After the intrusion

Emily's face turned pale upon seeing Julia lying cold on the blood-stained floor. She couldn't believe her maid had been murdered within the castle. 

"Who could have done this?!" she asked in disbelief. 

Raylen stared at the lifeless body, noticing the distinctive cut on its front. Despite the murderer's attempt to make a straight incision with the knife, there was a hint of waviness to it. He commanded, "Gather all the servants in the hall. Right now."

"Yes, Master!" Lauren hurried away, apprehensive about finding herself on the receiving end of her master's ire. 

"I am sorry about the loss of your maid, Princess," Raylen said, and when he turned to look at her, he noticed her lips trembling. 

"Why?" Emily asked in bewilderment and confusion. Why kill her? Julia was her faithful maid, who had journeyed from Versailles to the Storm Kingdom with eyes full of enthusiasm, eager to see the world, only to be cruelly snatched away from it.