Honkai Impact 3rd: Don't Die For Me/ Book 3 Paradise

Chapter 33 Regina

<Queen's Palace>

The Queen's palace was the most luxurious waist of money Sasha had ever seen. Yes every art piece was well kept and the floor was spotless but it was akin to a preservarium rather than a living space. Pockets of time occupied the walls. Sasha was sure that the queen need only charge admission to turn her palace into a museum.

"Her Majesty waits beyond this door."

With a polite bow and a parting of one side of a double door, the butler revealed the Queen to Agon and Sasha. Another thing Sasha couldn't help but note was that all the doors were identical. Double doors made of painted white mahogany with gold accents. Another way to describe the palace would be a maze.

"Your Majesty," Sasha bowed and curtsied.

A hint of approval and surprise flashed in Elizabeth's eyes. When her gaze shifted to Agon a flash of contempt replaced it. Nonetheless, she made a quick motion for them to sit. They had come in on a formal appointment.

"You may lift your head and please have a seat."

The couch opposite the Queen seated the two guests and their conversation could begin. A maid poured tea. Sasha took a sip noting how odorless and tasteless it seemed. It smelled no different than boiled water. Agon on the other hand avoided sipping the tea entirely. He crossed his arms and crossed his legs. It was a peculiar appointment. They were in the Queen's bed chamber, one of the most secure rooms in the palace. Normally she'd receive guests atop her throne in her courtroom. If they were of a higher importance she had a few other palaces to receive them, the courtyard for one or one of her garden gazebos.

"My Queen-"

"Sasha you don't need to speak so formally," Agon cut in. "The authority you wield is on the same plane."

"The man is unfortunately right my dear but don't let that stop you from being polite."

A smile that hid devious intentions sent shivers down Sasha's spine. She had seen those smiles on the streets. She worked with them. Soap dealers and other illegal businesses often employed two-faced people. Given what she learned perhaps the world of nobility was much the same. Some were only in the circles to profit and not everyone was a Kaslana.

"Of course my queen."

"Hmm, I find you a positive inquiry. You need not address me by Queen no more. Liz is enough."

"Ha look at her." Agon scoffed.

"You don't have her privilege." Elizabeth smiled once more. She took in the two characters before her. "I can't help but think that we've all had a meeting before."

"Liz this is the first time we've met," Sasha replied.

"For you and me. It should be." Liz agreed. "Well, my dear what do you want to discuss."

"I'd like to lay for evidence and accusations against the Duke of Cornwall. I have documents and ledgers stamped with his seal that speak of illegal arms deals with foreign organizations."

"Such as?"

"The Black Rose. His generation of wealth and plans to strengthen his region are founded on illegal trade. He's turned traitor to his nation and you for profit." Sasha summarized after handing over the evidence.

"I thought they were only a myth but it seems I thought wrong." The Queen murmured as she flipped through the evidence. "I believe this is what you found when quakes enveloped his Casino? I'd never thought the Duke would hide something so serious."