"I apologize, Marchioness, but I lack the authority to intervene in His Majesty's decisions," Astelle replied calmly after listening attentively.
The Marchioness, disconcerted, retorted sharply, "Are you suggesting my daughter is a criminal?"
Astelle maintained her composure, understanding that the Marchioness might not be aware of Marianne's actions. Was it ignorance or disregard for the severity of the situation that led her to this point? It was a situation Astelle preferred to avoid.
Innocently, Astelle remarked, "Isn't that the label for most individuals in prison?"
"Lady Astelle!" The Marchioness's tone dripped with hostility, revealing her displeasure.
"As you might not be aware, my husband, the Marquis of Croychen, holds a significant position as the Minister of State. Additionally, my daughter, Florin, is soon to be engaged to His Majesty and will become the Empress," the Marchioness proclaimed, seemingly proud of her family's status.
Astelle hadn't heard of the Emperor's engagement, which made this news surprising. She couldn't help but note the Marchioness's extravagant claims.
"You must be proud to have such a splendid husband and daughter."
The Marchioness demeanor strikingly confident and somewhat boastful. Astelle couldn't help but see a similarity between the Marchioness's behavior and that of her daughter, Marianne.
Astelle's subtle sarcasm seemed to agitate the Marchioness, who raised her voice in response.
"My daughter is about to get engaged...!" The Marchioness voice filled with agitation.
"Marchioness," Astelle interjected in a chilly tone, cutting off her words.
"Lady Marianne was attempting to poison my medicine box and was caught. I fail to see why I should intervene to save her. In my understanding, shouldn't I be advocating for a more severe punishment for Lady Marianne?" Astelle's tone was matter-of-fact, expressing her lack of understanding as to why she should defend Marianne.
If Marianne's malicious plan had succeeded, Astelle's situation would have been far worse. It could have been misconstrued as an attempt to poison the Emperor, involving not only Astelle but also Theor, her grandfather, and possibly her family in the capital.
The Marchioness remained silent, her expression filled with resentment. Her anger seemed futile as Astelle continued, unfazed.
"His Majesty wasn't greatly enraged, so there's no need to fret. He was merely displeased that such an incident occurred during his visit." Astelle explained, mentioning that Kaizen wasn't particularly furious with Marianne; he was more bothered by the unnecessary problem she had caused.
Astelle knew Kaizen as a person who viewed conflicts between women as useless emotional battles.
"Lady Marianne is young, and her father, Marquis Croychen, is trusted by His Majesty. I doubt she'll face severe punishment. You don't need my help," Astelle stated, recognizing that she was the sole victim in this situation. She knew Kaizen wouldn't execute or penalize a young noblewoman for the distress she had endured.
"If you have no further business, I'd prefer if you left now," Astelle requested, turning to leave. However, the Marchioness tried to grab Astelle's attention.
"Hey! Lady Astelle!" the Marchioness called out.
"Marchioness," Astelle replied icily, shutting down the Marchioness' informal approach. "You entered the room without permission and are speaking informally to me. That's quite rude."
