Nyxian Envenomator

I was right from the beginning; this scenario will worsen later. The Empress has something up her sleeve. What does she want with me? It's not good, so I must keep my guard up. 

While exiting the room, I was greeted by the Duchess, whose expression remained the same from the first time we met. 

While looking at the Duchess, she sighed, then lent her hand out and said, "Fräulein Liselotte, your carriage is here. I'll be grateful to escort you there." The Duchess ended her sentence with a tiny curtsy before lending her hand out again.

When I took her hand, her hands felt rough and firm, as if they had a lack of moisture to them. Walking down the halls, I could see a new guard with each time step I took. It's as if the Empress was watching me through her guards, or it was probably that. 

When we reached the exit, I counted 20 or 30 guards. I let go of the Duchess's hand, looked at her straight in the eye, and asked, "Is there a need for many guards as you escort us?"

The Duchess was taken by surprise, but she quickly remained poised. She looked me straight and said, "Fräulein Liselotte, It's only natural since you brought a weapon into the Empress's palace. Especially if that weapon is Nyxian Envenomator."

How did she know about the dagger? I was careful to hide it. I look back at the Duchess to confront her. "How did you know about the dagger?"

The Duchess gave a small chuckle, losing her calm stance and attitude. She turned from a relaxed and reserved person to a crazy maniac. She looked at me straight into my eyes as if reading my soul and said, "The smell. Having such a rare item which could mean you stole it! That is something very dear to Empress Theresa, so please hand it over."

Did Pavel steal this dagger? I don't even know him that well. Is he setting me up?

The Duchess approached me before cupping my cheeks, then began to speak, "I'd like you to hand over the dagger, then I'll let you leave in one piece."

So that's why she brought all these guards, and I couldn't escape. But, if this dagger is so rare, do I have to give it up? After all, if I came home and Pavel found out I lost the dagger to the Empress, would he be pissed?

I looked at my surroundings to see if there was a possible solution for me to escape. But the chances of it seem impossible. It is best to give the dagger away.