Chapter 44
“After the dance, I’ll leave the rest to you.”
Lost in thought, I snapped back to reality at the sound of his voice.
“Yes, don’t worry,” I replied.
After the dance, I planned to engage in conversation with Marquis Lint and the Hyacinth Countess and her husband. Once the song ended, Ilias would slip away in the direction of the restroom, leaving me to remain in the ballroom, mingling with the guests as if he were still nearby. As though he’d never leave my side.
When the music ended, Ilias exited toward the restroom, and I made my way to the group where Marquis Lint and the Hyacinth Countess and her husband were standing.
Luck was on my side, as Lady Grinia and her partner had also joined the group.
I positioned myself near a pillar, deliberately choosing a spot where it might seem as if Ilias was just behind it. Since we hadn’t been apart even once since entering the party, people would naturally assume he was still close by.
—
Ilias, concealing his presence, made his way to the mansion’s underground level.
Normally, the knights of the Crothos ducal household would patrol in several groups, but tonight, their focus had shifted to fortifying the exterior defenses, leaving fewer guards inside.
Moreover, today was one of those unofficial days where they received alcohol and food, so the knights inside were in a rather relaxed state.
Keeping himself hidden, Ilias infiltrated the underground level and entered Duke Crothos’s secondary office. This was not the office known to the public.
Following the information he’d received in advance, Ilias located the safe hidden behind a painting.
What he needed was intel regarding the duke’s weapon contracts—precisely which countries he was dealing with and at what prices. That was the reason he had willingly attended the disgusting Duke Crothos’s party.
‘If you’ve seized control of the empire, the least you could do is protect the nation with a modicum of care.’
It seemed Duke Crothos was intent on selling off anything that would fetch a price—even the country itself.
His actions had crossed a line that Ilias could not forgive.
—
Meanwhile, I kept the conversation flowing, ensuring that no one noticed Ilias’s absence.
Fortunately, I knew most of the people present, so captivating their attention with discussions about the future posed no challenge.
The conversations were lively, and our group gradually attracted more people, even drawing in a cluster of Church faction noblewomen.
I decided to seize the opportunity and began speaking about their pasts and present situations, targeting noblewomen who wouldn’t normally approach me.
At first, they flinched, but as though determined to humiliate me, they smirked mockingly, lifting the corners of their mouths.
“Isn’t that something anyone could figure out?”
“Not as impressive as the rumors suggest.”
“Anyone who listens to gossip could deduce that. Pretending to be insightful based on secondhand stories is the work of a fraud, isn’t it?”
Of course, I wasn’t kind enough to endure such remarks. Usually, when showcasing abilities, the standard was to offer positive feedback, but today was different. I had decided to expose their weaknesses—just enough for them to understand.
First, I glanced at the noblewoman who had criticized me. A year ago, she had been scammed in a real estate deal and was secretly repaying her losses using her dowry without her husband’s knowledge.
“Madam, you should manage your dowry carefully.”
Her face stiffened, and she quickly closed her mouth.
The second noblewoman shared a disturbing secret—a bizarre preference in bed, which led her to maintain a secret lover without her husband’s knowledge.
“Ash Road, Third Street has a discreet treasure, doesn’t it? No, quite a peculiar treasure. Be careful not to get hurt.”
The second woman’s face turned pale.
As the two women froze in shock, the third noblewoman’s tension was palpable. Her weakness was her ongoing flirtation with a priest she secretly admired.
“Perhaps it’s time to stop the actions that would disgrace you in the eyes of the Goddess.”
The third noblewoman clutched the pillar, feeling dizzy.
The fourth noblewoman was already frowning at the reactions of the earlier noblewomen.
Duchess Crothos must have hoped for a scene where I would storm out or cause a commotion. When that didn’t happen, her expression turned harsh.
The humiliated noblewomen, having nothing more to say, turned back toward Duchess Crothos. Her interest flickered briefly as she observed their report.
‘Such a reaction means she’s coming soon. I’ll have to capture you.’
As I relished my success with a satisfied smile, Duke Crothos approached.
“My apologies for my late greeting. Marquis Lint, Lady Grinia, Count Hyacinth.”
Duke Crothos treated me as though I were invisible, as if I didn’t exist. In the empire, commoners weren’t allowed to speak to nobility first.
To be honest, that tradition was practically obsolete now, but Duke Crothos clung to the past.
Well, in a way, you could call him the guardian of tradition.
Regardless, since I was just a commoner, and Ilias was the prince, I had no place in the conversation. I stood quietly, like a backdrop.
“How is the party?”
Duke Crothos’s gaze narrowed slightly as he continued talking about the party.
“But where is the Prince?”
Hearing Duke Crothos’s inquiry, the people around started looking around for Ilias. Only then did my group realize the prince’s absence.
It seemed instinctively understood that revealing the truth wouldn’t be the best idea.
Lady Grinia smiled innocently and said,
“We were chatting just a moment ago. Adelinne, do you know where His Highness has gone?”
Duke Crothos glanced back at me, having been unable to answer earlier. Grinia’s perceptiveness was unmatched.
Finally, I gained a bit of the floor to speak and gave a slightly embarrassed expression—intended to seem incredibly uncomfortable.
The worry on my companions’ faces was evident. Meanwhile, Duke Crothos’s sharp gaze bore into me.
“Actually… Haa…”
I paused dramatically, taking a deep breath. The eyes of various individuals were fixed on me, filled with different emotions.
“The Prince isn’t feeling well.”
“What’s wrong? Is something serious?”
Count Hyacinth asked with a concerned expression.
I slightly nodded, maintaining a heavy, serious demeanor.
“The Prince isn’t feeling well. He occasionally leaves unnoticed for privacy.”
My words caused the other guests, excluding Duke Crothos, to show signs of discomfort and unease. It was an awkward and distressing moment, intensified by embarrassment.
The nobility of the empire placed immense importance on appearances and honor, making any discussion of personal matters like a trip to the restroom taboo. By mentioning it, I had breached an unspoken rule.
‘I’m sorry, Your Highness. I couldn’t protect your honor. But it’s better than the rumors of investigating Duke Crothos’s corruption.’
I spoke in a way that was sincere yet emotionally charged.
“Please… keep this a secret. And don’t show any signs of familiarity with the Prince.”
“Yes, of course.”
Marquis Lint responded, and those around us nodded gravely.
Their genuine reactions made Duke Crothos fall into contemplation, his expression riddled with doubt.
Especially for a high-ranking noble, revealing that the Prince had left due to health issues was an intensely shameful matter.
Imagine the embarrassment for the Prince, let alone being in such a scenario. And for me, to bring it up was almost unthinkable.
Duke Crothos decided to preserve the Prince’s dignity and resumed the conversation.
It seemed like he would leave, but Duke Crothos was indeed a formidable opponent.
His lingering suspicion made it clear he wouldn’t move until he saw Ilias with his own eyes.
That was problematic, considering I didn’t know when Ilias would return.
I donned a business-like smile, listening to the ongoing discussion, though my mind was restless. I had no means to subtly locate Ilias, who had vanished.
“Perhaps we should send someone to check on him? I’m worried something may have happened to His Highness.”
Duke Crothos’s suggestion made my mouth go dry. I was at a loss for what to say when a familiar voice sounded beside me.
“Father.”
“Paulian, what brings you here?”
Paulian’s unexpected appearance drew the attention of many, even Duke Crothos slightly raising an eyebrow in surprise.
“The Tower Lord said he had urgent matters, so I came with him.”
Paulian’s gentle gaze met mine.
“I thought I should catch up with my friend.”
His bold declaration of friendship in front of Duke Crothos was surprisingly thoughtful.
“I need to have a brief talk with Lady Adeline. May I have a moment?”
With a smooth smile, he escorted me toward the terrace.
Once the terrace door closed, my smile vanished, and Paulian’s calm facade also dissipated.
“Duke Crothos seems to be searching for the Prince. Do you know where he might be?”
“I’m not sure. He’s likely somewhere in the estate. Could you assist in locating him?”
“Although the Tower remains neutral, it gathers intelligence from all corners. With a tracking device, we could locate him. However, the Prince rarely carries such devices.”
“Duke Crothos is suspicious, making it dangerous.”
“I’ll find him. Given your involvement, I can’t treat this as a mere outsider’s concern.”
“Thank you, Paulian.”
We returned to the party, and Paulian casually stated,
“I’ll take responsibility for escorting the Prince.”
He gracefully bent his arm at chest height and lowered his head.
Marquis Lint watched his son leave the party, shaking his head slightly.
“Being the youngest, he still has much to learn.”
In response to Marquis Lint’s apology, I firmly shook my head.
“Paulian is very mature.”
At my words, Marquis Lint’s stern expression softened.
Thanks to Paulian, Duke Crothos’s plan to send people to search for Ilias was thwarted.
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