“Are you sure I can really use it however I want? I don’t have to report where I spend it?”
“Yes, Madam. That money is entirely yours. But judging by your questions, it seems you’ve already decided how to use it.”
“That’s right.”
“What are you planning to buy?”
“A trading permit.”
“What? But why…?”
Mela was taken aback by Daniela’s unexpected answer and asked again.
“I want to start a business under my own name.”
“…What kind of business are you planning to run?”
“That’s something I need to figure out from now on.”
Daniela answered with a smile and then continued.
“That’s why, Mela, I need you to help me hire an administrative officer as soon as possible. You’ll do that for me, won’t you?”
“…Yes, I understand.”
Mela nodded, still looking bewildered.
Shortly after, Mela paid her respects to Daniela and left the bedroom to relay her mistress’s wishes to the head butler. Left alone, Daniela skipped her meal and focused entirely on drafting her business plans.
‘Making a lot of money is easy. The original novel described in detail what trends would be popular and when. All I have to do is follow them and sell accordingly.’
‘But that’s not enough. I need power to protect the wealth I earn—and my life. I need a force strong enough to prevent Duke Ashid, Crown Prince Adrian, or any other powerful figures from carelessly interfering with me.’
How could she achieve that?
As she struggled with her thoughts, a sudden idea flashed through her mind.
‘That’s it! I’ll run a charity alongside my business!’
First, she would use the information from the novel to amass a fortune. Then, she would allocate a portion of that wealth to philanthropic endeavors—building academies and hospitals, providing scholarships for impoverished academy students, and financially supporting those who lost their families in the war and were struggling to survive.
‘By doing that, I can gather people who will support me and stand by my side in the future.’
Moreover, if she, as the Grand Duchess, took the lead in charitable acts, it could slightly improve Ashid’s otherwise terrible reputation among the empire’s citizens—excluding the residents of the northern territories.
‘Until I safely get divorced in three months, Ashid must not become a villain. Otherwise, as his wife, I’ll be in danger too.’
It was a solid plan—no, the best possible plan.
Convinced of her decision, Daniela stood up with a bright expression. Now that she had solved a major concern, she intended to finally have her delayed meal.
After enjoying a hearty late lunch, Daniela returned to her bedroom to relax.
Her maids, noticing her boredom, brought her several books and shared amusing stories and gossip. The afternoon passed in this leisurely manner, and soon it was late at night.
That was when Mela visited her bedroom again. After kneeling to pay her respects, she conveyed the conversation she had with the head butler.
“The head butler has promised to find someone who is fully qualified to serve as your personal administrative officer immediately.”
“Really?”
“Yes, and he also asked what qualifications you’re looking for in this person.”
“Hmm…”
Daniela fell into deep thought for a moment before finally speaking.
“First, they must be intelligent and have a strong sense of justice. They should also have extensive connections throughout the empire and excellent information-gathering skills. If possible, I’d prefer a woman over a man.”
“…That’s all? What about their social status, family background, appearance, or eloquence?”
“As long as they’re competent, none of that matters to me.”
“I see… Understood. I will relay your preferences.”
Mela nodded, looking slightly surprised by Daniela’s response.
After Mela left the room, Daniela extinguished the lamp and lay down in bed. Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, an unexpected commotion erupted outside.
She could hear people murmuring anxiously, hurried footsteps thudding along the corridors, and the loud clanking and scraping of heavy metal against the floor.
“What in the world is going on…?”
Daniela mumbled to herself in confusion.
Then, a frantic knocking came from her door.
“Madam, it’s Mela. May I come in?”
It was Mela.
Once Daniela gave her permission, Mela rushed into the bedroom and knelt urgently before her. Noticing Mela’s pale, panicked face, Daniela quickly asked,
“What’s happening? Is it related to the noises outside?”
“Yes, Madam.”
“And why? Don’t tell me… has something happened to His Grace?”
“That… You should see for yourself.”
“Alright! Let’s go immediately!”
A sudden wave of dread gripped Daniela as she hastily agreed.
Could it be that the Duke had already committed some irreversible atrocity? Or worse—had he been killed? Either scenario was not something she desired.
She threw on a thick outdoor robe over her nightgown and dashed down the annex hallway with Mela. Together, they flung open the doors leading to the main building.
“……!”
The sight before her left her speechless.
In the garden in front of the main mansion, dozens of fully armed knights stood tightly packed together, clad in armor, cloaks, and weapons—swords and arrows at the ready.
On the opposite side stood the head butler, looking ashen, alongside a group of attendants, their faces filled with helplessness.
And at the center of it all stood Ashid.
He was without his cloak, his uniform and exposed skin drenched in fresh, crimson blood. His sharp eyes burned intensely as he gazed at his knights.
Through the wide-open main doors, more armed knights continued to stream into the mansion.
Daniela gasped sharply. The knights, upon recognizing her, quickly bowed in respect and stepped aside to clear a path for her.
She gave them a small nod of acknowledgment and hurried toward Ashid, calling out loudly,
“Your Grace!”
Ashid slowly turned his head toward her.
He hadn’t expected to see her here, at this hour.
Their relationship was purely contractual, based on mutual self-interest. Naturally, he had never expected her to greet him upon his return.
He had assumed that no matter what happened in their respective residences, neither of them would interfere.
So, he thought she would be sound asleep, indifferent to the commotion.
Yet here she was.
Ashid felt an odd sense of perplexity as he silently watched Daniela approach.
Daniela, on the other hand, sucked in another sharp breath as she took in his condition up close. His uniform was completely soaked in blood, and beads of crimson dripped from a wound on his forehead and his right arm, streaming down like sweat.
Panicked, she reached out to him.
But Ashid stepped back, evading her white hand.
There was no way she genuinely cared about him. He had no need for cheap sympathy.
With a detached expression, he shook his head, signaling that he was fine. Then, turning to Mela, he spoke in a firm tone.
“Escort the Grand Duchess back to her chambers.”
“…But, Your Grace.”
“Now. Or do I need to repeat myself?”
“…Understood, Your Grace.”
Mela hesitated, her lips parting as if to protest, but eventually, she lowered her head. She carefully took hold of Daniela’s arm.
Still bewildered, Daniela struggled to grasp the situation.
‘What is going on? What exactly is happening here?’
Meanwhile, Ashid turned to Lowell and asked,
“Are these all the knights we can summon immediately?”
“No, Your Grace. There are still two hundred knights stationed near the capital and thirty battalions ready to advance north as soon as you give the order.”
“Then, the only one yet to arrive is Sir Daer. As soon as he arrives, we march.”
Lowell nodded grimly. His face was filled with unspeakable despair.
Daniela, overhearing their conversation, widened her eyes in shock.
She gripped Mela’s wrist and whispered urgently,
“What is he talking about? What does he mean by marching north? Is he declaring war?”
“…Yes, Madam. He is.”
“And who is the enemy?”
“…The Grand Duchy of Resinia.”
At Mela’s answer, Daniela felt her heart plummet.
At the same time, a scene from the original novel flashed through her
