Long Live the Emperor, Minus Me (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 75

Originally, we had planned to announce our engagement during the Eve Festival.

However, due to a minor unpleasant incident, we revised our plan: first make a favorable impression at the Eve Festival, then stir up the nobles’ excitement during the Hunting Festival, and finally declare our engagement on the Huyaje Festival day.

Following that plan, the Grand Duke and I dressed ourselves as prettily as dolls for the Eve Festival and spent the entire party quietly standing like mere decorations—thus fulfilling our assigned role.

This tactic was chosen based on the calculation that since both the Grand Duke and I possessed decent appearances, maximizing our exposure to the guests’ gaze would elicit positive reactions.

After spending the whole day smiling like a doll, on the night of the Eve Festival, I laid out tomorrow’s outfit, traps, and other preparations, conducting a final review of my plan.

“There are three objectives.”

First, secure a beast to present to Liana. Second, aim for the award of the highest number of hunted animals at the Hunting Festival. Third, provoke my enemies into attacking me.

The first objective was, of course, my original reason for personally participating in the Hunting Festival. The second was merely an added bonus—since I was already doing it, I might as well aim for the top.

Usually, during hunting festivals, most participants compete based on the size or ferocity of their prey, so few deliberately aim for the highest number of kills.

Thus, claiming first place would be relatively easy, and even if I did win, it wouldn’t draw excessive attention—which was especially advantageous.

And now, the long-awaited third objective. In truth, this was something I could only accomplish now: making those who harbor resentment toward me launch an attack against me.

Hatred naturally flows downward from high places, just like water. Just as people blamed Liana for failing to secure the Empress position—though it was truly the Emperor’s fault—no one dared blame the Emperor himself.

Similarly, they poured their fury over failing to strip the barren Liana of her Empress title onto the younger Grand Duke.

Now, they would all target me, for I was undoubtedly the easiest prey.

I had never demonstrated any notable abilities, and my lineage came from a minor kingdom’s royal family. To those seeking someone to vent their frustrations on, I would appear nothing more than a lucky upstart who happened to win the Grand Duke’s favor.

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