My Queen, how did you hear about the rumors surrounding Marquis Pless? He indeed built up some few debts through gambling, but we were left in the dark not knowing itd be that high.

After the tea party came to an end, Rihannan and Mrs. Cessley, laughing merrily along the way, went back to the palace.

And did you see the faces of those noblewomen? They looked stunned that you knew so much about her. Did you see all them shivering from the bottom up hoping that you dont know about them as much as you do about Marquess Pless?

Rihannan smiled, muttering, It was simply a passing rumor I heard by chance sometime ago. In truth, I wouldnt be able to do much to the marquess if she dismissed it as a false rumor, but she took the bait immediately. She looked anxious to solve the problem, too.

In the past, the House of Pless was pushed to the edge of bankruptcy due to the amount of debt accumulated through gambling. And then, they hit rock bottom, their status and position falling in society.

Fortunately, they were able to recover their loss due to the passing law which required gambling debt to be forgiven.

Even if Rihannan didnt help and turned a blind eye to their troublesome situation, theyll end up fine in the future. Rihannan used this knowledge she knew to her advantage.

I know that its wishful thinking if everyone was like you, Mrs. Cessley, or Duchess Saphia even, but this wishful thinking is far from the truth. And so I thought to warn them of any unbecoming attitude rather than appeasing them, especially people like the marquess who light their lips on fire far too frequently.

Mrs. Cessley nodded her head in agreement. Yes, I agree. Its best to deal with people according to their predisposition. Marquess Pless often runs around with her mouth loose before shes able to think properly. From now on, theyll be much more careful with you.

As they left the garden, completely immersed in their conversation, Rihannan and Mrs. Cessley bumped into Igor and Basil.

It was the first time the king and queen had seen each other since that night.

..

..

Heavy silence permeated in the air.

Basil and Mrs. Cessley exchanged short glances. They didnt mutter out the usual formal greetings and moved to avoid each others awkward glances. Though, to be precise, Mrs. Cessley pulled off a high-skilled ventriloquist move as if uttering, Say something so you can shorten the distance between those two! to Basil without saying anything.

Understanding the meaning of her words, Basil nodded determinedly and gave Rihannan a friendly smile.

My Queen, its been a long time since we last met. I thought my neck would fall off trying to find you everywhere.

Rihannan let out an awkward laughter at Basils cheesy joke.

Yes, its been a long time, hasnt it? Have you been well, Basil?

Basil clapped his hands together and jumped with glee.

Of course! Im always doing well. How can I not be well? And yes, its been a long time since weve seen each other like this. Ah, I know! I have a great idea. How about having tea together? His Majesty and I just completed our tasks for the day.

It was a powerful attack. One wouldnt be able to reject, but

Mrs. Cessley stood behind Rihannan. Her expression quickly turned sour and she let out a sigh.

Mrs. Cessley: ()

You big, dumb oaf! She just had her teatime! Why would you offer to drink tea again?!

She wore a look ready to pummel Basil to the ground.

Im sorry, Bail, but I was on the way back to the palace. Ive just had tea with the other noblewomen. I also have other matters to tend to. Its a shame, but Ill have to push the offer another time.

Rihannan bowed towards Igor.

I hope that you can be understanding as well, Your Majesty. Farewell.

Rihannan walked past him.

Mrs. Cessley clicked her tongue, eyes burning with fire as she looked at Basil before chasing after Rihannan.

Meanwhile, Igor kept his silence and did not utter a single word as he stood there.