To You, So Noble and Vulgar (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 186

The audience chamber doors opened.

Everyone’s gaze turned toward the open doors.

Two figures stood before the door. One was tall and slender, the other small and delicate. Behind them stood four imperial knights.

Jeor and Ariana stepped onto the long carpet laid across the audience chamber.

Though the Emperor had called them “criminals,” their bearing remained dignified. With straight backs and unwavering steps, they walked without hesitation—as if returning victorious generals, not those burdened by guilt.

Victoria disliked Ariana’s haughty demeanor even in such dire circumstances. It irritated her to see Ariana acting so composed when she could easily lose her head at any moment.

Just then, Ariana’s eyes briefly met Victoria’s. The instant their gazes locked, Ariana gave that same smile she always wore whenever meeting Victoria’s eyes.

Victoria’s heart lurched, recalling every time that smile had preceded some misfortune—but she quickly steadied herself.

‘This time, you won’t be able to escape. The Emperor’s favor has already turned to my side.’

The Emperor had already declared Ariana and Jeor “criminals,” even though no verdict had yet been reached.

She remembered something the Duke of Seoje once told her.

—“The Emperor is as greedy as he is fearful. You must understand this well and act accordingly, Victoria.”

Still, he was the ruler of the largest nation on the continent—she had doubted whether merely prodding such a trait would truly move him. But the Emperor was far more foolish than Victoria had imagined.

—“Long peace dulls both body and mind.”

Indeed, it was true. The Emperor didn’t even realize he was floundering, caught on someone else’s hook.

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