CHAPTER 53
“Wh-what…?”
Blemi’s eyes widened as if she couldn’t believe what she had just heard.
“Y-Your Majesty! I only relayed what I heard from another maid! I swear I didn’t fabricate it!”
“Even if it were secondhand information, accusing the Imperial Princess of wrongdoing without clear evidence is treason. On top of that, you dared to mention the Princess before Her Majesty the Empress and me?”
The Emperor’s voice was cold and emotionless. He wasn’t shouting. He didn’t even look particularly angry.
But that made it worse.
Blemi’s face turned pale. Her lips trembled.
“Y-Your Majesty! I beg for your mercy—”
“Take her away.”
With a flick of his hand, the guards stepped forward. Blemi screamed.
“N-no! I’m innocent! I-I was used—used by that woman!”
She turned and pointed at the Empress.
“She ordered me to do it! She said if I didn’t, my family would fall!”
“….”
The Empress’s expression didn’t change. She merely looked down at Blemi, still kneeling in disgrace.
“Oh, please. You’re just repeating nonsense now,” she said coldly.
Blemi collapsed. It was over.
The guards dragged her out. The heavy doors shut with a loud bang.
Silence returned to the audience hall.
I turned to face the Empress. She still stood calmly, eyes locked on me.
She hadn’t flinched at all. As if she’d expected this.
‘You used Blemi as bait, didn’t you?’
She’d probably fed Blemi just enough information to encourage her betrayal, knowing she’d eventually fail.
A disposable pawn.
‘And now that she’s out of the picture, you’ve discarded her.’
How frightening.
The Empress glanced at me and smiled ever so faintly.
But the Emperor, seated between us, was expressionless.
Then he spoke.
“I want to hear your side as well. First Princess Lirien.”
“I have nothing to say. You saw the truth for yourself, did you not?”
“That Blemi tried to slander you?”
I nodded.
“I had no reason to leave the palace. Nor would I leave without permission.”
“Very well.”
That was all.
The Emperor turned away from me.
He looked neither disappointed nor impressed. Just neutral.
The Empress curtsied politely.
“I ask Your Majesty’s forgiveness for bringing such an insolent maid before you. I will ensure her family is held accountable.”
“…Fine. But do not bring such baseless rumors into the Imperial Audience again.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Her voice was smooth and calm—just as composed as always.
‘So this was just her test.’
She was probing. Testing how much influence I had, and who might protect me.
And now she knew. I had support.
She wouldn’t strike recklessly again—at least for now.
The Emperor turned to me once more.
“You may go.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As I bowed and turned, I heard the Empress whisper softly.
“Your Highness.”
I paused. The voice was sweet, with a poison-laced kindness.
“Be careful. You’ve made many enemies by standing out so brightly.”
“…I’ll be sure to remember that.”
“And do remember this—when you shine too brightly, you tend to cast longer shadows.”
I didn’t respond. I simply smiled.
And then I walked out, leaving that elegant viper behind.
“You were amazing, Your Highness!”
Mullin practically leapt toward me the moment I exited the audience hall.
She was bouncing with excitement like she’d just watched a drama unfold.
“You totally crushed it in there! That Blemi girl was screaming like a banshee. And the Empress couldn’t even refute it!”
“…Did you watch the whole thing?”
“Well, not inside the hall, but I bribed a knight to eavesdrop. Don’t worry—it was totally worth it!”
“That’s definitely something to worry about…”
“But it paid off, didn’t it? Now the Empress has lost a pawn and the noble families are talking.”
“About what?”
“That the First Princess crushed the Empress’s plan with her wits alone. Word is spreading fast.”
Mullin puffed out her chest proudly, as if the praise was about her.
“And the best part? The Raona family is about to be expelled from noble society.”
“They probably saw it coming.”
“They still tried to throw a party next week. Ha! What a joke.”
I smiled faintly.
Then I heard Sesil’s voice from behind.
“Now I understand why you’re considered such a handful.”
She approached, arms crossed, looking me up and down.
“I thought you were just a clever girl. But this? You baited them, didn’t you?”
“…You’re free to think whatever you want.”
“I see. So you’re playing the ‘innocent’ card.”
She shrugged.
“Well, I’m on your side anyway. I just wanted to confirm.”
“Why?”
“Because I hate the Empress more than I like you.”
I laughed. “What a straightforward answer.”
“Don’t let it go to your head. I still think you’re a pain.”
“Yes, Commander.”
She glared at me once, then walked off in another direction.
Mullin leaned close again and whispered,
“She likes you.”
“I’m not sure I’d call that ‘liking.’”
“Nope. Trust me. She totally does.”
…Well, maybe just a little.
Still, she was one of the few people I could trust now.
One of the few people who wouldn’t stab me in the back.
“Your Highness.”
Back in my palace, a familiar voice greeted me.
“Johan?”
He was standing by the central fountain. He bowed deeply as I approached.
“You returned safely. I was worried.”
“Thank you. I’m safe.”
“…The Count delivered his message to me.”
I tilted my head.
“Which message?”
“That he’s sending a maid to serve your mother. One trained by House Epsilard.”
Ah.
So that part had worked out.
“That’s a relief.”
“She’ll arrive tonight. I’ll be handling the transfer.”
“I trust your judgment.”
Johan bowed again.
“There’s one more thing. From Richard.”
“…What now?”
“He wanted me to tell you… he’s expecting an answer soon.”
I blinked.
“An answer?”
Johan smiled faintly.
“You’ll know when it’s time.”
Then he disappeared into the shadows once more, leaving me standing beside the fountain, frowning in confusion.
