Chapter 292
“What, what…?!”
Silas flinched as the wine glass sailed past his cheek. It was no wonder—he still had no idea who this man was, or where he’d come from.
Sebelia, meanwhile, stared at the man in utter disbelief.
No way…
It couldn’t be. Or could it? If it were true, surely she would have known. But even as she tried to convince herself, she realized the truth.
There was only one country Sebelia knew of whose ambassador would be received with such fanfare—even breaking a decades-long silence for the Belkram Emperor’s personal welcome.
Lockwood.
Then… that man must be—
Sensing her gaze, the stranger turned from Silas and met her eyes. A moment ago, his look had been sharp as winter. Now, just for her, it softened—gentle as a spring breeze.
“It seems the language barrier has muddled things. Let me clarify, Marquis Wheddon. Are you saying that a woman who practices illusions—a so-called witch—tried to take your life?”
“Y-yes, that’s right.”
“And because of her schemes, you mistook her for your long-lost daughter?”
“Yes. Yes, that’s it.”
Silas, clearly out of his depth, shot a desperate look toward the First Queen for help. But even she could do nothing now.
The stranger stepped forward, stopping in front of Silas, then turned to face the Emperor.
“I’m afraid this is most unfortunate, Your Majesty.”
“…What do you mean?”
“If I must stand by and watch someone try to harm an Ashrent in the heart of the Empire—and walk away unpunished—then Lockwood will have to reconsider reopening diplomatic relations with Belkram.”
“What?!”
Silas’s voice rose in a shriek. The Emperor stared at the ambassador, jaw slack, like a dog whose bone had been stolen.
“If even my only cousin can be so carelessly treated by Belkram’s nobles, then what hope would ordinary citizens have? They’d disappear without a trace.”
This man, the leader of one of Lockwood’s seven ruling houses and ambassador by royal command, fixed Silas with an icy glare.
Rossel Ashrent.
“What is the meaning of this—are you saying that woman is your cousin? That witch?”
The First Queen cried out in disbelief. Rossel looked at her with a blank face.
“Your Highness, her name is Bella, and she is a rightful member of House Ashrent. Unless you intend to insult Ashrent itself, do not call her a witch ever again.”
“…”
He swept the First Queen with a cold look, then spoke gently to the Emperor.
“It is what it is. If attempted murderers can be released without trial in Belkram, then I suppose Lockwood will have to accept that. But it means we cannot, in good faith, continue our diplomatic overtures.”
“This is absurd—”
Silas’s lips trembled as the realization sank in: if Ashrent was Sebelia’s family, then her mother must be…
“…!”
While Silas froze in shock, Rossel turned his calm gaze on the hall, addressing everyone present.
“Oh, and as head of House Ashrent, know that we will never forget this humiliation. However many decades pass, the debt will be paid—many times over. You would do well to remember that.”
With that chilling farewell, Rossel strode over to Sebelia and whispered something softly in her ear. It was clear he intended to leave, but the Emperor rushed to stop him.
“Ambassador, wait! You can’t just break off talks over this—”
“Your Majesty, the ruler of Lockwood has entrusted me with full authority on these matters.”
Rossel smiled warmly, brushing off the Emperor’s desperate plea.
“I’m glad our medicine has helped your health, but I see no reason to continue—certainly not at the cost of my family’s dignity and suffering. What a shame.”
His eyes, now cold, swept over Silas and the First Queen. The Emperor understood at once. He closed his eyes, opened them, and spat out his order:
“…Take Marquis Wheddon to the dungeons.”
“Your Majesty!”
“The First Queen will return to her quarters.”
He turned away as he gave the command.
“What is the guard doing? Get Marquis Wheddon out of here now!”
“Your Majesty, you can’t! Not without proper evidence—!”
The First Queen’s outraged protest was cut off by a chilling voice, cold as midnight mist.
“There’s more than enough evidence. I just haven’t had a chance to present it yet.”
“You—”
The Emperor groaned as he recognized Sebelia.
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