Chapter 13 – Betrayal of Betrayal (Part 4)

It was a dangerous thought. For him, Selena, who was hard to read, was more dangerous than the openly antagonistic Monterno or Inferno, so he couldn’t agree with Reubellina’s opinion.

“Don’t you think the princess might be even more dangerous?”

“Well, maybe.”

“Even knowing that, you want to give her the crown?”

“At least she’s more humane.”

“Humane, huh.”

It was something Tartenon had forgotten. Reubellina’s words reminded him of why he wanted to become the Grand Duke.

Resting his chin in one hand, he gazed at her. He wanted to kiss her lips, which kept chattering without noticing his gaze.

‘Would she get angry?’

He wondered if she would get angry, asking what he was doing if he kissed her now. Enjoying her chatter, Tartenon smiled and nodded.

‘It might not be a bad choice.’

Tartenon, who had never considered placing Princess Selena on the throne, began to entertain the idea.

Unable to resist his rising desire, Tartenon finally pressed his lips to hers.

“So, mmph!”

He slowly licked her lower lip and swallowed her parted lips, whispering,

“Just the two of us, and you want to keep talking about work?”

“No, that’s… mmph!”

Tartenon deeply kissed Reubellina, leaving a lingering mark before pulling away. Holding her close, he murmured,

“I’m getting more greedy.”

“……”

They were on the edge of a line they never crossed. Knowing each other would retreat at the crucial moment, they couldn’t deepen their relationship.

Reubellina knew what Tartenon wanted from her but couldn’t give a definite answer.

‘Why am I hesitating?’

Even Reubellina couldn’t understand her own heart as she bit her lip, about to say something to Tartenon. Though Tartenon noticed her action, he didn’t bring it up.

“The princess can’t be an option for us.”

“But she’s better than the Crown Prince or the Second Prince.”

“The princess might be more dangerous in some ways.”

“But she’s more human.”

“If we could put some definite constraints on her, it wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

Tartenon half-heartedly agreed. Satisfied with that, Reubellina nodded.

“It’s not yet time, but I think we can proceed.”

“I can’t allow you to put yourself in danger.”

“Of course not. I’m someone who values my own life above all!”

At the suggestion of taking a risk, Reubellina abruptly stood up. Her mannerisms, intended to ease the awkwardness, made Tartenon laugh quietly.

“We need to get a promise that if she ascends the throne, she’ll recognize the north as a fully independent territory.”

“Do you think she would agree to that?”

For the imperial family, the north was a headache. They couldn’t easily collect taxes because of the Grand Duke title, nor could they freely grant titles to the northern nobles. The authority to levy taxes and grant titles in the north belonged to the Grand Duke. Many members of the imperial family had long been displeased with the independent authority of the north within the same empire.

They acted as if they had forgotten how much blood the northern Speraum had shed to establish this empire. Although much time had passed, the people of the north still remembered the past and resented the imperial family’s attempts to take away what belonged to the north. Thus, Tartenon did not trust those with imperial blood.

They had taken his father and his money. It was Reubellina, not the imperial family, who had brought hope to the perpetually impoverished north. Knowing the imperial family’s animosity towards the north, Tartenon shook his head quietly.

“It won’t be as easy as you think.”

That was a certainty born of long experience. Reubellina’s eyes sparkled at Tartenon’s cold conclusion.

“Alright.”

“Alright? What do you mean?”

“Making the impossible possible. A true merchant should be able to blaze new trails.”

“Reubellina.”

“So just watch, Tartenon. See how I persuade the princess and put her on the throne.”

Tartenon couldn’t help but give a bitter smile to the confident Reubellina. After all, he couldn’t crush her hopeful spirit with harsh words.

“I hope things go as you wish.”

***

Upon returning to the palace, Selena stopped by the Crown Prince’s quarters before heading to the princess’s quarters. Monterno welcomed her as if he had been waiting.

“Come in.”

“Brother.”

Though she found Monterno’s feigned kindness and smile repulsive, Selena continued nonchalantly.

“I heard the Duke caused a fuss wanting to see Reubellina.”

“So?”

“They contacted the north, and Reubellina came to the capital. That’s all.”

“Ha. Do you believe that?”

“Is there anything else?”

Selena tilted her head as if she had no idea. Monterno sighed deeply and rubbed his forehead. Looking at her pitifully, he spoke again.

“Then what about the Grand Duke?”

“The Grand Duke? Why bring up Tartenon?”

“You didn’t see Tartenon?”

“I didn’t see him… Oh! Then I should go see him.”

As Selena turned to leave, Monterno called her name.

“Selena!”

“Oh, what is it?”

Turning back with annoyance, Selena shrugged as if to ask if he had anything else to say. Monterno, contemplating how to handle his naive sister, was inwardly relieved. It was better for him if his imperial family members were not too competent, as it eased the burden on him as the Crown Prince.

“It’s late today, so refrain from going to the Duke’s estate.”

“It’s not that late.”

Pouting her lips, Selena, who had gone early in the morning, didn’t see why a little lateness mattered. Monterno sighed again and shook his head.

“Don’t go today.”

“Then can I hold a banquet?”

“A banquet?”

“Yes, a banquet. We should welcome Reubellina properly. After all, I’m the real star of the social scene now, not Reubellina.”

Monterno nodded at Selena’s suggestion to show herself as more impressive than Reubellina. It wasn’t a bad idea. It also allowed him to put pressure on Tartenon through Reubellina and possibly issue a warning.

“But keep it moderate.”

“When have I ever not been moderate?”

“Go on, then.”

Waving her off dismissively, Monterno watched Selena leave his office with a smile. He couldn’t see the smile disappear completely from her face as she turned away.

“I’ll have to probe her at the banquet.”

Monterno’s eyes gleamed as he planned to question Reubellina about the relationship between the Asillious Duke’s trade group and the Musen Trade.

***

“Today’s edition of The Scene!”

The capital was as lively as ever. Reubellina, who had stopped by a new pastry shop in the capital with Tartenon, bought a copy of The Scene from a passing girl.

According to Teryn, who had visited the Duke of Asillious, Viverna had colluded with the imperial family to kill the former Grand Duke, so the imperial family was undoubtedly planning something else. There was nothing more effective in destroying respect for the imperial family than a public opinion campaign.

So Reubellina decided to use The Scene once again.

<A Woman’s Cry Heard in the Palace?>

‘They really come up with great headlines.’

Reubellina was about to read the article slowly, admiring the well-crafted gossip sheet, when—

“Arrest them!”

Suddenly, imperial knights appeared and arrested the girl selling The Scene. It wasn’t just her. They also arrested a boy selling The Scene from a distance. The knights, who were arresting The Scene copy sellers all over the capital, dragged them into the palace.

“Arinne! Oh my! What a disaster!”

“It seems the imperial family was targeting them.”

“Targeting them?”

“Despite all the various things said in The Scene, the palace had always left it alone. Reacting to every gossip would be laughable.”

“That’s right!”

“But if they’re taking action now, doesn’t that mean the article is true?”

“So you think there’s actually a woman crying in the palace?”

“Have you heard the rumors about the Second Prince?”

Reubellina, eavesdropping on the commoners, was startled when Tartenon grabbed her arm.

“Be careful.”

Tartenon stayed close to her as if he had caught her from falling.

“Someone is watching.”

If he hadn’t whispered in her ear, Reubellina would have asked what he meant.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. It’s for my Reubellina.”

Tartenon’s kind voice caused those watching them to feel envious. Reubellina forced herself to keep her gaze forward and moved.

“Don’t worry too much. I’ll have Bruelin find out where they were taken.”

“Did you know about this too?”

“What, that The Scene is yours?”

“Oh my.”

Reubellina didn’t know how to react to Tartenon, who seemed to know everything about her. She tried to remain calm but couldn’t help being surprised. 

‘How did he know?’

Only her father, the Duke of Asillious, knew that The Scene was hers. She had thought it was a secret no one else knew, but here was someone who did.

Reubellina quickened her pace. She wanted to get to a place where they could be alone and question Tartenon. That way, The Scene could be kept safe.

As she hurriedly climbed into the carriage, Tartenon followed. She didn’t even give Sandy a chance to get in, closing the door behind him. Sandy, feeling awkward, sat next to the coachman, and the carriage started moving.

Reubellina, having confirmed the carriage was moving, glared at Tartenon. Feeling her intense gaze, he spoke first.

“I haven’t told anyone.”

“It’s not about telling anyone! How did you know?”

“Investigating the Musen Trade naturally led to connections.”

“Connections?”

“Someone from the Musen Trade regularly visits The Scene.”

“Wow, you found that out?”

She couldn’t help but be impressed. She hadn’t given articles regularly, which made it even more impressive.

The dates for submitting articles were irregular. Besides, The Scene was more of a gossip paper, so more articles were written by reporters who moved around than by Reubellina herself. She had only moved about five times. Yet, Tartenon had discovered the connection between Musen Trade and The Scene.