Why, among so many accessories, did you choose a ring as the communication magical artifact? Why, contrary to the plan, are you placing guards by your side? Why are you not taking me…….
After wasting a considerable amount of time with such trivial questions, we were finally able to move on to constructive conversation.
―The guards are being prepared with more care than ever before.
Heinri was speaking about the Empress's outing.
"If I could accompany her, it would be better……."
I swallowed my regret and muttered.
If a Dullahan was involved, it was better for me to step in personally. Both for grasping the situation and for resolving the matter.
From the start, Lilia had said that the Empress would collapse and the Dullahan would be pointed to as the culprit.
In other words, that sounded like it meant the Empress would encounter the Dullahan in some way. After all, they would need to meet for it to be blamed as the culprit.
―Instead, I will be accompanying her, so please do not worry.
Xenon spoke as if to console me. It would not have been easy for an outsider to tag along on an imperial outing, yet he skillfully devised an excuse. Considering Heinri likely assisted from the side, it was a remarkable feat.
―Moreover, you said you would send the 'horse.' If an unexpected situation arises, that 'horse' will handle it well.
At Xenon's words, spoken as if to placate me, I reluctantly nodded.
"Right. Nadav will probably manage to return calmly and well."
After much deliberation, I decided to send Nadav along on the Empress's outing.
He had traveled with Xenon for quite a long time, so he would likely be the least unfamiliar, and among the Dullahans, he had a relatively calm disposition. Also, since he was a horse, he could naturally join and return without issue.
Of course, Nadav did not wish to carry anyone on his back besides me, so he was quite disheartened when I ordered him to carry Xenon.
'He couldn't refuse since it was an order, but…'
Remembering Nadav gloomily obeying the command made me feel unnecessarily sorry.
'Still, it would be best if I went myself.'
As I looked down at the bracelet with a troubled expression, Heinri cautiously asked me a question.
―Were there no other prophecies?
"No. Even if there were, she probably has no intention of telling me. This information was only handed over to prove her own ability, after all."
Of course, even if Lilia did not tell me of any subsequent prophecies, it would pose no problem for me whatsoever.
It was just as I averted my gaze slightly and became lost in thought.
Xenon spoke with a somewhat awkward tone.
―Is that woman truly a prophetess?
His tone, as if he couldn't believe it, revealed his distrust. Then Heinri answered in a somber voice.
―She established her position in the capital using her prophetic abilities.
"And in Roam as well."
And this time too, she would likely try to resolve the situation through them.
According to Tristan's report, Lilia was busily moving about to make a comeback.
It seemed she was moving among the family members, employing clever rhetoric. Thanks to the bugs that brought news from every corner of this house, I could easily hear their conversations.
"Lilia tends to rely heavily on that ability. If used well, we can steer things in a favorable direction."
―However, the power of foresight means she can move ahead of others.
"One doesn't necessarily need foresight to get ahead."
Staring intently at the sparkling ring, I drew a gentle curve at the corner of my mouth.
"The most important thing is knowing the cards the opponent will use while keeping my own cards hidden."
I know Lilia has prophetic abilities, but she likely doesn't know what abilities I possess.
Could she even imagine that the Resurrected One commands Dullahans and converses with all sorts of tiny creatures?
"First, let's safely get through this schedule, and then I'll speak in detail about Lilia's prophecy. For now, it's best to focus solely on the outing."
Heinri's low hum was audible. I had previously given him the information that 'Lilia appears to be involved in the imperial succession struggle.'
So, he was likely worried that this time too, Lilia might cause interference using her abilities.
"What about Maxel?"
―He has become quite quiet. His Majesty also ordered him to reflect for a while……. And if, as you said, she has regained her foresight, it's possible the two have conspired in some way.
"Indeed."
For Maxel, branded as impious because of me, there would be no other option but Lilia.
Lilia must know that too…….
"Then, Lilia will first try to regain her footing in Roam. After that, using Roam as backing, she will attempt to win back the Emperor's favor."
The Emperor already believed Lilia was the primary culprit who had incurred the goddess's wrath.
To change his mind, her strength alone would be insufficient; she would probably try to persuade her mother or father?
My guess is she would more likely target her mother than her father. She too must have seen how quickly her Phrygian sister was cast aside this time.
Lilia must have fully realized the power her mother holds within this mansion.
―What about the items you were to send me?
"They are insufficient. There are some trivial embezzlement cases, but that level won't be nearly enough."
To erase the name of Roam, a greater crime is needed. But within the scope of documents I am permitted, I couldn't find anything suitable.
"I plan to take action soon, so you need not worry too much."
―Take action?
Xenon, who had been listening to the conversation beside Heinri, asked in a puzzled voice.
Instead of answering, I stared intently at the ring. The only one who could provide an answer to such a question in my stead was Samuel.
"She means she will fabricate it."
―Fabricate? You mean create a crime?
Xenon asked in a bewildered tone. After a brief silence, I slowly parted my lips.
"……It might not necessarily be fabrication."
Muttering indifferently, I took a deep breath.
If Lilia's perfect prophetic ability is proven through this Empress incident……. Then her subsequent prophecies must also be considered accurate.
She will try to negotiate with Mother using the future events she knows and will attempt to bolster Maxel.
Moreover, once Phrygian sister secretly concludes a marriage alliance outside and returns, the only one left to marry into the imperial palace will be Lilia again.
"Lilia will need Roam, and Roam cannot let go of Lilia either. And Lilia will ask for support for Maxel in exchange for her prophetic abilities."
Xenon sighed as if surprised. Beside him, Heinri asked in a low voice.
―Even with Maxel in this state?
Heinri spoke with a voice tinged with doubt. In the past, perhaps, but now, branded with the goddess's wrath, Maxel's foundation is so shaken that rumors say he has gone mad.
Unable to muster his forces despite the title of Crown Prince, to anyone, Lilia's obsession with Heinri would seem strange.
But I was certain. That Lilia would somehow try to support Maxel.
"Lilia's male lead is Maxel. That's how it's set, you see."
Or rather, should I say that's what she believes?
I'm not entirely sure how the threads of fate guide her. But one thing is clear: there exists a definite 'story' for Lilia.
The tale of a kind and beautiful protagonist who overcomes adversity and saves this country.
I recalled Tristan. He had faithfully reported to me the astonishing fact he discovered while monitoring Lilia.
How deeply immersed Lilia was in romantic and beautiful novels.
With a cold smile, I spoke in a calm tone.
"She simply doesn't know fear."
According to Tristan's report, every night Lilia diligently wrote down secretive contents in her notebook.
She seemed to consider it a beautiful novel. But from a different perspective, wasn't that itself excellent evidence?
"What should one call a family that, not content with kidnapping the Resurrected One from the imperial palace, even attempts to influence the imperial throne?"
No answer came from the other side of the magical artifact.
But it seemed they understood what I meant to say.
Quietly smiling, I looked down at the ring when Samuel, standing beside me, suddenly raised his head.
Samuel approached the door, listened for a moment, then looked back at me.
"The cat is crying."
The cat must be Minte. Lowering my voice, I whispered into the ring.
"I must end the communication here."
―Take care of yourself.
―I will contact you again.
With the farewells of Heinri and Xenon, the light from the sparkling ring faded.
As I gave a look, Samuel opened the locked door. Upon opening it, the faint sound of a cat's cry, barely audible before, became slightly louder.
Soon after, the sound of someone's hurried footsteps followed.
"Ah, Second Young Lady. You were here."
A servant who seemed to have been looking for me brightened and tried to approach, but upon noticing Samuel, flinched and stepped back.
As Pallides, who had been quietly keeping to a corner, also rose to reveal his presence, the servant's expression stiffened further.
"T-the Master is looking for you, Young Lady."
Bowing his head and cautiously glancing at Pallides and Samuel, the servant quickly added.
"He said to leave your guards behind."
As if dissatisfied with those words, Pallides approached my side. The clanking sound of his armor made the servant jump and shrink his shoulders.
Rubbing my chin as I stared intently at the servant, I promptly stood up.
"You two, wait here."
At my words, Samuel silently stared at me. But his gaze wouldn't change the situation.
What can be done? If I'm told to leave them, I must leave them.
"Lead the way."
* * *
Upon entering the study, a faint scent of ink brushed the tip of my nose.
It seemed documents with ink not yet dry were placed on the desk. Glancing at them, I raised my gaze with an indifferent expression.
"I heard you had business at the imperial palace early this morning, yet you have returned early?"
Father was looking out the window with his hands clasped behind his back.
If I recall correctly, that direction was towards the training grounds.
"I heard your guards caused friction with the family's knights."
Still without giving me the slightest glance, Father began to speak.
"And that you condoned it."
It seemed someone had reported to Father as soon as he returned home.