Chapter 26

The front gate of Amber Viscountcy was filled with people seeing Diana off. Everyone wore an expression full of regret as they watched her prepare to leave.

“My Lady, could you stay just a little longer?”

“That’s right. It’s been so long since you visited.”

“I’ve rested enough, really. I came here for vacation, but I have to return to the capital soon.”

Now she carried the burdens of being the anti-Emperor faction leader and the secret imperial child. She felt like she was taking all these headaches back with her, but Diana hadn’t been unable to rest here. Her family and the staff had truly given her a place to relax.

“It’s not just empty words—I really rested well thanks to you all. And I’ll enjoy all the food you made for me. I think I’ve even gained weight.”

Carrying the packages the staff had prepared, Diana walked toward the carriage.

“I’ll try to visit more often, so take care until then, alright?”

“Yes, My Lady!”

“Take care of yourself! Please come again anytime!”

After being sent off by the staff, Diana turned to her family. Ben, Sarah, and Dian were standing right in front of her.

“Well, I’ll be going now. Stay healthy.”

“Diana, you should take better care of yourself. The work of an aide must be tough… Maybe I should’ve made you take some medicine.”

“I don’t need medicine, it’s not that bad, really.”

Diana whispered quietly.

“And about the Prince, I’ll look into it myself. For now, it’s best to keep things quiet. If anything happens, send me a letter right away.”

Even this morning, Ed had clung to her and wouldn’t let go. In just a few days, sharing a room had made her feel attached—maybe because he looked so much like Evan. Diana found herself unable to ignore Ed. So she realized she needed to seriously consider how to protect him.

“I’ll try to find somewhere safe for the Prince as quickly as possible.”

Sarah nodded at Diana’s words.

“Don’t worry about us here. Just visit more often, okay? And if you can, bring that new aide with you next time.”

“…Neil?”

“I’m all for you marrying that young man. He’s really just perfect in every way.”

Ben added his thoughts.

“Honestly, no one is good enough for my daughter, but if it’s that young man, I could maybe, just maybe, consider it.”

“Don’t even think about it! Neil and I aren’t like that at all!”

Diana desperately denied it, then looked at Dian.

“Oh, and brother.”

“Huh?”

“How about a farewell hug?”

Diana opened her arms, but Dian recoiled.

“What nonsense. I’ll break out in hives.”

“Come on, just come here.”

“Hey, you…!”

Dian tried to avoid the hug, but Diana quickly embraced him. She whispered quietly in his ear.

“You know, right? Don’t run off anywhere—just stay put here.”

“…….”

“If you run away again, you’re not my brother anymore.”

The others, who couldn’t hear Diana’s fierce warning, watched the siblings’ hug with warm smiles. Diana and Dian let go, and Diana brushed off the spot where they’d touched before climbing into the carriage.

“Well, I’m off now. Take care, everyone!”

“Travel safely, Diana!”

“Come back soon, My Lady!”

With her family and staff sending her off, Diana’s carriage departed. Even after it left, everyone remained standing, waving at the carriage. Diana smiled as she watched them. It was a bit chaotic, but she was reassured to see their unchanged energy.

“Of course, the Imperial Palace is just as hectic as home.”

Wondering what might have happened while she was away, Diana closed her eyes to rest in the carriage.

*   *   *

High power, and the bloodline to match. That was the ideal pursued by the Daian Dukedom. Meetings between those of high status and rank were their pride, and this extended to the imperial family they served.

No noble family could stand above them. But the imperial family was different. Thus, they took pride in serving the royals, and believed those royals should have fitting bloodlines.

The current Duke of Daian, Arthur, thought the same way. The lord he served had to embody the ideals demanded by the Daian Dukedom. That’s why, during the Prince’s Rebellion, he supported the First Prince, son of the Empress.

At first, he was certain of victory. He believed the First Prince would naturally become the next Emperor, trusting in his own power. But things took an unexpected turn.

The Prince who troubled him was someone he never expected—a son of a fallen minor family’s concubine. That Prince, Evan, had shown no presence in the palace until the rebellion began, then crushed the other prince factions. Even the First Prince, whom Arthur supported, was no exception.

So the next Emperor was not the First Prince Arthur backed, but Prince Evan. It was an astonishing twist. No one had expected Evan to seize the throne. Yet he did, and the nobles involved in the rebellion kept their heads down.

But Arthur was different. He could not accept an Emperor he did not recognize above him. A mere concubine’s child, far beneath him—Arthur refused to acknowledge such a man as Emperor.

One mistake had cost him dearly. Arthur blamed the defeat in the rebellion on underestimating Evan. But he would not make the same mistake twice.

“Your Grace, may I come in?”

“Mm.”

With a knock, a servant entered Arthur’s study.

“What is it?”

“Grand Duke Kahil Karbel will be arriving at the mansion soon. I came to inform you right away.”

“I see.”

At the servant’s words, Arthur stood and headed outside. As he walked down the corridor, many staff followed behind. Arthur led the way alone through the wide corridor. When he stepped outside the mansion’s doors, countless staff bowed their heads to greet him.

“Has the carriage arrived?”

“It should be here any moment.”

As soon as Arthur spoke, the sound of horses’ hooves echoed from afar. Everyone’s gaze turned to the approaching carriage. Even from a distance, it was an imposing, massive carriage. The knights escorting it were just as imposing. The black carriage, clearly visible from afar, slowed and arrived before Arthur.

As the carriage stopped, the servants behind Arthur prepared to greet the guest formally. Arthur, standing in the center, waited for the passenger to step out. Soon, the carriage door opened.

A man appeared from inside. Jet-black hair contrasted with red eyes. He had a massive frame, fitting the size of the carriage. The aura he gave off was so extraordinary that even the staff struggled to hide their surprise.

His name was Kahil Karbel. He was the current Grand Duke of Karbel and of imperial blood.

As Kahil approached, Arthur revealed a satisfied expression.

Yes, this time would be different. With this man before him, he would once again seek the perfect Imperial Throne he desired. Arthur bowed his head to Kahil.

“Thank you for visiting our ducal residence, Your Highness the Grand Duke.”

Thus began Arthur’s grand plan.