The investigation regarding Helen was steadily progressing. Everything went smoothly as planned, with Elena making careful arrangements so that Helen could not escape.
Standing before Elena now was Sarah, who finished testifying earlier. Sarah bowed deeply with a cunning smile on her face.
“Hail to the Crown Princess. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire.”
Elena indicated Sarah take the opposite chair with a glance.
“Have a seat.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Sarah tensed at Elena’s chilly demeanor, but she outwardly kept on her smile. Sarah had been firmly caught in Elena’s net, which was why she betrayed Helen overnight.
It all began with a single letter that described the various crimes that the Jenner family had secretly committed. It also provided the details in which Helen obtained the aphrodisiac, proving that Sarah was an accomplice to the plot.
At the end of the letter, Elena made two demands.
[There are two conditions for keeping all this silent.
First, testify that Lady Selby bought the aphrodisiac. Second, obtain the antidote and bring it to me.
The choice is yours.]
If the contents of the letter were to be made public, it was destined to be a fatal blow to the Jenner family. In addition, the Jenner family was considerably less influential than the Selby family, and there was no one to save Sarah if she were connected to the scandal.
It didn’t take long for Sarah to make her decision. She chose to betray Helen without looking back.
Sarah had hidden in the party venue hallway, secretly handing over the aphrodisiac-laced-tea to Helen, then going straight to Elena to inform her so she could bring the guards in on time. Sarah was now a parasite dependent on Elena to survive, whether she wanted to or not. All the aid the Jenner family received from Marquis Selby was immediately cut off, and the Crown Princess was the only one who could protect her now. As such, Sarah was forced to ingratiate herself with Elena.
“I caught a glimpse of Lady Selby as I was giving my testimony. She deserved what was coming to her.”
“Yes.”
Sarah was briefly taken aback by Elena’s brusque reply, but she quickly composed herself and deepened her smile.
“Lady Selby was foolish to ignore the Crown Princess. Your Highness had taken this great opportunity to show her your power.”
“…”
There was no change in Elena’s expression, and Sarah shivered inwardly.
‘Is that it?’
Sarah tipped her head in thought. Her family was relatively poor, and had lived in the mercy of more powerful families. So far, Sarah’s sweet-talking had always worked with the young nobles, but Elena was not responding the way she expected. Sarah looked on in confusion, while Elena opened her mouth to speak.
“I don’t intend to forgive Lady Selby for what she’s done. Anyone who helps her will not get away easily.”
Sara stopped thinking and quickly nodded.
“It’s all because of your brilliance, Your Highness.”
“Yes…In the meantime, you’ve been performing well, Lady Jenner.”
“Of course. I serve as your hands and feet not only in the present, but in the future as well, Your Highness.”
Elena put on a thin smile as she observed Sarah pivot her position as quickly as ever.
“I look forward to it.”
Elena rose from her seat first, signalling the end of the conversation.
“Lady Jenner, let’s meet again another time. I’m not feeling well, and I should rest.”
It was a clear invitation for Sarah to leave. Sarah was slightly impatient that the conversation didn’t flow as smoothly as she intended, but considering that she and Elena had been enemies up until now, it was natural that they would not open to each other easily.
Still, Sarah couldn’t retreat back to nowhere. Now that Helen was gone, Sarah had to collect the benefits for siding with Elena. Sarah didn’t say anything, however, as it was foolish to show off her intentions now, and so she plastered on a fake smile.
“I’m sorry that you’re not feeling well. When I return home, I’ll send you some remedies.”
“I’m fine, but thank you for offering.”
“Of course. Now that I’m on your side, I care for your well-being.”
She wanted to remain safely on the same side. Elena was able to penetrate the hidden meaning right away, although Sarah didn’t realize that she noticed.
“I will see you again.”
Judging it was not necessary to stay any longer, Sarah stood up and gave a bow.
Elena stared at Sarah as she walked outside. Elena’s feelings were too complicated to express in a word. She was not fully trusting of the other young woman who once bullied her, but in order to gain power in society, she needed someone who was cunning, unlike Margaret. Elena wasn’t completely comfortable with Sarah, but instead of punishing her, she decided to take advantage of this fair-weather friend.
‘It’s true that this is easier with the help of Lady Jenner.’
She couldn’t trust Sarah, but she couldn’t help but wonder which of yesterday’s enemies would be on her side in the future.
Elena walked silently, and the nanny fell to her side.
“Where would you like to visit, Your Highness?”
“….Where is Lady Selby being held?”
She had a question she wanted to ask Helen herself.