Chapter 454. Unexpected Events (1)

I looked at Rivetti in astonishment.

If I remember correctly, she hated the child born between Rashta and her brother. I never expected that she would want to find him, and that she would ask for my help.

On my last visit to the Eastern Empire, I had heard that the child was sentenced to be sold into slavery because both of his parents were criminals.

“I know it’s difficult to understand, Your Majesty. I don’t love him.”

While I remained silent, Rivetti bowed her head and clasped her hands tightly together.

“However… he’s the only link that remains between me and my brother. Although I don’t love him, my brother loved him.”

“Do you want to take care of him?”

“I can’t love him. I don’t feel able to. But I don’t want him to suffer.”

I felt sorry for her. How much did she suffer? What must have brought about this drastic change of heart towards the nephew she had been ashamed of?

“I promise I’ll find him.”

I couldn’t say no. Rivetti left after curtseying several times.

‘She’s a good girl.’

Once Rivetti left, I went back to my room alone. I wanted to read to ease my troubled mind, so I opened a dictionary.

As I studied each word in the dictionary, I came across the word ‘nationality’, and realized something belatedly.

‘Don’t we need the cooperation of the Eastern Empire to find Rivetti’s nephew?’

The court records of the Eastern Empire would list the location where Rivetti’s nephew was sold into slavery. There was no way for a foreigner to consult these records. My petition would be denied immediately.

Rivetti wouldn’t be allowed to consult those records either. There was no way they would show it to someone whose family was involved, especially if she was the powerless mistress of a small estate.

‘What should I do…?’

After I put the dictionary away and paced back and forth, I remembered that Sovieshu had sent a letter after his departure, which I had received yesterday. It was so absurd for him to send me a letter that I threw it in a box for useless things.

Since I never intended to respond, I didn’t even bother to read it.

But now I need the letter. I could pretend to respond and ask him to help me find Rivetti’s nephew. I looked for the box, found the letter, and unfolded it to see the familiar penmanship.

— The 4th Division Commander came to see me. He said that if I revealed our evidence about the Western Empire’s involvement in the mana decline, the Alliance would side with the Eastern Empire in the port case.

— Don’t worry, I refused. I did a good thing for you, don’t you think? Doesn’t this earn me some points?

— By the way, my diary mentioned a man named Duke Elgy. What did I do to him to justify his inordinate hatred for me? Do you know the reason for his grudge?

Oh, my!… I never expected that his letter would be important!

I could not believe that the 4th Commander attempted to make a deal with Sovieshu to obtain evidence about the mana decline.

“My Queen?”

While I was still in shock, the door leading to the matrimonial bedroom opened slightly, and Heinley called me in a low voice.

I needed to show the letter to Heinley, so I told him to come in quickly.

“Is the young lady Rivetti gone?”

“She’s gone. More importantly, you need to look at this.”

Heinley walked in wrapped in a blanket.

“What is it?”

Heinley’s expression turned grim as soon as he saw the letter. Then he glanced at my face and returned his expression to a more innocent look, but it was clear that the mere fact that I had received a letter from Sovieshu had bothered him a little.

“Just focus on what it says at the top.”

When I pointed to the part about the 4th Commander, Heinley became worried.

“In fact, I found two 4th Division knights lurking near the temple where I went to retrieve the mana stone.”

“Did they know something?”

“That’s what I thought, but this letter suggests otherwise. They must have been sent to investigate because mages lost their mana in that area.”

I could see now that with every word the Fourth Commander said was an attempt to manipulate me. At the time, I thought that he only wanted to test me. Fourth Commander Angel might have an angelic smile as his name suggests, but he uses it to hide his deceit.

“Well…”

Heinley narrowed his eyes and skimmed over Sovieshu’s letter again.

“Either way, this sure isn’t good news for me or for Emperor Sovieshu.”

“Why do you think it’s not good for Sovieshu either?”

“It must have been a blow to the commander’s pride to have his offer refused. People who play dirty like him are especially prideful.”

“But all will be well, My Queen.”

Heinley, who had become serious, set the letter aside and smiled broadly at me.

“No matter how much they dig, once I get rid of all the evidence, it will be over. After all, mana decline is a natural phenomenon that has been going on for a long time.”

Still, I squeezed his hand anxiously. He squeezed mine in return.

“By the way, My Queen. Can I tear up this letter?”

Ah! Rivetti!

“No, you need to write a response.”

“… you are joking, right?”

“Rivetti asked for a favor…”

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