Since he showed no sign of knowing, Icar thought Reneve was unaware of Eshika’s true identity.
Icar was well aware of Reneve’s information-gathering capabilities from previous experiences. Although he didn’t expect Reneve to use Eshika’s disappearance against him.
Moreover, Eshika’s swift actions, fleeing from the palace immediately after her failed attempt to eliminate him, surprised Reneve. The fact that she hadn’t been caught yet was also noteworthy.
Even considering that there might have been a lapse in palace security for a few days before and after the coronation, it was still somewhat puzzling that Eshika vanished from the palace as if by magic.
“You don’t seem pleased, miss.”
Amber remarked.
It was only then that Reneve realized she had a troubled expression and managed a faint smile.
“…I’m a bit concerned about how things will unfold.”
“Things to come?”
Amber widened her eyes.
They probably thought that with Eshika gone, there was no longer a threatening presence to Reneve.
“The reason Solti’s princess came to Vasuki was for a peace agreement. But now, the princess is missing.”
“That’s right.”
Amber nodded, and Reneve continued to explain.
“If Her Majesty had not revealed the fact that the princess was fake in advance, even if Solti strongly opposed, Vasuki would have had no excuse.”
“Ah…”
“If that had happened, they might have pressured Vasuki by enlisting the help of Reyna and Venistan. Maybe even Paradia.”
This could have had a very unfavorable impact on Vasuki.
Until then, Reyna and Venistan, who were hostile to each other, and Paradia might unite against Solti as a focal point.
If that happened, despite being a country known for its strong warriors, Vasuki could have felt a significant threat.
“…That makes sense.”
Only now did Amber and Kieran understand the seriousness of the situation, exchanging uneasy glances.
“S-So, what will happen to us if that really comes to pass?”
With a worried expression, Amber asked.
Given the circumstances prepared as hostages, even Reneve couldn’t guarantee her survival in such a precarious situation.
“If that happens, you don’t need to worry too much. Her Majesty is much more competent than we think.”
Although she had vaguely felt it before, Reneve now saw Icar in a new light because of this incident.
He was a much more experienced emperor than she had initially thought. Even more so than Lucius, the former emperor of Paradia, who received fairly good evaluations among the emperors of Paradia.
As Reneve predicted, both Solti and the other countries—Reyna, Venistan, and Paradia—that sent hostages were on high alert.
Opinions varied, from suggesting fleeing if the situation didn’t improve to immediately breaking the peace agreement and sending the guests back to their homelands, as well as criticizing Solti’s king for shamelessly sending a fake princess.
Each opinion was diverse.
And undoubtedly, Solti was the one with the most fire on its heels.
Upon hearing the shocking news from the morning breeze, the King of Solti, stroking his thin beard, asked:
“Is it true that the woman acting as Adriah’s representative tried to harm Paradia’s heiress?”
“It seems so.”
“Haha, that’s… to be fed and clothed with kindness and then repay it with enmity. Truly.”
The king, who burst into a bitter laugh, spoke to the nobles who were also wearing anxious expressions.
“Now, what should we do? If anyone has a good plan, please share your opinions.”
“Solti must convey to Vasuki that it has nothing to do with this incident. Just say the fake princess acted independently.”
“Shouldn’t we acknowledge the fact that we sent a fake princess first and apologize? It seems only right.”
“Solti should take the initiative. Since the treatment of hostages wasn’t favorable, it’s possible the fake princess might have fled, right?”
“Hostages? Be careful with your words. And don’t muddy the issue.”
“What? You’re the one saying that…”
The opinions of the nobles were sharply divided.
Even after that, the meeting continued for a while, but they couldn’t find a suitable consensus and reached a standstill.
“Enough! Cease this bickering.”
The king pressed his temples with a strained expression, signaling the nobles who had been vehemently arguing with each other. It was only then that their sharp retorts ceased.
“If all you’re going to do is keep fighting, then leave.”
The king waved his hand in the air, and the nobles who attended the meeting, sensing the king’s mood, left the conference room one by one.
However, as there was no clear conclusion on how to handle the situation, the nobles took brief breaks within the vicinity of the conference room without venturing too far.
“Count Regency, what are your thoughts?”
Duke Mabel inquired.
“…May I have a moment? I have something important to discuss.”
Count Regency glanced around and whispered softly. In response, Duke Mabel gestured for him to follow.
After placing knights at the entrance, Duke Mabel and Count Regency entered an empty reception room.
After Being Cheated On, She Picked Up a Treasure (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: The husband I married on a whim had been secretly in love with me for a long time.
On the day when Jun Shao finally obtained the imperial decree for her marriage, Lan Qu, the person she had admired for six years, defied the decree and ran away.
Her gentleness and devotion, her promise of a lifetime together, were all disregarded by him. Instead, he dreamed of entering the palace to serve the Emperor’s sister as a sixth-rank attendant.
News of this incident spread throughout the capital, and the alleys in front of and behind the Lan mansion were crowded with people who came to watch the commotion.
Jun Shao should have been embarrassed and angry.
But someone stepped in to protect her dignity.
The figure was in a miserable state, yet still possessed an undeniable elegance and handsomeness.
The young lord struggled to climb the wall of the Lan mansion and shouted to her, “If he won’t marry you, I will!”
So, Jun Shao took advantage of the situation and married the person.
She thought the young lord did it to save the Lan family from the crime of defying the imperial decree, but never imagined that from beginning to end, what he coveted was her.
*
After the wedding, Jun Shao felt like she was living in a dream.
Her Wife-master was as beautiful as a fairy in a painting, skilled in the six arts, well-versed in poetry and literature, capable of being gentle and attentive, and also grand and dignified. Most importantly, she was the only one in his heart and eyes.
Jun Shao didn’t know how Lan Shiwu, as a illegitimate son without a father and blessed with beauty, had managed to preserve his purity, recklessly escape, and use his last ounce of strength to ruin his own reputation, all because of his love for her, just to stand before her.
She could only see him gazing at her with eyes full of love, and when she bestowed a name upon him, his eyes shone like stars.
“You have come to me like a weary bird perching on a branch. I shall call you A Qi.”
