“He’s more sentimental than you think. If family is at stake, he’d risk anything to reclaim my daughter.”
Rachel was speechless.
They said that if the White family is involved, one could die? During her time in the East, Rachel had only encountered Dongjehoo’s icy gaze. Previous Eastern rulers had avoided her, Langsti always looked at her suspiciously, and Pelos had only shouted at her.
No matter how she tried, she couldn’t become close to them.
“If Dongjehoo even petitions the Emperor, not just an archbishop but a cardinal might get involved.”
In a trial, judges and archbishops oversee proceedings, consulting and delivering verdicts. But if the issue was significant enough to catch the Emperor’s attention, a cardinal could intervene.
“Cardinal Eodes is fond of children. While we can explore methods, this is a tough battle. Prepare yourself well; not a single flaw can exist in your testimony.”
Even after Seojehoo left, Rachel’s complexion did not improve. In fact, it darkened.
She had thought that finding Ariana would end it, but now Dongjehoo and even the empire were involved.
“Ariana…”
She never expected that the young girl would move Dongjehoo and the empire. Of course, Dongjehoo was the one trying to influence the imperial judge, but the cause lay with Ariana.
“This is not the time for this.”
She had to prepare. Regardless of what Ariana or Dongjehoo did, she must gather indisputable witnesses.
Despite the Bronthe family’s unsavory reputation, Rachel was still Seojehoo’s daughter, a princess of this region.
She had an abundance of nobles willing to act on her behalf.
+++
The custody trial was scheduled for May 7th at the Grand Court.
The day before departing for the empire, Ariana was summoned by Russel.
In the office were Russel and Jeor. As always, Jeor looked at Ariana with a scrutinizing gaze.
“Ariana, it seems things have gone awry.”
Ariana looked at Russell without betraying any emotion, even as her heart sank at his words. Russell seemed troubled as he spoke.
“I sent someone by imperial order, but you were faster.”
“The chief investigator is dead.”
“We haven’t even confirmed his death. He said he was heading to the Empire, then we lost contact. We tried to find him, but there was no trace.”
Ariana was certain that Seo Je-hoo was behind it. Rachel wouldn’t have thought to kill the chief investigator in advance.
‘Seo Je-hoo is smart. Rachel may be straightforward, but Seo Je-hoo is more challenging.’
She was familiar with Rachel’s methods, but had not fully grasped Seo Je-hoo’s. Though the thought of a battle with Seo Je-hoo made her heart tighten, Ariana spoke calmly.
“There are many ways to disappear without leaving a trace. But it’s okay. There are still more witnesses.”
Geor’s eyes narrowed in apparent interest at Ariana’s composed demeanor.
“Not only the Duke and Duchess of Robenta attended the garden party at the Bronthe mansion.”
“Do you remember them all?”
At Geor’s question, Ariana nodded.
“I remember.”
Ariana slowly recited the names of the imperial nobles who had been there.
“Wow.”
Geor exclaimed in admiration at how effortlessly she remembered the names.
Whenever there was an important event or party, an aide would bring a list of attending nobles.
Memorizing all those names was tedious, but the fact that Ariana, who happened to attend, remembered them all was astonishing.
“The princess is really smart. Your rise to the throne can’t be far off.”
“Your Majesty, rest assured. I have no ambition for the throne. These people have witnessed my plight, they will be of help when the trial comes.”
“I, I see.”
“It would also be wise to have our lawyer mention the disappearance of the chief investigator who had left to testify. That would sow a little doubt among those present.”
Both Russell and Geor inwardly clicked their tongues.
They’d had similar thoughts, but it was different when Ariana proposed it. For someone who’d never set foot in a courtroom to understand how to influence its atmosphere was truly astonishing.
“I can’t be complacent with Seo Je-hoo being resourceful, but I can find ways to counter his schemes. I would appreciate it if you’d keep me informed should any issues arise.”
Russell felt a pang of guilt every time Ariana’s intelligence was displayed, considering what her life had been like.
While Russell’s expression darkened, Geor beamed.
“Very reassuring, princess. Then we should prepare a grand celebration for your return from the Empire.”
“That’s not necessary, I’d rather quietly–”
“No, quiet won’t do. Even if I let it pass quietly, Eiverster won’t accept it. It’ll be a festival announcing the princess’s return, and it should be the grandest.”
“Master Eiverster?”
“Yes, that guy loves parties.”
In the meantime, the aforementioned Eiverster was seriously exchanging opinions with Langsty in the duke’s office.
“We should wrap the whole street in sky-blue ribbons. Ariana’s hair is sky blue, after all.”
“Excessive.”
“There’s no such thing as excessive, Father. Ariana has lived without getting what she deserved, it’s still not enough even if it overflows.”
“Are you going to erect a statue of Ariana?”
“Oh, that’s a great idea. A golden statue in the main square would be splendid.”
“…….”
The Male lead Always Seduces Her with His Beauty (Matriarchy)
Xin Jiao Zhou is the leader of the world’s premier sect. She has just experienced betrayal from all sides, was poisoned in an assassination attempt, and faced death squad attacks while the poison was taking effect. After finally clearing out the scum from her sect, she was drugged again while trying to detoxify.
After waking up from a night of unconsciousness, she gained a “beautiful and kind-hearted” husband.
Xin Jiao Zhou: “???”
He fell ill.
She came to see him, bringing breakfast.
As she put down the breakfast and was about to leave, his hand slipped while holding the spoon. “Clank!”
She turned around upon hearing the noise.
He looked up at her, his eyebrows drooping: “My hand… has no strength.”
“Shall I… feed you?” she asked tentatively.
He opened his mouth cheerfully: “Ah—”
Thinking she was drowning, he jumped in without hesitation to save her, but nearly drowned himself. In the end, it was she who swam over to rescue him, giving him air underwater.
After emerging from the water, his ear tips turned red. He lightly brushed his cheek, tucking his sideburns behind his ear, revealing delicate, pink-tinged ear tips. He lowered his gaze, too embarrassed to look at her.
Xin Jiao Zhou: He’s truly beautiful, kind-hearted, and adorable.
A certain someone when disciplining subordinates behind the scenes: “If they don’t obey, just kill them.”
What’s that? She might already have someone she cares about in her heart? A certain someone: Find out who it is, kill them, and then there won’t be anyone.
What? She met a man by the riverside? What? That man even hurt her? A certain someone: Whichever hand hurt her, chop off his entire arm.
Love at first sight without realizing it, gradually falling in love, slowly getting closer…
Family and national grudges, schemes and desires, good and evil, crime and punishment, she and he face the future together, seeking justice with passion!
A naturally dark female lead who could accidentally destroy the world but is actually an honest person VS a weak, pitiful, and helpless but skilled fighter, beautiful white-cut black male lead
My heart is not of stone, how steadfast is your love? — Tao Yuanming “Imitating the Ancients (No. 3)”
— Reading Guide —
Cold female lead & dramatic black lotus with hidden yandere traits male lead
