#123. In Each One’s Place (2)
Right after, the hall stirred with noise. The air was split cleanly in two, showing the contrast between both sides.
Those seated far from Sasha — her officials who worked under her — looked relieved, as if a weight had finally been lifted from their chests.
On the other hand, those seated close to Sasha — the so-called uninvited nobles — all fidgeted in discomfort, as if sitting on thorns.
Watching quietly, Sasha opened her mouth again.
“Do you understand now, Baron Aul?”
No matter how shameless a man might be, even he could not act arrogant in this situation.
“…Yes.”
Forcing the words out, Baron Aul lowered his head. Sasha smiled faintly and added,
“But don’t worry. I won’t ever give unreasonable orders. Like you—pretending to keep up dignity while knowing nothing.”
Baron Aul’s face turned crimson, as if he had just been slapped. He opened his mouth to protest, but Sasha gave a single command.
“Sit down.”
And he did so at once.
The interrupted council resumed.
Sasha did not expel Baron Aul. He was no longer a threat, just a clown who had made himself into an example.
Better this way. If the others see him humiliated, they’ll think twice before barking again.
As she expected, the meeting continued smoothly without further disruption.
The nobles in the front seats acted as one group, though Baron Aul had only been their mouthpiece this time. If he failed, someone else could easily take his place.
But what mattered was this: their true purpose was the same — to push Sasha out and claim her seat.
Sasha let her eyes sweep across them. Every day they tested her patience, but for now, she had to endure.
Because it was wartime. Most soldiers had gone to the frontlines. Those left in Bellicordo Castle would obey her, but the surrounding lords would not be so loyal.
Few are truly devoted to me. If I punish them without a perfect reason, rebellion will surely follow. And even if I crush it, the North’s progress will be delayed.
Worse still, civil strife would be noticed by scouts across the border. Their enemies would seize the chance to attack.
If war breaks out with monsters and a neighboring country at the same time, even Volkov’s strength won’t hold.
That was why Sasha endured the arrogance of these uninvited guests. But she also sensed it wouldn’t last long.
Not blind optimism — she had her reasons.
Yes. Today was the day of their secret meeting.
When the council ended and Sasha left the chamber, she could already hear the commotion behind her. She smiled faintly.
I’ve been waiting. The moment I gain a proper reason, I won’t need to endure any longer.
Meanwhile…
Humiliated at the council, Baron Aul stormed out of the castle, unable to contain his fury.
“That insolent wench!”
Inside the castle he had to hold his tongue, knowing Sasha’s ears were everywhere. But once outside, his curses poured freely.
“She dares talk back to her elders? Flaunting borrowed power and looking down on me? That pathetic house she came from never even taught her to respect her seniors!”
Normally, he would vent by harassing citizens or picking fights in taverns. But tonight, he had a different destination.
Grumbling, he slipped into a dark, narrow alley — a filthy place he would never usually step into.
“This is the meeting place, isn’t it?”
Checking the address on his note, Baron Aul knocked and entered a shabby building. Beyond the worn stairs and doors, he finally arrived at a hidden chamber.
Inside were already many familiar faces — all hostile to Sasha.
“Ah, Baron Aul, you’ve come. Please, sit. We’ve been waiting.”
The room filled with greedy whispers.
“The Volkov lands must be ruled by Volkov blood.”
“Indeed. We can’t hand it to some outsider woman.”
They did not dare oust Pavel, but his proxy — Sasha — was another matter.
They convinced themselves: Pavel was young and inexperienced, he needed guidance. And who better to guide him than family, even distant branches like themselves?
The room buzzed with ambition until a man clapped his hands.
Duke Titova, who led the gathering.
“I have news. Shocking news. A piece of information that will bring that woman down in one blow.”
Everyone leaned forward eagerly, but Titova did not reveal it at once.
“First, a promise. None of tonight’s words must leave this room. If even a whisper escapes, our grand plan will be ruined.”
The nobles hesitated. Then Titova gestured, and a guard placed a box on the table.
“This is a relic of my family. If you swear upon it and break that oath — your tongue will be cut out instantly by its curse.”
The chamber fell silent. Faces stiffened with dread.
“Don’t be afraid. As long as you keep your oath, nothing will happen.”
One by one, pale and sweating, the nobles swore upon the relic. None dared refuse.
Satisfied, Duke Titova smiled.
Good. With this, none of them will ever leak tonight’s secret.
But at that very moment—
「—That’s what they said.」
“Mm, I see.”
By her window, Sasha listened calmly as a spirit relayed the news.
“So that’s what you were plotting behind my back… such a cute little scheme.”
Her lips curved faintly, eyes glinting.
