Chapter 122
After parting ways with Harold, Diana began living in one of the most luxurious guest palaces within the Imperial residence—an area usually reserved for royalty or the highest-ranking guests.
Although it wasn’t familiar, nothing was lacking in terms of comfort. Everything she could possibly need was provided, and all the attendants served her with care and attention, as if her every wish had to be granted.
She lifted her nearly empty teacup and set it down quietly. At that moment, Lady Jaina approached and spoke.
“Duchess, I’ve been wondering… with your powers, how much can you really heal someone?”
“Could you ask more specifically, Lady Jaina?”
Jaina’s lips curled slightly as she lowered her voice.
“Can you bring someone back from the dead?”
Diana raised an eyebrow, recognizing the subtle challenge behind her words.
“I’m not sure. I’ve never actually tried something like that.”
“I see… Thank you for your honesty, Duchess.”
Jaina’s eyes narrowed. It wasn’t the answer she wanted. But she wasn’t surprised.
Diana had consistently given vague answers to the palace officials—especially when it came to the extent of her powers.
She only gave one honest answer, about when her abilities had awakened. Everything else was met with a smile or a polite “I don’t know.”
And yet, no one could accuse her of lying. There was no way to verify her words.
On top of that, the palace believed she could only heal people she liked. That rumor alone had kept them from forcing her to prove anything.
Jaina exhaled slowly, changing the subject.
“By the way, the Duke hasn’t visited you yet today, has he?”
“I figured you’d bring that up. I assumed the palace might worry about that, so I sent a servant to the Baisen estate,” Jaina said.
Almost as if on signal, a maid entered and informed them that a visitor had arrived from Baisen. Jaina smiled and stood.
“Looks like someone’s here to ease your longing. I’ll take my leave now. See you this evening for dinner with His Majesty.”
“I wonder if they’ll serve the food I requested today—kimchi, wasn’t it?”
“…Kimchi?” Jaina’s face stiffened.
“Ah, judging by your reaction, I guess not. I would’ve thought the palace could manage something like that. If you can’t even handle this, how can you hope to win my favor?”
“Please don’t be disappointed, Duchess. We’ve sent people to check other countries. We’re still trying to locate it.”
“Very well, I’ll wait a bit longer. But it’s been dreadfully boring in here. Isn’t there anything to brighten things up?”
“If you’d like, we can bring in a traveling troupe for a performance. Or even throw a grand ball in your honor.”
“Let’s go with both. Make the ball grand. And invite the best troupe you can find soon. I have more to say, but my guest is waiting. I’ll see you at dinner, Lady Jaina.”
“…Of course.”
As Jaina left, Diana smiled smugly. If the ball were to be grand, they’d be busy preparing for at least two months. That bought her more time—and she had just caused another small disruption, as she liked to do.
After Jaina exited, someone else entered. It wasn’t Harold—but Evan.
Diana didn’t act surprised. She already knew no one but Evan would be sent to her directly.
“Evan, what about Harold?”
“He wanted me to tell you he’s currently unable to visit because of urgent matters at the estate.”
Evan glanced toward the door, then leaned in and lowered his voice.
“…Per His Majesty’s orders.”
“I see. And how’s the situation back at the estate?”
“We’re in the middle of holding a funeral for a fake corpse.”
Diana nodded. That made her remember Jaina’s earlier question about reviving the dead.
They must’ve buried the fake body first, just in case she really could bring someone back. That way, they’d have a story ready.
“Harold must be very busy,” Diana murmured.
“Yes, but even so, he asked me to check on you personally and make sure you’re doing well. How have you been feeling? Are you comfortable?”
“As you can see, I’m doing fine. Honestly, I feel a little guilty that I’m this comfortable while everyone else is fighting.”
“That’s all that matters, then.” Evan’s eyes glistened slightly, touched by her words.
“I’ll let the Duke know you’re okay.”
“Actually, why don’t I write him a letter instead?”
She figured a personal letter would pass through the security checks without too much trouble, especially if she only wrote ordinary things.
Evan waited patiently as Diana fetched paper and pen.
She began writing about everything that had happened at the palace so far. Even though it had only been three days, being apart from Harold made her realize just how much she wanted to talk to him. Her letter ended up filling three pages.
She picked up the paper.
“Ouch…”
“Ah! Duchess, your finger—it’s bleeding!”
She had accidentally cut herself on the edge of the paper. Blood welled up on the tip of her finger.
“It’s alright. Just a small cut.”
It had been so long since she had an injury that didn’t immediately heal. She looked at the red drop with strange curiosity.
‘So… my powers really are gone.’
She pressed her handkerchief to the wound.
‘That means… I can’t touch Harold anymore, not with bare hands.’
The only reason she could physically touch him before was because of her divine power.
“Here, Evan. Please deliver this to Harold for me.”
Evan took the letter with deep sincerity.
“I promise with my life that the Duke will be the first one to read this.”
“No need to risk your life,” Diana said with a small laugh. “It’s not that important.”
“Haha. Oh, by the way—do you want to hear news from outside?”
Evan happily shared updates from the capital. He told her about what was happening in high society and gave news about her friends and allies.
“And six days from now,” he added, adjusting his glasses, “His Highness, the Prince, is leading a noble hunting party into the Marah Forest.”
Diana’s expression didn’t change, but her heart skipped a beat.
“If the day passes without incident,” Evan continued, “we’ll be ready for the final hunt.”
He was, of course, referring to the true “hunt”—bringing down the Emperor himself.
Although Evan wouldn’t be going to the forest, he had been personally invited to the other, much more important hunt.
“I’ll keep visiting daily. But if I don’t come on the day of the hunt, I’ll send someone you can trust.”
“Alright, Evan.”
She understood what he meant.
If he didn’t come that day, it meant it was time to escape.
Diana smiled faintly.
“I believe in all of you. You’ve worked so hard. I’m sure both hunts will be a success.”
Yes, the time was almost here.
The day when the nobles would turn against the Emperor.
***
Meanwhile, in a cold corner of the city, Ella picked up a crumpled newspaper off the ground. Her eyes scanned the front page, and her voice came out in disbelief.
“Duke Harold Baisen… is dead?”
She stared blankly.
Then she suddenly burst into laughter.
“Well, well. Good for you, Diana.”
She remembered the image of Diana smiling beside Harold—so happy, so peaceful.
Ella laughed louder. For her, it was the first good news in a long time.
But her laughter didn’t last. The icy wind quickly cut through her thin clothes, stealing her breath.
She was hungry. Cold. Exhausted.
Her secret collection of money, hidden away from her useless father, had long since run out.
And when her father tried to sell her off to be the fifth wife of an old, crusty baron, she had barely escaped.
“I could’ve been a duchess…”
That lowly marriage offer had been an insult.
In desperation, she went door to door to nobles she once knew—begging.
Most had slammed the door in her face. The few who let her in didn’t do it out of kindness. They only wanted something else in return.
And so she ended up back on the streets.
‘Why is my life like this?’
She wiped her tears with the sleeve of her tattered dress. It smelled awful.
As she dragged her feet down the road, she spotted a luxurious carriage ahead.
‘I thought I’d ride in carriages like that forever…’
She lowered her head, wiping her face again. But in doing so, she tripped on a stone and tumbled to the ground.
“Ah…!”
Her knees hit the cold road. That was it. She broke down, sobbing in frustration and pain.
That’s when she felt something warm settle around her shoulders.
A soft, fragrant fur cloak.
She looked up in shock.
“Lady Jaina…?”
Jaina smiled gently in response.
Are you serious?!~
She probably need a sacrifice with a blonde hair?