The following afternoon, Marbella returned to the Imperial Palace.
Unlike her previous visit, today's invitation came directly from Crown Prince Wilbert.
A palace maid led her through the Eastern Palace before stopping outside a sunlit drawing room.
"His Highness is waiting inside."
Marbella nodded.
"Thank you."
She gently pushed open the door.
Wilbert was seated beside an open window with a book resting on his lap.
Upon seeing her, he smiled.
"You came."
"I did."
"I hope I didn't interrupt Your Highness's work."
Wilbert laughed softly.
"Reading reports is hardly enjoyable work."
He gestured toward the seat across from him.
"Please."
As Marbella sat down, a servant quietly poured tea before leaving the room.
Only the two of them remained.
For a moment, neither spoke.
The silence between them was comfortable.
Finally, Wilbert closed the book in his hands.
"I actually invited you here because I wanted your opinion."
"My opinion?"
He nodded.
"I've heard Father intends to have me attend the welcoming banquet for the Northern Emperor."
"Naturally."
"As Crown Prince, Your Highness should be present."
Wilbert sighed.
"I know."
"But the physicians disagree."
Marbella's expression grew serious.
"They believe your health won't allow it?"
"They fear the banquet will exhaust me."
He smiled helplessly.
"Everyone seems to think I might collapse if I stand for more than an hour."
Marbella didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she asked,
"And what do you think?"
Wilbert looked out the window.
"I've hidden behind this illness long enough."
"If I am to inherit the Empire one day…"
"I cannot continue letting everyone protect me."
His words carried no resentment.
Only quiet determination.
Marbella found herself smiling.
"Then Your Highness already has your answer."
Wilbert looked back at her.
"You think I should attend?"
"I think…"
Marbella chose her words carefully.
"…an Emperor cannot lead his people from behind closed doors."
Wilbert's eyes widened slightly.
Then, a smile slowly spread across his face.
"I had a feeling you'd say that."
A knock came from the door.
"Your Highness."
"Enter."
Lady Eleanor stepped inside carrying the familiar wooden medicine box.
She paused upon seeing Marbella.
"My Lady."
Marbella inclined her head politely.
"Lady Eleanor."
Wilbert accepted the box.
"I suppose it's time again."
Eleanor nodded.
"The physician instructed that today's dose must not be delayed."
Marbella quietly observed every movement.
Eleanor opened the box.
Inside rested a porcelain bowl containing freshly prepared herbal medicine.
Beside it was the small vial of black pills.
Just as before.
Wilbert reached for the bowl.
But before he could drink—
A servant hurried into the room.
"Your Highness!"
Everyone turned.
The servant bowed deeply.
"His Majesty requests your immediate presence."
Wilbert frowned.
"Did Father say why?"
"No, Your Highness."
"It concerns the Northern Empire."
Wilbert set the medicine back onto the tray.
"I'll go at once."
Eleanor spoke immediately.
"Your Highness."
"The medicine…"
"I'll take it after I return."
Without waiting for another response, Wilbert left the room.
Silence followed.
Marbella's eyes slowly shifted toward the untouched bowl.
For the first time…
The medicine had been left unattended.
Eleanor carefully picked it up.
"I'll prepare a fresh bowl later."
Marbella looked at her.
"Why?"
Eleanor seemed surprised by the question.
"Medicinal herbs lose their potency once they cool."
"I see."
Marbella nodded thoughtfully.
"So every bowl is freshly prepared?"
"Always."
"And if His Highness misses a dose?"
Eleanor smiled gently.
"I simply prepare another."
Marbella lowered her gaze.
That meant…
Any poison mixed into the herbal medicine would disappear along with the discarded bowl.
There would be no evidence.
Unless…
Someone examined it before it was thrown away.
An idea slowly formed in her mind.
Perhaps…
She no longer needed to guess.
She needed a sample.
That evening, after returning to the Grand Duke's mansion, Marbella summoned Mia to her study.
"I need your help."
Mia closed the door behind her.
"What is it, My Lady?"
Marbella spoke quietly.
"I want one of the Crown Prince's medicines."
Mia's eyes widened.
"My Lady…"
"I don't intend to harm His Highness."
"I want to examine it."
Mia remained silent for several moments before asking,
"…Do you already have a plan?"
Marbella looked toward the window, where the lights of the Imperial Palace shimmered in the distance.
"Not yet."
"But if the truth truly lies within that medicine…"
"…then sooner or later, I'll have to obtain it."