Vol. 1 - Chapter 104

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“Chancellor…! Didn’t you say you couldn’t come because you were busy?”

The Emperor’s face visibly lit up.

“The work wrapped up earlier than expected. However…”

Sergei glanced at Count Pavel, who was slumped on the floor.

“Are you asking for leniency for someone who dared to be disrespectful to His Majesty, Count Mute?”

“It’s not leniency. I simply questioned whether we really need to spill blood on such a meaningful day. There’s ample time to punish him later.”

“That won’t do.”

Sergei cut off Yureit’s words with firm resolve.

“If Count Pavel is let off without punishment here, the other nobles might begin to take Her Imperial Highness lightly.”

“Are you saying the authority of the imperial family has fallen that low?”

Yureit’s question sounded genuinely concerned, but Sergei let out a short, incredulous chuckle. No matter how clever Sergei was, he was still no match for Yureit, who had been entrenched in imperial affairs far longer.

As their exchange ended, the surrounding nobles began adding their own opinions. Those who sided with Yureit were mostly older nobles who had worked with him before, while Sergei’s supporters were largely younger, up-and-coming aristocrats.

“Enough! That’s enough!”

As voices rose, the Emperor finally burst out.

“What do you think you’re doing in front of me!”

He shouted with such force that blood vessels in his eyes threatened to burst.

“Count Pavel’s punishment will be postponed! Take him to the dungeons!”

Count Pavel, who had begun to feel reassured, was immediately dragged away by the knights. The Emperor’s eyes briefly turned red before returning to their original color. Only Sergei and Edmund noticed it.

“Cough, cough!”

The Emperor began to cough violently. It didn't stop even as time passed, and in the end, Marinda helped him leave the banquet hall.

Though there had been an uproar, this was still the capital’s grand gathering of the nobility. Most chose to carry on as if nothing had happened, unwYlling to let such a rare opportunity go to waste. Three people, in particular, became the center of attention, and nobles eager to strike up conversation.

Sergei, Yureit, and Edmund.

Just a few weeks ago, Edmund had been summoned by force and thrown into prison. But now, with the Emperor treating him casually, people cautiously began to approach. Especially since one of the two ducal houses had fallen by the Emperor’s hand, Edmund now held the second-highest rank in the empire after the Emperor himself.

When the stream of people around him finally began to subside…

“Your Excellency.”

Johann approached Edmund from behind and whispered something in his ear.

“Daphne, please stay with Alec for a while.”

Leaving Alec with Daphne, Edmund immediately moved to another area.

“Uncle.”

Yureit, who had arrived ahead of him, turned at the sound.

“Duke.”

Behind Yureit stood the same nobles who had earlier sided with him against Sergei. They greeted Edmund as if they had been waiting for him. Yureit took Edmund a little farther away for a private conversation.

“These are the forces we gathered with the Crown Prince.”

It was a surprisingly small number.

“Yes, it is.”

Yureit nodded, as if reading Edmund’s thoughts.

“We had to be cautious since any rash move might be seen as treason… More than half rejected the offer, and this was all we could gather.”

The Crown Prince was stuck in the south, so Yureit had to persuade the nobles alone, using the list handed over to him.

“…It’s probably because of black magic.”

“What?”

Yureit’s eyes widened.

“Black magic? What are you talking about…?”

“Marquis Bled is using black magic to win over the nobles. Since the curse can only be lifted by kYlling the caster, once caught, there’s almost no escape.”

“Is there a way to identify them?”

“Be wary of red eyes, Uncle.”

“Red eyes…”

Yureit muttered under his breath, his face turning pale. Edmund noticed the subtle change immediately and lowered his voice.

“Is one of them among your group?”

“…Yes.”

Yureit quietly described the appearance of someone whose eyes had briefly flickered with a red hue.

“Are you done talking?”

As Edmund returned, the group welcomed him eagerly, each trying to catch his attention. He responded with a few nods, scanning the crowd until his gaze landed on someone.

“It’s an honor to be part of this, Your Excellency.”

The man who spoke, meeting Edmund’s eyes, was the only one who didn’t seem overeager or flippant. If he wasn’t the one Yureit had mentioned, anyone would have been convinced by his sincere demeanor.

“What’s your name?”

A faint smile flickered at the corner of the man’s lips before quickly vanishing.

“Kamal Zorudi, Your Excellency.”

“Shall we speak in private?”

“It would be an honor.”

His response was calm and sincere, free of flowery flattery. Edmund led him outside.

— — —

Before long, a sharp scream pierced the quiet hallway, and the two vanished without a trace.

* * *

“Go ahead and meet him.”

Daphne spoke to the restless Alec. Ever since Vice Captain Chris had spoken to Alec, he had been clearly distracted.

“I’m fine.”

“No, I’m fine. With all the people here, who could possibly harm me?”

“Still…”

“I’m a little thirsty. Could you get me some water on your way?”

“…I’ll be back soon.”

Alec finally stepped out. Daphne let out a deep breath, finally able to relax. As a cool breeze brushed past her, she blinked into the air, spacing out.

“Duchess?”

Turning around, Daphne paused at the sight of the brooch on the maid’s chest.

“I’m Yllin, Her Highness the Princess’s personal maid. Her Highness has summoned you.”

“…I’d prefer to bring an escort.”

Daphne had intentionally stepped out to the balcony, knowing the banquet hall wouldn’t be comfortable. But she hadn’t expected someone to sneak in while Alec briefly stepped away.

“An escort? But there are imperial knights.”

Yllin blinked and glanced around, clearly checking to see if anyone else was nearby.

“Do you not trust the imperial knights? Or is there some other improper reason you insist on bringing one…?”

Daphne bit her lip.

“Of course not.”

“Then please come with me now.”

Yllin stepped forward and grabbed Daphne’s forearm tightly. Her grip was so strong that it made Daphne wince.

“Just let me–”

“There’s no time, Madam.”

No matter how hard Daphne resisted, she was dragged along. In one quick movement, she discreetly dropped the ribbon that had tied her hair onto the floor as she was pulled off the balcony.

“Don’t even think about running.”

Yllin whispered coldly from behind.

“Walk into the hallway.”

Daphne scanned her surroundings, but it was nearly impossible to spot Alec in the sea of people. She had no choice but to follow Yllin. Once they reached the hallway, the maid resumed her tight grip on Daphne’s arm and walked quickly. They arrived at the princess’s palace in no time.

“I’ve brought the Duchess, Your Highness.”

Daphne stumbled slightly from Yllin’s rough handling.

“It’s been a while, Duchess.”

“…Your Highness.”

Elizabeth remained seated, lifting her teacup gracefully.

“Don’t just stand there. Sit.”

As Daphne hesitantly moved forward, Yllin pressed down on her shoulder, forcing her to the floor. Elizabeth smiled at the sight.

“That look suits you.”

Daphne opened her mouth, then bowed her head deeply. At a nod from Elizabeth, Yllin grabbed Daphne’s hair and forced her head up.

“Let me see your face. That’s the reason I called you here.”

Daphne kept her mouth shut, lips tightly sealed. Elizabeth found even that frustrating. It didn’t feel satisfying, didn’t even feel like proper revenge. Unable to contain her rising fury, Elizabeth stood and stepped closer.

Smack!

A burst of pain flashed across Daphne’s face as her head snapped to the side. Elizabeth grabbed her face and forced her to look at her.

“What trick did you pull…?”

She was so plain. So insignificant. Why would Edmund…? Elizabeth swallowed her bitterness and let go of Daphne’s face before returning to her seat.

“Don’t be so frightened. You’re just bait. My real target is someone else.”

Seeing Daphne’s cheek swell red brought her a fleeting sense of relief.

Elizabeth needed someone to take her anger out on. The Emperor had made his mistress into an Imperial Consort. It tore at her pride being forced to treat a commoner with honor and respect was a humiliation she could hardly bear.

“Hmm… Seems like the Duke will take some time. Shall we talk about the past? For instance, how the Duke almost married me?”

Daphne’s shoulders trembled as she sat hunched, clutching her stinging cheek. That was when the doors suddenly burst open.

“…You came straight away.”

Elizabeth murmured, smiling at the figure in the doorway.

“It’s been a while, Duke.”

There stood Edmund, looking disheveled as if he had come running.

T/N: I swear, if Elizabeth’s end is not satisfactory… 👿