Chapter 118
“It’s true that this incident has slightly changed people’s perception of me, and I intend to continue down this path.”
“What on earth has gotten into you?! I told you to stay put! How many times have I said that all you need to do is join the knights and remain quiet?”
“What exactly do you want me to do, Father?!”
Salizar could no longer hold back and shouted.
“If you expect me to stay still, at least stop treating me like I don’t exist.”
Salizar spoke firmly.
“You keep doubting my abilities, so I wanted to prove myself. And now, you’re telling me to do nothing?”
“You… you…”
“I won’t endure this anymore, Father!”
“And what do you think you’ll accomplish by refusing to endure, you foolish boy?!”
Enraged, the Count stormed toward Salizar with a fearsome expression.
“Calm yourself, dear!”
The Countess intervened, but it was useless.
“I will stand for justice. I will break free from being your puppet and earn recognition—not from you!”
“From whom, then?”
“From His Majesty the Emperor.”
“You idiot! Do you even understand the situation you’re in?!”
The Countess anxiously tried to pacify her husband, who looked as if he might draw his sword at any moment.
“It will be fine, Father.”
At that moment, Helena spoke up calmly.
“W-what did you say?”
“Brother exposing Viscount Aldrot won’t put you in too much trouble, Father.”
“…Is that so?”
“Viscount Aldrot’s embezzlement was already widely known. Sooner or later, His Majesty would have heard of it.”
“But how does that mean I won’t be in trouble? Regardless, he was an important business partner!”
“Right now, it’s better to think of this as escaping His Majesty’s wrath rather than losing a business deal. His Majesty is particularly sensitive about such matters.”
Nobles traditionally did not pay taxes. However, as royal authority strengthened and laws changed, nobles were required to pay taxes unless they served in the military. The service period was long, so most nobles opted to pay taxes instead. Count Eskel also paid taxes from the tolls and income generated from his lands rather than serving in the military.
But in truth, few nobles were happy about paying taxes they hadn’t previously been obligated to pay.
Moreover, the current emperor was deeply distrustful of the nobility. He was paranoid, always expecting a dagger in his back. More than their tyranny over commoners, what he feared most was nobles neglecting their duties—he saw it as a direct challenge to his authority.
“If His Majesty had initiated the trial against Viscount Aldrot himself, he would have investigated your dealings with him as well, Father. Naturally, that would have led to an inquiry into your affairs, too.”
Helena’s plausible reasoning made both the Count and Salizar nod in agreement.
“Even though you have His Majesty’s trust, now is the time to be cautious. After the usury scandal, drawing His Majesty’s scrutiny again would be risky. In a way, Brother’s actions helped sever a dangerous connection just in time.”
“Now that I think about it, that does make sense.”
Salizar grinned from ear to ear.
“See? I told you!”
“Salizar, you fool! Your work isn’t done yet!”
Clearing his throat, the Count turned to Helena.
“You have a point, Helena. It was indeed best to cut ties at this stage.”
“Yes. Right now, I believe it’s most important to gauge His Majesty’s thoughts.”
“How commendable!”
The Count laughed approvingly.
“You must make sure to please His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress at the birthday celebration.”
“Someone like me? How could I possibly bring them joy? I was just planning to attend and remain quiet.”
“Nonsense! This is a good opportunity to introduce you to the others.”
“If that’s what you wish, I’ll make preparations in advance.”
“But why are you so thin?”
The Count commented indifferently.
“The women of House Eskel must not appear shabby. Make sure you dress properly so you don’t look pitiful.”
“…I understand, Father.”
After the Count left, Salizar turned to Helena with a wide grin.
“I did it.”
“Congratulations, Brother.”
He didn’t say a single word of thanks to Helena. It was clear he believed that everything that had happened was solely thanks to him.
At least she had succeeded in gaining the trust of both the Count and Salizar. Helena let out a quiet sigh of relief and rose from her seat, intending to leave the room. However, the Countess had yet to leave and was still watching her intently.
“Helena.”
“Yes, Mother?”
“Are you unwell? Did something happen to you…?”
Her snake-like eyes scrutinized Helena carefully, analyzing her every reaction with sharp precision.
To think she would ask me if I was sick after poisoning me herself. Seeing her act like this, it was clear the Countess was growing desperate. Of course, she would be—after all, the child she wanted dead had now earned the trust of both the Count and her own son. She wouldn’t want her misdeeds to come to light.
“I’m just worried about you,” the Countess said, still wearing a shameless mask of concern.
Seeing her lie so brazenly, Helena decided to reveal the truth with an air of composure.
“Mother, I was actually poisoned.”
“W-what did you say?”
The Countess faltered, clearly not expecting such a direct confession. Her hands trembled slightly. Noticing her reaction, Helena continued in a calm tone.
“I don’t know who did it, though.”
Yes, now was not the time to strike at the Countess.
“You really don’t know who did it?”
“It could have happened in Frantor. That’s the most likely possibility.”
Helena’s voice remained emotionless.
“But, Mother, I only recently discovered the state of my health. I don’t want to worry Father since he’s so busy. So, could you keep this a secret for me?”
The Countess’s pale complexion instantly brightened. Of course. That foolish girl wouldn’t have figured out who was behind it.
“Alright, I understand. I truly hope you recover soon.”
“Thank you. As long as I can, I want to help Father.”
It was clear that Helena had no idea who had poisoned her. If she had suspected the Countess, she wouldn’t have been so eager to assist House Eskel. If she knew, she would have either told the Count first or confronted her directly in anger. Perhaps she would have even developed a grudge against Frantor for casting her out.
Foolish girl.
The Countess let out a quiet chuckle.
“Well then, I’ll be going. Take care of yourself, dear.”
“Thank you. Safe travels.”
For now, it seemed she had succeeded in reassuring the Countess. As she left with a strangely satisfied expression, Helena watched her retreating figure with icy eyes.
—
It seemed Jane had received instructions from the Count, as she meticulously prepared for the Emperor’s birthday celebration. She looked to be in a great mood, humming a tune as she checked the frills on Helena’s new dress and measured her arm length to ensure a perfect fit.
“Being sick doesn’t make your arms shorter, you know.”
Helena couldn’t help but laugh at her fussing.
Jane seemed to believe that staying at House Eskel was a blessing for Helena. After all, she was being treated relatively well now that she had gained the Count’s trust. Jane frequently expressed how fortunate Helena was to be able to attend the celebration with her family.
But Helena didn’t feel the same way.
Jane spoke as if the Count’s affection was genuine, but Helena knew the truth—she was only being kept close because she was useful. If she had remained secluded in the annex, unable to contribute anything, the Count would have never sought her out, not even until her dying breath.
She had once longed desperately for her father’s love. But now, all she felt was bitterness.
If being useful was what defined a family, then she no longer wished to desire or dream of such a thing. Even if she closed her eyes, she would never again harbor regrets over failing to receive her father’s affection.
As she pondered the meaning of family, her thoughts unexpectedly drifted to Calligo and the children.
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