108 - The Evil Husband (15th Anniversary Edition) Chapter 108
108
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It was an undeniably arrogant statement. The Grand Duchess, with no proper experience as a pharmacist, was launching her first drug. Its efficacy was questionable, yet it would be etched in the empire's history?
However, everyone present at that moment genuinely believed that Aspilia would indeed be remembered in history. The Grand Duke's tone in declaring this was so confident, it was as if he were announcing a reality that had already unfolded.
While the reporters stood dumbfounded, the Grand Duke leisurely brushed past them. None of them dared to stop Cesare. They only snapped back to their senses after he had entered the parliament building.
Cesare had never answered a reporter's question directly. All statements were made through the Imperial Family or <La Verita>, but this was the first time he had responded in person. Eager to be the first to publish the Grand Duke's statement, the reporters frantically began scribbling articles at the scene.
While the reporters were in an uproar outside, a commotion was also taking place inside the parliament building. The parliamentarians who had gathered for today's assembly were all crowding around Cesare, eager to greet him.
Today's assembly was a grand assembly, with members from both the upper and lower houses. Far more people had gathered than at the usual parliamentary sessions held in the parliament building, and the fact that they were all flocking to Cesare made it all the more chaotic.
The parliamentarians were behaving no differently than the reporters outside the parliament building, making a great deal of noise.
"Have you been well, Your Excellency? It's been a while since we met in Neapol."
"Belated congratulations on your victory. I have been waiting for today to offer my congratulations in person, as I was unable to do so earlier."
"Grand Duke, do you remember? We met at the Imperial Palace before..."
While dealing with the nobles who were desperately trying to get his attention, Cesare scanned the inside of the parliament building. In the distance, he saw Count Domenico in conversation with Parvellini Duke. Beside them stood another gentleman of advanced age.
The old noble was Count Bonepar, who had proposed the agenda to reduce the military budget that was to be presented at today's assembly. He was also the first noble to make contact with the Kalpen royal family in Traon.
Sensing his gaze, Count Bonepar turned his head. He flinched involuntarily when his eyes met Cesare's. Cesare briefly ran his tongue over the inside of his mouth as he looked at the old noble.
At times, he felt the urge to gather them all together and behead them, as he had done in the past. But knowing that he must not, Cesare suppressed the impulse as he was accustomed to doing.
With the war over, it was only natural to reduce the military budget. However, it was not something that the parliament, rather than the Imperial Family, should decide.
As a member of the Imperial Family, Cesare was not normally allowed to attend parliament, but today he was attending as the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army. Cesare intended to block the parliament's attempt to cut the budget.
"Archduke Erzeht."
Unlike Parvellini Duke, who did not even acknowledge Cesare's presence, Count Bonepar and Count Domenico approached him first and offered their greetings. Count Domenico looked visibly nervous.
He glanced at Cesare furtively. He looked as if he was ready to step forward and bark like a dog if Cesare gave him the signal.
The fact that he, the Speaker of the Upper House, had become the Grand Duchess's dog was not yet publicly known. Count Domenico seemed to have steeled himself to play the dog's role in today's assembly, but Cesare had no intention of using the Count.
He was a dog prepared for Aileen. Cesare already had several dogs of his own.
"Thank you for making the difficult journey."
While Count Domenico was watching his every move, Count Bonepar greeted him with a subtle smile. Count Domenico's face subtly hardened at the words laced with veiled sarcasm. However, Cesare calmly accepted his greeting.
"I am the one who should be thanking you, Count. Thanks to you, I am able to attend parliament."
Cesare took a step closer to him. The tall man's close proximity was threatening in itself.
His vivid crimson eyes stared intently at Count Bonepar. The Count's dry cheeks twitched briefly. Cesare looked down at him and gave a twisted smile. Count Bonepar knew that the smile was one of contempt, but he was momentarily captivated by it.
"Isn't this the gathering of the parliamentarians who approved my Arch of Triumph?"
"...!"
Count Bonepar finally lost control of his expression and contorted his face. Cesare spoke lightly, as if encouraging a subordinate.
"I look forward to today as well, Count."
Aileen had secured a day from Cesare. When she had asked, it seemed like the most appropriate thing to do, but now that she had actually been granted a day, she was filled with immense worry.
She was agonizing over how to spend the day that Cesare had given her. It was not enough time to go on a trip somewhere far away, but it would be a shame to spend the time only in the mansion.
Of course, anything would be enjoyable if she was with Cesare, but she wanted to make the most of the time she had obtained. Moreover, she wanted Cesare to enjoy himself as well, which made the choice even more difficult. He did not particularly express his likes or dislikes, so it was difficult to know what he enjoyed.
Aileen racked her brains, but no satisfactory idea came to mind. For now, she had only decided to ask for the time after the Hunting Festival.
And after reading today's newspaper, Aileen was breathing heavily on her own.
[Military Budget Cut Plan Completely Shelved in Parliament... Is Traon the Grand Duke's Empire?]
Aileen pressed her lips tightly together and slammed the newspaper down. The Grand Duke's empire? This was too much. If the reporter who wrote the article was in front of her, she felt like she would argue with them.
"Please don't be upset."
Senon tried to comfort her as Aileen's face turned red with anger.
"But, Sir Senon..."
"I understand how you feel."
Senon made an angry face to match Aileen's. He pointed at the newspaper that Aileen had put down and said in a rapid tone.
"They risked their lives to protect the country in the war, and now they're being treated like useless hunting dogs. The first thing they do when they come back is talk about cutting the budget! There are so many compensation payments needed for the wounded and the soldiers who are retiring this time, and there's a limit to how much His Excellency can take from his own pocket to take care of the soldiers! On the battlefield, supplies weren't even properly supplied, and they had to survive on one can of canned goods for three days!"
Realizing his lapse, Senon hastily finished his words, saying, "Anyway, that's how it is." What Senon had said were things that Aileen already knew. But hearing it confirmed by Senon made her heart feel even heavier.
Senon, who had failed miserably at comforting Aileen, rolled his eyes and muttered.
"Ah... of course, it wasn't all that bad, I guess..."
Aileen's mood lightened a little at the sight of Senon trying so hard to comfort her. For Senon's sake, she nodded quietly without getting angry anymore. Senon seized the opportunity and quickly tried to change the subject.
"Um... Madam. The reason I came to see you today is, I was wondering if you would like to go to the pharmacy with me."
Aileen's eyes widened. She had heard that the new drug was well-received, but she had not yet experienced it firsthand. She had simply thought, "Oh, is that so?" But hearing the suggestion to go to the pharmacy directly made her feel strange.
"Would it be alright for me to go?"
"Of course. His Excellency told me to take you there."
However, he suggested that it would be best to wear a disguise, as there were so many people gathered in front of the pharmacy that it might cause a bit of a commotion if she showed her face.
"How about covering my face with a robe?"
But Aileen knew a more certain method. She took out the glasses she used to wear from the drawer and put them on, and let the bangs that had grown a little longer and were swept to the side fall in front of her eyes again.
"How is it?"
Senon gave her a thumbs up.
"Perfect."
Senon and Aileen took a carriage to Venue Street so as not to attract people's attention. When Aileen got out of the carriage, her eyes widened from the entrance of the street. It was because of the long line of people.
"You have to line up from here! This is the end!"
The pharmacy staff with small signs were shouting and organizing the line.
"All of these people..."
"Yes, they are all waiting to buy Aspilia."
So many people were trying to buy the medicine. She couldn't believe it, and she just stared with wide eyes. Just then, several military vehicles lined up. Then, soldiers got out in droves.
They were quicker and faster than anyone else to take their place at the end of the line. But that wasn't the end of it. Another car stopped.
Unusually tall men and women got out of the military vehicle that had stopped this time. They were the Grand Duke's knights.
"Wow, shit."
Michele, who got out of the car, cursed as soon as she saw the line. She left Diego and Rohan behind and darted out like a bullet to stand at the end of the line. Then, she glared at the soldiers in front of her.
"Hey, only buy one bottle each? Anyone who buys two bottles is dead? You bastards know how good Madam's medicine is."
She glanced back as she was scolding them. It was to check on Rohan and Diego, but she accidentally made eye contact with the wrong person. Michele gasped when she made eye contact with Aileen.
"M-Madam...?"
