An uncomfortable silence fell from all around.
…
…
Lucretius grabbed the sapphire pieces and threw them at Lisbeth and her mother.
The shiny stones scattered in front of Lisbeth’s feet.
The emperor asked,
Now, explain yourself. How did my wife’s gift for you turned into these small pieces and in the hands of those servants? It would have been very hard to break a stone like this. They said you gave these to them and asked them to spread the nonsense rumor. What do you have to say for yourself?
Lisbeth trembled pathetically, but no one showed any sympathy.
N, no! It’s all lies. I’ve never done anything like that!
Duchess Aeal hugged her daughter tighter and added,
Those lowly servants stole it! They must have stolen it and are trying to frame my daughter!
Lucretius laughed and asked,
And the other servant also lied about seeing your daughter with the horse?
The Duchess answered confidently,
Yes!
She glared at him and yelled,
Everyone in her highness’ wing hated my daughter because she is more beautiful than her highness! I know it! They are all trying to frame my daughter! I know your highness will see right through their lies.
Lucretius laughed loudly.
Hahahaha!
He continued to laugh, but people knew it wasn’t from pleasure. They could see the anger in his laugh. Everyone tensed.
The emperor asked again,
So… Everyone is out to get her? People, who are jealous of your daughter?
T, that’s right!
He continued to ask her questions and with every answer, the logic of the Duchess’ claim went downhill. She wasn’t making any sense.
Lucretius asked,
So who are you saying was so jealous of your daughter and planned this whole thing?
Who else other than her highness?! Her highness has always been jealous of my Lisbeth, even when she lived in Aeal! Her highness planned everything to frame my daughter!
Ha!
The Duchess didn’t even realize what she had done.
Lucretius asked,
My wife? Her highness? Do you not remember that she almost died after falling off the horse? The doctor said she could have never woken up! What you are saying is she planned this despite the risk of her own death?
T, that is…!
And my wife also spread a horrible rumor about herself? To frame your daughter? Do you really think that makes sense?
Lucretius laughed again and asked the principal investigator,
Did you find it?
Yes.
While everyone looked confused, the hall door opened, and several servants and royal guards walked in the hall.
They brought in a black box, which was placed in front of the emperor. The box was about one kina in length. It was painted black with a simple design. It was a common looking box often used by ladies to store clothes.
The highest-ranking royal guard kneeled and explained,
Per your order, we searched Lady Aeal and her servant’s quarters during this integration.
What…!
Lisbeth and Orlean became pale, but they weren’t given a chance to defend themselves.
The black box was opened by a servant. Inside were clothes and underwear. Lisbeth reddened in embarrassment.
At the bottom of the box was something metallic and shiny. A royal guard reached in to pick it up.
When the item appeared, everyone stopped breathing.
That’s…!
It looks exactly like that other saddle!
The royal guard took it to Lucretius.
As you have ordered, we have found proof, your highness.
The emperor took it and examined it. It was indistinguishable from the tempered saddle.
Lucretius asked the investigator,
Are all the saddles used in this castle look like this?
No, your highness. Every person has a saddle with different shapes and decorations. This one was specially made for her highness, and therefore it is one of a kind. There shouldn’t be two of the same saddle.
So this means someone copied it.
Yes, your highness.
The emperor smiled coldly and said to Lisbeth,
I suppose it would have been very hard to dispose of something so distinctive, yet to keep it in your own bedroom… How stupid.
Lucretius continued,
This was made by a special saddle master in this castle. It would be difficult to find another saddle maker who can copy such an intricate item. I know for a fact that there wouldn’t be someone like that in Aeal.
The Duke grew pale and exclaimed,
So that means we had nothing to do with it.
No. It only means Lady Aeal was able to find someone in Cransia to make it for her. Finding this item and the witness statements from the servants prove that Lady Aeal is guilty.
The Bonafit family begged.
Your highness!
It’s not true!
They are all lying!
The Duke and his family had no logical explanation for it. They just continued to claim they were being framed.
Lucretius ignored them and continued,
I have seen and heard enough. I have made a decision.
The scribe picked up his pen quickly.
The emperor announced angrily,
Lady Lisbeth des Bonafit and her servant Orlean Cloyne have clearly committed a crime against her highness. Attempting to harm a royal member is considered treason against this kingdom, therefore…
This is unfair, your highness!
The Duke tried to approach the emperor but was quickly stopped by a royal guard. The guard placed his sword against the Duke’s neck. The Duke had no choice but to remain still.
The emperor continued,
Orlean will be executed. Since Lady Aeal is from a noble family, I will be more generous. I will allow her to commit suicide.
The scribe wrote down the verdict and the document was stamped with the emperor’s seal.
It was done.
The guards dragged Lisbeth and Orlean away.
The Duchess moaned painfully.
She screamed,
N, no! This can’t be! Liz didn’t do anything wrong! She was framed!
No one listened to her.
It was two days after my accident when I could finally think.
My mind was still foggy, but I was starting to recover. There were only ten days left until the ball.
When I opened my eyes the second time, the first person I saw was Lucretius.
I felt incredibly emotional at seeing him, but I stopped myself from showing it. I tried to sit up and he helped me.
Thank you…
Are you okay? How’s your head?
Lucretius looked haggard. He had dark circles underneath his eyes. I looked away and replied,
Yes, it’s… okay now.
His cool hand touched my shoulder. It felt nice against my clammy skin.
He said to me,
You are still sweating.
Why was I sweating so much?
I was confused. My heart was pounding fast as I stared at his face.
Why? Was I having a heart attack? This had never happened before.
I could hear my own heartbeat in my ears. I felt almost dizzy.
Was it because of Lucretius?!
… No, it couldn’t be. I must have been hurt worse than I thought.
I replied,
N, no! I’m fine. Just tell me what happened.
Suddenly, Lucretius’s face came closer. His forehead touched mine, and I became even hotter.
He asked,
Now, your face is becoming red. Your forehead is hot. Do you have a fever? Should I get the doctor…
I grabbed his wrist.
It’s fine! Just tell me what is happening with the investigation!
He didn’t seem convinced, but he nodded and told me.
It wasn’t an accident. We were able to find who switched your saddle. They were the same people who were spreading the horrible rumor about you.
I already had a good idea of who was behind the rumor. Agnes told me a while back, but still, hearing about it was a bit shocking, especially the part about my sapphire hairpin.
He explained,
At first, I thought she broke it, so it would be easier to sell as smaller pieces, but it looked odd. I think she broke it and stepped on it out of anger.
… If it made her so angry, she should have returned it to me.
It was made of real sapphire and silver. I really liked it.
I asked,
So how are they going to be punished?
The servant will be executed, and the Duke’s daughter was given an option to commit suicide. If she doesn’t, she will be made to do it.
…
I realized this man didn’t even know Lisbeth’s name. It was odd, considering she tried her best to flirt with him on several occasions.
I didn’t know why, but I like the fact that Lucretius had no interest in her.
I knew it was cold of me to feel pleasure when two people were going to die very soon.
