***
Meanwhile, in the Empress's study. Word of what the Count von Fray and Queen Miriella has reached her ears. She was filled with rage as she threw the cup on her desk and book across the table.
'This is the first I've ever seen the child like this.' An old loyal councilor of the Empress thought as she watched the woman go in rage.
The woman was so upset that the servants, knights, and noble councilman stayed in the corner as they too continued to watch her explode in rage.
Empress Elianora, the daughter of House Samona of Argenlès. House Samona is on par when it comes to power and wealth with House Adolphus, but maybe even more powerful. Since House Samona has always been chosen as partner for the Emperor. But, generations have passed since the family has ever had a daughter, and thus making Empress Elianora the first female in the family to become Empress after a long time.
The woman was not chosen to become empress because of her family and the fact their family has always been candidates to be the Emperor's partner. But the fact she is a wise and powerful woman. The woman was well known before being a talented Alchemist. She was top in her studies during her time in the Imperial Academy, which caught the previous Emperor's eyes as he wanted her to be his daughter-in-law.
But sadly, her only flaw was the fact she couldn't bear a child. Till now, none of the Alchemist, Healer and Great Mage could explain why she is infertile.
"Those idiots! Have they lost their mind?" Empress Elianora rage was so intense, that her mana was surging all over the place making the atmosphere unbreathable. "Are they looking for war? What am I going to say to the Emperor once he returns? She is not only a duke's daughter, but a neighboring princess's daughter as well."
"Your Imperial Highness, please be calm. It's best we give up on the idea that Lady Adolphus is still alive. Since she did set off to the North on her own accord, and decided to live in the village, instead of the accommodation the Grand Duchess arranged for her. We aren't to be blamed at all."
"That's right, we can all conclude that Lady Adolphus arranged everything on her own."
"Lord Eagar, Chancellor Guillot, are you all saying to put the blame on an innocent child. Whose only wish is to live a peaceful life, without anyone trying to threaten it day to day. A child who could barely walk, yet you're all saying to put the blame on her." Empress Elianora calmed herself down as she noticed some of the maids were looking pale and having a hard time breathing.
"If I may be bold. Your Imperial Highness, everyone witness how she declared herself to go to the North. It was she who argued over your order." Lord Letholdus pointed out the fact that occurred that day. Which brought everyone to realize what he was trying to say.
Empress Elianora too understood what he was trying to say, but still… She was to blame for siding with the foolish child of the concubines. 'He's not wrong. I did arrange something else for her as a punishment, yet she decides on her own to go to the North just because someone mentioned it. Clearly, I am not to be blamed, despite the fact I tried to help her.'
The Queen Consort who only sat quietly in the corner this whole time looked disappointedly at the woman. 'She wouldn't…'
"So tell me, what are the chances the child is still alive?"
Lord Eagar shook his head in despair. For the chances a child like her to survive in such a place is zero to nothing. "She is likely to be dead already,"
The woman dismissed everyone apart from the Queen Consort. She looked at the woman who is not far in age with the crown prince yet chose to wed the Emperor and be the Queen Consort because of her.
Queen Consort Crestianna, formerly known as Princess Rosalind of the Kingdom Osium. She was the youngest and only princess of the kingdom and is the daughter of Empress Elianora's best friend Queen Otebon. The woman before she became the queen of Osium was Empress Elianora's teacher in etiquette and was a daughter of a Count. It was thanks to Elianora that the woman was able to meet King Otebon.
Both were so grateful to her, that they were able to sacrifice their own daughter for her sake.
"You know, the fact…" Queen Consort Crestianna was interrupted by the woman as she didn't want to be lectured.
"I've conspired with them, is that what you want to say?"
"Hmm, it seems I am not needed here anymore."
Empress Elianora ran to the girl as she stopped her from leaving, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to vent my frustration to you. You know…"
"I understand, you only wish what's best for the people. Which is why I am here."
"Crestianna, know that I am gratefully indebted to you."
"Hmm, you don't have to say such words. If I were in your position, I too would be furious about everything. That child, the child of House Adolphus, has done nothing wrong. I believe she may still be alive, so why not send people to find her and bring her back."
"What if she isn't? Then, what…"
"Then, we have no choice, but to inform the Emperor."
It was the option which Empress Elianora have always ran away from, to inform the Emperor means death. Not only hers, but her entire family, and who knows if the Emperor will even spare any of the Royal Family. The child was his best friend's daughter, and she just sentenced her to death because of people's ignorant opinions.
"We can't do that now, as you know, the Emperor's hand is tied with the monster in the south."
"Then, let's hope the news I receive from the Holy Kingdom brings good news once it arrives."
'Such a waste to think the child was blessed by his Holiness, yet she did not show any sign of being a Saintess. If only she showed a small sign of magic that woman won't be so against her.' Queen Consort Crestianna sighs as she thought the child was so pitiful. So young and full of dreams, yet was shortened because of other's opinions about her.
"Crestianna, let's not speak about this matter. How is your health?"
"Who knows how I'm doing. After hearing what the vile woman has done to the child, I won't even doubt if she has something to do with my miscarriage."
It has not yet been proven yet how she lost her child when Queen Consort Crestianna, has such a healthy body. But, since the miscarriage she has been unwell. Luckily, unlike the vile woman, she too has strong mana energy and possesses an aura. For, she was the youngest out of six children being the only girl. Thus, she would accompany her brothers in their training making her a very powerful Magic Swordsman.
"We don't know that yet…"
"Do you really think she didn't do anything to me? Only an idiot would not suspect her… She is so desperate to have her own son sit on the throne, that she wouldn't spare my child's life and the child of House Adolphus."
"Don't worry, once we hear news from the Holy Kingdom of his Holiness return. Then, we can have him see to your health."
"What good is that when my life and the child I bore will be threatened by the woman daily."
"Hush now, I am here for you even if the Emperor is not here."
"There are times that made me wonder what the woman did to the Emperor for him to even…"
"Who knows…"
You see, all the Emperor's concubines apart from Queen Miriella are also of noble bloodline. Which is why, the princesses are well treated, since they come from noble families with prestige honor. However, since there is a friction over power within nobles, it isn't surprising that one or two of the princesses are arrogant.
"Those damn princesses need to be educated as well." Empress Elianora cursed some of the princesses for being a part of the woman's child play.
"If things do not go according to plan, we have no choice, but to choose a princess." Queen Consort Cresitanna pointed out the fact both of them discussed before, despite it seems to be hopeless as well.
"Are any of them even worthy to be Empress?"