Chapter 14 – A New Beginning (Part 4)

Aside from Monterno’s actions when she was engaged to Inferno, the Duke of Asillious had never been attacked by the imperial family. But with the situation completely changed, they couldn’t be complacent anymore.

“The temple has agreed to support us.”

Tartenon had already contacted the temple. The temple, which decided to support the North, had agreed to endorse Selena’s legitimacy if she ascended the throne. Though a minor move, it was significant for the nobles.

Though the temple was separate from the imperial power, many nobles were devout, so the temple’s opinion couldn’t be entirely ignored. However, since there was no clear disqualification for Crown Prince Monterno to inherit the throne, the temple stated they would act once the reason became evident.

Reubellina had heard this as well. That’s why she was using rumors to sway public opinion, but it wasn’t easy. Unlike Inferno, Monterno was a considerate imperial. He hadn’t done anything publicly reprehensible, so no one thought he was unfit to be emperor.

‘The fact that Monterno mistreated Inferno hasn’t been revealed.’

It was a fact unknown to most nobles. If Reubellina hadn’t witnessed it firsthand, she wouldn’t have known either. She had instructed Teryn to secure evidence of Monterno’s misdeeds, but there was no evidence left due to thorough cover-ups.

Those in the Crown Prince’s palace were either fiercely loyal or terrified. They genuinely feared Monterno more than the emperor. The thought that Monterno’s blade could turn to their families at any moment prevented them from even dreaming of betrayal.

The Crown Prince’s servants were not short of money either. Those working in the Crown Prince’s palace were paid more than most imperial servants. This was possible because their numbers were significantly fewer than in other palaces. There were also missing servants, but their families remained silent.

“Even with the temple’s support, public opinion in the capital is still lacking.”

“That can be resolved by presenting decisive evidence.”

“What kind of evidence?”

“Evidence of the incident involving Viverna and the previous grand Duke’s death.”

Reubellina gasped at Tartenon’s words. She had heard they had evidence, but she didn’t expect it to be so solid.

“The correspondence between Viverna and the imperial family is enough.”

“Which imperial family member?”

“The emperor.”

“No, that’s not enough.”

That evidence alone might not be sufficient to dethrone the emperor. In the Freynante Empire, the emperor’s power was immense, especially outside the North. The fact that he held the authority to appoint successors showed his strength. Since some nobles considered the North’s matters irrelevant to the empire, it was even harder to dethrone the emperor.

“We need something more concrete.”

Reubellina muttered, furrowing her brow.

The letters between Viverna and the emperor should be revealed later. They were meant to be used when the imperial family’s power was weakened, and it was clear that Princess Selena was the only one fit to inherit the throne. They would be necessary when moving to get the emperor to abdicate.

For now, they needed something to bring down Monterno from his position as Crown Prince. Reubellina believed public opinion was key.

“If only we could get testimony that Monterno assaulted Inferno…”

“The second prince, who is lying in bed, can’t speak.”

“He hasn’t regained consciousness yet?”

“No.”

Though the imperial family kept it tightly controlled, Tartenon’s spy confirmed Inferno’s condition.

Inferno was still hovering between life and death. Though the imperial physician’s diagnosis suggested he wouldn’t die easily, the imperial family hadn’t disclosed this to the nobles yet.

Tartenon was certain the imperial family was planning something by hiding the attack on Inferno. Reubellina agreed with this opinion.

“They might use this banquet to punish Bellaruse for attacking Inferno.”

“Not holding a noble council and instead hosting a banquet means the target of the punishment must be a noblewoman.”

“Exactly.”

To punish a noblewoman or a noble lady, the opinions of various families were needed. Since only a few families could attend the noble council, a banquet was perfect for gathering diverse opinions. It seemed they needed the opinions of not just the heads of families but also the noblewomen and noble ladies.

“Other nobles probably suspect this too.”

“Just like we do?”

“Yes.”

Tartenon nodded.

His firm expression made Reubellina feel tense. For a moment, she wondered if it might be better not to attend the imperial banquet.

“Let’s come up with a countermeasure.”

“It’s tomorrow.”

“So what?”

Reubellina stared at Tartenon, who shrugged his shoulders.

“I told you I could do anything I wanted. Even if it means turning against the imperial family.”

Tartenon’s blue eyes gleamed sharply.

***

The day of the imperial banquet arrived. From early morning, Reubellina couldn’t resist the servants’ fussing and was preparing for the banquet.

All she had eaten that morning was a lemon tart. With an abundance of dresses, there was no need to prepare a new one. The various accessories brought from the North had unique designs unseen in the capital.

Though she regretted not being able to bring all the gifts Tartenon had prepared for her as the Grand Duchess of the North, this was sufficient.

Reubellina stood in front of the mirror, looking at her reflection and chuckled softly. She felt like a peacock adorned in splendor. Though she hadn’t piled on jewels, the dress she wore was the most decorated with gold and silver patterns among her wardrobe.

As she scrutinized her appearance in the mirror, Reubellina asked Sandy, 

“Isn’t this too extravagant?”

“No, not at all!” 

Sandy replied, adding that her previous dresses had been too plain. Though Reubellina didn’t entirely agree, she simply nodded. Arguing further would only extend the dressing time.

“Are we done?”

“Yes!” 

The maids of the Ducal household nodded with satisfaction. Reubellina glanced at them briefly before turning around. When Sandy handed her a fan as the final touch, she took it and stepped outside. Tartenon, who had been conversing with Bruelin, widened his eyes upon seeing her.

Feeling a bit smug, Reubellina extended her hand towards Tartenon. 

“Will you escort me?”

“Ah.”

Blushing at his words about forgetting momentarily due to her beauty, Reubellina hid her reddened face with the fan in her hand as Tartenon held her hand and walked with her slowly.

Tartenon had stationed some of the northern knights near the palace, ready to enter at any moment should anything happen. Reubellina also discreetly handed Heather a map. It was a map marked with the secret passages of the palace, obtained by Teryn through various means.

Heather’s eyes widened in surprise, but Reubellina quietly gave her a specific order. Seeing Heather’s eyes sparkle with understanding, Reubellina also smiled slightly.

“A banquet at the palace in times like these.”

“Indeed.”

Reubellina agreed with Tartenon’s words. As they left the Duke estate and boarded the carriage, they spoke freely without worry.

“Still no news?”

“Yes.”

Tartenon replied, clearly reluctant to discuss Inferno’s condition, so Reubellina didn’t mention his name. Among the nobles, all they knew was that he still hadn’t regained consciousness.

“I have a bad feeling.”

Reubellina whispered. Sitting beside her instead of in front today, Tartenon spoke.

“There will be no problem. Even if there is, it won’t matter.”

It was a question asked without expecting an answer, but Tartenon responded calmly. Confirming his gaze turning back out the window, Reubellina also looked outside. Due to the palace banquet, various carriages were moving around the capital.

All were noble carriages, and there was a subtle tension among them. However, no carriage dared to block the path of the one bearing the emblem of the Northern Grand Duke. Reubellina and Tartenon passed through the palace gates without obstruction and stopped at the annex where the banquet was held.

“Halt!”

At the shout of the knights guarding the palace annex, Reubellina straightened her back.

‘No matter how many times I attend, I can’t get used to it.’

Even when she frequently visited the palace as Inferno’s fiancée, it never felt as comfortable as her own home. She was too busy adhering to palace etiquette to take in her surroundings.

Reubellina took a deep breath. As the carriage door opened, a palace guard appeared.

“Presenting the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of the North!”

After confirming their identities, Tartenon stepped out of the carriage. The guards seemed more meticulous in their duties today. Their sharp eyes scanned the carriage, and upon confirming it was empty, they turned back to Tartenon.

“Do you have any weapons to surrender?”

“It’s common knowledge not to bring weapons to a palace banquet.”

Tartenon didn’t hide his displeasure at being treated as if he lacked common sense. Reubellina also looked at them in surprise. It was the first time guards had asked such a question, even though she had attended many palace banquets.

‘What are they plotting?’