Chapter 91
At Grizelle’s words, Cressida paused. When she glanced toward Aria, the ladies-in-waiting standing behind her released their hold on Grizelle. Brushing off her sleeves, Grizelle spoke boldly.
“I’ll kill Ellie and be done with it.”
“That will draw suspicion.”
“She’s already on her last breath. No one would think it strange if she died now or tomorrow.”
At Grizelle’s brazen remark, Cressida turned her gaze to Aria. Aria gave a small nod, silently confirming the truth of Grizelle’s claim.
“Now that you mention it. Her heart was weak, wasn’t it?”
“She turns pale as a corpse after the slightest exertion. If she were to die in her sleep, who would ever suspect me?”
“…Are you sure you can do it?”
“Just give me the poison. I can handle the rest.”
Cressida stared intently at Grizelle and slowly raised her teacup.
‘Can I really trust this fool?’
Cressida hesitated. The Empress’s Palace was her own domain, a place where every word spoken and every plan devised remained in the strictest secrecy.
Everyone who served within these walls would gladly give their life for her.
Grizelle, who had only recently entered the Imperial Palace, could not have known that. Yet she had the audacity to blurt out a murder plot in front of others.
If such a reckless woman were to ever drag her down…
That would be an unforgivable crime.
‘Just in case, I should make some precautions.’
Finishing her tea, Cressida lifted her gaze toward Aria. Reading her intent, Aria quietly exited the room.
While waiting for her return, Cressida gestured toward Grizelle and spoke in a pensive tone.
“Do you really need to go that far? Sylaria is still your friend, isn’t she?”
“Do you think I can’t do it?”
“I say this out of concern for you. Don’t do anything reckless.”
“No! I’ll kill Ellie, you’ll see. I’ll make sure of it.”
At Grizelle’s triumphant declaration, Cressida smiled faintly. Just then, Aria returned, carrying a small box. Holding it carefully with both hands, she set it upon the table and stepped back.
“It’s a potion that allows one to fall asleep without pain. Colorless and odorless. Be careful, it’s lethal.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
Ignoring Aria’s warning, Grizelle opened the box. Inside was a small vial containing a powdered poison, no larger than a thumb.
Grizelle took the vial in hand, her eyes gleaming. With a grim smile, she looked at Cressida.
“You must keep your promise. I’ll finish this quickly, so please make me a formal princess consort.”
Cressida only smiled quietly in response.
Grizelle left the Empress’s Palace wearing an eager, expectant expression, clutching the vial tightly in her hand.
* * *
A young man with black hair and silvery-gray eyes stepped into the First Prince’s Palace. Guided down the corridor by a maid, he walked with careful poise. His features were handsome, his frame slender yet refined.
As he walked, his sharp gaze lingered on the surroundings of the First Prince’s Palace. When he finally stood before a large set of doors, he adjusted his cravat nervously.
“Your Ladyship, I have brought the guest.”
“Please, come in.”
At the maid’s knock, a clear voice replied from within. At the sound of that familiar voice, the young man’s tense expression softened.
“Isidor, welcome.”
As the doors opened, the bright and elegant parlor unfolded before Isidor’s eyes. Seeing the two sisters greet him warmly, Isidor broke into a broad smile.
“Sylaria, Ellie! It’s been too long.”
Isidor’s genial grin matched his tone as he greeted them. He exchanged a brief nod with Sylaria, then clasped Elenia’s hand with an affectionate look.
“You’ve grown even more beautiful, Ellie.”
“Thank you, Isidor.”
Elenia blushed faintly at his compliment, smiling shyly.
While Sylaria watched the two of them with quiet satisfaction, the maids arranged a tea set neatly on the table.
When the teacups were filled with tea, Sylaria gave Cora a brief signal. Quick to understand, Cora led the maids out of the room, leaving the three of them alone. Only then did Sylaria speak.
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