“But our Second Prince’s consort says she’s fine, so I was just curious.”

…Is this sarcasm?

Belia raised the corner of her mouth in a wry smile, quietly listening to their conversation.

“Wouldn’t a lady feel lonely if the First Prince were away for a long time?”

“I’m not as strong as Her Highness; I would probably be quite sad.”

Huh…?

Although Rachel had been worried about today’s meeting, she had expected some common courtesy. But this…

‘…She probably means to show off openly.’

Belia bit her lip.

Even if she retaliated against Moore, she would only become more entangled in this situation. She couldn’t even argue back.

“Your Highness, even if it doesn’t seem so, I’m sure Her Highness the Consort is not insincere. Please don’t push her too hard.”

Elin calmly turned the conversation. She even played the role of a very kind person.

“I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to discuss this in the current situation, but… Originally, today was supposed to discuss the upcoming wedding in the fall.”

“Oh, right. The Second Prince’s consort may or may not be able to attend.”

Hwangbi let out a mysterious laugh, vague at the end of her words.

“Anyway, since we’re all part of the royal family, it would have been nice to discuss it together, but now it seems unnecessary.”

Just when Belia, who couldn’t tolerate their rudeness any longer, was about to speak up.

Hwangbi put the teacup down with a thud.

“But. Watching the Second Prince’s consort’s reaction now…”

There was a strained undertone in Hwangbi’s voice.

It was an unmistakable mockery.

“Haven’t you heard the news that the Second Prince is missing?”

“…What do you mean?”

“Oh my. You still haven’t heard.”

Looking at Belia with eyes full of amusement, Hwangbi continued speaking.

“While the negotiation team was returning from the Yakum Kingdom after completing their mission, there was a heavy rain in the west, causing a landslide. As a result, some members of the negotiation team are currently missing.”

Belia couldn’t react to her words at all.

What on earth was Hwangbi talking about?

This morning, Khalid’s letter had arrived, saying that they had reached the Yakum Kingdom. So, there was no way they had left that place yet.

But Hwangbi, as if savoring the words, slowly uttered the names of the missing individuals.

“Including the Second Prince, as well as Viscount Capri and his knights.”

She had a deep smile on her face.

Unlike the casual tone at the beginning when she teased Belia, it was a completely different, chilling, and mocking attitude, like a venomous snake.

“Lord Hutter, the viscount who was sent back to the empire after completing the negotiations, is the only one reported safe.”

“That can’t be…”
“Hwangbi probably didn’t know. There’s news that arrived at the palace hastily this morning. Did I overestimate you? I thought you would already know. It’s disappointing that my expectations were off.”

Hwangbi forced a pitiful expression.

“What can you do? It hasn’t been that long since you got married. I sincerely offer my condolences.”

It was for this reason.

That she openly ridiculed and mocked her with absurd words, saying, ‘To Khalid…’

Because she knew about the accident.

Belia felt her grip on the teacup weaken; it was about to slip from her hands.

Where did it all go wrong?

Why wasn’t the sudden news relayed to the Second Prince’s palace?

Numerous questions dominated her mind, but she couldn’t crumble here and add to their amusement.

Belia tightened her lips, straightened her posture, and raised the corner of her mouth.

“…It’s news I’m hearing for the first time.”

“Oh? Ahahaha. What a humorous story, Hwangbi.”

Hwangbi, who burst into loud laughter, continued speaking with a high and bright tone.

“Without Khalid, you have no significance in this palace. Don’t you know why this important news wasn’t relayed to the Second Prince’s palace yet?”

In response to Hwangbi’s blatant disregard, Belia ground her teeth.

Perhaps, under normal circumstances, Belia would never reveal herself and clash with Hwangbi. She would carefully conclude this situation and consider other alternatives.

However, right after hearing about Khalid’s disappearance, Belia’s rationality was already sharply honed.

‘How dare she…’

Could she casually mention the possibility that he might be dead, with a smile?

She couldn’t bear it any longer.

Even if she had to deal with the aftermath later, if she stepped back from this situation now, she would regret it for a long time.

Belia, departing from her usual mild attitude, looked at Hwangbi with a sharp gaze.

“…It’s news I’m hearing for the first time, so I can’t verify its authenticity.”

“Oh? What’s this? You’re making a funny statement, Princess.”

Hwangbi, who laughed loudly, was the one to speak.

“Without Khalid, you’re just an insignificant presence in this palace. Don’t you think the situation will change just because you’re risking your family’s honor? I still don’t understand why this crucial news hasn’t reached the Second Prince’s palace.”

Hwangbi’s words, openly ignoring Belia, made Belia grind her teeth.

It was probably known to everyone else that she had crossed the line for her family honor.

Although Hwangbi had publicly declared that she had severed ties with her family after becoming the Emperor’s favorite based on her father, Count Shorter’s disgraceful actions, the label of being Shorter’s daughter still followed her.

“And it’s been a long time since I severed ties with my family. So, whatever happens there has nothing to do with me.”

“If it was Count Shorter’s unilateral decision, it might be like that. But wouldn’t it be hard for you to just pass over this incident, considering that Count Shorter might have done something using your name?”

“…What do you mean?”

Hwangbi asked, looking uneasy.

“It seems that Count Shorter took a big hit in this case, using the name of Hwangbi. Haven’t you heard about it?”

Belia provocatively blurred the end of her words.

This case was expected to be a considerable sum, and it would be challenging to bury it quietly. Although there were hardly any people who knew about it now, it would soon spread as gossip in high society.

Belia smiled meaningfully, intending to make Hwangbi value her dignity even more.

“Well, this matter will be concluded one way or another soon…”

You’ll see.

Belia stood up from her seat.

“Now that I’ve clearly understood the intention of bringing me here to insult me, there’s no reason for me to stay here.”

“…A confident attitude.”
Hwangbi clenched her teeth, expressing anger.

“It seems that Your Highness Hwangbi has forgotten. I am the Second Princess of the Empire and Princess Ronica. My maternal grandfather is the high priest of Sasa-roi, and my mother was a priestess in Sasa-roi.”

The reason for explicitly mentioning this fact was,

“So, please don’t forget who stands behind me.”

This was to remind Ellyn Canterip, too.

The prestige of the Canterip Duchy was formidable, but the message also implied whether the Duchy could remain unharmed if a genuine confrontation occurred.

“I came here thinking it was just a time for conversation… If Your Highness Hwangbi and the lady intended to persecute and mock me like this, I wouldn’t have accepted this invitation from the beginning.”

Belia sneered coldly.

Then she issued a warning to them.

“I will never forget today’s incident.”