Chapter 58
Winter was a harsh season for both people and beasts. With nothing to eat, wild predators would descend upon villages where people lived.
The hunting tournament of Orante Forest was the largest annual event held by the Empire. Countless nobles attended this grand event, which was held under the name of the Imperial Family itself.
Orante Forest was the largest and most rugged forest in the Empire, belonging to one of the poorest territories.
Because it was a highland area, farming was difficult. Burdened already with poverty, the territory also suffered from wild beasts that plagued the villages every winter, surrounded as it was by mountains and forests.
Yet because of its strategically important location, the Imperial Family never abandoned the Orante territory. Each year, the Emperor himself attended the hunt, both to demonstrate his strength and to lend prestige to the land.
“The Grand Duke never actually hunts, and yet he always shows up to the hunting tournament.”
“Perhaps it was simply because he didn’t have a lover at the time? He couldn’t very well present his trophies to the Empress, so naturally he avoided it.”
“You think so?”
A young lady, dressed in her riding habit, tilted her head in curiosity.
The hunting tournament was considered the second most important season for socializing. Young ladies and gentlemen with mutual interest often exchanged glances, and it was customary to present game as an official gift.
“This time he even brought the Grand Duchess along—surely he won’t leave empty-handed. It’s her first hunt, after all.”
“If the Grand Duchess were to return empty-handed, it would be the most laughable thing of all.”
Holding Eliana’s hand, Greddy approached the spot where a group was chattering. Nobles gathered around him, offering greetings, while Greddy received them with calm confidence.
“It’s been a while, everyone.”
“Welcome, Your Grace. You grow more dashing with each passing day.”
The same nobles who had been gossiping about the ducal couple just moments earlier now greeted them with wide smiles. Clearly, they were well-practiced at wearing masks.
“Despite the tight schedule, your jacket is splendid, Your Grace,” one remarked to Eliana.
The golden-embroidered crest of House Kryber, stitched onto her black velvet jacket, drew admiration from all.
The floral shield emblem was famous across the Empire. It had grown even more renowned after the story spread far and wide—how Eliana had once worn a cloak bearing that crest when she sought the Emperor’s approval for marriage.
“I hear the new head maid is doing an excellent job.”
“Ah!”
Quick glances were exchanged within the circle of nobles. There was not a person present who didn’t know of Emma, the former head maid who had long held sway over House Kryber.
“No one expected Emma to resign. Few were as loyal to House Kryber as she…”
Though the truth was somewhat different, it was widely known that Emma had run the ducal household while maintaining ties to Empress Rosella’s family.
“New wine must go into new jars. Water left standing too long may already be rotting. Isn’t it better to clear away foul things as quickly as possible?”
Maintaining a polite smile as though it were painted on, Eliana’s words made the noblewomen flinch and step back slightly.
“It seems Your Grace received excellent training as a bride. How could someone so young know such matters in such detail?”
A countess who had met Eliana at one of the Empress’s tea parties turned her head toward her.
“…Pardon?”
“…”
“If you know of such a good teacher, would you introduce them to me?”
The countess’s kind smile never faltered. But Eliana knew well that the smile was not born of goodwill.
“I had no teacher. My father taught me everything.”
“Ah! Everyone recognizes Baron Hoffman’s skill with numbers. They say if he gives away one, he takes ten in return.”
At her words, the other nobles couldn’t suppress their laughter, nodding as though joining in her mockery.
“It seems the Countess wishes to make an enemy of me.”
Eliana’s voice was calm, stripped of any inflection. But that very composure was more chilling than anger.
“What… did you say?”
The countess, who had intended to belittle Eliana with the nobles’ usual veiled banter, turned pale.
“Otherwise, how could you so casually say such things to my face?”
Eliana raised her chin, lowering her gaze to meet the countess’s eyes head-on.
Greddy looked down at her in surprise. She was utterly different from when she was alone with him—her gaze steady and unyielding, her voice calm and full of poise.
She knew exactly where she stood and acted accordingly.
Could this too be Baron Hoffman’s training?
Otherwise, he couldn’t make sense of her behavior. He thought back to the night before, when she had used her body to try to claim what she wanted.
What kind of woman was she, truly?
While Greddy was lost in thought, a man clapped loudly, drawing attention.
“Must you trouble yourselves with such dull household matters here? Anyway, have you all heard the news?”
Baron Great, his mustache neatly groomed, slipped easily into the tense circle of ladies, smoothly redirecting the conversation.
“Baron Great, what rumor are you trying to spread this time?”
The women, well accustomed to his love of gossip, shook their heads. Yet none could hide their curiosity.
House Great owned one of the Empire’s oldest newspapers, meaning rumors from his lips carried some credibility.
“It concerns Lady Laola.”
“No! Have you uncovered her true identity, Baron Great?”
The women who had been pretending to wait patiently now clung eagerly to his side. Surrounded so suddenly, Baron Great shrugged dramatically, as if he had foreseen this reaction, drawing all eyes upon him.
Greddy glanced down at Eliana’s hand, which he had been holding since they dismounted their horses. She was gripping tightly, her small pale hand clinging to him as though to a lifeline.
It had begun the moment the baron mentioned Lady Laola.
He looked quietly at her hand before tightening his own hold around it.
“…Ah.”
Eliana, who had been entirely focused on Baron Great, lowered her gaze to their joined hands. Twined together like the roots of an old tree, their grip was firm—almost painfully so. Yet it didn’t feel unpleasant. If anything, the faint pain gave her reassurance.
“Baron, tell us quickly! Lady Laola’s diary has been rather dull of late.”
Everyone was eager, for Lady Laola’s writings always stirred upheaval in the Empire’s society. Baron Great, pleased to be the center of attention, nodded and spoke cautiously.
“Lately, Lady Laola has been conducting investigations.”
“Investigations? Lady Laola herself?”
One young lady exclaimed, wide-eyed. They were used to reading her pink-papered articles written in neat script, so the idea of her conducting interviews in person felt jarring.
“It’s surprising, isn’t it? Not just compiling rumors, but actually investigating.”
“Countess, you underestimate Lady Laola. She is a passionate journalist and a brilliant detective.”
“You exaggerate, Baron Great.”
The countess, still annoyed from her clash with Eliana, waved dismissively at his praise of Laola.
“So you’re saying you actually know what Lady Laola is investigating?”
The crowd’s attention shifted suddenly from the baron to Eliana.
For the first time, the quiet Grand Duchess revealed interest. Baron Great’s expression immediately brightened.
Rumor had it the Grand Duke was utterly enamored of his wife—if so, perhaps an investment might be secured. Sharing a few pieces of information in advance was no real loss.
“…Of course, Your Grace.”
He bowed deeply, looking up at Eliana like a servant awaiting his master’s command. Eliana, tense and nervous, didn’t notice his obsequiousness.
“Enough stalling. Speak, Baron.”
Greddy’s voice cut through, sharp, displeased by how the man’s eyes lingered on his wife.
Sensing the duke’s foul mood, Baron Great quickly shifted tone, proving his shrewdness in business.
“Well, it is said Lady Laola is investigating something quite serious…”
Eliana swallowed dryly, her gaze fixed on his lips.
“…This is top secret.”
“You drag it out so much, one might think it’s better not to hear it at all,” Greddy said coldly, tugging Eliana closer.
Suddenly, she was pulled into his embrace, shielded as if he meant to protect her. Baron Great froze, a stunned expression on his face, as though something precious had been snatched away before his very eyes.
As Greddy held Eliana and prepared to turn away, her hand still tightly clasped in his—
“There are nude paintings of a noblewoman!” the baron blurted out.
