Chapter 54
Now that I had received Illiana’s permission, what was there to hesitate about? Once Illiana’s photo book was released, people would take an interest.
And if I published an article comparing Millane and Culbine in next month’s magazine, the groundwork would be laid. After that, just a little mention of Illiana’s achievements would help sway the Duke of Millane’s heart.
“Illiana, make sure your new business is a success.”
I knew it would succeed anyway.
In the original novel, Illiana rises to wealth through her investment business. Nevertheless, the Duke couldn’t let go of his stubbornness, and Illiana chose to marry Alejandro.
That was all because there was no one to talk to her from the side. Even such rigid stubbornness needed to be shaken by whispers now and then.
This time, I planned to take on that role.
“I’m confident, Evelina. I’ve been playing with formulas and numbers since I could talk.”
Illiana said with an arrogant expression.
“I will never fail.”
Sister, you’re so amazing…
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
There are things you have to do, even if you don’t want to. I gazed at the temple, which still boasted its magnificent presence. The temple, pouring forth bright light, seemed flawless.
“Oh dear.”
I had promised, so I must do it. Besides, I am a count, after all. I could feel countless gazes glancing at me as I entered the temple. It felt like I was a celebrity.
“Hello, Count.”
The priest greeted me.
“Were you waiting for me?”
“Yes, Count. My name is Alex. I will be assisting you from now on.”
Looking at his clothes, he seemed like a still young priest. Moreover, his face looked quite youthful.
“The pope has instructed me to ensure that you are comfortable, Count.”
“Thank you, Alex.”
“Yes!”
Alex replied cheerfully. Sunlight shone down on the child’s face.
“Who will pray and read with me?”
Could it be the Pope?
Even if there was nothing to do, that seemed unlikely.
“It’s Priest NJ! Priest NJ is young, but he has the Pope’s trust. I want to be like Priest NJ!”
Alex said with an excited voice. Receiving the Pope’s trust? That was definitely not a good thing. According to Casper’s reports, the Pope was using dark magic to absorb others’ divine power.
Casper was digging for proper evidence, but it was likely that Priest NJ was also involved in that matter.
I hoped that the short-haired Alex wouldn’t get entangled in unnecessary issues. He looked too innocent to be involved in such dirty work.
“Being ordinary is good too, Alex.”
Alex tilted his head. However, I had no more detailed words to offer. There was no further conversation, and when we entered the prayer room, there was more than just priests inside.
Adrian.
“It’s been a while, Evelina.”
His slightly smiling face looked kind. But was it really so?
I didn’t know if Adrian was aligned with the Empress’s intentions, but I felt uneasy.
“Have you been well?”
“It’s been a while, Your Highness. I’ve been doing okay. It seems you have been well too, Your Highness.”
Of course, I knew that Adrian hadn’t been doing very well. The fact that Crown Prince Adrian had knelt before the Emperor was widely known.
But I had no reason to worry about Adrian’s well-being.
Not my favorite, nor on my side.
“I’m glad it seems that way. I put on a bit of makeup because I didn’t know who I would run into.”
Adrian gently stroked his cheek.
“I tend to look pale and sickly if I don’t put anything on.”
“Ah, I see.”
“My mother told me to pray for health, study the scriptures, and focus on mental training. That’s why I’m here, but I didn’t expect Evelina to come.”
“I came for something similar.”
Despite my indifferent attitude, Adrian was kind the whole time.
“It seems like it will be a more enjoyable time since I’m not alone, Priest.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Let’s begin.”
Adrian gently led the way. Ugh, damn it. This is definitely a setup between the Pope and the Empress, right?
I felt the need to keep an eye on Adrian. Once he had shown up, it meant he could continue to appear, and perhaps we might meet every Friday like this.
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
Three days later.
Sera let out a hollow laugh. It was because the editor-in-chief had rushed to her as soon as she arrived at work on Monday, fervently grabbing her arm and exclaiming,
“You have a connection with Count Evelina Regnis, don’t you? Count Evelina Regnis has done several interviews only with you!”
Before she knew it, the name Evelina Regnis had become significant enough to make the high-handed editor rush over like that.
“What… happened?”
“What happened? There were events last week! You must have seen the gossip magazine published by Evelina Regnis, right?”
“Yeah, sort of.”
“And what about the new photo book? I heard that the incredible Illiana Millane did that!”
Sera nodded. Of course, she had seen it. She had known about Illiana’s photo book since the planning stages. She often met with Evelina for tea and occasionally received story leads.
“There was an article about the photo book coming out before, right? What’s going on?”
The editor-in-chief snorted.
No one had as many story leads as Evelina right now. She had suddenly appeared, launching an intriguing business, and now she had become the Crown Prince’s fiancée!
The achievements Evelina had made over the past few months were unmatched. And last weekend:
“Illiana Millane announced her business, and Duke Millane has put his daughter on the marriage market! This was discussed among a few nobles, but according to top-secret information leaked from Count Regnis!”
“Stop stalling and just say it.”
“They say Illiana Millane has rebelled against Duke Millane! She has no intention of marrying!”
“That’s such a big deal to cause this kind of uproar…”
“Go and grab Count Regnis by the hem of her pants and get the scoop! This could really be an exclusive!”
Sera clicked her tongue. While she enjoyed and loved this work in her own way, there were times she just wanted to quit. Sera sighed.
“What’s so special about this…”
“Read the trends! There’s a chance Illiana Millane could inherit the dukedom!”
Sera shut her mouth tightly.
She hadn’t thought that far. Was Illiana Millane aiming for the title of nobility?
Chills ran down her spine. She hadn’t heard anything like that when she met Evelina recently. Evelina had casually mentioned Illiana’s business, but…
‘This is truly getting more surprising.’
She must be hiding something up her sleeve. Evelina might just be someone born to run a business.
“I’ll go out for a bit.”
“Quickly!”
The editor-in-chief pushed her from behind. If Illiana Millane really was thinking that way…
‘The Empress probably won’t like this much.’
Sera chuckled softly. Nothing was going according to plan. The Duke of Sidney was reeling from the recent affair, losing all leverage to the Count of Develin.
With the Crown Prince on that side and public opinion and justification all in favor of Karina Develin, the Duke of Sidney, with his limited connections, had no choice but to falter.
The Empress had thus lost her grip on the Duke of Sidney.
Next was the Duke of Millane, who was currently maintaining a neutral stance. The Empress was thinking of placing her own person in the position of Illiana Millane’s husband.
While Illiana had once had an affair with Alejandro, the Duke of Millane had taken a vague stance on the matter. If there was a possibility, it was worth trying to confront it.
But Illiana Millane inheriting the title? In that case, the Duke of Millane would also essentially belong to the Crown Prince. Everywhere you looked, Illiana Millane seemed to have a deep connection with Evelina!
Evelina Regnis, with her innocent face, was maneuvering the political arena as if it were in her hands.
‘Truly impressive.’
Sera felt a doubt. Could the Empress really defeat Evelina?
“Oh my, Sera! What’s wrong?”
Seeing Evelina greet her with a bright face, Sera felt guilt for the first time in her life.
‘Damn it.’
This was the greatest crisis of her witch life.
