Murmurs spread through the crowd as Celestira arrived at the reception.
One maid whispered,
"Miss Celestira was poisoned, wasn't she?"
"Yes, she was—but not by any ordinary poison. It was one from the black market, the most lethal kind."
"Do you think she's angry after waking up? Maybe she'll take out her frustration on us…"
"Oh, you do remember what happened when Miss was fourteen and didn't like her birthday cake?"
"I'm getting chills just thinking about it."
"She beat all the chefs in the kitchen until her hand hurt—and got them all fired too."
Celestira observed quietly, her eyes narrowing.
I didn't beat the chefs because I didn't like the cake. It was because the cake was laced with poison—and I only realized it when the maid brought me a silver spoon after I dropped my golden one.
Rose clapped her hands, snapping everyone's attention toward her.
"Now everyone, please quiet down. Her Ladyship has summoned you all for something important."
The whole room fell silent.
Celestira walked toward the quietest worker—the only one who hadn't bad-mouthed her.
"What's your name?" she asked.
The maid lifted her head, her eyes soulless for a moment before flickering back to life.
"M-my name is Laural, Your Ladyship."
Hmm… her eyes looked different just now. I have a feeling she's connected to that mysterious person.
"Laural, was it?" Celestira asked commandingly.
The maid nodded.
Celestira opened her mouth to continue. "So, where were you last night?"
The blood didn't seem too old—probably from last night.
The maid stuttered, "I-I was... in my room, Your Ladyship."
Celestira's lips curved up slightly. A lie.
She took a step forward, her shadow falling over the maid. Her voice turned sharp, calm but menacing.
"I'm asking one last time. Answer truthfully. Where were you last night?"
The maid gulped and blurted out, "I was cleaning the corridor, Your Ladyship… and then suddenly I was in my room. It was already morning."
She dropped to her knees. "Your Ladyship, I really don't know what happened."
Hmm… interesting. What—
Suddenly, the doors burst open and a servant ran in, panic written all over his face.
"Your Ladyship, something terrible has happened!"
"Miss Alicia, she—"
To be continued…