After I made sure Ertha was fine and calmed down Sana, I told the cute Archbishop not to let the patient work for a few days.
Even if the curse was lifted, she surely still felt weak and sluggish from sleeping for a few days without moving. With Ertha's Level, her recovery should only take three days at most, as it wasn't really that severe.
"Thank you very much for your help, Sir Arthur. Thanks to you, Ertha doesn't need to die and revive."
"You're welcome, Sana. Now, I need to go to introduce myself to the Princes. I will visit the church later tonight to discuss something."
"I will be waiting for you," Sana replied with a smile and bowed.
I took out a [Teleportation Gem] connected to the Capital City and teleported away. I wanted to be in the Capital City first while waiting for the Queen to contact me with the [Earring of Communication].
Where I appeared seemed to be the corner of the Capital City. I only used the [Teleportation Gem] I got from Cecil's treasure trove and not the one given by the Queen that was connected to the room where I teleported before.
The reason was simple. I wanted to observe first as I waited. She would surely contact me soon if my guess was correct.
'She surely also heard about Ertha getting sick from her subordinate. If she's not a fool, then she will contact me soon.'
But for now, it seemed like there were people who visited the Queen. From my <Presence Detection> combined with <Appraisal>, I discovered that they were Duke Applewell and Count Norrant, two of whom Beatrice had previously charmed.
My lips curled up slightly as I thought, 'Beatrice seems to make a move. Does the Goddess tell her about the need for Queen Eve to ascend to the throne as fast as possible? That might be possible.'
Besides them, many Nobles also stayed in the Capital City. There were also two Nobles that I marked before, Count Scrilaggo and Viscount Limus staying in their villa.
For some reason, even though they weren't the Nobles who had positions in Capital City, they still stayed even though the socialization season was over when summer arrived.
"They seem so suspicious," I muttered as I took out [Shadow Cape] and wore it.
'Let's have Sandra and one of the twins monitor them later. I will infiltrate the Royal Castle to eavesdrop on the Queen's conversation and meet with Beatrice afterward.'
Delving into the shadow, I began to move toward the Royal Castle while cloaking my presence so the Grand Marshal wouldn't feel me.
It was relatively easy. And because I jumped from one shadow to another in this crowded Capital City, reaching the Royal Castle in the center only took me a few minutes. Infiltrating was also easy because no one would expect me to enter using shadows.
The Royal Guards and Knights guarding the entrance and gate were oblivious when I slipped inside. Navigating the Royal Castle, I soon arrived at the airway connected to the throne room, where the Queen met with the two Nobles, Duke Applewell and Count Norrant.
I spied on them while hiding under the shadow of the throne, right behind Queen Eve. Her back, which wasn't hidden by her blue dress, was in front of me, showing her curves that were in the right place.
And from Queen Eve's serious expression, it seemed like the conversation was about to end.
"Are you certain about your decision, Duke Applewell?"
"Yes. We swear our loyalty to you. I was moved by your speech and courage, Your Majesty. With all my heart, I want to offer you full support from Applewell Duchy." The middle-aged man with receding blue hair answered with a decisive tone.
The Queen nodded at his words, ascertaining that he told the truth. Then she turned toward a bald man with an impressive mustache that curled up at the end of his cheek.
"And you as well, Count Norrant?"
"Yes." The man with an impressive mustache, Count Norrant, bowed deeply as his hand was pressed on the carpeted floor.
Queen Eve's hand rapped against the armrest. She rested her head on the other hand and looked at them coldly, just like how a ruler looked at her servant. The meeting continued, but there was nothing interesting, so I moved to where Beatrice was.
I entered one of the towers, often called Queen's tower, and went up. This time, I managed to see Queen Eve's room. Somehow, it was more modest than the one I expected from a Queen's room with no gaudious decoration.
At the corner of the room, there was a small ladder reaching to the ceiling. It was the way to the attic, where Beatrice's room was. I climbed it and found a bed on the corner with a girl sleeping soundly on it. A blissful expression was on her face as her chest heaved up and down rhythmically.
I showed up beside her and called out, "Beatrice."
Hearing my voice, she opened her eyes instantly and looked up, "Master!" She exclaimed.
I nodded at her, "How is the progress?"
"It's going nicely." She said, "The other Duke doesn't need to be charmed as he went to meet the Queen just this morning to swear his loyalty. Many Nobles have also sworn loyalty to hers, leaving only a few in the opposing faction."
"That's great," I said, smiling. "But don't lower your guard. Ertha was cursed by someone, probably from the opposing faction. Find them, and don't give mercy." I continued with a chilling tone, making Beatrice retreat slightly in fear as she nodded without saying anything.
I immediately realized that my bloodlust was seeped out slightly due to my anger and instantly retracted it. This was bad. Grand Marshal Garland surely noticed it.
As expected, that man went to the throne room immediately to protect the Queen. Both Nobles were done with their talk, so they retreated almost at the same time the Grand Marshal entered the throne room. He stood beside the Queen and followed her afterward.
They walked to the room where I teleported last time, even though the Grand Marshal surely felt the bloodlust I leaked earlier. Was he that confident of protecting the Queen even when there was danger? His confidence was something to be praised.
Two neutral dots joined them, and they arrived in the room shortly after.
At that moment, the earring on my ear vibrated; the Queen was calling me. Putting my index finger on my lips, I accepted the call.
(Good afternoon, Your Holiness. I apologize for the sudden notice, but is it fine if we meet? There is something urgent that I want to consult with you.)
"Of course, Queen Eve. I am happy to talk with you. Shall I teleport to the Royal Castle right now?"l
(If it's possible… I truly apologize for bothering you. But this is an urgent matter.)
Urgent… It should be related to the discussion earlier. Her voice seemed to be a little bit elated and… happy. My lips curled into a smile.
"No, it's not a problem at all. I will now use the [Teleportation Gem], Queen Eve."
(Yes. I've sent someone over to the teleportation room to guide you, Your Holiness.)
'Liar.' I thought. It was herself who was waiting for me and not her servant.
But I truly appreciated her humbleness.
I ended the call and looked at Beatrice, "I need to go for a few minutes. Join Queen Eve and listen to our conversation."
"Yes, Master!" She nodded firmly. "And I will find the person who cursed Ertha."
"Alright."
After answering Beatrice, I activated the [Teleportation Gem] with that room coordination saved and disappeared from the attic.
When my vision was restored, I saw four people standing in front of me. In the front row was Queen Eve, with two young boys with short blue hair. One was slightly taller than the other, but their facial features greatly resembled Queen Eve.
I guessed the taller one was Prince Thomas, while the shorter one was Prince Edison. They looked at me with respect and admiration.
For a Prince of a nation, they looked rather innocent. But I learned not to see people by their appearance. It could be deceiving. I didn't know much about them except the rumors going around. Their personality was still a mystery.
Who knew what that innocent face hid? Just looking at their eldest sister was enough of an example. They could also be Yanderes who hadn't found their target yet.
Still, I would make them my ally. I would gladly help them as long as they also helped me.
Grand Marshal Garland looked at me with a narrowed gaze, seemingly to warn me about danger. My bad, dude, but that was me.
Queen Eve took a step forward with a welcoming smile, "Welcome, Your Holiness. My apologies for the sudden call."
For someone who had just finished mourning, she looked rather fine. But I knew she was just putting up a front for the sake of the people and those trusting her.
Such was the fate of Royalty. They weren't allowed to show weakness, or sly snakes would use that to take them down, just like what I did against King Cassius.
But that truth would be buried forever, as it was for the sake of the Goddess and Castitas Church, as well as my ambition.
I greeted her back with a smile and suggested, "Thank you for greeting me personally, Queen Eve. Shall we talk more in the other room?"
"Yes." She nodded slightly, putting her hands in front of her body. "Let's talk in the other room."
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