It was a room that served as both the king’s office and his private quarters.

There was nothing flashy about it, but sturdy, no-nonsense furnishings were arranged inside.

It was a very refined room.

In addition to the king, Grandfather, Grandmother and Li, the chancellor, who stood at the top of domestic affairs, was also present.

The chancellor, who had the air of a refined middle-aged man, said, “Everyone, please make yourselves comfortable.”

At the king’s words, everyone except the chancellor nodded and sat down on the prepared sofas.

“Li, this is our first time meeting face to face. I’ve heard quite a lot about you. You’re even more beautiful than the stories suggested.”

The king laughed heartily, his expression exactly like that of a familiar uncle.

Since Li’s father was his younger brother by blood, that description was not wrong.

“It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Li Earlychar Karasebed Quewa. To be granted an audience with His Majesty the King is the height of honor.”

Li stood and performed a graceful curtsy.

Today, Li had her hair styled into a chignon (low bun) and was wearing a pale blue A-line dress.

She was so beautiful she could have been mistaken for a fairy.

It was only natural that the men let out quiet sounds of admiration.

“A splendid greeting, Li. But here, it’s fine to think of us simply as uncle and niece. There’s no need to be so formal.”

“I understand, Uncle.”

Li smiled, her expression blooming like a flower.

“This is… far too good for that Keith fellow.”

Li wondered if the evaluation of Keith, the crown prince, was really that low.

She was aware that she herself was an exceptionally beautiful young girl.

However, perhaps due to the influence of her previous life, her self-evaluation was not all that high.

“Andy. Enough of that, let’s get to the point.”

Grandmother cut the king off sharply.

As a former royal and his aunt, she showed absolutely no restraint.

Incidentally, the king’s name was Anshelm and Andy was his nickname.

With a wry smile, the king cleared his throat briefly.

“Aunt, the truth is that for the past three days or so, the queen has been unwell.”

“Avril?”

At Grandfather’s question, the chancellor signaled to the king with his eyes, as if to say, “I’ll take it from here.”

Seeing the king nod calmly, the chancellor spoke.

“My younger sister Avril appears to have been afflicted by poison. However, we have been unable to identify what kind of poison it is. That is why we wish to borrow Lady Harriet’s expertise.”

Avril, the queen, was from the Rakerinu Ducal House.

She was Li’s mother’s half-sister.

Which meant that the chancellor was also related to Li by blood.

Li was starting to feel a little confused by it all.

“You don’t even have a rough idea?” Grandfather asked.

“My apologies,” the chancellor replied, lowering his gaze.

Seeing that, Grandmother let out a long breath.

“Romulus, would it be all right if we brought Li along as well?”

“I don’t mind, but… will she be all right?”

At the chancellor’s words, Li answered, “I’ll be fine.”

“Then let us proceed.”

Following the chancellor, the four of them moved to the queen’s bedchamber.

As soon as they entered, an unpleasant smell filled the air.

It was not the smell of waste, but a scent that simply induced discomfort.

The source was the queen’s body odor.

The chancellor entered the room and opened the windows.

He did not forget to use a simple wind spell to circulate the air.

The queen lay sleeping on the bed, emaciated and devoid of vitality.

Black rashes were visible on her skin.

With her hair falling out as well, she looked as though she were already dead.

However, her chest was moving slightly up and down.

Grandmother stepped closer and checked her pulse.

At the same time, mana gathered in Grandmother’s eyes.

Li imitated her.

Being able to copy it just by watching showed just how outrageous Li’s cheat ability really was.

“It’s most likely the far-reaching death poison, Grand Fever.”

Li knew of that poison as well.