Chapter 14 – A New Beginning (Part 7)

“Today, I have news to share with you, who have gathered at this banquet hosted by my precious daughter, Selena.”

The Emperor’s voice, filled with suppressed anger, hinted at something serious. Reubellina and the other nobles held their breath.

‘What is he up to?’

It was a rather shocking statement. Normally, any important news from the imperial family would be conveyed through a noble council meeting. The Emperor’s decision to break this unspoken rule and announce such serious news at a banquet was unusual. 

The expressions of a few elder nobles hardened, but the majority simply listened intently to the Emperor.

Reubellina also realized something was off. The Duke of Asillious, who had left for the banquet earlier, was still nowhere to be seen. He should have appeared, if only to observe from a distance or to show his close relationship with Tartenon. But he was absent.

‘I was so focused on Tartenon’s matters that I missed this. What on earth is going on?’

Before she could sort out her thoughts, the Emperor began speaking.

“You all must have heard the rumors that my precious son has been subjected to a grievous act.” 

The nobles nodded in agreement. It was already known that Inferno had been harmed by Bellaruse, though it had not been officially announced. 

Opinions on the matter were divided. Noble ladies felt sympathy for Bellaruse, while noblewomen without daughters and other nobles had different views.

Some criticized Inferno’s leniency, while others openly condemned Bellaruse’s audacity for daring to harm a imperial.

“My second son, who lay on his deathbed, has returned to the heavens today.” 

The Emperor declared solemnly. No one dared to speak. They couldn’t offer condolences or question the truth of his statement.

“Oh my goodness.” 

A noblewoman gasped, and the nobles began murmuring words of consolation. But the Emperor firmly raised his hand.

“During the investigation, it was revealed that the noble lady who stabbed my son had a mastermind behind her.” 

The emperor’s continued words caused the nobles to be taken aback.

“A mastermind? Did he just say there was a mastermind?”

“I heard the same.”

“Ordering someone to stab a imperial? To that baron’s daughter?”

“It makes sense. How else could a mere baron’s daughter act so boldly if not for someone backing her?”

As the murmurs grew, Reubellina listened quietly.

“To uncover this injustice, I have convened this banquet.”

‘So this is what the imperial family has been quietly preparing.’

But Reubellina couldn’t resolve the questions that filled her mind. According to her reports, Inferno was still alive. Just yesterday, the imperial physician had said there was a chance he might regain consciousness. Yet, within a day, things had deteriorated, and he was dead.

‘I can’t believe it.’

“To clarify this grievance, I intend to summon Bellaruse Zeraon to this banquet. Do you agree?”

The Emperor’s question wasn’t seeking permission; it was a mere formality, a declaration of his intent.

It was clear to Reubellina that the Emperor was setting the stage for the downfall of Speraum.  Reubellina was certain. 

‘If not that, it could mean the destruction of the Duchy of Asillious.’

From the moment they received the strange invitation stating they couldn’t bring guards into the banquet hall, today’s events were set in motion. The only silver lining was that Tartenon’s knights and the Duke’s knights were stationed around the palace. Disguised as commoners, they were patrolling the vicinity.

‘It’s not time yet.’

Though a full-scale confrontation was an option, it lacked justification for now. Reubellina understood the significance of Tartenon’s message. 

She watched the situation closely. At the Emperor’s signal, the banquet hall doors opened, and Bellaruse entered.

Despite having stabbed a imperial and been imprisoned, Bellaruse looked surprisingly well. The nobles, noticing this, were visibly shocked.

“Bellaruse Zeraon greets His Majesty.”

She walked into the hall on her own, not dragged in by guards. Her demeanor was almost casual, as if she enjoyed the nobles’ attention. Her smile and sparkling eyes contrasted with her supposed status as a prisoner.

“She looks too well for a criminal.” 

Someone whispered, loud enough for nearby nobles to nod in agreement. Reubellina barely restrained herself from nodding along.

As the nobles’ whispers grew, Monterno stepped forward.

“Since she is a noble lady, we couldn’t torture her. We merely confined her. But…We couldn’t have her appear in a blood-soaked dress, could we?” 

Monterno’s chilling remark silenced the questioning noble. Reubellina, too, remained silent. With Monterno speaking in such a manner, no noble would dare raise an objection.

‘Except maybe Tartenon.’

But he hadn’t returned yet. 

Reubellina grew anxious. Selena noticed the cold sweat on her temple but didn’t react. Reubellina was too unsettled to notice her own perspiration.

Bellaruse looked around as she approached the Emperor. Her casual demeanor was inappropriate for a prisoner, but no one dared to point it out. Since the emperor remained silent, it was only natural that the other nobles kept quiet.

Bellaruse’s roving eyes finally found what they were looking for. Recognizing the gleam in her eyes, Monterno spoke.

“Bellaruse Zeraon. You killed my brother. Who ordered you to do such a thing?”

“I loved the second prince.”

Bellaruse’s trembling, soft voice echoed in the banquet hall. It was a desperate tone that touched the hearts of nobles who remembered her innocent demeanor. However, those familiar with her true nature, such as noblewomen and young noble ladies, remained unmoved.

“It’s all because of the Grand Duchess!”

“What do you mean, the Grand Duchess’s fault? Explain yourself clearly.”

Monterno stepped forward. His brazen attitude was enough to make even Selena turn her head away.

Reubellina stood firm, aware of the nobles’ eyes on her.

‘If I retreat now, I lose.’

Though she had anticipated that they might exploit the unfortunate incident involving Inferno, she hadn’t been certain they would actually move in such a despicable manner. The imperial family had indeed resorted to such lowly tactics. Monterno’s actions wiped away any lingering hesitation Reubellina might have had.

“She ordered everything. I’m innocent!” 

“That’s impossible. How could a baron’s daughter even meet the Grand Duchess?” 

Monterno’s words made Bellaruse’s eyes flare with anger. Reubellina watched their exchange with a sense of disgust, as if witnessing a cheap play.

Though the nobles recognized this too, none dared to step forward. Speaking up would mean risking being accused of the same crime.

The knights who had already entered the banquet hall were drawing their swords. They were ready to seize Reubellina at the emperor and Monterno’s command.

“When I went to the North with the Second Prince, the Grand Duchess saw my situation and spoke to me. She asked if I wanted to live like this forever.” 

“In the North?”

“Yes. She suggested a better way, hinting that I should kill the Second Prince if I wanted to escape him. Though I was horrified and refused, she persuaded me to think it over.”

Her smooth lies were almost impressive. Reubellina was about to step forward when someone grabbed her waist.

“Wait.”

It was Tartenon.