“So… I was hoping you could tell me why you did this.”
“…”
We now confronted Lady Collete, who attempted to contact the assassin she had planted in order to disrupt the celebration.
Princess Roxanne is, of course, present.
“Collete… Why did you do it?”
Princess Roxanne inquired, her voice trembling and her eyes welling up with tears.
They’d known each other since they were kids. I can only imagine what she was feeling.
“Even if you don’t respond, I cannot let such an act go unpunished in the Kingdom. I regret to inform you that Lady Collete will be punished in accordance with the Kingdom’s laws.”
“What?! Y-Your highness Dietrich! Collete must be under some conditions! Please, give her lenient treatment!”
Princess Roxanne clutched at me and pleaded desperately, I said quietly.
“That will not happen—as a Royal Academy colleague, I have my own reservations, but I cannot make a mistake when outside.”
Yes, I am His Majesty the King’s heir.
I will not tolerate any mistake that could endanger the people.
The true priority is the country and its people.
“… The official punishment will be handed down after the trial, but for conspiracy, incitement, attempted assassination, and disruption of the celebration, the punishment will certainly be… the death penalty.”
“A-AAAh…!”
Princess Roxanne burst into tears at my heartless words.
“…How?
“Hmm?”
“How did His Highness Dietrich know I was His Highness Roxanne’s adversary?”
Lady Collette inquires in hushed tones.
“It’s simple. A nameless son of the Marquis risked his life to inform me that you were assisting Prince Charles. That’s it.”
“I…see…”
Lady Collete mutters a single word and lowers her eyes gently.
“Well, if you can reveal who was connected to you, I can grant you a reasonable pardon…”
“What?!”
Princess Roxanne vigorously raised her head as soon as I said that.
“Collete! Tell us everything, and you will be spared!”
Princess Roxanne grabbed Lady Collete’s shoulders and squeezed her tightly.
In the hope of saving her at any cost.
“…Even if I were saved now, my parents’ house is already…”
Yes, I see… They will certainly destroy it so that the evidence of the link between the failed house and Prince Charles is not revealed…
“The allied kingdom of Estline will punish them—the ringleader will not get away with such an act. Above all, even the great Carolin Empire would want to avoid friction with neighboring countries.”
“…”
“Well, we’ll hold the trial as soon as the celebration is over, so take your time and think about it until then. Let’s go, Yennie.”
“Yes.”
I walked away, leaving Her Highness Roxanne and Lady Collete behind.