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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 54
Chapter Title: To the Noble and Vulgar You
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“You’re telling me to go to the Bronte Ducal Estate?”
The Emperor’s voice was filled with disbelief.
Isaac Peren, standing before him, bowed his head slightly.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Duke Jacob Bronte has recently returned to the capital.”
“Jacob Bronte? The man who secluded himself in his estate, claiming illness, for decades?”
“He has recovered enough to travel.”
The Emperor frowned, a look of displeasure on his face.
“What business does he have with me, that he sends you as his envoy?”
“He wishes to discuss the succession of the Bronte family.”
The Emperor’s frown deepened.
“The succession? He has a son, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, but he wishes to appoint a new heir who is not his son.”
A long silence filled the room.
The Emperor stared at Isaac as if he were a ghost.
“Is he truly Jacob Bronte?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Has he gone mad?”
Isaac remained silent.
The Emperor rubbed his temples, a headache brewing.
“The Bronte family is one of the pillars of the empire. If a madman is at its head, it could cause chaos.”
“Duke Bronte is not mad.”
Isaac spoke calmly.
“He is simply making a decision that he believes is best for the Bronte family.”
“And what is that decision?”
“He wishes to appoint his granddaughter, Helena, as his heir.”
“Helena?”
The Emperor’s eyes widened.
Helena was the daughter of the Empress’s younger brother.
She was also the woman who had caused a scandal with the Crown Prince a few years ago.
“Why Helena? Does he not have a son?”
“He has a son, but he believes Helena is more capable.”
“Capable? She’s a woman!”
The Emperor’s voice rose.
“And she’s already involved in a scandal with the Crown Prince. How can she be the heir to the Bronte family?”
“She is the only one who can save the Bronte family from ruin.”
Isaac’s words were firm.
The Emperor stared at Isaac, then at the documents on his desk.
“What do you mean, ‘ruin’?”
“The Bronte family is deeply in debt. And Duke Bronte’s son is incompetent.”
“Debt? The Bronte family is one of the wealthiest families in the empire.”
“They have been accumulating debt for decades, due to the Duke’s son’s mismanagement.”
The Emperor clenched his fists.
“And you’re telling me that Helena, a woman, can solve this problem?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Isaac’s gaze was unwavering.
“She is intelligent, resourceful, and determined. She has already taken steps to clear the family’s debts.”
The Emperor leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face.
“So, he wants me to approve her as the heir.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. He also wishes to marry her to the Crown Prince.”
The Emperor’s eyes snapped open.
“What? Marry her to the Crown Prince? Are you insane?”
“It would solidify her position as the heir and strengthen the Bronte family’s ties to the imperial family.”
“But she’s already involved in a scandal with him!”
“That was a misunderstanding. And it can be resolved.”
The Emperor closed his eyes, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.
“This is too much. I need to think.”
“I understand, Your Majesty. Duke Bronte awaits your decision.”
Isaac bowed and exited the office.
The Emperor remained in his chair, deep in thought.
He knew that the Bronte family was in a precarious position.
If they fell, it would destabilize the entire empire.
But to approve Helena as the heir and marry her to the Crown Prince…
It was a risky move, one that could either save the empire or plunge it into chaos.
***
Meanwhile, at the Bronte Ducal Estate.
Helena sat in the drawing-room, sipping tea with Victoria and Rachel.
“So, the Grand Madam is recovering well?”
Victoria asked, her voice filled with concern.
“Yes, the Physician said she’s improving day by day.”
Helena replied, a faint smile on her lips.
“That’s wonderful news.”
Rachel chimed in, her eyes sparkling.
“I’m so glad she’s doing better. She’s been through so much.”
The Grand Duchess Kiell Bronte had been ill for a long time.
Her recovery was a miracle.
“She’s a strong woman,” Helena said.
“She always has been,” Victoria agreed.
“By the way, Helena, what’s going on with your father?”
Rachel asked, her brow furrowed.
“He’s been acting strange lately.”
“He’s just… busy,” Helena said evasively.
She couldn’t tell them about her father’s plan to make her the heir.
It was a secret for now.
“Busy with what?” Victoria pressed.
“He’s been meeting with various people, discussing the family’s affairs.”
Helena tried to sound casual.
“Family affairs? What kind of affairs?”
Rachel’s curiosity was piqued.
“Just the usual, you know. Finances, investments, that sort of thing.”
Helena hoped they would drop the subject.
But Victoria wasn’t so easily deterred.
“He’s never been interested in those things before. He always left them to the Grand Madam.”
“Well, he’s changing, I suppose.”
Helena forced a smile.
Just then, Laone, Helena’s maid, entered the room.
“Madam, a letter has arrived for you.”
Helena’s heart skipped a beat.
She knew who the letter was from.
It was from the Emperor.
She took the letter, her hands trembling slightly.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
Helena rose and went to her study.
She opened the letter, her eyes scanning the contents.
Her breath hitched.
The Emperor had approved her as the heir to the Bronte family.
And he had also approved her marriage to the Crown Prince.
Helena slumped into her chair, a mix of emotions swirling within her.
Joy, relief, fear, and uncertainty.
She had achieved her goal.
But at what cost?
***
Meanwhile, in a secret location.
Ariana stood before a cloaked figure, her face grim.
“The Emperor has approved Helena as the Bronte heir.”
The cloaked figure remained silent.
“And he has also approved her marriage to the Crown Prince.”
Ariana’s voice was filled with bitterness.
“This is not what we planned.”
The cloaked figure finally spoke, their voice a low rumble.
“It matters not. The game has merely changed.”
“Changed? We wanted to destroy the Bronte family, not elevate them!”
Ariana exclaimed, her fists clenched.
“Patience, Ariana. This is merely a temporary setback.”
The cloaked figure’s voice was calm, almost serene.
“Helena’s rise will only serve our ultimate purpose.”
“And what is that purpose?”
Ariana demanded.
“To bring about the downfall of the Arcana Empire.”
The cloaked figure’s words sent a chill down Ariana’s spine.
“But how? Helena is now aligned with the imperial family.”
“Precisely. She will be our Trojan horse.”
The cloaked figure chuckled, a sinister sound.
“She will tear the empire apart from within.”
Ariana stared at the cloaked figure, a flicker of understanding in her eyes.
“So, we let her continue?”
“Indeed. Let her believe she is winning. Let her believe she is in control.”
The cloaked figure’s voice was laced with dark amusement.
“The higher she climbs, the harder she will fall.”
Ariana remained silent, her mind reeling.
She had always been loyal to the cloaked figure, but this plan…
It was audacious, cunning, and terrifying.
“What about Princess Charlotte?”
Ariana finally asked.
“She will serve her purpose, then be discarded.”
The cloaked figure’s voice was cold, devoid of emotion.
Ariana shivered.
She knew that the cloaked figure was ruthless.
But she had never seen this side of them before.
“And Duchess Decan?”
“She is a pawn. She will be sacrificed when the time is right.”
The cloaked figure’s words sent another chill down Ariana’s spine.
She realized that she, too, was merely a pawn in this grand scheme.
A pawn to be used, and then discarded.
***
Days later, the news of Helena’s appointment as the Bronte heir and her engagement to the Crown Prince spread like wildfire throughout the capital.
It was the talk of every noble salon and every commoner’s tavern.
Some were shocked, some were outraged, and some were secretly pleased.
Harold Blenwit, a prominent noble, sat in his study, reading the newspaper.
His eyes widened as he saw the headline.
“Helena Bronte to Marry Crown Prince!”
He slammed the newspaper down on his desk.
“This is impossible!”
He had been planning to marry his daughter, Rosalyn, to the Crown Prince.
This news shattered his hopes.
“Father, what’s wrong?”
Rosalyn entered the study, her face filled with concern.
“It’s Helena Bronte! She’s engaged to the Crown Prince!”
Harold exclaimed, his voice trembling with rage.
Rosalyn gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.
“No! It can’t be!”
She had always despised Helena.
And now, Helena was going to be the Crown Princess.
“This is an outrage! I will not stand for it!”
Harold vowed, his eyes blazing.
“We must do something, Father! We can’t let her win!”
Rosalyn pleaded, her voice desperate.
Harold looked at his daughter, a grim determination on his face.
“We will fight this. We will not let Helena Bronte become the Crown Princess.”
He didn’t know how, but he would find a way.
He would not let his dreams be crushed by that woman.
***
Meanwhile, at the Braden Bank.
Rounder, the bank manager, sat in his office, reviewing documents.
He smiled as he saw the latest report on the Bronte family’s debts.
They were steadily decreasing.
“Helena Bronte is truly a miracle worker,” he muttered to himself.
He had initially been skeptical when she had approached him with her plan.
But she had proven him wrong.
She had managed to turn the Bronte family’s finances around.
“She’s a force to be reckoned with,” he said, shaking his head in admiration.
Just then, his assistant, Rui, entered the office.
“Sir, a messenger from the imperial palace has arrived.”
Rounder’s eyes widened.
“From the imperial palace? What do they want?”
“They wish to speak with you about the Bronte family’s finances.”
Rounder’s heart pounded in his chest.
He knew that this was a big deal.
The imperial family was taking an interest in the Bronte family.
“Send them in,” he said, his voice filled with anticipation.
He knew that Helena Bronte was about to become even more powerful.
And he was glad to be on her side.
***
In the imperial palace.
Noah, the commander of the Black Knights, stood before the Chief Investigator.
“The Emperor has approved Helena Bronte as the Bronte heir and her marriage to the Crown Prince.”
The Chief Investigator nodded, his face unreadable.
“And what about the investigation into the Duke Hern’s death?”
Noah asked.
“It’s ongoing. We have a suspect, but no concrete evidence yet.”
The Chief Investigator replied.
“A suspect? Who is it?”
“Paganus.”
Noah’s eyes widened.
Paganus was a notorious criminal organization, known for their assassinations and illicit activities.
“Paganus? Why would they kill Duke Hern?”
“We believe it was a contract killing. Duke Hern was investigating something that threatened their operations.”
The Chief Investigator explained.
“What was he investigating?”
“We’re not sure yet. But we believe it’s connected to the Bronte family.”
Noah frowned.
“The Bronte family? How so?”
“Duke Hern was a close ally of the Bronte family. He was helping them with their financial troubles.”
The Chief Investigator said.
“So, Paganus killed him to prevent him from helping the Bronte family?”
“That’s our theory. But we need more evidence.”
Noah nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face.
“I will assign some of my best knights to assist with the investigation.”
“Thank you, Commander. This is a crucial case.”
The Chief Investigator said.
Noah left the office, his mind reeling.
The Bronte family, the Crown Prince, Paganus, and Duke Hern’s death.
Everything seemed to be connected.
He had a feeling that something big was about to happen.
And he was determined to uncover the truth.
***
Meanwhile, in Ellus City.
Count Godion sat in his study, a letter in his hand.
His face was pale, and his hands trembled.
The letter was from Averster White, the head of the White Knights.
It contained shocking news.
Duke Langsty White, Averster’s father, had died.
And his younger brother, Count Pelos White, was missing.
“This is a disaster,” Count Godion muttered to himself.
The White family was one of the most powerful noble families in the empire.
Their sudden misfortune would send shockwaves throughout the nobility.
Just then, his wife, Countess Effrin Roman, entered the study.
“What’s wrong, my dear?”
She asked, her voice filled with concern.
Count Godion handed her the letter.
Countess Effrin read it, her eyes widening in disbelief.
“Duke Langsty is dead? And Count Pelos is missing?”
“Yes. This is terrible news for the White family.”
Count Godion said, his voice grim.
“And for us. We are allied with the White family.”
Countess Effrin added.
“Indeed. We must go to Chase Castle immediately. We need to offer our condolences and support.”
Count Godion said.
Countess Effrin nodded, her face pale.
They knew that this was a critical moment for their family.
They had to show their loyalty to the White family, now more than ever.
***
At Chase Castle.
The atmosphere was somber.
The White family was in mourning.
Averster White, now the new Duke White, sat in the main hall, receiving condolences from various nobles.
His face was grim, and his eyes were filled with sorrow.
Theodore White, Averster’s younger brother, stood beside him, his face equally somber.
Caradine White, Averster’s sister, sat nearby, weeping silently.
Count Fosshard Roman approached Averster, bowing respectfully.
“My deepest condolences, Duke White. Your father was a great man.”
“Thank you, Count Roman.”
Averster replied, his voice hoarse.
“We are here to offer our support in any way we can.”
Count Fosshard said.
“Your presence is support enough.”
Averster replied.
Just then, Isabel, the Duchess of Bronte, entered the hall.
She was accompanied by Countess Briant White, the late Duke Langsty’s wife.
Isabel was also a member of the White family, a distant cousin of Duke Langsty.
She approached Averster, her face filled with sympathy.
“My deepest condolences, Averster.”
“Thank you, Aunt Isabel.”
Averster said, his voice softening slightly.
“I know this is a difficult time for you. But you must be strong for your family.”
Isabel said, placing a comforting hand on his arm.
“I will, Aunt.”
Averster replied.
Isabel then turned to Countess Briant White.
“My dearest Briant, I am so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you, Isabel.”
Countess Briant said, her voice choked with emotion.
Isabel embraced her, offering comfort.
The White family was in turmoil.
But they were not alone.
Their allies and friends were there to support them.
***
Meanwhile, in a hidden chamber beneath Chase Castle.
Jeor, a loyal servant of the White family, knelt before a mysterious figure.
“The Duke has died, and Count Pelos is missing.”
The mysterious figure remained silent.
“The Heir Apparent, Averster, has taken over. But he is still young and inexperienced.”
Jeor continued.
“This is our chance.”
The mysterious figure finally spoke, their voice a low whisper.
“Our chance to what?”
Jeor asked.
“To reclaim what is rightfully ours.”
The mysterious figure replied.
Jeor’s eyes widened.
He knew what the mysterious figure was talking about.
The White family had a secret.
A secret that had been hidden for generations.
And now, it was time for that secret to be revealed.
“What are your orders?”
Jeor asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
“Gather our forces. The time has come to strike.”
The mysterious figure said, their eyes gleaming in the darkness.
Jeor bowed his head.
He knew that a new era was about to begin for the White family.
And he was ready to play his part.
***
Days later, in Sterion City.
Count Romion Mathis sat in his study, a troubled expression on his face.
He had just received news of the White family’s misfortune.
Duke Langsty White was dead, and Count Pelos White was missing.
“This is troubling,” he muttered to himself.
The White family was a major power in the empire.
Their instability could have far-reaching consequences.
Just then, Viscountess Catherine Ruel entered the study.
“My lord, a messenger has arrived from the White family.”
Count Romion’s eyes widened.
“From the White family? What do they want?”
“They wish to request your assistance.”
Count Romion frowned.
“Assistance? For what?”
“They are facing a crisis. They need our help to maintain stability.”
Viscountess Catherine replied.
Count Romion leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face.
He knew that this was a delicate situation.
He had to choose his next move carefully.
He could either help the White family, or he could stand aside and let them fall.
But he knew that if the White family fell, it would destabilize the entire empire.
And that was something he could not allow.
“Tell the messenger that I will meet with Duke Averster White immediately.”
Count Romion said, his voice firm.
Viscountess Catherine bowed and exited the study.
Count Romion rose from his chair and walked to the window.
He looked out at the city, his mind filled with thoughts of the future.
He knew that challenging times lay ahead.
But he was ready to face them.
***
Meanwhile, in Laker City.
Tuveson Heon, a notorious mercenary, sat in a tavern, drinking ale.
He had just completed a difficult mission, and he was ready for a break.
Just then, Oatmeal, his trusted companion, entered the tavern.
“Tuveson, I have news.”
Oatmeal said, his voice urgent.
“What is it, Oatmeal? Can’t a man enjoy his ale in peace?”
Tuveson grumbled.
“It’s about the White family. Duke Langsty White is dead, and Count Pelos White is missing.”
Tuveson’s eyes widened.
“What? Are you serious?”
“Yes. And there are rumors that it was a foul play.”
Oatmeal replied.
Tuveson slammed his mug down on the table.
“Foul play? Who would dare to attack the White family?”
“No one knows for sure. But there are whispers of a power struggle within the family.”
Oatmeal said.
Tuveson frowned.
“A power struggle? This could be interesting.”
He was always looking for a good challenge.
And a power struggle within one of the empire’s most powerful families was certainly a challenge.
“We should investigate this further,” Tuveson said, a glint in his eye.
“Are you sure, Tuveson? This could be dangerous.”
Oatmeal warned.
“Danger is my middle name, Oatmeal. Let’s go.”
Tuveson rose from his seat, a mischievous grin on his face.
He knew that this was going to be an exciting adventure.
***
At Maho Castle.
Duke Tessio Hern sat in his study, a letter in his hand.
His face was grim, and his eyes were filled with sorrow.
The letter was from his nephew, Grand Duke Andrei Hern.
It contained news of his brother, Duke Hern’s death.
“This is a tragedy,” Duke Tessio muttered to himself.
His brother had been a good man, a loyal servant of the empire.
His death was a great loss.
Just then, Lanster, his loyal retainer, entered the study.
“My lord, Grand Duke Andrei has arrived.”
Duke Tessio nodded.
“Send him in.”
Grand Duke Andrei entered the study, his face equally grim.
He bowed respectfully to his uncle.
“Uncle, I am so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you, Andrei. I am sorry for yours as well.”
Duke Tessio replied, his voice heavy with grief.
“We must find out who did this, Uncle. We cannot let my father’s death go unpunished.”
Grand Duke Andrei said, his voice filled with determination.
Duke Tessio nodded.
“Indeed. I have already sent out my men to investigate.”
“And I have brought the Black Knights with me. We will work together to find the culprits.”
Grand Duke Andrei said.
Duke Tessio looked at his nephew, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
He knew that Grand Duke Andrei was a strong and capable young man.
Together, they would find justice for his brother.
“Thank you, Andrei. Your help is greatly appreciated.”
Duke Tessio said.
Grand Duke Andrei nodded.
They both knew that this was just the beginning.
The path to justice would be long and arduous.
But they were ready to walk it.
