Chapter 109

109. A Disposable Card

Adelaide left the dressmaker’s shop and got into her carriage. The carriage circled around the capital before stopping in a secluded alley not far from the shop.

Countess Owens, who had just left the dressmaker’s shop, looked around cautiously and approached the carriage. The carriage departed again with Countess Owens inside.

“It’s been a while, Your Grace.”

“Welcome, Countess.”

Adelaide greeted her lightly.

“I hear you’re the busiest person in the capital these days.”

“Thankfully, His Majesty has entrusted me with an important task. I lack talent, but I’m doing my best to help.”

Countess Owens, who was in charge of preparing for the imperial wedding, frowned.

Traditionally, the emperor’s wedding was managed by a noblewoman closely connected to the royal family.

However, Duchess Howard declined the role due to health issues, and other noblewomen also refused the position with various excuses.

The position was notorious for attracting criticism whether the preparations were excessive or insufficient.

Elkius, unable to find a suitable candidate, decided to entrust the preparations to Count Owens and his wife, who had come to congratulate him on the wedding.

Only Elkius knew how much the solid gold seal offered by Count Owens influenced his decision.

“How are the preparations for the wedding going?”

“Yes. Time is tight, but there’s nothing money can’t solve. It’s progressing well without major issues.”

“That’s a relief. The royal dignity must not be compromised even if time is short.”

“Of course. Everyone knows how important this wedding is, so we must go to great lengths to uphold His Majesty’s honor.”

“His Majesty can’t tolerate any blemish on his authority, so make sure the preparations are flawless.”

“I know. It’s human nature to want to appear more splendid when there’s a lack. While Duke Tiflis can afford a simple ceremony, His Majesty cannot.”

Countess Owens responded meaningfully. Adelaide smiled silently.

“His Majesty, being royal by birth, won’t be easily satisfied. Especially since Lady Lephisto hesitated to accept this marriage, he must be even more concerned.”

“You’re absolutely right. That’s why decorating the new palace is proving to be quite a challenge.”

“How is the new palace decoration coming along?”

“We’re rushing, but the work is slow. Soldiers were deployed recently, so it’s speeding up a bit now.”

“It will be tight to meet the wedding date. Are you using the existing furniture and fixtures?”

“No. Everything will be discarded and replaced with new ones.”

Adelaide nodded. Countess Owens, perceptive as she was, grasped Adelaide’s intentions with just a few exchanges.

“Many are watching your abilities, so don’t disappoint them.”

“Don’t worry. That won’t happen.”

Countess Owens responded confidently. Adelaide smiled quietly and signaled to Margaret.

Margaret retrieved a box stored under the carriage. The box was filled with dried leaves.

“Is Count Owens improving?”

“Yes. He’s much better than before.”

“I hope he fully recovers soon.”

Margaret poured some dried leaves into a pouch and handed it over.

“That’s enough for a fortnight.”

Countess Owens’ gaze fell on the box as she accepted the pouch.

“Even the best medicine becomes poison if overused. I’ll send more in two weeks.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

Countess Owens tucked the pouch into her dress pocket and bowed.

Adelaide looked out the window and tapped the middle window. The carriage returned to where it had picked her up.

“Until next time.”

Countess Owens alighted from the carriage. As Margaret put away the box, she asked.

“My Lady, can we trust that woman?”

“No.”

“Then why are you working with her?”

“Because she’s excellent at reading situations.”

Adelaide didn’t like Countess Owens, but she respected her skill and ability.

She was weak to the strong and strong to the weak. This made her quick-witted and shrewd.

She could distinguish when to intervene and when not to, and she knew which side was advantageous to align with. Most importantly,

“She’s a card that’s easy to use and discard.”

“What if she betrays us?”

“She won’t. Not now.”

Adelaide picked up a Noxia leaf that had fallen on the carriage floor.

Velido addiction can’t be completely cured by taking Noxia.

As long as Count Owens associates with Elkius, he will inevitably smoke Velido again, and relapse is only a matter of time.

And even if by some chance the count overcomes Velido addiction and no longer needs Noxia, Adelaide still has Martin Owens and Roella Changeling as insurance.

Adelaide only started the carriage after making sure Countess Owens had boarded her own.

“Let’s go.”

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

“Is there a problem with the construction of the imperial palace?”

“Yes. One of the workers carrying materials was crushed by a stone and died on the spot.”

“And then?”

“His wife is causing a commotion, demanding compensation while clinging to her dead husband’s body, which temporarily halted the construction.”

“Crazy woman.”

Elkius answered irritably. Count Owens, who was making the report, asked cautiously.

“What do you suggest we do, Your Majesty?”

“What do you mean, ‘what do we do’? We can’t give her a single penny, so drive her away.”

“We’ve already done that several times, but she keeps coming back and saying the same thing…”

“Then just kill her!”

“……”

“Someone dies because of their own carelessness and they demand compensation. If we set a precedent, others will follow suit, demanding money every time something happens.”

Count Owens exchanged a glance with his wife. The Countess of Owens quickly agreed.

“Your Majesty is right, dear. If the construction is delayed further, it will also impact the renovation of the palace, so it’s best to resolve this quickly.”

“Then instruct the soldiers accordingly.”

“From now on, don’t report such trivial matters to me.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Count Owens bowed his head. The Countess of Owens, watching Elkius’ mood, cautiously changed the subject.

“Your Majesty, we’ve received word that the ceremonial robes are ready. When would you like to receive them?”

“What about the Empress’s robes?”

“Those will take a few more days. The wedding dress requires a lot of work.”

“Then have them bring both once the Empress’s robes are ready. Mine can wait, but make sure they take special care with the Empress’s robes.”

“Understood. You’re already being so considerate of the Empress; I wonder how well you’ll treat her after the wedding.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Elkius coughed and glared, but he didn’t seem displeased.

The Countess of Owens giggled and added, “Lady Lephisto isn’t very interested in dressing up, so I thought I should take care of her. But since Your Majesty mentioned it first, I feel reassured.”

“She’s been raised with the dignity of an Empress since she was young, so she’s naturally different from those vain women.”

“Of course, but I’m worried that those who don’t understand Lady Lephisto’s true intentions might gossip…”

“Hmm.”

Elkius stroked his chin, pondering the Countess of Owens’ words.

Indeed, he was concerned about whether a woman who had grown up so sheltered could handle the palace’s political intrigues.

Especially, someone capable would be needed to mediate conflicts with Rosaline Harper.

“Your Majesty, Lady Lephisto has arrived.”

A servant announced Shayla’s arrival from outside the door. The Count and Countess of Owens stood up.

“We’ll take our leave.”

“I have something to discuss, so wait a moment. — Let her in.”

Shayla Lephisto entered the audience chamber. Elkius watched her closely as she walked in.

The woman, clad in a black dress and a drab cloak, somewhat reminded him of the Duchess of Howard.

While not strikingly beautiful, she was elegant and well-mannered, making her an impeccable candidate for Empress.

“Welcome.”

“Shayla Lephisto, at your service, Your Majesty. It seems you were in the middle of a conversation; shall I wait outside?”

“No, I called you here because I have something to discuss. Please, sit.”

“……”

As Shayla Lephisto sat on the sofa, Elkius brought up the main topic.

“The date for the royal wedding has been set. The first day of next month is deemed auspicious.”

“Any day is fine with me.”

“The wedding will take place in the new imperial palace of Belfort.”

“I will inform my parents accordingly.”

Her tone was low and submissive, but not entirely docile.

However, breaking into a slightly rebellious horse is more enjoyable, isn’t it?

“Is there any difficulty with the wedding preparations?”

“No significant issues.”

“Countess Owens is helping with the wedding preparations, so let her know if you need anything.”

“I will.”

Elkius twisted his lips at her indifferent reply.

“Ah, have you decided who will be your lady-in-waiting?”

“I haven’t made a decision yet…”

“If you don’t have anyone in mind, I think it would be best to appoint the Countess of Owens as your lady-in-waiting.”

Her previously expressionless face showed a flicker of emotion. Shayla looked incredulously at both Elkius and the Countess of Owens.

The lady-in-waiting is the Empress’s closest confidante, spending even more time with her than the Emperor. It’s customary for the Empress to appoint someone she trusts most.

But to trust and rely on the Countess of Owens, who was notorious for her bad reputation, just because the Emperor suggested her? It was an absurd request, but she lacked the energy to argue.

“Your silence suggests you don’t like the idea?”

“……No. I’ll do as you say.”

“That’s the spirit.”

Elkius smiled contentedly.