Chapter 38

* * *

The Duke escorted the Duchess back from the monastery to the castle, then headed straight to his office.

He had pretended nothing was wrong in front of his wife. But the moment she disappeared from view, his calm expression collapsed into visible irritation.

Even the short corridor to the office felt unreasonably long today.

Gareth, his adjutant, quietly exhaled.

“Welcome back, my lord.”

“The documents?”

At the Duke’s subtle gesture, Berthold immediately handed him a stack of papers.

Count Alnor’s petition to the Northern Lokskron Judicial Council.

Officially, it was a simple review board. In truth, it functioned like a court for regional rulers.

Now that the petition was filed, the Duchess was legally required to appear within three months to respond.

The Duke skimmed the documents. His lips twisted.

“I warned him. Yet he still chose disaster.”

The Duke had long been aware of Count Alnor’s suspicious activities.

He was the ruler of the north. Not knowing what happened on his own land would be foolish.

But the Duke wanted this matter handled quietly and had issued several indirect warnings.

Warnings that their family’s future would be bleak should they dare cause trouble.

He thought they understood.

Berthold spoke carefully.

“It seems he wants to save Viscount Clayton, who is still under interrogation.”

“That must be his intent.”

“The loyalty between them is impressive.”

Gareth genuinely admired it.

Risking war with Lombard for the sake of a cousin was no small thing. Most noble families would sooner stab each other over power than help a relative accused of corruption.

“Wrong.”

The Duke let out a cold laugh.

“It’s not loyalty. Clayton knows far too many of Alnor’s secrets.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Do you think this was his first embezzlement? If Clayton opens his mouth, Alnor will face our retaliation. They know that very well.”

It was not about saving family.

It was about silencing a tool before it turned against them.

Since either way would end in ruin for the Viscount, the Count chose the path that offered the smallest chance of survival.

‘Clayton will not live long regardless.’

The surest way to silence a man was to remove his ability to speak forever.

Berthold continued.

“It’s clever. Instead of suing the Lombard family, they sued the Duchess. The Count must think Your Grace dislikes her. He expects you to stand aside.”

“That rumor has spread far indeed.”

Gareth asked cautiously.

“What is Your Grace’s plan?”

The Duke’s eyes turned sharp. He glanced at the northern map pinned to the wall.

“I want to march an army there and crush them.”

“That would be difficult. Every military expense requires the Duchess’ approval now. Her signature is necessary to deploy troops.”

“How troublesome. She hates useless spending more than anything.”

“If you could obtain permission, I would not object.”

Berthold sounded respectful but secretly believed the Duchess would refuse without hesitation.

Yet the Duke’s expression softened instead of darkening.

These days, whenever his wife came up in conversation, he sometimes showed that look.

Gareth did not understand it at all.

‘Is the Duchess not the embodiment of extravagance?’

During her time in the Imperial Palace she racked up enormous debts. Rumor said the Imperial Court issued national bonds to cover her spending.

Yes, she did well with the cathedral project. Gareth knew that. But still.

‘Success or not, she dragged a lawsuit home. Hardly an achievement.’

So why did both his lord and Berthold trust her so much?

The Duke spoke again.

“If word of this spreads, public opinion alone will be disastrous regardless of guilt. Tighten control over the press. Stop any rumors before they grow.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“If necessary, use other measures.”

Political bribery or exposure of hidden scandals.

Either option was as easy as sipping warm soup for Lombard. Their wealth and network were unmatched in the North.

They began strategies for both blocking Alnor and influencing the council.

The Duke had made up his mind. The Count would lose.

The Alnor family would be erased from the Northern territories.

‘A shame. But they brought it on themselves.’

Gareth lost interest in the legal talk. He was not fond of political scheming.

He stared off blankly while the high-level discussion continued.

* * *

“Madam, are you tired Do you want me to give you a massage?”

“A-ah. No. Not tired at all.”

I nearly collapsed onto the bed but sprang up in terror.

Berry was charged with energy for her first day, eyes blazing with determination to be useful.

But if she touched my shoulders, they would shatter. No amount of Gilbert’s medical skill could restore bones crushed into powder.

“I heard guests often visit Your Ladyship’s chambers but it feels so quiet here. Ah no, I mean peaceful and comfortable!”

Berry looked around with tragic longing.

But sadly, no one came to receive her enthusiastic service.

Word of my lawsuit must have spread already. The endless lines of nobles begging to meet me were gone completely.

Everyone feared sticking too close to someone with legal trouble.

‘Baron Conte was the clearest sign.’

He usually followed me like a puppy, wringing his hands eagerly. Yet today he parted ways without a fight at the castle gate.

A perfect indicator of political contamination. Truly impressive instincts.

Though to be fair, his fear of Berry might also be a factor.

“Are you sure you feel alright, Madam?”

“Oh for goodness’ sake…”

“Shall I help you change into something comfortable?”

“Oh for goodness’ sake…”

“How about I massage your arms and legs”

“Oh for… no. Really. Thank you but your heart alone is enough. You don’t need to overdo it. I trust you already, Berry.”

Hah, I almost died!

While I was thinking, she nearly assassinated my bones.

Berry looked deeply disappointed and stared at me with big hopeful eyes.

Flustered, I told her she must be tired from her first day and to go rest early.

Only once she left could I finally breathe.

“Ha…”

Exhausted, I peeled off my coat and dress like a shedding larva and crawled straight into bed.

Leaning against the headboard, I sipped warm herbal tea and glanced down at the side table.

A folder prepared by Ramon sat atop it.

“So Alnor finally sued me.”

I would not brag but my bloodline was one of the highest in the Empire. I technically had every right to hold my head high.

But…

“In reality I’m just a severed kite string.”

When the current Emperor took the throne, my political ties were cut. My only remaining support was the title of beloved niece.

Those who once followed my father, the previous Crown Prince, abandoned me long ago after my reckless scandals.

That meant I had no political leverage to influence the council.

A princess only in name. Nothing more than a powerless doll with arms and legs cut off.