Episode 64: Gossip #2
The Salon.
A gathering place for noblewomen to engage in social, political, and often personal discussions—an unspoken battleground of high society.
Mostly attended by upper-class noblewomen, the main topics of conversation typically revolved around family marriage negotiations, romantic rumors, and scandals among the aristocracy.
“Do you think Count Lahart and Princess Raeliana will actually get married?”
“Probably. It was officially announced by the Imperial Family, wasn’t it?”
“Then what about Lady Fervache? I heard rumors that the two of them are lovers.”
The noblewomen, wearing delicate lace gloves and holding teacups with graceful fingers, spoke in hushed tones.
For the past few days, the names of these three individuals had been the talk of the salon.
Since the news broke, it had remained a hot topic among the aristocracy, who thrived on such gossip.
“Given how quiet the Fervache family has been, it seems like the rumors about the Count and Lady Fervache being lovers were just that—rumors.”
“I think so too. It’s been a week since the announcement, and they haven’t said a word.”
Some questioned the Fervache family’s continued silence.
“Well, since His Majesty announced it personally, it must already be decided.”
“That’s true. Besides, do you think Count Lahart would dare refuse?”
“This is a marriage proposal from the Imperial Family. Refusing is out of the question.”
Others emphasized the weight of the Imperial Family’s authority, believing Yohan’s acceptance to be inevitable.
A marriage proposal led by the Emperor carried immense weight. To reject it was tantamount to challenging Rozino’s imperial authority.
“But… is it possible that the Fervache family is staying silent on purpose?”
One noblewoman whispered with a subtle glint in her eyes, drawing the attention of those around her.
“What do you mean?”
“Who knows? Sometimes silence holds bigger stories within it.”
“This could create a confrontation between Fervache and the Imperial Family.”
Her words left a brief silence in their wake.
“Oh, come now. That’s ridiculous. The Fervache family is one of the Four Great Houses.”
Another noblewoman chuckled softly, waving her hand dismissively.
“Exactly. And because they are one of the Four Great Houses, it’s all the more likely.”
The first woman continued in a lowered voice.
“Let’s assume Count Lahart and Lady Fervache really are lovers. Wouldn’t that mean they were already on the verge of an engagement?”
“Well… yes?”
“After all, that’s what’s been subtly circulating in social circles.”
All eyes were now on her, their gazes intense.
“If even we know about it, there’s no way the Imperial Family wouldn’t. And yet, they pushed ahead with a marriage proposal between Count Lahart and Princess Raeliana.”
“Ah…”
“…The Fervache family must be furious.”
If her assessment was correct, then the Imperial Family had blatantly disregarded the Fervache household.
“One thing is certain. We don’t know how this will unfold, but for now, all we need to do is sit back and watch.”
With a soft snap, a black fan unfolded. The noblewoman behind it curved her lips into a faint smile, her eyes gleaming.
“Exactly.”
“The social scene is about to get lively again.”
“We barely had time to recover from the last scandal.”
The clash between Fervache—one of the Four Great Houses—and the Imperial Family, the cornerstone of Rozino’s authority, was brewing.
But it was none of the noblewomen’s concern. They couldn’t do anything about it, and even if they could, it wouldn’t change the outcome.
“Things are about to get interesting.”
“I wonder how it will all play out.”
As the women chuckled and whispered amongst themselves, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the salon. One noblewoman closed her fan and turned her head toward the source.
Their conversation paused, and the distinct clink of teacups being set down filled the air.
“…What did you just say?”
The noblewoman who had just received the news from a servant widened her eyes in disbelief. Her voice quivered slightly.
“Is something the matter?”
“Well…”
The noblewoman, still stunned, finally replied with an incredulous expression.
“They say the Duke of Fervache has just announced an engagement.”
***
As soon as the Duke of Fervache arrived in the capital:
“I’ve sent a letter to the Imperial family. Your engagement will be officially held without delay.”
The first thing he did was arrange the engagement between Yohan and Francia.
Normally, an engagement would require negotiations between families, an official announcement, and agreements concerning various matters. However, Yohan, who had already become the head of his house after separating from the Harsen Viscounty, had full authority, and this had been a long-prepared matter by the Duke. The process proceeded swiftly.
The engagement was reported to the Imperial family and publicly announced. The only remaining step was the Emperor’s approval.
“…Do you think the Imperial family will approve it so easily?”
Francia, seated on the sofa, tilted her teacup. Though a faint smile curved her lips, her eyes burned with hostility.
Ordinarily, the Imperial family’s approval might not have been needed, but the Fervache and Lahart families held significant national importance. Their union could have substantial repercussions for other nations or empires.
“You needn’t worry about that. This is a firm decision by both Fervache and Lahart.”
The Duke said with an unwavering expression. His voice was calm, as if he had anticipated the Imperial family’s reaction.
“We’ve approached the Imperial Family with an offer for a peaceful resolution, aiming to avoid any conflict.” Yohan added.
By formally requesting the Imperial family’s approval without addressing the rumors in the social circles, Fervache was essentially giving them an opportunity to back down gracefully.
There was no way the Imperial family didn’t know this. They couldn’t afford to be ignorant.
“Hmm… I still feel they won’t give up so easily.” Francia murmured, unable to shake her doubts.
Although the Imperial family’s position was evidently unfavorable, they had their own reasons for persisting.
“Francia, the initiative in this matter lies with Fervache. There’s no need to worry too much.” the Duke reassured her.
“…It’s not worry—it’s irritation.” Francia admitted.
As Yohan’s lover, it was natural for Francia to feel aggrieved. After all, the Imperial family was using its influence to forcibly interfere with their relationship.
The duke smiled faintly at Francia’s disgruntled expression.
“For now, let’s watch how things unfold. There are other matters to attend to.” he said.
“Other matters?”
“Yes.”
Suddenly, the Duke’s eyes grew cold, his expression hardening.
“There’s the matter of the Grand Duke of Lenokhonen and the Crown Prince as well.”
As his emotions surged, a chilling aura emanated from him, seemingly freezing the air within the mansion.
Although neither issue had caused Francia direct harm yet, it was evident that they had been deliberate attempts to target her.
“If you weren’t married, the arrows from the Grand Duke of Lenokhonen and the Crown Prince would’ve been aimed directly at you. I will never forget that.”
The reason the Duke had remained silent until now was simple.
To deal with the matter thoroughly.
For high-ranking nobles, one of the most important principles was to avoid creating enemies, even at the cost of minor losses.
One never knew when past actions might come back like a boomerang. This philosophy had kept the Fervache Ducal House relatively free of enemies.
But avoiding conflict didn’t mean being a pushover.
“This time, I will demand the execution of the Young Grand Duke of Lenokhonen from the imperial family.”
The words that left the Duke’s lips were nothing short of shocking.
“Though the Young Grand Duke has been protected by his past accomplishments, now that I’ve arrived, things will be entirely different.”
This was another reason the Fervache Ducal House had so few adversaries.
“I have no intention of letting the recent events slide quietly.”
Because any enemies they made were thoroughly destroyed.
“…What about the Crown Prince?”
Yohan asked cautiously. The Duke’s murderous aura made Yohan’s skin crawl, a testament to the overwhelming presence of one of the Empire’s few Transcendent mages.
“I am aware of the crimes he has committed, but the issue is the lack of concrete evidence to prove them.” the Duke said with a small sigh.
“Even if we expose his crimes, the Imperial family and other nobles will only see it as circumstantial evidence. To them, it will merely look like baseless speculation.”
It was a fact that only a family as influential as Fervache could uncover the crown prince’s dark side. Most nobles regarded him as the perfect heir to the throne.
Without undeniable, inescapable evidence, any accusations would simply amount to charges of treason and slander against a member of the Imperial family.
“Still… we must find a way. If I have the chance to meet His Majesty, I’ll bring up the matter of the crown prince.”
However, the Duke of Fervache had no intention of giving up. He knew that leaving things as they were would only invite more schemes in the future.
“It seems better to take a longer-term approach regarding the crown prince.”
Francia spoke softly, her lips pressed into a firm line.
“Yes. But rest assured, he will never ascend to the throne. Fervache does not leave its enemies unchecked.”
Yohan furrowed his brows, sinking into deep thought.
‘…Evidence, huh.’
It was rare for Fedelian to act directly. He had a network of shadows that blindly pledged their loyalty to him.
Convincing those shadows to betray him was a challenge. Not only was locating them an issue, but they were also likely brainwashed.
On top of that, they were bound by oaths of secrecy, making extracting information nearly impossible.
While Yohan’s thoughts grew heavier, a sudden sound interrupted him.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The sound of a steady knock echoed through the room. The Duke turned his gaze toward the door.
Moments later, a voice followed.
“My lord, a letter has arrived from the Imperial palace.”
“Come in.”
Click!
The door clicked open, and the head butler entered the room with a polite bow, holding a letter bound with a black ribbon.
The Duke unfolded the letter and began to read, his gaze moving slowly across the page.
“…I see.”
A single word escaped his lips, carrying a mix of bitterness and faint amusement.
“So this is how they intend to play.”
Francia, trying to infer the letter’s contents from his reaction, quietly asked:
“…I take it they didn’t approve?”
“Correct.”
Without the Imperial family’s approval, the engagement ceremony could not proceed. Any attempt to do so would immediately be deemed illegal.
Ignoring the matter and pushing forward wasn’t an option either, as it would give the Imperial family a clear justification to pressure Fervache.
“But… they haven’t outright rejected it. They’re stalling for time.”
The Duke folded the letter with a sigh, his tone calm yet resolute.
“The Imperial family has announced plans to host a banquet for high-ranking nobles.”
Both Yohan and Francia’s expressions turned cold. The intention behind hosting a banquet at this particular moment was obvious.
“…They plan to announce an engagement at the banquet, making it impossible for us to refuse.”
Francia voiced her suspicion aloud.
Refusing a marriage proposal made at an event personally hosted by the emperor would be tantamount to openly defying the Imperial family.
Such open defiance would alienate noble families who were loyal to the Imperial family, leading to a cascade of severed ties. Over time, Fervache could find itself politically isolated.
It was a blatant act of political pressure.
But such tactics only worked when the opposition lacked justification.
This wasn’t something that Fervache needed to worry about.
“To think they’d ignore the compromise we offered. It seems we’ll have to take a more aggressive approach.”
The Duke crumpled the Imperial letter, his face twisted in displeasure.
“…Since conflict is inevitable, we’ll make our position clear at the banquet.”
Yohan smirked faintly.
“The Imperial family is doing an excellent job of testing my patience.”
They had given the Imperial family a chance, but this was how they chose to respond. Fervache would simply deliver a reply of equal magnitude.
“I’ll handle it.” Yohan declared firmly.