Though each had different reasons, they had ruled the empire as part of the four great families for a long time, and were comfortable conversing.

Duke Reiman was as reticent as ever today.

“If Duke Brendon, who has monopolized usury and gold mines, also controls Emster’s upper class, he will tighten his grip on the empire’s finances.”

Duke Pipe downed his glass in one gulp.

Count Blackfold nodded.

“What more? He’d obviously aim straight for the heart of Duke Hart!”

“Duchess Rose is not only lacking in dignity but is also infamous for her gluttony… We must prevent an empress from emerging from Duke Brendon’s family.”

Duke Pipe grumbled.

Words befitting the father of Emma, who was rated as the most dignified among the royal consorts.

Count Blackfold added as if reluctant to lose.

“To become empress, one should possess wisdom and scholarship, shouldn’t one?”

Count Blackfold’s daughter, Shinsia, was an intelligent woman who enjoyed reading and debate.

Duke Reiman, the father of Empress Freya, who boasted the most stunning beauty, didn’t add a word.

Unable to take it any longer, Count Blackfold asked.

“Doesn’t it worry Your Grace, Duke Reiman?”

“I am worried.”

“If we join forces, we can prevent Duke Brendon from swallowing up Emster.”

“What worries me is the possibility of Duke Brendon losing all his property.”

“What are you talking about? The woman has nothing but a questionable appearance!”

Both Count Blackfold and Duke Pipe raised their voices.

“Simon is a competent and smart young man. Whatever else you say about Duke Brendon, he has done well in selecting his heir!”

“Simon would even win in sewing or flower arranging. Haha!”

“Do you both really see Elizabeth as a clueless young woman?”

Duke Reiman looked at Count Blackfold and Duke Pipe with an expressionless face.

“She is a woman of exceptional strategy. Had she been an ordinary woman, she would have become the empress rather than the educational commissioner.”

“What do you mean?”

“If she had received her appointment, it would have been difficult for our daughters to move around, having to watch their step. They wouldn’t be able to roam the palace freely as they do now.”

“Really? You think she’d go that far?”

“Elizabeth has already captured the heart of the Crown Prince. A father’s heart naturally leans toward the one his son favors.”

“If what Duke Reiman says is true, she is terrifyingly clever.”

“I see a high possibility that Elizabeth will win this bet. She’s not the kind of woman to pick a fight she would lose.”

Unable to believe, Duke Pipe slammed the table.

“Duke Brendon may be down, but he is one of the four great families. There’s no way he’d be taken down so easily by that lowly woman!”

“Duke Pipe. Do you remember why we went to His Majesty?”

“Duke Brendon had an affair, didn’t he? We sought to drive out the wicked woman who could become his concubine.”

“Do you believe we’ve achieved that objective?”
“Hmm. It’s only delayed because of the bet. If Simon wins, everything will be settled.”

“It hasn’t become that simple.”

Duke Lymon heavily shook his head.

Duke Pipe and Earl Blackfold were merely staring at his mouth.

“If things had gone according to the original plan, Your Majesty would have been in quite a predicament. Elizabeth wouldn’t have been openly given special treatment like now.”

“That may be true, but…”

“Because of the sudden bet, the atmosphere has changed. Until the outcome is decided, no one can mention Elizabeth’s whereabouts. What if, by some chance, Elizabeth wins?”

“That’s impossible!”

“Elizabeth must have calculated that we’d be this certain.”

Duke Lymon’s voice was indifferent.

The faces of Duke Pipe and Earl Blackfold were not.

“If Simon loses, Elizabeth will gain astronomical wealth. At the same time, she’ll become a persona non grata among the noble families. Do you not understand the meaning?”

“Duke Lymon, aren’t you overestimating her?”

“Even if Simon wins, it will be the start of a new upheaval. They’re already scheming to divide the assets of the Duke of Brenden. Starting with the lords here.”

At Duke Lymon’s cold analysis, the two men tightly closed their mouths.

“The more you know, the scarier she becomes.”

“What should we do, then?”

“Removal would be best, but acting hastily might backfire.”

“Heh, you worry too much, Duke Lymon.”

Duke Pipe, who had underestimated Elizabeth, said this.

Earl Blackfold agreed.

“After all, she’s nothing but a commoner. How could she ever pose a threat to us, who command thousands, tens of thousands of elite troops?”

“Ah, be careful with your words! What if someone hears?”

As if leaking confidential information, Duke Pipe put a finger to his lips.

Duke Lymon replied in a tone without fluctuations.

“Think as you will. It’s just my personal opinion.”

Earl Blackfold and Duke Pipe exchanged meaningful smiles.

“If we assist Simon, even the greedy Duke of Brenden won’t be able to say anything.”

“Are you saying you’ll intervene to make sure Elizabeth loses?”

“Just watch, Duke Lymon. You’re bound to see a hen break her neck from her own tricks.”

(This is a time separator.)

The next night, Nikolai came to visit the Canary room.

Again, it was through the window.

Surely Franz didn’t reveal the doghole?

“What on earth are you thinking?”

He seemed angry.

Closing the book I was reading, I stared intently at him as he stood in the moonlight.

“How could you make such a dangerous bet without permission? Are you sane?”

“I only prevented you from becoming a murderer.”

“I didn’t ask you to do that.”

“I’ve saved your life and protected your honor, and you can’t even say thank you?”

Nikolai, his eyebrows deeply furrowed, turned and replied.