Chapter 31

I walked through the dark basement without a torch. The emptiness of failing to kill Kazak and the new mystery of Ari Eriant filled me completely. Every step felt like my feet were sinking into the darkness.

I glanced once at the faint light streaming from above the stairs and then slowly walked out, seeing Prince Aslan with a worried expression. If this was an act, he was a pretty skilled actor.

“Grand Duchess of Zan, are you alright?”

“What could someone trapped do to me? I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.“

“Was there any trouble?”

He must have been quite curious about what happened inside. I nodded and looked around. It seemed he had dismissed everyone; even the guard captain was momentarily absent.

Prince Aslan was capable and meticulous. He was far more suited to be emperor than Prince Cain.

As I tidied my somewhat disheveled skirt, I asked,

“What will happen to Marquis Amber from now on?”

Prince Aslan seemed to ponder for a moment before answering firmly,

“That depends on the Grand Duchess’s wishes.”

There couldn’t have been a more satisfactory answer. It was as if he had given me Kazak as a gift. I lowered my gaze and lifted the corners of my mouth slightly. Life returned to my eyes, which had been consumed by emptiness. Prince Aslan must have noticed that, too.

“Please release him alive for now. Make sure he doesn’t lose his spirit completely.”

Prince Aslan stared at me intently before nodding. His eyes had transformed into those of a politician, which signified that our desires had aligned and that a deal had been reached.

“Let’s consider releasing Marquis Amber safely as the first gift.”

Prince Aslan flashed a charming smile. While good looks often influenced negotiations, it was just a fleeting thought of ‘He’s handsome.‘ My hatred for Kazak was too great, and perhaps it was also because I had grown accustomed to seeing a handsome face daily after marriage.

If Julian hadn’t had a unique constitution, he would have been known as the most handsome man in the empire. Many noble young ladies would have fallen lovesick and wished to marry Julian.

Thinking that made me chuckle to myself. It was natural for Prince Aslan to look at me strangely. How odd it must have seemed for a woman filled with rage to suddenly laugh alone.

I smiled awkwardly and bade farewell. There was nothing left for me to do here.

* * *

Meeting Prince Aslan might have been the empress’s will, but having received an invitation, I had to pay my respects to her before leaving the palace.

However, upon arriving at the empress’s palace, I was greeted by the empress’s maid and Marian instead of the empress.

After exchanging a look with Marian, I courteously addressed the empress’s maid.

“Has Her Majesty not returned yet?”

The maid nodded at my question.

“Her Majesty still has work to do and will take some time to return. She expressed regret that sharing tea will have to be postponed.”

“If she is busy, it wouldn’t be proper for me to wait. Please convey that I will certainly visit next time she calls.“

“I will do so.”

The maid and I had a relatively warm conversation. Before leaving, I cautiously asked while glancing at Marian.

“What about my maid?“

“Oh, don’t worry. Miss Marian has been ordered to return with Your Grace.”

I blinked in surprise. Considering the imperial family’s regard for appearances, I didn’t think any punishment would befall Marian, the victim.

But I had expected them to at least inconvenience her under the guise of an investigation, so releasing her immediately was unexpected. Other officials would indeed spend more time in the palace’s interrogation rooms.

Seeing my surprise, the empress’s maid smiled gently.

“This is all Her Majesty’s consideration.”

Without hesitation, I lifted my skirt and bowed.

“Please convey my gratitude to Her Majesty.”

It was evident the empress had shown consideration upon seeing how I cherished Marian in the audience room. I, along with Marian, expressed our gratitude once more before leaving. Marian walked a step behind me, slightly to the side.

Without turning back, I spoke.

“You’ve grown thinner.“

“I feel relieved.“

Marian’s voice from behind sounded truly refreshed as if she had no lingering regrets. It was pleasant to hear the voice of someone freed from something dreadful.

Marian slightly leaned her head towards me but quickly straightened up, remembering we were in the palace. However, she couldn’t hold back her question.

“My lady, what happened to Lord Kazak?”

I saw the path was quiet, with only a distant servant working.

“He was released safely.“

“That’s impossible!”

Marian quickly covered her mouth, worried her voice had been too loud. Fortunately, she whispered from then on.

“Why did you just let him go?“

“Why are you asking me? Do you think I released him?“

“Then why are you so calm? You hate him so much.”

Marian was indeed sharp. I turned slightly and smiled at her. She returned the smile, her mood so bright that her gaunt face was barely noticeable.

“If you released him to torment him more, I’m all for it. I support you, My Lady.”

“Oh, you.”

I resumed my dignified walk, fitting of a noblewoman. As we moved further from the empress’s palace and closer to the exit, I encountered a familiar, handsome face in the middle of the wide path.

“Your Grace, the Grand Duchess.”

Shuan, conscious of being in the imperial palace, greeted me more formally than usual. I spoke to him in a cold voice.

“It must have been the emperor who summoned you. You’re quite late for such a call.“

“I was about to go hunting but hurried over when summoned. It was an important engagement.”

He must have known I was in the capital, so he wouldn’t have gone hunting. His precious sister’s safety depended on me, and his lack of hunting attire confirmed this.

Shuan’s critical engagement was likely with me, and the hunting related to my previous request for Marian’s safety. When I gave Marian a nod, she quickly understood and greeted Shuan.

“Thank you, Lord Eriant.”

Though her voice was small, Shuan didn’t miss it. He smiled, acknowledging her thanks.

“As do I.”

His voice was quite sweet. The anticipation of soon meeting his sister seemed to put him in a good mood. Seeing his face, I recalled my conversation with Kazak in the basement. Perhaps it was best to let it go for now.

On the other hand, now might be the best opportunity to gauge Shuan’s intentions.

“Lord Eriant.”

I called out to Shuan, who seemed eager to rush off. Despite his urgency, he didn’t ignore my call. To him, I was akin to a benefactor.

“I’ve kept my promise, so now it’s your turn.”

“Of course.”

Shuan responded with a bright smile, nodding firmly. His clean approach to deals and commitment to his duties from our past lives was reassuring. However, what I was about to ask differed from before.

“I need you to look into someone.“

“Who is it?“

“The person you’ll be meeting today. Look into them for me.”

Shuan maintained his smile for a few more seconds, not understanding. When realization struck, his face hardened, and he looked at me warily.

I knew this request could risk losing the information guild forever. But the information was crucial.

“Lord Eriant, I need that information.“

“Grand Duchess of Zan.”

His voice was no longer as clear and pleasant as before. It trembled slightly as if tension gripped his throat.

He knew I never acted without reason. I was certain Ari Eriant was hiding something, willingly or not.

“I trust her.”

With that, Shuan bid me farewell and turned away. He would want to avoid the matter but wouldn’t completely ignore my request.

There was no way he wouldn’t ask Ari Eriant anything. He would undoubtedly question what happened and why it couldn’t be avoided. And he would uncover the truth because he was wise.

As we left the palace, Marian spoke in a meaningful voice.

“A brother never truly knows his sister.”

Her tone suggested she knew everything about the situation, making me smile. Approaching the waiting carriage, I teased Marian.

“You sound more certain than I do.”

Marian wasn’t embarrassed by my remark, maintaining her confident demeanor.

“My brother never imagined I would become the Marquis of Amber’s mistress.“

“You have a brother?“

“Yes. He’s so prideful that we haven’t been in contact for a while.”

His lack of communication spoke volumes because his sister cared for a sick mother alone. Unlike my pitying expression, Marian nonchalantly helped me into the carriage. Regardless, her words held credibility.

Shuan wouldn’t honestly know Ari.

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.