Chapter 38: new proofs

Last night I had planned to do a lot of things. But as time went by I didn't even notice.

As Killian and I laughed together. He shared all the funny things that happened in the training. But one thing I felt was he was always alone, all the people around him were adults.

It had affected him to the point he only knew how to behave like adults.

Still, the time I spent with him was memorable.

But I did not have the luxury to immerse myself in this pleasure. As I had to prepare for a royal tea party today and about the case against Isabella.

"Daisy"

"Yes your highness"

"Is Duke Killian coming for breakfast?"

"No, your highness, but lord Killian informed me that since they have to leave for the royal palace in the afternoon, he would have brunch in his chamber a bit late. So, if your highness wishes I will serve your breakfast."

"No need, I am not hungry, call Norma"

"Yes, your highness" she bowed and went out.

When I stood up, Daisy was already standing there with my slippers in her hands as she helped me in wearing them and then gave me her best massage bath.

When I returned to my chamber Norma was already on the door, waiting for me. I signalled her to come in.

"Norma, tell me how much Isabella knows," I asked coming straight to the point as I don't know when the written summon would come.

"Your highness, I waited there till Lady Isabella's carriage crossed the main door. Only then I returned to the duchess chamber.

I am sure she had no access to the dustbin, only the members of lord Killian chamber could have the leftover pie."

I nodded, Killian had already informed me he was the one who took and checked the pie. So if he did not support Isabella there was no way she could prove her point.

"What about the flowers"

"The maid who presented the flowers was new, no one knows which chamber she belonged to except the butler who was on leave and three of us. So there is no way Lady Isabella could prove that she was the maid of the duchess chamber. But"

She hesitated.

"Unless she had access to the records of appointment of staff" I completed her unfinished sentence as she nodded.

"Good, bring all the records here, as I am the one who is handling household affairs now, ask the new maid to take a week leave and later shift her to a better place."

"What about the chef?"

Norma looked at Lina standing behind her as Lina spoke.

"Lord Killian had done some sword practice with the chef, he was on leave tomorrow. I personally went to her house

The physician informed that he was just in shock. And a few minor scratches. But he confirmed that he did not know anything, and he is sick enough to not attend the case." a small smile forming on her face as she narrated the story.

I visualise the scene as the 200-pound chef who had never been to the arena was practising sword-wielding with Killian. No wonder he was in shock.

"Don't keep your guard down, assign a trustworthy soldier to keep an eye at his house, and inform us everything."

"Now I want you to dig about Isabella as much as possible, I know there is not enough time, but I want you to work hard this time and I assure you, you will be properly rewarded."

There was a gleam in Norma's eyes while Lina was calm just like always.

I closed my eyes as I dived into my past to find something worth hurting Isabella.

'Oh my, I remembered there was a case of fraud in the account books done by the assistant of Isabella in my last life which resulted in his death'

Now that I think about it there were chances that he had been accused wrongly by Isabella or they both were in this together but when the truth came out Isabella put all the blame on the accountant.

Though it's just my assumption there was nothing wrong in trying.

"Lina, wait a minute." I stopped her from following Norma out.

"Yes, your highness."

"I want you to bring all the records of the last two years that were handled by the assistant of Isabella."

Though confused with the sudden request she nodded her head like always.

"Yes, your highness."

I started working on files about the expenditure of the palace and all the income distribution among the staff to know if I could find any discrepancy in it. How much time had passed, as my eyes turned teary, and vision a bit blurry? I rubbed my eyes and sighed. It was more difficult than I thought.

I knew there was a fraud but finding it in a few hours was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

"Your highness, these are all the papers in which sir Brutus had worked." a middle-aged man with a huge moustache, wrinkled face and curly long hairs, spoke in his rough voice.

"Thank you, sir Edmonds. You can keep the papers here."

"Your highness, why don't you take a break? You have to soon leave for the preparations of the royal tea party.

You can instruct me on what needs to be done. I would do my best to complete every task." he pledged like we are playing war tactics.

Well in a way we were, but that was my war. I looked at the watch. It was already noon, true to his words I have to go and get ready for the party.

As the archduchess, I had to look my best, especially when I needed allies and empress favour.

Only she is the one who could help me in convincing the emperor to return my fathers properties and business to me.

"Very well, sir Edmonds. I will take my leave then" I walked anticipating a great start for today.