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Chapter : 105
That night, Elprada went to bed thinking about how to arrange a place for the Empress and Serena to live outside.
The next morning, she planned to ask Ilene to find a suitable house in the capital, give the two of them some jewelry, and send them off.
It was partly out of concern for them, just as she had initially worried, but also because of the maids’ complaints. Ilene had kindly kept it from her, but she could not hide the maids’ looks.
“Good morning, Your Majesty!”
The next morning, Ilene came to see Elprada as usual, cheerful as ever. She carefully examined Elprada’s still-drowsy face after waking up and seemed relieved.
“Your injury isn’t too severe. If you apply the medicine properly, it should disappear within a few days.”
“Thank you, Ilene. And His Majesty—”
“Of course, I’ll keep it a secret.”
Ilene said that with a wink, but she didn’t feel entirely at ease. This naive queen still didn’t realize that nothing inside the palace escaped the King’s ears.
Especially in the Solar Palace, there were many eyes and ears planted by the King. The moment Elprada was slapped, word likely began spreading, and by evening, the King would have already known.
But since there’s no reaction yet… maybe he plans to ignore it.
Still, it was hard to openly bring up yesterday’s incident as a political issue. And now that Makaeri had fallen, it was no longer even a diplomatic matter.
“I also want to find a house for my mother and Serena. It would feel better to send them off properly.”
“Of course. It must be difficult for someone who was once an Empress and a Princess to handle that themselves.”
Ilene nodded in understanding.
“I’ll find something suitable in size and location. It won’t take long.”
“Thank you, Ilene. For taking care of this as well.”
Elprada paused for a moment before adding,
“It’s not exactly a pleasant task for you either.”
“You don’t need to think that way. It’s Your Majesty’s request.”
Ilene was now used to Elprada’s excessive humility and responded lightly with a smile.
“If you’re that grateful, then please eat more today.”
“Ah… I think I’ve been eating fine.”
“What are you saying? You’ve been eating less these past few days. You’re already very thin—you’ll become nothing but bones. I know you’re worried about your mother and sister…”
“No, it’s not that. But compared to someone whose country has fallen, I guess I am eating too well.”
Ilene paused, suddenly remembering that Elprada had lost her country just days ago. To Ilene, Makaeri was already “Machia,” but for Elprada, it was still a place she had lived longer.
Still, Ilene didn’t want to say it bluntly.
“The country you belong to now is Machia. I know Makaeri’s fall is painful, but… please don’t think of it as your homeland being destroyed.”
“…I see.”
“Yes. Your home is here now.”
As she said that, Ilene found it hard to meet Elprada’s eyes. Even she knew it might not last.
It could be a temporary statement, but Ilene still intended to stand by it.
“At least, I won’t let Your Majesty leave this palace alone.”
Elprada smiled faintly, as if grateful even for empty words.
Unfortunately, Elprada learned that Serena had been complaining again that morning.
She had argued with a maid, insisting that someone must have left the window open last night and that she almost caught a cold.
The maid insisted no one had entered her room, which made Serena cry and run to Elprada.
“Sniff… I really can’t live like this, Elprada…”
Elprada silently wished Ilene would quickly find a house.
This was unfair to the maids—and even she was reaching her limit.
Serena had always been naive, but Elprada could not believe how little sense of reality she had.
“My maid is currently looking for a house for you and Mother.”
“You? You’re speaking informally now?”
“Makaeri has fallen. Why should I care about manners now?”
“Hah!”
Serena glared at her in disbelief, but Elprada continued calmly.
“Once a house is ready, I’ll give you the jewelry I have. You should leave then. It will be better for both of you.”
“What about servants? Won’t you give us servants?”
“You’ll have to learn to live without them, Serena.”
Elprada felt bitterness rising in her chest.
“Still… you’re my sister. I hope you survive well.”
“Don’t talk nonsense! If you want me to live well, you should take responsibility for me here!”
“What if I get my head cut off here?”
Elprada looked straight at Serena.
“Would you die with me?”
“W-what?”
“Elprada’s exile is already a very possible outcome. Makaeri has fallen, but Machia still holds deep resentment. Do you think I’ll just be exiled quietly?”
She deliberately spoke harshly so Serena would let go of her attachment.
“But I might be falsely accused and sent to the execution ground. And if that happens, I won’t go alone.”
“….”
“So both of you should leave quickly. Before something irreversible happens.”
“You… why are you saying such scary things…”
Serena flinched, then quickly left the room.
She should have said this sooner. Serena truly believed this place was safe—but it was more dangerous than anywhere else.
At that moment, Ilene entered.
“Was there another problem?”
“No. I just scared her a little so she would leave quickly. Did you find a place?”
“Yes. Fortunately, I found a suitable house.”
“So fast?”
“I was lucky. I’ve already paid for it.”
Ilene showed her the property documents. Elprada smiled gratefully.
“Thank you, Ilene. I’ll send them out at sunset.”
That evening, Elprada informed the Empress and Serena that a house had been prepared for them and they should pack quietly and leave at sunset.
According to the maids, the two looked displeased but strangely accepting—perhaps Serena’s earlier fright had worked.
Elprada packed some unused jewelry into a box.
Walking down the corridor with Ilene, a strange chill filled the air as the sun set.
“Are you cold? Should I bring a shawl?”
“I’m fine. We’ll be back soon anyway.”
She soon arrived at their room.
When she entered, the Empress and Serena were already packed and ready.
Elprada felt a small sense of relief and signaled Ilene.
“With this, you should be able to live comfortably for a while.”
The two immediately opened the box. Even in the dim light, the shining jewels made their expressions brighten.
“But how you will live afterward…”
“Enough. Stop talking, Elprada.”
The Empress waved her hand dismissively.
“Still, if you remain here… we won’t completely ignore you out of conscience—”
“Ugh!”
Suddenly, Serena gagged violently. Everyone turned toward her in shock. She covered her mouth, and blood seeped between her fingers.
The Empress screamed.
“Kyaah! C-call the physician—ugh!”
She also began vomiting blood.
Serena collapsed first, grabbing Elprada’s ankle weakly.
“P-please… save…”
But that was all she could say.
Thud.
The Empress collapsed as well. Serena’s grip loosened.
For a moment, only choking sounds remained.
And then—
Silence.
As if nothing had ever happened.
