Ch#224
The Grand Duke, as my guardian, went out into society every time to gather all sorts of information. The places he went were clubs where only gentlemen could participate, places where all sorts of political talk circulated.
Of course, it was a matter of each faction mingling to share their own secret information, but since the Grand Duke had declared his affiliation with the Crown Prince with his help, there was no problem with him mingling with them by this point.
It was even more so since it was after the Emperor's death. No one knew who would receive the next Emperor's favor. Therefore, it was important to build connections by adding to each other's friendship in advance. Though the House of the Marquess of Roshan stood at the very center.
At any rate, according to the Grand Duke, the atmosphere was very bad due to the arguments over the culprit who poisoned the Emperor. Those who should have acted dignified were using profanity, digging into the past to slander each other, and not hesitating to hurl crude insults at the Empress and the Crown Prince.
Fortunately, however, the evidence presented by the Empress was weak, and her position was gradually narrowing. The only reason she had managed to hold out until now was because of the doubt: 'Would a biological mother really try to pull down her own child?'
Otherwise, she would have been confined to the palace long ago under the accusation of framing him.
"They tried several times to plant poison in His Highness's room. They wanted to claim that evidence of the poisoning was found there. But since everything was cleared out in advance and defenses were perfect, they aren't getting caught."
Lady Roshan snorted, calling it poetic justice. Adding that while the Imperial Family looked somewhat peaceful on the surface—though using the word 'peace' itself was laughable—all sorts of secret feuds and schemes ran rampant in places unseen.
She said it was hard to count how many people had become desperate trying to leave fabricated evidence in the Crown Prince's room.
"Countless assassins and information brokers residing in the Empire must have died by the swords of His Highness and Knight Mel. Thanks to that, they aren't even trying to attempt it anymore."
"They are attempting surprisingly simple methods."
"It's a side effect that occurs because two forces have merged into one."
"That means..."
"As long as the Grand Duke and the Kiran Family are there, they cannot suppress the Empress's actions. Unless they ask her to restrain herself."
"That is the difference."
"Yes. It looks trivial now, but once war breaks out, it might turn into a major conflict. We are working to dig into that even deeper."
"It would be easier if we utilized the women around them."
At my words, Lady Roshan laughed. Adding that they were already doing so. I suddenly thought of the two women who had insulted me when I went to see the Empress.
Wouldn't it be alright to shake them up? No, they might be too loyal. Though someone like Madame Guillaumin, who was full of vain desires, could probably be utilized well. While Emery Nilam is said to be a difficult person to deal with.
However, the person mentioned by Lady Roshan was very unexpected.
"We are targeting Nilam as a primary objective."
"Emery Nilam? Isn't she Pulkeor's most loyal person? Is that even possible?"
"Loyalty is only possible when it receives proper reward. People often become neglectful of those close to them. A heart that was grateful at first later thinks of it as a given and treats them poorly."
Like the way Roena treated Mago? For a moment, I instinctively looked at Lady Roshan. Was this a tactic born from experience?
The Crown Prince took the pure love Lady Roshan showed him for granted. So he drew lines so coldly it was sometimes embarrassing for those watching. Therefore, if I were Lady Roshan, my affection for him would have withered hundreds of times over.
Digressing, since Lady Roshan's words didn't immediately hit home, I instinctively tilted my head. She didn't seem like someone who would be so easily swayed.
"The women who follow Pulkeor are divided into ranks according to the affection she gives. This means their positions can change at any time. And lately, Nilam has drifted a bit from Pulkeor's sight. Because her position was secure for too long, it stirred up the jealousy of others."
Even if she was an Empress who had cleverly gripped the women around her with an elegant grace, she was ultimately human. She couldn't help but succumb to sweet words. Naturally, her favored person would change, and resentment would follow.
Essentially, if the candy in one's hand is taken away due to someone's scheme, a person resents the party who took the candy more than the one who devised the scheme. The disappointment of 'Did you not trust me?' turns into hatred.
What Lady Roshan spoke of was such a case, and since war was right around the corner, now was the perfect time.
They say it is the man who goes to war and sheds blood with a sword, but the one who sends that man to the battlefield is the monarch and the woman with a poisoned tongue. And the one who moves that woman was another woman.
"It will be soon."
"Yes. According to the person planted on that side, there is less than a week left."
There are more than enough triggers. But the problem is what will be used as the starting point. Who strikes first is also necessary to preoccupy the advantageous high ground.
"Whether someone dies or an unexpected result comes out, at any rate, we have no choice but to wait."
Lady Roshan spoke to me with a sigh. Her fingertips were trembling significantly as if she were anxious. I reached out and took her hand.
"Yes. That's right."
The winner in the past was the Crown Prince. But since he had won while the Emperor was alive, it was unstable whether he would perfectly win even now.
Of course, war will happen. The only problem is who will be standing and laughing at the end. Everything is unclear. It felt as if we were shrouded in mist.
And exactly one week later, the incident occurred. The fuse of rebellion had been lit.
With a bang.
Shards of the Broken Glass Shoe
