Chapter 30

“What do you mean, thinking?”

I asked calmly, though Etias’s blue eyes seemed to grow more conflicted.

After a short pause, he spoke again.

“Strange rumors are spreading about you.”

I stayed quiet. I could guess what kind of rumors.

“That Katrin Elemoer is trying to distance herself from the nobles who support the Emperor.”

Things like returning the northern tundra, or fighting with the other nobles, would all be seen that way.

And of course, my conflict with Fadelmon and my other relatives didn’t help.

Rumors travel fast in the capital.

“So what if they are?”

Etias’s brows twitched slightly.

He gave me a sharp look, filled with curiosity.

“Are you saying you want to leave the Emperor’s faction and walk your own path?”

I recalled the brief meeting I had with the Emperor earlier.

“You must not have heard clearly. It’s the opposite. I just…”

Etias only needs to know what I allow him to.

“…want to earn the Emperor’s full trust for myself.”

“The silk you sent was well received. My tailor says he’ll craft the finest outfit with it.”

“It’s a rare and valuable fabric. It will surely elevate Your Majesty’s prestige.”

Among the many goods I got when I took over the business rights from the collateral family, I sent some to the Emperor. He praised me happily.

He looked at me as I bowed and spoke quietly.

“After the Duke of Elemoer, who once worked as my right-hand man, died… I couldn’t find a replacement. But lately, I’ve been thinking…”

My heart thumped nervously.

“Lady Katrin Elemoer… perhaps you could carry on your father’s will and serve at my side.”

Since the noble faction had shown their greedy, ugly faces during the recent council, the Emperor probably saw me as the only trustworthy one.

“That is the conclusion I’ve come to after observing you.”

His right hand?

After being possessed, I had only planned to live quietly—support Etias, complete my mission, and return.

But the more I helped him, the more I realized…

The revolution’s success wasn’t fate. It was a miracle.

One small slip would bring it all crashing down.

Etias’s death after completing his mission was, in a way, expected.

Luck doesn’t last forever.

So I began to think that my mission couldn’t be completed just by throwing money at it.

But if I could give him something that didn’t exist in the original story—like reinforcements—then things might be easier.

Meeting Jeffrey Whistler of the Scavengers was already difficult. Reinforcements would be a solid backup plan.

‘Before the former Emperor died, the current one sowed discord between him and one powerful duke.’

That duke was Kamel Beatrice, ruler of the western plains.

Even though he stepped away from politics, Duke Beatrice still held great influence.

Many nobles still respected and missed him.

And he had hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

‘I need to bring that man to Etias’s side.’

Right now, Duke Beatrice hates the former Emperor and Etias because of the current Emperor’s lies.

I have the former Emperor’s letter—retrieved from Fadelmon’s mansion—but I have no way to show it to him.

Beatrice despises House Elemoer. He wouldn’t even read a letter from us—he’d burn it without looking.

So I’ll use the Emperor.

“Your Majesty,” I said with a smile.

It’s hard to smile at this villain, but for Etias, I’ll do anything.

“Villainesses are greedy.”

The Emperor laughed, amused by the fire in my eyes.

“I will become your right hand. And fill your court with loyal retainers—not those who chase their own gain.”

And if I can even push aside the current noble faction protecting him, even better.

“As a start, I’d like to write the invitations for the next royal hunting festival.”

Back in Etias’s office.

I thought briefly of my meeting with the Emperor and looked at Etias with a smug expression.

The Emperor’s cold threat echoed clearly in my mind:

“I trust my lady. But know this—if you betray me, you will not live. Loyalty must be eternal.”

“Do not worry. My loyalty will not change.”

That had been my answer—confident on the outside, but deep down I understood just how dangerous this was.

If he found out I was helping Etias, it would be over.

Not just for me—for Etias too.

That’s why I must keep it a secret from him. I have to keep playing the evil noblewoman.

“What I want is to sit where my father once sat, enjoying glory and power.”

So please, don’t ask more, Etias.

“Being near those useless pigs only causes me trouble—that’s why all the conflicts.”

Etias moved his lips slightly.

“So it’s all about ambition. Then… did you break off the engagement with Philios Regallo to suppress his family?”

The mention of that name made my fingers twitch.

“Why bring him up…?”

“He came to find me this morning. Soaking wet.”

My eyes shook despite trying to stay calm.

He got drenched—then went to Etias? That ugly jerk?

“He was suspicious about you and me.”

My face flushed.

Just because Etias had stepped in when I dumped Philios, now there were misunderstandings.

“Damn it. S-sorry. I should’ve handled him better. That crazy man.”

I forgot to act bold like Katrin and ended up showing my panic.

Maybe I should frame him for something so bad next time that he never sees daylight again.

Then Etias spoke.

“He didn’t seem like someone who suited you.”

He took a sip of cold tea, speaking gently.

“He seemed still obsessed with you. I wondered if maybe things weren’t really over, and I’d said something wrong.”

“What?! No way!”

I immediately snapped back.

“You saw how I broke off the engagement!”

Philios Regallo—that repulsive man—I could barely stand to think of him.

“Listen—someone I like would have to be…”

I clenched my fists and shouted at him, flustered.

“Someone like…”

How could I like anyone else, when someone like you exists?

That beautiful face, the sleek black hair, the lake-blue eyes.

You’re my only light, Etias.

I looked down, heart aching.

“…No one. I don’t like anyone. Do you think I would?”

To be misunderstood like that by my favorite person—it was the worst.

After a moment of silence, he spoke again.

“…So now, it’s really over between you and him.”

I looked up, startled.

I couldn’t see his expression clearly as he sipped his tea again, but… his brows seemed a little softer.

My heart kept pounding.

“Anyway… I’ll gain the Emperor’s trust alone and achieve my dream.”

My voice came out hoarse as I spoke again.

“Do you know why I asked you to handle this case, Prince?”

Etias lowered his teacup.

“It wasn’t just because you were involved at the start.”

He looked at me, waiting for more.

The words I was about to say would probably hurt him again.

But if anyone asked, I’d have to say it—for both of us to stay safe.

I looked at him and opened my mouth again.