“If I don’t become a sovereign with strong imperial power, I will surely lose someone else while living as a human.”

Meeting Charlotte’s family, who hurriedly entered the palace, I kept thinking about such things.

Blonde hair and crimson eyes.

An existence that is half human and half demon.

After the conversation with Merem, I decided to acknowledge my human identity.

It was also my age, and refusing wouldn’t make it disappear right away.

“My sister had visions like prophecies occasionally since she was young.”

Charlotte’s younger sister, Yulia, surprisingly composed, mentioned.

Her face, reminiscent of Charlotte, had a firmness despite the recent crying.

“She used to notice bad things happening to our family before it happened. This time was the same. She saw something happen to Empress Mother in her dream… so she hurriedly came up here.”

“Charlotte did, huh.”

“Yes. But my sister died happily. I know. Because she saved Empress Mother. What greater honor could there be than that?”

Yulia’s firm words made Charlotte’s mother, who was by her side, bury her face in her hands.

Yulia, embracing her mother, bit her lips, then sent me a desperate gaze.

“In the palace, there’s always a threat of assassination. My family was prepared for it. Since you chose the path you did, I will respect it.”

“Indeed, you’re admirable.”

Despite the trembling in her voice, Yulia endured without crying until the end.

It was impressive.

“But, Empress. Please… please avenge her. Please.”

Yulia pleaded with me.

I slowly nodded in response and rose from my seat.

Lady Bertholdt, who had been watching them, would guide the two of them to the best guest room.

Originally, I should have a bedroom that even my father could afford.

Since the funeral would take place at the Empress’s palace, it was a considerate offer to stay comfortably until then.

“Now, let’s go, Merem.”

Leaving the reception room, I adjusted my neck and straightened my back.

Externally, I presented a perfectly intact appearance.

Everyone would think that the Empress fell into shock and sorrow after losing her most trusted maid from the imperial capital.

It’s what the enemies are expecting too.

“Sukrel.”

After a while, I descended to the underground prison of the main palace.

Sukrel, while still battered, seemed relatively unharmed.

“Empress, Empress Mother! I was wrong. I did everything wrong.”

Sukrel, who was crouching in a corner looking despondent, crawled towards me hastily on her knees as soon as she saw me.

“Please spare me, Empress. I was wrong…!”

Mud was smeared on his hands, gripping the iron bars. His once-prideful hair was now tangled, and upon closer inspection, you could see footprints all over his clothes, as if he had been trampled.
“Plea, please spare me… being insolent after committing such a serious crime deserves severe punishment.”

Thinking of feeding the Empress a love potion. I can admit that it’s a considerable offense.

I shook my head in disgust.

Upon this, Sukrel shed tears with a despairing expression.

“When you approached me, Charlotte blocked my path and died.”

“!”

“Now, tell me what you saw back then.”

If he managed to catch something worthwhile, I might spare his life.

But if he had nothing, death was inevitable.

I scrutinized Sukrel with indifferent eyes.

Given his wicked nature, he should know that this was his last chance for survival.

However, after a few seconds of silence, Sukrel, gripping the bars tightly, lowered his head deeply.

‘I thought he could provide some information since he has sharp instincts.’

Feeling disappointed, I turned away without saying a word. The next person to meet was Terion.

“Your Majesty! Wait, I, I remember something!”

“Something you remember?”

Just as I was about to leave the underground prison, Sukrel shouted hysterically, causing me to turn my head slightly.

“I asked if you had seen anything.”

“I apologize. Although Sukrel is too flustered, he didn’t see anything, but… Gabriel! The flute that Gabriel was carrying. It seems suspicious!”

Gabriel’s flute?

Surprised by the unexpected words, I raised an eyebrow and looked at Merem. Merem also seemed puzzled, showing an unfamiliar expression regarding the instrument-shaped alibi.

While I had some experience dealing with weapons like swords, spears, and clubs on the battlefield, I wasn’t familiar with diverse assassination tools.

More than anything, assassination tools were inherently secretive and didn’t seem to evolve over generations.

Before living with Enrique, when I roamed the human world, the most impressive assassination tool was a double-bottomed teapot.

“That bastard, he’s unbelievably cunning. He never showed any sign of knowing how to play an instrument, and suddenly he brings a flute… Furthermore, it was brand new! I can’t be fooled by that! It was a flute without a single smudge. That’s why I found it strange!”

As I listened, Sukrel became more excited, raising his voice.

Merem approached the iron bars and drew his sword, pointing it at Sukrel’s neck.