of our great empire, I have dedicated my life to both you and my husband. However, despite all of my efforts, it has become clear that he does not reciprocate my love. Why should I continue to exert myself for just a sliver of his affection?"

It's funny how her memories of Selena were peculiar. The Selena she built—her upbringing was not even pointed out, but she can remember a memory she didn't even create. 

She must have gotten adopted into Selena’s body.

"Such development is a phase. A step that we had seen before, but now that we experience this cage called marriage, we certainly understand."

"Indeed," said Selena as she acknowledged. "I will move your trial in two days. An imperial decree with the agreed date will be issued to both. You must prepare your evidence, and witnesses who’s willing to cooperate in your situation."

She stood up, and Stella followed. The empress smiled and she nodded. Stella has been waiting for her trial for days now, wishing for this marriage to end. It was a blessing in disguise that her majesty wasted her time to visit her.

"I will give that day, tomorrow, for you to prepare. Be mindful that I will be examining both parties and I will not be one-sided in this case."

She nodded happily. "Thank you, empress, moon of the empire!"

"And if that is the case, Your Majesty, may I have the honor of requesting to be your acquaintance?" said Stella. 

Selena looked at her with surprise, but chose to smile. "I am delighted, Lady Stella. I will gratefully accept that offer."

━━✣━━

After that, Selena said her goodbye before she held the marquis’ hand and they moved back to the carriage. The lady waved her hand in pleasure, and she smiled as the empress did the same way in hiding.

Selena looked at the architectural buildings and she smiled in satisfaction. She couldn't hide her expression, so the marquis was watching her, beaming. The marquis, unable to express his mind off, didn't have a choice but to stay quiet as they entered the Imperial Palace. 

Instead of looking at the empress, he watched the scenery outside the windows with an unoccupied mind.

After they arrived, he helped her down from the carriage, and she steadily headed towards her office. The marquis followed as he didn't have a choice.

The emperor sent him here as his wife's bodyguard. He had no choice but to follow her in fast speed, and wait for her like a little dog. He had gotten used to that kind of display, since he had been looking after the emperor when he was still the Crown Prince.

Selena looked at him and she annoyingly waved her head. "Marquis, this is not mandatory to follow wherever I go."

The marquis shakes his head as he calmly looks at her. "Emperor's order."

"It is of no consequence, as I am already situated within the palace. Therefore, kindly ensure my safety upon exiting rather than during my stay within these walls. Such vigilance would be disruptive," she taunted but the marquis only looked at her with a strong foundation of determination.

"I am following orders. I must not disobey it."

She clicked her tongue and looked. "Do as you please, I'll let you stay in one condition," she said in a low and fearsome tune. "Draw your sword only when necessary, and never draw it recklessly upon my way."

The empress was reminding him that he can never harm her or the path she will follow. It's like intimidating him to follow her orders instead of his majesty. However, it was his majesty who also told him to follow her demands, whatever it may be. 

The young marquis gives a long silence before he bows. Showing her his conviction to follow her and protect her at any cost. 

Selena did not protest anymore. She opened her office as the buzz of many people began to ignite inside—but the noise of the door opening drew everyone’s attention.

"YOUR MAJESTY!"

Everyone said in sync, making Selena look at them confused. There seems to be a problem, looking at how messy the office is.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

Derrick—her secretary went closer to her and he bows. "I apologize, your majesty, but we have an immediate report to you."

The way Derrick pinch his fingers is proof that something is really wrong. So she nodded, and she went to her seat as she sat down. 

"Tell me, what's wrong?"

Hesitance, Derrick shook his head, and he looked down. “We have been informed of an outbreak of a pandemic at the eastern border. Despite my request for reinforcement to the minister from the office of health attendees, it was denied and we were left with no alternative but to approach your majesty directly.”

A pandemic? Did she inscribe such a notion? Alas, the unpredictable nature of pandemics renders their containment unfeasible without divine intervention.

"Source?" she asked. 

"From a knight who was posted there, your majesty," he replied. 

"Have you passed this to his majesty?" 

Derrick shook his head. "I regret to inform your majesty that the emperor is presently engaged in official meetings, rendering my compliance with your request impossible. However, I must stress the urgency of this matter."

Selena looked down and she bit her lips. "It's a problem I want to help, but have no rights to decide."

This predicament is of great concern, as the pandemic has been acknowledged as an eminent issue. It is audacious for a minister to regard it with such disregard. The pandemic presents a significant challenge that necessitates an adequate resolution, lest it proliferate uncontrollably like a rampant contagion.

"Who rejected your request?" she asks.

"It is Count Raymond, your majesty. He is the minister of health attendants."

She wanted to give him permission, but a pandemic is something big that the empress and the emperor must discuss first. She can't just defy her husband’s authority. 

The situation was dire and she found herself with no other option but to take action. With urgency in her heart, she rose from her seat and turned to face him. Her gaze met his as she signaled for the marquis to approach. Without hesitation, he nodded in understanding and complied with her request. It was clear that time was of the essence and they needed to act swiftly.

"Marquis, when will his majesty's meeting end?" 

The marquis looks at her. "I am afraid it will be done till the afternoon."

"Brief me about the pandemic during the walk. We will have to see my husband ourselves."

This is not an issue to be disregarded. Neglecting it could jeopardize the lives of their citizens and the health insurance of the empire. The capital would be vulnerable to a pandemic outbreak, and timely intervention may no longer be possible.

This is a matter that must not go unnoticed, even if it means interrupting his majesty's crucial meeting. Though she understood its significance, she had no alternative but to take action.

This matter is important as well.