They all claimed that this was the work of the Silver Wolf. It was hard to believe that the strength to tear a person apart could come from anything other than a beast.

If many people believe it, it becomes the truth.

Green Hill, welcoming spring, was now overshadowed by the terror of the Silver Wolf.

“Miss, another incident happened today!”

Holding Kalaim Tabloid in her hands, Tanya rushed in hastily.

Adele, who was sipping tea, quickly took the newspaper and began reading. She had been keeping an eye on this newspaper every day.

Although the reliability of Kalaim Tabloid was low, they agreed that they knew quite a bit about the Silver Wolf.
Unlike ordinary wolves, having five claws or mysterious light gray eyes, and the way it killed people in an instant… Everything was exactly the same as what she had heard when her mother died.

Yesterday, two victims were reported within a single night. Although Kristen was a member of the palace guards, the guards were on high alert due to the emperor declaring that he would personally solve the case. As a result, he couldn’t return home for several days.

“We need to catch that thing quickly.”

Tanya murmured anxiously.

However, Adele put down the newspaper she was reading.

“Something’s strange.”

“What do you mean?”

The creature had been hiding its tracks for nearly ten years. However, recently, after victims started to appear, the incidents suddenly increased over the past few days. Moreover, it gruesomely killed people and displayed them in the heart of the city.

It seemed like there was some intention behind its actions, not merely the deeds of a simple beast.

Perhaps a malicious intent to flaunt its existence, as if wanting to show off… At least, that’s what it felt like.

At that moment, a knock sounded, and Henry’s voice followed.

“A guest has arrived.”

It was truly an unexpected guest.

“Welcome, former Empress Isabelle.”

Although she was the former empress, Isabelle still held considerable influence among the ladies. However, today, she came alone without a maid and dressed modestly enough not to attract much attention.

That meant she didn’t want today’s meeting to spread through people’s gossip.

Adele sent Tanya and the others out.

“I’ve come to make a request.”

As soon as she took off her gloves and sat down, Isabelle brought up the main topic.

“A request?”

“I need desserts for the upcoming charity event. Everyone praises Adele’s skill.”

“I can help with that.”

“Then, let someone be sent to inform us of the detailed schedule.”

“Did you come just to say that?”

At that moment, the corners of Isabelle’s mouth elegantly lifted.

“Adele agreed to my request, so I can also fulfill one of your requests. Didn’t you mention being curious about the Silver Wolf?”

Was this implying a mutual deal?

“Yes, I would like to hear any information you have about the Silver Wolf.”

If the Duke of Rodwell had information, it would likely be extensive.

“Alright. Then, Adele, please share the information the Marquis is aware of.”

“Are you telling me to betray the Marquis?”

“I’m making a proposal. Put it bluntly; it’s a request to turn the Marquis into Justice Duke’s person.”

“…!”

Adele swallowed her breath.

Justice Duke, Isabelle’s son.

He was the eldest son of the former emperor, someone who would have naturally become the next emperor if the emperor hadn’t suddenly passed away during the war. However, now he was merely the owner of the most remote and useless territory in Kalaim. In reality, he was practically banished.
However, his maternal uncle was Duke Rodwell, the leader of the noble council. Now that the war was over, it was expected that Duke Rodwell would not quietly accept the situation.

So, Yan joined forces with Stone to disperse the power of the noble council.

And the Rodwell family wanted to join forces with Kristin to disperse the power of the emperor.

But that would mean becoming traitors.

Adele was suddenly frightened by such a tremendous proposition. This was Marble Palace. Even if it was just the two of them, openly discussing treason within the imperial palace was audacious.

“I don’t quite understand what you’re saying.”

Isabelle laughed as if she could see through her thoughts.

“No, Adele knows it well too. If Stone Oswald becomes the Crown Prince, the Marquis’s position will weaken a lot. Then, it might be beneficial to join hands with someone else.”

Adele felt anger towards the emperor again. During the war, Kristen gained popularity by carrying her on her back and winning the favor of the people. Now, for political gains, she joined hands with Stone.

Isabelle threw another sweet bait.

“If you help us, we might be able to grant autonomy to the Marquis’s territory in the future.”

“What do you mean…?”

“The Marquis’s territory becomes a principality, and you become a duchess.”

Duchess…

Adele found such a title unappealing. But the suggestion of living peacefully without interference from anyone was very appealing.

“Why did you suddenly change your mind? Just a few days ago, you seemed to dislike the Marquis.”

“Because the Silver Wolf appeared. Everyone said such a thing doesn’t exist. But now the whole city is trembling in fear of the Silver Wolf. If my husband’s death is reinvestigated, there will be a reason. In that case, the Marquis’s help will be needed more than anyone.”

If the current emperor did indeed kill the former emperor, if, as they thought, Kristen was involved in that incident, Adele would become a more crucial witness than anyone else.

And Justice Duke would gain enough justification to reclaim the throne.

“If, by any chance, the Marquis was involved in executing the former empress…”

Isabelle said firmly.

“Hating the sword when there is someone who wielded it is foolish. Does that answer your question?”

They didn’t care about finding the murderer of the former empress.

What was more important to them was reclaiming the throne!

“I understand your intentions well. Please give me some time to think.”

“Then let’s discuss it at the charity event.”

As Isabelle was about to rise from her seat, she paused. Then, she looked at Adele meaningfully.

“Have you ever seen Vice Marquis fighting on the battlefield?”

“No.”

“I saw it only once. It was when he led the White Ghost Knights and returned victorious from the war.”

As if trying to recall that day, Isabelle furrowed her brows and opened her eyes slightly.
“His figure approaching with blood all over his body and exhaling rough breath is still unforgettable. It felt like… the leader of a wolf pack, leading the wolves.”

“……!”

“If the Silver Wolf were a human, wouldn’t it be a different appearance? I often think that way.”