Ophelia remained speechless for a while.

The communication stone, so expensive that even wealthy nobles were reluctant to use them outside of emergency situations, began to quickly dim, but Seon-Hyeok did not rush her for an answer.

It was because the precocious princess’ silence spoke volumes.

Her father, King Theodore, chose to live a shortened life as monarch rather than prolong it by becoming a commoner. She respected her father’s decision and voiced no disagreement, but there was no way she would feel comfortable with his choice.

A position as Queen Regent where she could not express her grief even while seeing her dying father fade away. How much had she suffered inside?

The long silence fully revealed the extent of the mental pain she endured.

[You…]

When she finally spoke, her voice was deeply subdued. Though she pretended to be calm, her trembling voice was full of emotion.

[How disgraceful.]

Despite what she said, there was no rebuking him in her voice.

[Doesn’t that just make me narrow-minded?]

It seemed she regretted her attitude in being wary of Najima.

“I don’t think so.”

Seon-Hyeok gently comforted her and asked for her understanding...