Episode 67: Aftermath
The conflict between the Imperial Family and the House of Fervache, which had shaken the social world, subsided beneath the surface.
This was because the Emperor backed down before matters grew worse.
From the start, the Imperial Family had been at a clear disadvantage in this fight, leaving retreat as the only viable option.
“Your Majesty, this is truly regrettable.”
Clink.
The Duke Fervache set down his teacup.
He was seated in the Emperor’s private chamber.
The golden doors at its center bore the intricate crest of the Imperial Family.
Heavy velvet curtains hung on either side of the door, and the soft glow of candles and enchanted lanterns cast a faint light, sealing off all noise and gazes from the outside world.
A perfect place for discreet conversations.
“…I apologize, Duke Fervache. But I trust you understand that this choice was unavoidable. You, too, are the head of a noble house, after all.”
The Emperor’s deep voice echoed heavily through the room.
“Yes, of course. How could I not fathom Your Majesty’s profound intentions? However, an apology must be sincere and heartfelt. I trust you will grant me the opportunity to verify that sincerity.”
The duke smiled faintly. Though it appeared sly, it was an unmistakable threat. A warning not to think this matter could be simply brushed aside.
“…What is it you desire?”
The Emperor, grasping the meaning behind those words at once, asked directly.
“You are aware that Young Grand Duke Lenokhonen committed a grave crime, are you not?”
“Yes, I am. He attacked Count Lahart during a mission to explore the Demonic Lair.”
The Emperor nodded, and the Duke continued with a serene smile.
“However, the punishment for Young Grand Duke Lenokhonen was dismissed lightly under the pretext of his past contributions, despite his crime being tantamount to treason.”
Disrupting the mission to explore the Demonic Lair.
A crime almost on par with treason.
Had the Demonic Lair erupted and caused an outbreak, it would have been tantamount to losing an entire territory.
“…And so?”
The Emperor’s gaze flickered.
“You wish for a decisive punishment for Young Grand Duke Lenokhonen, who dared harm Fervache’s son-in-law?”
“Precisely.”
The Duke slowly nodded.
“He has long coveted my daughter, Francia. That is why he attacked my son-in-law as well.”
His eyes brimmed with barely suppressed rage.
“I await Your Majesty’s responsible decision in this matter. The fury of Fervache has reached its limit. If just punishment is not served, uncontrollable chaos may threaten the Empire’s peace.”
The Duke continued.
“I hereby demand the execution of Young Grand Duke Lenokhonen for his crimes of treason and for insulting Fervache.”
It was a legitimate demand.
Though it had not succeeded, the intent was clear—it was a premeditated attempt on someone’s life, and even more so, against the heir of Fervache.
“Hmm…”
However, the Emperor could not accept it outright. Such a decision would severely damage the trust between the Imperial Family and the ducal house.
Although the Imperial Family boasted absolute authority, that authority was upheld by the support of the great noble houses.
Could the Imperial Family afford to turn its back on the House of Lenokhonen, its most loyal ally?
It was not an easy dilemma.
The Emperor traced the rim of his teacup as he pondered.
Turning against the House of Lenokhonen would be a painful loss, but granting this request would only amplify Fervache’s power.
Given Fervache recent marriage alliance with Yohan Lahart, they now stood at the center of the Empire’s power.
“…Very well.”
The Emperor slowly nodded.
It was a decision made after careful calculation.
“I will approve the Duke’s request.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The Duke smiled.
“…Is there anything else you desire?”
“There is one more matter.”
“What is it?”
“It concerns the Crown Prince.”
“The Crown Prince?”
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed.
“Speak.”
“I ask that Your Majesty pay close attention to the Crown Prince’s actions.”
“And why is that?”
The Duke calmly continued his reply.
“Even though the Crown Prince has a fiancée, he has been showing interest in my daughter for quite some time. It’s a well-known rumor in the social circles, so I assume Your Majesty is also aware.”
This rumor was widely supported in the Senate, so the Emperor could not possibly be unaware.
“I would request that Your Majesty keep a close watch so that the Crown Prince does not show undue interest in her.”
In other words, it was a warning to keep his son in check because he seemed to be causing trouble.
The Emperor pursed his lips into a thin line. Truthfully, he was already aware of the Crown Prince’s recent inappropriate behavior.
There had been the incident with Sanburk.
If it turned out that he had caused trouble in an attempt to pursue the daughter of the House of Fervache, everything would fall into place.
It would explain why he might have sought to eliminate both his fiancée and the lover of the Fervache Lady in one move.
Blinded by infatuation, he had shown himself capable of committing such reckless acts without hesitation—and might do worse in the future.
The Emperor nodded.
“…I understand. I will accept this request as well.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
When the Emperor gave a positive response, the Duke smiled gently and bowed his head. However, the Emperor’s expression remained grim.
‘…This has done more harm than good.’
Unwilling to let go of Yohan Lahart, the Emperor had made a desperate move, but the price for it was becoming unmanageable.
“Is that all?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Then let us end our discussion here.”
The Emperor stood.
“There seems to be much that needs my attention.”
***
The Duke Fervache’s departing figure left behind a sense of unease in Fedelian, who watched him leave the palace.
For the Duke to visit personally meant he had likely secured the Emperor’s approval for the engagement and left with something in return for the recent incident.
A shadow crossed Fedelian’s face.
“…Things didn’t go well.”
To say he wasn’t disappointed would be a lie, but Fedelian wasn’t overly concerned. From the start, the chances of success had been slim.
He couldn’t force Yohan’s will, nor could he ignore the demands of Fervache.
Admittedly, his actions had been hasty, but there had been no other choice. There simply hadn’t been enough time to plan things out more thoroughly…
“—Your Highness, Her Majesty the Empress requests your presence.”
At that moment, a servant spoke politely from behind him.
“…Her Majesty?”
Fedelian’s brows furrowed briefly in annoyance. Frustration boiled within him.
As if his troubles weren’t enough, what trivial matter could she possibly wish to discuss now?
“I understand. I’ll be there shortly.”
Still, he concealed his feelings and put on a gentle smile. After all, he was the perfect Crown Prince in public.
Even though only the servant was present, he couldn’t afford to let his guard down.
With the servant guiding him, Fedelian made his way to the Empress’s garden.
Despite the season, pure white lilies were in full bloom. It was a garden meticulously tended by Rudella herself.
“I heard you were looking for me, Your Majesty.”
“You’ve arrived, Crown Prince.”
The Empress raised her head with a warm smile. The fragrance rising from her teacup gently tickled his nose—a warm and comforting scent, much like her demeanor.
“Please, have a seat.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Fedelian smiled faintly and sat across from her. The Empress carefully lifted her teacup.
“I’ve noticed Rudella has been acting noticeably different lately. She seems to be shirking her duties and displaying a different attitude than before. Surely, nothing has happened between the two of you?”
It was a fact that Fedelian was well aware of, but he paid no mind to it. What happened to her was none of his concern.
“I’m not sure. I’ve been too preoccupied with official matters to pay much attention to my fiancée.”
Fedelian’s smile remained gentle, but his eyes were cold. His words, devoid of sincerity, were nothing more than polite platitudes.
“…I’m relieved to hear that things aren’t strained between you two. However, Crown Prince, I suggest you pay a bit more attention to your fiancée.”
Clink.
The teacup was carefully set down, and the Empress smiled softly.
“Forgive me for calling you during your busy schedule, Crown Prince. But remember, Rudella is not someone who will remain just a fiancée. I hope you take the weight of this matter seriously.”
It was a veiled rebuke to stop getting distracted and focus on his fiancée.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will do so.”
Fedelian forced a smile and nodded. Not that he had any intention of doing so, but he agreed out of courtesy.
***
After receiving the imperial family’s approval, Yohan and Francia’s engagement was finalized.
Originally, a grand engagement ceremony was planned to be held at the cathedral in the capital to counter the public narrative created by the imperial family. However, since the situation had already been resolved, there was no longer a need for such extravagance.
“Hmm, so we’re officially engaged now?”
In the Fervache mansion in the capital.
Francia sat on the sofa, her hands neatly clasped together, but the slight trembling of her fingertips betrayed her nervousness.
Although she tried to maintain a composed expression to hide her shyness, the faint smile on her lips was awkward and stiff.
Even though they had already shared everything as lovers, the formal engagement brought a new and special resonance.
“Are you happy?”
Yohan asked with a small smile. Francia didn’t reply verbally but nodded quietly. She was so overwhelmed with emotion that she couldn’t speak.
Yohan’s smile deepened further.
“I’m happy too. Who knows, we might have a child soon.”
“Wh-what!?”
Francia’s eyes widened in shock, her heart thudding loudly in response. A rush of heat spread through her entire body, warming her cheeks and neck.
“Our child…!”
In truth, they had always taken precautions to avoid pregnancy, as per Yohan’s suggestion. Francia, however, had no objections to having a child before marriage.
Because of this, she hadn’t thought much about children recently. But to hear Yohan mention it so suddenly caught her completely off guard.
“Is there a problem?”
As Yohan asked gently, Francia shook her head hastily, as if she’d been caught hiding a secret.
“No, no! It’s not that there’s a problem…!”
Her voice trembled and broke awkwardly. In her flustered state, she covered her face with her hands, avoiding Yohan’s gaze.
‘It’s only natural, so why am I so embarrassed?’
Unable to bear the overwhelming excitement, she bit her lip, her hands warm against her flushed cheeks.
Desperate to change the subject, Francia spoke up with feigned composure.
“Hmm… By the way, when do you think Lady Bismarck will get in touch? It’s been quite a while without any news.”
“…I’m not sure. I haven’t seen or heard from her since.”
Yohan also found this puzzling.
‘Could it all have been my imagination?’
A fleeting thought crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. That couldn’t be the case—Rudella had clearly expressed her feelings.
“She must be busy preparing. After all, persuading you isn’t an easy task.”
Yohan muttered quietly. Essentially, asking Francia to permit him to take a concubine was no trivial matter and had to be approached delicately.
“Hmm… I hope Lady Bismarck proves to be of great help to us.”
Contrary to Yohan’s concerns, Francia didn’t feel a strong sense of opposition to the idea of taking a concubine.
Of course, there was still an uneasy feeling lingering in her heart. She felt jealousy and couldn’t completely shake the suspicion that Rudella might be deceiving them.
But she decided not to dwell on it. Understanding the desires of the man she loved and accepting them with generosity was part of her duty as his future wife.
While there was a sense of dissonance in the idea of having such a relationship with Rudella Bismarck, who had tormented her before her regression…
‘…So much has changed.’
Francia resolved not to confuse the past with the present, which no longer existed.
At that moment, someone knocked on the door.
“A letter has arrived for you.”
The butler’s voice came from outside.
From the fact that the butler himself had brought the letter, Yohan was certain it was from Rudella Bismarck.
“I’ll get it.”
Opening the door, Yohan accepted the letter the butler handed him. The seal of a white lily was pressed into the wax. Yohan smiled faintly.
“Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure. Please rest well.”
The butler departed, and the door clicked shut.
Turning to Francia, Yohan said with a smile, “It’s here. A letter from Lady Bismarck.”