Substance Reveal

"Your Majesty, Your Highness," the entrance guards bowed when they saw the emperor and Princess Lucrezia approaching the imperial prison. But why were they here? There was currently no prisoner being held who merited that kind of attention from members of the royalty.

"We're going to see the newest scullery maid," I said. "Take us to where she is." I shot a glance at 1, who was behind me and letting me take over, just as he said he would. It was a measure of respect for my wish to see to the punishment of the girl responsible for the poisoning incident. It must have been difficult for him to relinquish control, not only because I knew he was genuinely concerned for me and didn't want me to be in any potentially dangerous situation. But more so because he was the emperor, and he wasn't used to giving way to someone else. That's why I appreciated what he was doing all the more.