The Empress, Valencia Gross de Ronan, took a big gulp from a glass of red wine. A bottle of this wine cost enough money to buy a whole house. Then she suddenly burst into loud laughter. The maids lined up near Her Majesty's resting place froze.
They rarely saw the Empress in such a good mood. So the fact that the woman hadn't stopped smiling since morning clearly bewildered them.
Serving the Empress couldn't be called an ungrateful task, because she was the most respected woman in the empire. But due to the constant changeability of her mood, it was very difficult to please such a mistress.
Being the daughter of an influential and noble family, Valencia had been spoiled since childhood.
When she lost her temper, she would start screaming and often insult those around her. The Empress frequently raised her hand against her maids.
When she broke an expensive cup or tore carefully sewn clothes, the maids attending her experienced extreme anxiety.
They all expected that one day the same thing would happen to them as happened to these objects.
No one said it out loud, but they all thought the same thing. How could such an arrogant and cruel woman have a daughter like Jerica? In childhood, the Second Princess was spoiled no less than her mother, but she grew up to be her complete opposite.
Her kind heart could win over even those who were dissatisfied with the current imperial authority.
It was truly a miracle.
Every time her mother went too far, Jerica would appear out of nowhere and come to their aid. Like a brave knight on a white horse. No wonder, despite the conservatism of society, many maids in the palace felt sympathy for her.
However, today even the Second Princess's help wasn't needed. For some unknown reason, the Empress was in such a good mood that the maids were afraid to accidentally anger her and ruin everything.
Trying with all their might not to irritate the Empress, the senior maid spoke cautiously:
"Your Majesty, may we help you change?"
Irina lazily waved them away like flies.
"No need. Just leave me alone."
Hearing this, the whole line felt deep relief. It seemed they wouldn't be executed today.
Trying to understand what had made the Empress so happy that she hadn't even raised a hand against them, everyone left.
As soon as they did, another shadow flitted across the room.
A hired assassin dressed in closed clothing landed imperceptibly on his knees before her. The beautiful woman, like a rose with thorns, finally tore herself away from contemplating her glass.
"Do you want to please me with good news?"
The mercenary was so nervous that he swallowed his saliva.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
"Y-your Majesty..."
"What is it?" she asked, throwing back her long luxurious hair, which was light with a bronze tint, "I need her head to personally show the imperial court. I want to see how arrogant she can be when only that is left of her."
The man's lips twitched at the woman's words.
The mercenary said this cautiously, as her sapphire-like sparkling eyes turned to him. From excitement, he swallowed again.
"Your Majesty, I don't have her body..."
After these words, the smile disappeared from the Empress's face.
The mercenary turned pale as a sheet with fear. An experienced warrior, who had killed countless people in his life, froze in the presence of his mistress.
And then a calmly, terrifyingly calm voice rang out above his head.
"What do you mean?"
Cold sweat broke out on his neck. The feeling of fear wouldn't allow the mercenary to even raise his head. Watching his expression, he stammered:
"After yesterday's incident, we couldn't find Her Highness's body... But all our people, including her, are dead."
The Empress jumped up from her chair.
"Is that true?!"
"Your Majesty, we don't know what happened to the body, but rest assured the mission was successfully completed!" he hastily assured, "We found the knife coated with poison at the scene of the fight. There was also blood on it. Without a doubt, it is Her Highness's blood!"
Valencia Gross de Ronan, who hadn't expected such a turn of events, nervously pursed her lips. In an instant, her good mood changed to the point where she was ready to throw a knife at that same mercenary.
But...
"Are there any news from Heilos Residence?" she immediately inquired.
The mercenary shook his head negatively.
"I am sure the princess definitely did not return to her estate last night!"
The Empress exhaled tensely. She was disappointed that people who had served her for so many years could mess up like this.
Was there any point in continuing to support this organization?
From carrying out her intention and executing all these failures to hell, the woman was stopped by a hasty action from the servant. The assassin pulled out a slightly bloodied token from under his clothes.
A gold plate engraved with a coat of arms depicting a crown and a lion's head. The token of a member of the imperial family.
This was a special sign that allowed a member of the Ronan family to confirm their identity outside the palace. It also served as an automatic pass to any city in the empire or military unit. A relic available in extremely limited quantities, which each family member carried with them from birth, especially when leaving the palace.
The Empress pursed her lips, turning the token over in her hands. On the reverse side was engraved the name "Kaena." Given its value, the woman knew in advance that the princess couldn't have simply lost it.
Initially, the Empress intended to put the Crown Princess's body on public display, to personally demonstrate to her subjects that the main threat to the empire's security had been eliminated. This would also make the transfer of the heiress's title completely justified.
But... Circumstances turned out somewhat differently.
If the poison was indeed used, then by this morning Kaena should already be dead. The chances of recovery, barring a miracle, were zero in such a situation. So what could have happened to the body?
Unless...
"I heard that recently the number of demonic beasts on the western outskirts has increased!" the mercenary quickly seized the opportunity, "They often attack people too."
"That is...?"
The servant confirmed her guess.
"Most likely, Her Highness was eaten alive."
Hearing this, the Empress couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Such a fate... Even better than she had imagined!
Just think. The invincible Kaena Hessen de Ronan, whom the entire empire feared, was torn to pieces like some carcass! Just imagining this picture, the woman was overcome with unimaginable delight.
Perhaps karma had indeed caught up with her for all her atrocities.
"Magnificent! This is simply magnificent!"
The Empress clapped her hands like a little child.
For the first time in all this time, the mercenary felt relief and exhaled. Thank the gods, the Empress was satisfied. Deep down, he hoped that everything was as he said.
Because otherwise...
While the hired assassin pondered this, the Empress was already beginning to plan the upcoming celebration in full swing. The long-awaited death of the monstrous Crown Princess absolutely must be celebrated in grand style.
"Immediately send someone for the First Minister!" she shouted to the servants in the corridor, "We must begin preparations for the Second Princess's coronation ceremony as soon as possible."