TGW Chapter 21 Part 6

 

As Kuhn had assured, the banquet hall maintained a lively atmosphere even in the absence of its host. Behind this success was Dian’s diligent effort.

Kuhn hadn't asked him to take over, but when the host who had gone up to the second floor showed no intention of coming back down, Dian took it upon himself to fill in the role of the host.

He stayed near the entrance, greeting the attendees as they arrived, moving from place to place. Violet assisted him, standing by his side.

“Oh my, why is His Highness, the Iron King, greeting the guests?”

“Is the owner of Ivy House, the Iron King?”

Everyone made a comment, but no one seemed displeased. They accepted that the Iron King and the Marquis were close enough that the former could temporarily fill in for the latter’s absence.

The recent arrivals were amused when they heard from the earlier guests about the whereabouts of the Marquis and the Silver King. Although people seemed to enjoy the banquet freely, they couldn’t help glancing at the stairs leading up to the second floor whenever they had a chance.

“Your Highness. Have you been well?”

Dian greeted a middle-aged man with familiarity.

“Oh, Baron Bauroc. When did you return to the country?”

“A few days ago.”

“How long has it been?”

“Almost half a year.”

Baron Bauroc had returned to the country last spring and stayed for about three months before leaving again in the summer. Although his nationality was of the Empire, he spent more time abroad.

“It’s been quite a while since I came back... I regret taking that trip. So much has happened in the meantime.”

This trip had taken him far and wide, so he had hardly heard any news from the Empire. He was shocked when he returned a few days ago.

The biggest shock was that the young man he only knew as the owner of the Roxan Company was actually the owner of the Raad Company, and now he had become a Marquis.

“I received an invitation, but I hesitated whether to attend or leave the country again.”

Baron Bauroc sighed deeply as he spoke.

“I remember giving quite trivial advice to the Marquis, thinking he was just the owner of the Roxan Company, and I feel embarrassed.”

Dian laughed.

“The Marquis of Raad wouldn't mind. Don’t let it bother you.”

Dian lowered his voice, taking advantage of the fact that no one else was nearby.

“Just between us, isn’t the Marquis a rather crafty person? Pretending to be naive while keeping a hundred serpents in his belly. He’s incredibly shrewd.”

“Your Highness.”

Violet frowned and tugged at Dian’s sleeve. Being a timid person, she was merely worried that the Iron King and the Marquis might fall out.

Baron Bauroc chuckled heartily, realizing that the Iron King was trying to ease his feelings in case he harbored any resentment toward the Marquis.

‘The rumor that the two are as close as comrades isn't just a rumor.’

“Congratulations on your engagement, Your Highness. My apologies for the belated congratulations. The two of you make a beautiful couple.”

“Thank you. The wedding is soon, so please make sure to attend. Don’t leave the country in a hurry.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Dian looked around the relatively quiet entrance, different from the crowded interior, and muttered to himself.

“It seems everyone who’s supposed to be here has arrived.”

“Your Highness, I’m going to see Countess Pope.”

“Go ahead.”

Violet left Dian’s side, and Dian moved to greet the arriving guests. After exchanging formal greetings, the guests moved further inside, leaving only Baron Bauroc by Dian’s side. There was a brief lull.

“But, Your Highness, where is the Marquis?”

“That’s what I’d like to know.”

Dian muttered as he glanced up the stairs.

‘What on earth are they doing up there?’

He worried that Kuhn might not show up until the party ended. If the host failed to appear after inviting guests, the reputation of the social circle would plummet.

‘That guy might very well pull such a stunt.’

Having known Kuhn for a long time, he was somewhat familiar with his character. He could be quite willful. If he decided to do something, he didn’t care about the people around him.

‘But since the Silver King is with him, it should be fine.’

The Silver King was a stickler for principles. Dian could only trust in her.

---

Fatima couldn't immerse herself in the cheerful atmosphere of the party. As time passed, she grew more anxious. It had been quite a while since the Marquis and the Silver King went upstairs.

‘It’s too long just for appearances.’

She still didn’t want to believe it. A part of her hoped that it might be nothing, and in the worst-case scenario, she wished it was just an unrequited love on the Marquis’s part.

Fatima approached Martin, who was standing a little way off. When Martin appeared, people flocked around him, but perhaps finding the stern knight’s demeanor difficult, they gradually drifted away until he was left alone.

But to Fatima, it seemed Martin was more comfortable being alone.

“Sir Kali, it’s been a while.”

“Have you been well, Princess?”

Martin greeted her with polite formality. Fatima gave an awkward smile. He looked exactly like Russ. Yet, how could they be so different?

“I have not been well. You are truly too much, sir.”

“Pardon?”

“I can no longer roam freely as I used to, thanks to you. I was shocked to find someone tailing me when I went to the market. When I caught them and questioned them, they said they were under Sir Kali’s orders.”

“My apologies for not informing you in advance.”

Martin hadn’t expected Fatima to notice she was being tailed. It was his mistake to think of her as merely a sheltered princess.

“I understand it was out of concern for me. However, I do have another grievance. I asked you to inform me as soon as Kuhn returned from escorting the delegation, but why didn’t you?”

Fatima smiled sweetly, her innocent expression meant to provoke guilt.

“My apologies. In the confusion, I forgot.”

“I waited for so long. By the way, is Sir Russ not attending today?”

“I’m not sure.”

“I received a lot of help from both Kuhn and Sir Russ in the desert. I’ve seen Kuhn many times, but I have no way of contacting Russ. Could you convey my desire to see him?”

Martin looked at Fatima for a moment before responding.

“Yes, I will pass on your message.”

Martin recalled what Levan had once said.

"Be careful with that princess from the desert. She seems to have feelings for Kuhn. Relationships between men and women are sensitive. If something goes wrong over nothing, it’ll be a headache."

Martin didn’t take Levan’s advice lightly. However, not knowing exactly how to be cautious, he decided it was best not to get involved with the princess as much as possible.

“I must excuse myself for a moment.”

“Oh... yes.”

Martin excused himself and turned away, pretending to have other business.

Fatima watched Martin move away with a look full of regret.

‘If only Sir Kali, who received the golden button, were Russ.’

Fatima knew from firsthand experience that Russ’s skills were on par with Martin’s. However, the people’s attention was solely focused on the golden-buttoned knight, Sir Kali.

If Russ had been the knight with the golden button, Fatima could have flaunted her connection with him. Having admired Kuhn, she made efforts to maintain a good relationship with Russ, his subordinate, and they had grown quite close.

Russ was precisely the kind of man Fatima envisioned as a “warrior.” He was pure, and his outer self matched his inner self. Befriending Russ had been easy. She was adept at dealing with warriors from the desert.

But Martin was entirely different from Russ.

‘As it is, I don’t see a way. What should I do?’

The only person who came to mind for help was her father. If her father intervened, a deal could be made. But that was a last resort. Moreover, to relay her words to her father while avoiding her brothers’ notice, she would have to be extremely careful.

The king’s sons did not know of their sister’s ambitions. In front of them, Fatima played the role of the innocent, ambitionless sister. They merely regarded Fatima’s affection for Kuhn as a girl’s fleeting crush.

The moment they thought their sister could be a competitor, they would unite and eliminate Fatima, the weakest competitor, first.

‘Father’s health isn’t what it used to be. He won’t last many more years.’

When the king dies, there will be a fierce struggle among the princes. And the final victor would sell Fatima off as a pawn in a political marriage.

‘I refuse to spend my life quietly married off to a man chosen by my father or brothers.’

She had tasted a life of splendor and freedom in the Empire. There was no going back to the ignorance of her former life.

Hearing the murmuring of the crowd, Fatima raised her head. The Marquis and the Silver King were descending the stairs. Fatima’s eyes trembled. The two of them looked like the stars of the stage.

---

The first to approach them was the Iron King.

“You finally decided to make an appearance.”

Dian’s face was smiling, but inside he was boiling with anger. He wanted to scold Kuhn, saying, "Where have you been dawdling until now?" but he held it in.

“I came as a guest and ended up playing host. Marquis Raad.”

“Thank you for holding my place, Your Highness.”

‘You owe me one. Remember that,’ Kuhn and Dian exchanged a look that said as much.

“Silver King. It’s quite late for a greeting. I was already here when you arrived, but I couldn’t greet you because you went straight up with the Marquis.”

Dian was inwardly nervous. What if the Silver King was still angry, her misunderstanding not yet cleared up?

Sienna’s irritation, however, had already subsided. She hadn’t heard Dian’s excuses, but she knew that he had done his best to host the party in Kuhn’s absence. Standing in as the host wasn’t a role just anyone could take. The Iron King was a fitting substitute for the Marquis.

“I lost track of time while touring the mansion. I kept the Marquis with me and caused you trouble, Your Highness.”

“Did you enjoy the sights?”

“It’s a mansion with a fascinating history.”

“And it’s unnecessarily large. It’s twice the size of a duke’s estate.”

Is that so? It needs to be this big to live comfortably.

‘The reception room with the fish tank was nice. I should use it...’

She thought this carelessly and then felt embarrassed. She had unconsciously imagined living in this mansion.

“...It is indeed spacious.”

She glossed over the comment. Just then, Violet arrived, pushing Countess Pope's wheelchair. With everyone’s attention drawn to them, Sienna's hesitant reaction went unnoticed.

“Countess, have you been waiting long? I’m sorry for leaving you alone after I suggested we come together.”

“Not at all, Your Highness. Miss Grossi here has been delightful company.”

“Thank you for keeping her company, Lady Grossi.”

Violet blushed and smiled.

“The Countess is such a lively person. I enjoyed myself even more.”

While Sienna conversed with Violet, Kuhn greeted Baron Barouc. Kuhn smiled sheepishly as he looked at the Baron.

“Lord Barouc, I hope you won’t hold a grudge against me any longer.”

Baron Barouc, James, sighed and shook his head.

“The Roxan Company is indeed yours, Marquis. You didn’t lie; you simply didn’t tell me.”

“Thank you for being so understanding.”

“I’m just saddened because it feels like I’ve suddenly lost a good friend.”

“Don’t say that. Just think of it as an old friend who has advanced in life.”

The Baron laughed happily.

People started to gather around them. It was a natural reaction since the people in question were the talk of the town. When the Silver King was alone, approaching her was difficult, but now, surrounded by the Iron King, his fiancée, and the Marquis, she no longer seemed like an untouchable figure.

Violet, glued to the Silver King’s side, chatted away, and Countess Pope lightened the mood. As the Silver King occasionally joined the conversation, noblewomen eager to participate gathered around.

“Lady Grossi, the wedding is less than a month away, isn’t it?”

“Are the preparations going well?”

“Who will be the witnesses?”

Much attention was focused on Violet, who was soon to be married. It had been a long time since a new member joined the royal family.

According to imperial law, the spouse of a royal family member is treated as akin to royalty. Currently, the only non-royal living in the royal palace was Patricia, the Scarlet King.

There wasn’t a noblewoman in the Empire who didn’t envy the life of residing in the royal palace.

“The Marquis of Raad has agreed to be the witness.”

People nodded in understanding.

“Your Highness, may I make a bold request?”

Violet, her face flushed, spoke to Sienna.

“I would like you to be the second witness.”

“Me?”

Violet clasped her hands together.

“It’s my wish, Your Highness.”

The tense atmosphere eased with Sienna’s laughter.

“You call it a wish; how could I refuse?”

Violet let out a small cheer. Laughter erupted around them. At this moment, no one was considering the political relationship between the Iron King and the Silver King.

“Your Highness, are you not feeling thirsty?”

Suddenly, the Marquis of Raad interjected. He held two glasses of champagne. He offered one to Sienna.

“Ah... thank you, Marquis Raad.”

Sienna accepted the glass. Kuhn handed her the drink and then turned away when someone called out to him. The group, which had quieted for a moment, resumed their laughter and chatter.

Sienna took a sip of the champagne. It had a sweet, fruity taste. The noblewomen around her gestured to the servants. The attendants carrying trays of drinks around the hall approached. Soon, everyone had a drink in hand.

‘Too sweet.’

The drink in Sienna’s glass didn’t seem to diminish.

‘I just want some cold water.’

She scanned the surroundings with her eyes. There was no servant in sight who seemed to be available. She decided to try again in a bit, but someone took her glass without permission, startling her.

Kuhn had taken her champagne. He handed her a glass of water with ice and smiled slightly.

“The air is dry indoors. I thought your throat might be parched.”

“...Thank you.”

She quickly emptied the glass of water. Holding the empty glass in her hand, Kuhn took it from her once again.

“Shall I bring you another?”

“No, thank you.”

“Would you like a snack?”

“I’m not interested.”

A few onlookers exchanged knowing glances. The Marquis’s attentive care for the Silver King seemed excessive for merely hosting a guest.

---

The party, which had begun in the late afternoon, was in full swing by nightfall.

As soon as the fine wine was emptied, it was refilled. The dishes, made with the finest ingredients, were flawless.

The spacious hall was decorated with various flowers in every corner. The presence of both summer and winter seasonal flowers in early spring suggested they were all ‘Wilting Jewels’ cultivated in a greenhouse.

The well-trained staff of the Marquis’s estate made no mistakes, promptly responding to the needs of the guests.

The orchestra, the size of which could be seen only at a royal palace party, played a sophisticated selection without rest.

The guests were satisfied and marveled at the wealth of the Marquis of Raad.

“Today’s party is a huge success.”

“Look around. Has there been a party recently with this many people?”

“The Marquis of Raad is establishing himself successfully in the social circle. Everyone will be following his lead now.”

“He’s already quite the center of attention. Can he become even more so?”

“But it’s strange. I don’t see anyone from Duke Rouk’s household.”

“Now that you mention it, there’s no one from Duke Morton’s house either.”

As the soft music ended, a waltz began to play.

Kuhn extended his hand to Sienna.

“May I have this dance, Your Highness?”

Sienna took his hand, and the two moved to the center of the hall. He held one of her hands in his, while his other hand wrapped around her back. Her free hand rested on his shoulder.

It was a slow-paced, gentle waltz. As the melody flowed, the two began to dance.

“Are you enjoying yourself?”

Kuhn asked with a slight smile. Sienna gave a brief nod. She began to understand why people chased after social parties. Standing and receiving admiring gazes had been tedious, but hearing the lively chatter and laughter of people mingling was occasionally enjoyable.

“Are you really going to be a witness at the Iron King’s wedding?”

“I already agreed. Many people heard it.”

“Some might not be pleased about it.”

Sienna thought of Patricia.

“It doesn’t matter. It’s a give and take.”

“Give and take?”

“I’m going to ask the Iron King and his wife to be the witnesses at my wedding.”

“...”

When would that wedding be, and with whom? Sienna wondered how she would answer if he asked, but he only held her gaze in silence.

“Your Highness, may I say something obvious but perhaps tedious?”

Sienna looked closely at him, puzzled by his sudden words. His face moved closer, and she flinched, thinking he might kiss her. But his face merely brushed past hers to whisper in her ear.

“You’ve always been the best, but today you’re the most beautiful.”

Sienna recalled the words she had said to him long ago while dancing at the masquerade ball.

"Loyalty to the royal family. Praise for me."

"If you keep saying things that are obvious, it becomes boring."

Sienna chuckled in disbelief.

“You remember everything I say? I don’t like petty men.”

“I remember because it’s you who said it.”

As the two whispered and smiled, someone nearby thoughtlessly commented.

“You two look like a perfect picture together.”

The surroundings fell silent.

‘Surely not.’

‘That couldn’t be.’

People held back their words. No one yet realized they were witnessing the beginning of a scandal that would shake the Empire’s social circles.

Only one person clicked his tongue. Dian felt sorry for his sister, who was falling for that man. He had hoped the Silver King would keep him waiting a bit longer.

‘Kuhn Raad, if you make my sister cry, I won’t let you off easily.

***

Patricia visited the central courtyard of the Sun Palace. Unlike last time, this time she had been summoned.

"You summoned me, Your Majesty."

"Come, sit down."

The Emperor, seated at the tea table, gestured to her.

A few days had passed since the Marquis of Raad's party had concluded successfully. Patricia's resentment had yet to subside.

However, she couldn’t show her feelings in front of the Emperor. He wasn’t a husband she could complain to; he was a ruler who held authority over her.

The chamberlain brought tea. The Emperor asked a few perfunctory questions about her well-being and then went straight to the point.

"I have a task for you."

"Please, speak."

"The Iron King’s wedding is approaching. As you know, it is a significant event for the royal family, the first in quite some time."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"I want you to take charge of the wedding and banquet preparations."

The hand holding Patricia’s teacup trembled slightly.

"Are you asking me... to prepare the Iron King's wedding myself?"

"You’ve managed all the royal banquets thus far. This should be no different, should it?"

"Your Majesty, traditionally, royal ceremonies fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Ceremonies."

Patricia declined indirectly. Technically, she was correct. For noble families, parties were typically arranged by the lady of the house, so no one questioned why she, the Scarlet King, was in charge of the royal banquets.

However, it wasn’t proper to equate private banquets with royal events. Strictly speaking, Patricia had overstepped her authority. Traditionally, the Red King was only supposed to have supervisory control.

Until now, no one had pointed that out. As long as the Emperor allowed it, no one dared oppose the Red King, who had the support of the Rimone family.

"That's precisely why I’m saying this. Don’t leave it to the Ministry of Ceremonies. I want you to oversee everything from start to finish."

"Your Majesty, please consider my feelings. The Silver King’s broken engagement has left lingering complications around me that have yet to be fully resolved."

"What does that have to do with anything? And why was your mood fine when you were preparing the banquet a while ago, only to become disturbed again now? Your words don’t make sense."

Patricia closed her mouth tightly, saying nothing. She had secretly hoped that the Emperor’s summons might be an apology for ruining her party.

Despite their cold marriage, she had no intention of clashing with the Emperor. No matter how certain she was that her child was the chosen heir, the Emperor was still the reigning authority. But her small hope had been shattered.

"Do you expect me to prepare that wretched Iron King’s wedding with my own hands?"

Under the table, she clenched her hands so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. It was infuriating enough that the Iron King was getting married.

The Iron King had been growing more arrogant. His close associate, the Marquis of Raad, was gaining more and more influence. Once married, he would form a complete alliance with the Grossi Duke’s family.

On the other hand, the Silver King’s broken engagement had soured relations with the Rouk family. The son of the Duke of Morton, whom she had intended as a new fiancé, had met a violent and untimely death a few days ago.

Patricia had never felt so nervous. She hadn’t slept well in days. She resented the Emperor, who seemed to be adding fuel to the fire.

“This is too much.”

In the end, she couldn’t hold it in any longer.

"On the Silver King’s coming-of-age birthday, I thought it was excessive when you appointed the Iron King, but I endured it. I endured it even though I was hurt when you promoted the Marquis of Lard, seemingly to empower the Iron King. I even endured when you asked me to step aside for the Marquis of Lard’s party. How much more am I expected to endure?"

The Emperor watched Patricia tremble with anger and then took a sip from his teacup. He leisurely placed the teacup back down and smirked.

"And if you don’t endure?"

Patricia glared at him.

"What will you do?"

"Your Majesty!"

"Red King, didn’t I tell you last time? I’m being lenient with you. I have been generous with the Rimone family. Why do you think that is?"

“...Your Majesty. The Rimone family is Your Majesty’s loyal right hand.”

"How naive."

The Emperor cut her off abruptly.

"That’s not the kind of relationship we have, with such flattering expressions. Red King, did you never hear anything from your father?"

The Emperor carefully observed Patricia’s expression before scoffing.

"It seems the late Duke Rimone saw you as nothing more than a beloved daughter."

"I do not understand what you are saying, Your Majesty."

The Emperor clicked his tongue briefly.

"I have conveyed my orders. Make sure there are no setbacks in the Iron King's wedding preparations. That is my command."

All of Patricia’s senses warned her: Answer and leave. Do not probe further. But she couldn’t resist the strong urge to uncover the Emperor’s true intentions.

“Please, tell me. Is there something I don’t know?”

The Emperor stared at Patricia intently. His golden eyes were cold to the point of being chilling.

“I have never trusted your father or your family.”

He spoke coldly to Patricia, who was stunned by the revelation.

“I have nothing more to say. You may leave.”

After Patricia left, the Emperor dismissed everyone around him. He sat alone for a long while before muttering bitterly to himself.

"I said more than I should have."

She was indeed the daughter of that cunning old man. She had a talent for provoking others. Endure? Who is she telling to endure? He had wanted to twist Patricia’s face as she spoke her resentful words.

The Emperor’s thoughts drifted to the past. The death of Dian's biological mother, Edith, had been the only failure for the Light King, who feared nothing in the world.

After the tragic bloodshed, the Light King did everything in his power to save Edith. The Emperor was desperate to annihilate the House of Acheron. However, the Light King lacked the strength to oppose his father.

The Light King struck a deal with Duke Rimone. Duke Rimone was the only person who had the Emperor’s complete trust and could orchestrate something without his knowledge.

"It doesn’t matter what happens to the Acheron family. Edith... Just save her life."

In return, the Light King agreed to marry the Duke’s daughter, Patricia, and give her the title of Red King. However, all Duke Rimone brought back was a single ring from Edith’s belongings—a token the Light King had given his lover.

"I am sorry, Your Highness. I was a step too late."

Duke Rimone had apologized solemnly, asking for forgiveness.

‘I believed those words, foolishly.’

Not realizing that the Duke had been the leading assassin carrying out the former Emperor’s secret orders.

He found out much later after he had ascended to the throne. It was when the princess, Sienna, born to Patricia after their marriage, was eight years old—many years later.

The Emperor had been furious at Duke Rimone’s deceit. He had found out too late. By then, the Duke had already established a solid foundation. Any attempt to shake it would have only caused chaos within the Empire, so he couldn’t touch him.

The Emperor showed no signs of knowing. He never confronted the Duke with what he had learned. But he never forgot. The unresolved anger grew deeper over time, reaching a point where it could not be uprooted.

"Shouldn’t you pay the price for deceiving me, Duke Rimone?"

All this time, the predator had been meticulously preparing for the hunt, slowly circling its prey, closing in without making a sound.

It was unfortunate that the Duke had lived out his natural life. His life span was shorter than expected. But death could not absolve him. The Emperor would destroy what the Duke cherished most, ensuring his torment, even in hell.

The Rimone family.

The Emperor stared into the air with fierce eyes. A part of his father, the former Emperor’s obsessive madness he had always despised, was now reviving within him.

 

 ***

Ben Stus came to see her.

"Your Highness, I have looked into the matter you mentioned earlier. I apologize for keeping you waiting so long. I grew up in the capital and have never visited my family's ancestral home, but I found out that a distant relative of mine lives there."

"Good news is always worth the wait, no matter how long it takes."

She had taken the bait. Was this what it felt like for a fisherman to land a big catch?

Sienna's mild excitement only reinforced Ben's misunderstanding.

'This seems to be more important to the Silver King than I thought.'

This was his chance to gain the Silver King's trust.

"I sent a quick letter to my relative asking for assistance, and he responded positively. However, he doesn't have much, so I would need to offer some compensation for his troubles. It's a bit beyond my means... I apologize."

Ben awkwardly brought up the matter of money. It was important to have a minor obstacle or two, rather than everything proceeding too smoothly. This would help him earn more trust from Sienna and showcase his own efforts.

"No, no, I should be the one to cover that expense. You've done a lot of work. You're helping to solve a long-standing concern of mine."

"I am glad to be of some help to Your Highness."

"From now on, you'll receive all instructions directly from me. I'll inform Sir Gilbert as well."

'I've done it!'

Ben concealed a triumphant smile as he bowed his head.

"I will follow your orders."

"Soon, I will give you the documents I’ve prepared. You will take them and go directly to my fief."

"...Pardon?"

"You said it was a distant relative? Someone you've never met?"

"Yes."

"Then you should go and at least establish some personal connection. Moreover, you need to have a general understanding of the situation in that region. You should be able to discern whether the information coming from there is baseless gossip or not. It’s not that I don’t trust your relative, so don’t be offended. Surely, you’re not intending to just relay the information to me without even verifying it, acting merely as a messenger?"

Ben's complexion changed by the second.

"...I did not expect to be entrusted with such an important task."

"I intend to use you in a significant role. This will likely happen toward the end of the month. It will be a long journey, so prepare yourself."

"Yes... Your Highness."

Ben left the Silver King's office with a disgruntled expression.

'This isn’t how it was supposed to turn out.'

His plan to replace Gilbert by taking his place had hit a snag. He needed to be by the Silver King's side all day to report everything he saw and heard back to the Scarlet King.

'Isn’t this just going to end up with me constantly traveling back and forth between the southern region and the capital?'

It would take nearly a month just to travel back and forth. What good was it to gain the Silver King's trust if he couldn’t stay close by? This wasn’t the kind of success Ben had envisioned. He needed to think of a way to turn this situation to his advantage.

Sienna felt as if she could finally breathe freely. She had a feeling things were going well.

'Let’s send him far away for a while.'

At least until she received the background information on Ben Stus that she had asked Kuhn to investigate.

'I was a bit worried, but this worked out well.'

While Stus was away from the capital, he wouldn’t be able to linger around her. However, she didn’t plan to just send him away without a purpose.

'I can’t let Mother think Stus is useless. Otherwise, she might replace him with someone else.'

If she slowly brought him closer, both Stus and her mother would believe that Sienna genuinely trusted him. Then, Stus’s value would increase, making him even more useful for her to manipulate.

If she were the same person she was just a year ago, she wouldn’t have engaged in such psychological battles. Back then, she was solely focused on ascending to the throne in a rightful manner and ruling the empire flawlessly. Especially since the adversary was her mother, whom she had always considered an eternal ally.

'I don’t know if I’ll be good at this. But this time, I have an absolute advantage. I have figured out Mother’s scheme, and she doesn’t know that I know.'

If she succeeded in planting Stus inside the Red King’s palace, she could find out what kind of person her mother truly was. She could read her mother’s thoughts and preemptively block any moves she might try to make.

Recently, she had been reconsidering the meaning of her dreams. Perhaps they weren’t prophecies foretelling the future, but opportunities to correct a future that had gone astray.

 

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