Chapter 71

“A Brewing Scheme”

“We have to do something about that sly woman. She’s already stolen His Majesty’s trust!”

“Because of her, Marquis Regalo was ruined and left out on the streets!”

The nobles who once stood beside the Emperor and persecuted Etias were now in a miserable state—every one of them brought low by Katrin.

“She’s made all of us her background props.”

“Now she’s even sold the Ellemore mines to His Majesty—for 1 billion den!”

One noble grumbled, and the rest gasped.

“One billion den?”

The Ellemore mines were a valuable asset, yes—but one billion den was enough to buy an entire city.

“That deal forced His Majesty to sell off land, liquidate all his assets—and even sell the munitions factory.”

“Is that mine even worth that much?”

“The Grand Duke of Montella was reportedly trying to buy it for more.”

When Lancelot, the so-called King of Mines, was mentioned, the nobles seemed to understand and nodded.

If even he wanted it, the mine must really be worth the price.

Just then, Marquis Winsome, who had been quietly listening, suddenly had a glint in his eye—he’d thought of something.

“I’ve come up with a way to reclaim our influence… and push Katrin Ellemore out of the political spotlight.”

All eyes turned to him.

“Even His Majesty—who trusts her completely—will be tempted by this idea.”

His eyes sparkled with scheming intent.

“Lady Katrin Ellemore… is still unmarried, isn’t she?”

And so, the day after these men laid the groundwork for their latest scheme—

“A Grand Entrance”

I left Heros in charge of the household chores and headed to the imperial palace alone.

“They said they’d pay the full price today.”

It seemed the Emperor had somehow managed to scrape together the 1 billion den.

The press had made such a fuss over the deal, writing articles right on the spot—it left the Emperor no choice but to follow through.

“He couldn’t back out without hurting his pride.”

“Lady Ellemore!”

“Miss, over here! Please look this way!”

But… why was it so noisy outside?

Frowning, I looked out the window—only to see a crowd of women cheerfully waving at me.

Even children were chasing the carriage down the road.

“I heard that my popularity suddenly shot up among the people after the hunting festival.”

“You’re so cool!”

“She looked at us! The lady looked over here!”

Even with my infamous reputation as the daughter of the Ellemore family, the tale of me taking down a black bear had spread—and with it, a wave of admiration.

Of course, it was probably the Emperor’s doing—trying to erase Etias’s glory by giving me the spotlight instead.

I gave a casual wave to the crowd, and in return—

“Kyaaa!”

I heard the excited squeals of boys and girls from outside.

“The Emperor’s Proposal”

“I greet His Majesty, the great Emperor.”

I bowed respectfully as I entered the audience chamber. The Emperor accepted my greeting with a hardened expression.

“Yes, Lady Ellemore. Welcome.”

I slowly straightened and looked him in the eye.

‘He really does look like a snake.’

“The payment for the mine is ready. Take it with you.”

The finance officer who had handled things last time stepped forward.

“We’ll load the gold bars into your carriage, my lady. Please sign here to confirm receipt.”

I glanced at the amount with my eyes and, satisfied it was all there, signed the document with a quill—right in front of the Emperor.

Coming all the way here was a hassle, but for a deal this large, it made sense to be present.

“Then I’ll take my leave—”

“Wait. There’s something else I’d like to discuss.”

The Emperor gestured for the finance officer to leave the room. He bowed and exited.

‘What now?’

I stared at him, and he cleared his throat.

“What I wanted to speak about, well…”

He looked me up and down and smirked.

“Last time, you didn’t seem too fond of the Grand Duke of Montella. Is he not to your liking?”

“Correct, Your Majesty. I dislike hairy men.”

“Was he that hairy…?”

My heart thudded in a warning rhythm.

“Anyway, if you’re not seeing anyone, how about… finding someone new?”

His snake-like eyes were full of desire as they locked onto me.

“This is disgusting.”

“Your Majesty, I must apologize, but—”

“As you know, I don’t have a wife.”

I almost burst into curses. The Emperor was at least 16 years older than me, and according to rumors, he was infertile—which is why he never married.

“I know there are… rumors about me. And I admit, some of them are true. But that doesn’t mean I’m entirely incapable. With the help of medicine… and if you’re healthy… we might be able to secure the royal line. A few nobles even recommended the match.”

‘Of course they did. If I say no, I’ll offend him. If I say yes, my title and estate get absorbed into the royal house. Win-win for those bastards.’

“You’re an orphan, in need of family. I’m a lonely Emperor with no wife. We could move your title ceremony to our wedding day…”

“Ugh—!”

I couldn’t take it anymore. I covered my mouth with a hand and gagged.

His brows furrowed.

‘You filthy old creep. I’d love to throw my shoe at your smug face.’

Instead, I lowered my brows and pretended to be weak.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty… I haven’t been feeling well.”

“Lady Ellemore?”

I rubbed my eye shadow just a little—enough to cast a faint shadow under my eyes—and raised my trembling head slowly.

“Your Majesty’s proposal is an honor, but… may I have some time to think? My head feels fuzzy.”

Then I discreetly bit my lip and coughed. A hint of blood appeared on my lips.

The Emperor’s eyes flickered.

“Since when have you been ill?”

“Ah… it started yesterday.”

He was known to be paranoid about poison and assassination. I could use that.

“I had tea with Marquis Winsome and some nobles yesterday.”

Technically true—they’d come demanding a refund, and I threw them out. But we had met.

I let out another cough and added,

“They criticized me for being incompetent and even threatened my side. I argued back, as a loyal servant to Your Majesty.”

He stared at me for a long time, expression dark.

“They said they wouldn’t leave me or my allies alone, so I ended the meeting and drove them out.”

“I see…”

“Since then, I’ve felt dizzy. But I believe I’ll recover with rest and some medicine. Once I’m feeling better, I’ll give Your Majesty a proper answer.”

I staggered slightly and bowed.

‘Let him stew in his paranoia.’

He probably suspected those nobles had ulterior motives for recommending our marriage. And the idea of poisoning someone via a bride wasn’t unheard of.

When I didn’t cover my mouth and gagged again, he flinched and pressed himself back against his chair.

At last, his eyes darkened as he said,

“Get a doctor immediately and send me the results. And bring those men in for questioning.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

‘Perfect. With the revolution so close, locking up those snakes in the palace dungeons ahead of time is ideal.’

Let them rot there for trying to use me.

“Forget what I said earlier. The title ceremony will proceed as originally planned.”