It was the very tea she often brewed for Ariella. She probably brewed it for Lizzy and her lover for their own reasons as well.
‘Of course, hers is a different tea.’
The tea placed before Countess Anabelle did not emit as much steam as Ariella’s. The scent was similar but subtly different.
If she didn’t want to become infertile, she wouldn’t drink tea that was bad for her health. However, it was absurd that she didn’t even make an effort to match the temperatures of the two teas.
“Now, don’t be polite. Drink up.”
A scrutinizing gaze swept over her skin.
If Ariella were to refuse to drink the tea in any way, it would surely raise suspicion. If it became apparent that she knew even a little about the tea’s ingredients, her future plans would be in jeopardy.
“It’s not highly toxic, but repeated consumption will severely damage the uterus. From now on, try not to even touch it.”
The voice of the physician advising her suddenly came to mind.
Faced with a choice, Ariella let out a light laugh. It was a choice that didn’t even cause her any concern.
“I’ll drink it well, madam.”
Her white fingers wrapped around the teacup’s handle, and Ariella elegantly sipped the tea.
Even though her body might have stiffened slightly, she didn’t hesitate or falter at all; she simply drank the tea gracefully, as if she truly knew nothing or feared nothing.
Countess Anabelle blinked in surprise at the sight. Her long eyelashes fluttered slowly, and soon a sense of disillusionment settled in her blue eyes.
‘What? I thought she knew something, but it seems she knows nothing at all?’
If that were not the case, she wouldn’t be able to drink it down so easily. It seemed that mentioning the tea a week ago was merely a coincidence.
‘With such foolishness, she’ll lose her place to another woman.’
The Countess clicked her tongue inwardly at Ariella, as if she found her pathetic.
“Ah. It really is nice. Perhaps because it’s warm, I feel my body relaxing.”
“I’m glad it suits your taste, hoho.”
“Always offering me such precious things, I wonder how I can repay you.”
As she expressed her gratitude with a pure expression, Countess Anabelle merely smiled awkwardly. It was an unfamiliar situation for her to receive thanks from someone she had poisoned.
Not stopping there, Ariella took out a gift she had prepared.
“It’s nothing special, but I prepared it with gratitude. I thought it would suit you very well. Would you like to unwrap it?”
The Countess accepted the gift with a skeptical look. However, as soon as the ribbon was untied and the box opened, the wary expression that had surrounded her vanished, replaced by raw greed.
“This is……!”
“It’s a hair ornament that Lady Melana personally brought from the East. Aside from what Lady Melana uses, it’s the only one in the Juvnail Empire. You can’t imagine how much effort I put into obtaining this. It’s that special.”
It wasn’t particularly difficult to obtain, but Ariella exaggeratedly elaborated.
“It’s an accessory used when styling hair, and as you can see, the ends are quite sharp. Because of that, it can also be used for self-defense. If you grab it short and swing it hard, it can inflict quite a serious wound.”
“Self-defense, you say?”
“Yes. I’ve heard that Lady Melana keeps this ornament on her nightstand while she sleeps, just in case an intruder comes. An ornament that protects its owner—how romantic is that? Quite unique, too.”
Unique, distinctive. Countess Anabelle loved items described in such a way. This time was no exception.
She turned the long hair ornament around, beaming with delight. As expected, she seemed to be very pleased.
“I really like it. Thank you so much for giving me such a meaningful gift. It’s unlikely that I will encounter any danger while living in the Emperor’s boundless affection, but it’s still a nice sentiment.”
“I’m glad you like it. I know you always walk a bright and gentle path, but there must be times when the Emperor’s knights cannot accompany you, right? There are moments when a woman wants to be alone. In such times, don’t forget to take this with you; it will surely give you peace of mind.”
Countess Anabelle, who had been smiling widely, suddenly raised her eyes.
The moment when the Emperor’s knights cannot accompany her. The look in her eyes was one of suspicion about what that implied.
Ariella smiled again as if she knew nothing, and the Countess twisted her lips in a way that she couldn’t quite point out.
“……I wish I had known earlier that Lady Ari was such a kind person. It’s a pity to learn this now. I’ll have fewer opportunities to enter the palace in the future.”
