Accompanied by the maids, the girl entered a magnificent dining hall, where the grandeur and beauty took her breath away. Golden chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting warm light over the grand table and ornate chairs. With each step she took, her anxiety grew heavier. She knew that in just a few moments, she would face the Emperor, and she resolved to ensure that their second meeting would neither be awkward nor disrespectful.

The grand doors of the hall slowly creaked open, their deep sound reverberating through the space. The maids stood silently in anticipation as the girl turned her gaze toward the entrance, her nervousness written all over her face. The Emperor entered, his movements deliberate and regal, while his steward followed closely behind. Without hesitation, the girl performed a deep bow—a gesture of respect she had mastered during her childhood under the watchful eye of her strict aunt.

The Emperor paused for a moment, his gaze falling upon her. Her appearance had drastically changed: she now looked clean, groomed, and far more elegant than during their first encounter. A flicker of surprise crossed his stern expression, but it quickly faded as his face resumed its usual composure. Without a word, he made his way to his chair and sat down. His voice, calm yet commanding, filled the hall:  

"Sit and be at ease."

With some difficulty, the girl climbed into the chair that a maid had pulled out for her. Her seat was the third from the left, while the Emperor, Ryan, sat two chairs away from her. She lowered her gaze and stared at her hands, feeling the weight of the silence that hung heavily between them.

Ryan’s piercing eyes lingered on her before he asked, "Your name?"  

She hesitated briefly before replying, "Yes... um... Astia."

The Emperor gave a subtle signal to his steward, who handed him a sheet of paper. Ryan glanced at it briefly before turning his attention back to the girl.  

"Your age?"  

"I’m six years old, Your Majesty," she answered quietly.

The atmosphere resembled a formal interview. The girl wondered why he was asking such questions. What information did the paper contain? And why were they speaking like this instead of having dinner? Most importantly, where was Ayleran?

Ryan placed the paper aside and said, "You have no other place to go, correct?"  

The girl nodded silently, unsure of how to respond.  

The steward’s voice was softer and gentler as he took over the conversation:  

"His Majesty wishes for you to stay here permanently and, in a sense, to adopt you."  

Ryan added firmly, "But this is not a request."

The silence in the hall grew heavier. Then, breaking it, Ryan explained further:  

"You won’t have to do anything. This arrangement serves you entirely and harms no one."  

Gathering her courage, the girl asked, "How?"  

The steward offered a faint smile and began to explain, his tone calm and reassuring:  

"Your mother, the princess of the Infernal Empire, sacrificed herself for the sake of Heaven. Despite her tragic fate, His Majesty wishes to right this wrong. By adopting you, he wants to provide you with a life befitting a true princess in this palace."  

Ryan placed the paper on the table in front of her and said in a cold, deliberate tone:  

"I failed to stop the Church saints from taking your mother to the guillotine. The least I can do for the child of my childhood friend is to care for her. Sign this agreement, and the rest will be arranged. From this day forward, your surname will be Karnelimos, and you will be able to live peacefully in Heaven and within this palace."

For a moment, the girl hesitated, lost in thought. She could hardly believe the opportunity that had been laid before her. It was a terrifyingly perfect offer, one she had never anticipated. She never imagined that this man would feel guilt over her mother’s death, let alone extend such an offer.

Becoming the Emperor’s adopted daughter would shield her from her despicable grandfather’s reach, sparing her the torment of being dragged back to Hell. It would also allow her to start anew, giving her a chance to build a foundation for her future plans.

Being a princess of Heaven could grant her the power she needed to begin her path toward vengeance. Why would she refuse such a promising opportunity?

"Your Majesty... becoming your daughter..."  

"There’s no need to worry," Ryan interrupted. "I expect nothing of you. Simply perform the duties of a princess to the best of your abilities. No nobles or saints have the right to question my choices or challenge my authority."  

His words were firm and absolute as he handed her a pen.  

"Read it," he instructed.

At Ryan’s command, the steward began reading the contract aloud, ensuring she understood its contents. Once the reading was complete, the girl carefully reviewed the paper herself. Everything appeared to be in order.

Although she was in the body of a six-year-old, her soul was far older. She felt confident in her ability to assess the situation, though she knew she couldn’t predict what the future held.

Looking into Ryan’s eyes, she found sincerity in his expression. Yet he seemed unaware of how much this contract would benefit him as well. With the knowledge she carried about the future, she could prevent disasters and perhaps even help him reshape the destiny of everyone within the palace walls.

Without hesitation, she signed the contract and handed it back to Ryan.  

The steward nodded approvingly and said,  

"I will make the necessary arrangements immediately, Your Majesty."  

"Good. Now leave."

The steward bowed deeply and swiftly exited the hall. At that moment, the maids entered, carrying an array of lavish dishes, as though they had been waiting for the discussion to conclude.  

"Enjoy your meal," Ryan said. "Ayleran will remain under the doctor’s care today. Tomorrow, we will dine with him—along with three others."  

"Three others?" the girl asked, her curiosity piqued.  

"Yes. You will meet them tomorrow. They are currently away but will return from their journey in the morning."  

"Understood, Your Majesty."

So, the other two must also be returning from their mother’s memorial ceremony tomorrow. The girl could hardly believe it—she was now the adopted daughter of the Emperor of Heaven. This was never part of her plans, but it seemed her path had just taken an extraordinary turn.