“Her highness is at the imperial study. Please, follow me.” Sylvia stared at the woman who had approached her from the moment she got down from the hovercar. Seeing her poised figure, she guessed she must have some higher rank in the palace. “Alright.” She took Asher's hand and followed behind the woman. While walking, Calixta began to inspect Sylvia with the corner of her eye. 'How come she has changed so much?' Sylvia's sudden change took her aback, as she had once investigated her when carrying out the queen's instructions. The information provided only mentioned that she was just an orphan girl who took a liking to the prince. Hence, like the other girls who were also smitten with the crown prince, there's no need to pay any attention to her. But who can tell her how her aura had changed so fast just within a year? Not only that, she has also risen and become a prominent figure known by everyone in the empire. It looks like she had really overlooked this normal girl. Sylvia had no idea about the wave of turmoil going on in Calixta's mind, and soon, the three of them arrived in front of the imperial study. In comparison to the huge architectural structures around the palace, the imperial study was small. However, the surrounding area was planted with arrays of beautiful flowers, bringing about a peaceful scenery to the entire place. At the side was a wide lake, which had several beautiful birds swimming atop it.Walking over the arched bridge, Calixta led Sylvia into the building. They walked through various passages until they finally arrived in front of a massive door. “The queen is inside, waiting for you, Ms. Austen.” “Alright. Thanks for your hard work.” “It's nothing. I'm just doing my job.” Calixta gave a slight smile before retreating away from the door. “Sister,” Asher called, holding tight to Sylvia's hand. “I'm scared.” In such an unfamiliar place, how could the young boy not be afraid? “Don't worry, sister is right here with you.” Sylvia patted the little guy's head in assurance before stretching out her hand to push open the door. As she walked into the room along with Asher, what came into her sight first was a long table with several chairs around it. Seated at the end of the table was a beautiful woman, dressed in a simple purple gown. In her hand was a thick book, which constantly let out a 'flip' sound as she turned the pages over. Perhaps hearing the sound of footsteps, the woman lifted her head, her amber-like eyes locking onto Sylvia's gaze. 'So alike.' This was the first thought that came into Sylvia's mind. On the other side, the queen was also inspecting the one small and one adult who stepped into the study. Realizing that it would be wrong to keep the two of them standing, she gestured to the seats closest to her.“Come sit over here, you two.” [So, this is the queen. She looks more beautiful in person than the image shown on the virtual screen.] “Thank you.” Sylvia walked over with Asher. She detected the queen assessing her, but she didn't care about it. Watching them sit, the queen turned her gaze to Asher. “This must be your little brother. Hello there.” Maybe because she bears a slight resemblance to Ian, Asher didn't feel wary about the queen as he always did with other strangers. “He's so cute.” The queen gave a smile. “Thanks for your compliment, your highness.” Sylvia gave a polite bow and soon lifted her head to meet the queen's gaze. “But I do hope your highness would please go straight to the point. I'm sure you didn't summon me here to compliment my brother's look, right?” The queen was taken aback for a moment by Sylvia's straightforwardness. But she soon regained her composure. “You're quite an impatient one, aren't you?” “Surely not with the way your men came barging into my home,” Sylvia responded. “But never mind, the captain had already promised to compensate me for the damaged door.” The queen was again stupefied at Sylvia's bluntness. Most people, including the high-ranking officials, would act cautiously when speaking with her. However, Sylvia was the first person who would look her in the eyes, without any hint of fear on her face.It was almost as if their aura was up to par. “I apologize for the rudeness of my men. They must have acted hastily due to the sudden disappearance of the crown prince. I hope Miss Austen will push the blame on me instead.” “It's fine.” === Outside the study, Calixta was leading a group of maids, pointing out the area for them to clean. Suddenly, she noticed a familiar figure running over from a distance. “Your Highness.” Before the figure could enter the study, she immediately sprinted forward and blocked the way. “Shouldn't you be in your chamber now, your highness?” “Where's my mother? I want to speak to her.” Ian ignored Calixta's question. “Her Majesty is in the study room having a conversation with Ms. Austen. What does—” Calixta didn't even get to finish her sentence when Ian ran past her. “Your highness!” “What are you all standing there for? Go after his highness!” She shouted at the maids. “Yes.” The servants immediately dropped their tools and chased after Ian. But how could their speed outmatch that of the gifted crown prince? Soon, they were left alone, behind. Ian ran across the passages with a panicked look on his face. He was worried that his mother would do something bad to Sylvia. “Sylvia!” He swiftly pushed the door of the study room and ran towards the figure that was seated on the chair. “Are you alright? You aren't hurt anywhere, are you?”“Big brother Ian.” Asher burst into a big grin as soon as he saw Ian. “I'm fine. Why is the crown prince worried that I would be hurt? Wasn't I summoned here to have a peaceful conversation with the queen?” From the second Ian had stepped into the room, the queen's expression was filled with bewilderment. That's because this is the first time she would ever see such a wild expression on Ian's face. Looking at how he was showing a deep concern for Sylvia, her eyes went wide in realization. But when she thought about his current behavior, her brows immediately furrowed in dissatisfaction. “Where are your manners, Ian? How dare you barge into the study room?” “Mom.” Ian turned to look at his mother. “I know you are dissatisfied with me for heading outside the wilds. But this is none of Sylvia's fault. I went to the wilds on my own, so please do not vent your anger on her.” “What?” The queen was confused by her son's words. Why does it seem as if she has been given the evil mother-in-law script? “Which of your eyes sees me bullying her? Can't you see that I was just having a conversation with her?” “Is that so?” It was Ian's turn to be stunned. He took a look at Sylvia and saw that she was indeed seated calmly without any hint of anger on her face. Could it be that he was the one who misunderstood the atmosphere? “Then, why did you call her to the palace?” He asked. “You suddenly ran over to her house. I just want to know what the relationship between you two is.” The queen felt as if she might erupt into anger if Ian continued asking any more questions. Seeing her expression, Sylvia jumps in to clarify. “Your highness, her majesty was just having a peaceful conversation with me. It's not what you're thinking at all.” “Oh.” Ian's face became red when he realized the mistake he had made. “Since we are already done with the discussion, I will take my leave. Goodbye, your highness.” Sylvia stood up with Asher, ready to leave. “Oh, so soon. I hope you can visit me once again with the little boy.” Sylvia saw that the queen was quite fond of Asher and nodded. “Okay. Bye.” “Bye, beautiful aunty. Bye, big brother Ian.” The cute voice sounded, stealing the heart of the queen. What a sweet boy. How great would it be if he were her son rather than this distrustful boy standing next to her? Seeing that Sylvia and Asher were about to leave, Ian took a step, ready to follow them. “You, stay back. I want to have a private conversation with you.” The queen's voice sounded. “I…” Meeting his mother's cold gaze, Ian swallowed whatever words he was about to say and sat down calmly in the chair. Once the door was closed, the queen stared at her son for several minutes, making the latter feel uncomfortable. “Is there something on my face?” Ian touched his face, not knowing why his mother was staring hard at him. “Sylvia. Do you like her?”