My fingers tapped the table, a habit they’d grown familiar with. The room fell silent, waiting for me to gather my thoughts.
“Who benefits most if His Highness falls?”
“With the First Prince gone, no other prince stands out prominently.”
The First Consort and First Prince never tolerated threats to their power, ruthlessly eliminating anyone who approached the throne. Sys was the only one they couldn’t crush.
The remaining princes, including the alchemy-obsessed Second Prince, lived far from the imperial succession, half by choice, half by force.
Could one of them have been biding their time, waiting for an opportunity?
It wasn’t impossible that someone had feigned disinterest, deceiving everyone.
But claiming the throne required power—money or influence. Gathering such strength under the emperor and First Consort’s watchful eyes wouldn’t have been easy.
If not internal, then an external force?
“What’s the situation with neighboring kingdoms?”
“Canaan Kingdom, implicated in the First Prince’s death, has halted all diplomatic and military activities to avoid the empire’s scrutiny. Other nations are similarly cautious, wary of being dragged into this mess.”
“No suspicious countries, then?”
“Not at the moment.”
Power grabs or wars required vast funds. Trading companies like Pison were attuned to money flows. Anyone orchestrating this would need significant resources and activity, which Pison would’ve detected.
So, no foreign involvement.
If not a nation, the culprit was an individual. Few had the power to pull this off. Narrowing down the possibilities left only a handful of names.
“What about the Duke of Daysha’s movements?”
“Unlike before, when he stayed confined to the palace, he’s been more active since Lady Daysha’s social debut. He attends invited parties with her and meets visitors at the palace.”
“Anything unusual?”
“He’s mostly meeting with the noble faction, but it’s less him seeking them out and more them approaching him.”
“So, he’s just responding to their requests?”
“Yes.”
His actions weren’t inherently suspicious. Yet my instincts kept warning me about him.
“Have you traced his finances?”
“My apologies. We haven’t uncovered anything yet,” Jenan said, bowing.
Even when Daysha was in the west, we couldn’t track his funds. It wasn’t surprising, but with his financial power now evident, I needed more information.
“Keep watching. Something will turn up. He’s in the capital, but don’t neglect the west.”
“We’ll stay vigilant, my lady.”
The West’s insularity limited even Pison’s intelligence-gathering. Daysha’s presence in the capital didn’t change that.
We needed someone who knew the West well.
Marquis Retan might know something…
House Retan, rooted in the west for generations, guarded against Inayari’s incursions. He likely knew something about Daysha.
“I know I’m asking a lot. It’s tough, but please keep at it.”
I hated facing an invisible enemy. I’d use every resource available.
“Congratulations on your marriage, Lady Asteia.”
“Truly, congratulations. May you be happy.”
“Thank you.”
Levina smiled shyly at the flood of well-wishes.
“Congratulations, Marquis Retan.”
“You’ve gained a beautiful bride. Congratulations.”
Retan pulled Levina close, nodding. His blatant affection drew envious squeals from the women.
“Heh, youth is a fine thing,” an elderly noble chuckled.
Levina’s cheeks flushed. In her pure white dress, smiling bashfully beside Retan, she was undeniably a radiant bride. Her unshadowed smile showed she was cherished.
No wonder Madame Miela boasted about this dress as a masterpiece.
I smirked, recalling Miela’s fervor, claiming she’d pour her soul into my wedding dress.
Confident in winning Levina’s heart, Retan moved swiftly, skipping an engagement ceremony for a bold, immediate wedding.
Noble marriages were often alliances between houses. His rapid pace, like lovers eloping, sent the social circle into a frenzy.
It was better than abduction, though no one knew that part.
“Congratulations, Levina.”
“Beeonne!”
Her face lit up with joy. She rushed over, grabbing my hands.
“I’m so glad you came!”
“It’s your wedding—I had to come celebrate in person.”
“Thank you so much.”
She hugged me tightly. Behind her, Retan met my gaze.
“…”
He nodded slightly, and I returned the gesture.
“The star of the day shouldn’t linger with one guest too long.”
I gently pried her off. She stepped back reluctantly, her face full of regret.
“You’ll stay until the reception ends, right?”
“Of course.”
She smiled brightly at my nod, reassured.
“I’ll come back after greetings. Wait for me!”
She glanced back repeatedly as she returned to Retan’s side.
A crowd of nobles swarmed them, offering congratulations. They’d be too busy to notice me for a while.
“Marquis Retan and Lady Asteia—an unexpected pair.”
“It’s been a while, Countess Rustin.”
Countess Rustin approached, fanning herself elegantly.
“Your work?”
“Not quite. I just added a touch to a fated connection.”
She gave a faint smile.
“You’re painting a bigger picture than I imagined.”
She waved her fan, covering her mouth. With everyone focused on the newlyweds, no one paid us mind.
“No matter what you think, her matter was a coincidence.”
“Coincidences can be fate.”
Her gaze drifted to Retan and Levina.
“Anyone with sharp eyes and ears would’ve noticed your involvement.”
I hadn’t tried to hide it. As she said, anyone with decent intelligence would’ve caught my meeting with Retan.
“I don’t care.”
Surprise flickered across her face.
“Plenty of eyes are on me already. Hiding only fuels suspicion. Better to show everything openly.”
And it’s easier to provoke whoever’s lurking.
Through the crowd, I spotted Duke Daysha and Irene, surrounded by nobles like ants to honey.
“Duke Daysha,” Countess Rustin noted, her eyes gleaming.
“I heard Countess Beguns is cozying up to Lady Daysha. Seems it’s true.”
After Pison ended their contract, the cash-strapped Count Beguns had apparently aligned with Daysha.
Countess Beguns and other noblewomen hovered around Irene, fawning. Irene, in high spirits, let out a ringing laugh.
“Tch, what a waste of effort.”
Countess Rustin clicked her tongue, fanning irritably, her face tinged with annoyance.
“Have you met Lady Daysha?”
“She asked me to be her etiquette tutor.”
