Translator: Nox

Ch#248

What House Debonzel wanted from me was likely the following: to move Knight Aires and secure his support.

Even I would covet the power of the Knight of Ice, who was utterly devoted to me. Since he had played a major role in helping the Crown Prince suppress the rebellion, there was no telling how high he would rise. At the very least, he would be the Commander of the Imperial Knights, and considering his friendship with the Crown Prince, it was certain he would receive a title of Count or higher.

Furthermore, considering the absolute support of his house for Knight Aires, they couldn't help but reach out. The fact that they stood by while rumors spread that he and I were lovers—even when my mother was being looked down upon in society—spoke volumes.

With this much power, they could easily suppress House Rosan, which was currently acting as if it knew no fear. To produce an Empress while sidelining a house of equal strength, this level of power was essential.

Additionally, the rumors secretly circulating in the streets lately must have played a part in focusing their attention on me.

I believed that was the true reason House Debonzel had invited me. Rumors were rife in the capital that the man who saved the Crown Prince, Rade Relshin, was a distant relative of mine.

By having Jack and the information brokers inflate and spread Rade Relshin's achievements, the number of people fascinated by his loyalty and mysteriousness grew exponentially. To them, the contributions of Knight Halverd or Knight Aires were incomparable to those of Rade Relshin.

Indeed, soldiers returning from the war also talked about how I had saved the Crown Prince at the end, so people were curious about what kind of reward he, a scion of a fallen noble house, would receive.

They knew very well how significant it was to save the life of the man who would become the new Emperor. Some even thought he would become a new power and bring vitality to society.

For House Debonzel, which was in a power struggle with House Rosan, it was a tempting rumor. So they must have tracked the name 'Relshin' to see if it was a real family name.

Then, as soon as they felt certain that Rade Relshin was me, they invited me to tea. They assumed I wouldn't refuse, since the Relshin house could be brilliantly revived with House Debonzel's sponsorship.

"A woman cannot hold a title. I wonder if the Lady knows that?"

After the tea time ended and everyone else had returned home, I could not. This was because the daughter of Duke Dibenzel had lightly pulled me toward the Duke's study.

I hadn't expected 'soon' to be right now, so I followed her guidance while barely hiding my bewildered expression.

Inside the study, which was a bit dark with the curtains slightly drawn, sat Duke Dibenzel. He greeted me, offered me a seat, and got straight to the point.

He seemed to think it was better to state his intentions clearly rather than beating around the bush. Certainly, that was more convenient.

"But it's different for young master Relshin. I wish to invest in him. It would be a waste to leave a promising young man like him alone. Though he is the scion of a fallen house, did he not perform a great service this time? His Highness will not sit idly by. However, since there was no way to contact him, I have come to speak through the Lady, so please do not think it rude. After all, the Lady's thoughts are his thoughts, are they not?"

"I am grateful for your deep consideration. He would be very pleased to hear it."

When I pretended not to know and spoke of myself and Rade Relshin as separate people, the Duke stroked his beard and smiled broadly as if satisfied.

"I want him to become the Count of House Bischwaldz. You are currently in charge of the family's affairs, but is that not merely temporary? A house passes to the husband upon marriage. Don't you think it's a waste to let it go like this? Of course, that reward might seem insufficient compared to the price of saving His Highness's life."

"But won't there be strong backlash from others? Especially the relatives."

Among the nobles who attended the war, the news of my cross-dressing was already shared like a secret. The fact that the Grand Duke's people mentioned me and tried to kill me on the day of the final battle was proof of that.

The fact that Jack and Bird found me so easily was in the same vein. Therefore, if anyone dug tenaciously into Rade Relshin, they would be able to reach me.

Just as Duke Dibenzel had. So I was concerned whether Rade Relshin could become a Bischwaldz, as he said.

However, the Duke spoke decisively as if it weren't an issue, smoking a cigar with an elegant air. He asked who would dare stir up an incident that could be considered a flaw of the Crown Prince, now that his authority was so powerful.

"No, they won't be able to. They can't help but watch His Highness's reaction. Besides, when I am giving my support, who would dare to oppose?!"

He then lamented lowly that there was no one in the noble world brave enough to reveal such a thing.

"Have you forgotten that there is a male child who can be the heir to House Bischwaldz?"

"Forgive me, Lady, but I intentionally avoided mentioning him. Out of consideration for you. It is a very regrettable thing. What is certain is that no one likes a noble with a physical defect."

"That means a widower is better."

At my words, he nodded calmly. He stopped smoking after a few puffs and crushed the cigar into the ashtray, looking quite relaxed.

"Society will rather regard that as a virtue. It's truly a laughable thing. So, what does the Lady think of this proposal?"

"Young master Relshin will not want to miss the opportunity given to him. He cherishes his distant older cousin in House Bischwaldz very much. Even if she makes a foolish choice, he would understand her generously. Enough to risk his life."

"That is a very satisfactory answer. As long as he is with us, he will be able to fly further than anyone else."

"Rade Relshin is prepared to do anything as long as his sister does not suffer a disadvantage. If the heart Your Grace is showing is sincere, that is."

*Of course, the decision on that depends on the Crown Prince's attitude.* This thought rose to the tip of my tongue, but I didn't say it aloud.

I only smiled softly and expressed satisfaction with the negotiation. I didn't understand why they would go this far to produce an Empress—perhaps out of greed for the next imperial power—but for me, it wasn't a losing deal, so I had no reason to refuse. For now, there were more benefits for me.

Furthermore, since I had been quite disappointed by Lady Roshan's recent behavior, this kind of persuasion wasn't bad.

"I'm glad the Lady is a person of quick discernment. You've made a very wise choice."

"I am merely grateful that you look so kindly upon my cousin."

"By the way, I heard that your attempts to meet the young lady of House Bischwaldz kept failing... how about I offer some help?"

The young lady of House Bischwaldz the Duke mentioned must be Roena. I stared at him with wide eyes. I was a bit surprised, not knowing he had prepared even this.

Understandably so, for I had tried to meet her several times, but it failed so strangely that I hadn't seen her face once since returning to the capital. Every time, I was told it wasn't possible, as if someone were intentionally blocking it.

"Is that possible?"

At my question, the Duke smiled broadly again.

"Have you forgotten? House Debonzel, along with House Rosan, has the merit of guarding the capital. Thus, even His Highness the Crown Prince cannot treat us lightly. That is why Lady Roshan is moving so overtly and actively."

"I would be merely grateful if you could do that."

"Lady, my daughter wishes to cherish you very much. And I have great interest in the young man named Relshin. So please consider this a light favor."

"Yes, I shall."

At my reply, he rarely reached out and requested a handshake. While it was very rude behavior toward a noble lady, it could be considered close to respect as an act toward Rade Relshin. In other words, it was his intention to see me strictly as Rade Relshin from now on.

So I also reached out and shook the Duke's hand naturally. The hand of another overlapping with mine had a moderate warmth and didn't feel unpleasant. This was a thought I could have because the compromise had gone well.

***

The Emperor's funeral was held very simply. The wounds from the war and rebellion were only just beginning to heal, and since it was already the second funeral, there was no reason to make it grand. Also, because the Crown Prince, who was soon to ascend the throne, said he would do it that way, there was no one to say no.

Thus, with a memorial, a moment of silence, and a priest's prayer, the late Emperor vanished perfectly into history.

Pulkeor, who was known to have poisoned the Emperor, could not attend the second funeral. Instead, Shatoru filled that place.

Perhaps because she had been humiliated so much by other noblewomen, her face, seen after a long time, was haggard and gaunt.

However, her natural grace was unavoidable, and despite wearing a black dress, a seductive air oozed from her. She threw a white flower onto the Emperor's body, then turned and stepped down to her seat. An enigmatic smile was on her lips. It was likely a sense of relief.

Since there was no longer a reason to watch her step, Shatoru's side was crowded after a long time with people, especially men, trying to catch her eye.

They were hoping this beautiful Emperor's mistress would associate with them.

Shatoru seemed to enjoy that despicable behavior while also finding it laughable, and she looked at me with a shrug. Feeling it was a signal for help, I asked for the people's understanding and brought her to my side.

"Men, even if they're about to die, only think of that. To think I would fall for a single gesture from them, it's truly laughable. If they aren't as rich as the late Emperor, they should at least have a great face or body. To think they dare look at me, how infuriating it is. So, have you been well?"

"And you, Madam?"

"Oh, good heavens. Did you just call me Madam? To still call me Madam, I don't know if the Lady is truly innocent or wicked."

I only smiled quietly at her sarcastic tone. It was because the way she bared her claws like a cat was quite cute. I also felt I knew why the Madam was acting this way.

She couldn't hide her disappointment. She knew the circumstances, but since she couldn't ignore the surging emotions, she was expressing them this way.

"You're finally returning to the mansion."

"Yes, that's right. I'm being kicked out of the Imperial Palace. I've become able to live normally, throwing away all the glamorous life. Honestly, I don't know what that 'normalcy' is yet. I decided to sell my body to avoid starving to death, and met the Emperor not long after taking customers. How long did I stay there? Ah, I don't know. Anyway, during that time, I crossed back and forth through the social circles, mocking the high-and-mighty nobles under my feet. Even Pulkeor was no match for me. It was so enjoyable. But now it remains only as a dream."

"It won't be immediately."

"Oh, I know. I'll be suffering from courtships for a while. But if they're like those fools earlier, I'll absolutely decline. I'm too young and beautiful for that. My body is also a fantasy, isn't it?"

During the war, Madam de Shatoru learned how to suppress her sorrow and bury it in her heart. And she realized the reason she had to compromise with reality and resign herself.

This was the true reason she could act composedly before me now.

"Who would deny the Madam's beauty? So do not forget. What you promised the late Emperor. I still remember it."

At my words, Shatoru burst into loud laughter. Even when the surrounding women frowned and glared, she acted cheerfully as if it were nothing.

"Good heavens, to say such a thing now. Don't you see me as too laughable? You know, I know why the Lady is being kind to me. So you don't need to try and dress it up. Still, it's not like your previous words were unpleasant, so I'll accept them boldly. If you need testimony, tell me anytime. I'll come running."

Shatoru whispered lowly as she kissed my cheek.

"Ah, right. I once said I hated introducing you to the Emperor, do you remember? That feeling is the same even now. The Lady will become a truly terrifying person. As long as you don't just stay in your current position."

"But the place I must climb to is too rugged for that. So don't worry too much. It's hard enough just getting what I most desire."

"Lady, don't forget that although I am a lowly prostitute, I have rolled around the social circle as much as anyone. I have seen countless people with eyes like yours. And also what kind of end they met."

"You're acting like a prophet. So what becomes of me, beautiful Madam?"

"When the time comes that you need my testimony, you will bloom more brilliantly than anyone. I truly hope such a day comes quickly. Do you know this? You are the only person in this world who did not despise me. I don't know if it's because you weren't born as a noble, but anyway, your reaction was so fresh and interesting. So please, I hope you aren't eaten up in the jungle known as the social circle."

The warmth touching my cheek was truly lovely. So I also kissed her cheek and prayed for blessings upon her future.

There is nothing more ironic than starting a new life through someone's death, but for Shatoru, there was likely no day more unburdened than today.

Is that why? I suddenly thought I envied her freedom. She, who would live a life unconstrained by anyone from now on, looked more refreshing than the wind. Enough that I wanted to reach out and catch her.

***

Duke Dibenzel let me meet Roena at his residence, just as he had promised. Although it took another week after the funeral ended, considering that I hadn't been able to meet her until then, this much of a wait was nothing.

The funny thing was that the person applying to meet Roena was registered as the daughter of Duke Dibenzel, not me.

As if to prove that the connection with Rade Relshin was not empty words, they accompanied me to the mansion where Roena was confined. And they were considerate enough to let her and me talk alone.

Roena, whom I saw after a long time, was still ethereal and beautiful. Her appearance in a plain white dress was enough to make her look like an angel.

However, a chill ran through me before I could feel admiration. It was because her appearance reminded me of my past self. Of course, the me back then was gaunt and skeletal, while the current Roena was only a bit haggard and looked no different than before. She only looked very unstable and anxious.

Roena glanced at me as I entered the room as if uninterested, then her eyes widened as if she couldn't believe it. As soon as I took off my hat and showed my face, she rushed to me, forgetting her dignity.

"Sise, you've come to save me. I knew you would."

Her shoulders, nestled in my arms, trembled with relief. A smell of dry dust came from her softly fluttering hair. Her fragile skin was red and swollen from the material of the dress, which she seemed to be wearing for the first time in her life.

"Has the misunderstanding about me been cleared? I knew it. Oh, God save me. Now, please take me out of here. I want to go home. I want to take a bath with flower petals in a tub full of warm water. Right? Sise, I'm going back to House Bischwaldz, right?"

I answered her whining in a dry voice.

"Today's visit is under the name of the daughter of Duke Dibenzel."

"What?"

"Someone is blocking you and me from meeting. I don't know why, but."

"That can't be. What reason would they have to do such a thing?"

"That's what I want to ask. Actually, I have a lot I want to hear from you."

I reached out and softly stroked her shoulder. Her bones were protruding to a degree that would have been unimaginable for her before. Was she not being fed properly?

With a tiny bit of sympathy, I led her body further inside. And I stared intensely at her.

"For instance, Lian's matter... or what happened in the capital while I was gone, and so on."

At my questions, Roena spoke as if screaming. Tears that suddenly surged down her flushed cheeks were enough to melt a man's heart.

"It was an accident. I, I was caught in a trap."

"A trap?"

"Yes, someone made me like this. Sise, listen well. On the day House Bischwaldz was attacked, I was able to escape that tragedy with Lady Roshan's help."

Roena sobbed repeatedly while wiping her tears with the handkerchief I handed her. She seemed to feel hope that I wasn't cornered like her mother and was listening calmly, so she poured out the events of that time in a flurry. As if making an excuse.

"And I was practically confined in House Rosan. She said that was the only way to protect me, but it was all a lie. If it hadn't been for the person sent by Pulkeor, I would have believed that blatant lie."

"A lie?"

"Yes, Sise. She is a truly wicked liar. A hypocrite herself."

Her eyes, glistening with tears, spoke to me as if appealing.

"The one who attacked House Bischwaldz was House Rosan, under the orders of the Crown Prince! How do I know? Oh, Sise. You probably can't even imagine what I saw and heard. Even why Pulkeor came to act that way. Sise, you must understand me. Everything I did was for the family. If even you turn away from me, I'd rather just die."

"So what did you do for the family?"

"I tried to run away. I tried to persuade Mother to leave that place and go to the Imperial Palace. Pulkeor said she would send troops to House Rosan to strike them. But Mother wouldn't listen to me. She ignored me the whole time we drank tea. So I thought it wouldn't work, and I tried to escape with at least Lian. Because that child is the heir to the family!"

"But troops did not go to House Rosan. In other words, there was no one else there that day. Did you tell Mother a lie?"

At my question, her eyes shook violently. Roena burst into tears again and spoke to me. Her hands reaching toward me trembled like someone with a palsy, as if she were feeling anxious.

"Don't look at me like that. I had no choice. How could I tell only the truth when Mother wouldn't believe me? You must understand me. No, Mother must also believe me. How did Father treat Mother and you! But how can you leave me like this?"

"As a result, we lost the rightful heir."

"I am here!"

Roena screamed.

"Roena."

"Originally, the heir to House Bischwaldz was me! But why are you excluding me? Sise, you said it. That everything you do is for me. Was that a lie? I gave up everything for you. But why don't you show unconditional devotion for me even once? Because of whom did I lose Mago! Why are you!!"

"Roena."

I called her again. Roena rushed to me, grabbed my shoulders firmly, and shook my body back and forth. Her reckless whining, as if she had lost her mind, looked precarious even at a glance. Just like the me of the past.

"Say it. Say you've come to get me out. I shouldn't be here! Why are you trying to take what's mine! Are you saying my choice was wrong! If you hadn't cornered me, there's no way I would have done this!"

A moment later, she lost her strength and sobbed with her head bowed.

"Love me, Sise. Don't turn away from me. I'm really struggling. I'm lonely. Don't look at me like I'm pathetic. There's no way I'm inferior to you. But why do you keep looking at me like that? Don't. I'm not a person to be like this."

It was a voice as precarious as walking on a sharp blade.