Moreover, it meant that she was now receiving protection as the future daughter-in-law of the marquisate, not merely as someone who had saved Marquis Lection.

Therefore, Vivian thought that the schemes against Edith had ceased due to Marquis Lection’s proposal.

However, soon after, Marquis Lection, who came to Edith’s room instead of Vivian, knew the truth.

“Considering that you cut off the purse strings for those who tried to undermine you after hearing that the Count and Countess sold their daughter, it seems Elizabeth cherishes the child.”

He was one of the few who knew what conversation Edith had with Elizabeth.
Using the information she had gathered, when Edith asked for Casius to be attached, she complied with her request while feeling uneasy. Edith knew how to make good use of her hand despite her request.

‘Even if the little one doesn’t know anything else, they should inherit their mother’s intelligence.’

Balter embraced her from behind, caressing her now-visible belly, and spoke.

“The guest you were waiting for has requested a secret meeting.”

Edith instantly realized that the guest Balter referred to was Elizabeth. The fact that she came to her asking for a discreet meeting was undoubtedly a positive sign.

“Let’s go together, Balter.”

“Meeting her in person?”

When he asked, she nodded with a meaningful expression.

“We need to have a conversation first… but there’s someone who knows well about Count Göturk, and it seems they need us. It’s a waste to let this opportunity pass.”

Edith left the room as she was, dressed in comfortable attire. In the past, she would have checked the mirror multiple times to see which dress would best conceal her growing belly before meeting Elizabeth.

But now, the situation had changed, and Edith was well aware of it.

‘Elizabeth can’t overlook the situation where I am pregnant, even if it’s with Göturk.’

As she expected, Elizabeth, who hadn’t been able to sleep properly for several days, was pacing anxiously, with disheveled red hair. Despite her messy appearance, her eyes looked more urgent than ever.

“…The Marquis Lection and Lady Edith.”

Even before the request, Elizabeth raised her voice. She didn’t pay much attention to Edith’s belly or Balter’s attire befitting his position as a marquis.

In the current situation, there was only one way for her to save her daughter and take revenge on Göturk. That was to empower those who could actually bring them down.

‘Excluding the royal family, only the Lections can suppress Patricia Hwangbi and the entire Göturk effectively.’

The late-night visit to the marquisate was also for that reason. It was no exaggeration to say that the fate of her daughter was at stake in this meeting.

“First, I want to apologize for my rude behavior so far.”

Elizabeth bowed deeply with a sigh. Then, she apologized, mentioning everything from the attempt to kill Balter using Eisen in the Portrion mansion to funding the slanderous articles against Edith.

Edith listened to her shaking words with an impassive face and thanked her.

“Thank you for apologizing.”

Her seemingly disinterested voice was because she had learned something from the negotiations Balter had with Franz before.
‘Just like I have to act as if I don’t want anything from her, Elizabeth must also act as if she doesn’t want the child.’

In the end, Franz Lection didn’t fulfill everything his grandson wanted.

As if proving her judgment was correct, Elizabeth kneeled on the cold floor and prostrated herself.

“Edith was right.”

“…….”

“My daughter… Gilbert’s child that I gave birth to is going to be sold to Viscount Humphrey. I will do anything to protect that child.”

Elizabeth, speaking with a trembling voice, offered a bag she brought, bowing her head to the floor like a servant to her master.

“So, please, just once, give me a chance. You are the only ones who can save the child and provide an opportunity for revenge against Göturk.”

“When did I ever try to kill you?”

Balter said with a seemingly unamused tone, but Elizabeth accepted the bag she offered. Edith, feeling fed up with Elizabeth’s persistency, had more to gain through her and saw no need to hesitate.

Inside the bag were various framed pictures and letters. As Balter touched the letters with Göturk’s seal, Elizabeth quickly added a remark.

“Those letters were sent by Gilbert when I was in Portrion.”

“……!”

“Since Patricia Hwangbi’s name is mentioned several times, they may be useful in the future. Also…”

Elizabeth’s voice broke with urgency. Witnessing a more desperate state than before, Edith spoke up.

“Elizabeth. You were the one who tried to harm us. Just because you learned about your daughter’s situation doesn’t mean we can blindly trust your words.”

“Ah…”

As the anticipated words of refusal came, Elizabeth felt like she was falling below. Without Lection’s help, there was virtually no way to take Elize away.

Edith, waiting a moment to let Elizabeth feel the despair, spoke.

“But actions might be trustworthy.”

“What?”

Elizabeth looked at Edith, trying to infer her intentions.

“We need a capable spy who knows the Hwangbi faction well.”

She had the same expression as when she revealed Sofia’s pregnancy plot in front of Portrion’s lawyers.