IT HAS TO WORK

What happened yesterday's night is quite long. It wasn't simply any ordinary meal. I'm not sure why they're in such a rush when they have the option of scheduling it for another night. However, my parents discuss important things with me after dinner.

Next to that, I decided to call Vien even though she was probably sleeping at the time. It was late in the evening, after all. I was informed that the mission was carried out successfully and it was time to move quietly. Tho, I haven't slept for some time now. I've been busy, carrying all responsibilities and strategies while the other knights are starting to take their break.

For the third time, Devourah won't stop courting my maid. As much as I know, they're in the garden right now. 

"You're looking at me too much." Camilla smiled as her head swayed from right to left and vice versa. We just finished her training, but she wanted to surprise her family in the afternoon. So right now, I'm just checking the papers. I'm too gorgeous to work in this stuff. But here I am, squandering my time on these pointless sheets.

"Your Highness?" A familiar voice and knock draw my attention. "You're free to open the door." Camilla locks her gaze on Vien as they exchange glances as if they're trying to communicate through their eyes.

"What is that smell?" I set down my quill, attempting to shield my nose from the foul stench emanating from the box. Vien gives Camilla a second glance as she coughs. "Your Majesty should walk outside for a minute and get some fresh air." The tone in Vien's voice makes me look at the box.

"I guess I can take a peek?" Camilla glances at me as if she's trying to check my opinion. That stomach of hers will never get used to this kind of stuff. But if she insists, then she shouldn't complain later. "If the Empress wishes to see it, then grant her wish."

Vien doubted for a while, "What? Are you declining the command?" She shakes her head while opening the box widely. The head was drenched in blood, while the flies were roaming around. The eyes and gaping mouth of hers appeared to be traumatized.

"I present to you, The Empress' head."

"Grant the gold to the knight whoever killed her. He did well." I assumed the dialogue would come to an end until Vien spoke for the second time. "You seem to have another business with me. Kindly speak." She knows that I'm impatient. Why isn't she speaking?

"Burn the head and make no mistake. The ashes should be replaced in a vase. Along with her necklace. " It could come in handy in the future. How fun it'll be~

"Your Highness, Empress Naoka is pregnant." Camilla flinches all of a sudden. 

"So? What should I do? Bring back the baby? Stitch the Empress' head so she could live?" I chuckle slightly. Looking at Vien's face, I know that she's deeply mad. 'How could I be so heartless to kill an innocent baby?' is what I read on her face.

"You should've asked for the Emperor's head instead, Your Highness—" I cut her off while locking in contact. "And what? You expect that Naoka will not avenge the Emperor? If she dies, she dies. It's everyone's fate to die. Consider my command as a means of assisting her in achieving peace. That's it. You may now go." She looks at me with such disbelief in her face.

"Do you want me to repeat my order? I SAID GO!" I simply prevented the infant from being born in this hideous world. Naoka should be grateful to me instead. At least she didn't die alone. The baby will be in peace and will go to heaven along with her. It's just the father will end up in hell. I pity the Emperor, but he deserves it.

If he really loved the Empress, then he wouldn't let her die. 

"If we're going to debate about this issue, better not speak. I told you, mercy isn't included in my vocabulary." Instead of speaking, she grabs my hand while placing it on her head. "I did well, aren't I? I didn't vomit." She flinched, though, when she learned that the Empress was expecting a child.

"Your hand is not moving Helvetica." What is she? A dog asking for pats? I sigh as I pat her head slightly, going down to her cheeks. "Aren't you supposed to be enraged? I killed a pregnant woman." 

"Isn't murdering a pregnant lady the same as murdering a person? Babies, after all, are human beings." I chuckle slightly.

"Vien might let her escape if possible, but like you said, if she avenges the Emperor, isn't it just the same? She'll be killed either way." I caressed her cheeks, looking at her with such amusement.

"That's rude. What happened to your usual forgiving side?" She giggles briefly, her eyes narrowing as if she's feeling my touch on her cheek. "You're the only one who cares for me except for my family, so why should I care for other people?" After chuckling for a while, I moved closer to her face, allowing my lips to kiss her cheeks.

"Don't spoil me too much, Camilla." Retreating from my position, I could see her blushing face along with her embarassed expression. "So, are we missing sceneries?" This woman is getting bolder each time she gets in here.

"You're too lively. Is that Serina's impact on you?" She giggles, getting inside as they hold hands. "Or must I say, are we the ones who are missing some chapters?" Serina pulls her hand back, as if she's noticed my stares.

"Don't flutter me, Your Highness. My hands are just cold." Who's hand will get cold in the middle of summer? Her justifications are becoming irrational.

"We should get going. What do you think?" I extend my hand to Camilla, who seems stuck in a rut from a while back. "And Serina, please stay here and accompany the Grand Duke's daughter for a while. I will call the other maids instead." Serina's head shook constantly, as if she was afraid of being alone with Devourah.

"What are you scared of? Don't tell me this woman is harassing you?" Camilla pinched my hand. "I'm not taking advantage, like-" Devourah coughs for a moment before casting a quick peek at me. "You." A nerve snaps in me all of a sudden as I smile.

"Oh, so Lady Devie wants to go home headless. I see. You should've told me earlier so we could prepare for your coffin." She maintains her poise despite abruptly altering her attitude.

"Have a great time, Your Highness." I was just playing. Though, if she said yes, I wouldn't hesitate. It's an honor. "Then, Lady Devourah, I'll entrust Serina to your care." As we left the room, Camilla looked straight ahead as she started to speak.

"I pity the Grand Duke's daughter." 

"We're helping them to build the connection, but Serina keeps on rejecting her." She added.

"In the end, it'll be her choice, isn't it? It's the Le Fleur's pride that's keeping Devourah from chasing Serina. We did what we could. If it doesn't work, then it doesn't work." You can't force anyone to give you the same feelings.

"But it has to work." My brows furrowed as I looked at her. "What?" But instead, she gave me a bright smile.

"None. Shall we get going?"