“Continuing with the explanation, unfortunately, Count Meinel’s influence in society wasn’t strong. In the end, Vivian Alexander, the daughter of Duke Rahins, ousted her and took the position of Empress. You can’t even imagine how dirty that process was.”

Duke Xavier paused and took a long drag from his cigarette.

“And so, Lady Sasha was left all alone. She wasn’t even able to marry and was destined to live her life in solitude.”

“That’s impossible…”

At Edward’s murmured response, Duke Xavier let out a bitter smile.

“Who would dare propose to someone who was once betrothed to His Majesty the Emperor? Moreover, His Majesty missed Lady Sasha terribly.”

“……”

“It took seven long years of waiting before Lady Sasha could enter the imperial palace as a concubine, only after the Crown Prince was born.”

Edward’s eyes widened at the Duke’s additional remarks. The thought that Sasha Meinel might have spent her entire life alone if the Crown Prince hadn’t been born left him stunned.

‘To think they forcibly separated lovers…’

Edward hadn’t imagined that the always cheerful Emperor could have such a painful past.

While Edward tried to compose himself, Duke Xavier continued speaking in a low voice.

“Even so, His Majesty seemed happy just to be with Lady Sasha in any way. The two of them enjoyed a harmonious life, just like newlyweds. They were a loving couple.”

“Then, what happened to Lady Sasha…?”

“It was poison—its origin and composition remain unknown. She collapsed, vomiting blood, in the harem garden. Though unconfirmed, there were rumors that Lady Sasha was with child at the time.”

“……”

To kill a woman carrying a child…

A chilling sensation ran down Edward’s spine, leaving him speechless.

Duke Xavier, gripped by anger and regret, continued, his voice filled with emotion.

“To poison a pregnant woman… it was an act of unspeakable cruelty. His Majesty and I are convinced that it was Empress Vivian who committed the crime. Although we lack concrete evidence.”

“……”

Edward found himself at a loss for words in the face of such a monumental revelation.

Suddenly, the memory of Yelodia’s gaze as she looked at the Emperor came to him. Her eyes, usually full of life, had held a peculiar sadness when directed at the Emperor. Only now did Edward understand why.

Duke Xavier extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray and spoke again.

“This will eventually escalate into a power struggle between the temple and the House of Xavier. But for now, the Empress has begun to see you as a threat. You must exercise the utmost caution.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

Apparently feeling he had said enough, Duke Xavier shifted the topic.

“Starting tomorrow, I plan to inspect my territories. No doubt the southern nobles, with their bloodshot eyes, will be eyeing the west. Just thinking about placating them makes my hair stand on end.”

“Should I accompany you?”

At Kias’ question, Duke Xavier widened his eyes.

“And leave Yelodia unattended at the estate? Who would take care of her?”

“Isn’t Baron Adrian there?”

Kias answered reflexively, only for Duke Xavier to click his tongue.

“Even if I trust Baron Adrian, leaving a noble lady without a proper guardian is out of the question. Do you know what kind of scandal might arise?”

“……”

“Besides, who’s going to handle the engagement preparations? Were you planning to leave that to the Baron too?”

Kias humbly acknowledged his shortsightedness.

“…Understood. Please be careful wherever you go.”

“You needn’t worry about that. I intend to take Sir Philip along.”

Kias relaxed only after hearing that the strongest knight serving the Xavier family would be accompanying the Duke.

“If it’s Sir Philip, I can rest assured.”

“Make sure to handle matters well in my absence. I won’t be gone long; I’ll return in time for the engagement.”

With these parting instructions, Duke Xavier abruptly rose from his seat.

“I can’t linger here any longer. I’ll take my leave.”

“I’ll see you off,” Edward quickly offered, rising from his chair. Duke Xavier waved his hand dismissively, as though it were unnecessary.

“There’s no need. You’re a busy man, after all.”

“But…”

“Since you don’t know me well yet, let me make this clear: I dislike unnecessary formalities.”

“……”

Duke Xavier then turned to his son.

“Kias, I leave everything in your hands.”

“Yes, you can count on me.”

“You’ll meet Ebony at the manor, won’t you? Is there anything you’d like me to say to her?”

At the mention of Ebony Cordel—Kias’ wife, who had given birth to Kias’ first son last month and was staying at the Xavier estate—Kias’ expression softened.

“Please tell her to stay healthy and that I’m eagerly awaiting her return to the estate.”

“I’ll make sure she knows.”

“And… please tell her I miss her.”

“…I won’t forget.”

The thought of meeting his newborn grandson seemed to soften Duke Xavier’s demeanor.

With that, the Duke strode quickly out of the drawing room. Kias promptly followed after his father.

Once both men were gone, Edward felt an overwhelming sense of exhaustion.

Beyhern, who entered the drawing room belatedly, hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Has the Duke already left?”

“…Yes.”

“Did the conversation go well?”

“Seems like it.”

Edward, replying tersely, began walking toward his office. Just like Duke Xavier, Edward had his own mountain of work awaiting him.

Beyhern followed closely behind.

“What about the ceremonial honor guard?”

“We’ve decided not to have them for the engagement ceremony. There’s not enough time to persuade the temple.”

Beyhern let out a quiet sigh, as though he had expected that answer, and asked again.

“Then what about the wedding?”

“Make sure the officers discreetly know that we will have an salute no matter what.”

“Do you have a plan?”

“I intend to appeal to His Majesty the Emperor.”

Edward’s expression was calm, almost nonchalant, which left Beyhern uncertain whether to believe him. Eventually, Beyhern sighed and nodded.

“I don’t know how this will play out, but if you need me for anything, just give the word.”

“You’ll do it, whether you like it or not. And next time, no matter how displeased you are with a guest, do not bring along a burly officer to escort them. That’s an order.”

“Understood. I’ll keep that in mind,” Beyhern replied, though his tone hinted at dissatisfaction.

***

The news that the Lyhel Temple had refused to perform the ceremonial honor guard at Baron Adrian’s engagement ceremony sent shockwaves through the social circles.

“The temple seems ready to draw their swords at last.”

“Draw swords? It’s more like they’re warning him to sheath his.”

“The baron’s reputation is in shambles.”

“How will Duke Savier respond?”

“Hard to say. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Surprisingly, Baron Adrian quickly sent a letter to the temple stating that he would forgo the honor guard for the engagement ceremony.

The swift concession left the aristocrats feeling somewhat deflated.

“Seems like a lackluster individual.”

“He’s just inherited his title. Of course, he has to lay low.”

But the talk of the temple’s rejection was soon overtaken by another matter: the entrance of Lady Selina into the capital’s social circles.

Over half of the elder nobles opposed the move.

After dealing with five senior nobles who angrily protested with flushed faces, the Emperor canceled his luncheon. It was a decisiveness befitting the Emperor.

“The Empress is stirring up troublesome matters,” Emperor Raodin grumbled, his brow furrowed as he played chess with Duke Quito across from him. The duke raised his thick eyebrows, making his sharp, fierce features even more prominent.

Click.

Moving his bishop to the center, Duke Quito asked indifferently, “What do you plan to do now?”

“Lady Selina is the woman who raised Edward in place of his parents. As Emperor of this empire, I can’t stay silent toward someone who raised a hero.”

“You seem to value Edward greatly.”

“Naturally. He’s to be my nephew-in-law.”

The Emperor shrugged, as if that reason alone was sufficient explanation.

The Emperor’s unabashed favoritism toward Yelodia was well known, prompting Duke Quito to quickly cut in before the conversation spiraled.

“The nobility doesn’t seem likely to let this pass quietly.”

“That much is clear.”

The Emperor made another move, his expression calm and unconcerned. He wasn’t the kind of ruler to be swayed by the words of a few nobles; if he were, he wouldn’t have granted Edward his title in the first place.

Without hesitation, Duke Quito asked, “Do you think a civil war will break out?”