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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
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Chapter 30: The Grand Duke’s Plan (3)
Matteo Fezel, as instructed by Janus, organized a casual tea party to orchestrate a natural meeting with Brandon and extended an invitation to him.
However, contrary to their plan, Brandon declined Matteo's invitation.
'While Selina is confined, it wouldn't be wise to make a mistake at a place as grand as the Marquis's mansion. They'll immediately try to replace me as the Acting Head of the family!'
He declined out of fear of making a mistake at an unfamiliar social gathering.
However, those unaware of his true feelings criticized Brandon Arsene for his arrogance in declining the invitation to the tea party.
As the Fezel Marquis family, always preoccupied with war preparations, rarely hosted tea parties, the nobles were eager to attend, putting aside their busy schedules.
It was natural for them to criticize the Acting Head of the family for declining an invitation to such an event.
'I was hoping to talk to him today and subtly inquire about Selina's well-being.'
Valerie Fezel bit her lower lip, worried about her friend who was struggling alone.
* * *
Believing that things were progressing smoothly outside, Selina marked a slash on the date she had indicated.
'The 11th day. Did Cathy meet with the Grand Duke's people yesterday?'
Selina was to meet them at the designated location at exactly 10 PM on the tenth day after her return to the capital and subsequent confinement.
This had been decided the night before Selina entered the Imperial Palace at the Emperor's summons, during the discussion with Philip and Janus at the Grand Duke's residence.
The three, who had planned to marry in the Land of the Dragon, decided to thoroughly prepare for the events that would follow.
Selina, having heard about the importance of a successor's marriage to their mate, anticipated that the Emperor would not easily let her go.
“His Majesty might not acknowledge our marriage and send us back to our respective families. In that case, let's keep our marriage a secret for the time being and wait for the imperial family to make a move.”
"Why should we do that? After marriage, as the Grand Duchess, you will be untouchable..."
"You both know very well why we need to do this."
Selina spoke firmly.
"I am well aware of the hardships of war. I also know the consequences of rashly mobilizing the troops currently stationed at the border. If His Majesty insists on taking me and resorts to force against the Grand Duke, where will he get the knights for that?”
Janus shook his head and said,"That won't happen. He is still the Emperor of this Empire. He wouldn't risk destroying the Empire just to kill me."
However, Philip had a different opinion.
"He's capable of doing that and more."
"Father."
"He will do anything to get what he wants. I don't want to speak ill of your mother's brother, but it's the truth. So, if he can eliminate your mate and kill you, he will do it regardless of the situation."
Philip's words surprised Janus, and he looked at Selina.
'Eliminate the mate?'
Selina, sensing a chilling atmosphere, looked at Janus.
Janus regained his composure when their eyes met.
Looking at Janus, who was handsome even in his sleepwear, Selina thought.
‘He has to marry me to survive.’
Selina was simply astonished to hear from Philip about the death of Janus's maternal grandfather, who failed to find his mate.
She had heard that a successor would die if they failed to marry their mate. However, it was the first time she learned that the power would consume the person and harm those around them, leading to a lonely and confined death.
"His Majesty will not acknowledge the marriage and will take me to the Imperial Palace to eliminate me."
"Don't even say such horrible things."
Janus frowned, as if the thought alone was painful.
"But I'm not one to go down without a fight either. I intend to leave after making thorough preparations."
At that time, Selina explained the plan they were currently executing.
On the tenth day after their return, they would each send someone to share information about the current situation and relay messages to each other.
They would observe the Emperor's actions and then make their next move.
They would stall for as long as possible to prevent the Imperial Family from securing Selina.
The only thing Selina hadn't anticipated was the rumors about the villainess Selina spreading throughout the capital.
‘It's actually better this way.’
While it was true that the rumors made it difficult for her to openly reveal herself as the Grand Duchess, it also prevented the Imperial Family from immediately taking her to the palace.
If they were to marry Selina to Eric now, they would be criticized for lowering the standards of the imperial family.
There was no reason for the Emperor to take in Selina, a mere Count's daughter with such a bad reputation, even if she was the daughter of a friend.
Ironically, being confined to the mansion was the safest thing at the moment for Selina.
Selina had just sent a message through Cathy to the Grand Duke's family, asking them to observe the Imperial Family's movements as planned.
‘But the Emperor is not patient.’
She knew well that the Emperor wouldn't let this opportunity pass, especially with Count Arsene being away on a long-term trade voyage.
‘He can't summon me directly, so he'll probably call Brandon today, and then….’
"I'll be able to leave soon, right?"
Selina said, unconsciously touching the pouch hanging around her neck.
* * *
Selina's prediction was spot on.
Indeed, the Emperor, unable to wait any longer, summoned Brandon to the Imperial Palace exactly 11 days after Selina's return.
"Acting Head of the Arsene family. It's good to see you. You've grown a lot."
The Emperor had met Brandon less than five times.
Flora had always wanted Selina to bring Brandon with her to the palace, but seeing how distant Eric and Selina were towards him, Brandon stubbornly refused, claiming he didn't want to go.
The Emperor had never summoned Brandon separately either.
To the Emperor, Brandon was just the son of a commoner woman whom Count Arsene had remarried.
He thought the day would never come when the Emperor, who valued lineage, would acknowledge the commoner Brandon as the eldest son and the Acting Head of the Arsene family.
But now, even if it was just for a moment.
Brandon was having a private audience with the Emperor as the Acting Head of the Arsene family.
‘I never thought this day would come for me.’
The Emperor thought as he watched Brandon, who was still busy looking around the newly decorated imperial audience chamber, lost in his own emotions.
‘He's so naive. He'd probably hand over the entire family if I asked. Should I take this opportunity to eliminate the family while Count Arsene is away? No, there's not enough justification yet. Count Arsene... Yes, as Ruth said, he's a friend who would even give his life for me. He must have been caught up in Philip and Janus' scheme.’
The Emperor cleared his throat to get Brandon's attention, who was still distracted by the audience chamber.
Ruth was also hiding and observing everything happening in the audience chamber.
‘His Majesty's and Brandon's thoughts are so transparent.’
Ruth felt a bit sorry for Count Arsene, who was currently on a ship, practically in exile.
Count Arsene, who had just returned to the capital after a long confinement in the palace, had to board the trade ship before even meeting Selina.
‘If Selina’s house arrest is ended and she comes out, there might be hope for the Arsene family.’
Thinking so, Ruth quietly listened to the conversation between Brandon and the Emperor.
"By the way, Acting Head of Arsene. I heard that Lady Arsene, who was away from the capital for a while, returned recently."
Even though the Emperor had sent Ruth to ensure everyone in the capital saw Selina riding a horse, he was brazenly asking Brandon this question.
‘Why is he asking this when he personally sent people to bring her to the mansion?’
Brandon, completely unaware of the Emperor's intentions, decided to just play along.
"Ah, yes. That's right. The girl is quite forward, clinging to none other than Grand Duke Justia and following him on that long journey despite his important duties. How absurd! And it's not just anyone, it's the Grand Duke of Justia, who works tirelessly for Sephia. But perhaps due to the vast difference in their social standing, there haven't been any significant rumors about them despite their journey together."
Ruth silently facepalmed.
'I can't believe he's this foolish. The lack of rumors is because the imperial family has been suppressing them. And doesn't he know that praising the Grand Duke of Justia in front of His Majesty is absolutely forbidden?!'
Indeed, the Emperor's displeasure grew as he watched Brandon casually shower Janus with compliments in front of him.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
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