330 Trust and mistrust (4)

«Where are the advisors appointed for the selection?» his majesty inquires, turning to his assistants.

They immediately run out to look for them, but it doesn't take much time to realise they're nowhere to be found. Some are missing, others had compelling commitments out of the capital, urgent and unexpected.

The eldest died, during the night, of old age.

What a coincidence.

«So many lives just for her own gains,» the Empress comments, drying non-existing tears with a silken handkerchief.

Did she kill the officer, or is it just a coincidence? It's hard to believe, but he was so old that the Empress might have been just lucky.

And... who cares about the truth? There won't be any need for investigations here. I already know enough.