34 - The Crown I Will Take From You
Episode 34
Birna's large eyes filled with resentment as she received scolding instead of comfort from her mother.
"Grandmother took my things right in front of me and gave them to Medeia, that little bitch. How can even you say that, Mom?"
Catherine massaged her throbbing forehead.
It seemed harder to make her daughter understand than to devise a scheme, she was so lacking in sense.
"She even told me to call Medeia 'Your Highness Princess' instead of 'Sister'! Does that make sense? I have to use honorifics to that half-blooded, lowborn bitch?"
"What's so hard about flattering her a little in front of others? It's only for a short time."
Catherine tried to soothe her daughter.
"Eventually, you'll be the Princess of this country anyway. How long do you think Medeia can stay in that position?"
"Exactly!"
Birna raised her voice.
"Exactly, it's mine. When our father becomes king, that bitch who'll be crawling at our feet dares to take what's mine, so why..."
"Birna!"
Catherine shouted sharply as Birna muttered, biting her lip.
"Don't you ever say such things out loud anywhere else!"
"Mom...?"
"Have you ever said that outside? When you're with people? In the palace?"
Birna shook her head violently, frightened by her mother's glaring eyes.
"Our entire plan could collapse because of your stupid words."
Catherine gripped her daughter's shoulders painfully.
"Just stay still and do as you're told, and I'll give you everything. Understand?"
Her mother's eyes were as fierce as a wolf's.
"Huh? Answer me, Birna!"
Birna bit her lip and nodded. Only then did the hand pressing down on her shoulders release its grip.
"Go to bed early. You have to go to your grandmother to ask for forgiveness as soon as the palace gates open tomorrow."
Thud. The door slammed shut fiercely.
Left alone, Birna clenched her fists tightly.
\ \ *
Catherine, having left Birna's room, sighed.
She realized that it would be faster to just shut her lovely mouth than to make her daughter, whom she wouldn't trade for the world, understand her parents' grand plan.
Entering Duke Claudio's study, she saw her husband crumpling a piece of parchment.
"What's wrong?"
"Mother has summoned Marquis Montega."
"Marquis Montega?"
Catherine frowned.
Marquis Montega was Claudio's cousin and a long-standing member of the royal family, with considerable influence within the royal palace.
"I thought Mother was wary of us lately... She's bringing in reinforcements."
"Montega always liked my brother more than me."
Not just liked, but respected and was more loyal to his older brother than to him, his own sibling.
Duke Claudio frowned, recalling the past.
"Then he must like his daughter as well. My dear, if the Marquis stands behind Medeia, things will become complicated."
Medeia would no longer be isolated.
"Damn it, the public opinion is already on her side!"
The pile of parchment flew off nervously and crashed into the study.
"Calm down, dear."
"Since Cuisine's death, the rumors spreading outside have been unsettling. They pity Medeia as if their own child has been oppressed."
This couldn't be allowed.
To the people, Medeia had to be a witch who sucked their blood and squandered the national treasury.
The harm caused by the Princess had to be so extreme that it eventually led to a rebellion.
So that Regent Duke Claudio could rebuild the fallen kingdom and finally ascend to the throne of Baldina.
She had to exist only as a catalyst for historical revolution.
"What if they think that Medeia wasn't the cause of the current disaster?"
They must not know that Baldina was in this state not because of the young Princess, but because of corrupt officials.
"This can't happen. If things go this way..."
Duke Claudio paced the room anxiously.
"Don't worry, dear. Your power is still strong. Besides, the Minister of the Palace is on your side. As long as the palace is in your hands, victory is ours."
Catherine approached and comforted the Duke, stroking his shoulder.
His anxiety eased a little with her gentle voice and soft touch.
"If you're worried about public opinion, just divert the people's attention. As always, the dull and foolish only believe what they see before their eyes."
Catherine said kindly.
"Don't worry about Marquis Montega either. We'll move first."
"..."
"If he intends to side with Medeia, we just need to show him that Medeia isn't worth it."
He gazed at his wife's face, which remained beautiful despite the passage of time.
It was a political marriage, but she had been the flower of society at the time.
Her face, bloodline, and family were all perfect.
Unlike his brother, who had chosen a mere wandering dancer, he had no doubt that he had chosen the best card.
"How?"
Catherine smiled as Duke Claudio asked.
"How about a banquet to celebrate Medeia's recovery? The poor child has had so much happen to her lately."
So that misfortune would never come again, very grandly, dazzlingly splendidly.
"Ah, that's right."
The Duke's eyes gleamed.
"It's for Medeia, so Mother won't dislike it either."
The starving people, Marquis Montega who had diligently traveled from the border, would all be able to see the Princess, who was surrounded by gold and enjoying herself.
"You're the best."
Catherine's beautiful profile was revealed as she leaned her head on the Duke's shoulder.
"What do you mean? As always, that child will be our shield."
Her face was that of an elegant noblewoman, as flawless as ever.
