After hearing Erich’s words, the Emperor’s anger began to dissipate.
‘He’s certainly correct.’
Currently, the nobles were giving unsolicited advice about the throne.
However, the succession of the throne was originally something the Emperor was meant to decide.
‘This must all be happening because my body has grown weak.’
He held a bitter expression for a moment.
‘By the way, if that’s not the case, then what on earth has he come to say?’
To be honest, the Emperor was seeing Erich in a new light today.
Though his behavior moments ago was noteworthy, what truly moved him was that Erich had kept both Cornelia and his grandchild safe from the beginning to now.
‘Still, if that bastard is the reason that child is alive… I suppose I could consider his request in terms of compensation.’
Finally, the Emperor asked Erich,
“So, what is it you want from me?”
“I must correct you. It’s not a request, but rather a plea.”
“Ah, well, that sounds more pleasant to hear. So what is your plea?”
“My plea is…”
After a brief hesitation, Erich knelt on one knee and looked up at the Emperor.
“I ask that you do not allow my divorce from Cornelia.”
The moment those words left his mouth, a fierce glare emerged in the Emperor’s eyes.
“You shameless bastard!”
He immediately pointed an accusatory finger at Erich and raised his voice.
“You’ve treated my daughter so poorly, and now you come asking me not to allow the divorce? Do you really think I would entertain such a request?”
Despite the Emperor’s furious tone, Erich responded calmly.
“You must grant my request. Only then can she be safe.”
“You? I don’t want to hear any more! Get out of here at once…!”
“It seems Reinhardt is targeting her for marriage.”
“…What? That bastard?”
“Yes, and while I don’t have solid evidence, he’s been near the scene every time an incident occurs. Therefore, I suspect he’s behind both the events in the square and the hotel fire.”
‘He was nearby every time an incident occurred? Could it be that he was watching my daughter?’
For a moment, the Emperor’s eyes bulged with rage, but he soon calmed down and spoke.
“It seems you have an understanding of the situation. As you said, that bastard is indeed aiming for the throne. Moreover, he is prominent among the royalty, has many supporters, and thanks to declaring himself my dog, he possesses significant military power.”
There were quite a few who sided with Reinhardt, not only from the Emperor’s faction but also from the noble faction.
Additionally, the Emperor had allowed the mercenary guild to grow as an intelligence network to identify and deal with any treacherous individuals.
Reinhardt, who became the master of information, was well-versed in many things within the empire.
He knew about the wealth, family matters, and even personal secrets of influential nobles.
Furthermore, by voluntarily joining the royal knight order, he was aware of the intricate details and individual capabilities of the knights.
What about his military strength? Although it was typically prohibited for collateral royals to have private soldiers, Reinhardt’s family was an exception.
The first Emperor’s brother, Rothbart, had volunteered to be the shield of the empire, which had allowed the Archduke Tarrant family to be granted a few private soldiers.
‘In the end, all of this power was given to him by me.’
Reinhardt’s initial rise to prominence was due to the Archduke of Tarrant’s illness.
<I will follow Your Majesty. In return, I would like that herb you possess.>
The Archduke of Tarrant was suffering from a rare disease, and the medicinal herb was not easily found in the market.
However, the palace was cultivating that precious herb.
The Emperor believed he held Reinhardt’s leash, as it was his father’s lifeline.
But suddenly, a thought crossed his mind.
Perhaps there had never been a leash at all, and this was all part of Reinhardt’s scheme to approach him.
‘If he intended to swallow the empire from the start…’
The Emperor’s eyes sparkled as he continued speaking.
“Even if the bastard is distinguished, as a descendant of Rothbart, the Emperor’s brother, he lacks legitimacy. His plan is to compensate for that through my daughter.”
“Yes, that is correct. And currently, Cornelia does not suspect him at all.”
Hearing this, the Emperor furrowed his brows.
‘Hmm, that child wouldn’t be so naïve…?’
The very person who had alerted him to Reinhardt’s suspicious behavior was Cornelia.
Yet, Erich seemed entirely unaware of this and continued to speak nonsense.
‘Hah, it seems that Cornelia intentionally chose not to tell him.’
He could have cleared up the misunderstanding right away, but the Emperor felt no need to do so.
‘My daughter has suffered for years, so it’s only fair that this rascal suffers even more.’
Soon, the Emperor spoke.
“Are you underestimating Cornelia? Do you really think she would fall for Reinhardt’s tricks?”
“It’s not that I underestimate her. I was merely considering the possibility that if she were alone, Reinhardt might forcefully exert his influence. Reinhardt is a strong man. To face him, I need a valid reason to be by her side. And…”
Erich kneeled before the Emperor, speaking earnestly.
“While she was pretending to be dead, I felt as though I was living in hell. This time, I want to bet everything to protect her.”
The Emperor’s eyes deepened at his words.
“What do you mean by everything?”
“I mean literally everything. My family’s private soldiers, our wealth, and even my own life.”
Upon hearing this, the Emperor’s expression became serious.
“Reinhardt’s military strength may be weaker than yours, the transcendent one, but his schemes and influence are beyond your grasp. I might even have to hand over the throne to him in exchange for saving my family. And yet, you say you want to protect my daughter from him?”
This was a gamble, one that could lead to losing everything.
“Yes. If I can protect Cornelia, I would gladly offer my life.”
Despite this, Erich’s gaze remained steadfast and unwavering.
The Emperor let out a hollow laugh.
‘Yes, as a father, I’m unqualified. Who am I to criticize anyone?’
After a moment, the Emperor spoke.
“Very well. But there’s a condition.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“After everything is resolved, if my daughter wishes to, she should be allowed to divorce.”
At this, Erich flinched for a moment before nodding.
“Yes, I will do that.”
Seeing Erich readily accept this condition brought a sense of relief to the Emperor.
‘Yes, this should work.’
But soon, Erich’s words echoed in the Emperor’s mind.
<If she wishes it, then it shall be done.>
Erich then stood up and bowed to the Emperor.
“Then I will take my leave.”
“Wait, stop.”
When Erich halted, the Emperor continued.
“You said that deciding the throne is my prerogative. But what if Cornelia desires to become Empress, and I strongly oppose it? What then?”
“Why are you curious about that?”
“I need to know if you’re thinking foolish thoughts!”
Erich let out a small sigh before responding.
“I will risk everything to convince the nobles and Your Majesty. You will have no choice but to make her Empress.”
With that, Erich gracefully left the Emperor’s office.
Left alone, the Emperor raised the corners of his mouth in satisfaction.
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
When I first came to this house, I honestly didn’t expect a warm welcome; I thought I would be subtly rejected.
After all, I was a treacherous wife who had betrayed their master and left home.
But…
“Madam, may I apply rose oil for you?”
“No, it’s fine.”
“Then how about a massage?”
“No, that’s enough.”
“Just give it a try. I’m really good at it!”
“That’s right. If you receive a massage from Meryl, you’ll see how skilled she is!”
Before I left home, these maids had always needed direction from me.
They used to treat me like I didn’t exist, and even speaking to me made them uncomfortable.
However, it seemed the previous maids had quit, as the new ones were being very friendly towards me.
‘This overly warm treatment is almost burdensome.’
After a moment, I spoke up.
“I appreciate your kindness, but since it’s almost time for dinner, I think I should change my clothes.”
“Yes, then what outfit would you like…”
“I’d like you to decide that.”
My remark made their faces flush.
‘Hmm, are they embarrassed because I pointed out their mistake?’
But this would only push them to keep their distance from me, just like the previous maids.
After all, I was only here temporarily, just a guest. This was for the best.
‘I’m no longer the Duchess of Blant.’
At that moment, I heard them whispering.
“What should we do? I’m so excited! What outfit would be good?”
“She’s so beautiful, I think anything would suit her…!”
I stood there with a foolish expression.
‘What on earth are they doing?’
Soon, they brought clothes and started dressing me.
“Indeed, you look so beautiful!”
“You look amazing!”
The white muslin dress adorned with lace was very beautiful, even to my eyes, which had once been keen on fashion.
However, it didn’t really suit me.
‘White clothing with my black hair? That doesn’t match at all.’
Still, I didn’t show my true feelings.
‘Well, they won’t be seeing me in a few days anyway.’
“Thank you for picking such a nice outfit. Now, could you prepare the meal? You should also go and fetch my child.”
I assigned tasks to the two maids who had been chattering away beside me, and they immediately bowed their heads.
“Yes, understood.”
Even though I wouldn’t be seeing them again and had only met them briefly, they were definitely more pleasant than the previous maids, who had barely replied to me.
‘Well, at least these girls are nice.’
A short while later, I heard a knock.
Knock, knock.
‘Hmm, that was quick.’
Thinking it was the maids, I spoke up.
“Come in.”
As the door opened, I was taken aback.
‘What? It’s that guy?’
Erich, dressed impeccably, entered the room.
