In the momentum of Hertian, the knights began to step back one by one.

“Let’s go.”

However, the people blocking our way were not only the knights.

“I saw it.”

Someone appeared in a familiar robe.

“You…”

The real culprit who set the fire here has appeared.

Wearing a new robe.

“I apologize for not revealing my identity yet. I couldn’t step forward, I’m sorry.”

Her appearance eased the knights’ faces.

“It was difficult to mention the prophet, but I appreciate you stepping forward.”

“Who would believe the words of a masked person claiming to push away the truth? It was right to step forward.”

Violet.

Now it’s clearly audible.

Violet’s voice in a low-pitched tone.

As I stood still, Hertian tightly held my hand with his large hand.

“What did you see?”

At his question, the prophet turned her head. Under the robe, her white skin and small lips were briefly visible.

“I heard the knight’s words. There was a small disturbance earlier, and I saw the Duchess running out of the Queen’s palace. After that, I saw the fire spreading.”

I stared attentively at her lips.

‘What does she expect by framing me as the culprit?’

She said she would kill Serdis, and now she is trying to pin her own crime on me.

Is it just to cover up the fact that she set the fire, or is it to put me in danger?

As the confusion grew, my body trembled as if drying up in the water, and my vision began to blur.

While I swayed, Hertian firmly supported me, and a smile appeared on Violet’s lips. It was brief, but I saw it clearly.

Now I understand.

‘She wants me to take the blame for her crime.’

“I apologize for not being able to help willingly. I quietly turned around thinking of returning under the Queen’s order, not knowing that such a big incident had occurred.”

Her disgusting words continued.

“Did the prophet apologize? Thanks to her immediately coming to us after knowing the situation, the suppression was handled smoothly.”

“That’s correct.”

Everything was orchestrated.

Where did the knights who were here direct me to?

Laughter burst out as the planned crime became apparent.

“But since the Duchess herself didn’t directly set the fire, it seems proper to investigate thoroughly.”

“We will do so.”

The knights responded amicably.

At that moment, watching Hertian, who had been observing, burst into a hollow laugh.

“Are you stupid, or are you naive?”

His words were aimed at the knights.

“The royal knights, who are trying to catch the nobles by believing the words of someone who hides their identity with a robe. What’s the reason for the existence of the royal knights?”

The ominous gaze swept over them.

“Is the royal family short of money? Hiring royal knights at an expensive price to catch nobles.”

The knights coughed awkwardly.

“Is that so? Even though you’ve carefully set everything up.”

There was no longer anything to block our way from the knights.

Although we escaped from the situation in front of us, the suspicion was not completely lifted.

While I and he returned to the Star Palace to change clothes, a court lady came instead of the knights.

Before Hertian talked with the court lady, he took me to the bathroom first. Since my clothes were wet, he told me to wash up and come out.

“Take your time and come out comfortably. My lady.”
He instructed a maid to prepare bathwater in advance, then sprayed my favorite rose oil on top of it. After that, he greeted me with a composed face and closed the bathroom door.

Curious about the conversation with the steward, I decided to ask later and immersed myself in the bath. It was a refreshing feeling, getting rid of the stickiness caused by the wet dress.

Nevertheless, the fact that the prophet was Violet continued to linger in my mind.

“Um… Your Grace.”

At that moment, the maid who was preparing the bath cautiously spoke, continually glancing at me. On the first day at the palace, I couldn’t spend time leisurely with the maids because of the poison brought by the maid sent by the Queen. Since I treated them rudely, it was difficult for them to initiate a conversation.

“Yes.”

“Um, does the palace food not suit your taste?”

It was an unexpected question.

“No.”

“Oh… I see. I apologize for asking suddenly.”

“No, but why?”

“Well… it seems too dry for you. I thought maybe the food doesn’t suit your taste.”

Now that I think about it, Damian mentioned something similar earlier.

He couldn’t muster any strength.

‘Did I become that emaciated?’

I looked down at my body.

Slightly thinner than usual?

Annette originally had a slender physique, but compared to before the possession, it wasn’t a matter of concern.

“Do you have any food you’d like to eat? There are many skilled chefs in the palace, and they can make anything for you.”

“I can’t think of anything I want to eat…”

It didn’t come to mind.

When I lived in the Marquis’s estate, I used to frequently ask about the lunch menu, so much so that the kitchen door was worn out.

‘But these days, my appetite seems to be gone.’

I didn’t even eat desserts that I used to love.