Chapter 28

In that moment, a chilling thought sent shivers down my spine.

‘What if Meriette had stolen the ledger, but didn’t know where it was hidden?’

If the ledger were to be discovered, it would implicate the Empress, and she had to do whatever it took to hide it.

However, nobody knew where the ledger was hidden, not even me. Even if they suspected it was in my possession, they couldn’t search my house without concrete evidence.

‘So, they got rid of Meriette.’

Perhaps the Empress had not anticipated this turn of events and acted swiftly to eliminate Meriette. If they exposed Meriette’s disappearance, the incident would be shrouded in mystery.

‘Have they been surveilling Meriette all along?’

This raised the possibility that there might be more than one informant sent by the Empress to the Crown Prince’s Palace.

***

The chief hand maid gave me just three days. Three days to pack my belongings and complete the handover. Three days to say my goodbyes.

Floria threw a tantrum, crying and begging me not to leave.

“Why is Evelyn leaving all of a sudden? Why!”

“I don’t know either, Your Highness…”

“Don’t go. I said don’t go!”

“I don’t want to go either,” I reassured Floria, running my fingers through her hair.

Her distressed face showed no sign of returning to normal.

“I’ll ask again,” she said.

“Ask what?”

“Mom or Dad… I’m going to ask them to let Evelyn stay here.”

“Your Highness, I’m really fine.”

“But I’m not fine! Why is it okay for Evelyn? Is it okay if you don’t see me anymore?”

“We’re in the same Imperial Palace, so we’ll still see each other. Whenever I have some free time, I’ll come to visit, okay?”

“…Once a week.”

“Alright. I promise to come see Your Highness at least once a week. I really mean it.”

Floria pouted in displeasure. Although I, too, felt regretful about leaving her side, part of me was secretly pleased.

‘Perhaps moving to the Crown Prince’s Palace is a stroke of good luck, even though I don’t know the reason behind it.’

I needed to find Caesar’s Guide. To do that, I had to ensure his safe awakening. Being closer to him in the Crown Prince’s Palace would provide me with more information about him, making it easier for us to meet.

In short, this relocation was a good opportunity for me.

‘Although I don’t know if there’s some kind of scheme hidden within.’

***

Finally, three days later, I began my move to the Crown Prince’s Palace. Since I had commuted from the palace dormitory, I didn’t have much to pack. As a result, I was the first to arrive at the Crown Prince’s Palace.

“…Evelyn?”

As I made my way to the reception room, a familiar voice called out to me.

“Your Highness?”

In the corridor stood Caesar, accompanied by his aide. It seemed he had just returned from training in the martial arts hall.

“What’s going on here? Are you here to see me?”

Caesar’s approach and the look on his face were somewhat different from what I had expected. It appeared that seeing me brought him genuine pleasure.

“Well, today…”

I hesitated as I was about to mention my move to the Crown Prince’s Palace. We were standing in a corridor, and a few servants who appeared to be passing by were nearby.

‘Would having a close relationship with Caesar really be advantageous?’

I wondered, especially given the suddenness of my relocation to the Crown Prince’s Palace. Instinctively, I bowed respectfully.

“My apologies for the late greeting. I am here to meet His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Caesar seemed surprised by my unexpected demeanor.

“Evelyn?”

“Today… I have received orders to move to the Crown Prince’s Palace.”

“Move? Does that mean you’ll be here from now on?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Where will you be working? Was that why all the maids disappeared?”

“I haven’t heard the details yet, so I’m not sure.”

Caesar frowned, his expression a mix of confusion and concern.

“Evelyn, what’s going on? Are you angry with me for some reason?”

Caesar cautiously examined my face.

Upon reflection, I realized that I hadn’t seen Caesar since the day we made the flower bouquet together. After Meriette trampled on the bouquet, we hadn’t crossed paths at all.

Before I could explain that my demeanor had nothing to do with him, a presence was felt at the end of the corridor.

It could be one of the new maids, and if she saw me talking affectionately with Caesar, it wouldn’t bode well for either of us.

“I have to go. I received a summons from the Chief Handmaid. Apologies, Your Highness.”

“Evel—”

I quickly said my goodbyes to Caesar and hurried past him.

I felt bad for leaving Caesar like that, but there was no other choice. I would have a chance to explain the situation to him soon.