I Was Told 'No One Would Miss You,' So I Became the Empress of Another Country - Episode 26

Several days had passed since Flora infiltrated the empire.

Although strict security measures were in place around me, Flora herself had made no direct moves.

Instead, rumors spread that she was trying to win over the empire’s nobles.

One morning, my maids rushed into my room in a panic.

“Lady Celestia, this is serious! A woman named Flora has been approaching the empire’s high-ranking nobles one after another. She’s been spreading baseless rumors like, ‘Can we really ignore that upstart noblewoman?’”

I gasped slightly.

It seemed Flora’s goal was to use the empire’s nobility to isolate me.

Her methods were always cunning.

She had tormented me in the kingdom, so it was no surprise that she was using the same tactics here.

“An upstart noble, huh…? It’s true that I only recently arrived from the Kingdom of Lowell, and to the empire’s people, I may seem like an outsider. But…”
The maids looked at me with concern.

Though it was unsettling to be reminded that I was a foreigner here, I also remembered the trust that Logan and the people around me had shown since I arrived.

“It’s fine. I won’t fall for her lies anymore. As long as I hold my head high, there will always be people who see the truth.”

Hearing my words, the maids looked relieved and gave me small smiles.

I tried to stay calm and remind myself of my place here.

In reality, no matter how much Flora spread rumors like, “The noblewoman from Lowell doesn’t deserve her status” or “She’s seducing His Majesty,” the empire’s nobles did not seem to believe her so easily.

Logan had already spoken highly of me, and his words carried weight.

More importantly, doubting someone personally invited by the emperor would mean opposing Logan himself.

The loyalty within the imperial court toward Logan was stronger than I had imagined.

Perhaps frustrated by this, Flora seemed to be resorting to even more extreme methods.

That evening, one of Logan’s close aides whispered to me in a low voice.

“It appears that Flora is trying to bribe some imperial nobles with money and expensive gifts to weaken your reputation. However, she hasn’t had much success so far. She may be getting desperate.”

I knew all too well that a desperate Flora was dangerous.

Based on my experience in the kingdom, I could easily predict that she would resort to even more underhanded tactics.

She might try to frame me for something or even attempt to eliminate me entirely.

“We must remain vigilant. She may not just be targeting me—she could be trying to create chaos within the empire itself.”

“Understood. His Majesty has already ordered increased security. We will do everything in our power to ensure your safety, Lady Celestia.”

“Thank you. I’m counting on you.”

With that, I continued to observe Flora’s actions carefully.

But soon, an even more troubling rumor reached me.

Leon was secretly preparing to enter the empire.

When Logan’s aide informed me of this late at night, I was at a loss for words.

Flora alone was already troublesome enough.

If Leon arrived as well, my situation would become even more dangerous.

“Leon… is coming to the empire?”

I lowered my gaze, feeling a deep unease.

Although he had temporarily lost his position as crown prince, Leon was still of royal bl00d.

He still had money, influence, and the ability to move people.

If he entered the empire and joined forces with Flora, what would they attempt?

“Could it be… that Leon is trying to restore his claim to the throne by using a political marriage with the empire?”

If that were the case, his plan became clear.

Flora would go ahead and sow distrust among the empire’s nobles about me.

Then, Leon would arrive, interfere with Logan’s negotiations, and push for conditions that would benefit him.

Whatever their exact intentions, it was certain that their presence in the empire would bring further turmoil.

I pressed my lips together firmly.

“I can’t run away now. Neither Logan nor the people of the empire should have to suffer because of their selfish schemes.”

Feeling the storm approaching, I let out a deep breath.

I had already made my decision.

No matter who stood against me—whether it was the former crown prince or Flora’s underhanded tricks—I would not lose this time.