Using the torn fabric, he pulled out the dagger that Ken Kyeong had thrust into the servant’s abdomen and walked back here.

“My assumption was correct. Prince Tesla’s bodyguard deliberately used the dagger carried by Raphion royal knights to avoid suspicion.”

“It wasn’t even a planned murder, thorough indeed.”

I said, looking at the blood-stained blade.

Prince Norton rolled the dagger into the torn robe fabric and placed it in his arms.

“Your Majesty the Empress, I will keep this for now.”

“Please do.”

I replied quietly and looked around the Empress’s palace surroundings.

“If you hadn’t witnessed today’s events, Your Majesty the Empress could have been needlessly misunderstood! Was that their intention?”

Roje cautiously brought up.

“That’s not likely.”
Instead of me, Prince Norton replied to her.

“As I mentioned to Her Majesty the Empress earlier, the servant seemed to be desperately fleeing from the knight. It’s not easy to anticipate the escape route in advance.”

While Norton Prince spoke, Roje and I nodded, and the kitten in my arms made a playful sound.

As if mocking his words.

Can a cat even laugh?

With a curious mind, I lifted the kitten by the nape of its neck and looked into its face.

When our eyes met, the cat covered its mouth with its front paws and blinked its red eyes.

“Come here, Your Majesty the Empress. I’m worried it might scratch you with its bad manners.”

Roje quickly reached out with both hands and said.

“Now, you should go back to your owner.”

I handed over the adorable kitten to Roje.
Upon hearing that, the cat made a pitiful crying sound, then struggled in Roje’s arms, using all four legs to resist.

“Easy now, be good. I’m going to take you to Roje’s place to see you. So, quietly go back home today.”

As I comforted the kitten by stroking its head, it seemed to understand my words again, stopping its fervent struggles and calming down.

“Your Majesty the Empress, shall we go to the bedroom now?”

I looked up at the terrace at Norton Prince’s words.

“Oh, yes, we should.”

“If we leave it like this, the body may be discovered as early as tomorrow, or at the latest in a few days. It’s best for us to leave the scene quickly unless we plan to dispose of the body. Besides, if Your Majesty wakes up, there might be unnecessary misunderstandings.”

“Still, is it okay to leave things like this…”

Concerned about the murdered servant, I turned my head toward the place where she fell.

Both of them also gazed at the same spot with regretful expressions.
“As of now, there is nothing we can do for that servant. It would be better to observe the situation again when the guards discover her tomorrow or the day after.”

“Yes, that makes sense. Well then, let’s discuss the matter again later.”

“Yes, Your Majesty the Empress.”

“And, Your Highness, I apologize, but may I request Roje’s escort?”

I noticed Roje shivering subtly, looking towards the fallen servant while Norton Prince responded confidently, “Of course, Your Majesty the Empress.”

“Thank you.”

As I spoke, I ran my hand over the closest stone carving on the wall of the Empress’s Palace, calculating in my mind how many more stone carvings I needed to step on to reach the terrace.

“I’m okay! I can manage by myself!”

Roje quickly jumped, refusing Norton Prince’s offer of assistance.
“No, Roje Mama. I will accompany you to your residence just in case there might be any danger. By the way, Empress?”

Norton Prince, who was conversing with Roje, called out to me.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“What are you… doing right now?”

“I am also going up to take a look.”

It seems I only need to step on about three sculptures to reach the terrace.

“Are you planning to climb the wall?”

“Of course, using the wall… Oh.”

I stopped answering abruptly and turned to look at them.

Roje’s astonished gaze and Norton Prince’s bewildered gaze were both directed at me.

“I truly admire Empress! You were amazing even when dealing with Catherine Concubine, and now you can climb walls!”

Roje, seeming moved, placed the kitten on her shoulder and clapped her hands quickly.

“…It’s not a big deal.”

Since my excuse came too late, I mumbled with an awkward expression.
“I also recognize that the Empress is an extraordinary person, but that doesn’t seem like a good choice.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, what if Her Majesty is awake?”

Ah, just the thought is horrifying.

“Well then…”

“For safety, go through the door. Even if you’re caught, it’s better to say you went out for a moment and came back, isn’t it?”

Norton Prince pointed to the door connected to the laundry room.

“That sounds good. Anyway, since it’s connected to the dressing room, I can claim I went there even if I’m caught.”

“You’re wise.”

He nodded approvingly.

“I’ll go in first. Please take care of Roje.”

I opened the door to the laundry room and once again urged Norton Prince.

“Thank you, Empress.”

“Miyao.”

As Roje expressed gratitude to me, the kitten also seemed to thank me with its cries.

I stared at the kitten’s red eyes for a moment before closing the laundry room door.
I entered the laundry room and quickly climbed the spiral staircase leading directly to the dressing room.

The warmth that had risen on my face was gone by now.

Arriving at the dressing room, I looked at myself in the mirror, neatly combed my hair again, and headed for the bedroom door.

I opened the bedroom door only as much as my body could fit, pulling the latch quietly to avoid making any noise, then cautiously closed the door again.

As stealthily as a cat burglar, I crept toward the bed.

Luckily, Lionel was sleeping in the same posture as when I left.

“Phew.”

I finally let out a sigh of relief.

I tried my best not to disturb the mattress too much as I lay down on the bed.

“Where did you go and come back from?”

“!”

My body froze at his voice.

“I was cold…”

Lionel pulled me into his arms, whispering pitifully.