The impact of the spiritual essence was astonishing.
The Marquis of Guinness, who had maintained his innocence until the very end, confessed to everything the moment the entity entered his consciousness.
Having lost all sense of self, he answered every question as though bound by a truth spell.
Except one.
"Where is Dahlia?"
The question was posed in countless variations: *Where did you meet Dahlia?
Who is she?
How did you come to know her?*
But the instant her name was mentioned, the Marquis convulsed into hysterics, unable to utter a single coherent word.
"It appears to be a rejection reaction," one of the mages observed.
Wizards from the Marigold Trading Guild—including Ethelid—were present at the interrogation.
"His memory was artificially altered," Ethelid said, his expression grim.
"That's troubling.
Mind manipulation of this caliber is extremely dangerous and complex magic."
Juliet remained silent.
She didn't mention that, just recently, the Marquis had finally remembered Dahlia's name.
But a picture was already forming in her mind.
"That's strange," Ethelid muttered.
"A Full Moon Spell using spiritual essence—ancient and immensely powerful magic.
If he can't remember despite that, then there must be a force capable of suppressing even the curse."
Ethelid's eyes lit with curiosity.
"Dahlia...
I believe I've heard that name before."
"I thought so," Juliet smiled faintly.
Ethelid had indeed been present when Dolores was questioned about Dahlia.
He couldn't have forgotten.
"So who is she?
This Dahlia?"
"A woman," Juliet replied, struggling to organize her thoughts.
In truth, she suddenly realized how little she actually knew about this mysterious figure.
"We haven't met yet.
But... it seems she knows me."
Ethelid frowned.
"Is she a mage?"
"Perhaps."
Juliet nodded gravely.
Juliet had previously believed that once the Duke's family heirloom was recovered, all secrets would be revealed.
"She abandoned the relic and fled?
Because of the Marquis's fall?"
"So what will you do now?"
"What?"
Juliet blinked.
"What do you mean?"
"You've realized there's more than one artifact."
"Oh—you mean the Yellow Snake?" she said, slightly embarrassed.
A knight—a former mercenary—had recently told her about this.
"Those are just rumors.
There's no confirmation."
"But surely there can't be only one artifact in the world connected to spirits."
"Yes, you're right..."
Juliet nodded thoughtfully.
"That's correct," Juliet admitted reluctantly.
"So your butterflies aren't the only spirits wandering this world."
"I have more than enough of them," she replied dryly.
Ethelid merely shrugged.
"Well, if you say so... but, miss—"
"Yes?"
"Everyone seems to have forgotten, but... how is your grandfather?"
"Grandfather?"
"He's *wanted!*" Ethelid exclaimed with genuine concern.
"Is it safe for him to be in the capital?"
"Ah..."
Only now did Juliet grasp his meaning.
Ethelid was worried about Lionel Lebatan's safety.
But Juliet shrugged as though none of this mattered.
"He's visited the capital before.
And nothing happened then."
"Because his only granddaughter invited him," Ethelid grumbled.
"I'm not certain things will go so smoothly a second time."
"My grandfather is fine," Juliet said calmly.
"Do you imagine he'll start a war if he's discovered?"
Her indifference only deepened Ethelid's confusion.
"Are you truly counting on the military strength of the Duke of Carlisle?"
Juliet laughed quietly.
"Do you think I would write a letter to my grandfather without considering every detail?"
She produced a folded piece of paper and showed it to Ethelid.
"This is the verdict in my grandfather's case."
Ethelid's eyes scanned the document rapidly:
> *In the event of crossing the border into Imperial lands: immediate execution.*
"What does this mean?"
Ethelid asked, puzzled.
But Juliet met his gaze with complete confidence.
"Don't worry, Eshel.
The Emperor won't dare touch my grandfather."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
An agitated servant burst into the reception room.
"Lady Juliet!
You are urgently summoned to the palace!"
"Oh!"
Ethelid started with alarm.
"Hurry, Juliet."
But contrary to his fears, the summons had nothing to do with Lionel Lebatan's presence in the capital.
## — The Palace —
"This bouquet is for those who assisted with the wedding preparations," Fatima said with a smile.
Now officially the Second Prince's wife, she handed Juliet a carefully arranged sheaf of wheat.
"The Empress ordered that everyone receive these."
It was not merely a bouquet—it was a symbol of protection from evil and a blessing of good fortune.
Bouquets are typically associated with flowers, but this one—crafted from golden ears of wheat—carried deeper significance.
"Thank you, Princess," Juliet said softly, stroking the stalks with her fingertips.
"Hmph!"
Fatima snorted, turning away.
The ladies surrounding Juliet chattered about the recent celebration.
"The mages were magnificent, but did you see those strange beasts from distant lands?"
"An incredible spectacle."
Juliet didn't recall visiting the fair, but she had heard the rumors.
The Emperor had indeed staged an elaborate display of rare creatures, sparing no expense.
None of it interested her, however.
Her thoughts remained fixed on Dahlia.
"Excuse me—has the Duke of Carlisle departed?" someone's voice gently pulled her from her reverie.
Only when she felt eyes upon her did Juliet realize the question was directed at her.
"Oh!
I beg your pardon—no offense intended!" the woman added hastily.
"When he returns, would you care to join us?"
"Well..."
Juliet hesitated.
But before she could answer, a familiar voice rang out.
"Ah, you're all here."
"Your Majesty, the Empress!"
The ladies in the salon rose as one, greeting the newcomer with deep curtsies.
The Empress nodded graciously and seated herself across from Juliet.
"I am glad to see you in good health, Your Majesty," Juliet said respectfully.
"Oh, truly?"
The Empress smiled with reserved warmth.
And Juliet genuinely believed it.
Though the Empress suffered from chronic illness and rarely appeared at social functions, she now looked markedly improved.
"In Varena, I encountered a wonderful physician.
Very young, but so talented and diligent..."
The Empress recounted her experience with evident enthusiasm.
The conversation stretched on, until a voice called from the corridor:
"Your Majesty, the medicine is ready.
May I bring it?"
The Empress nodded.
"Yes, let her enter."
Juliet was about to take her leave.
"Then, with your permission, I shall withdraw, Your Majesty."
Without waiting for objection, she bowed elegantly and moved toward the door.
The other ladies followed.
"Countess Montague, we would be delighted to invite you for tea..."
"We have wonderful varieties from distant countries!"
Juliet nodded graciously—then froze.
Her face went pale.
She spun around and seized the hem of a passing girl's dress.
"*Kya!*"
A single light touch, and the servant dropped her tray in fright.
"What are you *doing*, Countess Montague?!"
The Empress and her retinue exclaimed in shock.
But Juliet's eyes were fixed on one person alone—the one who had brought the medicine.
"...Dahlia?"
Long golden hair with an orange tint.
Violet eyes.
It was **Dahlia Fran**.