Waking up (1)

Their father, the Emperor, was still alive. This meant that there was still a way to contain Aspen.

'But there's not much time left before Rezef takes the throne.'

Cayena needed to find a place to escape Rezef.

'The only way to achieve that is to get married.'

Of course, she couldn't marry someone like the insane Viscount Gillian.

'How can I run away while deceiving Rezef's eyes?'

She didn't want to live as a princess any more. Even so, she couldn't run away without a plan.

'Marriage…'

Cayena, from the moment she opened her eyes, didn't have the time to get angry or hesitate because of the situation.

The palace was filled with schemes and tricks.

She had returned to a poisoned body, and it had been like an alarm; her consciousness was immediately put on edge.

'I need someone who will help me.'

If she wanted to influence Rezef, she needed someone to move on her behalf.

However, all the people around her were placed there by Rezef.

Cayena's eyes looked at all of her ladies-in-waiting, one after the other. They were all unimportant characters.

Then, her gaze settled on one place. It was Vera, the senior lady-in-waiting.

Cayena remembered that in the past, it was Vera who was in charge around here.

Vera was also one of Rezef's people. In other words, Cayena's cute younger brother was controlling her even before she reached her age of majority.

She knew that she was already in Rezef's hands, a dancing marionette.

'There isn't anyone here that isn't one of Rezef's people, anyway.'

She recalled how frequently Vera showed up in the novel.

It could be useful to bring Vera over to her side.

Cayena asked Vera where Rezef was. "What about Rezef?"

"I believe that His Highness has been working since early in the morning to investigate your attempted assassination."

Vera looked at Cayena and added, "This is a major incident. I've heard that he has managed to narrow down the suspect list quite considerably. His Highness will never forgive the one who has harmed you."

Many eyes were following Prince Rezef, who was greatly angered that someone dared to poison the imperial family.

"I see," Cayena answered gravely.

Vera handed over the wet towel and bucket to the maid next to her and glanced at the princess.

Cayena leaned back on the cushion with a faraway stare and a bluish complexion.

Her calm expression was very much unlike her usual self.

'I had expected that she would hit me, at the least.'

Cayena was not poisoned in her room, but rather at the party.

However, considering Cayena's personality, it had been likely that she would have still beat her innocent ladies-in-waiting, saying that they had not supported her.

But Cayena did not cry out to summon Rezef to her or ask about what he was doing.

'Was she that shocked?'

Cayena didn't look shocked or scared.

It would be a little strange to say that she was acting this way because she was hurt, but Vera had no other way to explain the situation.

Vera couldn't help but feel that a storm was brewing.

Her mind was filled with speculation.

"Vera."

Cayena called out to Vera somewhat kindly.