Chapter 64 (2/2)

It was true. When Lisbeth first came to work as my maid, she made sure to flaunt her status and demanded respect. She expected everyone to serve her.

Everyone laughed at her and ignored her from then on. This was the biggest reason why no one liked her or tried to befriend her.

Lisbeth stammered, “B, but that was…!”

Luis interrupted, “As you said to me before, I am only a daughter of an earl, so I don’t deserve your friendship. So go back there and continue with your work. I don’t want to bother you.”

“But…!”

The other maids also didn’t look kindly at how Lisbeth tried to catch the emperor’s attention. Luis turned around with a bloodshot gaze and ignored her. Elza and Yulia also turned away from her.

Lisbeth looked around like she was lost. Her big eyes filled with tears.

“…”

“…”

She looked like she expected someone to help her, but we were all sick of her tears by now. We all turned away from her and ignored her.

***

Lisbeth complained of a headache and returned to her room before dinner time. No one stopped her.

In her spot was still the work she didn’t finish. Even Yulia, who was new to this place, would have been able to finish such a simple task in an hour. Luis sighed deeply and asked Yulia to take care of it.

Agnes informed me quietly.

“The Duke and Duchess of Aeal have arrived yesterday for the ball.”

I was surprised.

“Really? So soon?”

“Yes, they arrived much earlier than necessary, and…”

“And?”

Agnes hesitated.

I could guess why. I grinned at her and stood up.

Samantha turned to me questioningly.

“My lady?”

I yawned loudly and explained, “I didn’t get a good sleep last night so I’m tired. I think… I will go take a nap. Please take a break while I rest.”

I started to walk toward the door as I asked Agnes, “Agnes, do we still have the Lihi tea? It helps me sleep.”

“Yes, your highness. I will bring you a cup right away.”

“I will wait in my bedroom.”

Agnes bowed deeply and left.

As I walked to my room, I wondered what information Agnes wanted to give me.

***

What Agnes told me in private was unexpected.

“So… The dowager empress is showing no interest at all?”

“That’s correct, your highness.” Agnes bowed apologetically. She then explained, “I have someone watching lady Lisbeth and her servant, Orlean, at all times.”

When I ordered this recently, Agnes wasn’t surprised. It seemed that she knew already why I hired Lisbeth in the first place.

However, unfortunately, things were not working out as I hoped.

Agnes continued, “We have not noticed any form of contact or even interest from the dowager empress.”

“That’s disappointing.”

Then I realized something odd. There was no need for Agnes to tell me this.

Why then did she want a private meeting?

I asked, “Is there something else?”

Agnes nodded. Her eyes burned with anger.

“There is a strange rumor going around among the servants in the castle.”

“A rumor?”

By the look on her face, it was obvious this wasn’t an ordinary rumor. I got a bad feeling about it.

Agnes continued, “It… it’s about the former emperor.”

“The former emperor?”

I didn’t expect this.

Agnes explained, “There is a rumor that your highness murdered the former emperor.”