Vital Information

"Greeting to the sun of the Empire." Adelheid greeted the Emperor with courtesy.

Dew, who was lost in the labyrinth of thoughts, turned to look at the pair of master and her maid.

The Emperor only nodded lightly and was just about to walk past them when Adelheid spoke again.

"Your Majesty, it's been some days since we had a pleasant exchange, why don't we have some chats over tea." Adelheid invited the Emperor in her neutral tone.

Although it appears just like any polite invitation, Dew Knew what motive lay behind those words. How could he not? As a reader of the whole novel, Dew had pretty much understanding of Adelheid behavior.

'Sigh, it appears that getting some free time is beyond my grasp.' Dew ruefully remarked in his heart.

"Should we?" A charming smile pulled his lips upwards, although that smile didn't reach his eyes. The glare in Dew's eyes reflected a deeper meaning contrasting the words escaped from his mouth.

"What does His Majesty mean?" her wary lavender eyes slightly widened, even if Adelheid's voice trembled a bit, she still inquired him, burying the negative thoughts that had crept in her mind.

*In the Heydrich Mansion*

A glowing orb placed on a fine wooden table that is draped with a white table cloth, the flowers that were put in the vase beside the orb also gleamed in the light.

"So, what do you think of this?" A voice sounded above the orb belongs to Duke Heydrich, who had a professional smile on his face, though it hardly concealed his greedy eyes.

The other person replied, whose voice reached Heydrich through the glowing orb, "It seems acceptable...however we need some more time to think as those potions are banned and making them is risky, not mentioning how odd the Emperor is behaving these days."

" Haha! That fool of an Emperor is of no threat! You don't have to fret about the ban, illegal business is also a type of business, and we are only doing business. There are numerous ways to evade the Emperor's scrutiny and discreetly make and sell those prohibited potions in black market."

A nasty and greedy expression gradually crept across his face, the corners of Heydrich mouth twisted into a sinister smirk, revealing a glimpse of yellow teeth. His posture hunched as if to shield his conspiratorial words from the prying ears.

"....Then, the fixed amount should be transferred to us the day before we hand those potions to you, this is our rule, you are aware of that, right?" The person from the other side said after deciding on the deal.

"Of course, I am fully aware, so I'm assuming our deal is fixed." Heydrich confirmed.

With both parties coming to a conclusion, the orb's glow reduced gradually and eventually that glow vanished, indicating the connection was off.

*The Royal Library*

Dew remained acutely attuned to the subtle vigilance reflected in Adelheid's lavender eyes. He said, "No need to be wary, Adelheid, as long as you stay put that event from back then won't repeat itself."

'As long as I stay put? Do you really think I would not do anything and just watch? Once the banquet is over, your smugness will also be wiped out from your face!' The impeccably folded handkerchief Adelheid held transformed into a crumpled mess as she gripped it tightly, striving to stifle the burgeoning fury within her.

"Certainly, Your Majesty, as I am fully aware of the matter, so His majesty doesn't need to be concerned for me." Adelheid said, flawlessly concealing her inner fury, she projected a sincere countenance that effortlessly inspired trust in others.

"You misconstrue the matter, it is not a mere concern, but rather a solemn warning." His voice sounded devoid of warmth, the only thing it contained was his clear intention.

Adelheid countenance was still the same, as if those words of Dew didn't have any impact on her, motioning a curtsy bow, she spoke, "I understand, I should take my leave now as I didn't want to take anymore of His Majesty's precious time." Unlike the time when she would directly leave without even waiting for Dew's permission, this time she was still in bowing position, perhaps awaiting his approval.

Dew knows the reason for her behavior but rather not voice it. He said, but his voice was not like before, it carried a hint of gentleness, though hardly perceivable, "We would soon have a pleasant chat over a tea, till then stay put, don't make any choices that make you feel regret even if they tempt you."

He didn't stay there after that, leaving the library without even getting his purpose done.

"My Lady!!" Adelheid's personal maid shouted, as her hand swiftly moved to catch the stumbling Adelheid.

"I'm fine, however, Lara, did you hear what he said? I listened though his words were barely audible, as if something stands between him and me. Or was it just my imagination?"