Chloe’s unexpected revelation during the ceremony was indeed shocking, but fortunately, it didn’t significantly affect the commemorative event.

Initially angered, the audience soon relaxed and enjoyed the festival as a series of dazzling events began one after another.

The crowd’s initial uproar gradually turned to joy, and Chloe too felt relieved and left her seat.

Chloe would have liked to enjoy the festival commemorating the armistice as well. After all, it was the product of days and nights she had spent crafting the event plan.

But she was too worn out, both physically and emotionally. She thought she was fine, but in reality, she was completely drained. She had just set it aside for the tasks at hand.

The palace, unrelated to the commemorative event, was relatively quiet. It seemed that most of the staff had moved to the event.

As she was wandering the expansive corridors, she saw a familiar face.

“Madam, what are you doing here? The commemorative event is in full swing right now…”

It was a maid who often assisted her.

“I have a headache, so I came to rest for a bit. I plan to go back out in the evening.”

“My goodness, are you alright? The autumn wind is cold; I hope you haven’t caught a cold. I’ll bring you some warm water and a towel.”

The maid seemed concerned for her well-being.

“Thank you. Would you do that for me?”

For Chloe, who had spent time in the North, this level of cold was nothing.

However, receiving the maid’s heartfelt concern felt good, so she responded with a smile.

The maid willingly offered to guide her to her room. It was a thoughtful gesture for Chloe, who had not yet memorized the way back.

After all, her residence was also the Emperor’s, a place few knew of. If not for the maid, she would have gotten lost again.

It was during the walk back to her room.

Someone grabbed her wrist. The unexpected touch startled Chloe, who turned around.

“…Helena?”

There was no time to point out the other’s rudeness.

Chloe stared solemnly at the woman standing before her.

For some unknown reason, Helena had shown up at an impeccable time.

“…May we talk privately for a moment?”

Before Helena could speak, Chloe asked the maid for her understanding.

The maid, sensing the atmosphere, stepped back.

“Of course. Please call me when you need me.”

Only when the maid had completely disappeared did Chloe speak.

“What’s going on?”

At her words, Helena slowly raised her head. Despair filled the eyes that suddenly met hers.

Just like Chloe herself.

“…What have you done?”

“What have I done?”

“Wasn’t there no talk of you doing such a thing to me? Humiliating Callis in front of everyone…?”

Helena asked with a trembling voice. She clung to the sleeve of Chloe’s dress.

“Our agreement was an exchange of equal value, nothing more. Should I have to explain every use of an object to you?”

“But there was nothing like this in the agreement! This is a breach of contract!”

“A breach of contract?”

Chloe pushed Helena’s arm away. Looking at her falling figure, Chloe coldly retorted.

“I’ll soon hand over the position you desire; what exactly is a breach of contract?”

“…It’s different! Different! Callis’s honor is completely ruined because of your strange words!”

Helena immediately erupted in frustration. She still didn’t know her place, acting so foolishly.

“Unfortunately, I’ve only spoken the truth. It’s the duty of the royal family to inform the public of the truth.”

“…You deceive me and then talk about duty? I can expose you too. The princess who seduced a commoner woman for her own gain!”

Now Helena began to threaten her.

It wasn’t the first time she had used this tactic; the content of her argument was already stimulating.

Chloe suddenly thought of the ‘Cinderella of Misfortune’ article and smirked.

“Go ahead.”

“…What?”
“Do as you wish, then.”

Having said that, she approached Helena.

The terror on Chloe’s face as she approached was enough for Helena to unconsciously start stepping back.

“You’re overlooking something. Dishonesty isn’t only my trait, you’re the same. You wanted to become a lady of the house, so you leaked the family secrets. By your own hand.”

Finally, her back hit a pillar. Just as a cold shiver ran down her spine, a voice colder and harder than concrete resonated.

“Write another one of those cheap articles, turn public opinion back in our favor. If you’re not afraid of the consequences.”

“……Consequences?”

“The moment you reveal my misdeeds, the Duke will realize yours. What happens if he realizes that your lust blinded you into making a mistake that tarnished your own honor?”

“……”

“What will the Duke do to you then?”

Something had gone horribly wrong.

Helena thought, panting heavily.

She forced her chaotic gaze to focus. Through the blurry vision, she saw a woman entirely different from their first meeting.

This woman, who bore a resemblance to the hidden side of the emperor Helena had once met, had the look of a wild beast.