The Curse

In truth, on her way to the study, Flora had already faintly guessed that this would be the case.

Because there weren’t many people in this world who could provoke such a strong reaction from Ryan.

“You know about my mother, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do.”

Even Flora, who didn’t actively seek out intelligence on the Imperial Family, had heard about Ryan’s mother on more than one occasion.

The current Emperor had, to date, gone through four Empresses and six Crown Princes.

Ryan’s mother was the fourth Empress.

The first three, along with the six Crown Princes they had birthed, had all been deposed or executed for various reasons.

And Ryan’s mother, after serving as Empress for eight years, had not been spared either.

But unlike the first three, she was the only one who had been framed and put to death.

The conspirators had hoped to enthrone the then-six-year-old Ryan, allowing them to rule from behind a curtain.

After an investigation, officials found magical items used for curses in the Empress’s own palace.

His Majesty immediately ordered the execution of Ryan’s mother.

Just as Ryan was about to be executed as well, the Emperor suddenly came to his senses, and Ryan was spared, his status as Crown Prince restored.

Perhaps out of guilt, Ryan became the longest-reigning Crown Prince in history.

Even when His Majesty took a new Empress, she did not make things difficult for Ryan.

Therefore, even though Ryan had always shown a great dislike for the Emperor, Flora could never say anything about it.

After all, in this matter, His Majesty was indeed at fault.

Flora would never say that respecting someone meant believing they had no flaws or could do no wrong.

That was just blind worship.

The important thing was how one atoned for their mistakes and how one prevented such things from happening again.

Although Flora was only in her teens at the time, she had heard that His Majesty had killed a great number of people to avenge Ryan’s mother and clear her name.

Afterward, His Majesty even ordered the construction of a “Palace of Yearning” to show his longing and sorrow for his departed wife…

Of course, that wasn’t enough.

So, at a young age, Ryan was granted the authority to establish his own knight order, the freedom to live outside the Imperial City, and even the power to review memorials and handle state affairs on the Emperor’s behalf.

From this, Flora clearly saw a clumsy father’s doting love for his rebellious son.

And that rebellious son clearly understood the meaning behind his father’s actions.

He didn’t truly hate his father to the bone, but he remained deeply dissatisfied, merely throwing a tantrum.

Flora would not make any judgment or offer any advice on the relationship between this father and son, but she believed that as long as Ryan became more honest and his temperament softened…

There would be a chance for things to change.

Therefore, comforting Ryan in his current sorrow was a matter of utmost importance.

“But Your Highness, what you feel is not a bad thing.”

Ryan froze, unable to stop himself from turning to look at the golden-haired girl who held no trace of pity in her eyes, but rather, understanding.

He had prepared himself to hear her comforting words, telling him not to be sad, and had planned to give a perfunctory response.

He never imagined she would say something like this.

He was suddenly at a loss for words.

“I know that over the years, Your Highness has surely encountered people who used this incident to attack you… At first, you were probably very angry, but over time, you began to grow numb.”

Because everything was just as they said.

“Your first reaction upon seeing the letter today was probably the urge to weep, but you immediately felt sorrow, self-blame, and even anger at yourself for starting to treat this as if it were nothing… right?”

Flora’s voice was calm, yet it sounded like a gentle spring breeze, melting into Ryan’s heart, which was as cold as a winter wind.

“But I believe that feeling sadness or anger is not the only way to express love and remembrance.”

Ryan couldn’t help but turn his head away again.

After a long while, he spoke as if in remorse:

“Do you know, not only have I grown numb to the hatred for my mother’s enemies, but even her face, her voice, the feel of her touch… I can barely remember them anymore.”

“But Your Highness was only six years old then.”

“I know, but I don’t want to use that as an excuse… I want to remember, to remember forever.”

His voice was slightly hoarse, a fact he couldn’t hide.

“From what I can see, Your Highness has remembered the most important things well.”

“…After all, more than appearance, voice, or touch, the things most worth remembering are the feelings of that time, and the love that was shared.”

“Your Highness, please be a little more forgiving of yourself…”

Flora said no more.

In her view, Ryan’s main problem was his inability to forgive himself.

He blamed himself entirely for the former Empress’s death.

That was why he felt he had to maintain his sorrow and remember his hatred.

Otherwise, he would be failing his mother.

The method Flora employed was also very simple.

The former Empress, so dearly missed by the suspicious and highly vigilant Ryan, must have been a kind and gentle person.

And there was no way such a person would want her child to live a life of pain.

Therefore, as long as Ryan recalled the time he spent with his mother, he should be able to resolve his inner conflict on his own.

“What do you think of this matter?”

The wait was not long.

When Ryan turned back again, his face had returned to its usual calmness.

“I believe that in this matter, Miss Rose is currently very suspicious.”

Flora was not surprised.

Ignoring the underlying context, she had acted a bit too close to Stella.

Coupled with what had happened before, it was only natural for Ryan to subconsciously assume she would cover for Stella or avoid talking about her altogether.

However, Flora had no intention of mixing personal and professional matters.

This didn’t mean she no longer trusted Stella or would stop helping her.

On the contrary, the innocent will be proven innocent.

It was precisely because she trusted in Stella’s innocence that she had to do this.

If all went well, it could even further improve Stella’s impression in Ryan’s heart—at least to the point where he wouldn’t annul the engagement for the time being.

“Miss Rose’s activities today…”

Flora briefly reported Stella’s itinerary and gave her own assessment,

“From what I can see, she is deliberately showing something to Your Highness, but whether it’s in response to this letter or for some other purpose, there isn’t enough information to draw a conclusion yet.”

“You suspect her?”

Ryan couldn’t help but ask.

“No, I believe Miss Rose is by no means a bad person, which is why I must work to clear her name,” Flora said openly and magnanimously, “in a fair and just manner.”

‘That’s just like you.’

The corner of Ryan’s mouth lifted slightly as he said calmly:

“I will investigate thoroughly… without any preconceived notions or bias.”