Identity Confirmation

Lily Evans followed the palace maid's lead, strolling unhurriedly along the path to the Empress's Quarters. As she walked, Lily kept a discreet eye on the palace's movements.

The Empress's Quarters looked the same as usual, except the palace maids, matrons, and eunuchs were all rushing about, their expressions strained and unnatural. If one didn't look too closely, it would seem everyone was simply anxious because of the Empress's sudden illness.

"Her Highness Princess Lily Hayes, this way please," the palace maid leading the way reminded Lily when she noticed her slow pace.

Lily didn't quicken her steps, but instead asked the maid, "Wasn't it said that the Empress summoned the noblewomen of the capital to attend to her illness? Why haven't I seen any other noblewomen along the way?"

The palace maid's eyes flickered as she replied, "To answer Her Highness, it's because... the other noblewomen are still on their way. You arrived the earliest."

Lily responded with a simple 'Oh,' but her gaze grew more intense.

Following the maid, Lily silently counted the number of guards along the way. She realized that today, the number of guards was three times the usual, with many hidden in the flowerbeds or behind pavilions, invisible but detectable by the sound of their breathing.

"So many experts lying in wait..." Lily glanced around, her eyes narrowing. Looking up, she saw they had reached the entrance to the Empress's bedroom.

"Her Highness Princess Lily Hayes, please wait here for a moment." The palace maid paused, then entered the room, and soon two elderly matrons came out to greet Lily.

The two elderly matrons bowed to Lily and said, "We greet Her Highness Princess Lily Hayes. According to palace rules, we must check if Your Highness is carrying anything unsuitable to bring before the Empress."