Case Closed

"Lady Caroline threatened to hurt our family if we don't stand against the empress! The

empress is kind and innocent, please protect my family!" Edna bursted out crying. She's one of my first grade servants. The others started to plea as well.

"Still, you swore to not lie! You will face the consequences, but in return of telling the truth, we'll protect your family. You need to face the consequences of deceiving the Empire, the emperor and everyone."

And with enough proofs and evidences, the case was dismissed.

And I was hailed..

Innocent.

Caroline's side could not defend themselves against the "poison thing" because they turned blind on it. They must have that we will not find out about the truth. Besides, saying things about the poison would only make them guilty, it would mean that they know something about it. It was publicly announced that the cause of death was the blood loss from the stab, if they said anything about the poison when it wasn't even announced that the real reason of the victim's death was the poison, it would only make them look guilty for the crime.

It was the trap Sun proposed. I don't really know how he convinced the other higher-ups to agree, but more importantly they did.

But it surprised me! I really thought that Sun was just a detective, I did not know he was actually a prosecutor! He never told me who's going to be my lawyer and I only found out now, I was really shocked!

The whole chamber was suddenly filled with murmurs and whispers.

"Yeah right? How could Her Majesty the Empress be the arsonist? She grew up in that estate and she loved everyone there."

"True."

"But I never thought Lady Caroline could be this low! She even killed someone!"

"Right! So greedy!"

I stood straight when the judge suddenly went to congratulate me, and I found the emperor staring at me again.

Does he have any problem with me? He doesn't seem happy at all. I chose to ignore his stares and I received a poke from someone. When I turned around to see who it was, I smiled a little.

"So?" Sun greeted me with his smug smirk.

"You're good," a simple compliment won't hurt, right? He deserves it.

"That's it? My pride is hurt, you know."

"What's wrong? That's still a compliment."

"It should be something like 'you're so great' or..."

I didn't listen to his rants anymore.

Caroline faced me with extreme hatred, I smiled at her which made her more angry.

"You're not listening?!" Sun exclaimed.

"Oh? What were you saying?"

He glared at me, "Anyway, the deal! Don't forget about the deal!"

I rolled my eyes, "Don't worry, I won't run away." I said.

I sighed when I remember that I've got nowhere to stay. The estate I grew up now turned to ashes. The Emperor obviously won't allow me to stay in the Empress' Chamber.

A night approached me and said, "Greetings to the Empress. The Emperor is asking for your presence, Your Highness."

I nodded in response, "Looks like we've got some talking to do."

"I don't think it's only 'talk'." He suddenly flashed a mischievous smirk.

I just arched my brows. I don't understand him at all. "I'll go first."

"Your Majesty, the Empress Her Highness has arrived."

"Let her in."

"Greetings to the emperor, sun of the Empire. May you reach evangellium. I heard that Your Highness called for me."

"I want to congratulate you and tell you an unpleasant news at the same time," He looked at me and sighed.

"Your Highness?"

"Congratulations for being proven innocent. However, I must take your title as an Empress." He said which made me stop.

Take my title? I don't really care, but I want to know why. I am innocent, my name was cleaned!

"They think a foul play was involved. Sun is popular for being the best detective and a prosecutor at the same time, and he was in your side. I don't really care about what people say, but I don't want to hear them bad mouth you. People would think that the law is unfair that's why you are proven innocent. Don't worry, when the right time comes, I'll give you back your title. You'll be down to a noble lady. Lady Lucia, you may leave if you have no more questions." He said before turning his back against me.

"Still, thank you for your generosity, Your Highness. You could even totally dissolve my title and make me a commoner, but you did not and you listened to my side. I offer my utmost grattitude, may the Gods bless you more each day. Your highness, this one will go to not take your time anymore. Thank you for your benevolence." I said before taking my leave.

Giving me back the title? I don't believe him. But I'd rather live simply and not be involved with anymore dangerous people, so I am fine with how things are. I'm sure Lucia would want this.

I was sent to the Butterfly Estate, and that's the estate where Lady Marika lives. I sighed after the thought of living with someone who ultimately hates you crossed my mind. Lady Marika was one of the noble ladies in the emperor's harem who hated Lucia a lot.

I'll really have to deal with her attiRUDE. Well, maybe having a harmonious relationship with her is a lot more easier than the other noble ladies. Lady Marika is not in good terms with the others, too. In fact, she's being picked on by them as well.

Currently, I am choosing my first grade servants. Having three should be suffice, less pain of betrayal if ever. "Court Lady, may I choose a first grade servant from my past estate?" I asked which made her eyes wide.

Who wouldn't be shocked? I have a history of being betrayed by my own lady-in-waiting in that estate, although I understand that they were threatened and it was their family whose life were at risk.

"I beg your pardon, Your Majes一Lady Lucia. But are you sure about your decision?" I only nodded as a response, "May I know who so I could call for her?"

"Her name was Mayka. The late Yeina's friend," I answered which made her jaw drop.

She swallowed before speaking, "I'll call for her. Would that be all, my lady?"

I stared at the eyes of the servants who are in front of me, and one of them caught my attention. "You," I looked intently at the girl with scars and bruises.

"Me?"

"Mind your manners, Cay!" The court lady yelled and was about to hit her, but I held arm to stop her. "L-Lady Lucia."

"It's alright," I said without looking at her before facing the lady she called Cay. "Cay, isn't it?" She nodded, "Then Cay, where did you get that scars?" I asked.

"My Lady, these scars are nothing. I got them because I was clumsy."

"Court Lady, I want her." I directly stated which made the court lady's eyes wide for the third time.

"But Lady Lucia, she is not well-trained and she's useless一"

"Are you questioning my judgement?"

"N-No, Lady Lucia, please forgive me."

I eyed her seriously before looking at the servants. Just one more lady, "Who's the best in cooking?" I asked. They all pointed the lady with a mole on her lips, she's cute. "Very well. You both come with me," I said and started walking. I stopped when I realized I haven't asked for the girl's name. "Your name?"

"Yeanne, my lady."

"Then--"

"Lady Lucia, Mayka is here."

"Your Majesty, you called for me?"

"I want you to be my lady in waiting. Please also bear in mind that I am not the empress anymore."

Her eyes widened upon hearing my statement, "I apologize, my lady."

"It's alright. You three are my lady-in-waiting and I don't care about your past. I trust you with who you are right now, and it's your choice to break it or not. Let's go," I said without looking at them before I started walking.