The conflict between the Imperial Family and Ferbache, which had caused a stir in high society, subsided beneath the surface.
This was because the Emperor had stepped back before things escalated.
From the start, the situation had been clearly unfavorable to the Imperial Family, leaving no option but to retreat.
“Your Majesty. This matter is truly regrettable.”
Clink.
Duke Ferbache set down his teacup.
He was seated in the Emperor’s private chamber.
At the center of the golden doors, the Imperial crest was intricately engraved.
Heavy velvet curtains hung on either side, and the flickering light of candles and magically glowing lamps softly illuminated the room, completely blocking out noise and prying eyes from the outside.
It was the perfect place for a secret conversation.
“…I apologize, Duke Ferbache. But I trust you understand that this decision was unavoidable. You are the head of a family yourself, after all.”
The Emperor’s voice, heavy and subdued, resonated softly.
“Of course, Your Majesty. How could I not understand your profound reasoning? However, apologies must carry sincerity and conviction. Surely, you will allow me to confirm the sincerity of yours.”
The Duke smiled faintly. It was a sly, serpent-like smile, but the threat was unmistakable.
It was his way of saying he would not let this slide.
“…What is it that you want?”
The Emperor immediately grasped his meaning and asked outright.
“You are aware that the Grand Duke of Lenochonen committed a grave crime, are you not?”
“I am. During a mission to explore the Demonic Territory, he attacked Count Rahardt.”
The Emperor nodded, and the Duke continued with a gentle smile.
“However, the Grand Duke of Lenochonen’s punishment was brushed aside on account of his previous merits, even though it was an act tantamount to treason.”
Interfering with the mission to explore the Demonic Territory….. It was a crime on par with treason.
If things had gone wrong and the Demonic Territory had run rampant, it would have been the same as losing entire lands to devastation.
“…So.”
The Emperor’s gaze wavered.
“You want me to ensure the proper punishment of the Grand Duke of Lenochonen for attacking Ferbache’s son-in-law?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
The Duke nodded slowly.
“He has long coveted my daughter, Francia. That is also why he attacked my son-in-law.”
His eyes brimmed with a barely restrained murderous intent.
“I await Your Majesty’s responsible decision in this matter. Ferbache’s fury is reaching its limit. If fair punishment is not delivered, uncontrollable chaos may threaten the Empire’s peace.”
The Duke continued.
“I demand the execution of the Grand Duke of Lenochonen for committing an act equivalent to treason and for dishonoring Ferbache.”
It was a legitimate request.
Even though the crime had not been fully realized, the intent to kill was clear, and it was aimed at Ferbache’s heir.
“Hmm…”
However, the Emperor could not easily accept this. Such a decision would cause a major rift in trust between the Imperial Family and the Grand Duchy.
Though the Imperial Family wielded absolute authority, that authority was built upon the support of powerful families.
And now, to alienate the Grand Duchy of Lenochonen, the most loyal of all the noble families?
It was not a simple matter.
The Emperor ran his fingertips along the edge of the teacup, lost in thought.
Turning against the Grand Duchy of Lenochonen would be painful, but granting this request would bolster Ferbache’s influence significantly.
Now that Ferbache had secured a marriage alliance with Yohan Rahardt, it was no exaggeration to say they were the center of the Empire.
“…Very well.”
The Emperor slowly nodded.
It was a decision reached through careful calculation, of course.
“I will grant the Duke’s request.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The Duke smiled.
“…Is there anything else?”
“There is one more matter.”
“What is it?”
“It concerns the Crown Prince.”
“The Crown Prince?”
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed.
“Speak.”
“I would ask that you pay close attention to the Crown Prince’s behavior.”
“For what reason?”
The Duke calmly continued.
“Despite having a fiancée, the Crown Prince has shown an interest in my daughter. It’s a well-known rumor in high society, and I trust Your Majesty is also aware of it.”
The rumor had significant backing in the Senate as well. The Emperor couldn’t possibly be unaware.
“I request that Your Majesty carefully ensure the Crown Prince does not show such improper interest.”
‘Keep your son in check.’
The Emperor pressed his lips into a thin line. In truth, he was also aware of the Crown Prince’s recent questionable behavior.
There had been the incident involving Sanbruck.
If the Crown Prince truly desired to pursue the Ferbache daughter, the puzzle fell into place.
He would have had the opportunity to remove both his fiancée and the Ferbache daughter’s lover simultaneously.
If he was reckless enough to commit such madness over a woman, there was no telling what worse he might do in the future.
The Emperor nodded.
“…Understood. I will accept this request as well.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The Duke smiled serenely and bowed his head as the Emperor gave his agreement. But the Emperor’s expression remained grim.
‘…I’ve only made matters worse.’
Unwilling to simply hand over Yohan Rahardt, the Emperor had overplayed his hand, and the resulting consequences had grown far too costly.
“Is that all?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Then let us end our discussion here.”
The Emperor rose from his seat.
“It seems I have much to attend to.”
* * *
As he watched the retreating figure of Duke Ferbache leaving the palace, Fedelian’s eyes narrowed slightly.
The fact that the Duke had come in person meant he had secured the Emperor’s approval for the engagement and had walked away with something in return for this ordeal.
A shadow fell across Fedelian’s face.
‘…Things didn’t go well.’
To say he wasn’t disappointed would be a lie, but Fedelian wasn’t particularly troubled. Truthfully, the likelihood of success had been slim from the start. He couldn’t force Yohan’s will, nor could he ignore Ferbache’s stance.
Of course, he acknowledged that his actions had been rushed. However, there had been no other choice. There simply wasn’t enough time to devise a detailed plan…
“–Your Highness, the Empress has requested your presence.”
At that moment, a servant spoke politely from behind him.
“…Her Majesty?”
Fedelian’s brow furrowed for a brief moment, irritation flaring within him.
As if things weren’t frustrating enough, what insignificant matter did she summon him for this time?
“Understood. I’ll be there shortly.”
But he masked it quickly, softening into a gentle smile. After all, outwardly, he was the perfect Crown Prince.
Even though the servant was the only other person present, he couldn’t afford to let his guard down.
Guided by the servant, Fedelian made his way to the garden where the Empress waited.
Despite the season, pristine white lilies were in full bloom. It was a garden meticulously arranged by Rudella herself.
“I was told Her Majesty asked for me.”
“You’ve come, Crown Prince.”
The Empress looked up with a gentle smile. The soft aroma wafting from her teacup tickled his nose, warm and pleasant, like her expression.
“Please, have a seat.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Fedelian smiled faintly and took a seat across from her. The Empress carefully lifted her teacup.
“I’ve noticed Rudella has changed significantly of late. There are even rumors that she’s begun neglecting her duties. Surely, there hasn’t been some issue between the two of you, has there?”
It was something Fedelian was already well aware of, but he didn’t care. What happened to her was none of his concern.
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve been too busy with my official duties to pay any attention to my fiancée.”
Though Fedelian wore a soft smile, his gaze was cold. His response, devoid of sincerity, was nothing more than a formality.
“…It’s a relief to hear there hasn’t been any falling out. However, Crown Prince, I suggest you pay more attention to your fiancée.”
Clink.
The Empress set her teacup down carefully. Then she smiled faintly.
“I apologize for summoning you during your work, Crown Prince. But remember this Lady Rudella is not someone who will remain merely your fiancée. I hope you won’t take the weight of this matter lightly.”
Her words carried an obvious meaning—stop being distracted and focus on his relationship with his fiancée.
“Yes, Mother. I will do so.”
Fedelian forced a smile and nodded, though he had no intention of listening. For appearances’ sake, it was easier to pretend compliance.
* * *
“…….”
After gaining the Imperial Family’s approval, Yohan and Francia’s engagement was formally established.
Originally, they had planned to hold a grand engagement ceremony at the cathedral in the capital to counter the narrative shaped by the Imperial Family. However, now that everything had been settled, there was no longer any need for such extravagance.
“Hm-hm. We’re officially engaged now, aren’t we?”
In the Ferbache mansion in the capital, Francia sat on the sofa with her hands neatly folded, though the faint tremble at her fingertips betrayed her nerves.
Her composed expression was an attempt to hide her shyness, but the awkward smile tugging at the corners of her lips gave her away.
Even though their relationship had already progressed far beyond what was typical for lovers, the official engagement still carried a special and profound weight.
“Are you pleased?”
Yohan asked with a small smile. Francia simply nodded in response, unable to find her voice as excitement swelled in her chest. Yohan’s smile deepened.
“I am pleased as well. Soon, we might even have a child.”
“Wha…!?”
Her eyes widened in shock, her heart skipping a beat before pounding wildly in her chest. A flush spread across her face and neck, heat engulfing her entire body.
‘A child with Yohan and me…!’
In truth, they had been cautious until now, ensuring such a thing didn’t happen—at Yohan’s suggestion, no less. Francia herself wouldn’t have minded a premarital pregnancy.
So the topic of children had completely slipped her mind until now. For Yohan to bring it up so suddenly…
“Why? Is there a problem?”
Yohan asked softly. Francia, as if a secret had been discovered, hurriedly shook her head.
“N-no? It’s not a problem, but…!”
Her voice trembled and cracked in her flustered state. Unable to bear the embarrassment, she covered her face with both hands and looked away.
‘It’s perfectly natural… so why am I so embarrassed?’
Overcome by her racing emotions, Francia bit her lip to suppress a giddy smile. Even her palms, pressed against her burning cheeks, felt warm.
Trying to calm her pounding heart, she quickly changed the subject with feigned nonchalance.
“Hm-hm… By the way, when do you think Lady Bismarck will contact us? It’s been some time, but we’ve yet to hear from her.”
“…That, I’m not sure about either. I haven’t met her since then, nor have we exchanged any letters.”
This puzzled Yohan as well.
‘…Surely I didn’t imagine everything?’
For a moment, he doubted himself, but he quickly shook the thought away. That was impossible—Rudella had clearly expressed her feelings for him.
“She must be taking her time preparing. After all, it’s not easy convincing you, Francia…”
Yohan murmured quietly. What Rudella was effectively asking for was permission from the rightful wife to become a concubine. It was a delicate matter, to say the least.
“…Hmm. I just hope Lady Bismarck can be of help to us.”
Contrary to Yohan’s worries, Francia didn’t feel a strong sense of rejection at the thought of Yohan taking a concubine.
Of course, a faint sense of unease lingered in her heart. There was jealousy, naturally, and suspicion—what if Rudella was lying?
But she didn’t dwell on it. Understanding and accepting the desires of the man she loved was, after all, part of her duty and dignity as his wife.
Moreover, the irony of this situation, involving Rudella Bismarck—who had tormented her relentlessly in the past—created a strange sense of dissonance.
‘…Things have changed so much.’
She had resolved not to confuse the past, which was now gone, with the present.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
—“My Lady, a letter has arrived for you.”
The voice of the head butler followed shortly. Yohan was certain of who the sender was—it could only be Rudella Bismarck.
“I’ll get it.”
When he opened the door, the butler carefully handed over the letter. A lily-shaped seal marked its surface. Yohan smiled faintly.
“Thank you.”
“It is my pleasure. Please enjoy your evening.”
Click.
The butler left, and the door closed behind him.
Turning to Francia, Yohan spoke.
“It’s here. A letter from Lady Bismarck.”
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