Chapter 21
A few days later, I left the estate and headed for the Imperial Palace.
It was a gathering where the key nobles of the Emperor’s faction convened to discuss state affairs.
Ever since my father’s death, the seat he once held had remained vacant—until now. I was the one invited to fill it.
“What do you think, Heros?”
At my question, Heros responded with a somewhat grim expression.
“The official reason is to recognize you as Duke Elemoer’s successor, my lady… but in reality, I suspect they’re simply trying to find fault.”
Ever since my possession, I had been secretly supporting Etias while clutching the inheritance left by Duke Elemoer. I had crushed those trying to take it from me.
I had also completely severed ties with Philios Regalo and Padelmon.
The despicable Emperor-faction nobles, who betrayed the late emperor for wealth and power, would never look kindly on me—even if I bore the name of an Emperor-faction family.
“I think the same.”
I crossed my legs and looked out the carriage window.
Dobelton now looked bright and clean, with no sign that anyone could even attempt an attack again.
All thanks to the road maintenance rights I seized from my relatives.
“They must really hate me.”
The Elemoer family, favored by the emperor, was supposed to live and die with Duke Elemoer alone.
They probably expected that, after his death, the family’s prestige would naturally collapse.
Yet here I was, receiving the emperor’s trust anew, and most of the branch family members—except Padelmon—were now under my influence.
As for Padelmon’s charges, I had already gathered evidence. All that remained was to submit the report.
A mere temperamental girl, now stepping up to replace the Duke of Elemoer—of course I was a thorn in their side.
“They’re nothing more than mayflies.”
I smirked slightly.
This power struggle would be short-lived. Once Etias’s revolution succeeded, they’d all be swept away.
Still, that didn’t mean I planned to play the victim until then.
Some among them had contributed to Etias’s hardships and health deterioration.
This would be a good opportunity to give them hell, too.
“My lady.”
Heros looked at me with wavering eyes and bowed slightly.
“Since His Grace passed and I’ve served you, I know just how strong you are… but please, don’t overexert yourself.”
“Hm?”
“If anything were to happen to you… I truly don’t think I could bear it.”
As Heros spoke with a faint blush, I glanced at him and turned my head with a soft hum.
He gets more flattering by the day.
Before long, the carriage arrived at the palace, and I walked through the grand halls toward the nobles’ conference room.
When the massive doors opened, older nobles were already seated.
“Ahem.”
Among them was Marquis Regalo. Once, I’d been his would-be daughter-in-law. He scowled at the sight of me, then quickly turned away.
Philios Regalo was still locked in the imperial prison. The emperor must have been quite annoyed by how much time he’d wasted on him.
“Now that Elemoer’s representative is here, let us begin.”
The one presiding over the meeting was Marquis Winsome—about ten years older than my late father.
Though an Emperor-faction noble, he was insignificant compared to Duke Elemoer.
And surely, he was eyeing the trust gap left by the Duke’s death.
“Not even ‘Lady Elemoer,’ but just Elemoer’s representative. What a childish title.”
Even little noble girls playing political games would be more sophisticated than this.
Wearing a cold smile, I took my seat.
Then, Marquis Winsome continued.
“Today’s agenda includes, ahem, the distribution of resources in the Frozen North and the subjugation of the barbaric southern region. Let’s begin with the first.”
If it’s about the Frozen North’s resources, it must mean Presla. A report had recently come in about resource findings there.
“I shall speak first. Our family’s geological survey of Presla shows…”
And the long-winded uncle speeches began.
In short: they wanted to take that land for themselves.
As I watched the petty squabbling over who deserved the region, Marquis Regalo opened his mouth.
“There’s one person here who’s been oddly quiet during this constructive discussion.”
All eyes turned to me as if it had been coordinated.
Marquis Regalo then flashed a smug, ugly grin, one just like his son’s.
“Well, what does Lady Elemoer think?”
These aging men, eyes gleaming, waited for me to make a mistake so they could tear me down. Disgusting.
“If you don’t know much, it’s fine to admit it. But do try saying something.”
Pretending to be considerate, but I saw right through them.
They wanted me to spout nonsense, to prove I had no clue about statecraft.
Lifting one corner of my mouth, I slowly spoke.
“What’s the point of dividing up land at a table like this when none of you even bothered to ask the rightful owner for permission?”
As expected, only thoughts of leeching filled their minds.
“…!”
One noble glared at me instantly. I casually folded my arms like I’d expected it.
In truth, the Frozen North had no legal owner—it was imperial territory.
But Duke Elemoer had been tasked with managing it until his death. These nobles were pretending that never happened and playing a game of ‘finders keepers.’
If I agreed or signed anything, they’d gain that authority.
That’s what they wanted from inviting me—an ignorant girl who’d blindly validate their claims.
“But the Duke is dead, and surely the Lady isn’t equipped to manage it—”
“Tsk, bringing in a clueless girl in the first place was the mistake.”
Marquis Regalo scoffed loudly.
“What would a woman know?”
Other nobles nodded, smirking dismissively at me.
“Just sign the documents and leave. We’ll make the decisions.”
I casually shrugged and replied.
“Actually, I was already considering handing over Presla’s management rights. My father’s political duties are quite burdensome to inherit, after all.”
“Oh, really?”
“Quite reasonable of you.”
The moment I revealed I knew the rights belonged to House Elemoer, their once-hostile expressions turned mild.
Suddenly, they were all smiles—how quick the change.
Only Marquis Regalo continued to scowl, likely guessing that I had no intention of handing those rights to him after our broken engagement.
“As I said before, our Winsome family is best suited. If you grant us the management—”
“Nonsense. Winsome is too far away. Clearly, it should be us—”
While they squabbled, I slowly stood up.
“So disloyal, all of you.”
The room fell silent.
I spoke firmly.
“You conveniently ignore that the true authority over the Frozen North belongs to His Majesty the Emperor.”
At the sudden mention of the emperor, they were left speechless.
“When new resources are discovered, it is only right to return the land to the emperor. But alas, only Elemoer remains loyal.”
“What absurdity!”
“Don’t be ridiculous!”
They barked out protests.
Of course, the emperor wasn’t much better than they were—but he was still useful in moments like this.
“Incidentally, while I was at the palace, I asked His Majesty if he would attend this meeting to discuss the matter.”
Right on cue, the doors to the chamber opened.
The emperor entered, looking irritated like he had been waiting outside all along.
The nobles’ faces drained of color. Now that was a satisfying sight.
The emperor slowly walked to the center of the room. All present lowered their gazes.
I respectfully bowed, then stepped aside.
His cracked voice filled the room.
“Elemoer is the only one here who isn’t a damned thief.”
