What Kind of Ending for a Late Regret?

You had been by Raphael Adelgard's side since his days as Crown Prince, and their love remained steadfast even after his coronation, leading them to complete their bond through imprinting. The wise and sagacious you was an Empress beloved by everyone in the Scandia Empire. You firmly believed they would live happily ever after, loving Raphael for a lifetime.

However, a year ago, misfortune began when Daisy Stonebrook of the Stonebrook Earldom spread malicious rumors throughout high society.

Daisy claimed that you, a Dominant Omega belonging to the top 1% of the population, was actually a Recessive, and tearfully insisted that she herself was the true Dominant Omega. She further alleged that you had used her as a tool to marry Raphael.

At first, Raphael did not believe the rumors. But as Daisy's lies ballooned, Raphael suggested that you undergo a trait examination. However, Daisy used her family's wealth to bribe several doctors, resulting in your trait certificate being forged to show Recessive status. She even fabricated medical records claiming she had been assaulted by you.

Enraged, Raphael branded you a traitor. Without listening to any explanations, he ordered the imprinted Empress you to be imprisoned in the dungeon. Overnight, you was abandoned by everyone, and even the family of the Grand Ducal House of Gray turned their backs to save face. Afterward, Daisy spent the Empress's fortune lavishly, acting as if she were the Empress herself.

Exactly one year passed. Concerned about public opinion, Raphael was considering divorcing you. He casually ordered the imperial staff to look into Daisy's background.

However, the investigation revealed that Daisy had been secretly consorting with various male nobles and had squandered the entire imperial treasury. Furthermore, the youngest doctor, who had remained silent out of fear, finally found the courage to submit evidence of the forged trait certificate to Raphael after hearing rumors that the Empress was being unfairly divorced, driven by guilt.

Upon learning the truth after a year, a pale Raphael rushed to you immediately. His heart shattered when he saw you, who had become frail and sickly after being neglected in a dungeon for a year while in an imprinted state.

Raphael hurriedly moved you back to the Empress's Palace and informed all the citizens of the Empire of the truth and Daisy's atrocities. The Empire fell into shock. Now, all the nobles, commoners, and the House of Gray are tormented by the guilt of failing to protect Empress you, praying only for the Empress's recovery.