Chapter 294
The Emperor, who had thought that simply banishing Silas Wheddon would resolve everything, was both shocked and outraged—he even lost his temper for a moment. Yet, Sebelia’s calm explanation changed his mind.
[Your Majesty, I am able to see into people’s memories.]
Immediately, the Emperor summoned the chamberlain and his knights to test Sebelia’s ability. She proved herself—not just competent, but uncannily perfect at what she claimed she could do.
[Your power alone may not be admissible as evidence, but it can help us find clues that will. Very well, show me. Whether or not I accept it will be my decision alone.]
And so, the Emperor ordered the First Queen to be brought before him and here they all were.
“It’s only after investigation that we’ll know for sure whether this is a frame-up, First Queen.”
Sebelia rose from her seat with a faint smile, which the First Queen seemed to take as mockery. The First Queen’ lips pressed into a hard line, and her eyes flashed.
“I don’t know what sort of witchcraft you’re playing at—”
“Is that so? You once desperately wanted my abilities, and now you pretend otherwise?”
Sebelia took a step toward her, her voice cold as ice.
“What? I have no idea what you’re talking about. Why would I ever want anything from someone like you?”
“The Wheddon estate is already being searched, Your Highness.”
Locking eyes with the First Queen, Sebelia gently placed her hand on the First Queen’s cheek.
“Don’t worry. The knights will soon be visiting your palace as well.”
Whoosh—
A wave of blue light swept from the floor to the ceiling, flooding the reception room with the colors of the southern sea. A clear voice rang out, filling the space.
[Marquis, let’s be clear. I only delayed the plan because you assured me we could take the throne smoothly once that girl was in our hands. I expect you to repay my trust soon.]
[Ah, Your Highness, I’m trying my best. I just need a little more time…]
[I’m tired of excuses, Marquis. It’s taking long enough just to get the poison ready. Remember: His Majesty is to be dead within half a year.]
The vision ended with the First Queen hiding her smile behind a fan, gliding away. Silence fell in the chamber.
“Ha.”
A harsh, involuntary laugh echoed through the room. Everyone in the room seemed to freeze at the Emperor’s reaction.
“Y-Your Majesty, this is sorcery. I swear to God, that wasn’t me—!”
The First Queen had finally collected herself enough to plead, dropping to her knees. Crystal tears rolled down her refined face, but the Emperor’s gaze was frigid.
“The head of the Ashrent family has already come and revealed the truth.”
“What do you mean…?”
“They explained about the illusionists of Lockwood, their abilities—and revealed that they themselves possess such powers.”
The Emperor watched her, expressionless.
“And let’s not forget—did you not once petition to have Shateian’s illusionist handed over to Dillion? Did you consider that person’s powers witchcraft then? If you believed Bella Appenz a witch, did you believe the same of that illusionist? If so, why did you ever request them?”
“I—I…”
“Your words are full of contradictions. For so long, I let things slide because I believed our goals were the same.”
The Emperor ground his teeth and stood up.
“But no more.”
“Your Majesty!”
“I hereby order the First Queen and her son, Prince Dillion, to be confined in the North Palace. The royal knights will collect evidence of their treason. Have the search parties at the Wheddon estate informed as well. See what else the First Queen has conspired in, and whether yesterday’s attack was also her doing!”
“No, please, I know nothing about what happened yesterday—Your Majesty, please, believe in my loyalty!”
Dragged out, the First Queen pleaded, but the Emperor turned away coldly.
“Whether you’re lying or not, we’ll soon find out.”
“Your Majesty!”
“Enough! I won’t hear another word from the First Queen. Chamberlain, bring in Prince Shateian. I want to know exactly what happened yesterday. And as for you—”
He turned to Sebelia with a weary sigh, as if weighed down by all that had happened.
Sebelia felt much the same. She hadn’t even had a sip of water or a wink of sleep since the night before, and now she faced the Emperor himself.
“When things have settled, I’ll call for you again. For now, you may go.”
The Emperor rubbed his brow and waved her away. As Sebelia rose, Dehart laid a hand on her knee.
“Dehart?”
“Your Majesty, no matter how thoroughly you search the First Queen’s palace or the Wheddon estate, there are things you will never uncover.”
“…And what, Duke, might you have to trouble me with next?”
The Emperor asked Dehart, looking clearly exhausted—but without the old hostility.
Having been betrayed by someone he’d trusted for so long, the Emperor no longer tried to hide his weariness and wounded pride.
“Tell me. Is there something else I need to know?”
“Setaar.”
The word, softly spoken, made the very air in the chamber tremble. Even the knights and the chamberlain standing behind the Emperor gasped.
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