Chapter 4

"Have you heard? When Anne was arrested, she was carrying some classified documents..."

The morning sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows into the palace corridors, where the servants' whispered gossip spread like wildfire through every corner.

I stood quietly on the second-floor balcony, gazing down at the bustling figures below, a satisfied smile playing at the corners of my mouth.

Three days. It had been exactly three days since Anne's arrest, and the seeds of rumor I had carefully sown were taking root exactly as I had expected.

"Your Majesty," Bella hurried over, lowering her voice to report, "As you instructed, we have 'accidentally' mentioned those matters in different circles."

I turned around, a cold glint flashing in my eyes. "Tell me, what's the effect?"

"The kitchen maids are discussing why Lord William transferred military funds, the noble ladies in the garden are speculating about his true purpose in meeting with neighboring countries, and even the stable boys are gossiping about his recent unusual behavior of neglecting the Queen." Bella's voice carried excitement. "The best part is, everyone thinks they overheard this information by chance."

"Excellent," I nodded. "Tonight's banquet will be the perfect stage. Make sure all the right people have 'accidentally' heard these rumors."

By evening, the rumors had been fermenting throughout the palace for an entire day. I could feel the tension and curiosity hanging in the air, with everyone anticipating tonight's banquet.

As night fell, the magnificent palace hall blazed with candlelight. This place, usually a social center where nobles mingled over wine and forged political alliances, would tonight become William's execution ground.

I stood on the elevated platform with a wine glass in hand, surveying everything in the hall below. Nobles gathered in small groups at various corners, their whispered conversations more cautious than usual.

"Your Majesty appears to be in good spirits," Count Henry approached me with a respectful bow. "I hear there have been new developments in the investigation?"

I displayed a smile that was both sorrowful and strong. "The truth will soon come to light. I believe justice will not be absent."

At that moment, the hall doors opened and William walked in with measured steps.

In the past, his appearance would always trigger a wave of enthusiastic greetings and clustering, with nobles actively approaching to curry his favor.

But tonight was different.

The conversation in the hall suddenly quieted, and all eyes turned toward him, yet not a single person stepped forward. William stood at the entrance, his handsome face still wearing its usual confidence, but I could see a flash of confusion in his eyes.

He walked toward the nearest group of nobles—Count Henry and several young marquesses who were usually closest to him.

"Good evening, everyone." William initiated the conversation, his voice still deep and magnetic.

"Ah, William." Count Henry's expression seemed somewhat unnatural. "Good evening."

The atmosphere became suffocatingly awkward. The lively discussions that usually surrounded William came to an abrupt halt, and several nobles exchanged glances, seemingly waiting for someone else to speak first.

"About these recent rumors," William tried to ease the tension, "I think we should..."

"Sorry, William," Count Henry suddenly interrupted him, "I have matters to attend to. Excuse me."

With that, Henry actually turned and left, leaving William standing awkwardly in place. The other nobles also found excuses to disperse, and soon a conspicuous empty circle formed around William.

This is the reality after losing power, I sneered inwardly. Human relationships are paper-thin—one touch and they crumble. William, do you remember how you coldly watched me being humiliated in my past life? Now it's your turn.

While I was savoring William's predicament, Bella hurried to my side.

"Your Majesty," she said quietly, "Lord William's attendant wishes to meet with you privately."

I deliberately raised my voice so the surrounding nobles could hear. "William? What does he want?"

"He hopes to speak with you privately to clarify some misunderstandings."

The conversation in the hall grew even quieter, with everyone straining their ears to listen to our exchange.

This was exactly the effect I wanted.

I put on an expression that was both cold and righteous. "Tell him that during the investigation, suspects cannot interfere with judicial procedures. If he has anything to clarify, he can wait until the special tribunal officially convenes."

This statement exploded like a bomb in the hall. The word "suspect" was clearly conveyed to everyone present. If people had only been gossiping privately before, now I had publicly declared my position.

I could feel William's angry gaze from across the room, but I deliberately avoided looking at him.

Instead, I turned to the noble ladies beside me, displaying a smile that was both brave and vulnerable.

"Your Majesty, are you alright?" Lady Isabelle gripped my hand with concern. "This assassination attempt must have frightened you terribly."

"I'm fine," I shook my head gently, my voice carrying resolve. "I'm just worried about the nation's security. When trust is betrayed and loyalty is questioned, as Queen, I must make difficult decisions for the kingdom's future."

Look at those sympathetic expressions—my performance is quite successful.

The surrounding noble ladies expressed their support one after another, their voices echoing through the hall, while William stood isolated, angrily clenching his fists.

Halfway through the banquet, I noticed William's complexion growing increasingly grim. He moved from one noble circle to another, but each time met with cold treatment.

Some pretended not to see him, others offered perfunctory responses before finding excuses to leave, and still others simply turned their backs on him.

Finally, after yet another snub, William's patience reached its limit.

He shot to his feet abruptly, his chair scraping harshly against the floor, drawing the attention of the entire hall.

"Enough!" William's voice reverberated through the hall, carrying long-suppressed fury. "You fair-weather friends! Yesterday you were bowing and scraping before me, and today you turn your backs?"

The hall fell dead silent, everyone staring at him in shock. This loss of composure completely destroyed his usual image of elegant composure.

"William, please mind your words," I said coldly, my voice quiet but clearly audible in the silent hall.

He whirled toward me, those eyes that had once been gentle now burning with angry flames. "Margaret, you think you've won? You think these underhanded tactics will..."

"Enough!" I rose abruptly, slamming my wine glass onto the table. "Everyone present is a witness—behold the true face of a guilty man when the truth is about to be revealed!"

William realized his loss of control, his face instantly turning pale. He looked around and found everyone staring at him with strange expressions, as if viewing a madman.

What's wrong? Can't handle being ostracized? In my past life, you watched me being humiliated without lifting a finger. Now you know what it means to be abandoned by all.

William looked at me deeply, his gaze containing anger, unwillingness, and something approaching desperation.

Then he turned and strode out of the hall, leaving behind a room full of awkwardness and whispered conversations.

Late at night, the entire palace had grown quiet. I sat alone on the throne, toying with a letter retrieved from William's room.

"Your Majesty," an informant emerged from the shadows with a respectful report. "Lord William flew into a rage upon returning to his room, smashing everything breakable."

I raised my wine glass, the red wine gleaming like blood in the moonlight. "This is nothing yet."

"Also," the informant continued, "his remaining confidants are beginning to waver. Count Marcus secretly sent someone tonight to inquire about defecting to you."

Social ruin is just the appetizer—next comes the legal knockout punch.

I stood and walked to the window, gazing down at the faint light emanating from William's room below.

"What desperate moves will a cornered beast make?" I murmured to myself, a smile of anticipation playing on my lips. "I'm curious, William—what cards do you still have left to play?"