“Ahem. It may not be so, but if you could explain, it might alleviate the small suspicions of those present here.”
However, Blake, perhaps indicating he didn’t want to speak too lightly about it, fell silent for a moment as if lost in thought before parting his lips again.

“I don’t intend to go into detail about personal matters. I merely received help from Rosentia Yeong-ae before, and I wanted to repay that favor. That’s all.”

With the implication that Blake wouldn’t say more, he closed his lips with those words.

Of course, it was evident that such a statement wouldn’t dispel all suspicions among those present. There are always people who like to gossip.

However, it was sufficient.

In gratitude, I sent a small smile to Blake.

“Understood. Then we will acknowledge the statement that Marquis Warren provided Asdel to Rosentia Yeong-ae. One.”

Turning his attention away from Blake, who had been the focus throughout, Marquis Ersz continued speaking towards my direction.

“The fact that Marquis Warren gave Asdel to Rosentia Yeong-ae doesn’t support the claim that the Asdel found in the study wasn’t hers. Yeong-ae may say she didn’t take the gifted Asdel to the study, but isn’t there still no evidence?”

Marquis Ersz’s words were entirely accurate. Everything Blake had said so far was just testimony about me having seen Asdel.
“I’ll say it again; I am innocent. I have never taken the flowers received from Marquis Warren to the study. That’s why I am confident that the petals found in the study do not belong to me.”

“Claims without evidence or witnesses cannot be accepted under any circumstances.”

Nevertheless, just in case, I repeated the same words.

However, Marquis Ersz shook his head, expressing that he could not trust my words.

“On that issue, I will provide testimony.”

Following Blake, Kaern’s voice echoed through the conference room.

“Is it Lord Laverion speaking?”

“Yes. Emperor, may I speak a few words in this place?”

“Do so.”

After receiving permission from the Emperor, Kaern immediately spoke.

“When Marquis Warren gave Asdel as a gift to my fiancée, Rosentia Yeong-ae, I was also present.”

“That’s correct. Not only Lord Laverion, but also, although not present here, Viscount Craiton and Viscountess Craiton were there as well.”

Blake added these words to emphasize Kaern’s statement.
“And, as Rosentia Yeong-ae mentioned, the received Asdel couldn’t even reach near the study. The place where we had our conversation was the drawing-room, and after Marquis Warren left the mansion, we promptly returned to the duke’s residence with Asdel. Considering that nowadays my fiancée stays with me in the duke’s residence, those who are aware of the fact can attest to this.”

After Kaern finished speaking, I once again gauged the atmosphere in the conference room.

“So, what is the Asdel found in the study of the duke’s residence?”

“Why would Asdel be in the study…”

“Is someone really trying to frame Rosentia Yeong-ae?”

Judging by people’s expressions and the words uttered, it seemed like the situation was not unfavorable for us.

‘Phew.’

Amidst the not-so-bad atmosphere, I inwardly sighed in relief.

“Well, that’s really strange. Asdel was clearly found in the study of Rosentia Duke’s residence. However, both Yeong-ae and the duke claim not to have taken it to the study, so this is really…”

Marquis Ersz, with a face filled with anxiety, uttered words expressing uncertainty about what to do.

“Loyens, is it certain that Asdel was found in the study of Rosentia Duke’s residence?”

“Yes. It’s certain.”

Then, as if to double-check with the captain, when I suddenly asked again, he responded with a gaze that indicated no falsehood.

Glancing around, I subtly looked at the Empress.
The displeasure on the face disappeared in an instant as our eyes met. Simultaneously, lifting one corner of the mouth, she turned her head toward the Emperor.

“Emperor.”

The voices that were buzzing in response to the Empress calling the Emperor vanished instantly.