Chapter 7 – Part 7

The interrogation of the sorcerer was proceeding smoothly, but given the time Hellebore had granted, it was extremely tight just investigating the sorcerer.

The sorcerer was in poor condition, with blackened fingertips and stab wounds all over his body, not to mention bloodshot eyes. While he answered all questions, it was hard to tell if his responses were lucid.

Moreover, sensitive questions that seemed to truly threaten his life were met with evasions or lies, indicating that it would take several more weeks to break him down properly.

“It’s a novel idea, but it feels risky to go for it.”

The problem was that this case was tenuously connected to hers, making it tricky to ask Hellebore for more time based on this alone.

Furthermore, involving her associates in something so precarious made her uncomfortable.

“But not taking any action would also leave you feeling uneasy, Marchioness.”

Startled by Glenn’s perceptive words, Olivia’s eyes widened. Glenn laughed briefly before making a sincere request.

“I want to do this. Please allow me to help you in any way I can.”

Olivia nodded. His earnest gaze provided her with a profound sense of comfort.

Perhaps Glenn had always looked at her this way. When she first met him, she thought his eyes were cold and his demeanor stiff, but now she realized that might have been her own prejudice. It was also a sense of inadequacy, thinking he couldn’t possibly care for an incompetent head of the family.

So Olivia decided to accept more of Glenn’s advice.

“Alright, let’s give it a try. But… will Marsden cooperate with our plan?”

“Pardon?”

Glenn’s serious expression vanished as he let out a sharp exclamation.

“Marchioness, don’t you understand yet? The Duke may be crazy, but he would die for you.”

***

With Glenn’s sincere persuasion, Olivia quickly requested an audience with Hellebore through an intermediary. Even though she had a notorious reputation, she couldn’t just storm the emperor’s doors.

Fortunately, Hellebore responded swiftly through an aide, saying in grandiose terms that he was curious about what she had to say and asked her to come quickly. Thus, Olivia was on her way to the palace in a carriage from the Marquisate’s residence.

“Why am I in the same carriage, though?”

The quiet inside the moving carriage was broken by Glenn’s question.

“I know you two have been at odds for a long time, but can’t I just jump out now and take another carriage?”

“No.”

Olivia ignored the intense gaze opposite her and refused Glenn’s request. Glenn sulked at her blunt rejection.

“Ever since I sat beside you, I’ve been getting glared at by someone.”

Though Hellebore had accepted the meeting, the issue was what would happen next. Olivia wanted to ride in separate carriages, but Marsden had refused.

Though Olivia had hissed and snarled, she eventually accepted to avoid wasting time. However, whether she sat next to or across from him, Marsden’s jealousy chilled the air further, making things awkward.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so self-conscious. Normally, even if someone stared at me, they’d still see me as a person, but now I feel like a mere insect.”

“Has anyone ever acted like this before?”

Olivia snapped her head towards Glenn like a predator catching sight of its prey. The intense gaze she gave him was even stronger than before, as if she didn’t want to share even the smallest glance with anyone else.

“You never believed me when I told you, but at balls, whenever you danced with someone, how much he’d glare at them. I almost felt sorry for them.”

“So what, should I just stand around like a pillar? What nonsense.”

Marsden flinched slightly at the word “nonsense,” noticeable from the corner of her eye. Indeed, gossiping was thrilling.

“If you fall in love, shouldn’t you express your feelings actively? Saying you held back for this reason or that is all just an excuse.”

“Exactly! Exactly!”

Olivia’s face, which had been slightly downcast, brightened. She looked like a cat with a new toy, and Glenn continued to agree with her.

“I was so frustrated. As if dealing with the family’s issues wasn’t enough, he had to add to the worries. Keeping distance for the sake of the other person is…”

Glenn’s playful tone suddenly turned serious.

“Frankly, it’s deceit.”

“…”

Olivia was surprised by his candid words. She knew he was a good listener and gave sound advice, but she hadn’t realized he could be this sharp.

Marsden seemed to sense the change in atmosphere too. His eyes, now filled with guilt and anxiety, looked both unfamiliar and familiar.

“Yes, it’s deceit.”

For the first time since boarding the carriage, Olivia looked directly at Marsden.

“Kindness and consideration can be forms of violence if the other person doesn’t want them.”

***

Emperor Hellebore, whom they hadn’t seen in a while, was clean-shaven. Realizing this, Olivia noted that a beard did not suit him at all.

“You’re staring quite intently, Marchioness.”

“Oh, my apologies.”

Olivia didn’t deny it and apologized gracefully. Hellebore awkwardly rubbed his bare cheek.

“The chamberlain said I needed to shave to get married, so I did. Does it not suit me?”

“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I don’t stare at ugly men for long.”

“Hahaha!”

Hellebore burst into hearty laughter at Olivia’s candid joke.

“You make me think it wouldn’t be so bad to take you as my Empress, Marchioness. What do you think?”

“Um… I do love myself, but I recommend you reconsider…”

“Your Majesty.”

Marsden interrupted their lively conversation with a cold tone.

“It would be best if you refrained from saying things you shouldn’t.”

Marsden’s remark was quite rude to be directed at the Emperor, causing the previously pleasant atmosphere in the audience chamber to chill. Fortunately, Hellebore still had a broad smile.

“Is there any reason not to? As far as I know, the Marchioness has no other marriage prospects being discussed, and I would be a fairly decent husband, wouldn’t I?”

“Your Majesty.”

“Moreover, if you’ve come here to ‘request’ a deal, the Duke should be on his best behavior with me.”

Olivia mentally sighed. This was why men like Hellebore were more terrifying than someone like Harry Palmer. His smiling face somehow sent shivers down her spine.

“You’re right. However, granting our request wouldn’t be a bad thing for Your Majesty either.”

“So, are you saying that if I refuse, something unfavorable will happen to me?”

Hellebore’s smile remained, but his eyes were sharp. Olivia resisted the urge to suggest leaving if they were going to fight.

“Very well then. Let’s say I accept Sir Miles’s challenge and summon Gael Abyss to the royal court for questioning. Let’s assume you gain more time and the Duke’s title is staked. What if you fail?”

Hellebore leaned back and clasped his hands.

“Too many nobles are a problem, but stripping key figures of their titles or demoting them is also a major issue. If a single Marchioness fails, they can learn to farm again, but…”

What?!

Olivia trembled with anger at his mocking words, but Hellebore enjoyed it silently and continued.

“If the border Marchioness and a Duke closely allied with this house lose their titles, it would be a significant loss for the Empire. Hence, I propose two conditions: one for accepting the request and one if you fail.”

Damn it. Olivia fumed inwardly. This sly emperor was adept at extracting multiple concessions from a single deal.

“First, for accepting your request, Sir Miles must do something. At 11 a.m. today, duel my Captain of the Royal Knight, Celeste. If you win, I’ll waive any penalties Sir Miles might incur in the future.”

Since Glenn was there, Olivia turned to look at him involuntarily. Unlike her, Glenn was composed. His calm demeanor suggested he was accepting the situation rather than suppressing shame.

“What exactly do you want from this, Your Majesty?”

Since they were the ones asking for a favor, Olivia tried to hold back her temper. However, she wouldn’t stand by if this demand was meant to humiliate her people.

“For diplomatic purposes, an envoy from the Kingdom of Mollen is staying at the royal palace. The Duke knows this as well.”

Hellebore glanced lightly at Marsden.

“I want to show them the prowess of our Empire’s elite knights. I considered a tournament but decided it would be cleaner to demonstrate this through a duel between the border’s Guard Captain and the royal knight Captain.”

Olivia quickly calculated. It didn’t seem like a lie, as Marsden’s expression indicated he was aware. It was clearly not a simple jest.

However, Olivia was somewhat fearful of seeing her people get hurt after recently witnessing Marsden’s bloodshed. Even though it was due to a curse, it was still unsettling.

“Marchioness.”

As Olivia hesitated, Glenn gently stepped beside her.

“It’s just a duel. Even if I get injured, it’ll be a recoverable wound. More importantly…”

Glenn glanced subtly at the Emperor and confidently declared.

“I won’t lose to Sir Celeste. He’s a pampered noble, weak in actual combat.”

“Hey, Sir Miles. He’s still my man.”

Despite his words, Hellebore looked quite intrigued. He signaled to his chamberlain.

“Clear the training ground and inform the Mollen envoy that an extraordinary duel will take place.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

As the chamberlain left, Olivia immediately turned to Glenn and declared.

“Don’t lose, Glenn. And don’t get hurt.”

She could feel Marsden’s gaze from behind. She wondered what kind of look he was giving but didn’t turn around. Glenn smiled.

“Of course. I will fulfill your command, Marchioness.”