The Melpiram family was not one to plot treason.
Limres’s confession was likely coerced. Someone had methodically condemned the Melpiram family to death: Emperor Clydius and his supporting nobles.
Illyde dreamt of a slow, unseen revenge. Every night, she imagined plunging a dagger into Clydius’s chest as he slept.
But death alone was insufficient for her revenge. To truly avenge, she needed to seize what he cherished most: the power and kingdom of Astrid.
Illyde planned to crumble it all.
“I’ve heard about the Ricus Mercenary Group. They don’t engage in looting or arson even after victories in war.”
“Some might call it hypocrisy for people who spill blood and carry out assassinations, but it’s one of our mercenary group’s principles.”
That’s why she chose them. Illyde at least hoped that the forces she would work with were not individuals blinded solely by money.
Her ultimate goal was to enlist the mercenary group and then make it her own force.
For the Empress, personally contracting with mercenaries was almost impossible. The surveillance from the Emperor had lessened than before, but it had not completely disappeared.
“What would you like to request?”
Illyde slightly moistened her parched lips. Despite trying to appear calm, the thought of what lay ahead naturally stiffened her body.
“In a month, the Astrid Empire’s founding festival will be held in the capital. On the first day of the festival, please cause a disturbance involving the Royal Guards. The location is here.”
She handed over a folded note.
Inside the note were the name and location of ‘Clover Tavern,’ information she had subtly extracted from the maids.
‘Everyone will be enjoying the festival. Where do people usually go? With the officers’ leave overlapping, the capital will be bustling.’
‘We’re planning to go to ‘Blue Tavern.’ It’s quieter there, perfect for chatting.’
‘I see… Where is it busy?’
‘Definitely ‘Clover Tavern.’ A lot of Royal Guards go there. Most people head there. It’s rare for us like us to interact with nobility.’
The maids chattered energetically around Illyde. Had the Dowager Empress been alive, she would have been appalled at this scene. However, Illyde wasn’t strict about formalities unless it was an official event.
She fit the title of a kind and friendly Empress. Thanks to this, the maids could comfortably share various stories.
Some maids felt burdened by the difference in status and palace etiquette, so Illyde deliberately exposed her lonely situation.
‘I can’t leave the Empire without the Emperor’s permission.’
Seeing the Empress’s lonely eyes, the maids began sharing snippets of stories they picked up in the streets or inside the palace.
They effectively became Illyde’s informants inside and outside the palace.
This time too, she naturally obtained information through the maids. Illyde watched the departing note, contemplating.
‘If the mercenaries succeed, I should reward the maids of the Empress’s chamber, even if it’s something small.’
After unfolding the note, Tyrger doubted her eyes for a moment. Was this simple task really worth the secrecy and the money, especially with the client’s face so well hidden?
“Are you sure about this?” Noticing Tyrger’s skepticism, Illyde quickly added,
“I will pay the advance immediately.”
A hefty stack of money was placed in
Illyde bowed her head slightly and left the alleyway. Having left Linette at the entrance, she had to hurry out alone.
If she could defeat the Imperial Guard, it would surely reach Claudius’ ears. It was an appropriate way to scratch his pride and capture his attention.
Especially since this year’s National Foundation Festival was also aimed at boosting the morale of the Imperial Guard.
As a result, Claudius’ Imperial Guard were able to enjoy a vacation as sweet as honey during the festival. This privilege was exclusive to a group made up solely of nobles’ offspring.
Would these people quietly stay in their lodgings for their vacation?
It was not a new occurrence. The Imperial Guard officers had caused incidents related to drinking every festival period. It wouldn’t be calm this time either.
What if a mercenary group was placed in a pub known to be frequented by many Imperial Guard officers? And if conflict naturally arose, leading the mercenaries to come out on top?
Naturally, this news would reach Claudius.
From here on, even luck needed to be in Illyde’s favor.
Undoubtedly, Claudius would march forth for war. She knew that when the Ricass Mercenary Group was contracted with a principality in the past, they had fought against the Empire.
When the mercenaries were present, the tide of battle leaned towards the principality, but once they left, the Empire easily won.
Knowing this, Claudius might put aside his bruised pride and propose a contract with them.
Victory in a conquest war meant an elevation in the power and authority of both the Empire and the Emperor. If it meant winning the war, wouldn’t one even drink lye?
‘Please, just this once, help me.’
For the first time since losing her family and servants, Illyde prayed.
If one small cogwheel started to turn, the next events would naturally unfold. Compared to Claudius’ army, her force was insignificantly small, but for Illyde, it was still desperately needed.
‘I need them.’
And then, fortune finally seemed to grasp Illyde’s hand.
“Your Highness, the Empress. The mercenary group has arrived.”
“……Yes.”
On the outskirts of the Imp
Cold Male Lead Became My Clingy Husband (Female-Dominant)
Feng Bai Su transmigrated into a matriarchal novel, becoming the sister of the female protagonist and the Seventh Princess of the Feng Ling Kingdom.
After working herself to death in her previous life, finally reincarnating as a princess, she only wanted to be a lazy fish who could eat, sleep, and play.
Until she met the male protagonist from the book, Wei Jing Mo, and he took a liking to her!
Wei Jing Mo is the top young man in Feng Ling City, talented in both appearance and ability, from a prestigious family, with a cold and otherworldly appearance, a figure like the bright moon in the hearts of noble ladies. It was thought that only the most powerful and talented noble lady in Feng Ling City would be worthy of such a brilliant young man. Who knew that this young gentleman would secretly admire the infamous Seventh Princess?
Short scene 1:
Feng Bai Su looked at the young man crying like a pear blossom in the rain before her, and couldn’t help but doubt her life.
Wasn’t the male lead described as a cold and otherworldly figure in the book?
Then who was this poor little thing crying with swollen red eyes and tear-stained face?
Short scene 2:
Wei Jing Mo stared intently at Feng Bai Su who was about to go out, wanting to say, “Be careful on the road.”
Before he could speak, Feng Bai Su suddenly bent down and bit his cheek.
Her peach blossom eyes were full of disdain: “Tsk! You’re so clingy!”
Wei Jing Mo: “…”
A talented fox spirit female lead with a flirtatious appearance but actually abstinent VS A cold-looking but actually naive and clingy little jealous male lead
