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The long summer day passed by tediously.
When she first sat as a portrait model, she felt nothing, but as evening approached, she unconsciously began checking the time.
Even after dinner, it wasn’t dark yet. She found herself wondering what exactly marked the boundary between evening and night. After all, it was only when night fell that Fertan would come to her bedroom.
After her bath, she wondered if just a nightgown would be enough. She felt oddly awkward. Eleanor, who usually only applied toner, was now fumbling with other cosmetics, prompting her maid to ask if she needed anything. Feeling embarrassed, she dismissed everyone around her.
‘Is this how a bride feels waiting for her groom?’
Given that she and Fertan had already been intimate countless times, it wasn’t like they were newlyweds. Still, that’s how she felt. Waiting wasn’t easy.
What had Fertan felt when he waited for her? In the early days of their relationship, physical desire had taken precedence, so perhaps he had only been waiting for the act itself. Even now, when it came down to it, they were still on the verge of intimacy, but it was different from merely pursuing animalistic pleasure.
‘No. Even so, I’m just waiting for nightfall, so what?’
No matter how much she tried to deny it, her face gave her away. As she paced around the room, a faint blush remained on her cheeks.
‘What should I do about locking the door?’
She regretted boasting earlier about locking the door tightly.
She could easily imagine the mischievous expression Fertan would wear when he entered through the unlocked door.
Right now, she had no intention of playing along with his affectionate teasing, but as always, things might change when the moment came. She would likely be swept up in Fertan’s antics, her emotions swaying wildly. She would probably flare up and assert her pride, snapping at him.
She debated whether to lock the door or not. The fact that she was even thinking about this was ridiculous, but Fertan always had a way of making her act unlike herself.
‘Ugh, I don’t know. I’ll just lock it.’
After closing the window, the temperature in the room quickly rose. It was too hot to leave it closed.
Surely Fertan wouldn’t actually climb through the window, right? The thought of him scaling the wall with a rope attached to her window was so embarrassing that Eleanor felt her cheeks burn. The servants downstairs would see everything.
She opened the window, then closed it again. Her mind couldn’t settle, constantly shifting.
In the end, she left it wide open, using the lingering heat of early autumn as an excuse.
‘But I should at least block the entrance properly.’
She thought that if Fertan knew her inner thoughts, he would tease her mercilessly. She dragged her feet as she walked.
The bedroom door had a small latch on the inside. It wouldn’t open with normal force, but a rough push could break it. Normally, the servants would announce themselves before entering, so noble bedrooms rarely needed to be locked.
If he couldn’t get in and had to linger outside, she shouldn’t open the door too easily.
Should she give him a penalty?
She had endured enough from him; it was time for some payback.
Though she realized she was engaging in childish behavior unbecoming of her, she slid the tiny latch to the side.
Click.
Just as the latch was about to catch, the door opened.
“Eleanor?”
Fertan appeared right in front of her.
“Ah!”
“What are you doing?”
He widened his eyes in surprise, almost colliding with her. Even though she had stopped, his momentum carried him forward, and her lowered forehead brushed against his clothes.
He noticed her hand fumbling with the door latch.
It all happened so quickly. She quickly pulled her hand away, but Fertan’s sharp gaze had already exposed her intentions.
“Were you trying to lock the door?”
“No, that’s not it…”
As he pushed both Eleanor and the door open, he naturally wrapped his arms around her. His movements were smooth, as if they were dancing.
“Trying to keep me out?”
A mischievous smile spread across Fertan’s lips.
This was the worst. Of all times, why did he have to come in right then? Embarrassed and frustrated, she snapped back at him.
“How can you just barge in without any warning?”
“What were you planning to do after locking the door? I’m very curious about your plans for leaving me outside.”
The door closed behind him. This time, Fertan securely fastened the latch himself.
Chuckling softly, he flashed a bright, toothy grin, clearly enjoying himself. The slight puffiness under his eyes gave him a sensual look.
“Tell me. Were you trying to embarrass me?”
She couldn’t back down now.
“Would you really be embarrassed just by pacing in the hallway for a bit?”
“Then what?”
She hadn’t actually thought it through, but like a startled snake, she lifted her chin and retorted.
“Fertan, outside…”
“Outside.”
“Well…”
When you haven’t done anything mischievous, it’s hard to come up with something on the spot. Her initial plan to simply annoy him left her speechless.
She didn’t even know what penalties to impose. Some nobles enjoyed tormenting others, but such behavior was far from Eleanor’s nature. Moreover, she had no desire to cause Fertan any distress.
Her voice grew smaller as she stumbled over her words.
The confident energy she had earlier gradually faded.
The man’s hand, which had slid down to her waist, suddenly moved quickly. He pulled her hips forcefully against his body, pressing her abdomen so tightly that she let out a gasp.
The force lifted Eleanor off her feet, making her tiptoe as she lost contact with the ground.
“Our kitten is so adorable.”
Fertan tilted his head and whispered in an excited voice. His sharp nose traced a line along her cheek. His lips, brushing against her ear, lightly caught the reddened tip between them.
He lifted her hips effortlessly, holding her lightly. Her loosely worn nightgown slipped, revealing her chest in an instant. He buried his face in the soft valley between her breasts.
His steps were smooth, as if gliding across ice.
“How about making me sing a serenade?”
“You, singing?”
A man who sets his own penalty… And the door wasn’t even locked.
“If I sing a song with your name in it for everyone to hear, I’d be properly embarrassed.”
Short, pecking kisses rained down around her chin. Each time their eyes met, she could see his teasing expression.
“Would you really do it if I asked? But leave my name out of it.”
“No, I won’t.”
“Then why even bring it up?”
“I won’t sing unless your name is in every verse from start to finish.”
Unbelievable. The one who’d really be embarrassed would be someone else.
“Ha, Fertan…”
She shook her head in disbelief. The problem wasn’t the door latch. How could she possibly win against Fertan, who had a silver tongue? Why had she even tried?
Seemingly enjoying her exasperated reaction, Fertan buried his face in the valley of her breasts and muttered softly.
“Ask me anytime.”
As they climbed onto the bed, he pulled off her cumbersome nightgown. The fabric slipped down her shoulders, revealing her bare chest in an instant. The moment he saw her milky skin, a flash of lightning seemed to streak through Fertan’s dark eyes.
As if he had been waiting for it, he kneaded her breasts with both hands. He lifted the circumference of her lower breasts, like a corset, drawing a rounded circle. The flesh of her breasts moved within his grasp, the rolling sensation tickling her.
Suddenly, he crushed them in his grip, sending a jolt of electricity from deep within her. The sharp sensation traveled along her milk ducts, reaching her nipples.
“Ah, uhn...”
Her body, desiring him, opened involuntarily. Her breasts swelled with each breath she took. Her legs, wrapped around Fertan’s lower abdomen like a snare, fidgeted restlessly. The rubbing of her inner thighs against his rugged abdominal muscles intensified her excitement.
“Aren’t you... ha... being a little hasty?”
Fertan, feigning composure, had his own lower body stiffening with desire.
With one hand, he groped the cleft of her femininity, and with the other, he tore off his shirt and threw it aside. After pulling down her nightgown, which had been resting on her hips, he hurriedly thrust his hand into her flushed opening. His lustful gaze swept over her naked body.
His eager hand covered her entire vulva. The soft flesh was wet, leaving her fluids on his palm.
He stimulated her labia minora with a crushing motion, while his middle finger explored her yearning, gaping hole.
“Hnn...”
The mere presence of his thick finger sent shivers down her legs.
“So soft, Ellie.”
“Uhn, haa.”
“I’m dying to enter you. I can’t take this test of my patience anymore.”
Her mind was floating on clouds, but she felt an inexplicable sense of unease. It wasn’t because it had been a while since they had been intimate. His gentle caresses and the sensual licking of her nipples were satisfying, but something was different.
He didn’t seem like the Fertan she knew.
Eleanor, who had been clutching the sheets, reached out to trace his firm abs. She moved her hand higher, confirming the hollow of his sternum, and then touched the prominent tip of her breast. Her nipple, a miniature version of his, was erect, expressing her arousal.
She scratched the light brown nipple with her fingernail. He flinched. She pinched it, including the areola, and twisted it hard, as if taking revenge on a disliked child.
“Hnn... ha, shit.”
She realized what was different. The crude language, unconsciously slipping out, stimulated her hearing. The atmosphere changed when he used vulgar terms for her genitals, as if a dam had burst.
Fertan’s sexual expressions were significantly different.
Eleanor raised an eyebrow, feeling a strange sense of victory.
“I wondered why you were being so polite.”
The strong, masculine line of his jaw rippled with tense muscles. He was clenching his teeth.
“I was trying to play the role of a monk for a while.”
A faint blue tint appeared in his dark eyes.
“Ellie’s not helping, is she? I thought I’d try to be refined for you, just once. Ha, it’s just not me, is it?”
His fingers, which had been partially inserted, plunged deeper into her. He stirred them a few times, and then, unsatisfied, added more. Three fingers, clenched together, ruthlessly probed her passage.
At the same time, he unbuckled his pants. The sharp click was audible.
He quickly pulled down his pants, revealing his shaft.
“This is my cock, the one I’ve been jerking off to thoughts of you with.”
A large, thick shaft sprang out from beneath his underwear. It pulsed with the unreleased desire.
As he shifted his knees to pull down his pants completely, the area below was exposed. Two large, swollen testicles were visible. Veins bulged around his groin. His lower abdomen, covered in dark hair, was also taut and obscene.
Fertan took her hand and placed it on his shaft. The frenulum, a cluster of tissue beneath the glans, was as distinct as tree bark. The contours of his cock, which she happened to touch, were disturbingly lewd.
“Fertan, this is too explicit.”
His hand, moving in and out of her tight passage, was covered in her fluids. The liquid dripping down his fingers pooled in his palm. As her entrance trembled with his rhythmic motion, a jolt of pleasure shot through her abdomen.
“Hot, haa.”
Fertan took her swollen breast into his wide-open mouth.
As her fingers reflexively curled around his cock, he thrust his hips forward, moving his pelvis rapidly like a rutting canine.
“It was better when I knew nothing. Now that I’ve tasted you, I can’t possibly...”
The thin skin of his cock slid back and forth within her grasp.
“Hoo, my cock hurts. It’s throbbing, killing me.”
Clear fluid dripped from the groove beneath his thick glans. It smeared her hand, and pre-cum gushed from his tiny urethra.
Meanwhile, his hand, still inside her, was soaked in her fluids. Fertan slowly withdrew his hand, showing her his “harvest.”
“You’re so wet, I’m satisfied. It means you’re as excited as I am.”
The amount of fluid she had produced was excessive. Her face flushed even more as she was caught off guard.
“You don’t have to show me that...”
Her hand, dripping with her own fluids, quickly moved to his cock. Her own pre-cum already coated him, and she added her fluids to the mix.
The way she touched him, lacking seriousness, was vastly different from his vigorous movements. As he pulled his shaft up and out in one swift motion, a stream of fluid spurted from his opening.
The clear fluid hit her exposed vulva. He smeared the pre-cum on her outer and inner labia.
She couldn’t avoid seeing his deliberate display unless she closed her eyes and looked away.
“Fertan...”
The overwhelming decadence, a rare experience, exceeded her limits, and she finally turned her head away.
The next moment, his thick glans blocked her entrance. It was unbearable to feel it only with her skin, without seeing it. Her senses were heightened as they focused on one area.
He sucked on her nipple again, which he had briefly released. He savored the taste of her full breast, kissing the white mound.
He gently scraped her areola with his neatly aligned lower teeth. The small bumps on her areola were pressed by his teeth. As he flicked her nipple with his pointed tongue, a tingling sensation spread from her nipple to the depths of her chest.
Along with the breast stimulation, he continued to try to enter her. He pressed the rounded tip of his cock against her entrance. Although her opening was tight, her body moved instinctively, desiring him.
Her vulva pulsed, trying to take him in.
As her opening widened and quickly narrowed, the groove beneath his glans was plunged into her. Her vulva suddenly stretched, filled with his thick presence.
“Hoo, you’re so tight... the soft inside is so thrilling.”
He sank deep into her, mating fully without stopping. Their pubic bones and lower abdomens pressed flat against each other. Eleanor’s legs, spread wide like scissors, straddled his hips, and her slender ankles rose into the air.
Her abdomen ached. The length of his shaft, unbearable, pierced her, pushing the glans against her cervix. Her flesh, soft from lack of recent stimulation, screamed under the intense pressure. His shaft, as forceful as a wooden or iron club, pounded against the innermost end of her inner wall.
Simultaneously with the insertion, intense thrusting followed. He relentlessly invaded her, churning her insides. The heat of friction was as intense as a boiling pot. Thanks to the slippery fluids, the elasticity of his manhood increased, and Fertan thrust his hips forward, churning her deeply.
“Let me churn your insides.”
Each time he thrust the thick shaft deep, his hips arched wickedly. Accordingly, the shaft inside her twisted up and down. As he pressed the head of his cock against the end of her vagina, which felt like a wall, Fertan crushed his own flesh forcefully.
A creaking, uncomfortable sensation surged as the wall and weapon collided. A deep, thick pleasure spread beyond her genitals.
“Uhn, wait. Too deep... haa.”
There was no space left between their genitals. There was no room to churn or attempt anything else.
The thick shaft, as thick as a child’s forearm, pulsed, forcibly widening her passage. It felt like the volume was increasing with each thrust. Though it might have been an illusion, she writhed because her insides were so full they felt suffocating.
Fertan lifted her upper body and placed her kicking ankles on his shoulders.
Instead of caressing her breasts, he focused on deepening the insertion. Gripping her hips firmly, he thrust his shaft all the way in. As she shuddered with a cry that seemed to make her faint, he pulsed the shaft like a stake.
“Ha, this feels amazing. You’re sucking my cock, wanting me.”
His hips moved with the elasticity of a spring. The angle, lifting her from below, stimulated her sensitive spots. The thrusting, with the glans digging straight in and the shaft rubbing against her inner walls, felt like it would tear her apart.
Her frail body shook under the intense pressure of his relentless thrusting. The motion, thrusting deep and then withdrawing almost to the glans before plunging back in, was violent.
Though she had already reached multiple climaxes, the relentless pounding brought her another wave of pleasure. The shuddering pleasure was long and intense.
“Wa-wait. Huh, ah, ha...”
Fertan pressed deep at the moment her inner walls contracted. Her vulva contracted around his thick shaft, the small ridges tightening like ripples spreading through water.
She felt a warm sensation filling the depths of her vulva. Hot fluid filled her vagina, passing through the narrow cervix and ejaculating inside. The bubbling fluid overflowed, spilling out of her vulva.
Even though Fertan was using contraception and they wouldn’t have a child, the feeling of her insides being filled with his fluid was extraordinary.
Her gradually stiffening inner walls clung to his cock. As he withdrew slightly, the rough, worn inner walls came along with it.
“Can you feel it now? Clinging to me, ha... Isn’t this a threat that you won’t let me take my cock out?”
Though Eleanor couldn’t see it, Fertan could see her red inner flesh peeking through her vulva. As he re-inserted, the crimson flesh disappeared instantly.
His semen, thick and white, coated the curves of her vulva. The rare sight reignited his fading arousal.
Fertan, his face more decadently beautiful with sweat, murmured sensually.
“Don’t rush. I’ll feed you until you’re sick of it.”
As if to fulfill his words, he drove his phallus into Eleanor’s body, which had been swept by a storm. He pinned her beneath him, slowly rotating his shaft.
As his cock regained its strength, she recoiled in alarm.
“Haa, I can’t anymore...”
He savored the afterglow while noticing her obvious exhaustion.
“We’ve just started. You can’t be tired already.”
“But...”
A gentle kiss landed on her trembling nostril.
She glanced at him. His lips, curving into an alluring smile, conveyed a wealth of emotions. Even without prolonged sex, the mere act of their bodies touching was enough to satisfy them both.
As his remaining arousal faded, Fertan focused on her reactions. He didn’t withdraw his erect cock, instead engaging in slow, rhythmic motions and continuing their intimate conversation.
“I need to make you healthier. It’ll be my important mission.”
“I’m already as healthy as a normal person. It’s not me, it’s Fertan’s body, ha... Can’t you take this out?”
“Why? Shall we sleep like this?”
“Absolutely not.”
The awkward state, neither sex nor conversation, wasn’t easy. The large shaft was lodged deep inside her, like a part of her own body, slowly rubbing and occasionally plunging deep. Each time, a tingling sensation enveloped her.
The sensation of his penetration made his overwhelming presence acutely felt.
Regardless of his usual playful demeanor or his rarely revealed deep thoughts, his sensuality at this moment held the greatest significance for Eleanor.
Fertan was completely absorbed in helping the lady with her preparations. He dismissed the maid and insisted on personally tending to Eleanor’s hair, seating her in front of the vanity.
His skill at combing her near-platinum blonde hair wasn’t half bad. Though inexperienced with women’s accessories, he avoided attempting more complicated styles like braiding or pinning.
Still, he carefully gathered strands of her hair one by one, combing them down with great care. His brow furrowed as seriously as if he were conducting an important meeting. Perhaps because Fertan was brushing it, Eleanor felt an unusual ticklish sensation at the nape of her neck.
“That’s enough for now. I’ll have someone else take care of the rest.”
Her voluminous hair shimmered in the light, thanks to his meticulous brushing, which had given it a glossy sheen.
“I can’t tie ribbons well with my own hands, so there’s no helping it. By the way, how do you use this powder?”
“Are you going to do my makeup too?”
“If I get the chance, I want to learn everything all at once. For now, could you just show me how you usually apply light makeup?”
“You really don’t need to go through all this trouble.”
“I want to try. I’d like to be able to make you look as beautiful as the maids do.”
With that stubborn attitude, he rummaged through the cosmetics, making it difficult to stop him.
Eleanor often skipped makeup when she didn’t go out. When meeting close acquaintances, she would lightly dust her skin with white powder. Unless it was a grand banquet or gathering, she rarely wore heavy makeup.
Those who were enthusiastic about their appearance often used vividly colored cosmetics. Among the cosmetics in Roland Manor, many contained toxic ingredients. However, Eleanor preferred powders made from plant extracts, as they gave off a floral scent and helped achieve a natural look.
“Then let’s just try applying a little powder.”
She handed him a powder compact she had used several times since arriving at the villa. The delicate silver case, engraved with intricate patterns, sat quaintly atop his rough hands like a toy.
He noticed traces of previous use and nodded in satisfaction, taking note of the colors she favored.
“How do I apply this?”
“With a brush. Like this...”
She demonstrated by tapping the powder-dusted brush gently against her face while they both looked into the mirror.
His expression was far more focused than when he was styling her hair, earnestly spreading the powder across her face. Biting his lip, he alternated between studying her cheeks, approaching the task with the seriousness of preparing for a major event.
In reality, it was just another uneventful day. Since hiding away in the villa, Eleanor hadn’t stepped outside even once.
“Just apply it thinly, okay?”
“It’s barely noticeable.”
“It will be when we’re done. That’s how makeup works.”
He squinted, scrutinizing Eleanor’s face as if trying to compare her current appearance to her bare face moments ago.
“I’m not sure if I’m doing this right.”
“Does it matter? You’re the only one who’ll see me anyway.”
“In my eyes, you’re beautiful, so I suppose this first attempt at makeup isn’t half bad.”
He had a way of delivering such awkward compliments so naturally that it was Eleanor who ended up feeling embarrassed, rolling her eyes slightly.
The brush, nearly depleted of powder, continued to glide lightly over her cheeks. He seemed to enjoy touching her face, and she didn’t rush him, letting him do as he pleased.
The skin under his sharp gaze tingled as if brushed by butterfly wings.
“I should memorize this lovely face so I don’t forget it.”
Fertan’s expression, folding his long eyes softly, was both solemn and tender. But his words caught her attention.
Noticing the strange tone, she asked, “Why are you saying this all of a sudden?”
He remained engrossed in applying her makeup.
“What do I use for the lips when they dry?”
“This. A light color.”
After dabbing a small amount of rouge onto a tiny brush, Eleanor hesitated, wondering if he could really apply it correctly.
The tip of the brush touched her lower lip.
“I’ll be gone for a few days.”
He gently spread the rouge that had clumped in the center of her lips. So focused was he on watching her that fine worry lines appeared on his brow. His demeanor was as serious as if applying her lipstick were a matter of utmost importance.
“It’ll take about a week. During that time, Eleanor, you’ll stay here.”
“Can I ask where you’re going?”
“I need to make final preparations. There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you—I command the 7th Division stationed at the southern front. I’m going there to lead my troops.”
“The 7th Division follows your orders?”
She gaped in astonishment.
Anyone familiar with the empire knew the 7th Division was its strongest military force. They consistently performed well in battles against the southern Beinart Empire during border conflicts. Unlike most units, which suffered from lax discipline, the 7th Division operated smoothly without any standout commanders or heroes.
Those in the know whispered about it: the 7th Division was the empire’s only truly reliable force, boasting an inexplicably solid organizational structure.
“So you’ve been exercising command over the 7th Division?”
“Well...”
He shrugged nonchalantly.
“I formed ties with them during our conflict with Beinart. I joined as a covert strategist, concealing my identity. Over time, I integrated them into my forces.”
“Aren’t you worried about being suspected? Soldiers live and work together in close quarters, don’t they?”
Having never directly encountered military operations, Eleanor questioned based on common knowledge.
“I posed as an advisor transferred from another unit. The 7th Division’s commander secretly swore loyalty to the late emperor—similar to Count Ginédien.”
“I had no idea. The commander doesn’t visit the capital often, so I never knew much about him.”
“Count Maxium, the commander, didn’t initially support me. But through shared battles and hardships, we built trust. Awkward as it feels to say this, the 7th Division is like a hidden sword in my arsenal.”
He finished applying the rouge to her parted lips, brushing lightly as if skimming a feather. After ensuring he was satisfied, he leaned back to examine his work closely.
Noticing some color smudged at the corner of her mouth, he wiped it away with his fingertip. Staring absently at the red stain on his thumbprint, he absentmindedly smeared it onto his own lips. Though the amount was minimal, the act of lightly sucking his finger drew her attention.
Smiling with his subtly colored lips stretched wide, he murmured, “When we meet again, I won’t be addressed as Duke Ablein but by another title.”
“Will you lead the 7th Division straight to the imperial palace?”
Eleanor listened intently, barely breathing, unwilling to miss a single detail of this crucial conversation.
“According to the current plan, I’ll station them near the city. It’s best to avoid having soldiers flood the streets unnecessarily.”
“...”
“The ones directly storming the palace will be a separate group of elite troops. Though their numbers won’t be large, they’ll be enough to subdue the palace guards and swiftly capture the emperor. These men are my personal guard—carefully recruited and trained by me over years. It wouldn’t be wrong to call them my loyal vanguard.”
“So you have other forces besides the 7th Division.”
Fertan nodded casually.
“The 7th Division, with its larger numbers, will move to suppress chaos inside and outside the city after the transfer of power. I’ve instructed Count Ginédien to maintain control over the capital’s defense forces temporarily, but that’s just a stopgap measure. To fully secure all forces, Count Maxium’s 7th Division is essential.”
The grand strategy in his mind seemed flawless, almost guaranteed to succeed. Yet, in reality, unforeseen variables could always arise.
The faction plotting the coup was determined to find the best way to overthrow the emperor, but historically, successful rebellions were few and far between. No matter how meticulously they prepared, there were bound to be vulnerabilities. At this point, it was impossible to know what might go wrong or lead to failure, making the entire endeavor perilous.
There was no telling what might ultimately seal Fertan’s fate.
“When the elite unit infiltrates the palace, where will you be?”
This was what she most wanted to know. Selfishly and perhaps cowardly, Eleanor harbored a personal wish: even if the coup failed, she hoped he would at least survive.
He stared at her silently for a long moment.
His dark, still eyes radiated an unease far more unsettling than the silence itself.
She had grown afraid—afraid that something might happen to him. That was why she desperately wanted to know whether he would personally lead the charge on the decisive day. His hesitation to explain his plans outright only heightened her anxiety.
[Public Funds ☞☜]
“Don’t worry.”
Her heart sank as she watched his trembling Adam’s apple.
Surely, he wasn’t planning to enter the palace himself?
Unable to hold back any longer, she asked, her voice trembling slightly. He tried to reassure her with a gentle smile, but her despair only deepened, unable to scream out her fears.
“I’ll be fine. As always.”
Even without explicit confirmation, his vague explanations and demeanor spoke volumes. His evasive attitude was answer enough.
Fertan would undoubtedly enter the palace alongside the elite unit, wielding sword and gun amidst the chaos.
How could anyone guarantee the life of someone so precious? His bold reassurances of returning safely felt hollow.
“You’ve never been safe before. How can you say such things so lightly...”
It was absurd to blindly assume he would survive this time too.
“Time will pass quickly. Eleanor, eat well, take walks, and soak up some sun. Just a few more days like this, and it’ll all be over.”
Only now did she realize why Fertan had taken such care in brushing her hair and applying her makeup.
Today was the day he would leave.
He was stepping into the unavoidable fate of rebellion, gathering every ounce of strength he possessed to execute his plan. Once he mobilized the military forces, the assault on the emperor would follow. Though Fertan tried to reassure her, in her calculations, the plan remained precarious.
Even the slightest miscalculation could spell disaster for their treasonous plot.
If even one of Fertan’s many followers leaked confidential information, it would be over. How could they guarantee the absolute loyalty of everyone involved? The human heart was an impenetrable mystery.
And when the palace guards clashed with Fertan’s elite unit, could they truly ensure victory? Without testing their strength, nothing was certain.
In the ensuing chaos, someone might aim a gun at Fertan and pull the trigger—or stab him through the chest with a blade.
The mere thought sent shivers down her spine, draining the color from her face.
Fertan’s drooping eyelashes glistened with unshed tears. He gently brushed her powdered cheek with the nearly depleted brush, tickling her skin.
“As soon as I capture the emperor, I’ll come for you. Stay ready to move at any moment. When the new emperor is declared, you, Eleanor, will stand by my side as the closest confidante.”
Her tear ducts betrayed her again, moisture pooling at the corners of her eyes. The carefully made-up face he had gifted her as a parting present seemed on the verge of crumbling.
To keep the tears from spilling, she tilted her head upward.
“Fertan, you’re cruel.”
He forced a smile, his nose crinkling slightly.
“What do you mean?”
“You didn’t give me the chance to cling to you and beg you not to enter the palace—to stay behind and command from the rear. But… you’ve made sure I can’t cry by fixing my face like this.”
He pouted slightly, tilting his head to press a faint kiss against her lips. The red rouge transferred from his lips onto his naturally handsome face, making him look even more radiant.
His brilliance infuriated her. She hated him bitterly in this moment, hating how much she would miss this.
“The next emperor needs to be clever, don’t you think? Having such a beautiful empress to see him off must feel nice.”
“Clever? More like cunning and wicked.”
With a sob-like sigh, she cursed the man who tormented her heart.
His finger traced the corner of her eye. His hand, rough and calloused, was unlike that of any nobleman.
“While I’m gone, don’t let this place flood with tears. I’ll have Liam watch over you. If you cry, I won’t let you off easy when I return.”
“And what exactly will you do if I don’t behave?”
She challenged him defiantly. How would this Fertan, worlds apart from Leonard, reprimand her?
“I’ll make good on my threat to tie you to my bed and ravish you.”
Despite herself, her cheeks flushed, a reluctant laugh escaping her lips. Her reddened mouth mirrored the hue of his.
Even now, his crude jokes persisted. What was she to do with this uncontrollable man?
Who else but her could tame this unruly Fertan? By now, Eleanor had grown accustomed to playing along, though she shot him a sharp glare.
“Will you keep saying these vulgar things even after you become emperor?”
“Hmm... probably?”
Through her blurring vision, she memorized every detail of his face—his eyes, nose, and lips.
Their playful banter and teasing moments were coming to an end.
---
At the same time, early in the morning, Leonard sat confidently in the Roland family’s drawing room.
Having barged in without checking if Edwin was home, he waited impatiently for the master of the house to return, issuing commands to the servants as if it were his own residence.
Edwin had spent the night outside, organizing his private militia, and returned late in the morning to find the presumptuous crown prince already seated, sipping tea as if he owned the place.
“You seem busy,” Edwin remarked, masking his displeasure with polite decorum.
“I was fulfilling the emperor’s orders and have only just returned. Had I known Your Highness was here, I would have returned sooner.”
Though laced with subtle criticism of the uninvited guest, Leonard feigned ignorance.
“I’ve also been occupied with the emperor’s orders lately. It seems we’re working toward the same goal.”
“Indeed. We need to locate Duke Ablein as soon as possible.”
Leonard looked unusually pale, his complexion greenish, likely due to poor health. Despite his lack of remarkable qualities, his noble lineage allowed him to wield power arrogantly—a fact that irked Edwin.
Both the aging emperor and the crown prince were links Edwin intended to sever eventually. But first, he needed to impregnate his younger sister, Eleanor, with the imperial bloodline.
Edwin had never outwardly revealed his ambitions.
His manipulation of Maximilian, the late emperor’s brother, to orchestrate an assassination attempt had been remarkably calculated. Even after ascending the throne, the foolish emperor remained oblivious to being used, making him easy to control. By his early twenties, Edwin had become a member of the Institutional Council, wielding considerable influence.
But greed knew no bounds. Edwin disliked having to flatter the emperor with honeyed words. He loathed bowing and scraping. Most of all, he resented that the empire wasn’t entirely his.
An outright usurpation, changing the royal surname, carried too great a risk. Success was uncertain, and quelling the backlash from nobles and citizens might take a lifetime.
After careful consideration, the highest position Edwin could realistically attain was that of regent.
Leonard, as a pawn in his grand scheme, served merely as a means to an end. Though his frail frame and unimpressive demeanor made him resemble a worn-out donkey.
“Your Highness, have you made any progress? If you’ve found any trace of the duke, I’d appreciate it if you’d share.”
Leonard’s throat emitted a strained groan.
“Grr... No matter how hard I searched, I couldn’t find a single clue. What about you?”
“The same. I couldn’t determine how he escaped.”
“That’s why I’ve come to see you. Wouldn’t it be better if we worked together?”
Edwin glanced at the other man’s expression.
Edwin carefully scrutinized Leonard, wondering if he had somehow discovered the true extent of his private militia. But Leonard’s dull gaze betrayed no knowledge.
For now, it was better to cooperate with Leonard, who still held some value, unlike the increasingly useless Emperor. The proposed collaboration didn’t seem like a bad idea.
“Your suggestion is wise. I’ve lacked the resources to investigate thoroughly on my own.”
Leonard’s smug expression was almost comical.
“Good, then let’s discuss our progress so far.”
“First, I thoroughly questioned people from the red-light district to the riverbank. But no one saw the duke emerge from the river.”
“Our investigations overlap. Tracing his route from the river seems unlikely.”
“I also looked into individuals who might have helped him, but found nothing noteworthy.”
“I interrogated those who claim loyalty to the late emperor. Similarly, I found little of use. Though ransacking Count Ginédien’s estate was rather amusing.”
No traces of Fertan had been found among his acquaintances or allies, and they seemed unaware of his survival. That avenue of investigation had already been exhausted, leaving nowhere else to search.
Thus, the scope needed to be widened. They had to search not just among the late emperor’s faction but across the entire city.
This was a particularly thorny problem. It was impossible to comb through every household in the vast capital of Solcherton or conduct random searches. At best, they could focus on properties of significant size, considering Fertan’s wealth.
Then Edwin recalled something one of his advisors had casually mentioned.
“Your Highness, didn’t Duke Ablein embezzle a considerable amount of funds?”
“Hmm, that’s right.”
“He undoubtedly transferred them under someone else’s name. Leaving assets without an owner would be too risky.”
Leonard’s eyes gleamed.
“Shall we look into the ownership of these assets?”
“Precisely. Investigating wealthy individuals would be more productive than random searches.”
“But how can we determine the scale of everyone’s assets?”
In the Ratton Empire, only rough estimates of nobles’ and merchants’ wealth were available. Taxes were levied on land and trade, but these didn’t fully account for personal wealth.
Still, there was some basis for investigation. Imperial records of tax collections and land ownership could prove useful.
“The wealthy are well-known. We could start with those rumored to be rich in social circles. People who’ve expanded their businesses in recent years also seem suspicious.”
“Yes, that’s a good idea.”
The two continued their discussion, devising ways to uncover hidden wealthy individuals and considering external interference. They decided to quickly compile a list of potential asset holders based on imperial records.
---
The sunlight was blindingly bright, almost painfully so. Despite the heavy rain that should have fallen, clear skies had persisted for days.
Eleanor awkwardly followed Fertan as he prepared to leave.
“That’s enough. Let’s say our goodbyes here.”
On the low steps before the entrance, Fertan pressed his lips to her forehead. An ordinary gesture, yet she imbued it with unintended significance, as if it were a divine blessing.
Even if she followed further, she could only accompany him as far as the distant gate.
The short distance felt unbearably insufficient. She hesitated to descend the stairs, fearing that following him all the way would only weigh on his heart.
“...Mm.”
Her throat tightened, preventing her from saying more.
Fertan stood beneath the sun, his expression radiant. He narrowed his long eyes at her.
“You’re beautiful. My empress.”
Her lips trembled involuntarily.
“I never agreed to be your empress.”
She bit back her tears, afraid she’d burst into sobs if she spoke further.
“Eat well. Try to finish the steak on your plate.”
His final words were concern for her well-being. Oh, this man… He was truly exasperating.
After one last kiss, he turned away. His trapezoidal silhouette receded down the stairs.
The marble entrance was sharply divided by light and shadow. The midday sun cast the narrow awning’s line onto the floor, creating a vivid boundary. The stark contrast felt like it separated Fertan from her.
Eleanor couldn’t step beyond that line.
As he bid her farewell, she reluctantly waved.
She forced her powdered cheeks into the lovely expression he desired. Fertan likely hoped not for dazzling beauty but for Eleanor’s resilience.
‘Please don’t get hurt. Come back to me just as you are.’
Her lips moved silently, mouthing a silent prayer.
He passed the guards at the gate and disappeared toward the carriage house. The small villa kept its stables and carriage storage separate. She watched his tall figure climb into the waiting carriage without blinking, waving until the unremarkable black carriage vanished at the end of the road.
Was this how a wife felt, sending her husband to war?
Was this the anguish of lovers parting against their will?
When he was completely out of sight, Eleanor collapsed where she stood, overcome by sobs.
---
The unstable Emperor Maximillian remained restless despite issuing orders.
Fertan was his direct adversary. It was the emperor himself who had instructed Edwin to assassinate the late emperor and plotted tirelessly to eliminate Fertan. His position differed from Edwin’s scheming or Leonard’s ignorance of past events.
Thus, he couldn’t simply wait for them to bring good news.
‘I need to ensure Fertan is completely neutralized.’
The theft of a few relics from the late emperor last spring had been alarming.
Among them, the signet ring had been left untouched as a private memento. It symbolized Maximillian’s greatest victory, a cherished trophy.
Though he had ordered all relics cleaned, he left the ring undisturbed, secretly cherishing it as a token of satisfaction. Only Edwin, overseeing all operations, knew of its existence.
Its disappearance was unsettling.
At the time, the emperor expected Fertan to expose the truth publicly. But to his surprise, Fertan remained silent.
Feeling the crisis, the emperor had Edwin prepare countermeasures. If Fertan tried to reveal the truth, they ensured he would face immediate backlash, rendering the relic powerless against the emperor’s authority.
The stolen item could even frame Fertan for treason. Its exposure would harm him far more.
Objectively, Fertan posed no immediate threat to the emperor. Yet his mere existence unsettled Maximillian.
‘This won’t do. I must handle this myself. Leonard has no real incentive to find Fertan, and Edwin is too unpredictable.’
The emperor summoned the captain of the palace guard.
“You called, Your Majesty?”
“I have an important task for you.”
The rigid and unimaginative guard waited dutifully for the emperor’s command.
Maximillian eyed the guard with distaste. Though he often considered replacing him, doing so was complicated. The captain hailed from a prestigious family, making dismissal risky. Without any major mistakes to justify removal, it would only invite gossip.
So he left him in charge of palace security, content that incorporating his family into the emperor’s faction served a purpose.
“I need to deploy some of the guards for a search operation.”
“What are we searching for?”
The mere mention of Fertan was enough to make the captain of the palace guard visibly uneasy.
“Are you referring to Duke Ablein? I was under the impression he had already passed away.”
“No, he’s very much alive but hiding somewhere and refusing to show himself.”
“How could that be?”
“How long does he intend to continue his debauched lifestyle in secret? The shame he brings upon the royal family is intolerable. I cannot simply sit idly by.”
The mention of Fertan alone made the captain uncomfortable.
This reaction mirrored his attitude when the emperor had previously ordered the guards to attack Fertan. The captain had been reluctant to dirty his hands, and though he hadn’t outright defied the imperial command, he hadn’t harmed Fertan either—only issuing vague threats before retreating.
But this time, the situation was different. The order wasn’t to kill Fertan but to locate him.
“Your mission is to find where the duke is staying. Can you do that?”
“You want me to bring him back alive?”
“Alive if possible, or his corpse if he’s dead.”
If the captain succeeded in capturing Fertan, someone else could handle the disposal.
“I shall obey your orders.”
“However, all operations must remain covert. It would be best if as few people as possible knew about this shameful prince gallivanting around unchecked.”
“Understood.”
The emperor concealed a satisfied smile. The empire’s most elite military unit, the palace guard, was now tasked with apprehending Fertan.
“However, I understand the duke was officially declared missing and presumed dead. There’s no official record of his survival. May I ask how Your Majesty learned of his existence?”
“A reliable source informed me. Beyond confirming he’s alive, I have nothing further to share with you.”
“It would be helpful to have even a small lead.”
“I don’t know much, but I’ve issued similar orders to Lord Roland and the crown prince. Collaborating with them might prove useful.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The emperor reiterated his demand that every effort be made to locate Fertan before dismissing the captain.
After handling a few minor tasks, the emperor’s steps turned toward the private chambers.
In the grand music room, preparations for a chamber music performance were underway. As the emperor entered, the finest musicians were tuning their instruments.
The audience consisted solely of the emperor and empress. The empress, who had arrived earlier, sat motionless like a wooden block, her face devoid of life.
When their eyes met, her already pale expression grew even more strained.
“You’ve arrived, Your Majesty.”
Her forced smile was awkward, unable to mask her distaste.
“Have you been waiting long? You look unwell.”
Noticing the emperor’s subtle cue, she summoned all her strength to produce a bright expression, maintaining it until he looked away.
Having endured countless tortures in the emperor’s bedchamber, she knew better than to displease him. She performed her role with utmost diligence.
Fix Public Funds
“Not at all. The performance is just about to begin.”
The emperor and his son were cut from the same cloth—cruel natures masked by civility, delighting in others’ suffering in private.
The more refined and elegant the victim, the greater the sadistic pleasure. There was a certain thrill in ruining something pristine. Only the emperor knew the extent of the wounds hidden beneath her elegant gowns.
Commoners were merely disposable tools, discarded after use. Many mistresses had passed through the emperor’s chambers, but none had left a lasting impression.
The true amusement came from tormenting the empress. Her status, beauty, and desperate attempts to endure fueled his destructive desires.
“Let’s start by wetting our throats.”
An elaborate spread of refreshments was laid out, featuring dozens of desserts and beverages.
As the emperor sipped chilled grape ade, a steaming cup of tea was placed before the empress. When she asked a maid for something cooler to drink, the emperor intervened.
“Drink what’s been given to you.”
“It’s rather warm today. The late summer heat is oppressive.”
“This tea invigorates the womb. Drink it without complaint.”
At the slightest hint of resistance from the empress, the emperor’s coercive demands followed swiftly. She no longer sighed, obediently lifting the cup and drinking the scalding liquid.
It was the same bitter medicine she’d been forced to consume frequently of late. Though too harsh to drink as tea, such discomfort paled compared to the agony inflicted in the emperor’s chambers.
Once the cup was empty, the maid refilled it at the emperor’s signal.
“From now on, drink this instead of water.”
Resistance was futile.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I cannot wait indefinitely for an heir from you.”
“...”
“It’s been nearly a year since our marriage. A year without issue is a serious problem.”
“My apologies.”
The emperor inwardly resented Leonard’s monopoly on the line of succession. However, Lucena was too frail to challenge the throne. He needed another contender to dilute the concentration of power. A viable child would not only diversify the power structure but also increase Leonard’s compliance.
He drained his glass of ade and slammed it onto the table with irritation.
“I will give you two more years.”
For the empress, this was a final ultimatum. Her trembling lips struggled to form words.
“If I fail to bear an heir within two years, may I ask what will happen?”
“Don’t the fates of my previous empresses answer that question sufficiently?”
“I do not know where they are now.”
Terrified by the horrifying rumors, the empress dared to seek confirmation directly from the emperor.
“The first empress returned to her family due to strong backing. But the second and third were sent to a convent.”
Better a convent than this hellish place—that was the empress’s honest wish. But a chilling implication soon followed.
“Of course, my former empresses are not still alive and praying in peace.”
She understood: once sent there, death was inevitable. Her teeth chattered audibly as she contemplated whether assassination or unbearable conditions would claim her life.
“You must bear a child. Because... you understand, don’t you?”
With feigned innocence, the emperor pointed at her—the fourth empress—as if marking her as the next to be dragged to the convent of death.
---
The captain of the palace guard visited Edwin and Leonard to coordinate the investigation. Given their busy schedules, meeting them separately was necessary.
Before Crown Prince Leonard, the captain treaded carefully. He had witnessed firsthand that the prince’s infamous reputation was no mere rumor.
“Your Highness, I am under imperial orders to locate Duke Ablein.”
“Hmm, any progress?”
“We’ve just begun assembling a search team. If Your Highness has any information about the duke, I’d appreciate your insights.”
“The duke’s survival skills are surprisingly formidable. He won’t be easy to find.”
“This doesn’t align with my previous impression of him.”
Leonard gazed out the window, lost in thought for a moment.
“Lord Roland and I have already thoroughly investigated all of the duke’s known acquaintances, but we found no trace of him.”
“Then I’ll conduct a cursory sweep of his usual circles and focus more on other areas.”
Just as the captain was about to inquire further, the crown prince seemed distracted, his gaze fixed on some distant point.
“Your Highness…?”
“Hmm.”
Leonard’s mind was preoccupied—not with finding the duke, but with Eleanor. Sensing he shouldn’t interrupt, the captain waited silently as Leonard’s thoughts wandered even further.
The crown prince murmured her name softly under his breath.
“Eleanor... where...”
Where did she go? I need to find her.
His next words were too muffled for the captain to catch. Assuming Leonard’s sharp mood stemmed from the upcoming wedding, the captain tried to ease the tension.
“Your Highness, you must have much on your mind with the wedding approaching.”
“Hmm? Ah, yes. It’s just three days away now.”
“I understand how you feel. Preparing for the ceremony while handling this mission must be quite taxing.”
Adding these formalities seemed to work, as Leonard readily agreed.
“That’s exactly right. Lately, I haven’t had the capacity to fully carry out the emperor’s orders. I’ll leave this task in your capable hands.”
It was clear what he meant: do most of the work for him. The captain, unable to object openly to the notoriously difficult prince, simply hardened his expression slightly.
“I’ll do my best.”
“Good. First, speak with Lord Roland.”
Leonard’s thoughts remained entirely consumed by Eleanor. His increasingly hollow eyes betrayed none of the joy expected of a man about to marry, yet it was undeniable that his mind was filled with visions of the woman soon to be his bride.
Unbeknownst to the captain, Leonard had mobilized his entire private intelligence network not to find Fertan, but to locate Eleanor.
Leonard’s mounting frustration was solely directed at her. Thus, he subtly guided the captain to take charge of searching for Fertan instead.
When the captain next visited Lord Roland’s estate, he encountered a different atmosphere altogether.
After introducing his mission, Edwin warmly welcomed him and led him to a spacious study where a large city map was spread out. The map was marked with various symbols, surrounded by hastily scribbled notes.
“It’s fortunate that the palace guard is stepping in. As a mere noble family, our resources are limited. We’ve done some investigating, but lack the manpower to conduct thorough inquiries.”
“I see. Then we’ll handle the legwork.”
The captain failed to notice the subtle glint of cunning in Edwin’s eyes.
“Besides, I lacked a proper pretext. Knocking on people’s doors is better suited to the palace guard.”
“I fabricated a cover story as well. I obtained an imperial order claiming we’re pursuing a thief who stole royal treasures.”
They spoke at a table in one corner of the expansive study. Across the room, stacks of documents were neatly piled on a desk—papers Edwin had been reviewing.
“What are those documents over there? Are they related to the search?”
Edwin looked up abruptly, his response tinged with urgency.
“Oh, those pertain to matters within my household. Managing an estate generates no small amount of paperwork.”
“Indeed. But to call it mere housekeeping seems overly modest, my lord. Leading a great house like yours is no trivial task.”
“You flatter me.”
Recalling how Leonard had been distracted during their meeting, the captain wondered if Edwin, too, was occupied with other matters. Still, impressed by the meticulous annotations on the map, he offered a polite suggestion.
“With so much on your plate, I’ll take the lead based on what you’ve gathered so far.”
“Thank you, but this task is my priority.”
“What about Lady Eleanor’s wedding preparations? There are only three days left.”
At the mention of Eleanor, Edwin paused briefly in his examination of the map. He steadied his breathing to maintain a composed expression.
His movements were so natural that the captain detected nothing amiss.
“The wedding is being handled impeccably by Eleanor herself. She’s such a capable person; she manages everything without my intervention.”
“Of course. I, too, eagerly await the day Lady Eleanor becomes a member of the imperial family.”
While Leonard had been visibly agitated, pacing and fixated on Eleanor, Edwin appeared calm and focused. His demeanor suggested someone deeply immersed in work, giving the impression of diligence.
Impressed, the captain saw only the image Edwin intended to project—a prudent and meticulous Lord Roland.
Edwin casually placed a heavy book atop the stack of papers the captain had briefly glanced at earlier, ensuring the pages wouldn’t flip accidentally.
Those papers pertained to Lord Roland’s private militia.
For a fleeting moment, Edwin was startled by the captain’s sharper-than-expected observational skills. Not only had he scrutinized the map but also surveyed the study and Edwin’s desk from afar.
Still, having smoothly deflected suspicion, Edwin ensured everything proceeded according to his plan.
“Here’s the data we’ve compiled so far. We’ve created a list of individuals who’ve recently gained sudden wealth.”
“Thank you. It seems the groundwork has been largely completed.”
“We’ve also noted those who’ve paid higher taxes or purchased expensive goods. While it’s impossible to compile a perfect list, I believe we can narrow down the scope significantly.”
The captain examined the list with admiration. Edwin generously shared as much information as possible.
Though outwardly respectful, Edwin inwardly mocked the captain, envisioning him scurrying around like an industrious ant.
This was a common phenomenon when issuing identical orders to multiple parties—each trying to shift the burden of hard work onto others. The dim-witted emperor would remain oblivious to these dynamics, but Edwin, adept at intrigue, foresaw how things would unfold.
The most diligent worker would undoubtedly be the earnest and steadfast captain. Leonard, rather than fulfilling the emperor’s orders, would remain wholly preoccupied with finding Eleanor. And Edwin, feigning active support, would ultimately claim all the credit as the final victor.
“How about dividing the search areas? I’ll deploy Lord Roland’s men to investigate from City Hall westward.”
The captain hesitated momentarily. The western part of the city had few affluent households, meaning fewer places to search.
Edwin, feigning innocence, asked again.
“Does this arrangement displease you?”
“No, not at all. That works.”
Having received nearly all the investigative materials from Edwin, the captain couldn’t bring himself to object, despite feeling uneasy about the division of labor.
As Edwin bid farewell to the captain, he was certain the remaining areas would fall squarely on the captain’s shoulders.
Returning to his desk in the study, Edwin retrieved the recruitment documents for his private militia, reviewing each section carefully. Moments later, several burly men entered and bowed. Edwin eyed them over the documents.
“How’s progress?”
“We’re continuing the enlistment tests. We’re selecting those with moderate proficiency in swordsmanship and marksmanship.”
“Hmm…”
These were highly paid military commanders and training officers specially recruited to oversee Lord Roland’s private forces, chosen with utmost discretion for security reasons.
The commander added in a precise tone:
“Those with exceptional scores are immediately enlisted, while those with middling skills undergo basic training before final evaluation.”
“How many have been recruited so far?”
“In terms of numbers, we’ve surpassed half of our target. Within a few days, we should meet the quota, albeit with some gaps.”
“Just keep in mind that not all of them will be useful.”
“Yes, we’ll need to weed out quite a few.”
Edwin found the cautiously optimistic report satisfying. Controllable risks weren’t a bad thing, and the process of discussing countermeasures with the commander stirred his appetite for challenge.
“The unit’s location should be as close to my territory as possible. I’ll inform my aide in charge of the estate, so have him scout out a suitable place.”
“Shouldn’t it be far from this city? For security reasons?”
The commander asked cautiously, implying that a secretive militia becoming widely known in the city would be problematic.
“It seems you still doubt my words. This is not an illegal militia. We’ve received the emperor’s approval to recruit troops. There’s no need to broadcast it unnecessarily, but we’re operating within the law.”
The commander looked astonished. Even though Edwin had claimed from the start that the militia was officially sanctioned, the man seemed only now to believe it.
“I’ll also report the location to His Majesty later, so there’s no need to worry.”
“Understood. I’ll proceed as instructed. Is there anything else you’d like me to do?”
For a moment, Edwin considered the emperor’s orders—whether to deploy the militia in the search for Fertan—but quickly dismissed the thought.
That task was better left to the captain of the palace guard. Besides, sending soldiers dressed in the palace guard’s uniforms would make inquiries at households more palatable. He planned to use only a few of his estate’s servants to create the illusion of carrying out the mission.
It would be troublesome if something went wrong with the militia. This army was reserved for forcing the emperor’s abdication later on.
“No, there are no further instructions.”
Edwin encouraged the commander to focus solely on building Lord Roland’s forces diligently.
What weighed more heavily on Edwin’s mind was Eleanor. Finding his younger sister was crucial to bringing her into the imperial family. But since Leonard would fervently search for her, Edwin decided it was best to monitor the situation for now.
It would be a lie to say the upcoming wedding wasn’t weighing on him.
After all, he had already done everything he could to prepare, and the rest was in fate’s hands.
He had also secured a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Eleanor to stand in her place at the wedding. Security around this plan was airtight. The officiating priest wouldn’t notice the imposter Eleanor’s face beneath her veil during the marriage vows.
Edwin was confident. There would be no room for mistakes in the wedding ceremony—a grand stage designed to deceive everyone.
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