Chapter 3 – Imperial Palace Banquet (Part 6)

“Have you heard?”

The Emperor asked Monterno.

“I have.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

“There is no point in going to the Ministry of Rites to inquire about their intentions.”

“That’s right. There’s no one who can overturn the decision that has already been made.”

The Ministry of Rites lived in extraterritorial rights. Since the temple was the only place in the Empire where imperial law did not apply, going there would be futile. This was the intent of the founding Emperor, who had sought to completely separate imperial authority and spiritual authority.

“I believe I understand the reason.”

“The reason?”

“The reason the Ministry of Rites issued the statement.”

Monterno’s eyes gleamed. It was information his aide had brought him in secret before he had entered the Emperor’s chamber.

“Apparently, someone filed an anonymous accusation.”

“An anonymous accusation?”

“An accusation denouncing the improper actions of the Prince Inferno and Bellaruse of Zeraon was received by the Ministry.”

“Who would do such a thing!”

Even in the face of the Emperor’s furious anger, Monterno was not afraid. The information he had bribed the temple official to obtain was quite useful.

“They are currently investigating the man who filed the accusation.”

“Just a man, you say? Not a nobleman?”

“His attire was not that of a nobleman, but his behavior was akin to one.”

“How dare some nobleman defy me!”

“We are still looking into that. Only a few know that the Ministry of Rites has the authority to issue such statements. And the temple is extremely selective in who they accept.”

“Indeed!”

“So there must have been prior contact. It is not a place where just anyone can file an anonymous accusation and have it accepted.”

“Then by searching the records…”

“We should be able to identify the one who filed the accusation.”

At Monterno’s response, the Emperor struck the arm of the throne.

“I will rely on you alone.”

“I will bring back satisfactory results.”

Leaving the smiling Emperor behind, Monterno exited the chamber.

As Monterno emerged from the chamber, his eyes were gleaming, and the attendants around him trembled and made way.

***

After returning from the banquet, Reubellina was lying sprawled on the bed in her bedroom in their ducal estate.

‘Ah, I’m so tired.’

Dealing with Bellaruse, Inferno, and Monterno had been utterly exhausting.

She abruptly sat up from the bed where she had been lying. She could not afford to be lazy. She had to depart for the North the next day, leaving no time to linger.

“I need to pack my things.”

Now was the opportune time, as the noble ladies of high society were gossiping about her and Tartenon’s beautiful love story. Despite the twists and turns at the last banquet, Reubellina was ultimately the victor.

“My lady, it’s time for you to get up.”

“Morning, Sandy.”

“Oh my! You’re up early?”

Thinking Reubellina would be sleeping in late after the banquet, Sandy expressed surprise as she helped with Reubellina’s grooming.

‘I should finish up the matters before leaving.’

Ordering Sandy to come to the study with the papers she needed to take care of, Reubellina left the bedroom. Today’s schedule was just packing and resting, so she had no plans to venture outside the Duke’s residence.

She leisurely sipped her tea as she reviewed and processed the papers. The corners of her mouth twitched upwards, and Sandy, watching from the corner of her eye, joined in. A warm atmosphere permeated the study.

The gloomy mood at the Duke of Asillious’s residence due to Inferno’s breaking off the engagement was gradually improving. The news of Reubellina’s departure for the North had not caused any disturbance, except for the servants who wanted to follow her.

But then, suddenly, a commotion was heard from outside.

“What’s happening?”

“I’ll go check and let you know!”

As Sandy was about to go out, the head maid came looking for Reubellina.

“My Lady! The Princess has arrived!”

“The Princess?”

Reubellina, who had been flipping through papers, slowly rose from her seat.

‘I don’t like facing royals.’

Things hadn’t ended well with Inferno or Monterno. And now, the princess had come to the Duke’s estate, unlikely to be here for a good reason.

“You should go see her right away. She’s in the reception room, but it’s a bit…”

“A bit what?”

“Causing a disturbance…”

“Disturbance?”

Reubellina hurried out to the hallway. The voices of the servants downstairs could be heard all the way up here.

As she descended the stairs, the sound of furniture breaking and glass shattering continued. Hearing those sounds, the expression on Reubellina’s face disappeared.

“What’s going on?”

“The Princess has broken the teacups and saucers.”

“By mistake?”

At Reubellina’s repeated question, the servants were unable to give a proper answer. Realizing the situation, Reubellina looked at the flustered servants and gestured to Sandy.

“Go to 235 Sylvester Street and tell the Grand Duke that something has happened.”

“Should I tell him to come to the Duke’s residence?”

“Just say the Princess is causing a disturbance.”

“Understood!”

Sandy hurried off with a gleam in her eyes. Hearing Reubellina and Sandy’s conversation, the servants scattered, glancing around uncertainly.

“Butler.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

“Bring me the invoice for the items the Princess has broken so far.”

“I’ll have it prepared immediately.”

Hearing her order, the butler scurried off. Reubellina gestured to the knight guarding the Duke’s residence, telling him to inform her father at the imperial palace, before entering the reception room.

Inside the reception room, the Princess stood there, fuming with her eyes reddened.

“You!”

“I greet you, Your Imperial Highness.”

Reubellina calmly bowed her waist. There was no need to get angry with someone who was already extremely agitated. Reubellina, who had been circulating in high society for many years, knew well how to handle a person in such a state of extreme excitement.

The angry Princess Selena Freynante was taken aback by Reubellina’s submissive attitude, but then her eyes narrowed again. For a fleeting moment, Selena’s eyes were filled with interest, but it was too fleeting to be noticed by anyone else.

“Reubellina Asillious.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Do you know what crime you have committed?”

“If you tell me, I will listen carefully.”

Reubellina feigned ignorance, tilting her head. Selene gracefully raised her hand. The hand moved towards Reubellina’s cheek, but she took a step back, evading Selena’s hand.

Whoosh-

Selena’s hand sliced through the empty air. At the same time, she lost her balance and swayed greatly.

The undignified sight caused Selena to blush with embarrassment, and the imperial maid who had accompanied her helped support her.

“Oh, there was a bug, so I inadvertently stepped back. Shall I stand up straight again?”

It was impossible for there to be any bugs in this cold season. At Reubellina’s mockery, Selena pushed away the maid’s hand and stood in front of her again.

“Stand up straight, you say?”

“This time, I won’t evade. If you wish to strike my cheek, then do so.”

“Is that so?”

Selena’s hand rose up again. At that moment, Reubellina did not move as promised. Instead, she opened her mouth.

“As a high-ranking noble, you should be aware that even if you are of the imperial family, you can be brought to trial before the nobility if you assault me without reason.”

“You! How dare you…!”

“I’m afraid I don’t know why Your Imperial Highness has come here.”

That’s right. Since Selena had come here and immediately raised her hand without explaining the reason, it would be sufficient grounds to bring the case to a noble trial. Reubellina was the sole heir of the renowned Asillious family.

“You stole my fiancé, what else?”

“Fiancé? Who might that be?”

Reubellina blinked, as if she really didn’t know.

‘Pretending not to know is more infuriating than openly stating it, after all.’