Once the delegation sent to the Western Empire returned, the case of Grand Duke Lilteang was officially made public.
Everyone began to talk about it.
There were those who had suspicions like Sovieshu, but concluded that it would be better to keep their mouths shut.
There were others who were indignant that the Western Empire would arbitrarily imprison Grand Duke Lilteang.
But as the paternity test date approached, Grand Duke Lilteang's case was naturally forgotten.
Finally, the day of the paternity test arrived.
That same day it became known that Viscount and Viscountess Isqua had left the Western Empire amidst the commotion caused by the case of Grand Duke Lilteang.
— We found clues about our other daughter. The paternity test can wait, but the clues will be useless if we delay, so we must leave immediately. We promise to do the paternity test later.
That was the justification they gave. Many found it suspicious, but the couple had already disappeared.
Besides, the most important matter now was to know whether the princess was the Emperor's daughter. Whether Empress Rashta was the daughter of a fallen noble family or of a commoner was not an urgent matter.
***
Moments before getting in the carriage to go to the temple, Rashta saw the princess after a long time.
The princess was in the arms of Viscountess Verdi, who had become her nanny.
'Babies grow up so fast.'
Rashta noticed that the princess had grown a lot compared to the last time she saw her.
"Viscountess Verdi."
When Rashta called out to her, Viscountess Verdi did not look up and cautiously replied, "Yes."
Even though Rashta was in a difficult situation, Viscountess Verdi was still afraid of her.
Rashta looked at her sharply and asked coldly,
"Do you also believe that the Princess is not the Emperor's daughter?"
Viscountess Verdi didn't understand the reason for Rashta's question, but answered without hesitation,
"I do believe that Princess Glorym is the Emperor's daughter."
In fact, this was the answer that Viscountess Verdi was bound to give as the princess' nanny.
Viscountess Verdi thought that was not the question Rashta really wanted to ask. However, Rashta just stared at Viscountess Verdi with mysterious eyes. She did not ask the real question.
She didn't even mention that she wanted to hold the princess in her arms, she simply got in the carriage.
Viscountess Verdi frowned in discomfort, and got in a separate carriage.
Sovieshu's change in attitude left a deep scar on Rashta. In contrast, Viscountess Verdi's betrayal left her with an imperceptible scar.
Rashta herself didn't even realize how much her betrayal had hurt.
What Rashta really wanted to ask Viscountess Verdi was why she saved her when the maid rushed at her with a chair to kill her.
Every time she remembered that Viscountess Verdi had saved her, she felt a mixture of anger and curiosity.
'Why did she save me if she would betray me anyway?'
As the carriage started off, the rattle made her body shudder. Rashta closed her eyes and placed her hand on her belly like usual.
