Word of Lyra's concubine's return had spread throughout the Land. Many residents did not expect that Lyra's concubine was still alive. That was because there had been rumors circulating that Lyra's concubine had died several hundred years ago. But the rumors seemed to be refuted by Lyra's concubine when she returned to the Palace.
Apart from that, the residents also praised the actions of the concubine Lyra in saving the crown princess. They thought that Lyra's concubine had changed for the better.
"How are you?"
Concubine Lyra who was in the Queen's garden was suddenly startled by a voice from behind. She immediately turned around to see who had come. Turns out it was her husband.
"What did you come to see me for?"
"I just wanted to say hi to you."
"I know you didn't come to see me for that. That's enough. Do not talk too much. Quickly say what you want!"
"You never change huh? You always snap at me."
"If you don't have anything important to say, then it's better to leave first."
When Lyra's concubine wanted to leave, her husband suddenly held her hand.
"Thank you for saving the crown princess."
"That has become my duty. You don't need to thank me."
"Then why did you only come alone? where is he?
"He doesn't want me to take him back to the Palace."
"Oh, I see."
"It is done, right? Then I'll go first."
Concubine Lyra left the garden leaving her husband.
*****
Currently, Xavia was walking around the Palace with some of her maids. However, she accidentally saw the crown prince who was also walking around with one of his maids.
Since she was accused of murder by prince Quintis, Xavia's hatred for prince Quintis has only grown. Moreover, it turned out that he was not found guilty in the final trial.
Yes, the result of prince Quintis was that the arrow did indeed belong to Prince William but it was stolen from the vault. So far, the culprit has not been found. Prince Quintis also ordered all residents to be even more careful when going out at night. If there is no interest, it's better to stay at home. This was done to prevent the occurrence of murder a second time.
"Xavia."
Prince Quintis called out Xavia's name when she just walked past him.
"What is it?"
"Sorry."
Xavia was silent for a few moments. But not long after that, she resumed her steps. Xavia didn't reply to Prince Quintis at all.
Prince Quintis who saw Xavia's departure just stared.
"She is haughty, prince."
The maid who accompanies prince Quintis talks about Xavia's attitude of just leaving.
"Just leave it. Let's head to the hall."
"Yes."
*****
"Is it okay for Miss to ignore the crown prince like just now?"
"I'm just still mad at him. Because of him I, you, and my family were almost killed. Luckily, Lyra's concubine saved me."
"That is true. If there wasn't Lyra's concubine, we might all be dead. But speaking of concubine Lyra, I just remembered. Miss received an invitation to dinner from concubine Lyra at the west pavilion tonight."
"Dinner invitation?"
"Right. This morning the maid of concubine Lyra came to see me and asked me to tell my lady about this."
"Is that so? Then I'll start preparing for the dinner of concubine Lyra."
*****
"What?! Dinner invitation?"
"Right. I heard it myself from the mouth of the maid."
"What an unexpected act."
"What do you mean, princess?"
"Lyra is just like me. She didn't like it when there were poor people hanging around this Palace. But hearing she was going to invite Xavia to have dinner with her really surprised me."
"Maybe Lyra's daughter is up to something."
"Planning something you say?"
"Right. So far, we know that princess Lyra really hates Queen Afia, and Queen Afia has directly chosen the crown princess. But all of a sudden princess Lyra was so nice to the crown princess. Doesn't that look suspicious, princess?"
"You're right. In that case, I need you to infiltrate the west pavilion tonight. I wonder what he will do to the crown prince."
"Fine, princess."
*****
Xavia accepts a dinner invitation from concubine Lyra. She was now heading for the west pavilion to head to concubine Lyra's residence.
Upon Xavia's arrival at the west pavilion, several maids already greeted her from concubine Lyra. Xavia is led into the residence of Lyra's concubine. In concubine Lyra's residence, various kinds of delicious dishes were arranged on a long table. After Xavia sat down in the place that had been prepared, the maid who had escorted Xavia in had left. Now only Lyra and Xavia's concubines were in the room.
"I'm glad you honored my invitation, crown princess."
"No problem, Mother. I am also happy to attend your invitation."
"Then please eat."
Xavia and concubine Lyra start having dinner. In the middle of eating, Lyra's concubine suddenly asked Xavia something.
"Oh yea, I heard that you were directly chosen by the King and Queen to become the crown princess. Is it true?"
"That's right, Mother."
"Then I also heard that the ministers disagreed and asked you to have a match with princess Mystica."
"That's right, Mother."
"Then do you love Azzamar?"
Xavia fell silent when she heard the question. She who was about to feed his food suddenly stopped.
Concubine Lyra who saw Xavia's response also stopped her meal.
"Why? Did my question offend you?"
"Ah… no, Mother. I was just shocked."
"What surprised you?"
"I... I..."
Xavia wasn't sure how to respond. She couldn't possibly be honest with his mistress Lyra. But she also didn't want to answer that she loved prince Quintis, because, in fact, she hated prince Quintis from the beginning of their meeting.
"What's wrong, crown princess?"
"I-it's okay."
"Then you just have to answer honestly, do you love Azzamar?"
"No."
"Then, why did you accept the offer to become the crown princess?"
"I just don't feel comfortable turning it down."
"You really are kind-hearted. It's a shame you have to be stuck forever with someone you don't love."
"That's already a risk from the decision I made."
"I can help you to separate from Azzamar and make you the leader of this Country."
"What do you mean, Mother?"
"You can be Queen of this Country without having to marry Azzamar."
"R-really? B-but how?"
"You have to get rid of Azzamar and her sister. Including the King and Queen. I will help you to get rid of them. After all of them are gone, you and I can rule the Palace and this Country. How?"
It really surprised Xavia to hear what concubine Lyra said. She didn't expect that Lyra's concubine would say that to her. She was now at a loss as to what to say in reply to Lyra's concubine. She didn't want to become a criminal and be hunted down later. But she also didn't want to disappoint Lyra's concubine who had helped her. So, what should she do now?