What? Did I take away everything from you?

I was taken aback at her staring at me as if she thought I was absurd.

Who is yelling at who now? Do you think you can look at me like that?

You took away my family, my love, my honor and my status. You took everything from me.

Then, what did you say? Youve come back to win? Why, is it because you were not satisfied with your achievements? What ill-fated relationship did you have with me to do this to me?

Oh, youre comfortable speaking like that because you only lived until then.

What are you talking about?

Thats enough. You dont have to know.

She hysterically swept through her hair, while babbling about something I could not understand.

When I tried to say something, I felt that the wagon stopped.

After taking a deep breath, I looked out the window. The knights of my family who saw the crest of the Duke Jena family were staring at the wagon with a wary expression. Fortunately, the wagon arrived at my house.

Dont touch me again. This is my last warning!

After spitting out a cold warning, I got off the wagon.

After responding appropriately to the knights asking me worriedly, I returned to my room and chewed over what I talked with her. The more I thought about it, the more upset I was.

How can I kick her butt? Anyway, the mastermind of all this must be Duke Jena.

Calm down for now, Aristia.

I organized my thoughts after taking a deep breath several times. But no matter how hard I thought, there was only one way. Although I didnt want it, there was no other way than to rely on the power of the pro-emperor faction to get rid of Jiun and the noble faction. No matter how powerful my family was, it could not solve everything alone.

After agonizing for some time, I picked up my pen with a sigh. Then, I wrote down on the silver-colored letter.

I wrote another letter with the same contents, put it in a silver envelope, and stamped it with the family seal. After writing down the recipients name, I pulled the string. Shortly afterwards, Lina came in and said, Did you call me, my lady?

Yes. Can you send me these letters? The recipients are on the envelopes.

Okay. Do you need any more help?

Well, can you sit down for a second? I have something to ask.

When I spoke after agonizing for a moment, she sat down, tilting her head.

Whats the matter?

I wonder if any of our maids or servants here can find out whats going on in the Earl Dias family.

What? I dont think so. As you know, the Dias family is hostile to your family.

I sighed, looking at her shrugging dismissively. Although I expected her reaction, I felt jammed up inside when I confirmed it.

How can I secretly get the information about the Dias family?

Looking at me pressing my temper hard, she hesitantly asked, My lady, sorry for my presumptuous question, but why are you suddenly talking about the Dias family? Has anybody here contacted them?

Ugh? No, nothing like that.

Although I shook my head, she was still looking at me with anxious eyes. It seemed that she wondered if there was a betrayer among the servants or maids in connection with several recent accidents.

After agonizing a bit, I opened my mouth slowly. Anyway, I needed her help, and I didnt want to tell her the whole story, so I felt it wouldnt be a big problem if I explained to her a bit.

Well, actually, I want to know what Countess Dias is doing these days. As you, the best source of such information can come from those serving her.

Oh, is that what you want?

Feeling greatly relieved to hear me, she said, as if she hit upon a good idea, I think I can find out some way to do so.

Really? How?

Although I dont know the maids of the Dias family directly, I think I can get the news about her indirectly. For example, I can use the clerk working at the grocery store that they need food urgently, or the store their maids usually go to By the way, I have to do it secretly, right?

Yes, thats right.

Got it. What should I do? I dont know if its possible, but shall I check it out?

Can you do that? But you should never let the name of my family be leaked.

Sure, please leave it to me.

I smiled at Lina, who was pounding her chest as if she was confident. Even though she seemed frivolous, she carried out any assignment I gave her, so I didnt have to worry about. But I strongly asked her to keep it secret once more. I smiled rightly at her quickly getting out of the room.

As the dice was already thrown, I would have to wait and see what I could get.

The next day I was reviewing the action plan about my coming-of-age ceremony after seeing off my father who went to the Imperial Palace every day recently, when somebody knocked on the door.

You have a guest, my lady.

Guest, who?

He is Duke Verita.

Really? Is he here to see my father or me?

He said he wants to see you. And I have got a letter from the Duke Lars family.

AhOkay, got it.

I opened my eyes wide. I thought my proposal would be attractive to him, but I didnt expect he would send me such a quick reply.

While I was going down to the reception room, I first opened Duke Larss letter.

When I opened the red-colored letter with the sword and rose inscribed on it, his neat handwriting caught my eye.

The direction of my sword has been set already?

I giggled at that. This kind of description represented his personality well. Anyway I succeeded in bringing the Lars family into our fold. My next goal was the Duke Verita family.

Folding the red-colored letter, I headed for the reception room. The man with green hair sitting on a cream-colored sofa said with a smile, Its been a while, Lady Monique. How are you?

Oh, Im fine.

I have received your letter. It looks like you were very much upset with me.

I wont tell you long, but hope you can remember one thing. Either Arkint or I prioritized the interests of our faction. If we had been preoccupied with our own interests, we would have installed you as the empress under any circumstances, Duke Verita said, putting down the teacup. Okay, did you say you wanted my help?

Thats right.

Okay. I would like to make the most of your proposal. Ill give you whatever information you want, so try to make an excellent sword to cut the black rose at one go.

Only

Thank you, Duke Verita.

Well, its me who has to thank you. Even though you have earned a great cause, the price you have paid is too high. But dont take it too hard. Nothing is certain for now.

When I expressed gratitude to him who was looking at me pitiably, he said with a nod, First, let me dig into their possible tax evasion or smuggling of some major families. How about it?

Good. Actually, I have already done some investigation, but I think I can expect more quality information with the intelligence capabilities of the Verita family.

Huh, I was a little surprised to hear that your father gave you the whole authority of your family, but Im amazed by your shrewdness. I now know why he has shown me big confidence in you. Even if it takes a little time, lets make sure that we get rid of the Jena faction this time.

Thank you, Duke Verita.

I thanked him once again and saw him off at the porch, who said he wanted to leave.

When I thought I would be quite busy in the days ahead, I sighed in spite of myself, but I had to knock myself out to get the most from now on, as I had the strong support of the two dukes.