“Calm your anger. It is unfortunate what happened to Lady Rose.”

“Is it ‘unfortunate’ that my innocent daughter is dying in the Ice Tower?”

“If she’s innocent, she’ll be released.”

“Would you say the same if Freya Mama were imprisoned?!”

Duke Brenden forcefully pushed Duke Rimen with his protruding belly.

Believing that there was no point in talking, Duke Rimen retreated with a bitter expression.

“I knew this would happen. Not using one’s head and just acting—just like my father.”

Duke Pipe sneered.

Duke Brenden was not the type to let it slide.

“Are you suggesting we go to war with our family, Duke Pipe?”

“A war with a declining family? I’d restrain myself out of respect for the past.”

“What?!”

“90% of gamblers have bet on Claudia. If Simon wins, only a very few will be sitting on a pile of money. Although that won’t happen even if the sky breaks.”

“How dare you gamble over my son!”

Duke Brenden grabbed Duke Pipe by the collar.

Earl Blackfold broke them up.

“What is this disgrace? Let’s preserve the honor of noble families.”

“If there was any honor, you would have helped rescue my daughter!”

“Lady Rose was clearly at fault this time.”

“Are you saying we should yield to that lowborn girl?”

“Using a hidden sword was one issue, but leaving a witness was an even greater problem. What was she thinking, acting that way right under the Emperor’s nose? Tsk, tsk.”

Earl Blackfold stroked his mustache and clucked his tongue.

Duke Brenden’s face turned red and pale in turns.

“Didn’t think I’d know your scheming? Trying to eliminate a strong Empress candidate!”

“Sorry, but Lady Rose is no competition for our Lady Shinsiya, be it in terms of education or wisdom.”

Earl Blackfold responded, seemingly annoyed.

Duke Pipe, fiddling with the rings on his ten fingers, also nodded.

“Everyone knows Lady Rose is falling behind in many ways.”

“What are these cowards saying?”

“Watch your words. You, who probably staged a kidnapping.”

After taking a quick glance at Duke Rimen, Duke Pipe spoke.

Earl Blackfold chimed in.

“Don’t think you’re safe just because there’s no evidence. The Emperor’s hounds are on your trail.”

“Who kidnapped whom?!”

“Who else but you, Duke Brenden? It’s wellknown that you’re after Elizabeth’s property.”

“These people are framing me!”

“Let’s see if you still talk big when the evidence comes out.”

“Do you dare to forge false evidence against me?!”

Duke Pipe and Earl Blackfold remained silent.

Duke Rimen, with a dark face, threw out a question.

“Who would be the happiest seeing us fight amongst ourselves?”

“……”

“Don’t become jesters on the stage on your own accord. It seems already too late.”

A heavy silence pressed down on the tent.

Unable to contain his anger, Duke Brenden stormed out.

He did not forget to leave a curseladen remark.
“Do you think I’d wish to die alone? If I fall, you’ll all be in trouble!”

Duke Brendan burst out of the witness tent.

His face was flushed as if he’d been fighting.

“What seems to have happened?”

“Would be disappointing if nothing did.”

“Pardon?”

“They’re after you. They’ll burn you down to your soul.”

“Though not yet official, there’s a testimony stating the abduction was orchestrated by Pipe and Blackfold?”

“Brendan insulted you with petty words. He will regret this in hell.”

A menacing sound emanated from Nikolai’s molars.

Though I emphasize legal procedure, he seemed to be suppressing his rage, nearing his limits.

“It’s difficult to punish based solely on a criminal’s testimony. You decided to wait until they dig their own graves, right?”

“I know. It’s not yet the harvest season.”

“The time to reap will come soon.”

Images of plump, ripe rice fields swaying in golden hues crossed my mind.

The harvest Nikolai thought of was not that.

“We’ll collect the necks of those fat bastards.”

“Your Majesty!”

“They must pay the price. They touched what’s mine.”

“Why am I considered yours?”

I asked, shrugging my shoulders.

Nikolai tilted his head as if everyone should know.

“Everyone in the world knows you’re mine.”

“It’s just manipulated gossip.”

“Don’t you like the title of being the Emperor’s lover?”

A large hand approached.

To caress my cheek?

Or my lips?

Startled, I tightly shut my eyes.

“You react like a cute lover.”

Nikolai’s laughter quietly dispersed.

My face grew hot.

Not from being teased, but because my true feelings were exposed.

“Focus! Sir Simon and Claudia are entering.”

My attention was stolen by the imposing Claudia.

Instead of full armor, she only wore shoulder guards.

Her haughty, arrogant expression was breathtaking.

A bright red string tied around her neck stood out like a droplet of blood.

‘The red string suits her so well. She’s like a silver Persian cat!’

If it were my past life, I would’ve been waving a glow stick.

Even made a headband and slogans!

Despite knowing that Claudia’s sword could target me any moment, I was not afraid as before.

For whatever reason, she fought a duel for me.

Just the thought that I could see her swordsmanship made my heart thump.

‘Did I ever think the day would come when I’d cheer for Claudia? Has the original story completely twisted?’

That day.

Claudia spoke to me, who had given up on life.

“I don’t know what trick you’re using, but you’re not the real Elizabeth. You haven’t committed any clear crimes yet.”

‘Yes, I’m not the Elizabeth you knew.’

I wanted to say it.

To spill everything, whether she believed me or not.

I wanted to cry in her arms for just a moment, asking her to forgive the old Elizabeth’s wicked deeds.

Since that day, I haven’t had nightmares.

The anxiety and fear that tortured me whenever I thought of Claudia began to fade.

But I couldn’t let my guard down yet.

Claudia, who had been eyeing me, licked her lips.

‘What is she trying to say?’