Things had been strange at the embassy over the past two days. Although the staff continued their work as usual, they turned
away almost all visitors and postponed most scheduled activities.
The official explanation was an internal reshuffle of work for two days. However, according to a rumor, sembassy personnel
had contracted a virus during the sanitation work. Salso heard the embassy had tried sweeping it under the rug to contain the
commotion.
No one knew where the gossip had originated, but it had also left the other foreign embassies uneasy. After all, the pandemic in
Burnwken had only just ended.
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After witnessing or experiencing the pandemic, people wondered what would happen if another outbreak occurred.
It caused everyone to be on edge, with each embassy starting its own investigations. Seven demanded an explanation from
the Hyderland government.
Puzzled by the rumor, the government tried to ask about it from the Yudonian embassy. However, the embassy continuously
declined visitors, making the rumor more convincing and credible.
Meanwhile, the real reason for work delays was the disappearance of Duke Frederick, their top leader. It threw the embassy into
disarray. Since only a few knew the queen was there, most staff members did not know what to do.
As they wondered whether to seek instructions from the queen, Fred reappeared. A trusted aide signed in relief and approached
him, asking, “Your Grace, where have you been over the last two days?! We were so worried!”
However, Fred's expression stiffened as he strode ahead. “Where's Lily?”
“She's still in the attic,” the aide answered after a moment's hesitation.
“I'll go see her. Stay on this floor, and don’t let anyone up!” He broke into a run.
Shocked, the aide hurried after him. “Yes, sir!”
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Fred was out of breath as he reached the top floor. He held onto the railing and panted, trying to catch his breath. He looked
upward as if he could see through the ceiling and finally went up to unlock the attic door.
The attic was not spacious but was clean and well-lit by sunlight.
When he went in, Lily was eating at a dining table. She was enjoying her afternoon tea and desserts, which smelled rather lovely.
With her relaxed expression, one might think she was on vacation.
Fred grew even angrier when he saw that, asking, “Aren’t you on a hunger strike?”
Lily was not surprised to see him. She only glanced his way and said, “Didn't you tellto eat more and watch my health? Do you
have a problem withheeding your advice?”
She calmly spoke as she held her knife and fork.