Chapter 4.2

Now, let me try reciting a spell that brings peace of mind.

“Emperor, this damn biii-ri-ri-ri-ri-ri, ri-li-ri-ri-ri-ri, ri-ri-ri—”

“……?”

At my words after taking a long deep breath, Lilith blinked her eyes. She seemed rather shocked to see me openly insulting the Emperor right after retrieving the secret books hidden in the Clauda mansion.

Soon, as I took several more deep breaths in and out, Lilith asked.

“You’re not reciting that spell from last time?”

“Huh? Last time?”

“That, goo…? Fra, Fra… that one.”

“Ah—that one?”

Lilith nodded. At her understanding, I smiled brightly and shrugged my shoulders.

“It used to be effective, but now it’s lost its effect.”

I used to recite it with the hope that I could buy it if I just saved money, but now no matter how much I recite it, I can’t get my hands on it, so it’s ineffective.

So now I’m reciting a spell that’s actually achievable.

“Umm… but you shouldn’t carelessly say such insulting things about His Imperial Majesty elsewhere.”

“It’s fine. I’ll only do it in front of you. You won’t go tattling anywhere, right?”

“Oh, why would I?”

“Right?”

“My lady is pretty, after all.”

…It seems I’ll have to work hard on maintaining my looks for my safety. I’m probably the only person in the world who gets dressed up for such a ridiculous reason.

I let out a deep sigh and scanned the books laid out on the desk. They were notebooks I had asked Lilith to bring from the Clauda mansion.

“Aida gave them to you?”

“Yes. But what are all these?”

At her question, I grinned and I picked up one notebook and tapped it lightly with my hand. Looking at Lilith who was staring with curious eyes, I opened the notebook.

“Lilith, shall I tell you a story?”

“Yes?”

“A child who was mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters discovers one day that she has tremendous abilities, and a wounded prince approaches such a girl.”

“Hmm.”

“To the child who believed she was abandoned by the world, the prince was salvation, and the prince was also saved by her.”

“Wow, how romantic.”

“Now, here’s a question. Who do you think is the protagonist of this fairy tale-like story?”

“Yes?”

Lilith tilted her head. Well, of course, since there are only two characters in this story, isn’t it obvious who the protagonist is?

“That, the one who was mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters…?”

“Right?”

I smiled brightly and looked down at the notebook.

This was a simple record of ‘Nights of Ihaya.’

“Lilith, is there anyone who can judge someone with absolute power?”

“There isn’t.”

There’s no one who can punish the Emperor. So to punish the Emperor, the only way was to make him self-destruct.

But since the Emperor—who didn’t have much of a conscience to begin with—wouldn’t drop dead from guilt, I’d have to rely on someone else’s hands. And naturally, there were only two tools best suited for the job.

“The Crown Prince, the Duchy of Colica.”

Of course, the probability of the Crown Prince pointing a sword at the Emperor is almost zero. Until now.

In the original work, the Crown Prince rebels against the Emperor, precisely because the Emperor tried to kill Rachel.

So…

“The protagonist of the fairy tale-like story is our female protagonist.”

This entire absurd world was crafted solely for Rachel—right down to the male lead Crown Prince and the entire Imperial family.

So the core of this story was one thing.

“Lilith, let’s go to the temple.”

Rachel.

What’s the use of saving my life if the original story gets warped? It just feels wrong.

So I’ll twist my own fate myself. And I can’t die alone.

“I hope they’ve washed their necks and are waiting.”

I’ll grab them by the scruff and throw them into hell at the peak of their most brilliant lives. Originally, revenge should be taken when the opponent is happiest.

* * *

After the saint’s ceremony, Rachel was residing in the temple. I don’t know how she’s building her narrative with the Crown Prince in the meantime, but I suppose the love between the male and female protagonists is helped by the entire universe.

In that sense, I wasn’t particularly worried about the love between Rachel and the Crown Prince, but I couldn’t help being a little anxious about the relationship between Rachel and me.

“Are you Duchess Florence?”

I naturally extended my hand to show my ring for confirmation. With all the prophecies surrounding Rachel, it seemed she was being “watched” under the guise of protection.

“I would like to see the Saint.”

“But… the Saint has been declining all visiting requests lately…”

“Could you at least deliver the message?”

At my words, the deputy priest seemed to ponder for a moment. However, since he couldn’t refuse me without proper reason, he eventually left to get Rachel’s consent.

“But will the Saint agree to see you?”

“Probably?”

Actually, I wasn’t certain either, but I was just placing some hope on Rachel’s smile I saw at the saint’s ceremony that day.

No, she wouldn’t refuse to see me, would she? Sister, that won’t do. You smiled at me before. You can’t manage a love triangle with me too.

And fortunately, that didn’t happen.

“Duchess. Please come this way.”

Following the deputy priest who guided me with a somewhat reluctant face, I headed deep into the temple.

Whether it was specially made for Rachel, the security level seemed extraordinary, so I looked around with curious eyes, when soon a large door decorated in gold opened and the deputy priest spoke.

“Only the Duchess may enter.”

I smiled at Lilith, who was looking at me with worried eyes, and entered Rachel’s room with the deputy priest.

And soon, I could see Rachel sitting alone quietly.

“I greet the Saint.”

When I briefly bowed, Rachel, who had been sitting blankly, slowly turned her head.

“Duchess Florence!”

She smiled brightly and jumped up from her seat. A smile bloomed on her face that had been lifeless just moments before, and seeing her face that genuinely welcomed me—I realized that all my worries about whether she might pretend not to know me were pointless.

Rachel seemed to genuinely welcome me. So I was also smiling along, when suddenly I heard the deputy priest’s cold voice from behind.

“Saint, you must bow to the Duchess.”

No, really—what a mood killer.

Rachel immediately hardened her face upon hearing the deputy priest’s words. He took away the smile from that pretty face, that evil bastard.

“I’m fine. Deputy priest, could you please leave?”

However, the deputy priest answered my words with a somewhat blunt face.

“You may have a private meeting, but I think we must address the Saint’s rudeness to the Duchess.”

“I’m fine…”

“No, Duchess. I was rude. Alfred, it was my mistake. I’ll be careful from now on.”

Ah, wait, Alfred?

I, who had been grumbling internally while looking at the deputy priest’s face, was startled by Rachel’s words.

No, this guy is that Alfred? The one who takes charge of Rachel’s education as soon as she enters the temple? And who bounces around for about 20 episodes before eventually falling head over heels for Rachel?

The guy who annoyed me when I didn’t know him looked very different now that I knew. He did that desperate one-sided love with this blunt face?

My goodness, in my memory, Alfred was one of the popular men in this work who held the most shares after the main male lead the Crown Prince and the second male lead the Second Prince.

He looks completely different from what I imagined. In my imagination, Alfred was a very kind-looking, cool and aloof glasses-wearing character who only spoke properly.

But what’s this, this guy who looks like Cheolsu from a textbook? He looks so characterless. Well, he is handsome though.

I clicked my tongue while looking at Alfred leaving the room with a displeased face.

Soon the door closed and I sighed in the room left alone with Rachel. For now, let’s not think about other things and only think about Rachel. For now, only think about Rachel.

After reciting a long spell internally, I turned my head.

“Saint.”

“Please call me Rachel.”

Ah, we’re already calling each other by name? My goodness—our female protagonist has such a soft heart. I was moved even in this situation and nodded.

“Thank you. Saint… ah, Rachel can also call me Eve if you’d like.”

“May I really do that?”

“Of course you may. Honestly, just talking to you feels like meeting a celebrity…. Oh my, I’m sorry. Did I talk nonsense again?”

I quickly covered my mouth and cleared my throat.

At this, Rachel smiled softly and pointed to the sofa.

“Sit down, Eve.”

“Yes.”

I gave a small nod, meeting Rachel’s melting smile with quiet acknowledgment.

“But the deputy priest said you declined other visitors…”

“Ah.”

“I hope my visit isn’t a burden?”

“No. The other visitors made me feel burdened…”

“But why me…”

I seem to be getting influenced by Rachel’s gentle voice. I asked while slightly blushing, mixing in coquettishness and charm that I don’t even use in front of my husband.

Rachel smiled shyly at my question. Even when I read the original work, I felt this, but she was truly a character who had all the advantages of a romance novel heroine.

Courage, determination, and even a kind heart. And that kind heart wasn’t the kind that caused trouble for others, so personally, she was truly close to perfection itself.

“Because you saved me before.”

At her words, I smiled inwardly. Yes, this is it. This was exactly the answer I wanted.

While internally cheering, I waved my hands dismissively.

“No. That was only natural.”

“Everyone said that if it wasn’t for you, Duke Florence would probably have killed me, so I should be grateful to you.”

“Uh. Um… he probably wouldn’t have killed you.”

Ah, probably? I can’t be certain. Rubellian is a gentle puppy only in front of me, but I couldn’t be sure how far he could go with others.

But anyway, since my policy is to act modestly when showing off, I didn’t downplay further and smiled while saying.

“Because Rubellian is a good person.”

“Eve also… seems like a good person.”

“Thank you.”

Honestly, I’m proud of myself for pushing to visit the palace that day.

While bringing the teacup to my mouth and looking at Rachel’s gentle face beyond it, I slowly put down the teacup.

“But what brings you here?”

I couldn’t say that outright. I couldn’t suddenly grab her and say ‘Actually, my husband and I are planning a rebellion, please cooperate.’ I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

“The nobles are very interested in the appearance of the new Saint. The same goes for the Florence Duchy.”

“So you came representing your family.”

While carefully observing Rachel’s expression that showed slight disappointment, I smiled brightly.

“That’s part of it, but actually it was also because I said I would come.”

“Yes…?”

“Actually, the internal opinion in the family was that it would be better to just send gifts and greetings—”

“…But?”

“I said I would come.”

Rachel blinked her eyes. Her eyes held a mixture of expectation and curiosity.

“Why?”

“As you know, I was a commoner.”

“……”

“Though I became a duchess by falling in love with Rubellian, I was someone who was ostracized among them because of nobles who didn’t think well of me.”

“I see.”

“So when I saw you, I actually felt some kinship. That was also one of the reasons I helped you.”

First strategy for making someone your ally: create a sense of kinship.

“Those nobles who were there had once disparaged me with words like whore and slut.”

Second: create a common enemy.

“That’s why I helped you.”

Third: strongly appeal that I can deal with that common enemy.

Ah, wait. Saying this one by one internally sounds like a self-help book. I didn’t sound too contrived, did I?

“Eve…”

Th-thank goodness. I think I spoke movingly.

Rachel was looking at me with quite a moved expression. Thanks to that, I just smiled brightly while swallowing all the words I should have added to reassure her.

“I was so grateful that day.”

“Ah, I didn’t do it hoping for that.”

“Eve, you don’t know.”

“Yes, yes?”

“In a situation where you have no one on your side in the world, how much hope it gives when someone takes your side.”

For a moment, I stiffened at her words. Rachel had spent a childhood that she could never say was happy anywhere, and in such a situation, I was the only person who helped her.

Ugh, this somehow feels like I used someone else’s misfortune for my own benefit. Seeing her thank me so purely, I fell into a moral dilemma.

But I soon shook my head.

No. Still, I genuinely like Rachel, so it should be okay.

After organizing my thoughts, I looked at Rachel’s face and smiled slightly. Anyway, there was no doubt that Rachel liked me. The question was whether to just end it here…

Actually, the fact that Duchess Florence stayed at the temple for a long time wouldn’t make for good rumors. I met Rachel’s eyes while retracing the purpose of coming here.

“I’m so honored to have been such a great help. Ah, speaking of which…”

I glanced at Rachel. Still, since I came all this way, I should achieve my purpose.

“Could I perhaps make you a dress?”

Sending sparkling eyes to Rachel who was flustered by my sudden words, I smiled brightly.

* * *

After returning from the temple, I handed Rachel’s dress order to Lilith.

At my instruction to order the finest dress according to those measurements, Lilith tilted her head for a moment but soon took the dress order and left without further comment.

And how much time had passed? Lilith, who had returned, poured me tea while I was organizing ledgers and asked.

“Did your meeting with the Saint go well?”

“It went well, very well.”

“But why have you been tapping the desk with your pen like that since earlier?”

“Me? Ah… I have something to think about.”

I grabbed the pen that had been tapping unconsciously and shook my head, but soon I fell into thought once again.

Now I think I understand Rachel roughly, but…

“What on earth is the Crown Prince thinking?”

I muttered unconsciously and let out a deep sigh.

What feelings does the Crown Prince have toward Rubellian, his brother, and what does he think about the sins his father committed?

Actually, this was briefly mentioned in the original work too. The Crown Prince does reproach the Emperor for his sins, but in the end, he takes his side.

I pursed my lips. As long as I’m here, that will never happen.

The Crown Prince must never stand on the same side as the Emperor. For that, I’d need to work on the Crown Prince’s side too, not just Rachel, but that’s a bit difficult for me as a duchess to do, and moreover…

“Rubellian won’t listen to me.”

“What am I not listening to?”

Ah, what a surprise.

I, who had been burying my face on the desk, was startled. When I quickly raised my head, Rubellian was standing next to me, smiling.

“You should knock.”

“I did.”

“When did you come?”

“Just now. You went to the temple? Nothing happened?”

“Nothing happened. I received such warm treatment that I’m actually feeling restless inside.”

“Warm treatment?”

Rubellian slightly frowned.

“Rachel was so happy to see me.”

“Isn’t that good then?”

“I just helped her without much thought at first, but now that she’s so grateful, I feel a bit guilty.”

“But you did help her in the end.”

Rubellian smiled affectionately and caressed my cheek. Soon that hand pressed my lips repeatedly before stroking my cheek again.

“You must have been a savior to her, whatever your intentions were.”

“Is that so?”

“Just as you are to me.”

I cleared my throat at the unexpected words. No, why are you flattering me like this? Still, it didn’t feel bad.

Then, Rubellian suddenly bent down, lifted my chin, and kissed me.

With a smacking sound, our lips parted, and Rubellian smiled brightly with his eyes crinkled. Looking at him, I smiled back.

“So, isn’t there something to reward the savior?”

“There is.”

“What is it?”

“Me.”

“I already had that.”

“Then what do you want?”

“Hmm…”

I rolled my eyes. What should I say I want here to get a good reputation? Pretending to ponder, I licked my lips slightly. Then I reached out, grabbed his shirt, and whispered softly.

“You?”

“You already have me.”

“Not your heart. Your lips.”

“My goodness.”

Looking at his melting smile, I gulped. No, I was clearly the one doing the seducing, so why does it feel like I’m the one being seduced?

Feeling a bit flustered internally as I met his gaze, someone knocked on the door, breaking the tension in the quiet study.

Knock knock—

At the sound that broke the sweet atmosphere, both Rubellian and I clicked our tongues, and we, who looked at each other in surprise, burst into laughter.

Ah, how cute.

“Come in.”

At my words, the door opened, and what appeared was none other than Bill.

“What is it?”

“I came because I have something to report.”

I propped my chin and asked.

“To Rubellian?”

“It’s something to tell you, my lady. There’s a slight problem with the ledger you gave me through Lilith.”

Bill, having finished speaking, put down the ledger. I looked indifferently at the part lightly circled in pencil and raised my head again.

“What’s wrong with this?”

“I don’t quite understand the content attached at the back.”

“It’s a gift.”

“The recipient of that gift seems to be wrong.”

I looked at the ledger once more and I shook my head.

“No? It’s correct.”

“Are you certain?”

At the back-and-forth between Bill and me, Rubellian curiously leaned his head forward. He scanned the content written in the ledger, found the problematic part Bill mentioned, and also frowned deeply.

“What is this?”

“A dress.”

Did these people collectively blow a fuse in their thinking circuits? Why are they all making such expressions suddenly?

“It’s a custom dress to give to the Saint, what’s the problem?”

“Why are you preparing a custom dress to give to the Saint, my lady?”

Bill asked as if dumbfounded. At that, Rubellian also looked at me with a curious face.

Under their gazes, I fell into thought for a moment. How should I explain this… Then I decided to just simply explain the situation.

“She’ll wear it at His Highness the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet.”

“Did the Saint request it?”

“No. I’m just giving it as a gift.”

For Bill, who doesn’t know the situation, it would be natural to be curious, but I knew better than anyone how important a role this dress would play at this party.

At the Crown Prince’s 25th birthday banquet, Rachel, who appears wearing clothes prepared by the temple, has her dress ruined by some young noble ladies who don’t think well of her.

And the one who helps Rachel here is precisely the Crown Prince. He arranged a new dress for her.

With this one act of help, Rachel begins to truly trust the Crown Prince. It’s a somewhat old-fashioned development, but it wasn’t unreasonable to fall for someone who saves you in a crisis.

Of course, at this party, her knight on a white horse… no, no. That reminds me of the monk Tripitaka again. Anyway, her knight on a black horse won’t be the Crown Prince but me.

“But why did you make the recipient the ducal house?”

“Because I’m going to take it with me?”

“…?”

“Stop talking nonsense and just take it, and I told you not to show up often, so why are you appearing again? From now on, tell me about such things through Lilith. Got it?”

At that, Bill made a displeased face.

No, but what exactly is my status in this house? Just because I bought one dress, a retainer comes running and argues with me like this? Feeling dirty for some reason, I opened my mouth.

“And Bill.”

“Yes?”

“From now on, when you see me, only praise me. Now, repeat after me.”

“…?”

“My lady, you’re truly amazing. My lady, you’re truly excellent. Our lady is the best.”

“……”

“Quickly.”

Bill stared at me with his mouth agape as if dumbfounded, but I was resolute. Eventually, he turned his head away and muttered ‘I think it would be better if we just don’t meet from now on’ as he walked away.

Bang—

When the door closed, I pursed my lips. Stubborn guy. Would it hurt him to say those things?

“Craving love and recognition?”

Then, I heard Rubellian’s voice from beside me. I quickly turned my head. Rubellian was looking at me with quite a subtle expression.

There was a strange hint of laughter in it, exactly like watching an immature child do something in front of you, so I pouted.

“No, my treatment in this house is too trivial.”

“I’ll educate him well.”

“Never mind. First, could you treat me more nobly?”

“How?”

“Hmm, like this?”

I stretched my arms and wrapped them around his neck. At my attitude of trying to restart what we were doing before, Rubellian obediently let himself be drawn to me.

The atmosphere that had been interrupted by Bill’s entrance heated up again, and soon sweet lips collided.

* * *