The timing originally planned to expose Duke Cantareef’s corruption was just before Raul’s wedding. Belia had prepared information before Raul and Elin’s marriage to completely destroy the alliance between the First Prince and the Cantareef Ducal family. However, with Khalid missing, Belia found it challenging to take further action and had barely managed to hold her ground.

In the midst of this, Raul, even in front of Elin, openly flirted with Belia, causing a subtle strain in their relationship.

“Now is the right time.”

So, when the atmosphere became tense due to Khalid’s return, Belia decided it was time to reveal that information.

Raul, not expecting Khalid to return, had likely acted as he pleased, thinking of himself almost like an emperor.

“Oh? It seems like Her Highness the First Princess is coming this way…”

At the maid’s words, Belia turned her head and, as she looked towards the First Princess’s palace, saw Elin approaching with graceful steps.

Although she tried to appear composed, a slightly furrowed brow indicated that she couldn’t completely hide her resentment.

“Hmm?”

Belia turned her body towards Elin, patiently waiting for her to come this far.

Elin’s maids grew increasingly displeased seeing Belia standing still without moving. Having recently finished the wedding with Raul, they both were now in similar positions, yet the current situation made it seem as if Belia were in a superior position.

“It’s been a while.”

“Yes.”

“It hasn’t been long since the wedding. Have you gotten used to living in the palace?”

Belia asked kindly, and Elin’s lips twitched slightly.

“…I’m familiar with the palace, having frequently visited since I was young. It’s not a strange place for me.”

“I see. I was a bit lost at first. Fortunately.”

Elin seemed to have something to say to Belia, but her lips hesitated to speak. After a brief hesitation, she turned her head towards her maids and gestured for them to step back, making sure her words were not audible.

Seeing this, Belia nodded to her maids as well, and the maids from the Second Princess’s palace also stepped back.

In the middle of the garden, a setting was created where Elin and Belia could converse alone.

Elin moved her gaze around for a moment, then raised her head, opened her mouth, and said to Belia.

“There’s something I want to ask.”

“What is it?”

Elin ground her teeth, perhaps her pride wounded.

But now was not the time to dwell on that.

“The documents about our family this time.”

Belia looked at Elin with a surprised expression. She hadn’t expected such a direct question.

“Is 2nd Princess Consort related to them?”

“Well, I don’t understand why you suddenly ask me this. Wasn’t it because His Majesty ordered a thorough investigation into the actions of the Duke?”

Belia sighed. Then Elin’s lips trembled slightly.

“Somebody provided all the related documents to His Majesty. People might think it’s the deeds of His Highness Khalid, but it’s certain that he would be suspicious, so I believe His Majesty had no involvement.”

At times like this, Elin also showed signs of being intelligent. It’s just that there were almost no opportunities to see this intelligent side of her.

With an intrigued expression, Belia scrutinized Elin.

“When examining the whole situation, besides 2nd Princess Consort, there’s no one else who could be behind this.”

Elin took several short breaths to compose herself emotionally.

Then, Belia casually dropped her words.

“If what I prepared is correct?”

Elin’s actions came to a halt.

She slowly raised her head, stared straight at Belia.

“…That’s not all, is it?”

Oh?

Elin’s guess was correct.
Belia intended to use this opportunity to completely separate Duke Cantareef from the First Prince by revealing information in two parts. The wealth and the secretly raised soldiers taken by the Duke, known to the Emperor, are just the tip of the iceberg. Duke Cantareef had not only traded with other countries but also dealt with imperial information and classified imperial matters.

If it were revealed that he had passed on classified information to another country, the Duke could be completely abandoned by the Emperor.

“What are you talking about?”

Pretending not to know, Belia raised her eyebrows, and Elin bit her lip in irritation.

“Well, I really don’t understand what the First Princess Consort is talking about right now.”

“…We make deals.”

At that moment, Belia’s eyes gleamed. Apparently, Duke Cantareef had definitely realized that she possessed the information.

“Why me?”

“You’ve already gained a lot. Since it won’t be a disadvantageous deal, please meet my father once.”

Belia looked at Elin for a moment without saying anything, then chuckled and said, “Sure. Then, tell the Duke to come to the Second Prince’s Palace soon.”

It seemed that she needed to find out why the Duke had arranged this meeting.

“It’s an honor to meet Second Princess Consort like this.”