Capitulo 129

Episode 129

I headed to the teahouse, the meeting place. Today, I decided to meet with Filia separately.

Regina and Helen were not there because it was a business meeting.

As I sat there drinking tea, Filia came in with a pale face.

What’s going on?

Ah, princess, have you seen this?

She handed me a newspaper to take.

After looking through the entire contents, I hardened my face.

What the hell are these people thinking?

When Andrew sued the Cassels, he issued a statement to the imperial family holding the defendants accountable.

As soon as they heard that he had sued, there was also a message that nobles who had experienced something similar would file a lawsuit.

Filia, who was reading the newspaper article, muttered in an annoyed voice.

Everyone is really nasty. If this happens, the treatment of the victims will have to be delayed.

It wasn’t just because of that.

Aster’s popularity is now at its peak.

It was thanks to his own efforts, he had recently improved his image, also by establishing the Imperial Medical Center and even discovered the corruption of the Cassel family.

It seemed that the nobles who felt burdened by this were filing a lawsuit to attack Aster.

What are you going to do now?

Filia asked me with a face full of anticipation.

She seemed to think that maybe I could fix this.

I replied with a slight smile.

Don’t worry too much. It’s not a provision made with the expectation that something like this will happen, but… The Cassel family funds are now split in two. And most of it goes to victim foundations.

Oh, then I don’t have to worry.

Filia sighed in relief.

Soon an employee brought tea.

The pop-up store, which was temporarily operated by her, decided to open as a permanent store thanks to its popularity.

After we talked, it was time for dinner.

The story ends here.

The time has come.

Filia emptied the rest of the tea and handed the papers to her maid.

Then I’ll see you soon.

Filia’s expression when she greeted me was strange.

What’s the matter?

It’s about the Cassel family. It’s a bit heartbreaking to step back like that.

Are you talking about taking revenge?

At my words, Filia gave a mischievous smile.

Unlike usual, she was full of joy.

* * *

Tatiana walked to the meeting place with heavy steps.

A few days ago she received a letter from Marquis Hunt asking her to leave the business.

«Wilhelm supported me because he was in the Grand Duchy.»

After Wilhelm resigned as head of the family and passed to the marquis, Marquis Hunt no longer had to participate in the boutique business.

The perfume boutique, which he opened in partnership with the Marquis de Hunt, did not show bad sales at first.

However, it was insignificant compared to the rapid growth of the stores opened by Karina and Niveia.

Moreover, as relations with the Cassel family, the perfume supplier, went sour, the launch of new products was completely delayed.

In fact, closing the boutique was fine, but Tatiana could not give up because of her pride.

She had to persuade the marquis.

Now that the Cassel family no longer helped her, it was risky to keep the boutique on her own.

Tatiana entered the boutique thinking she would do anything to persuade the marquis.

The marquis who had been waiting in anticipation welcomed her.

Seeing the marquis’s expression harden, it seemed that the conversation was going in a difficult direction.

I think our family will have to get out of this business.

However… A little more, even for Wilhelm.

In fact, the Marquis de Hunt was tired.

It was because of Wilhelm’s plea that helped her.

As an excuse to support the Grand Duchess.

To the Marquis, the Grand Duchess was nothing more than an obnoxious friend to his precious son.

The kind of friend he wants to get rid of and the one who ruined his son’s successful life.

Wilhelm finally came to his senses and there was no need for him to continue his ties with the grand duchess.

Just hearing the name Tatiana Gloucester made him tremble.

I am sorry, but I will refuse. For the time being, both my wife and I have decided to stay with Wil on the estate.

Wil, if he’s in the capital right now! I’ll talk…

Madam, I am here for you to cut ties with Wil.

The marquis grimaced at the sight of the lady shouting her son’s nickname as she stood there.

The way they were looking around wasn’t very good either.

Wilhelm’s value on the marriage market had fallen to the floor due to the breakup with Karina and the scandal with Tatiana.

The marquis wanted to quickly break this position.

Anyway, in the future, you will not be able to meet him separately in this way.

Come on, wait a minute.

Tatiana grabbed his clothes in a hurry.

Then she squeezed out the rest of her strength and cried.

The moment he thought it was an emergency and couldn’t be avoided.

Yuck!

The window that appeared in front of her shattered to the point that the letters could not be read.

In addition, the blue arrow had turned red as a warning.

Tatiana stared at the window and came out of her shock with the handkerchief that was suddenly pushed in front of her.

Madam, blood flowed from her lips. She collapsed in court last time, so I guess she hasn’t recovered yet.

Oh?

Tatiana quickly wiped her lips.

The dark blood looked sinister.

I’ll do it then.

Without wasting any time, the marquis quickly fled from there.

«It’s annoying that you keep blocking my son’s path.»

As soon as he left the tent, the marquis complained as he ran his hand down his arm.

«She’s a very, very creepy woman.»

Marquis Hunt hurried toward the carriage.

* * *

The court where the complaint was received, from the Archduke Gloucester, arranged a place of conciliation.

It was supposed to be Ethan and I, the victims’ representatives Martin and Raymond, and Andrew as the accuser’s representative.

Are you really okay?

As soon as she heard the news, my mother ran to me and looked at me with an anxious expression.

I was worried that she might panic.

‘Don’t worry,’ I told her with a smile.

In the afternoon, Her Majesty also agreed to attend. She’ll be fine.

Mom’s face hardened a little when Aster’s name came up.

She looked uneasy as I continued to develop my relationship with him.

Unlike the first time, she didn’t object much, but she wasn’t particularly in favor either.

This ambiguous attitude was eroding Aster’s self-esteem.

I’m going to have a commitment ceremony when this is over.

Karin.

I know what’s bothering my mother. I heard what happened to Selena.

My mother’s beautiful face contracted.

I can’t help but say that I will even after hearing everything.

…

Therefore, trust Your Majesty as well. Aster is also Selena’s son, right?

My mother gave me a puzzled expression.

Then she nodded slowly.

Yes, that child is also Selena’s son.

It was as if she realized something she had forgotten.

Ever since Selena died, I thought I could see no trace of her in His Majesty’s face. I just thought he looked like the Emperor.

I thought he looked more like Selena.

Her hair and eyes were the same as those of the splendid Emperor.

But if you looked closely at his face, his docile features resembled Selena’s.

Mother opened her mouth with a sad expression on her face.

I thought Selena would be more famous if she had not married the Emperor. Also that she had broken wings from marriage.

It was also an undeniable fact.

Selena was a superior mage to my mother.

But now, if you ask the world who Selena is, they will only remember her as an empress of misfortune.

But I knew it.

At least, that she chose the Emperor and felt happiness in having a son.

Although the ending was tragic and in many parts unfortunate.

I don’t think His Majesty and I will walk the same path as them. At least Aster knows how to control his impulses.

That’s something you don’t know.

And I’ve met all kinds of men. Now I think I have the eyes to tell what kind of man is a gentleman, what do you think?

Ha.

At my cheeky comments, my mother smiled as if it was ridiculous.

It’s heartbreaking to take a lot of disappointments, but after going through a lot of shitty men, I was sure I could at least tell if I could trust this man or not.

I finished getting ready to leave with my unsettling mother.

I’ll go then, mom,

Wait.

My mother grabbed me and said as I was about to walk out the door.

I hope you’ll invite His Majesty again.

Yes?

I have something I want to show you and His Majesty. If His Majesty finds it difficult to visit the Duke’s residence, I will go to the Imperial Palace.

I nodded at my mother’s active gaze.

* * *

I arrived in front of the conference room on the second floor of the court where the mediation took place.

Today in particular, Lily and Fio followed me.

Their eyes were so stinging that Raymond and Ethan couldn’t even lift their heads.

The Grand Duke is late. We will start again in 30 minutes.

Everyone murmured and dispersed at the coordinating chairman’s words.

I also got up from my seat to get some air.

No, us too!

Lily jumped out of her seat and fell forward as if her legs were crooked.

You sit here. I’ll be over there on the terrace right in front of you.

Uh, uh… yeah.

I also said to Fio, who was wagging his tail around Lily’s side.

Fio also stay here.

Fio pondered and nodded.

After leaving the two of them on the terrace, the tension was relieved.

The pressure between the two of them is so strong that I’m nervous.

I turned my body slightly to stretch, when I heard the door open.

Come on, do you have time?

It was Raymond with a prickly face.