Forensic Imperial Concubine

"I also managed to gather a piece of news," Harper said, gritting her teeth. "The real Worship Ceremony will be held in five days.
Today's ceremony was just their display of prayers before the real one takes place."
Hearing that, Matthew scowled slightly. "So, there was something amiss with the invitation letter sent to the Bright Dynasty."
"Or, maybe there was nothing wrong with the invitation letter. Maybe someone deliberately made us come here sooner than we
should have," Harper muttered. "I guess the Wonder Kingdom's and the Great Jade Kingdom's envoys will arrive in a couple of
days. I wonder who the Great Jade Kingdom will send as their envoy leader."
"It can't be Rolando," said Matthew firmly.
Harper agreed with him. "As the emperor of the Great Jade Kingdom, Rolando would not risk his life. I wonder who he will send
in his stead."
"Most likely their newly appointed prime minister."
"What kind of person is he?"
"He is a very shameless man." It was the first time for Matthew to insult someone so vehemently. Clearly, he disliked the new
prime minister.
That immediately piqued Harper's curiosity and interest in knowing more about this new prime minister. She wanted to know
what kind of person would prompt Matthew to describe him as shameless. Rolando looked like an other-worldly being. But
Harper had a hard time imagining what the prime minister was like.
After returning to the inn, Harper and Matthew discreetly conferred with the secret guards. They then had to go back to the
envoy's team. Their entrance to the South Kingdom's capital would need to be public. When they entered the Starry Palace's
library, they would be Prince Matthew and his wife.
Failing her task, Becky made her way to the envoy's temporary residence. Once there, she found both Matthew and Harper
inside. The sight of the couple shocked her. It even made her question if she had gone to the wrong place.
But no, one look at the sign and she knew she was in the right place. It meant that both Matthew and Harper were back in the
envoy's fold. There was no way for her to separate them now.
"Your Highnesses." Becky had no choice but to bow and greet them despite how much she hated doing it.

Harper was amid playing with a crimson snake that she had caught, so she was not in the mood to deal with Becky. Matthew
didn't want to respond to her either. Kneeling on the ground, Becky felt rather embarrassed. She wanted to stand up, but
Matthew hadn't given her permission to do so, so she remained in position. However, if she kept kneeling on the ground, she
would lose face.
"Your Highnesses," Becky greeted the couple in a much higher voice.
Frowning, Harper asked, "Do you have anything important to say to us? If not, you can just leave. I'm training my new pet. Don't
bother me."
Becky's face turned red in embarrassment when she heard that. She turned to look at Matthew. But he was watching Harper as
she played with the snake on the table. He didn't even bother to take a glance at her.
Gritting her teeth, Becky stood up and turned to leave. With one last deep simmering look at Harper full of murderous intent, she
finally left.
Suddenly, Harper reached out and pinched the area above the snake's heart. "You're such a naughty little thing," She scolded.
"Even though you've fallen into my hands, you still don't know who has control over your life. Do you still think you're king of the
snakes, running freely in the jungle?"
"If you don't like Becky, kill her," Matthew pointed out in a flat tone. "She's a poisonous snake circling around us, ready to jump
out and bite at any moment. While we might not fear her, it's still uncomfortable knowing she's always around."
Harper shook her head and said, "Forget about her. No need to get our hands dirty by dealing with someone so unworthy. Since
she likes to court death, just let her do it. I wonder what a show Francis has prepared for us for he even goes so far as to corrupt
the woman like that."
Matthew sneered, "He not only married the South Kingdom's princess, but he also seduced the Secret Pavilion's leader. I hadn't
expected him to fall to such an extent."
Hearing that, Harper stretched out her finger and flicked the snake's head. As a result, it fell on the table, motionless. When it
started moving again, it looked at Harper cautiously, not daring to attack again.
Harper stretched out a finger, with a drop of blood at the tip. The snake's eyes opened wide at the sight of the blood. It slithered
closer to Harper. It wasn't until it was sure Harper wouldn't beat it again that it tentatively stretched out its tongue to lick the drop
of blood.

"What are you doing?" Matthew asked in confusion.
"Feeding it. Although this crimson snake is very young, it can be quite useful if well trained. Since Rena and her father destroyed
my Golden Cicada, I haven't had any powerful poison source. I decided to train a crimson snake in its place," Harper explained
to Matthew.
Hearing Harper mention Johnson and Rena reminded Matthew of the wound in Harper's chest. She had almost died to save him.
"Harp."
"Yes, is there something wrong?"
"From now on, no matter what happens, you are not allowed to risk your life to save anybody else, including me," Matthew said
as he held Harper's hands in his. "Promise me."
Harper found his reaction amusing. "You can no longer get poisoned or sustain an injury. What kind of mortal danger can you
face? What could happen that would require me to risk my life? As long as you are fine, I will be fine."