There was a bit of a stir due to the intruder yesterday, but the atmosphere soon calmed down as the alleged intruder turned out to be a servant of the imperial palace, and the person who used ice magic... we were able to cover this up.
Of course, I couldn't walk around unescorted for a while, and the knights would probably be busy trying to figure out who asked to approach me.
In any case, I decided to meet with the noblewomen as planned. The former king's concubine was also invited, although I had hesitated to meet with her until the very end. But it wasn't a bad decision.
"Honestly, I was really worried that Your Majesty would meet with everyone but me."
The former king's concubine smiled broadly as soon as we sat down at the table, revealed her concerns, and laughed.
"I thought that Your Majesty would be reluctant to invite me after what happened in the Eastern Empire."
The other noblewomen were taken aback by her candor. I was also surprised. The former king's concubine smiled so brightly that her eyes narrowed.
She had a very different personality compared to Christa's. Well... Rashta and I also had very different personalities.
That night, I told Heinley about it. However, I noticed as I spoke that his expression was not good.
"Heinley?"
Why does Heinley have such a gloomy expression today? Usually he doesn't keep quiet. I leaned close to him and put my hand on his cheek.
"What's the matter?"
I was worried to see Heinley sad after he had enjoyed making fun of me only yesterday. What happened to him?
Heinley answered immediately.
"There is something important I must tell you, My Queen."
"All right, tell me."
"A trial will be held against 'that woman' in the Eastern Empire."
Rashta is the person whom Heinley calls 'that woman'. Will there be a trial against Rashta?
"Really?"
"Yes."
Well, it is a huge problem that the princess is not actually the emperor's daughter... It was reasonable for Rashta to be punished for it.
"I don't care what happens in the Eastern Empire anymore."
I stood up as I deliberately spoke firmly and coldly. I found it rather odd that Heinley had such a serious expression. Given his personality, shouldn't he be happy about the news?
"Yes, I know."
After Heinley said this, he sighed heavily,
"But the Eastern Empire asked if My Queen could attend the trial."
"Me? At the trial?"
"Since you were a victim, the Eastern Empire asked if My Queen would attend as a witness... What do you want to do?"
***
Rashta went out into the corridor and made a request to a knight on watch.
"I would like to see His Majesty."
The knight could have ignored her, but he told her to wait a moment and headed to the Eastern Palace.
Rashta wandered down the corridor, then returned to her room and sat in an armchair as she waited nervously.
After a while, the knight returned with the answer.
"His Majesty ordered me to lead Empress Rashta to him."
