Chapter 43
The problem is—I can’t keep my divine power hidden forever.
Odette’s divine energy was growing at an alarming rate.
She could temporarily prevent an overflow by extracting it into orbs, but eventually, it would replenish itself.
Like a well that never ran dry.
And when she swallowed the orbs, her divine power would surge exponentially.
After several experiments, Odette finally understood her ability.
But now, she was faced with a question—
How much stronger will I become?
For now, she planned to use this power to gain leverage over Caesar.
Once I gather enough orbs and absorb them all at once, I’ll shatter the barrier around the Western Annex and uncover Amelia’s body—along with proof of the earl’s crimes.
Then, she would negotiate.
She would demand her freedom.
And she would demand protection for the Saxen brothers.
If Caesar refused, she would consume every orb she had stored and fight him head-on.
Last time, when my divine power went out of control in the greenhouse, he barely managed to suppress me.
And since then, her powers had only grown stronger.
She could extract more orbs each day.
If she absorbed them all at once, she might be strong enough to defeat him.
Maybe I should slip away to the powder room and extract more orbs while I have the chance.
Just as she raised her head, she noticed Aden’s conflicted expression.
She tilted her head.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You seem bored, my lady. I don’t think our lord realized that these types of gatherings take… quite a long time.”
So he’s not trapped in a conversation—he’s simply enduring it because he hasn’t gotten what he wants yet.
It was time for her to step in.
Odette glanced toward the private rooms before turning back to Aden.
“The nobles in Hohan District have been loyal to the Anderson family for generations. They won’t side with Lord Caesar.”
“You think so?”
“Hohan District is full of Imperial Academy alumni. Lord Caesar never attended the academy—he doesn’t have the connections to build a bridge to them.”
Since Caesar had gone to war at a young age, he had never enrolled in the academy.
He didn’t have friends.
Even if he tried to win people over, it would be an uphill battle.
Unless he found someone with deep connections.
“You’d be better off targeting Count Lowell.”
Count Lowell had served as a professor at the Imperial Academy for years, mentoring countless students.
He had no interest in politics, but his words carried weight.
Even in the original timeline, Caesar had eventually built his faction through Lowell.
If he befriends Count Lowell earlier than in the original story, it’ll work in our favor.
The only catch—
Count Lowell was a notorious drunkard.
To win him over, Caesar would have to drink with him until he passed out.
And while he was occupied, Odette would be free to move.
“Sir Aden.”
“Yes, Lady Odette?”
She explained everything about Count Lowell.
“He loves fine wine. The fastest way to get close to him is to bring a bottle of the best vintage and visit him personally.”
If they could secure his influence, they could sway most of the younger nobles.
Aden’s eyes lit up.
“I see. That’s an excellent strategy.”
“Exactly. Instead of wasting time here, you should tell Lord Caesar to find Count Lowell. And while you’re at it, let him know that I need to visit a dressmaker for my engagement gown.”
She made sure to add a sharp remark—
“After all, I can’t very well wear Amelia’s old dress to my own engagement, can I?”
“Absolutely not. I’ll speak to our lord immediately.”
Aden hurried off.
Moments later, he returned with an elated expression.
“Lady Odette! It seems our lord is already playing poker with Count Lowell.”
Odette blinked in surprise.
Caesar had met Lowell sooner than in the original story.
“Poker?”
“And, of course, they were enjoying fine wine. Just as you said, Count Lowell is quite the drinker.”
Apparently, Caesar had come here specifically to meet Count Lowell.
“Our lord has a remarkably refined palate,” Aden added proudly.
“He can distinguish the exact vineyard, grape variety, and fermentation process just from a single sip.”
“I assume Count Lowell was impressed.”
“Indeed. In fact, he has already agreed to attend your engagement ceremony.”
“That’s good to hear.”
With Caesar preoccupied, Odette now had her window of opportunity.
“In that case, may I go to the dressmaker now?”
Aden hesitated.
“Wouldn’t it be better to go with our lord tomorrow?”
“Why bother? I can go alone.”
“You’re not alone, my lady. I am right here.”
“…What?”
“I mean… please don’t feel troubled or lonely.”
Was it really such a big deal to go dress shopping alone?
It seemed far safer and more convenient than going with Caesar.
“I am Lord Caesar’s most trusted advisor. It brings me greater joy to see him building his faction.”
“That’s exactly what makes you my lord’s greatest asset!”
Odette flashed a bright smile.
“Then let’s find a dress that suits my title as his greatest ally.”
The Dressmaker’s Boutique
I’ve never been to this boutique before.
The last time Jovern took her shopping, it had been just a small shop.
But now, their carriage had stopped in front of an entire building dedicated to dressmaking.
“This is the finest boutique in all of Hohan District,” Aden informed her as he helped her step down.
“Is that so?”
So Jovern had deliberately taken her to a cheaper place.
That scheming rat.
Not that it mattered—she had bought an outrageous amount of dresses anyway.
And after selling them, Jovern had to return with a hefty profit, so he must have suffered for it.
Aden walked her to the entrance, holding the door open.
“Please, order anything you like. The cost is of no concern.”
“Sir Aden, aren’t you coming in?”
“How could I, my lady? I shall stand guard outside.”
Fair enough.
It wasn’t as if she was engaged to Aden.
With a nod, Odette stepped inside.
“Welcome.”
A saleswoman approached, scanning her from head to toe.
“If you let me know the occasion, I can guide you accordingly.”
“I need a gown for my engagement ceremony.”
The saleswoman blinked.
“Whose engagement will you be attending?”
“Mine. The ceremony is in a week.”
A click of the tongue.
A look of pure disdain.
“What kind of household rushes an engagement like that?”
“It may have been sudden, but I don’t see why it warrants your criticism.”
Odette’s voice sharpened, making it clear she didn’t appreciate the tone.
But the saleswoman simply tilted her chin higher, her arrogance undeterred.
“Noble engagements are typically planned at least six months in advance. That is, unless some nameless family is selling off their daughter.”
Her eyes gleamed with thinly veiled mockery as they swept over Odette’s golden hair and striking features.
The implication was clear—
That she was being sold off to some decrepit old noble.
A pitying smirk played on the woman’s lips.
I wonder how that smug face will change once she finds out I’m engaged to Caesar Maes.
But there was no need to invoke Caesar’s name.
I don’t need his reputation to put her in her place.
Instead, she decided to give the woman one last chance.
“You should apologize. Now. Otherwise, I won’t hold back.”
“Oh, I was merely offering advice. It would be unfortunate if you ended up drowning in debt over a dress that doesn’t suit your status.”
Odette’s expression turned cold.
“Let me offer you some advice as well. If you keep running your mouth like this, you’re going to regret it.”
“Hohoho, and just who do you think you are to lecture me?”
Let’s see if you’re still laughing after this.
Odette raised a finger, motioning toward a glass display case.
Crack—!
A blinding flash of divine energy erupted from her fingertips.
The saleswoman flinched, rubbing her eyes as her vision turned white.
And then— “W-What?! What’s happening?!”
A deep fissure split through the glass, creeping like a spider’s web.
Odette smirked.
This is what you call justice.
