Robert shook his head. "The Church basically holds more power than the imperial family itself. That's why the second prince never stood a chance of ascending the throne. The High Priest Fenrir is from the First Empress's family—her elder brother. With the Church's backing, the crown prince effectively regained support from the nobles."
Serena stared at Robert for a long moment. "You know a lot, Robert."
Robert sweated slightly. "W-well… I am a citizen of the empire. Of course, I should know this much."
Serena sighed, not wanting to pry any further.
Dragging this issue any further would only hinder her own life. The Empress seemed strangely eager to see the Crown Prince ascend the throne. Though it would make little difference to most nobles, she might use the opportunity to remove the vassals loyal to the Second Prince—and among them, the Selwyn family stood prominently.
Daliah carefully looked through the manuscript in her hands. "Oh? How did you manage to finish it before the deadline? The boss was throwing quite a fuss at me for not contacting you."
Serena sipped the last bit of her tea and set the cup down. "What's the fuss about? Finally, The Prophetess has ended. I must say, it's one of my greatest works."
Daliah chuckled. "Well, I didn't want to worry you, but a few days ago, I went to the information guild to dig up more about that man—Matthew. Apparently, he's a subordinate of the Second Prince."
Serena was taken aback. "They spilled the beans just like that?"
Daliah nodded. "That man is greedy. Give him enough money and he might as well sell his organs for it."
Serena blinked. "Wow, that's a bit harsh. Then the Second Prince must know by now that I'm the writer behind those books."
Daliah bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Your Grace. I should've been more careful."
Serena waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. They would've found out sooner or later. Besides, I plan to tell Lucas and Lucia myself soon—so don't feel guilty."
Daliah shook her head. "Well, they're your family—you can tell them anytime. But if rumors start spreading about you, people will definitely drag your name through the mud. A noblewoman writing novels isn't exactly appropriate for her status. They might even try to isolate you from high society."
Serena burst out laughing. "Gosh, is that what you're worried about? I don't even attend tea parties or banquets."
Daliah looked tense. "Still…"
Serena reached out and gently squeezed Daliah's hand. "Come now, Daliah. Go before the boss scolds you again. I should be heading home too. Don't worry so much."
Lucia opened the door and found Lucas sitting nervously.
"You're already here, brother?" she asked.
Lucas looked up, surprised. "Mother called you too?"
Lucia nodded. "I guess it must be something very important."
After a while, Serena entered the room, looking calm as usual.
"You two are doing well, right?" she asked.
Both of them nodded and asked together. "Mother, did something happen?"
Serena smiled faintly. "Do I need a reason to call you two here?"
Lucas waved his hand. "No, that's not it. It's just—you never call us, no matter what happens."
Serena placed a hand over her chest. "You're right. But this time, it's very important. Actually… I am the author of the novels you read, Lucas," She said quietly. "The name Rena… does it ring a bell?"
Lucas froze, unable to believe what he had just heard. Lucia was equally dumbfounded—she had never imagined that her mother could be the famous writer everyone admired.
Serena lowered her head, trying to hide the guilt written across her face.
But Lucas immediately reached out and held her hand. "Mother… why do you look so guilty?" he said gently. "I love your works."
Lucia quickly took Serena's other hand and squeezed it. "Me too, Mother."
Hearing their words, Serena could no longer hold back her emotions. Tears welled up in her eyes and began to fall.
Seeing her mother cry, Lucia's own eyes filled with tears as she wrapped her arms around Serena. Lucas softly patted Lucia's head, trying to comfort both mother and daughter as the room filled with quiet sobs and warmth.
Lucas stood up and said, "Mother, don't worry. No one will find out about your identity. You don't have to be afraid of being exposed."
Lucia nodded firmly beside him. "Yes, Mother."
Serena gently rubbed her eyes and gave them a soft smile. "Thank you… both of you."
That night, however, sleep did not come easily.
Lying in her bed, Serena's thoughts drifted back to the matter of succession. It was not a light issue—anything could happen in a struggle for the throne. She needed to prepare in advance.
She would have to meet the Second Prince soon.
Serena turned her gaze toward the window, the quiet night stretching endlessly beyond it. Yet no matter how still everything appeared, she could not shake the uneasy feeling settling in her chest.
Something dangerous was approaching—and she could feel it, even if she could not yet see it.