Chapter 180. Kidnapping, Part XVI

Translator: Khan

Editor: Aelryinth

What is that poison? Simone looked at Maribel suspiciously.

I wanted to know why Phoebe survived. The Duke himself said that he would send poison to kill the girl who would replace Julietta. If there was a problem, no one would ever know that she was killed by poison. I didnt think it would be a bad thing to know about, as the Duke was so confident about the poison.

Yes, youre right. Ever since he was young, he has been very interested in herbal research. Maybe there was a secret to the family that has only come down to the heir. Your idea is very wise, considering Reginas attempt to manipulate me with the tea causing a headache.

The tea causing a headache?

When Julietta asked, Maribel explained about the tea Regina had been feeding Simone.

Then, is the headache you have been suffering, all because you drank the tea the princess sent you? Why the hell did she do that? Is that because of me? Julietta couldnt understand why the princess had done such a thing to her aunt, who had taken care of her since she was a child.

Its been quite a while since she recommended the tea to me. Regina personally managed the tea in the house. She used to pick up and send tea every month to my brother in Dublin. I thought the weak Regina was so enthusiastic about it so that she would be recognized as the successor of title. Of course, there must also have been such a reason. But the bigger purpose was to make the tea necessary and to become a must-have for the other person by doing so.

She wouldnt have thought it was a bad thing.

Simone nodded at the cold reply of Maribel. Thats right. Thats even scarier. She wouldnt have thought what she was doing was wrong. Its really creepy that I have eaten and drunk with her for years without suspecting. If Id offended the child, she couldve tried to kill me at any time.

Julietta reflected how stupid and complacent she was when Simone and Maribel said all that. Despite the fact that it was her job, it was embarrassing that she was so preoccupied with the dress shop, without feeling any major sense of crisis. She sat still for a while and looked at Simone. I think Im going to do something very bad to the Duke and Miss Regina. Will my aunt be able to accept what Im trying to do?

Simone sighed because she had already heard from Marquis Anais that Prince Killian had locked the Duke and Regina in a separate house. They declared war first. They were the ones who planned to kill me, even before I stood by you. Weve already crossed a river where we cant come back. I cant give up my life for unrequited love of family.

Maribel gently soothed Julietta, who had fierce eyes, fearing she might do something wrong. What are you going to do? Leave it to Prince Killian, and you care about the dress shop.

Of course, I must ask His Highness to pressure the Duke of Kiellini. Its something I cant do. But I dont want either of you to object to what I want to do after that.

Julietta rose from her seat after saying so. Aunt, lets go return to the Kiellini mansion. Ah, I thought Id go down to Tilia Territory, so Ive been negligent in getting a private maid, but I think Ill stay in Dublin, so Ill have to hire one. Vera cant go back and forth between you and me forever.

Simone stood up and accepted, following Julietta. Yes, Im afraid Ive been careful in many ways, but Ill hurry up and get one.

Yes, please hurry. Ill take Phoebe with me. I want her to be my maid and companion.

The woman? You want to use such a person with a bad leg as a maid?

Phoebe will be used as a maid who acts as a companion to a high-ranking aristocratic lady. Auntie, get a maid who will care for me. Since I am Prince Killians fiance and the Princess Kiellini, I have to prepare my people before entering the Imperial castle.

It wasnt Julietta who was careful about Simone a while ago. She called her aunt proudly and changed the appellations for Duke Kiellini and his daughter.

Maribel dismissed her earlier concerns at the change. Yes, baby. You have to make your seat. Fill your surroundings with your people. And dont forget that behind you is this Maribel, Austerns top informant. I dont know anything else, but Ill know everything you want to know.

Julietta looked back at Maribels confident words. Why dont you get a separate mansion, Mrs. Grayson? If you want to go in and out of the Imperial Capital to meet me, I think its okay to just put down the leaders seat and manage it as the owner of the theater.

Thats not whats hard for me. I am still thinking about giving Liam the position of the troupe leader. Raphael in Tilia will now return to Dublin and take over the seat of Count Caden, and I cant live underground forever.

Maribel was thinking of leaving the theater to Liam, the theater manager who was her right-hand man. Even putting down the position of the troupe leader, she could not give up all control of the theater. Liam would take charge of all external affairs to avoid the public eye, but she would be behind them.

Yes. Lets think a little bit more about what Im going to say about my relationship with you.

It was difficult to explain the contact between Maribel, a low-ranking aristocrat and theater owner, and Princess Kiellini. It was a matter that should be dealt with carefully, as it could damage the reputation of the princess. But Maribel was a very useful person for Julietta. Despite worries about her reputation, she didnt intend to stay away from a competent person.

As she left the bedroom, thinking she would have more to do in the future, she saw Phoebe, Sophie, and Amelie waiting in the hallway.

Phoebe, Ill ask for forgiveness first. I usually ask permission in advance, but I made a decision as I pleased. Would you trust me and follow my instructions?

Phoebe didnt know exactly what was going on, but when Julietta came out and spoke so seriously while asking for forgiveness, she quickly replied, I dont know whats going on, but I dont think you would do anything bad to me. Ill follow your orders.

At Phoebes obedient answer, Julietta unwittingly held her hand. She was so sorry and guilty that she had nearly been murdered.

Only

Youre going to the Kiellini mansion with me now. Amelie will send your luggage later. Lets leave right now.

To the Kiellini mansion?

Julietta replied for bewildered Phoebe, Amelie and Sophie. I want Phoebe to be my companion to talk with and a maid. I need someone I can trust to be closest to.

When Julietta held Manny and said, Phoebes face glowed with joy and then darkened again. But the people who kidnapped me a while ago will recognize me. They seemed to be very high-ranking aristocrats. Youll be humiliated because of me.

Julietta shook her head as if she were not to worry, at Phoebes words which were mixed with the fear that she might be hurt by the people again and it might damage Julietta. It doesnt matter. It will be okay if you are different from Phoebe now. If you change your gait, attitude, tone of speech, no one will recognize you.

Maribel said to Phoebe who still had a worried look on her face at Juliettas words. You dont have to worry about being seen in the house, even if you are a maid. So, dont be scared in advance and follow her.

Maribel thought Julietta was giving her useless sympathy when she said earlier that she would take Phoebe to the Kiellini mansion. She seemed to be sorry that she almost died because of her, but she saved her wandering around in her underwear on the street, so that was enough. But when she said she needed her own people, Maribel gave up her mind to oppose it. She knew Phoebe was a good-natured girl, so she would not do any harm if left by Juliettas side.

Thank you, thank you. Phoebe burst into tears and uttered words of appreciation. She would be grateful if she would not be kicked out of the dressing shop, but she even gave her a job as a maid of the Kiellini mansion. She had been indebted to Julietta for the grace to not able to repay for her lifetime.