CHAPTER 66………………………………..
The shocking news that the culprit behind the attempted assassination of the Empress was none other than Berthold spread throughout the entire capital in no time.
A few nobles who had supported Berthold whispered that it might be a false accusation, but…
That didn’t last long, either.
There was the recording from the listening device, the confession from the intermediary who had taken Verbum,
and above all, the confession Berthold himself made—something Kyle’s father publicly released as evidence.
No one could do anything but click their tongues at the grotesque and deranged thoughts he revealed.
Everyone was horrified and confused—it was, truly, a scandal for the ages.
And it was not the kind of scandal that would die down after just a few days.
“I’m sorry to say this to you all, but I think I’ll have to stay here for a while.”
After things settled somewhat, Father Harzen gathered us and said that.
“Brother… the criminal was in charge of many critical duties. If the person responsible suddenly disappears, it’ll cause great confusion. So until we find a suitable replacement, I’ll have to take over those tasks myself.”
“You mean you, who used to avoid imperial work like the plague?”
Of course, Father Kyle was not pleased.
He had always despised the imperial palace, so his reaction was only natural.
In the end, though, Kyle’s father had no choice but to accept Harzen’s decision.
Why?
“Yes. After all, Her Majesty the Empress hasn’t fully recovered yet, so we needed to stay longer anyway.”
First, because Mother agreed with Harzen’s reasoning.
“Then I’m staying with Mom too! I want to see Grandma wake up! I want to say hi!”
Second, because I had declared that I would stick to Mother’s side no matter what.
“…I’m not leaving.”
And finally, because Father Derek betrayed Kyle’s side and joined ours instead.
Hates the palace?
That’s fine—Dad can just go home alone~
Though honestly, it was quite surprising that Father Harzen volunteered to stay,
because as Kyle said, normally he would have said, “Fire or not, I’m going home.”
But this time, he didn’t.
More precisely, he didn’t back down anymore.
“If you’re doing this out of guilt toward me, that’s unnecessary. With your current condition, you can’t possibly handle that much work.”
Before calling for our family, Harzen had said that to Grandfather, who still couldn’t bring himself to ask for help.
“It’s simply something that needs to be done, and I thought I might as well do it myself.”
“……”
“It’s better than sitting around brooding over the past—it’s more productive this way.”
I don’t really know what exactly changed in Father Harzen’s heart.
He still feels awkward around Grandfather and always brings me along whenever they meet.
But there’s a difference now.
He no longer avoids meeting Grandfather like before, nor does he deliberately speak sharply to him.
And Grandfather, in turn, treads carefully around him.
With the person who used to drive a wedge between them gone, it seemed their true feelings were finally starting to reach each other.
That made me happier than I could say.
Even if it’s all “too little, too late,” it’s still something.
Maybe this was what Father had always wanted—
a life where he could have trivial conversations with Grandfather and drink tea with Grandmother, asking how she’s been.
Of course, the most precious part of that dream had already collapsed.
Berthold.
Berthold is now on trial.
They say it’s one of the fastest trials ever, but…
From what I hear, it’s mostly a formality.
Attempted assassination of the Empress—such a crime obviously warrants the death penalty.
Not even a prince like Berthold could escape that fate.
Even Grandfather had made it clear—there would be no leniency for royal blood.
And what does that mean?
Execution.
In the original story, he was the one who killed Mother—
but now he was the one facing death instead.
Of course, we couldn’t let our guard down yet, but…
Still, it’s such a relief that Mother didn’t die.
I looked at the “Original Route Halted” system scroll and smiled.
I’m so glad I was able to stop it.
Though, of course, I’m sure this isn’t the end.
If it were, there wouldn’t be a “Side Story: Chapter 1” waiting ahead.
But at least for now, nothing else will happen.
The scroll remains unchanged.
“Hehe.”
I tilted my head back and smiled at the drifting clouds above.
How long had it been since I could sit back and peacefully watch the clouds?
There was a time when doing just that was my entire daily routine.
When did my seven-year-old life get so complicated…?
“CeeCee.”
A soft voice called from beside me.
“Focus.”
“Ah! Hehe.”
Right, I was supposed to be working hard on something right now.
I rolled my eyes downward and looked at Father Derek’s outstretched finger.
If you’re wondering what I was doing…
Making flower rings!
We were sitting under a tree in the palace garden, making flower rings—
for Mom, for my dads, for Grandfather…
And for Grandmother, too, of course.
There was another piece of good news—
the Empress had regained consciousness once again.
For her protection, the news about Berthold was still being kept secret, though.
“Is this size good?”
I tilted my head, fiddling with Father Derek’s finger.
I was using his finger as a size reference,
but his fingers were the thickest among my dads’, so it was hard to judge how small I should make it.
“Hmm… I don’t know!”
Maybe I should just make flower crowns for everyone instead?
As I was toying with the flower stems, a voice suddenly spoke from above me.
“Are you making flower rings?”
“Wah!”
I jumped in surprise and dropped the flower I was holding.
Of course, before it hit the ground, Grand Duchess Owen caught it deftly.
“I must have startled you.”
She smiled gently as she handed the flower back to me.
“Your guardian must have noticed me approaching.”
I blinked, looking between her and Father Derek.
She was faster than him.
What incredible reflexes…
“I didn’t get to greet you properly last time.”
Still holding the flower out, she continued,
“I am Margo Owen.”
“…”
“Mother of Sion Owen.”
Of course, I knew that perfectly well.
“Hello, I’m Cecilia Miller. I’m seven years old.”
I bowed as I took the flower from her.
“You took your mother’s surname, I see. It’s a lovely name.”
“Hehe.”
“Well then…”
Smiling softly at me, Grand Duchess Owen turned her gaze to Father Derek.
“I’d like to speak with the child alone for a moment. Could you give us some privacy?”
“……”
Father said nothing, silently fiddling with the flowers in his hands.
So… being nearby is fine, but leaving me alone isn’t?
“My, still as feral as ever, aren’t you?”
The Grand Duchess shrugged, clearly understanding his silence.
“But don’t worry. Who would ever harm their only granddaughter?”
My eyes widened.
Granddaughter?
I mean—she wasn’t wrong, but…
With Grandfather—the Emperor—already calling me his granddaughter,
was she even allowed to say that out loud?
