Li and the others were guided to the residence where the Founding King’s remnant lived.

What followed far exceeded anything Li had anticipated.

The discussion between the Founding King and the current King proved difficult.

The King wished to visit every single day, but the Founding King firmly resisted that idea.

The back-and-forth continued endlessly, and Li quickly grew bored.

She strolled through the garden, brought out her handmade tea set, and even summoned Trismegistus to pass the time with idle conversation.

In the end, it took an astonishingly long time before they finally agreed that a visit once every five days would be permitted.

Incidentally, only members of the royal family and the Three Ducal Houses were allowed to meet the Founding King.

Even then, no more than three people per visit, and the duration of each stay was strictly limited.

The King sat at the table Li had prepared, looking slightly fatigued.

"Your Majesty, would you care for a cup?"

"I shall."

As Li personally brewed the tea, the Founding King’s remnant appeared as well.

[The fragrance drew me here. Li, might I partake as well?]

"Of course."

She calmly poured him a cup too.

At this point, she no longer questioned anything.

After all, the Founding King appeared only as a hazy silhouette.

Whether such a being could even drink tea was a perfectly valid question.

Yet Li simply served him tea and even set out sweets beside it.

[Oh! This vessel is splendid indeed!]

Holding Li’s handmade bone china, the Founding King slurped his tea audibly.

Well, whatever happens, happens, Li thought.

After finishing their tea and conversation, Li rose from her seat.

"Founding King, I shall take my leave for now."

"Very well. The earlier agreement does not apply to you, Li. You may come whenever you wish."

At that moment, another ring appeared before her.

It was identical to the one the King wore.

In other words, this one was exclusively for her.

The King stared at Li in visible shock.

There was unmistakable envy in his eyes.

* * *

By the time they returned to the Royal Castle, the sun had already set.

They hurried back to the King’s office.

The moment Li entered, three middle-aged men turned bloodshot eyes upon her.

A small shriek escaping her lips was entirely understandable.

"Brother! Wh-what happened?!"

"Calm yourself, Slan. I will explain."

Before the explanation could begin, Li decided to flee.

She had endured enough for one day.

"Your Majesty, Father, may I take my leave?"

"Ah, yes. Of course, Li. You’ve done well. Could you inform your mother that I’ll be late?"

"I can, but how much may I tell Mother?"

"That little sister of mine can be told everything."

The Chancellor gave Li a sympathetic look.

"Apologies for keeping you so long."

With his permission secured, Li swiftly left the office.

She exited the Royal Castle, intending to head home—

"Li Earlychar Karasebed Quewa. Just the person I was looking for!"

The one who called out to her was Evans Ghe Bonaccorti.

The Chief Royal Court Magic Pharmacist.

It was their first meeting since the matter involving the Queen.

"Sir Evans."

Suppressing her desire to escape, Li responded with a polite smile.

"I apologize for stopping you. I intended to speak with your father, but since you are here, this is more efficient."

A tall, slender gentleman with flaxen hair and round spectacles bowed deeply.

"I would like you to accompany me. I beg of you!"

"I refuse."

Li was the sort of person who could say no without hesitation.