Chap 21

In the final part of the novel, the Battistian family, one of the foremost families attacking the Empress alongside Valier.

In fact, Ermedillin wanted to feel at ease by knowing at least one weakness of Pellio, and spent the night looking through the diary.

However, disappointingly, no matter how much she searched the castle named Battistian, there was nothing to catch.

Pellio, whom she had encountered so far, was not someone who could be swayed by threats or awkward persuasions.

Ermedillin didn't want to rashly respond and foolishly expose her vulnerability.

Thanks to her early start in social life in her previous existence, she had mastered basic social skills.

When you know nothing, and you're in a disadvantageous position, it's best to save your words.

At Ermedillin's vague answer, Pellio momentarily tilted his head as if thinking about something, but soon held his head high and looked down at Ermedillin with a lofty attitude.

"Then let's go to submit the complaint."

'I knew you would come.'

Ermedillin wanted to make a scene, but she was blocked by the royal guards and couldn't move, making a sullen face as she looked at Count Franshuar.

Anli had replaced all the royal guards in the Empress's palace, and the newly arrived guards were faithfully carrying out their duties.

"How dare you!! Do you think you'll be safe after such behavior? Do you really want Ferdant to die?"

Before, Count Franshuar had always been cautious when mentioning the name Ferdant, but now he seemed desperate.

"That's right. From now on, I will only worry about the safety of the nation as an Empress."

"You venomous thing! Yes! You have dug this grave! You will soon regret it, beating the ground!!"

"Before I regret it, mind your words, Count. It's outrageous to hear such rude words from someone who will be tried for daring to lay a hand on royalty. The guards outside listening to this conversation are not soldiers bribed by you. They are soldiers personally selected by the Emperor."

Count Franshuar felt immense hatred and anger towards his daughter, who was opposing him with a haughty expression, but he knew that she was right.

There was nothing to gain from continuing to list disadvantageous evidence.

The Count soon lowered his voice.

"Since Her Majesty the Empress has come out herself, I have nothing more to say. I too will show you through my actions."

It was unclear what he intended to show, but the Count turned and left the Empress's residence.

"Phew."

Ermedillin had stood up to him confidently, but as soon as the Count disappeared, she felt her legs give way.

Barely stepping back, she slumped into a chair, and Looni's worried face appeared.

"Are you all right? Your Majesty, the Empress."

Ermedillin nodded slightly to indicate that she was fine, but her hand remained on her forehead.

"Where's Helen?"

"What?"

"Look for Helen."

"She was here just a moment ago?"

"Still, look for her. Quickly."

Ermedillin felt an ominous feeling and urged Looni.

Looni, with a puzzled face, went to look for Helen and returned a moment later with a shocked face.

"She's gone! She's not one to disappear suddenly, and she's not nearby?"

Indeed, a bad premonition never misses.

"Ask the soldiers guarding the magic circle if the Count has moved alone."

At Ermedillin's grave tone, Looni nodded with a serious look in his eyes and ran to the magic circle located in the palace's basement.

"What did they say?"

"The Count did not use the magic circle."

"Then?"

"He took a carriage and left... with a redhaired young maid...."

"What?"

Crash!

Ermedillin, who had been listening to Loony's words, suddenly jumped up, causing the heavy chair she was sitting on to fall backward.

"When did they take her? Was she dragged away forcibly?"

"I don't think so. If that were the case, the guards wouldn't have stood still."

"So, she followed them voluntarily?"

"I'm not sure. I don't know that much myself..."

'Was she threatened? Or did she never intend to betray the Count from the beginning?'

It's unsettling.

If she was blinded by the reward the Count offered and left on her own, there would be no need to worry. But what if she was forced to go by some threat?

In any case, the situation seems clear that Helen went with the Count.

Ermedillin recalled the trembling Helen, who had confessed to being a spy, and became distressed.

It was something she started because she wanted to survive at all costs, but killing others to live was something she really didn't want to do.

Because she was a very rational person before possession.

Ermedillin was about to contact Count François right away but changed her mind.

"Request a visit to Prince Pellio."

However, before Ermedillin's words were even finished, Loony informed her that Pellio had come to visit.

"Ah, I was just about to contact him, what brings you here?"

"Don't you know?"

"What are you talking about?"

Ermedillin looked puzzled at Pellio, who suddenly appeared and spoke inexplicable words.