The temporary truce

From the window on the third floor, Lillian already saw how badly damaged the carriage was. Now that she was right in front of it, she wondered how they even got this carriage to move.

Fortunately, she and Lucas were the only ones who heard the chime. It seemed the Empress did it deliberately. She quickly led them to a quiet area and shut the door behind her.

Her gaze fell on the injured young boy with black mana pouring out of his body and the Empress covering her right eye. The same substance of mana was pouring out of her right eye.

"You explain." Lillian pointed to the Knight who followed them inside. "Why was a knight driving the carriage? What happened to the carriage driver? The other knights?"

How can the Empress of the Empire show up with just a single Knight and her son? No matter what event it is, she should show up grandly.

"We were attacked on the way. General Mo stayed behind to fend off the attackers. The other Knights started to behave weirdly and joined the attackers."

"Lucas."

Lucas walked over to the Empress, holding her son's hand. He tapped her shoulder and sighed. "They got attacked by a mage with dark magic. Judging on this mana, it's your sister."

"Sister Bridget is truly foolish, just because she cannot attack me directly."

Is it because she helped the Empress out with the hunt? Either way, her gaze flickered towards the young boy on the couch. It looked like the Empress wanted to use her healing powers, but she was unable to make a move due to the Knight.

Lillian walked over and stood behind Zushi.

"Since I owe you a favor, I will help just this once." Lillian extended her hand out, and a bright red-colored light appeared from her palms.

The black-colored mana oozing out of the young Prince gradually vanished.

She turned to the Knight at the door. "Get yourself treated at the medic center and inform them that the Empress will join the ball shortly."

It looked like Zushi wanted to protest, but she kept her head low. Once the Knight left, she turned to the woman angrily. "You, how many times did I warn you?"

"It's not my fault! Everybody was in a festive spirit. I didn't think anybody would cast a spell on the Royal Knights."

Indeed Natalia's party was a huge event considering it happened the day after that crazy killing game. People invited as guests and who witnessed the bloody events wanted nothing more than to dismiss it.

Lillian reached over and pinched the Empress's cheeks. "I already told you to be on your guard. You only just became the Empress; people are still not taking you seriously enough. They will do anything to take you down."

"I understand that." Zushi looked down. "But how can I work to improve the nation if I doubt everybody around me?"

"I thought you didn't want the throne."

She did not tell her directly, but that was her impression after listening to her talk in the forest. "Or did you lie to me so I would let my guard down?"

"That is not it! It's true I only became the Empress to help my son- but," Zushi trailed off. "I should still make an effort, shouldn't I?"

Indeed if she does nothing and acts helpless all the time, she will be of no use to her. Lillian sighed as she placed her hand on her forehead.

"It seemed my sister was the one who attacked you, so I also share the blame in this. But Empress, you must take my warning seriously. These people will not hesitate to end your life for something foolish as their greed for power."

"It strikes me as odd, Miss Lillian. How come the Empress seat has remained empty all these years?"

At those words, Lucas interjected. "Why is it a surprise? Lillian's chased of all those fake Empresses away."

Until this point, she has chased away all those people, but like Lucas said, she only chased them away because they were fake. Her gaze fell on Zushi; no, her gaze fell on the woman's eyes.

"You are not like them. But I still intend to continue testing you."

Even if they made a temporary alliance, it is only for now. The Empress has not proven herself yet. However, right now, she cannot do anything without her assistance. For now, she will do this much but only now. When her plan starts to bear fruit, she will discard the Empress right away.

'I already confirmed during the hunt, but we will not see eye to eye. I am only keeping her around because she is one of the largest clues to finding my brother. If only she would recall her memories.'

"Your eye, let me see it," Lillian mumbled.

"Ah, I am alright-"

"Sit down." She pointed to the other couch, and Zushi did so. Zushi moved the eyepatch away, only to reveal a badly bruised eye covered in dark magic.

She has to admit it was a smart move from sister Bridget. It seems her sister also knows about the dangers of the Empress's eye power. It only makes sense to target her eyes, but she didn't do a very good job if she only hit one.

"Um, if you do not mind, do you mind accepting this gift?"

Lillian blinked, startled when she saw the box. "You do realize that today is Natalia's birthday and not mine?"

"I am aware, of course, I prepared a gift for her. But this is to thank you for helping me the other day." Zushi trailed off. "I didn't have much time to prepare, and I just happened to see this on the way here, but I thought it would suit you."

Lillian slowly opened the box to see a gorgeous red colored ribbon.

'This is the type of thing that would suit you.'

'It looks good on you, Lili.'

An image of her eldest brother Raiju flashed through her head. It seems the two of them are very similar to each other. She thought this when she first saw her at the coronation ceremony. But the Empress's strong and determined gaze reminded her of her eldest brother.

Was it because the two spent so much time together? Even their mannerism and beliefs are similar to each other. One of the things she and her brother fought about before was her methods. Her brother disliked how she did things, and they often fought about it.

Yes, just like how the Empress lectures her. Her brother did that in the past.