Case 146: When a coincidence turns out to the the worst one.

Imperial Palace, nighttime.

The emperor's study was still lit despite the night growing deeper. Beatrice sat solemnly in her seat, pondering. Beside her, Caroline, the third empress, quietly leaned on her wife's shoulder.

Both of them were used to spending time idling just like this, so neither felt an ounce of awkwardness. Eventually, it was Beatrice who released a weary sigh. She put down the document in her hand and closed her eyes.

''...Is something troubling you, Your Majesty?'' Caroline softly spoke up.

''Perhaps,'' Beatrice replied. ''Remember the inspection I mentioned? I'm having a hard time choosing a competent talent. It's for a special case.''

The empress nodded at the first question, but showed obvious curiosity at the second, ''A special case?''

''Indeed. If we're trying to find the disguised demon queen hiding among us... my mind keeps wandering to the other lady of Orleans.''

''...I can understand that.''

For a moment, the two looked at one another, then smiled ambiguously.

Cecilia de Orleans fit the descriptions of a succubus queen to a tee. One would have to be that special to be able to seduce princesses and magnates left and right.

It wasn't just Beatrice—many people would instinctively think of her when the word 'demon queen' was mentioned. The reason only a few could muster the courage to talk about it was due to Cecilia's unique circumstances. She was a noble, the lover of an imperial princess, a royal princess, and Bourbon's heiress, though most importantly... the heroine's step-sister.

In terms of status, she was virtually unreachable.

If possible, Beartrice wouldn't want to touch Cecilia, her daughter's lover, either. After all, Rachael was still the most promising successor, and the emperor had no plan to worsen her relationship with the princess.

However, the concern had reached a boiling point. Cecilia's suspicious lack of appearance after the demon queen's emergence was the catalyst that prompted Beatrice to look deeper into her. While the femme fatale's past remained hazy, with the means at Beatrice's disposal, she had learned about Cecilia's situation rather easily.

The Orleans' mansion had many servants, of whom a few were bound to slip some information, especially if it was to the imperial regime. And, it revealed a concerning truth—Cecilia de Orleans was... imprisoned?

Not just that, it was the heroine herself who allegedly imprisoned her own sister. Beatrice had some insights—she was the one who permitted Lyra to borrow those suppression chains and cuffs.

Why did she do it? Why Cecilia?

Did she intentionally let the information leak?

It was puzzling. Although a mere hunch, Beatrice thought Lyra could act so brazenly since she had the status that came with special authorities, which included, but was not limited to, the total possession of demons captured by her own hands.

'What a cunning little lady...'

Beatrice had made up her mind. She would leave no exceptions, meaning that not even the Orleans would be spared. The only problem was... who to choose for the inspection?

It was a given that she would put a special agent or two in the group, but that would never be enough against Lyra. She needed someone who could deal with her.

''Um... may I propose something?'' Caroline held Beatrice's hand. ''How about leaving the matter to Jeanne?''

''Jeanne?'' The emperor furrowed her brows.

''Yes. I believe she would be impartial. Her character has always been trustworthy. Furthermore, she is the heroine's teacher, so we can expect her to perform well if the little one rebels.''

''...''

The more Beatrice thought about it, the more convinced she became. Indeed, it was at least a balanced matchup.

''Good suggestion, my dear.'' Beatrice kissed her wife's forehead, smiling gently. ''Tell me if you want anything.''

''Then... how about spending some time with Valerie this weekend, Your Majesty?'' Caroline shyly asked. ''She's been looking dejected lately. Surely she would cheer up if Your Majesty graces her with your presence.''

''Of course. She's my daughter—it's my duty to care for her. Let's go somewhere with the three of us.''

In the end, it was decided that Jeanne was to accompany two other agents for the trip. The former heroine showed puzzlement and faint hostility at the emperor's suspicion, but ultimately agreed.

On the other hand, Cecilia's companions were ready for the inspection.

Penelope had postponed her other business to stay at the mansion, and so did Lyra. The sight of the two black-haired, black-eyed beauties with vastly distinct impressions sticking to her sides all day made Cecilia's legs go weak. She couldn't help but wonder if she ever had a future, she would be able to spend time like this day after day.

Quasar and Lilith also quietly stayed nearby, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

Finally, on one unsuspecting day, two black sedans bearing the imperial crest came to the Orleans' mansion. Having been notified beforehand, Lilith, Lyra, and Penelope were all prepared, waiting in the guest room. Cecilia had been temporarily moved to Quasar's place, still with the cuffs on. Through the various hidden cameras around the house, they were monitoring the situation.

''Aren't you nervous?'' The pink-haired woman asked, holding her thumping heart.

Cecilia gently shook her head, ''It's fine. I believe in them.''

As she turned to the screen, Cecilia could see Penelope on the couch and a woman who looked identical to her, down to the sky-blue canopy, hugging the magnate's arm. Lilith took this very seriously, it seemed.

'Thankfully, Penelope can keep a straight face...'

Cecilia thought. Knowing that it was the former demon queen hugging their arm, most people would falter.

Suddenly, Lilith flinched, then belatedly released herself from the girl's body.

''Huh? What happened?'' Quasar blinked her eyes.

''I'm not sure...'' Cecilia also tilted her head.

Even Penelope's poker face showed a hint of confusion. Yet, the moment Lyra, who went out to answer the door, came back, it immediately became apparent that the reason Lilith acted that way...

''...The bad luck is immense.'' Cecilia laughed wryly.

Jeanne was leading the inspection team.

''Excuse me—''

The former heroine, upon entering the room, immediately had her eyes pulled toward the woman beside Penelope. The two stared at one another blankly, turning the atmosphere somewhat awkward.

It wasn't until the other two inspectors, one burly man and one cold-looking woman, lightly tapped Jeanne's shoulder that she sat down. Lyra acted nonchalantly, flopping on Lilith's other side.

'''' ... ''''

After exchanging brief pleasantries, the room fell silent. It was three on three, though for whatever reason, it looked like Jeanne and 'Cecilia' were alone in the space.

Nevertheless, the inspection was carried out as usual.

With Penelope and Lyra's excellent acting, nothing seemed suspicious. Even Lilith, who seemed a little shaky, easily fooled the opponents. Yet, it would have been perfect if she could act like the usual Cecilia toward Penelope, hugging arms, flirting... if one were familiar with their interactions, something would've looked amiss.

''Well, then. We wish you a good day, ladies.''

When the imperial agents left, only Jeanne lingered, saying she wanted to have a session with her student. The former heroine's face was dark the whole time, with wriggling purple lines almost manifesting around her body.

''...I'll take a rest now—''

''Wait.''

As soon as the cars disappeared beyond the horizon, Lilith attempted to escape to Cecilia's room, but her wrist was promptly caught by Jeanne. Lilith gently evaded the other person's gaze, which was as intense as her fire.

''...Explain.'' The former heroine said.