WPVMVA Chapter 46

Duke Rodion immediately left the ballroom and headed to the drawing room with Marquess Cadogan.

Not long after, the door opened, and the butler entered with Count Cyril Olburn. Beneath a heavy robe that covered his face, Cyril wore the uniform of the Alveric Grand Duke’s knight order.

Duke Rodion clicked his tongue at the sight of Cyril bowing politely and gave him a displeased look.

“Tsk. Did you really have to show up wearing that cursed uniform?”

“My apologies, Duke Rodion. But I had no choice. After speaking with you, I planned to head directly to the Alveric Grand Duchy.”

Cyril answered in a servile tone, carefully gauging the Duke’s mood. Rodion let out a huff of laughter like air escaping a bellows and replied,

“You’re planning to lure that bastard into a trap, aren’t you?”

“Of course. If not, I wouldn’t have rushed all the way to the capital.”

“Very well. I’ll trust you for now. Let’s hear this brilliant plan you have to mess that devil up.”

With that, Duke Rodion signaled to the butler, who silently ushered all the servants out of the room.

Once only the three of them remained—Rodion, Cadogan, and Cyril—Cyril slowly began.

“First, I assume you’re aware that the Grand Duke recently secured immense wealth through a peace treaty with the Principality of Lesinia.”

“Of course! …Damn it, who would’ve thought that land was sitting on such a massive mana stone mine! Just thinking about it makes my insides twist!”

Rodion slammed his knee with a clenched fist and shouted. Cyril continued, his expression just as bitter.

“Then you might also know the Grand Duchess has been leading a charitable campaign in the North with that money.”

“…What? That foolish woman?”

“Yes. She claims it’s to help the war-stricken citizens—those who’ve lost access to education and medical care. Officially, she says she’s using her personal funds, but I’m convinced otherwise.”

Cyril’s voice trembled with resentment as he went on.

“I’m sure the Grand Duke provided the funds to make those ignorant northerners more loyal to him! He poured money that should’ve gone to our officials into the mouths of those commoners just to polish his reputation!”

“Hmm… so that’s what he’s been up to…”

Rodion fell into deep thought, his expression darkening with intrigue.

That brute, so consumed with revenge he sees nothing else—how did he make such a clever political move? Who advised him? Was it his aide, Dair? Or his trusted knights, Wellard or Lowell? …Surely not that idiotic woman.

His mind swirled with questions about who masterminded this operation.

Most of the Northern province trusted and supported Ashid. However, within the gentry—particularly among the educated—there was growing discontent. They criticized his harsh governance and obsession with war, arguing he ignored the suffering of the people.

But if Ashid continued improving the people’s lives like this, even the gentry might come to support him.

And then Rodion’s plan to divide the North and dismantle Ashid’s political base would crumble.

I can worry about who’s behind it later. Right now, I have to sabotage the whole thing.

With that, Rodion masked his thoughts, replacing them with a face of genuine sympathy as he turned to Cyril.

“Oh dear, you must’ve been quite distressed. I understand your resentment toward that Ashid fellow all too well.”

“…Thank you, truly.”

“So then, what’s your plan to trap that bastard Grand Duke?”

Cyril’s expression turned cold and sinister as he answered.

“The key lies in the fact that it’s publicly known the Grand Duchess is leading the charity efforts—not the Grand Duke.”

“How do you plan to use that?”

“First, we need to separate the Grand Duke and Duchess. I’ll lure the Grand Duke and his knights away to the North with a fabricated emergency. Today, I’ll lie to him and say the neighboring Kingdom of Aquila is making suspicious movements. If we pretend they’re invading the border, that war-freak will gladly rush back North.”

“…Hmm.”

“Next, we’ll target the Grand Duchess—make it look like she was harmed in an unfortunate ‘accident’ while alone. Then we’ll pin the blame on a knight from the Alveric Order, claiming he disagreed with her charity work.”

“…Oh!”

“You think the Grand Duke would just let that go? He’ll launch an investigation, root out the supposed traitor, and likely torture the accused. That will spark discord among his knights. Without the Duchess to maintain order, the charity campaign will collapse.”

Cyril paused briefly, then smiled meaningfully.

“Well? Isn’t it quite the plan?”

“…Brilliant! Absolutely splendid!”

Duke Rodion nodded in satisfaction. Marquess Cadogan, who had remained silent until now, also nodded approvingly, then asked Cyril,

“How can we help? And what do you want in return?”

“First, place a spy near the Grand Duchess. Ideally, someone disguised as a maid who can stay close and move with her. Then, find a way to draw her out of the mansion. It can be a party invitation, a noblewomen’s gathering—anything.”

“Understood.”

“…And in return, I want the title of marquess and Klein Castle in the western region.”

At Cyril’s demand, Marquess Cadogan hesitated.

Klein Castle housed the Empire’s second-largest port and was one of Cadogan’s main sources of income. Parting with it wouldn’t be easy.

Just as he was about to object, Duke Rodion cut in.

“Agreed. It’s yours.”

“Uncle!”

“If this plan works, half of the Northern province will be yours anyway. This is a necessary price.”

Rodion’s firm declaration silenced Cadogan, who clearly remained displeased but said no more.

Rodion turned to Cyril and said,

“Cadogan and I will give you our full support. Don’t fail.”

“Of course not. Leave it to me.”

Cyril replied confidently.

About an hour or two after the formal dinner, the time was finally appropriate for guests to begin taking their leave without breaking etiquette. Ashid bid farewell to Duke Lambert and left with Daniela.

The two of them arrived back at their mansion around 9 p.m.—a time too late to start anything significant, yet a bit early to retire for bed.

As they stepped through the main entrance, Ashid spoke.

“Once you get to the bedchamber, rest properly. Don’t go staying up late searching for that ridiculous script, or reports from the administrators, or letters from Duke Enchanto.”

“It’s too early to sleep yet. I’ll just read a bit before bed,” Daniela answered primly.

Just then, the head butler and Chief Lady-in-Waiting Mela approached to greet them. Mela took Daniela’s coat and asked,

“How was the dinner at Duke Lambert’s estate? Did you enjoy yourself?”

“…Well, the food was delicious,” Daniela replied with a gentle smile.

At that moment, Lowell entered the foyer wearing his training uniform. He scanned the room for the butler, then noticed Ashid and quickly approached.

“You’ve returned, Your Grace. I was just looking for you.”

“What is it?”

“Count Olburn visited not long ago, hoping to meet you. He said he came to see some relatives in the capital but wanted to greet you before returning to Caddala Village.”

“Is that so?”

“Shall I tell him to return tomorrow instead?”

Ashid paused to think.

Cyril Olburn was the only heir of Sir Leopold Olburn—Ashid’s benefactor and mentor. He couldn’t simply send him away.

He shook his head and said,

“Bring the Count to my office. Immediately.”

“Understood, Your Grace.”

Lowell departed, and Ashid turned to Daniela.

“You should go upstairs and rest.”

“Alright… Mela, let’s go.”

Daniela nodded and headed for the stairs with Mela. As she climbed, one name lingered in her mind.

Olburn… That name sounds familiar. Where have I heard it before?