Vera wore a finely crafted black gown, its skirt slightly flared, carrying an air of mystery and the unknown.
This rather retro court-style dress was neither in the conservative Loen fashion nor the open Ince style, but more akin to the Austrian court dress worn by Empress Sissi in a movie from a past life… The neckline was slightly low, revealing a patch of fair, delicate skin, but unless she bent over, nothing that shouldn't be revealed would be shown.
The gown's tailoring was equally clever, displaying Vera's elegant, smooth neck, full and firm chest, and slender yet powerful waist in the most captivating way, radiating feminine charm.
Did this princess just come straight from a ball? Ebner muttered inwardly before politely standing to greet her and guiding her to a seat.
Since this was a secret meeting, no servants had prepared drinks or desserts, but under Xio's advice, Ebner had already made ready her preferred Duke's Black Tea.
This tea, as famous as the Queen's Black Tea—said to originate from the "Blood Moon Queen"—was among the most prized varieties, its legendary origins tracing back to a noble family of the Fourth Epoch's Solomon Empire.
It was worth noting that Xio, as the "middleman," had originally wanted to participate in this meeting, but had received an urgent mission at the last minute and couldn't get away.
"Detective Bryan, this is our second time meeting." Vera took a small sip of the tea, then, with her smile still in place, spoke meaningfully.
Second time? Ah yes—months ago, when I went to see my teacher off at the airship, I had encountered this princess… Only, at the time, I had disguised myself as Xio… Later, Xio had mentioned that due to the height mismatch, she had indeed noticed something off.
As the thought passed, Ebner smiled in reply. "Your Highness, your insight is as impressive as your beauty."
"You really do know how to talk." Vera's smile didn't fade. After exchanging a few words about his disguise and becoming a bit more familiar, she said, "We're partners now, so just call me Vera."
She was obviously referring to the film company.
Though slightly surprised, Ebner, who didn't care much about such formalities, replied, "You can call me Ebner."
At that, he paused, put away his smile, and asked in a somewhat heavy tone, "Vera, are you aware someone is plotting against you?"
"I know." Vera nodded "sincerely."
Uh… you know? Normally, shouldn't you ask, 'Who?'
Ebner complained silently, feeling this princess wasn't playing by the usual script, making his prepared words useless right from the start.
Vera continued on her own, "That 'Lust' of the Psychological Alchemy Union—Owen Delien—has long coveted me, or something I possess. A few weeks ago, he even proposed marriage to my brother…
"And though His Majesty the King hasn't responded yet, he's clearly inclined to agree… He's long wanted to get rid of me, a dissenter and destabilizing factor! He just hasn't acted because of other members of the Augustus family.
"This time, 'Lust' intends to seize me by force and put me under his control, something my brother would be glad to see… After all, that way I couldn't threaten his plans anymore… And he could use my controlled self to indirectly seize another portion of MI9 not directly under him…
"What's more, Owen has promised numerous benefits, selling Ince quite a few interests, enough to offset the loss of marrying off a royal demigod.
"This has silenced the few royal demigods who had opposed the idea."
Why do I feel like you know even more than I do? But if she knew all this and still came to meet me… she must see the royal family as unreliable and be looking for outside help.
After a brief thought, Ebner decided he should also offer some "real goods" to avoid losing control of the conversation.
He organized his words and told Vera about "Lust's" plan. In the end, he said:
"In short, that envoy 'Lust' has brought together 'Pride,' 'Sloth,' and 'Greed'—three members of the Psychological Alchemy Union's Council—plus the Saintess of White and the Black Knight, making six demigods to besiege you!
"The time should be Sunday night, after the ball at Count Cross's mansion…"
"My brother really can't wait… Count Cross's mansion has a newly built underground screening hall, and the weekend ball is essentially for the promotion of your film…
"I didn't expect them to set the stage there… Looks like when that screening hall was built, someone arranged some sort of formidable ritual or array." Princess Vera narrowed her eyes slightly, her smile fading. After a brief thought, she looked straight at Ebner and said decisively, "It seems you already have a plan!"
"You might not believe this, but I can get 'Greed' and 'Sloth' to temporarily switch sides to yours, and also bring in one or two more demigods…"
Ebner was laying his cards on the table, but before he could finish, Vera spoke firmly:
"No, I believe you."
Uh… you believe me just like that? This princess's trust feels a little too much… This is only the second time we've spoken.
Ebner couldn't help feeling suspicious. He considered for a moment before adding, "'Saintess of White'—I'm not completely sure there, but I can try, and the odds aren't low.
"So, when the time comes, it might be eight against two…"
Vera shook her head and corrected with a smile, "Nine against one!" Then, with a meaningful tone, she added, "'Pride' is no longer the 'Pride' you know!"
'Pride' isn't 'Pride'? So that royal advisor, Herwin, may have been replaced by someone else? No wonder Vera knows the Psychological Alchemy Union's and George III's schemes so clearly!
As his thoughts raced, Ebner heard Vera say again, "What kind of reward do you want to help me? I'll do my best to meet it!"
Hearing this, Ebner was moved—this was a good chance to test the princess's true attitude. He deliberately named a few difficult conditions:
"After killing 'Lust,' I need all of his items and his body, because I need him for verifying a newly developed secret technique and for using his identity to infiltrate the Delien family.
"So afterward, Your Highness, you'll need to actively cooperate with me for a time, pretending to be under my control, and even agreeing to a marriage… until that identity loses its value…
"Can you do that?"
As he spoke, Ebner even prepared for her to turn hostile, his hand already gripping the "Magic Mirror." After all, what he'd just asked was indeed excessive.
But to Ebner's surprise, Vera didn't even think before nodding. "No problem! I'll cooperate fully. Even if you want to act as 'Lust,' I'll go along…"
Hey hey, I never said I'd actually do 'Lust's' thing—princess, your imagination's running too far!
Still… she actually agreed to even this? She's even more eager than I am…
Once again—it must be said, this princess is a bit off.