Episode 31: A Trap (3)

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Umiru was sitting in the coral-decorated living room in a relaxed manner and when she saw Aristine, she gave a brilliant smile.

I was pleased to hear that Your Highness has been waiting for me since morning. I heard youve been looking for me since last night.

As always, she placed a kiss on the back of Aristines hand as she spoke.

Im sorry that its so early. I know you must be busy but do you have time?

Of course, I do, if the Princess Consort requests for me.

After a strong sobering tea was served, Aristine asked all the court ladies to withdraw.

Seeing that, Umiru, who was all smiles, turned serious.

Dame Umiru, I need a favor. And I need you to never speak of what I say from now on.

My lips will only move when I kiss your honorable hand.

Her words were really eloquent.

Aristine chuckled, then her expression hardened.

And she began to seriously talking about what she had been thinking about since yesterday, and the request she wanted to make to Umiru.

Umiru listened attentively, without interrupting.

And thats why I want you to get in touch with one of His Majestys royal physicians.

When Aristine finished, Umiru crossed her legs and placed her interlaced fingers on her knees.

Hmm, that sounds a little difficult.

Hearing that response, Aristine thought, sure enough.

Even to herself, it sounded like an unreasonable request. Because she was asking to involve other doctors, not just Umiru.

Umiru grinned, Is what a normal person would think but I am no normal person. I am being of many talents.

She proudly placed her hand on her chest.

I would have immediately rejected it if it was anyone else, but I am in your debt, Princess Consort. Not just me, but the entire medical community.

She didnt need to exaggerate that much but Aristine quietly accepted it and expressed her gratitude.

Thank you, Dame Umiru.

Only through words? Umiru winked playfully.

Of course, you will be compensated, Aristine replied energetically. Then she added, I have a lot of money.

Her words showed her considerable confidence in her wealth.

Umiru laughed, Yes, money is good too.

She was more interested in other things that werent money.

Umiru donned a courteous look and held out her hand to Aristine.

Princess Consort, would you like to be my partner?

Partner?

His Highness Hamill is back, you know. Apparently, they will be holding a welcoming party for him.

At those words, Aristine paused, Prince Hamill is back? Since when?

She had never heard anything about that.

With Hamills return, the troubling dining incident grew closer, making her feel nervous.

Im not sure when either, but he must have been back for a while. The reason his return is even officially announced is because of this party invitation.

Umiru shrugged and continued, He didnt even attend cabinet meetings after his return so only his closest aides know exactly when. Although, it might not have been a secret considering that quite a few people have sighted His Highness Hamill in the palace.

Aristine was shocked by the cultural differences.

In Irugoisnt there a ceremony or something that happens when a direct descendant of the king, furthermore, the prince, who is first in line of succession, comes back after being away for a while, handling official affairs?

In Silvanus, a ceremony would be held on the day of his return.

She expected the incident to happen within a week or two, judging by the weather. But because she hadnt heard any news of Hamills return, she was a little relaxed. The weather was whimsical so perhaps it could become warm again. A small 1- or 2-degree difference had a huge impact on nature.

However, Hamill was already at the palace.

A formal dinner with the royal family could happen at any time.

Not exactly, Umiru replied, Unless youve shown major distinguishment as a warrior, it is often omitted. Even this time, a welcome party wouldnt be held if the Queen hadnt decided to organize one herself.

She was probably throwing a party to show that Hamill was healthy and solidify his political influence.

when is the party?

In four days.

Aristine briefly looked out the window, gauging the passage of time. She felt sorry to turn down Umirus request but she had no time to waste until that dinner.

Mm, wont they be upset if I go? I didnt even get an invitation.

I doubt you didnt. Her Majesty the Queen will definitely not want to exclude you from something like this.

Umiru smiled cynically.

Aristine hummed and spun her teacup. Since she got married, she had pretty much rejected all party invitations so she figured that might be part of it.

Of course, if it was an invitation from the Queen, she would have given it further consideration, but lately, Aristine had been distracted by thoughts about the details surrounding Nephthers death.

There was a very high chance that she just shook her head the moment her court ladies mentioned party.

Im sorry but can I postpone this to another time? I think I will be very busy for the next two weeks.

Hmm, then I want to be owed for the delay, Umiru said, taking a sip of her tea and leaning sideways.

Of course.

Then, since theres interest on it, go on a date with me.

Aristine blinked at those unexpected words.

Sure. Us girls alone.

Umirus eyes crinkled into a smile, making her look a little mischievous.

Aristine looked at Umiru without saying anything for a while.

Say, Umiru, Aristine gently rubbed her finger over the silver rim of the teacup, Do you think were friends too?

At that question, Umiru blinked. Soon enough, she gave a gorgeous smile and held out a hand to Aristine.

If Your Highness sees me as a friend, I would be incredibly honored.

Dont those words sound like youre dealing with a superior?

Because it is for a superior, Umiru smiled softly, But that doesnt mean we cant be friend.

At that, Aristine gazed at Umiru for a while, then she slowly nodded her head, I see.

If you think about it, it was the same with Mukali.

Even if they were in a hierarchical relationship, and of different status, they were able to become friends.

No one knows when or how a connection would form.

That felt like a blessing to Aristine.

It was a little overwhelming to know that she belonged in one of those infinite possibilities.

Aristine was going to meet a lot of people from now on, and she could form different kinds of connections with many people.

Besides, Princess Consort did not order me, rather, you made a request. As a friend, I am willing to fulfil your request.

Mn.

The two women looked at each other and smiled, holding hands.

Aristines heart pounded.

It felt good to know that she had one more friend, but Umirus acceptance of her request alleviated some of her worries about Nephther.

However, she couldnt relax yet.

I cant let down my guard and I need to start with the little that I can.

Right then, there was a soft knock on the door.

Ms. Umiru, someone is here to see you. You cant say youre going to the restroom and disappear

The court lady didnt want to disturb Aristine but the doctor who came to the ward for Umiru had been crying for over 30 minutes, so she had no choice.

The moment was perfect Tch, Umiru clicked her tongue then she said to Aristine, I must get going.

Mhm, I figured you were busy. You can go. Thank you for coming.

It was my pleasure, Umiru smiled and left.

Before the door closed, you could hear a cry of Ms. Umiruu!.

I feel a little sorry, Aristine scratched her head.

Anyway, with Umirus cooperation, the thing she had been most worried about was solved. Which meant that she finally began to think about what she had been putting to the side.

Tarkan.

Ever since she left the bedroom, he couldnt leave her mind for some reason.

Before, she didnt feel anything even when they were close and touching but nowadays, it felt a little strange. Every time he touched her, her body felt uncomfortable for some reason.

After that odd feeling this morning, she kept thinking of the scene that she saw through the monarchs sight.

The sight of herself lying on top of Tarkan and looking into his eyes. Even if she was heartbroken over Nephthers critical situation, how could she do such a thing?

Come to think of it, when she woke up this morning, her hand was squeezing his chest.

It was not of Aristines will. Her hand had a mind of its own.

She had done it so often that it even felt familiar and natural now.

Come on, why do I keep fondling Tarkan! And why cant I forget the feeling?!

Her hand remembered, not her head.

Aristine smacked her bad hand. After doing that for a bit, she came to her senses.

This was not the time for this.

First, lets find out what kind of poison this is.

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Aristine stood in front of the mirror, spreading out the skirt of her dress.

She wasnt doing this to smooth out wrinkles but to reaffirm her resolve while adjusting her attire.

Aristine quickly reviewed her plan for today in her mind. There were various forecasted situations sorted into different cases, and countermeasures for them.

There was no perfect response, but she did the best she could.

Especially since she put aside her scalpel and stainless steel business which she considered very important and focused solely on this matter.

Shall we head out?

Yes.

Aristine nodded to Tarkan and placed her hand in his outstretched arm.

Today was that very day.

The day when all the members of the immediate royal family gathered together for a luncheon.

The day when Nephther met his demise in the Monarchs Sight.