CH 130

“Ahhhh!” The low din in the hotel lobby was disrupted by the sound of a woman’s earsplitting shriek. Everyone’s attention was immediately drawn to the figure of a lady that had tumbled down the stairs and crashed into the handrail. It was mere seconds before her identity had been recognized.

“Lady Irene!”

Gasps and cries were heard from the crowd. Once the initial shock wore off, several bystanders hurried to approach her; meanwhile, a nondescript person near the top of the stairwell slunk away unnoticed. Before anyone could help Irene up, a woman dashed forward and scooped Irene into her arms.

“Goodness! It appears she is in urgent need of medical care. She must be hurried to the hospital!”

Irene’s eyes fluttered at the sound of the woman’s voice. Although she was a little sore from her tumble, the fall hadn’t been as bad as it appeared. “No, I’m fine—!” However, before she could continue, she suddenly felt a prick on her neck, and her eyes began to droop.

‘W-who…!’ Irene scrambled to look at the woman’s face, but her rapidly blurring vision made her eyesight hazy. Still, she was able to make out the obvious mirth on the woman’s face. It was the last thing she thought before she slipped into unconsciousness.

* * *

Yuliana was surprised by the news of Irene’s accident, which had left her incapacitated. The helpers were turning out to be more useful than expected. When Kalia had first introduced the young noble ladies as her reinforcements, the princess held little expectations of them. What assistance could mere noble ladies provide in the face of her vastly superior powers as heir of the Archwitch? However, this incident was causing her to reevaluate her assessment. It was an unexpected fortune that they’d managed to deal with Irene with such ease.

The princess had learned that Irene had been glued to the empress’s side as of late, acting as her tutor for many subjects. It confirmed her suspicions that Irene was the empress’s right hand, and she immediately branded her as a troublesome foe. After all, wasn’t she the same woman who’d viciously attacked her that day at the seminar as well? It would be much easier to face off against the empress with Irene out of the equation, which is why Yuliana had discreetly tasked Aryl and Karin with figuring out how to do away with her presence.

“Lady Irene does seem a tad tired today, don’t you think?”

“Indeed, she does. I think some rest would do her well. After all, serving Her Majesty is no easy feat.”

The two noble ladies had snickered at their own exchange, and waltzed off promising to promptly return. Yuliana watched them disappear into the crowd. She hadn’t a clue as to their plans, but her curiosity was soon sated when a scream was heard a moment later, followed by the news of Irene’s mishap. She wondered if this was truly their handiwork. It wasn’t long before Aryl reappeared, followed by Karin’s return.

“Oh, did you hear? It appears that Lady Irene tripped!” Arin remarked worriedly.

“I was down near the base of the stairwell and got a good look at Lady Irene. It doesn’t seem that she’ll be able to wake up anytime soon. I think she’ll remain in a deep slumber, that is, for the rest of today at least,” Karin elaborated in a grave tone.

Their appearances and tone of voice sounded appropriately concerned and filled with worry. Yuliana had the urge to clap for their acting performances, but instead allowed herself a satisfied smile. Kalia had introduced a very useful pair to her.

Yuliana recalled how the empress had humiliated her at the hotel entrance. The arrogant look on the empress’s face while she held the scepter in her hand. That woman acted as if she’s truly become the emperor. ‘As if you can do anything!’ Yuliana intended to pay back the humiliation she’d received twice-fold. With Irene out of the picture, no one would be there to properly advise the empress. Yuliana grinned at the thought, and gazed around the casino confidently. ‘What could that woman possibly achieve on her own? This is my stage.’

* * *

The newly renovated Ailsa Casino was designed with a unique theme—the Kingdom of Water. A large circular canal had been constructed to snake around the perimeter of the casino hall. It was wide enough for small rowboats, allowing guests to leisurely float along the stream when not partaking in the casino’s games. Fountains, both large and small, were dotted throughout the venue, and a verillon, crystal goblets tuned with varying degrees of water, was arranged close to where the live band performed. The sounds of the gurgling fountains and the musical hum from the verillon created a wonderful soothing backdrop.

Admiring the scenery, Yuliana picked up a nearby glass of water and sipped. It was then that she noticed the hotel owner, having spotted her, was heading in her direction with haste.

“Pri-princess Yuliana. I believe I must’ve gone temporarily mad. I don’t quite understand why I handed over a stake in the casino to you!”

The fretful man was clearly baffled by his actions. In fact, Yuliana had paid him a visit a few days before and audaciously demanded he hand over the rights. Instead of rightfully ignoring the princess’s words as ridiculous drivel, he’d signed the papers without questioning her demand.

‘Why though?’ The hotel owner racked his brain. Why hadn’t he considered it strange until now? It was a ridiculous request to honor! Somehow the ordeal had only struck him as odd after he escorted the empress. It felt as if someone had doused him with cold water, and the fog muddling his head had been cleared.