Chapter 2 – Part 2

“Calm down, Celeste. Marchioness, what exactly do you mean by asking for a prison?”

Hellebore, having regained his composure, raised his hand to calm him down.

“Exactly as I said, I want to build a prison that I, as a Master, can directly manage, and I would like Your Majesty to officially grant permission for this.”

“So… you want to establish an independent prison for the Charbert family, not just a dungeon within your mansion, and you want my approval for it.”

“Exactly.”

Olivia replied without a hint of intimidation. The atmosphere in the audience room grew even colder.

That was understandable. As a master, she had the authority to judge crimes committed by her subjects, but when it came to crimes committed by nobles, the authority belonged to the Imperial Family. Not just nobles, but even knights, had the same privilege.

So, Olivia’s proposal was sensitive. She was asking not just for a prison but for the right to punish both her subjects and nobles alike. Moreover…

“If anything goes wrong in that prison, the Imperial Family cannot avoid responsibility. Do you understand that, Marchioness?”

With the conversation turning serious, Hellebore’s warmth vanished. Celeste also stared coldly at Olivia, too afraid to interrupt.

“Yes, I understand. But Your Majesty, as you must know, the security situation in the Charbert territory is not good.”

Olivia was not naive. She had anticipated the Emperor’s sharp reaction. This was not the time to falter.

“Shamefully, the Charbert family’s corruption is worse than any other. Despite being responsible for the border, they are busy embezzling and hiding things. It’s no wonder the quality and supply of weapons are poor.”

“So?”

Hellebore gestured for her to continue. Olivia immediately followed up.

“In such a situation, bandits are rampant near the border, and innocent people are dying. As the head of the family, it is my duty to address this. I want to personally punish the corrupt vassals and deal with those who harm my subjects.”

Hellebore’s expression became complex. He seemed to finally realize that Olivia had truly changed.

“Just say the word. Then you won’t have to dirty your hands, and the Empire will achieve peace.”

Hellebore was taken aback. He had been informed that Olivia was planning to expel some of her vassals from the family and was seeking his help to do so. Marsden had come along to lend weight to her words since he was close to the emperor.

But now, it seemed… Olivia was challenging him alone.

As if to prove this, Marsden looked strangely anxious. Hellebore found this situation rather interesting.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean that if you just give the word, I’ll take care of everything. There is no need for detailed discussions about who to behead or whose legs to break. You mentioned that any problems could reflect poorly on the imperial family, but I see it differently. If something goes wrong, you can simply say it was my foolishness, and you can declare that you will never grant such authority to nobles again.”

Hellebore inwardly marveled. The woman who used to swing a sword without being able to face him properly had completely changed.

“But, Marchioness, this is a very sensitive issue. It means giving you part of my authority. Even as a border master, there will be significant opposition.”

“I understand. But if you trust me enough to grant this, I will present to you the worms eating away at the empire.”

“Hmm… What do you think, Duke?”

Hellebore shifted his gaze to Marsden.

“You were the Marchioness’ mentor and patron. Do you find her proposal efficient?”

Hellebore was wary of Marsden’s power, but he trusted Marsden’s rational judgment, knowing he wouldn’t let personal feelings interfere.

“During the Marchioness’ absence, I also failed to oversee the Charbert family. In that time, their situation has worsened.”

Marsden’s calm voice filled the audience chamber.

“I want to support the Marchioness. It would be an honor if you could reconsider her proposal, Your Majesty.”

Hellebore smiled quietly.

He trusted Marsden’s rational judgment. But he also believed in something else: that Marsden’s loyalty was unwavering to the point of folly.

“Very well.”

“Really?”

“But.”

As Olivia started to get excited, Hellebore stopped her with a smile.

“I’ll grant the authority temporarily, for just one month.”

Hellebore slowly rose from his throne. Olivia, watching the pleased emperor, sensed intuitively that he, too, was quite eccentric.

“Let’s make a deal, Marchioness. I need assurance that you will not leave your Marchionessate vacant for months again. Even I don’t want the border lord’s seat to remain empty for long.”

“What… is it?”

Feeling a chill, Olivia stuttered slightly.

Hellebore didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he alternated his gaze between Marsden and Olivia. It hadn’t been long, but the reversal of their relationship was clear, making Hellebore inexplicably more amused.

“Bring me the one who tried to kill you.”

“…….”

“Within a month, you won’t have to worry about the prison for the rest of your life.”

Olivia’s mouth dropped open before she closed it. It seemed absurd, but the emperor didn’t appear to be joking.

She couldn’t tell if she should rejoice or despair. One thing was clear…

She had to catch the attempted murderer within a month.

***

“What is His Majesty thinking?”

“…”

“What was he thinking to make such a cra… I mean, suggestion?”

Olivia strode through the well-maintained garden like a general. No one else walked like that in the imperial garden, so the palace staff’s gazes naturally followed her.

As soon as Hellebore finished the audience, he left, saying he had work to attend to and apologizing for not being able to entertain her properly, suggesting she tour the garden. So, she came to this garden she wasn’t even curious about.

It was indeed beautiful. If only her mind were a flowery meadow, she would have enjoyed it more. Unfortunately, her mind was more like Pandora’s box, filled with worries.

Any slight touch would cause all kinds of thoughts to spill over.

‘I was hoping for a “judge, please drop the beat” scenario, but suddenly this?’

“If you fail to catch the person who tried to kill you, the prison will be immediately closed, and you will be held responsible. There’s bound to be some noise, so I’ll find a reason to take issue with something.”

Olivia’s worry deepened. She wished for a foolish emperor commonly found in romance novels…

Even starting tomorrow, a month wasn’t much time. Olivia glanced back.

“Duke?”

Marsden was silent. Olivia, expecting him to question her, faced him with a resigned expression. Finally, Marsden seemed to snap out of his thoughts and look at her.

“I shouldn’t be curious about His Majesty’s intentions. What are you thinking about?”

The palace staff kept a respectful distance, so their voices couldn’t be heard by others.

Olivia had expected Marsden to question her. Why she refused his help, if she hated him, what her plans were, etc. Powerful and wealthy people often felt more insulted when their help was rejected.

“Buddy.”

Though Olivia preferred to argue in a quieter place, there was no helping it. She lifted her chin, indicating for Marsden to speak.

“Lock me up too.”

“Excuse me?”

Marsden, speaking too softly for his size, made Olivia lean in closer to hear him. His red lips parted slowly.

“Lock me up too.”

“What did you say?”

“If you won’t use me…”

Marsden took her hand, his touch desperate yet tender.

“Then lock me up in your prison.”

‘What kind of nonsense is this now!?’

***

Marsden had a faint idea of what Olivia was thinking. She likely thought he was crazy.

She was right.

“It’s just… it seems like you no longer need me. How can I bear to see those scoundrels meet you more often than I do?”

His smile was gentle but chilling enough to make Olivia break into a cold sweat. When Marsden lifted a hand to gently wipe away the sweat, Olivia flinched. She still doubted if he was sincere.

‘I am sincere.’

Although he seemed calm outwardly, Marsden was quite anxious. This topic of imprisonment hadn’t been pre-discussed with him.

Originally, he was supposed to suggest to the emperor that some of Olivia’s vassals be punished under his authority. Olivia had agreed. But then things changed.

‘It’s probably because of that confession.’

The confession at the lake of the Fore mansion. He had confessed partly to atone for past sins and partly to explain why he had ample reason to help her.

But it had backfired. Marsden admitted his mistake.

“Of course, there would be procedures, but if I could see you often during that time, I’d gladly wear the cuffs…”

“Wait, wait!”

Olivia raised both hands in a fluster.

“You know this doesn’t make sense, right?”

“Why not? There’s no law saying a duke can’t be a Marchioness’ vassal. We could make a pact right now. Then you can imprison me.”

Olivia realized Marsden wasn’t in a state to have a rational conversation.

“You’re now…”

“I told you, Buddy. If you won’t use me, then at least keep me by your side like this.”

The smile vanished from Marsden’s lips. Olivia gulped. Marsden’s gloved hand brushed her hair.

“I understand your frustration and doubts. That’s why you changed your mind, though I know I have no right to say this.”

Marsden’s hand slid down, holding the end of her hair.

“Think wisely, Buddy.”

When his red lips touched her hair, Olivia felt her heart pound.

She couldn’t tell if it was horror or romance making her heart race.