~Chapter 77~
Kabul’s hands clenched at the thought of tearing the traitor apart.
But then he realized the woman’s true backing: the Empress Dowager herself, given how she moved in and out of the White Rose Palace.
“After that, I secretly followed her to investigate.”
The crimson herb in question was a rare hybrid, not sold to the public—an original creation of her teacher, Stella.
“Foolishly… I didn’t know all of the herbs my master had created.”
Even so, he immediately sensed its danger. The herb was regularly supplied to palace physicians to be used in the emperor’s sleep incense.
When Kabul noticed the emperor succumbing to bouts of mania, suspicion fell squarely on that herb.
“I advised that its use be stopped immediately, but by then His Majesty had already been heavily poisoned.”
He even suggested executing anyone involved in its distribution, but the addicted emperor ignored him, angered that his grandfather’s ‘dog’ wasn’t obeying.
‘It’s over,’ Kabul thought grimly. He knew the emperor’s favor toward his family had ended.
So he took the risk, agreeing to Camilla’s plan at the arena to finally confront the Mowin family.
“I didn’t expect it to end this successfully! Ha ha ha! Our family is now celebrated as the heroes of Escalus!”
Camilla couldn’t help but roll her eyes at his laugh, devoid of any tension. Then she realized there was a gap in information between him and the Everett elders.
The elders didn’t even know that the Empress and the emperor were at odds.
“…Even your family’s elders aren’t aware of your deep ties with His Majesty?”
“Hmm. That’s right.”
Kabul’s wry smile carried the weight of someone who bears responsibility alone.
Camilla nodded, understanding.
“Then, what exactly is it that you want?”
“I need proof linking this crimson herb to the emperor’s mania—and an antidote to cure His Majesty.”
Lowering his voice, Kabul whispered further:
“The herb was a hybrid personally created by Stella Everett… your master. Are there any remaining records in the Everett family?”
“All documents and samples were burned the day my master was exiled from the family.”
He bowed his head, guilt shadowing his features.
“…She was involved in the Grand Duke assassination plot, so the family had no choice but to erase her traces to survive.”
Camilla was stunned. All that invaluable research and herbwork… gone. She swallowed her surprise, noting the heavy guilt in his expression. Dane, however, couldn’t hold back.
“So they burned everything, and now they come asking us for help?”
Kabul rubbed his nose, murmuring:
“Ahem… nothing I can say. But…”
Camilla tensed, half-expecting him to rant against the Grand Duke family. But instead, he looked up at her.
“Though called a traitor, Meisa inherited all of my master’s knowledge. And you, Lady Camilla, having inherited it, I believe…”
“…there is hope.”
Camilla thought bitterly: I inherited nothing from my mother. She had absorbed knowledge of exotic herbs and medicines, but it was her memories and Lunellia’s teachings that had truly sustained her.
“This herb is clear evidence of treachery.”
The word ‘treachery’ hung heavy in the room, tension tightening around them.
“If we can neutralize this herb, even the Empress Dowager—who protects the Mowin family—will surely fall.”
Dane nodded in agreement.
“That’s certain.”
“Will you help us, Lady Camilla? And Your Grace?”
Camilla’s emerald eyes met his, unflinching, as she considered the roots she hadn’t known were tied to the Everett family.
“Do you trust me, Kabul? The daughter of your enemy and a traitor?”
A heavy silence followed. Kabul faced her, the image strikingly reminiscent of the little girl from long ago.
“I do not trust you,” he said firmly.
“I trust only my sons’ judgment.”
She liked that. Extending her hand, Camilla finally spoke:
“Very well. I accept your proposal.”
Kabul’s large hand closed firmly over hers. Watching her eyes, sharp and shining like a weapon, he thought quietly: She resembles Stella more than Meisa.
After Kabul departed, Camilla told Dane her suspicion that the crimson herb might also be affecting the Duchess, not just the emperor.
“It’s only a theory for now.”
Dane’s anger flared.
“…To think the Empress Dowager’s agents dared to infiltrate the Grand Duke’s residence.”
If they were targeting the Duchess’s bedroom, they were deep within the inner circle.
“First, we must prevent the Duchess from using the sleep incense. Then we must find a way to detoxify the accumulated poisons.”
Camilla murmured that the same would apply to the emperor.
“Do you know how to neutralize this herb?”
“It’s a unique hybrid, so I don’t know the exact antidote…”
She remembered the old cabin, her mother Meisa’s herb garden behind it.
Her mother had always taught her that poison only mattered if an antidote existed. They had trained their bodies alternately, building immunity over time. She recalled writhing in pain on the floor.
“Camilla?”
The memory gave her a sharp headache. She shook her head and whispered to Dane:
“We should visit the old cabin. The antidote plant that pairs with the poison may still be there.”
But the thought of going there felt like trudging through mud.
“I never thought I’d hear about my mother here…”
“…Or learn she’s considered one of the worst people.”
A bitter laugh escaped her. She thought her past troubles were over, yet her mother had returned as an obstacle.
Dane gently tapped her forehead.
“You seem to have a fever.”
“…That’s absurd,” she said, flustered, but found her thoughts melting under his close smile.
“Is the cabin far? Do you know where it is?”
“I’ve been there once before. Half a day to the Mowin estate… not too far.”
The trial loomed, and time was tight.
Dane whispered:
“Tomorrow is the family council at the Grand Duke’s house.”
“…Yes.”
“Once you assume the title, we’ll go straight to your old cabin together.”
“…What?”
Camilla’s eyes widened at the unexpected plan.
“Riding instead of taking a carriage will get us there much faster.”
Yet questions remained.
“You said you’d inherit the title before the trial… is it really that simple?”
Dane spoke as if succession were merely a formality.
“…You’re not even married yet.”
“Marriage helps, but the true condition for succession is this: whoever can save the family in crisis.”
Camilla’s eyes widened further.
“In history, heirs recognized as exceptional dukes during wartime were allowed to inherit the family ring even before marriage.”
