Hanna hastily explained to Celeste, who was puzzled by the unexpected arrival. The carriage that just left was indeed a royal carriage, but the person inside wasn’t the one Celeste had been expecting. It was a carriage sent by the Duke of Toscur, and she was about to explain why.

The reason why Franz sent someone to the Countess’s residence took over two hours to explain.

“So, this is just a lesson, right? The Duke of Toscur is explaining how our family is intertwined with his…”

The Countess’s wealth originated from being the first to jump into the mining industry.

But what was truly important, not mentioned in the original story, was the Countess’s acquisition of undeveloped mines and mining rights from the palace, and then starting to mine indiscriminately. The Countess owned several mountains, each producing different minerals, including precious stones like gold, silver, diamonds, and even coal. The most valuable, however, were the magic stones.

“Free lunch doesn’t exist, does it? What did this lady want in return for maintaining exclusive mining rights?”

“She wanted to be the shadow owner of all industries utilizing magic stones.”

“All industries? From mining to processing and sales?”

“Yes.”

“So, she was the real boss behind the scenes, while a figurehead was placed in front? And the Countess agreed to this?”

“It was better than losing the rights to another family. The detailed contract should be in the documents, which only the head of the family can access.”

That’s why Franz had the authority to casually order Celeste around since, technically, what belonged to Celeste was actually his mother’s.

“Where is this Marina lady now?”

“I heard she went somewhere far away for recuperation after the previous emperor passed away.”

“So, what about the carriage Franz sent today?”

“It couldn’t be helped. How could you go to meet the Duke, knowing nothing about this? Franz is a cunning man, and if he knew you had lost your memory, he would exploit that. It could’ve been a disaster.”

The Duke’s hidden vicious nature was known only to a few, contrary to his public image. His smiling facade masked his true intentions.

“Anyway, you need to be very careful now, especially with the rumors. You might soon become the Duchess.”

“Me, the Duchess? Because of Valerie?”

“Yes, you are the mother of the Duke’s child.”

Hanna’s proclamation echoed throughout the mansion.

“That means I have to marry the Duke because of Valerie?”

It took a moment for Celeste to grasp the implication of becoming the Duchess due to her relationship with Valerie.

Every decision now held significant weight, considering the sensitive situation with the Duke and the rumors swirling around her.
“Today was not an exception. The Countess has decided not only for today but for the foreseeable future, she will not ride in any carriage sent by Your Highness.”

“She refuses to ride in my carriage… Does this mean she wants to sever ties with me?”

Stilicho hung his head low.

“Huh, this is truly an unexpected act of defiance.” Franz’s lips curled into a wry smile.

The young Emperor had passed away suddenly.

This unexpected news, with no prior indications, was printed in extra-large letters and spread rapidly throughout the empire.

The Emperor, only 14 years old and in good health, was found lifeless overnight, shocking everyone. It was a seismic event that shook the very foundation of the empire. With no heir due to his young age, there was no obvious successor, leaving a void of leadership.

The capital city of Rahat began to buzz with the news of the Emperor’s demise. Rumors of assassination spread, as there seemed to be no reason for the sudden death of the young, healthy Emperor.

Conspiracy theories began to circulate, and by midday, the news had evolved into various speculations.

A three-day national mourning period was declared, unusually short compared to the typical five days, which sparked further rumors. The hurried arrangements by the royal family suggested a rush to either cover up something or prevent chaos.

The first to be officially summoned to the mourning were the capital’s nobility. Ladies in black dresses and veils appeared with solemn faces. The white handkerchiefs in their hands, contrasting with black gloves, made it impossible to tell if they were crying or hiding smiles.

Rarely do all the nobles of the capital gather in one place. While they appeared to mourn the Emperor’s death, their true interest was clear. Amidst the gloomy atmosphere, they scrutinized each other, whispering behind their veils.

Their primary focus was undoubtedly on Countess Louise Aisha Luizette, who arrived with her violet hair neatly tied back. Renowned for her wealth and beauty, she was an object of envy for the ladies and admiration for the men.

Envy and jealousy are often intermingled, and the Countess received both awed and disdainful glances.

“Can you believe she actually came? I heard she’s been hiding in her estate, avoiding the public.”

“She had to attend the Emperor’s funeral, didn’t she?”

“That’s true.”

I could hear them. I tried to avoid attracting attention, but it seems I’ve failed.

Despite my efforts to stay out of sight, the news of the Emperor’s funeral had me rushing to the palace. Though I hurried, the ceremony was already filled with nobles by the time I arrived.

Every step I took was accompanied by whispers. After a formal condolence and finding my assigned seat, I realized that the attention of the nobility seemed more focused on me than on the late Emperor.

Frustrated, I folded my fan and placed it on the table.

“Countess, you shouldn’t fold your fan. Please open it again.”

“What’s the use? Everyone recognizes me regardless.”

“Still…”

Liv, alarmed, quickly reopened the fan and held it up to my face, but it was too late; everyone had already recognized me.
“The Emperor’s sudden passing was supposed to be a closely guarded secret.”

That was what Karl had said when he came to arrest me in Urentum. The death of the Emperor was to be kept confidential, at least for a while.

But even so, to suddenly announce the funeral. I had been puzzled by Karl’s absence, especially with the investigation of Duke Schwaben’s death and Valerie’s matter still unresolved. Perhaps all this was because he was preoccupied with the funeral preparations.

“My goodness, who do we have here? It’s been a long time, Lady.”

Lost in thought, I hadn’t expected someone to be addressing me. Assuming it was just background noise, I sat there blankly until a woman with slightly reddened cheeks and curly brown hair stepped forward.

“An acknowledgment would be nice, you know. Don’t leave someone hanging.”

“Oh, was that meant for me? I didn’t realize.”

The woman introduced herself as Tekla, flaunting her luxuriously waved brown hair.

Who is she?

I signaled Hannah with a glance, and she whispered in my ear that the woman was the only daughter of Count Tekla.

So, who is Tekla?

“It’s really been a long time. No one had seen you in the capital.”

Her voice was somewhat irritating. It sounded insincere, as if she had something else she wanted to say but was pretending otherwise.

“She is Countess Luizette, not just a lady.”

Hannah stepped in for me, as I was hesitant to respond without knowing much about her.

“Oh, right. My apologies, Countess Luizette. I’m not used to the title.”

Her tone was subtly mocking. It was clear she didn’t like Celeste. I could feel it. But then, among the noble ladies present, how many would actually like Celeste?