This Life Will Be My Last

Chapter 24 - The New Years Eve Banquet I never attended {Part 1}

The reason, I didn't go to the banquet even After I spent all that time Preparing and putting my best efforts into it? Tiredness? Fear? Lack of confidence In how I'd executed it?

“How long ago was the Banquet? Lady Audreyn?” I exclaimed as I looked  up at her, from the book that was in my hand. As I was Busy catching up on the history of this ever-so-great empire.

“Your Highness…?”

“You're asking about the one you didn't attend right?”

My lady-in-waiting said calmly as she turned around to look at me  from the opposite end of the garden table, which was adorned with lavish emblems on the wood. While the table was set with a light green tapestry on it that had The Current Empress and Emperors unionship in the middle on it. Not being covered up.
It would've been rude if it was covered up.

“Yes –”

“Yes, I am… Lady Audreyn”

“Did you attend the banquet that night?”

Lady Audreyn, paused as she let her facial expressions relaxed for a moment, before she then curtly replied with a nod. Her voice was as calm as it usually was.

“Hm? Ah Yes”

“Of course, I did Attend Your Highness”

Lady Audreyn with a slight hesitation in her voice, slightly said Somewhat calmly as she looked at me.

“But? Your Highness?.… Princess…”

“Why are you bringing up something that happened a month ago?”

“Ah – , I don't really know if I should tell Your Highness”

Lady Audreyn said as she looked at me slightly, bringing one of her hands to her lips as she covered her lips slightly In embarrassment, feeling her throat clench around her.

“Tell me– what…?”

“Does it involve The Concubine?”

Lady Audreyn's eyes then suddenly Glimmered with something, a spark of familiarity maybe? I couldn't Tell what it was. It was like she wanted me to know, but also wanted to keep it a secret for the time being.

“Lady Toussaint… She was dancing with the Crown Prince”

I slightly lifted my eyebrow as I looked at the lady-in-waiting, wondering why she was so hesitant and nervous about telling me that. It was wrong for him to take a concubine while not ruling on the throne Of this empire. However? He was in his own rights to dance with that concubine, I didn't mind it… I didn't detest it or envy it as much as someone would if this was their first life.

Letting out a low chuckle as I glanced at Lady Audreyn, as I kept the same stone-like cold expressions on my face. Acting like I've seen it all before.

“Haha”

“You really? You really do, make me quite jovial, Lady Audreyn”

I then Slightly lifted my tea up to my lips, as I took a small sip from it before I then continued by saying as I tried not to glare or intimidate her, even in the position of authority I had.

I could easily Have intimidated and hurt her feelings if I chose to administer my place In this Hierarchy… However? Most know quite well not to cross the Crown Princess, The one that would be the Empress of this great empire.

The Great Empire of Rodwine, either destined for its downfall or for its glory…

“Countess Of Verena”