"He... isn't breathing."
The Empress froze for a moment.
"What does that mean?"
Her expression appeared normal, but with a little focus, a faint frown could be noticed.
Edward shook the body in his arms.
It was still warm... but lifeless.
"Not breathing... he isn't..."
His voice trembled, and he swallowed the rest of his words.
His eyes turned red before he buried his face against William's chest.
The Empress looked away from the scene and turned toward the guards.
"What are you waiting for? Take him to his room and summon the doctor."
"Quickly!"
"Understood!"
The guards rushed forward immediately and pulled William from Edward's arms.
Edward stared blankly at his empty arms.
The Empress looked toward a certain person.
Everyone did the same.
No one knew when it had happened, but he was standing there now.
With the same calm expression he always wore, he looked at her.
She lowered her head slightly.
"If you allow me, I will handle this."
".... Do it."
After those words, he left the hall.
The Empress let out a quiet sigh and turned her attention to the boy on the floor.
Raoul felt the pressure.
His face was pale, and tears continued flowing from his eyes without stopping.
"What is your name?"
Her soft and gentle voice spread throughout the hall.
"I... my name is Ra... Raoul."
"I meant your full name, dear."
"Raoul Alvern."
"From House Alvern, the Count's family?"
"...."
"I heard your family owns many beautiful farms. I have always wanted to visit them. You must be quite fortunate, dear."
"...Yes?"
The situation seemed extremely strange.
Unlike the scene and everything that had happened, the Empress spoke politely and gently. She even seemed genuinely interested while talking about her wishes.
'Does this mean he won't be punished?'
'Wasn't the relationship between House Morin and House Alvern good?'
The nobles reached their conclusions silently.
"So, how did you hurt William?"
Raoul gathered some courage and defended himself.
"I didn't hurt him. He was the one who started insulting me."
The Empress tilted her head slightly.
"And you responded to his provocation?"
"Huh? No..."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Your Majesty the Empress."
From among the crowd appeared a man with black hair mixed with gray. He wore an expensive suit that emphasized his large stomach.
The Empress's gaze moved between his stomach and his face before she slowly opened her fan.
"My, Count Alvern. It has been a long time."
The man bowed in greeting.
"The feeling is mutual."
"So this child is your son?"
"Yes, he is."
Raoul trembled when he felt his father's gaze.
"Oh, he is such a sweet child."
"Thank you."
She laughed softly while closing her fan.
"I would like you to take this lovely child into custody."
Raoul tried to understand the situation, but it was already too late.
The guards grabbed Raoul's arm firmly.
"You will come with us."
"No... I didn't do anything, Father..."
He resisted with all his strength, pulling himself back. At one point, it looked as though he was being dragged across the floor.
"Father, do something!"
In panic, he looked around the hall.
Unlike the woman who had spoken so gently, a suffocating silence had covered the entire room.
She turned her face toward him.
"Do not be afraid, lovely Raoul. This is merely a precautionary measure."
Her gaze remained still as he was dragged away.
That was the last thing he saw before the door closed.
Only after that did the Count speak.
"Your Majesty, my son is innocent."
"I completely understand your feelings, but your son is accused of a rather serious crime, aren't you?"
"Raoul did nothing. How could he possibly harm the prince so severely without a weapon or anything else?"
Her eyes widened slightly, then she placed a hand beneath her chin in thought.
"You are right. How did he do it?"
The Count smiled.
"Do you see, Your Majesty? It is logically impossible."
He raised his wrist, where a simple silver bracelet was shining.
"Magical abilities are restricted for everyone. Even the strongest mages suffer under this restriction."
"Yes, you are right."
She fell silent for a moment, then her tone became firm.
"I also want to know how he did it. Your son."
"It is impossible..."
"What is impossible? Your son now has quite an impressive record. The last thing that should concern you is an attempt to kill a member of the Imperial Family."
The man began to sweat but continued.
"There is no evidence."