With the previous events being mostly lighthearted, the sudden dark turn of events with the king’s death was shocking to say the least, and no one could guess who the culprit could be.
It was at this time that the adviser who had warned the king about the princess and the witch being too close spoke up. “Princess… if I may be bold?”
Emilia frowned, but nodded. “Speak.”
A few people gave the adviser a warning look, hoping he wasn’t really going to claim that the cookies from the princess were what poisoned the king. Even though many of them thought so, wouldn’t saying such a thing out loud be the same as committing suicide?!
With her position as the sole successor to the throne, even if the cookies were the source of the poison, it was impossible for the princess to have known about it herself. After all, there was no need for her to do such a thing.
Moreover, if someone ended up enraging the princess when she was in such an unstable state after her father’s death, there was no telling what would happen next. Most people just hoped their own heads wouldn’t fly.
Fortunately, the adviser was still quite ‘cunning’, and didn’t seek death as some of them expected.
”Forgive me for saying something inauspicious at this moment of misfortune, princess, but… I believe we have been overlooking something important.”
The old man paused for a moment, as if to intentionally arouse everyone’s curiosity, then coughed. “I believe everyone is aware that there resides someone in this castle who can do things we cannot even imagine. Such as turning people into animals, and brewing potions with magical effects. If such a person was the one who took action… it’s natural that we are unable to find any clues.”
Princess Emily’s expression froze as she realized that the adviser was trying to hint that it was her little witch who poisoned her father.
Seeing her lack of response, a few more courtiers gathered their courage to step out and agree with the adviser.
”That woman has always been suspicious. The princess is so benevolent to her, but she never seems to appreciate it. Maybe this is her ‘revenge’? How ruthless!”
”Wasn’t the exiled prince of our neighboring kingdom also cursed by her into a frog? Such a person…”
”The existence of a witch is already unnatural. How can someone who doesn’t even obey nature’s laws possibly be a good person?”
And of course, although their remarks all seemed to be aimed at the little witch, the princess felt as if her heart had been stabbed each time she heard their accusations.
She was the one who brought the little witch here, and she was the one watching over her all this time. Weren’t these people just accusing her of causing her father’s death?
Princess Emily stood up, and while her body wasn’t very tall, even the general felt a sense of oppression emanating from her slim, chilly frame. “Silence! I’m not interested in your baseless accusations and rumors when you have failed to show me anything of substance! The next time I hear such statements… I can’t promise I won’t use that person to set an example for everyone else.”
With everyone bowing in fear, the princess stormed out without another word.
The general sighed. “She’s still a bit naïve… but suddenly such a burden is on her fragile shoulders… I worry for our kingdom.”
The adviser smiled ‘sadly’. “Let’s give her some time… If it doesn’t work, we can only convince her to let a regent take her place until she’s ‘ready’.”
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When the curtain fell again, it was already time for lunch, and the audience was informed that the show would only resume thirty minutes later.
Some people decided to stay at the venue and wait while enjoying the food and soft drinks package prepared by the team, but many left to check out the famous cafeteria of the Imperial Academy as well as the stalls that had been temporarily opened for the events.
”Although it’s been quite funny so far, hasn’t the show taken too much of a sudden dark turn?”
”Mhm, at this point, I can’t tell what they’re trying to do at all. It’s like a fun kid’s series that took itself too seriously at the later stages. I don’t think I’ll enjoy it at all.”
”Right? I’m thinking we can just go check out the Haunted House instead, or check out what else is there. What do you think?”
”Well… to be honest, I’ll go watch it even if the story turned into a mess. The actress… is too cute.”
Of course, while the audience was having a fun time, the show team was busy running back and forth to make sure everything was in order for the fast-paced scenes in the latter half.
Emilia also took this chance to call Crystal and Dixie over to the changing room backstage.
Dixie was dumbfounded to learn that not only did she have to play the role of a villain, but she also had less than thirty minutes to change and get familiar with her ‘subordinates’.
”M-Me? I-I don’t think I can act… or remember lines…?”
Emilia smiled. “Don’t worry. My knight only needs to show up and fight when the director tells you. Don’t hold back!”
The dark-haired girl blinked, but since her princess didn’t seem to be joking, she could only nod and leave.
Meanwhile, Crystal could only pout in silence as she went over the messy script handed over by her girlfriend. “I have literally zero experience with this, and even if I find something wrong and propose a change, isn’t it too late?”
The crimson-haired girl grinned. “Don’t worry, just go with your instincts, and let me know how you feel. It’s never too late.”
The blonde heroine pursed her lips suspiciously. “You’re not just having fun, are you?”
Emilia ‘shush’ed the girl with a finger against her lips, then whispered against Crystal’s ear with a smile. “Remember what I told you about my big plan for the Blue Dawn Republic? Well, since the opportunity presented itself… why not prepare another nail for our enemy’s coffin?”
Crystal didn’t know if the shudder of excitement that ran up her spine was from her statement, or the little beauty’s hot breath hitting her earlobe, but there was one thing for sure. ‘Emilia just loves causing chaos… doesn’t she?’
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