Why use a ring as a communication tool out of all the accessories available? Why have guards accompany us contrary to the original plan? Why not take me along...?
After wasting quite some time with such inane remarks, we were finally able to move on to constructive conversation.
—The guards have been prepared with more care than ever before.
What Heinrich was speaking of concerned the Empress's outing.
"It would be better if I could accompany them......"
I murmured, swallowing my regret.
If it was a matter involving Dullahans, it would have been better for me to step forward directly. Both for grasping the situation and for cleaning up afterward.
In the first place, Lilia had said the Empress would collapse and Dullahan would be designated as the culprit.
In other words, those words sounded like the Empress would encounter Dullahan in some form. After all, they would need to meet for Dullahan to be named the culprit.
—Instead, I have decided to accompany them, so please don't worry.
Xenon spoke as if to comfort me. It must not have been easy for an outsider to tag along on a royal family's outing, but he had managed to come up with an excuse. Even considering that Heinrich had assisted from the sidelines, it was impressive capability.
—Moreover, I heard you're sending a 'horse' as well. If any unexpected situation arises, that 'horse' will handle it well.
At Xenon's words meant to soothe me, I reluctantly nodded.
"Right. If it's Nadav, it should be able to handle the trip calmly."
After much deliberation, I decided to send Nadav along for the Empress's outing.
Since Xenon had traveled with it for quite a long time, it would be the least unfamiliar to him, and among the Dullahans, it had a relatively calm personality, and being a horse, it seemed like it could naturally join and travel along.
Of course, since Nadav refused to let anyone except me ride on its back, it was quite crestfallen at the words telling it to carry Xenon.
'Though it couldn't do anything since I gave it a command.'
Recalling Nadav who had gloomily accepted the command, I felt inexplicably sorry.
'Still, me going personally would be the best option.'
As I was looking down at the bracelet with a worried expression, Heinrich cautiously asked me a question.
—Were there no other prophecies?
"Yes. Even if there were, I don't think she intends to tell me. This information too was given to prove her abilities."
Of course, even if Lilia didn't tell me about subsequent prophecies, it wouldn't be a problem for me at all.
It was when I was slightly lowering my gaze and lost in thought.
Xenon spoke with a sour expression.
—Is that woman truly a prophet?
His tone, which indicated disbelief, revealed distrust. Then Heinrich answered in a dark voice.
—She used her prophetic ability to establish her position in the capital.
"In Roam as well."
And this time too, she would likely try to use it to resolve the situation.
According to Tristan's report, Lilia was busy moving about for her comeback.
She seemed to be employing clever rhetoric while going between family members, and thanks to the insects relaying news from various parts of this mansion, I could hear their conversations without difficulty.
"Lilia tends to rely heavily on that ability. If used well, it can be led in a favorable direction."
—However, precognition ability means being able to move ahead of others.
"There's no need for precognition ability to get ahead."
Staring at the twinkling ring, I curved my lips into a smile.
"The most important thing is knowing what cards the opponent will use while keeping my own cards hidden."
I know that Lilia has precognition abilities, but she won't know what abilities I have.
Could she even imagine? That a resurrected person controls Dullahans and converses with all manner of creatures.
"First, let's get through this schedule safely, and then I'll tell you specifically about Lilia's prophecy. For now, it would be best to focus only on the outing."
Heinrich's low hum was heard. I had passed him the information that 'Lilia appears to be involved in the struggle for the throne.'
So he was likely worried that this time too, Lilia would use her abilities to cause trouble.
"How is Maxel?"
—He's become quite quiet. His Majesty ordered him to refrain from activities for a while... Just as you said, if she has regained her precognition ability, the two of them might have plotted something together.
"That's right."
For Maxel, who had been branded as illegitimate because of me, there would be no other option besides Lilia.
Lilia would know that as well...
"In that case, Lilia will first try to regain her foothold in Roam. After that, she'll try to turn the Emperor's heart again using Roam as her backing."
The Emperor already thought that Lilia was the culprit who had incurred divine wrath.
To turn his heart, it would be impossible with her power alone, and she would probably try to persuade my mother or father?
I guessed that she was more likely to target mother than father. After all, she too would have seen Frigian sister being cast aside in an instant this time.
The power mother held within this mansion—Lilia would have fully realized it as well.
—What about the items to send to me?
"It's not enough. There are some trivial embezzlement cases, but that would be far from sufficient."
To erase Roam's name, a greater crime was needed. However, within the scope of documents permitted to me, I couldn't find anything suitable.
"I intend to make a move soon, so you don't need to worry too much."
—Make a move?
Xenon, who had been listening to the conversation beside Heinrich, asked in a puzzled voice.
Instead of answering, I stared at the ring. The only person who could provide an answer to that question in my stead was Samuel.
"You mean to fabricate it."
—Fabricate? You mean to create a crime?
Xenon asked in a bewildered tone. After a moment of silence, I slowly parted my lips.
"......It might not necessarily be fabrication."
I murmured indifferently and took a deep breath.
If Lilia's precognition ability was proven to be perfect through this incident with the Empress... then the subsequent prophecies should also be considered to come true.
She would try to negotiate with mother using the future events she knew, and try to support Maxel.
Moreover, when Frigian sister secretly completes her engagement outside and returns, the only one left to marry into the imperial palace would again be Lilia.
"Lilia will need Roam, and Roam won't be able to let Lilia go. And Lilia will ask to support Maxel in exchange for her precognition ability."
Xenon exclaimed in what seemed like surprise. Beside him, Heinrich asked in a low voice.
—Even though Maxel has ended up like this?
Heinrich spoke with a voice full of doubt. Setting aside the past, Maxel's foundation was now shaking to the point where rumors circulated that he was crazy, having received divine wrath.
To the extent that the title of Crown Prince was meaningless as he couldn't even manage his own forces, anyone could see that Lilia, who clung to Heinrich, would seem strange.
However, I was certain. That Lilia would somehow try to support Maxel.
"Lilia's male protagonist is Maxel. That's how it's set."
To be precise, should I say that's what she believes?
I don't know well how the thread of fate guides her. But one thing was certain—Lilia had a clear 'story' existing for her.
A story of a kind and beautiful protagonist who overcomes adversity and saves this country.
I recalled Tristan. He had reported to me without omission the surprising facts he discovered while monitoring Lilia.
How deeply immersed Lilia was in romantic and beautiful novels.
With a cold smile, I spoke in a calm tone.
"She doesn't know fear."
According to Tristan's report, every night Lilia diligently wrote secret contents in her notebook.
She seemed to think of it as a beautiful novel. However, from a different perspective, wasn't that precisely good evidence?
"What would you call a family that not only kidnapped a resurrected person from the imperial palace but also tries to control the throne?"
No answer came from the other side of the magic tool.
But it seemed they understood what I was trying to say.
As I quietly smiled and looked down at the ring, Samuel, who had been standing beside me, suddenly raised his head.
Samuel, who approached the door and listened for a moment, looked back at me.
"A cat is crying."
If it was a cat, it would be Mint. I lowered my voice and whispered to the ring.
"I should end the communication here."
—Take care of yourself.
—I'll contact you again.
With Heinrich and Xenon's farewells, the light twinkling in the ring faded.
At my signal, Samuel opened the door he had locked. As the door opened, the cat's crying, which had been barely audible, was heard a bit louder.
Following that, someone's busy footsteps continued.
"Ah, Second Young Lady. You were here."
A servant who seemed to have come looking for me brightened and approached, then discovered Samuel and flinched, stepping back.
When Pallides, who had been quietly keeping his place in the corner, also rose and revealed his presence, the servant's expression grew even more rigid.
"The, the Master is looking for the Young Lady."
While bowing his head and glancing furtively at Pallides and Samuel, the servant quickly added.
"He said to leave your guards behind."
Whether sensing dissatisfaction at those words, Pallides approached my side. At the clanking sound of armor, the servant started and shrank his shoulders.
Rubbing my lower jaw and staring at such a servant, I rose to my feet.
"Both of you wait here."
At my words, Samuel gazed at me silently. However, looking at me wouldn't change the situation.
It couldn't be helped. If they say leave them behind, then I must leave them behind.
"Lead the way."
* * *
Upon entering the office, a faint smell of ink brushed the tip of my nose.
Documents with ink not yet dry seemed to be placed on the desk. After glancing at them, I raised my gaze with an indifferent face.
"I heard you had business at the imperial palace early this morning, but you've returned early?"
Father was looking out the window with his hands clasped behind his back.
Probably, judging by my memory, that direction was where the training grounds were located.
"I heard your guards caused friction with the family's knights."
Father began to speak, still not giving me even a bit of his gaze.
"Moreover, I heard you overlooked it."
Perhaps someone had reported it as soon as Father returned home.