King Elphaim understood the noble faction's sentiments, but it was understandable for Lady Victoria to seek the help of the aristocratic faction when her father would obviously abandon her. "Just like you said Lady Victoria Rozenreff, the law in this empire stated that the heir with the greater connection and power will take the seat of the inheritance. But we do not recognize the power of the crown princes from other kingdoms in the empire, you know that too, right Lady Victoria?" King Elphaim's eyes told Tori that she already lost. But for a split second, the king saw how Tori smiled slyly at him before it changed to its original sweet smiling face."I know, Your Majesty. That's why King Leon Monakre and Emperor Mei Lin came to this noble trial." They're my insurance should you use that law against me. I guess being two steps ahead is not a bad thing. I can already tell where Prince Corean got on his sly side.Laughing while stroking his beard, King Leon eyed Tori with utmost curios

When Crown Prince Yei went back to his seat, the two young men bumped fists with him which made Tori shake her head. Tori's focus turned to the information passed by the king to her.Tori asked it for herself. Even the three young men wondered why she needed that information. After all, what she's asking was the list of all recognized diseases in the world and their details although; the last part was the list of medicines and their uses."Why are you asking for those? You even included the newly recognized diseases." Crown Prince Yei Lin asked her with wonder, the same question that Rowan and Crown Prince Allistair were thinking."Someone important for our future will die this month and no it is not from assassination but a plague that the empire will not expect. Hundreds of thousands will die and that person will be one of the casualties. I need to stop that."The look of disbelief reflected on their faces after listening to what she said. Her once smiling face was now emotionless a

Lord Sozeni butted in, "How about we shifted the blame to the noble faction? We can argue that the samples are fabricated. He's a magician. The people will think it's a farce from the noble faction to destroy the second prince since the Hunt is coming."Lady M nodded. She was probably considering the idea which made Tori internally smile. Though this was just her backup plan, the results of this one could still benefit Tori in the long run.It is still okay for me. They can prosecute Oswald as long as they will give me an opening to prosecute the Marquess and the Duke. It is still a win-win situation for me, so go on."That is too risky. We are like defending this commoner when everyone in the palace knew what she was doing with the second prince. This plan is a double-edged sword." Lord Helisos interrupted everyone from considering the second plan.Upon realizing the recuperations of the plan, Lady M's sullen face returned. Lord Wolfgang glanced at Tori before speaking about his sug

COURT TRIAL, a trial for the commoners to be judged by the noble council. Unlike the noble trial where the king will judge, an appointed noble will judge this court trial.Tori was among the audience from the high society. Beside her were Crown Prince Yei Lin and Lily sitting behind her. Their seats were situated above the common folk's. Since this trial involved royalty and a commoner, the high society and the commoners flocked to the court trial more. Private seats were also reserved for the queen and the second prince who would attend today's meeting. Their seat was facing their seat which Tori arranged with the help of the queen's connections."Announcing the arrival of Queen Aurina Eckrett and Prince Corean Shuia Eckrett!" Everyone showed their respect to the royal family members. When everyone was seated, the chancellor announced again."Announcing the arrival of the accused, Tessa!" At the same door where Tori entered with a veil a year ago, a clean-looking Tessa with no tear

TORI DID not realize when she fell asleep. Well, whatever. She did not open her eyes yet as she tried to control her breathing. She could feel that she was not the only person in the infirmary. Tori wanted to know who were the other people inside her room, so she pretended to be asleep. Well, that was the only thing she was best at ever since she transmigrated: pretending."You are always like this. You are always in front of me no matter how I run to catch up with you. And when I thought I can finally grasp you, I would realize that it's just all a mirage." Heartfelt words of Duke Rowan Castaña echoed inside the room. Tori was taken aback for a split second after noticing the genuine care from the pawn she never really put to mind. This was the road she had chosen in order to survive. Tori herself could not distinguish what was genuine and what was pretense in her actions anymore.She knew that she was being selfish when she decided not to let him know. But she needed him to ge