“What nonsense is this? My daughter being sold?”

Elizabeth blurted out reflexively. The following words were even more shocking than the fact that she knew about her own daughter.

Even though Edit didn’t present any evidence, Elizabeth’s expression, and even her blood, had already frozen coldly.

Elizabeth, who had a hobby of collecting messy rumors in high society, had heard stories about Humphrey Viscount being like an excited puppy around young children. There was also the oddity of why Gerturk maintained friendship with the viscount, who should be his natural adversary.

However, Edit’s words about her daughter being involved in this shocked her beyond measure.

Even if there was no evidence, telling herself not to be swayed by these words had no effect. It was because of the incidents where the viscount couple and Gilbert had subtly tried to separate Elize from her that had flashed through her mind like a lantern.

“The viscount couple and our Elize… It can’t be…”

Can it really not be?

Elizabeth asked herself for a moment. As soon as Patricia Empress had the Emperor’s child, the viscount couple had strutted around as if they had become a prominent loyal family to Gerturk.

Why would they adopt a daughter born out of wedlock, not even marrying Gilbert, just to raise and protect her?

As her thoughts reached that point, Elizabeth felt as if the ground beneath her was disappearing.

It was purely her belief and hope that Elize, having grown up safely in the viscount’s mansion, would marry a nobleman from a good family and live happily. She had no other choice but to become the concubine of Portrion, believing in it.

However, as she listened to Edit’s words, urging her to think, the sturdy belief she had crumbled.

Just moments ago, she was in a position of advantage. She had planned to ask the Empress, who trusted her enough to propose the exclusive maidservant idea, what she would offer if she didn’t spread the news of my pregnancy to the Empress and her close associates.

“The judgment is yours, Elizabeth. Whether to go back to the side of your close associates and decide not to spread the news that I’m pregnant with Lexion’s successor.”

It was clear that Edit knew something. She was sure that Elizabeth would not stick with those who had done wrong to her daughter.

The more clearly and confidently she spoke, the more Elizabeth felt as if someone were stabbing her heart with a dagger.

‘If Elize’s resentful gaze was for a reason…’

Crack!

Elizabeth dropped the wine glass she was holding with a pale face. Even though the household staff of the palace approached her with the sharp sound, she did not react.

‘If she casually escapes after hearing that I know about the pregnancy, and it doesn’t seem like a lie.’

Holding the railing as if she would break it, Elizabeth clenched it tightly.
Certainly, Gerturk had promised to cherish her until the concubine affair was settled. It seemed necessary for me to confirm with my own eyes what they were actually doing to my daughter.

“What conversation did you have?”

Casius asked Edit, who smoothly emerged from the balcony. It was in case Elizabeth had threatened or insulted Edit, as she needed to take action.

However, Edit handed the empty wine glass to the palace servant with a nonchalant face.

“Don’t worry, Casius. My hand was more significant than what Elizabeth prepared.”

Even though I anticipated it, Elizabeth collapsed as soon as she realized what had happened to her daughter. She, who used to stride confidently, even against the vicious Sophia, seemed to doubt herself.

“It will be quiet for a while.”

When Edit said that, Casius couldn’t help but admire her. Just a few weeks ago, she found Elizabeth’s money-driven tabloid very annoying.

“Since you didn’t like the tabloid, are you going to take down the manipulator altogether?”

His disciple had undoubtedly received his excellent teachings, and Edit was managing her surroundings with the knowledge she had acquired on her own. Confirming this fact once again brought admiration and relief.

It was already known, but the woman chosen by Balter to build a family with was stronger than he had thought. Now there was only one thing he worried about: Balter’s proposal.

“Now that things are settling down, it seems the mistress is in a good mood.”

While Casius was relieved, a commotion was heard from the direction of the door.

“Long live the Emperor!”

With the gatekeeper’s shout, the Emperor, adorned with luxurious fur, entered with leisurely steps.

Although he was dressed in flashy and expensive attire, his complexion, tired from fighting with the sick horse, was not concealed.

The Emperor himself acknowledged this fact, and he took time to greet the audience. It seemed as if he was confirming who among them was loyal to him.

After receiving homage and exchanging pleasantries for a while, the Emperor instructed an officer to bring a brooch cushioned with a cushion.

“We can’t keep the winner of the tournament waiting any longer. Count of Lexion, come here for a moment.”