Caerina arrived at the palace when the sun began to heat and scorch the skin. As Caerina stepped out of the horse-drawn carriage, she briefly lifted her head, gazing into the sweeping expanse of blue sky. The sunbeams shot directly toward Caerina's eyes.
"The sunlight is the skin's archenemy in the midday. I must find a way to rebuild my cosmetics brand. For now, let us focus on amassing funds," thought Caerina.
Then Faron guided Caerina into the main palace. Along the way, Caerina inevitably became the center of attention for the servants and knights. They stared peculiarly at the girl who was often the subject of their gossip.
Initially, Caerina felt indifferent, but over time it began to make her uncomfortable.
"Sir Faron, is there something strange about my face?" Caerina asked after remaining silent along the way from the Marquess Navre's residence.
"Miss, are you still unaware? Your physical transformation is what draws their attention," responded Faron.
Caerina was silent again after hearing Faron's answer. At least nothing was odd about her appearance at the moment.
"Your Majesty, I have brought Miss Navre." Faron knocked on the door to Joubert—the Emperor's private study.
"Let her in," commanded Joubert.
Faron opened the entrance doors. Caerina was immediately greeted by the sight of Heston, who was also present in Joubert's room at the time.
Caerina ignored Heston's presence, focusing instead on Joubert, who had been anticipating her arrival.
"Caerina Navre pays her respects to Emperor Joubert Eusebio." Caerina grasped the sides of her gown and curtsied.
Joubert and Heston were astounded at Caerina's transformation. Her allure was exceptionally striking. She seemed to carry a soothing aura for everyone present.
"Miss Navre, it's been a while. You seem to have changed a great deal since I last saw you," Joubert said with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. It is thanks to past pains."
Caerina pressed on each word, her tone laced with a dig at Heston. Joubert was surprised by Caerina's boldness toward his own nephew.
"Please take a seat. Riding in a horse carriage for three hours must be tiring."
Joubert gestured for Caerina to sit on the sofa. Servants filed in one by one, serving tea and snacks to accompany their conversation.
Heston was still stunned by Caerina's change. From her stature, the curves of her body, to her face, everything was completely different from before.
"What is it with this woman? Why has she undergone such a drastic change after divorcing me? It hasn't even been a full month, yet she exhibits such a significant transformation. What happened?" pondered Heston.
Caerina chose to sit far from Heston. She was thoroughly sick of dealing with the philandering man.
"How fares Marquess Navre? Is he in good health?" Joubert inquired, initiating the discussion between them.
"Father is as ever, very healthy."
"Well, that is a relief. Now, let's discuss the matter of your relationship. I—"
Joubert's words were unexpectedly cut short when Caerina interjected. Her purpose for coming here was to clarify her standing with Heston.
"Your Majesty, Duke Wadson and I are divorced. I acknowledge that we divorced without informing you first is a mistake. Do you wish for me to reconcile with Heston? Is that why you've invited me to the palace?"
Interrupting the Emperor might seem impolite, but Caerina did not appreciate someone meddling too deeply in the divorce matter.
Joubert felt a chill as Caerina's cold gaze appeared to pierce him slowly.
"Actually, that's not it. I summoned you here to deliver an official decree from the palace."
Joubert signaled Faron to hand over the official decree scrolls to Caerina and Heston.
"What is this, Your Majesty?" asked Heston.
"Are you unable to read? It's proof that you both are officially divorced under my consent. Have you forgotten? Without my decree, you cannot merely divorce," asserted Joubert.
Truthfully, Heston had overlooked this detail in his rush to divorce Caerina, as had Caerina, who lacked knowledge about divorces in this world.
"Why is it so? My father and mother mentioned none of this to me," said Caerina.
"In truth, they approached me some time ago requesting I consent to your divorce. In the Eusebio Empire, marriages ordained by direct imperial match-making must seek the Emperor's consent upon dissolution."
This was new information for Caerina. Seldom did the Emperor arrange marriages personally, so her ignorance on the matter was understandable.
"Then, am I to receive compensation? Here, I am the most aggrieved party."
Heston glanced sharply at Caerina. "What do you mean aggrieved? Are you playing the victim? You were the one who drove me to divorce."
"You took another woman while I was still your wife. Hey, my reputation has been tarnished because of your deeds. Why should I bear all consequences while you were at fault?"
"From the beginning, it was never my intention to marry you. You should be grateful to have married me. Your life this past year has improved—"
"Improved what, you scoundrel?!" Caerina rose from her seat and glared furiously at Heston. "Of course I demand compensation from the Emperor, I've suffered a loss as I've lost my dignity as a noble. My parents and siblings have been affected."
"But I've already given you a substantial allowance. Now what else? You are a disgrace!"
Their emotions were inflamed. Joubert sighed heavily. Perhaps he should not have brought them together.
"Enough! Stop this commotion. Whatever the case, you are now officially divorced. Just do as you please. And for Miss Navre, I will grant you compensation," Joubert declared.
Caerina smirked. However, somehow Heston found it unacceptable for Caerina to receive compensation.
"Your Majesty, this seems rather excessive. You need not compensate this woman. Her misbehavior has caused Brenda to suffer. I—"
"Heston, I shall speak as your Uncle. I owe Miss Navre a debt for arranging a marriage for her with a scoundrel like you. You have no right to prevent me from giving her compensation. Had it not been for your folly, the family's reputation of the Marquess of Navre would not have been tarnished," Joubert emphatically stated.
Heston was silenced thoroughly. Caerina struggled to contain her laughter as Heston was scolded by Joubert. While a bit irritating, Joubert appeared rather decent in Caerina's eyes.
Then, Joubert summoned Faron. He whispered something to Faron regarding the compensation to be provided.
"Miss Navre, I've heard from your father that you've successfully unlocked the core of your aura. It seems that's what has changed you."
Heston's eyes widened in shock. Who could have imagined Caerina had the talent for manipulating aura.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. I have managed to unlock the core of my aura."
"Well then, accept this."
Joubert handed Caerina a letter.
"This is a deed transferring ownership of a neglected territory on the empire's border to you. Am I willing to manage this area?"
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