A Marriage Alliance for Revenge - Chapter 34

Briella, who had momentarily kept her gaze fixed on Lady Eve’s provocative expression, nodded her head slowly.

 

Briella’s head movement startled Lady Eve, who expected scoffing or protest from her.

In response, Lady Eve threw a question, “What does your reaction mean?”

 

With a troubled expression, Lady Eve scrutinized Briella. Her golden eyes, seemingly unable to grasp the situation, widened.

 

“It’s not bad,” Briella replied calmly.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I mean Lady Eve becoming the empress.”

 

Upon hearing Briella’s nonchalant voice, Countess Lawrence swallowed hard.

 

Lady Eve continued to gaze at Briella’s face, still unable to believe her answer.

 

“Was that truly sincere?”

 

“Am I not sitting here, a descendant with mixed blood? There is no reason why Lady Eve could not ascend to the throne as the empress.”

 

“But…”

 

Eve hastily closed her mouth. The reason Briella was able to easily scheme her way into the position of Duchess was that no one paid attention to Lucas Viterpan.

 

“Are you implying that you doubt me?”

 

Eve couldn’t utter a word in response to Briella’s question.

 

Denying Briella’s existence in this place would naturally mean she couldn’t ascend to the throne as the empress herself.

 

“Do not wait for the world to change; instead, you should change the world.”

 

Countess Lawrence’s shoulders twitched at Briella’s words.

 

“What does that mean?”

 

“How many nobles do you think there are in the Rhone Empire?”

 

Eve’s eyes narrowed at Briella’s words, as if she were trying to comprehend the meaning behind them.

 

Briella leisurely sipped her teacup, enjoying Eve’s silence.

 

Internally, her mind was swirling in turmoil, but outwardly, she maintained a calm and composed demeanor.

 

“Do we really need to exert unnecessary effort in trying to please the hearts and minds of those nobles who look down on us and insist on flaunting their blue blood?”

 

“Us?”

 

Eve blinked her eyes, echoing Briella’s words.

 

“Isn’t it too early for that?”

 

It was a thought-provoking statement.

 

She used to think of Duchess Viterpan as someone who always belittled and looked down on her.

 

Eve knew very well that the noble ladies who had been by her side all this time, would speak sweet words in front of her but curse her behind her back.

 

To be treated the same way, without distinction, was a first for her.

 

“Are you saying that one can become the empress even if not favored by the nobles?”

 

Briella nodded with a smile in response to Eve’s question.

 

Eve quickly looked away, feeling awkward at the proud look in Briella’s eyes as she watched her quickly answer her question.

 

“It’s hot out.”

 

Eve replied as she pulled the shawl off her shoulders.

 

Briella snorted at Eve’s comment. Eve’s assertion that it was hot was untrue.

 

But now was the time to play her part.

 

“The reason Queen Olivia was able to firmly hold her position despite your Majesty’s disapproval was not because of the nobles, but because the empire’s citizens supported her.”

 

Briella raised her hand and called the maid, who stood behind her.

 

The palace maid, who responded to her call, set aside the cold tea and brought forth a steaming cup of hot tea.

 

Briella, with a playful smile as if finding Eve’s stubbornness adorable, spoke.

 

“Instead of winning over the nobles, focus on gaining the trust of the empire’s people. Become an empress the empire’s citizens will embrace.”

 

Leaning forward and whispering discreetly near Eve’s ear, she continued.

 

Upon hearing Briella’s words, a flicker appeared in Eve’s eyes, which already shimmered with a golden hue.

 

“…It seems I will need the assistance of the Duchess Viterpan more often in the future.”

 

“As much as you desire. However, there is a favor I believe I should ask first.”

 

As Briella made a gesture, Lena, who stood behind, approached in a single step and handed over a black box.

 

When Eve saw the luxurious box made of velvet, her eyes lit up.

 

‘To think she went to the trouble of preparing such a lovely gift, despite appearing incapable of such gestures.’

 

With her mood greatly uplifted by Briella’s words, Eve unhesitatingly opened the box she had been given.

 

“What is this?” Eve, with a cold and rigid expression, looked at Briella.

 

“That day, there was a minor disturbance in the palace. Of course, Your Majesty must be aware since you were personally informed,” Briella deliberately paused and examined Eve’s face.

 

Eve’s cold and rigid expression lasted only for a moment.

 

“Of course.”

 

“Yes, His Majesty gave me the cloak for that, and I should have returned it sooner, but I’ve been ill ever since,” Briella explained.

 

“You aren’t going to return it personally?”

 

Eve chuckled, her lips trembling slightly.

 

“Since Lady Eve is here, must I return it personally? Surely, this request is an acceptable one?” Briella asked with a tone seeking permission, and Eve smiled softly in response.

 

“There’s no need to trouble someone as busy as Gusto multiple times. He’ll be visiting my chamber tonight, I’ll give it to him then,” Eve replied, and Briella nodded in satisfaction.

 

There was no lie in what Briella had said. But this incident would make Eve suspicious of Gusto.

 

A small crack.

 

A crack so small you wouldn’t even know it was there.

 

That’s what Briella wanted.

 

That was what Briella desired.

 

“Well then, shall we discuss what needs to be prepared for the festival?” Eve quickly changed the subject, as if trying to change the atmosphere.

 

Briella nodded in agreement at her gesture.

 

* * *

 

 

On that night, when Gusto visited Eve’s chamber, she froze at his words.

 

Although Gusto’s complexion had changed, Eve, dressed in an evening gown that revealed her inner thoughts, didn’t notice it.

 

“I’m going to Perta.”

 

Eve, her face blushing with excitement, was radiating joy.

 

“Why are you going there?”

 

It was after Briella, and she had been talking throughout the afternoon.

 

A place engulfed in unexpected misfortune. A place longing for someone’s attention.

 

After parting ways with Briella and having a long discussion with Lady Lawrence, they discovered Perta.

 

“To comfort and provide relief to the troubled people of the empire and deliver relief funds.”

 

Whenever Eve moved, a faint ivory-colored trail of silk floated in the air before settling back down.

 

Like a young girl twirling in delight upon wearing a new dress, Eve couldn’t hide her exhilaration.

 

“Eve.”

 

Seeing her like that, Gusto plopped down on the sofa.

 

In the morning, she had been howling in distress, but now, in the evening, she couldn’t control her excitement.

 

“Your Majesty, I can do it. I want to try my best.”

 

“What?”

 

Gusto brushed Eve’s hair aside as she sat on her knees, looking up at him.

 

“If someone has to fill the position of Empress Olivia, it should be me.”

 

“You?”

 

“Viterpan is currently struggling due to the sudden flood. If Empress Olivia were here, she would have rushed to them, provided food, and built new homes for them.”

 

Gusto remembered the words of the finance minister during the morning meeting.

 

Gusto had firmly rejected any exceptions when it came to reducing taxes in Viterpan.

 

Upon reflecting on his memories, Gusto realized that he always cut off the finance minister’s words in such a manner.

 

“Why is Empress Olivia being brought up here?”

 

“Because she’s not here now! There is no one to hold the hands of the troubled people and provide them with food. So, this is our moment, Your Majesty.”

 

It was a pleading tone filled with determination.

 

It was distressing to see a small figure prostrate on the floor, groaning in pain.

 

“I can’t live as Lady Eve forever.”

 

Sniffles.

 

Tears streamed down Eve’s golden eyes as she sat on the floor.

 

“…”

 

“No matter how graciously I behave in public, do you think I’m oblivious to the nobles who mock me behind my back?”

 

“Eve.”

 

Even with a sincere plea, Eve didn’t lift her head.

 

Her trembling shoulders, weakened by worry, were pitiful.

 

“I will become the Empress desired by the people of the empire. Please grant me permission.”

 

It was Gusto himself who had brought up Eve’s lineage, just this morning.

 

“That place is currently swarming with rebels.”

 

“All the more dramatic, then, that a despised woman of the Emperor’s will risk her life to comfort a disillusioned populace, and on the eve of a festival.”

 

As if possessed, Eve knelt before Gusto’s feet and clung to him.

 

“Eve, it’s not that simple.”

 

“Moreover, if His Majesty’s knights achieve victory during my arrival, it will be even more perfect. I will become the goddess of absolute triumph.”

 

Eve seemed determined and showed no intention of stopping her plans.

 

Furthermore, it wasn’t an incorrect statement.

 

The Empress’s position could not be left vacant indefinitely.

 

If things went as Eve said, she could circumvent the nobles who stood in the way of her coronation and make them submit.

 

Gusto crossed his legs and looked at the pensive Eve, who was tightly clinging to his feet.

 

Like a puppy, he gently stroked her as she clung to his legs.

 

“Your Majesty, this is also part of the preparations for the festival. The people will praise Your Majesty and me when the square is filled with the empire’s citizens.”

 

Her gesture of reaching out her hand towards the empty air seemed as if she were engulfed in madness.

 

But Gusto didn’t stop Eve from doing so.

 

He was the Emperor. If he didn’t like something, he could just shake his head.

 

Eve, acting as if she were already the Empress, was adorable, so he decided to turn a blind eye tonight.

 

As Gusto held Eve in his arms, he thought of Briella, who must be occupying some corner of the palace.

 

But Gusto shook his head and had no choice but to sympathize with her plans.

 

The next morning was the time for the meeting.

 

Countless attendants bowed their heads in front of Gusto, who sat at the highest position of the conference table with a meaningless and sluggish posture.

 

“If it continues like this, the peasants of Perta might revolt.”

 

“If the rebels take advantage of this situation, the problem may become uncontrollable.”

 

Marquis Hailey spoke up in place of the financial advisor.

 

Looking at the faces of the two, it seemed they hadn’t slept properly the previous night.

 

“So, what do you suggest?”

 

Until yesterday, it had been a problem that could be easily resolved by simply reducing taxes.

 

However, due to Gusto’s insistence on principles, the situation spiraled uncontrollably overnight.

 

“We can send messengers to Duke Viterpan and suppress the peasants of Perta by force.”

 

Gusto looked at him upon the suggestion, and Marquis Hailey continued with a nod.

 

“We need to send reinforcements since our current forces are insufficient.”

 

“I do not agree with that plan,” Gusto interjected.

 

If they made a wrong move, all the attention would be directed towards Lucas.

 

No, this method would undoubtedly lead to the nobles praising Lucas once again.

 

He couldn’t bear to see that scene again.

 

“You should reduce the taxes and provide food aid to the peasants of Perta affected by the floods, if possible.”

 

The financial advisor wiped his sweat and stepped forward. Gusto looked at the financial advisor.

 

The one who always clashed heads with Empress Olivia, calculating the expenses in the air, could sense that the situation was becoming alarmingly grave. 

 

Gusto narrowed his eyes and looked at the two ministers standing side by side.

 

“If that were the case…”

 

In response to Gusto’s words, the two ministers stared at him intently, their faces showing astonishment.

 

The financial advisor seemed as if he could pass out at any moment.

 

“What do you think if Eve goes to Perta?”

 

The financial advisor’s eyes widened at Gusto’s question.

 

Marquis Hailey, too, was initially surprised by Gusto’s words, but he quickly composed his expression.

 

“L-Lady Eve herself?”

 

“Yes. It’s rather trivial to just send supplies.”

 

“Well, that’s true, but…”

 

The financial advisor discreetly turned his gaze towards Marquis Hailey.

 

It was because he wished for Marquis Hailey to intervene on behalf of Gusto.

 

“Not a bad idea.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Yes. If Lady Eve is to take on Empress Olivia’s role, this issue will be of assistance when she eventually ascends to that position.”

 

Upon Marquis Hailey’s words, Gusto tapped the desk with his finger.

 

The remaining trees were swaying in the chilly wind.

 

One could say it was more like winter than autumn, during mornings and evenings.

 

“You’re certain this problem can raise her prestige?”

 

“Your Majesty, it is well within Lady Eve’s ability to know who stands by her side and those who can provide her with assistance. Please consider it. Let the person who came to you that day begin walking on her own.”

 

The words of Gusto and Marquis Hailey made the financial advisor lower his eyes.

 

He couldn’t make sense of what they were talking about.

 

Gusto’s finger-tapping on the table became faster.

 

Sitting lazily with his chin resting on his hand, Gusto didn’t show any signs of impatience.

 

However, his finger tapping on the table spoke volumes about his complex state of mind.

 

‘What should I do?’

 

It rather pleased Gusto to think that Lucas was struggling outside the capital according to his plan.

 

But what if Eve goes to Perta?

 

The situation could change unpredictably.

 

“It wouldn’t be a bad idea to capture the attention of the people of the empire during this opportunity.”

 

The words of Marquis Hailey made Gusto’s finger tapping on the table come to a halt.