Chapter 26: Tea Time

Palace

Crown Prince's Office

Eleanor entered and saw that no one is around. She withdrew fast and stood outside the door. She was reminded by Fineil not to step inside the Prince's room without him asking her to do so or without the aid allowing her to enter. She might have been executed just in case papers were lost or not documented well. She saw two figures walking towards her. "You are early, Council Eleanor", Liam smiled and greeted her. "Greetings to the future hope of Andaria", I bowed with spread my dress. "Do you have an answer to the task given to you?", Xylan entered as Liam opened the door for him. We all entered.

He sat down in front of his table like a true heir to the throne. He has a good posture and an intimidating look yet there is still a touch of gentleness.

"I stepped on a bug yesterday, your highness. I have told someone that whether a noble, merchant or even a peasant. We all die. It's something that we all share equally. I understand that nobles had claims to riches since their families were pillars of the Empire. Like my house, my great-grandfathers fought for the establishment of this empire. But, I also couldn't help to think that the soldiers also risked their lives. Soldiers from the middle class and peasants. With the number of payments given to them, they decided to start a new one. There isn't always war and soon peace was enveloping the area. They decided to invest and work out their own shops and make their goods", Eleanor stepped forward.

"Nobles continuously dwell on their family heirloom. Middle-class merchants build on their own capital to gain wealth. Aren't we all striving to survive? If we don't acknowledge the merchant's claim with the shops on the streets, aren't we also curtailing their desire to survive? ", Eleanor questioned. Xylan crossed his arms and listened to her intently." It's clear that you want merchants to take shops on the streets. How are you going to share the busy street with nobles and merchants?", Xylan asked for the detail.

"Bidding", Eleanor answered right away. "It is an abuse of your power if I ask you to take away the nobles' right with their current shops. The street was occupied due to the late Emperor's delegation. Of course, he will reward those who have been loyal to him. But then, years passed already. Whoever wins the bidding will be a tenant of the shop. We'll be giving a duration until when the tenancy is available ", Eleanor explained.

"Bidding, you say", Xylan smirked as if it was such a ridiculous idea.

"Your highness, the street is public land. This no one should claim its ownership aside from the Emperor", Eleanor tried to defend her answer.

"Why do you sound as if you're proposal will be rejected?", Xylan crossed his arms. "Liam, request for Council Eleanor's audience for the Emperor", Xylan commanded. "Yes, your highness", Liam smiled and looked at the lady with a congratulatory stare.

He left the room. "I shall get going as well", Eleanor's sweat dropped being left alone with the Prince. "Brew me some, tea", Xylan said while looking into some papers.

"I am afraid that my tea might not suit your taste, your highness", Eleanor tried to escape. "It doesn't matter", Xylan said without looking at her. Eleanor prepared the ingredients and slowly poured the hot water into the pot. She also added a little amount of sugar.

She placed it gently on Xylan's table. "I will drink first, your highness", Eleanor volunteered and poured her a cup of tea. She tasted it and was proud that she was able to make a such fragrant and delicious tea. Xylan didn't mind and raised his cup. Before he even let the cup touch his lips, Eleanor slapped it. The cup went flying to the side of the room. "Hey", Xylan said with a confused look. He saw Eleanor becoming pale. "Guard!!!", he shouted. Some royal Knights are passing by and heard him shout. They entered and saw the Prince carrying Eleanor.

"Call for the doctor immediately!", he ordered.

Why is he panicking a lot?

I'm just a citizen of his kingdom.

What's with that worried look? Don't make me think that I'm dying.

"Council Eleanor, the doctor will be here sooner or later", Xylan gently dropped her on the couch.

Wait?! What happens if I die again? Am I going to be transported to another parallel world?

I don't want this girl's life but I worked hard to redeem her name.

Also, I wanted Charles to be my father. Gilbert is a nice teacher as well.

I... Don't want to die.

Eleanor didn't notice that she was crying. "I don't want to die", she suddenly said her thoughts aloud. Xylan held her hand tightly. "You won't", Xylan said with such confidence. He let out his handkerchief and wiped my tears. "You will be just fine", Xylan patted her head.

..............................

Prison Cell

Eleanor pressed her eyes because of the pain in her body.

It's cold here.

She opened her eyes and saw an unfamiliar place.

I survived the poisoning but there's no assurance that I will survive the trial either.

Eleanor sat calmly on the prison bed and looked at the small hole emitting light. "You are unexpectedly calm", someone broke the silence. Eleanor looked forward and saw Aileen. "Let's say I'm just caged for a while", Eleanor sighed.

"There are some rumors going around. Prince Keanne has been out in the streets being accustomed to the merchants. It happens that the teacups you used to serve his highness are from the merchants. At the same time, you were tasked to solve the crisis about the owning of shops on the street. Do you know what kind of rumor is spreading right now? ", Aileen looked into her eyes. Eleanor kept silent for a while.

"That the merchants would like Prince Keanne to be the Crown Prince since he favors the merchants. That's why he worked hand in hand with me to poison the Prince", Eleanor said with a serious tone.

"Now that you said it yourself, I cannot help but think that you really did it", Fiona went out of hiding. "A lot of ladies are being a witness for your affairs with Prince Keanne during the meeting for the Crown Prince's coming of age", Aileen added. "That's not true", Eleanor stood up. Fiona let out a short laugh. "You're still the same, aren't you? I thought you'd changed. Liar", Fiona grabbed the iron bars. "They're mistaken with Prince Keanne trying to kill his own brother. No matter how painful it was for Prince Keanne to be replaced, there's no way he'll do harm to Prince Xylan", Eleanor also grabbed the iron bar. "That's why. If they are looking for someone to blame...", Eleanor was cut off by someone clearing his throat.

"You will take the blame. Interesting", Theo emerged in the light. The two ladies knelt down. "Greetings to the hope of Andaria", they said in unison. "That's a good offer, Council Eleanor. With that, I don't have to deal with the merchants and my son as well", Theo nodded. "The problem is... Your father will wage war with me", Theo gave a terrifying smile. Eleanor flinched and let go of the iron bar.

"Your life is doomed, Council Eleanor. If you are proven innocent, I wonder whose life we should take in order to put all the blame on him?", Theo hummed. "I will be just fine", Eleanor smiled. Theo was taken back and crossed his arms. "How sure are you?", Theo laughed.

"Your son, the Crown Prince said... That it will all be just fine", Eleanor smiled with confidence.

Chapter end.