After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 293

Just moments ago, the Emperor had dismissed her as an unknown commoner. Now, biting back his irritation, he forced a smile of politeness.

“Well, then. What is it you wish to say?”

“If it pleases Your Majesty, I would ask that everyone else be dismissed so I can explain everything from the beginning, with the Duke’s assistance.”

Seeing the Emperor frown as if to refuse, Sebelia suppressed a sigh and added quietly,

“That is not all that I wish to tell you. In fact, together with the Duke, I’ve discovered information from an apothecary staying at the manor about a medicine that could benefit Your Majesty’s health.”

A flicker of interest appeared in the Emperor’s dark red eyes. The irritation in his expression eased, and his tone softened considerably.

“…Now that does sound worth hearing.”

Only then did Sebelia allow herself a small smile.

* * *

The Emperor was certainly sensitive about his health. The moment she mentioned medicine, his attitude shifted entirely.

Sebelia and Dehart followed the imperial chamberlain toward the audience chamber. The Emperor, clearly pleased with what he’d heard, had suggested they move somewhere private rather than simply dismiss the other courtiers.

To be honest, Sebelia had been a little surprised by how quickly he responded to the promise of medicine.

Perhaps even Emperors are just human when faced with death.

It was a side of the Emperor she never would have believed before. After all, he was the very man who had orchestrated the political marriage meant to subdue the North—stirring up the great houses outside the capital, trying to force them into submission.

Back then, the central nobility rallied around the Emperor with burning zeal, even to the point of reckless fervor. Remembering the intensity of those days, Sebelia walked slowly down the corridor.

Every garden visible through the windows was filled with herbs and flowers known for their medicinal properties.

“…”

…He really must value his health. Sebelia narrowed her eyes, spotting a few rare herbs among them.

They say the Emperor’s illness has worsened dramatically in recent years.

After seeing him at the Golden Palace, her curiosity had driven her to research his condition with Watts back at the manor. Watts had said that it reminded him of a former patient—not someone sick, but rather poisoned by taking the wrong plant as medicine over a long period.

Lost in thought, Sebelia didn’t realize they’d arrived until they stopped. The chamberlain bowed, ushering the two of them to the ornate doors of the audience room.

Sebelia took a quiet breath. Behind her, Dehart squeezed her hand gently, giving a reassuring warmth. She turned, gave him a small smile, then nodded at the chamberlain to show she was ready.

“Your Majesty, Lady Bella Ashrent of Lockwood and the Duke of Inverness have arrived.”

“Let them enter.”

The Emperor’s voice, now back to its regal authority, carried through the doors. As the doors slowly opened, Sebelia braced herself with a shaky breath.

* * *

After the Emperor declared the end of the reception, the entire palace was abuzz with one shocking event after another.

Learning that Bella Appenz, thought to be the lost daughter of Marquis Wheddon, was actually a member of Lockwood’s ruling house? That was hardly the most sensational news.

Much more astonishing were the events that unfolded while Bella Appenz spoke privately with the Emperor.

“Isn’t that the Inverness knights?”

With dawn barely broken, the Duke’s knights—the North’s greatest force, famed for wielding the power of lightning on the battlefield—marched proudly through the palace gates.

They were met by none other than Prince Shateian.

“What on earth is going on?”

The impossible scene stunned the crowd.

News quickly spread that the Duke of Inverness and his sister had both narrowly escaped assassination during the reception, and that the culprits were none other than Marquis Wheddon and Gren Inverness.

Meanwhile, quick-witted nobles lurking in the palace caught a glimpse of the First Queen being escorted away to the palace by imperial guards.

All of this happened before midday.

* * *

Inside the palace’s audience chamber, all eyes were fixed on the commotion. Even as she was dragged in by the knights, the First Queen refused to lose her composure and shouted the moment the doors opened.

“Your Majesty, I am being framed!”

Her voice rang through the room. The Emperor fixed her with a cold stare. On the opposite side, Sebelia sat calmly, sipping her tea.

Just an hour ago, Sebelia had revealed to the Emperor that the Eastern faction, led by the First Queen, had plotted to kill him and use her powers to replace him with a double.