The room was quiet, save for the soft rhythm of two sleeping breaths. Grace watched the two with a faint smile, reluctant to disturb their peaceful slumber.
(I must say, despite acting like absolute menaces at times, they really are well-mannered and remarkably understanding—especially when it comes to my duties as queen. They know I have a nation to serve, that I can't always be with them as much as I'd like. In that sense, I suppose I'm rather fortunate.)
She allowed herself a soft breath. (And I have Welfred watching over them. With him around, I never truly had to worry, no matter how far my duties pulled me from the palace.)
Her gaze lingered on Rui, the faintest crease forming between her brows.
(Well… except that one time, when Rui was five.)
She shook her head, dismissing the thought, then bent to press a gentle kiss to Rui's forehead before doing the same to Ray, careful not to wake them.
Rising, she returned the book to its shelf—where it could haunt future generations—then crossed the room to close the window. As she drew it shut, her gaze wandered outside.
The guests had long since departed. Only the palace guards remained, standing watch beneath the soft glow left by the passing rain.
"Welfred has probably turned in by now..." she murmured. "I only wish Uncle had done the same."
Her thoughts drifted.
"He said he needed to fix something with the weapon... or rather, my present, so he could give it to me tomorrow. Is that why he left dinner early?"
"I hope so," she whispered.
She let the curtain slip through her fingers and quietly made her way to the door.
The moment she opened it, she nearly jumped out of her skin.
Welfred stood on the other side, wearing the same ghostly expression as before. His eyes were half-lidded, his face utterly blank, and his general demeanour suggested that nothing in this world could surprise, excite, or inconvenience him any longer.
"...Welfred," Grace said gravely.
"Yes, Madam?" he replied, staring at her without the slightest change in expression.
"Why were you standing outside the door like that?"
"My apologies. I was about to knock, but you opened it first."
"I see..." she replied.
(Why do I feel like I've heard that before?)
Grace narrowed her eyes.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Like what, Madam?"
"Like you've come to deliver news of my impending doom."
They both fell silent.
"Would you prefer that I smile, Madam?"
Grace stared at him.
"...No. Somehow, that sounds worse."
Grace sighed. "So, what is it?"
Welfred hesitated before answering.
"I'd rather not discuss it here, Madam."
Grace's brows drew together. She studied him for a moment before turning towards the hallway.
"Come with me."
They walked down the hallway, Welfred following a few paces behind Grace.
She stopped beside a large arched window overlooking the palace gardens, which stretched out below.
Turning towards him, she gave a slight nod, silently inviting him to speak.
"Two individuals have managed to sneak into the palace," Welfred reported.
Grace's expression tightened with concern. "What? Have they been found?"
"Not yet, Madam. However, we expect to locate them soon." He bowed his head respectfully.
"Have you discovered their motive?"
"Not yet, Madam. We've found no clues so far. Nothing appears to have been stolen, and the guard who reported seeing them was left unharmed—aside from being knocked unconscious."
"Even so, we can't afford to let our guard down. First, tighten security around Rui and Ray's room. No one is to enter without authorization. Fortunately, all the guests have already departed, so we needn't worry about them."
She paused briefly before continuing.
"Dispatch guards throughout the palace. I want every staff member, official, and anyone else still inside accounted for and confirmed safe."
"...Madam," Welfred began.
Grace paid him no heed.
"Investigate anyone acting suspiciously. Question those who were on duty when the intruders—"
"Madam."
"And if I recall correctly, there was a tall woman who—"
"Madam!"
Grace stopped abruptly.
"As First Minister, it is my duty to ensure the safety of this palace, and I intend to fulfil that duty. So, please, stop worrying. I won't let anything happen to anyone—especially Miss Rui and Master Ray."
He spoke with quiet conviction, his expression as composed as ever.
Grace could only stare at him.
(Of course. How could I have forgotten? This is precisely why I made him First Minister.)
.
.
.
Crimson banners adorned the marble chamber, where nobles and officials stood in formal order. At the far end, a raised dais held the imperial insignia, awaiting the ceremony that would mark a new elevation in the empire's hierarchy.
"Are you certain about this, Madam?" Welfred asked.
"Hm?" Grace glanced up at him, a writing feather in hand.
She sat at the table, surrounded by scattered documents, while Welfred stood barely a foot away.
Grace let the writing feather fall onto the table and turned her chair towards him, resting an arm on the desk.
"I thought it was obvious. I've been subtly elevating your position for years now."
"That was different!" Welfred lowered his voice, then bowed his head slightly. "This is different."
"You're giving me the second-highest authority in the empire. The title of Second Minister was already more than enough, but now…"
Grace sighed. "First, I'm not merely talking about it. I'm giving you the title. Second…"
She studied him for a moment before asking in a gentler voice, "Is this because of Uncle?"
Welfred stiffened, his composure faltering.
(Thought so. He always puts others before himself. Though, that's another reason why I'm giving him this title.)
"I've already spoken to him about this, so you needn't worry," she assured him gently.
"Besides, it's my decision who gets appointed to what position, isn't it?"
"Now, go on. I'll be there shortly, once I've finished here."
"As you wish, Madam." Welfred bowed before taking his leave.
Grace watched him leave, a small smile tugging at her lips. Once the door closed, she turned back to her desk, scratched her head, and resumed her work.