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The swordsmanship competition took place in the imperial-owned arena. This year, people gathered around the arena, eager to hear sounds of monstrous individuals defeating other warriors once again.

Most of those engaged in passionate disputes for seats were either aspiring knights or individuals interested in martial arts.

“It would be great if we could see Duke Lexion’s match directly. Didn’t the Duke send an exceptional knight from Gotorc this year?”

“Well, still, Lexion is the successor, but…”

The name Lexion resonated like an immortal hero from various places. Vane was content, escorting Edith, getting off the carriage.

“If the Duke achieves a good result, he will become a hero for these young men. It would be an honor for Lexion.”

Fortunately, there were roads and exclusive seats for high-ranking nobles and the imperial family, so the group could enter the arena safely.

“The Emperor is expected to watch the match from the opposite seat, and this seat is Lexion’s private seat.”

Frantz led them to a leather chair adorned with Lexion’s emblem. It was a space where only about six people authorized by the Duke could stay, similar to a box seat in an opera house.

‘There’s a curtain and a fireplace; it’s warmer than the house I used to live in.’

Edith felt like she could sleep or eat here without any problems, but the Duke’s opinion seemed different.

“Ask for a bit more warmth. You brought the madam as a guest, didn’t you?”

The Duke’s worry wasn’t just about Edith and the great-grandson inside her belly not feeling cold.

“Until the semifinals, it will be fun, so it wouldn’t be bad to rest in the tea room until then.”

“It’s warm enough now. Thank you for your concern. By the way, I have some business in the mentioned tea room, so I’ll be back shortly.”

Franz understood that her vague reference to business meant her intentions. Even if they didn’t know, it didn’t seem like they were going for a normal tea-drinking outing.

“Well, have a safe trip. Assign one person nearby and two people far away.”

Franz didn’t forget to assign three special female knights he had brought for Edith.

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

Edith politely greeted and stood up from her seat. As Franz suspected, her visit to the tea room wasn’t to avoid the cold.

‘I need to reveal the face of Count Gotorc’s step-sister and get some information.’

Edith was meticulously gathering information about the capital based on intelligence data and newspaper clippings.

Since the incident where Elizabeth paid money to the Carter Duchess for an absurd news article, it had left a deep impression on her mind.
Through that incident, she gained a single realization.

If she wanted to prevent the Hwang family from meddling in her affairs, it wasn’t just about cutting Elizabeth’s purse strings. She also needed to find a way to dismantle the connection with Gotorc, which was deeply intertwined with her.

‘In that sense, there’s only one opponent, Lady Coven.’

Lady Coven of the moderate faction had initially supported Hwangbi along with her step-sister, the Lady of Gotorc, but about three years ago, she suddenly declared that she would remain neutral.

‘If there was a conflict with Gotorc that led to an abrupt change in support, I need to find out why.’

According to rumors, Countess Gotorc had a deep affection for her step-sister. So, Lady Coven probably knew a lot. It wouldn’t hurt to become acquainted.

“Well, I’ll be going.”

Edith moved to the tea room located between the audience seats. When she opened the door and entered, the first thing that caught her eye was the transparent window, brightening her view. The warm air penetrating through the glass was an added bonus.

Rumors had it that Lady Coven, who raised many troublesome foster children, had visited here once.

‘It’s close to the noble section, and there are many familiar faces here. I should check the middle part of the tea room.’

As she went a bit further inside, she saw a group of people making a commotion.

It seemed like something had happened, but it would be impolite to interfere in other people’s matters. Just as she hesitated, a faint voice pierced her ears.

“Hmm, sob, cough…”

The sound of a child crying sorrowfully and ladies consoling the child. It wasn’t an unusual noise, but the problem arose afterward.

“Emily, breathe, you have to breathe!”

“What should we do? She seems to be getting paler.”

“Someone call a doctor! Hurry!”

As the child struggled to breathe, the voices of the ladies became increasingly desperate. The child’s breathing became so short that it seemed precarious.

‘Could those symptoms be…’

Recalling the memories from the clinic, Edith hurried her steps towards the place where the crying sound came from. There, a small girl was held tightly in her mother’s arms, trembling.

“What should we do, Emily!”

“Does anyone have something like a paper bag?”

As Edith spoke, attention was momentarily focused on her. To those who didn’t know, she was the respected Lady Portrion.