Marked as the Tyrant's Daughter-in-Law - Chapter 20

***

Today, I finally received a reply from Uncle Amrus!

Although no name was written, it came under the name of the Albreon Economic Research Institute, so it must be from one of those three people.

I read the letter with excitement.

[To my dear Arinel,

Arinel, I’ve been eagerly anticipating when I might see you since hearing that you’ve come to the capital.

However, I must first address the content you sent in your letter as the reason I can’t come to see you right away.

Yes, you’ve always feared the great famine.

And your argument, despite its weak basis, stirred quite plausible emotions in me. Every time I looked into your eyes, I was confused about whether it was the truth.

It’s fair to say you’re the first to evoke such emotions in me, who doesn’t move without rational judgment.

And after much deliberation, I decided to conduct a geological survey.

In fact, the survey has been secretly underway even before you came to the capital.

And I plan to visit the eastern region for a month to analyze the survey results.

Anyway, it seems I’ll be able to see you again in a month.

Although it’s very regrettable that I can’t see your face right now, I’m looking forward to that day very much. More than you can imagine.

P.S. I know you’re getting along well with His Highness the Crown Prince these days. But Arinel, I have a son too. The more options, the better, originally.]

……

Let’s pretend I didn’t read the postscript.

Anyway, I was overjoyed to receive the letter.

Uncle Amrus listened to my story and is conducting a geological survey!

If the results of the geological survey are the same as in the original work, it will save the lives of so many people.

But as my thoughts reached that point, I hesitated for a moment.

‘Then…… wouldn’t that throw off the original story?’

<I will no longer be the Tyrant’s lover> is a tragic romance fantasy, and after Parmes Aslet, the tyrant, ascends to the throne, the whole country is supposed to be devastated by a great famine, with countless people dying.

Due to the famine, the empire would become extremely slum-like, the slave market would thrive, and the female protagonist Amelia would be sold to Parmes, becoming his lover and being obsessively pursued in various 19+ ways before escaping.

Parmes, blinded by love for Amelia, would go berserk and make the empire even more of a mess, with the people trembling at his ruthless tyranny.

‘But…… it’s already off track, isn’t it?’

According to my calculations, in the original story, the tyrant Parmes Aslet ascends to the throne when I’m thirteen.

“I still hoped you’d be happy. The reason I moved up the plan was that I couldn’t bear to see Arinel suffer any longer.”

He, who moved up the plan, has already ascended, and I’m only eleven now.

If the geological survey is successful and we can predict the famine, we can also prepare countermeasures for the great famine that will occur in two years.

Although it will be difficult to overcome the famine that lasts for four years without any problems… The country will come up with various measures, and my red beet business will also help.

Then the city won’t become a slum, and the conditions for Amelia’s appearance will also become ambiguous.

‘……It’s not my business.’

As my head was about to get complicated, I simply summarized while crossing my short arms.

I didn’t ask to be possessed, so I won’t suffer from this tragic romance fantasy’s original story syndrome.

It would be nice if the female lead appeared, but my well-being is a hundred, no, a thousand times more important than following the original story.

‘And I don’t like innocent people dying.’

***

“A masquerade ball……”

For the first time since Parmes took power, it was announced that a ball would suddenly be held at the imperial palace.

And it’s a masquerade ball. A unique ball where you attend wearing a mask that covers the upper part of your face……

And I, as the heir to the Marquis family, was notified that my attendance was mandatory. Adam encouraged me with a faint smile.

“Due to His Majesty’s gag order, I can’t tell you in detail, but this party will surely be a refreshing change, young lady.”

As we arrived at the magnificent imperial palace by carriage, I could see masked nobles gathered in small groups.

Unlike Lady Matzert’s birthday, it seems that over 80 percent are adult nobles.

I slightly raised my toes and discreetly listened to the adults’ conversations.

“A masquerade ball so soon after the fireworks ended, I thought His Majesty didn’t prefer crowded, boisterous events with many people, so why?”

“Even when he was a prince, he hardly attended balls. Since ascending to the throne, there have only been two.”

“Pe… Perhaps… Could this be part of a purge?”

“But after the third purge, he declared that there would be no more noble heads rolling, didn’t he?”

“Let’s make sure we meet again, alive.”

The solemn voice of a noble wearing a blue mask was trembling.

There were three purges?

My stomach churns.

I entered the ballroom wearing a silver dress that perfectly fit my small, young frame, paired with a silver fox mask.

“Wow……”

The sight of the ballroom was so incredible that my mouth opened involuntarily.

Aside from the incredibly spacious interior, everything from the curtains to the chandeliers, even the small decorations, was sparkling.

I wonder if it’s all gold, or real jewels? My gaze is drawn here and there at the thought.

The nobles’ attire was also splendid, and although their faces were hidden, incredibly beautiful ladies whose beauty couldn’t be concealed were walking around in beautiful dresses.

“It’s an opportunity for some ladies who want to find the best match. If it’s a masquerade ball held by the Emperor’s order……”

A familiar voice was heard from behind.

“His Majesty the Emperor must be in here too, right?”

The woman wearing an incredibly splendid red dress and a rose-shaped mask was Aunt Piolet, no, Lady Alens.

Her small stature, plump figure, and the emerald ring on her left hand made her immediately recognizable.

“Lady Alens!”

“You’re truly lovely. From your walk to your posture, you’ve improved even more since last time. Oh-ho-ho.”

The lady’s eyes seemed to be full of hearts.

The lady speaks comfortably when we’re alone, but uses honorifics in public.

Since this is the etiquette of nobles, I also treat her like a teacher when we’re outside.

“Indeed. Now, when I put on a dress, I find myself unconsciously doing the crane dance inside. It’s all thanks to you, my lady!”

“Oh, how modest. It’s all because of Arinel’s innate talent.”

“Thank you for the compliment, my lady. But… what do you mean by ‘ladies’ opportunity’?”

“It means that since the Emperor is just over thirty and without a partner, many women are aiming for the position of Empress. You could say they’re candidates to be Arinel’s mother-in-law.”

When I heard the word ‘mother-in-law’, I inhaled sharply and made a surprised expression.

‘I’m not even used to the word fiancé, let alone father-in-law or mother-in-law……’

Anyway, are all these beautiful ladies waiting for Uncle Zimmer… I mean, Parmes’ selection?

‘Well, he’s so handsome and widowed, so even with the scary nickname of tyrant, it’s no wonder women would be interested.’

“So, unfortunately, it will be difficult for me to stay by Arinel’s side. I’m a person who receives unwanted attention from those seeking marriage ties with the imperial family.”

Before she could finish speaking, I saw several women who recognized her approaching.

“Lady Aleeens!”

As she’s such a person of great interest, I might get trampled to death if I stay by her side.

“It’s a shame, but let’s meet during our lesson. Oh, as a hint, the Crown Prince is wearing a black mask……”

Before she could finish, voices calling for her were heard.

“Lady Alens!”

“My, what a beautiful dress! You’re amazing!”

“Oh, it’s an honor to see you here, my lady.”

The ladies are coming… coming in droves. I activated the crane dance steps I learned from Lady Alens and quickly moved away from her.

Pitter-patter. This is surprisingly fast!

“Would you like orange juice or apple juice? Cute little lady?”

As I emerged from the crowd, I heard a voice and briefly looked up to see the simple white shirt and black pants worn by servants.

The man was holding a tray with several glasses on it, like other attendants.

“Apple ju……”

As I was about to request juice, I suddenly realized that the voice I heard earlier was familiar, and I flinched and looked up.

This voice is……?

Under the flickering chandelier light, I saw the face of a handsome man with brown hair and brown eyes, not wearing a mask.

I opened my eyes wide and said his name.

“……Uncle Zimmer?”