Yulian, ignoring the emperor’s sharp tone, spoke calmly.
“I only know it’s Your Majesty’s most precious treasure.”
“Yulian! Don’t think I’ll tolerate your recklessness forever.”
Zahidra snapped, seeing Yulian’s playful smile. He assumed Yulian was toying with the Montblanc Club’s secret, balancing between temple and throne.
Yulian waved off the misunderstanding.
“There seems to be a misunderstanding. As I said, I’m here to stand by you. I wouldn’t repay your kindness with betrayal.”
“You consider my kindness as such?”
“Of course. Why else would I bring such a strong card?”
“A strong card?”
“How long will you stay in the shadows? It’s time to step into the light.”
Zahidra’s furrowed brow softened at Yulian’s confidence. He gestured for him to continue.
“The painter Barinika I mentioned—he’s the one to commission through Count Devonshire.”
“What?”
“The painting will be unveiled anonymously. It’ll expose the temple’s sins.”
“Are you sane? Barinika’s famed for Defria’s holy art, backed by the temple, creator of their grand ceiling fresco!”
“The pope recently took a fifth wife, thirty years his junior.”
“I’ve seen enough of his vile acts to be numb.”
“She was Barinika’s fiancée.”
Zahidra froze, lemonade glass in hand, ice clinking as his eyes widened.
Yulian smirked.
“The pope fell for her when she visited Barinika. Her father, a devout Defria follower, saw it as an honor. No wedding ceremony, I hear.”
Zahidra rubbed his forehead, chuckling bitterly.
“Crazier than I thought. That man’s the pope?”
“It’s not against Defria’s doctrine, so no issue. Not a formal marriage, so no wife-stealing. The father likely fabricated her consent, and the pope ensured any objections were dismissed. Barinika, robbed of his fiancée, will eagerly accept the commission for revenge. If he wants, we could even return her to him.”
“Excellent. What’s the plan with the painting?”
“Sowing seeds.”
“Seeds?”
“Of doubt. Barinika’s work will vividly depict the pope and priests’ misdeeds. The temple will try to destroy it, but Barinika’s the empire’s greatest artist. His fame ensures collectors will covet it. We’ll spread copies nationwide.”
“Hmm…”
“From dukes to tenant farmers, his art will be secretly cherished. Its beauty will make it desirable, subtly embedding the temple’s true face in people’s minds. A grand opening, don’t you think?”
Zahidra stroked his chin silently, a satisfied smile spreading.
He asked, masking his pleasure, “Why Devonshire? You could handle it more reliably.”
At Zeppelin’s name, Yulian stirred his tea with a teaspoon, visibly irritated.
“It’s well-known the count’s an art connoisseur. And…”
“And?”
Yulian paused, the swirling tea slowing. He popped an ice cube into his mouth, crunching it.
“It’ll show whose side he’s on. Only you, me, and Devonshire will know the details. If it fails…”
“One of us betrayed it.”
Zahidra’s eyes narrowed. Yulian was hitting all the right spots today.
The Devonshire family had been loyal since Zahidra’s crown prince days. Jakim Devonshire was key to his ascension.
But Zeppelin’s different…
Zeppelin seemed to follow his father’s path, but Zahidra didn’t fully trust him. He’d dodged imperial orders cleverly before.
Zahidra wouldn’t be surprised if Zeppelin turned on him.
Had Yulian read his concerns?
No, there was more to Yulian’s motives.
Despite Zahidra’s favors, Yulian had been indifferent to imperial power until now. His sudden interest had another reason.
Targeting Devonshire, too.
Zahidra thought of Rebecca Devonshire.
Her beauty could captivate any man, her character decent despite her frailty.
When she came of age, a foreign prince crossed the sea to court her, making that social season chaotic.
But why now? Yulian and Rebecca weren’t strangers.
With Yulian’s bold nature, if he’d been interested, something would’ve happened already.
Something definitely sparked at the victory banquet.
Zahidra’s rise from third prince to emperor wasn’t luck. He knew which cards to play or discard, read desires, waited patiently, and cut off the useless ruthlessly.
His kindly smile hid a piercing gaze.
That gaze now dissected Yulian.
Yulian welcomed it.
Imagine all you want. Just hand me what I desire.
Their goal—toppling the temple—was aligned. Even with different motives, Zahidra was a perfect ally.
And he’d solidify Rebecca’s standing as a future duchess.
Yulian smiled.
“As if that’d happen. It’s just a hypothetical. Devonshire’s loyal. Barinika’s secret studio is ready, thanks to you. All that’s left is Devonshire to oversee.”
“I summoned him to the palace today. Briefed him already.”
“Good. Let’s discuss again when the painting’s done. Oh, I have a gift.”
“A gift from you? What?”
“Croa.”
Yulian called loudly.
Croa entered with a thick black book, which Yulian handed to Zahidra.
“The temple’s ledger of sins, collected since I was young. Enjoy.”
Joy lit Zahidra’s face.
His scales tipped heavily.
…
“No turning back now. You sure?”
In the moving carriage, Croa asked cautiously.
Yulian stared out the window.
“It was inevitable. I don’t know why I delayed.”
Croa didn’t press, noting his cold expression.
Silence settled in the spacious carriage.
Spotting the city gate, Yulian spoke.
“Is that Irensia?”
“Yes, past the gate is Devonshire’s territory.”
“Too beautiful for that man to rule.”
Yulian gazed at the colorful buildings.
The crowded streets slowed the carriage.
A lively market peeked through an alley.
Curious, Yulian redirected.
“Let’s head to the market. I’m hungry.”
Croa blinked, puzzled.
Yulian had eaten sandwiches and half a cake at the palace.
Hungry?
Second puberty?
Croa relayed the order to the driver, confused.
Yulian nodded, gazing out.
*Rebecca grew up eating market food. I’ll find it and tell the chef.*
Imagining her joy lifted his mood.
He smiled, soaking in Irensia’s vibrant market.
His eyes caught a familiar figure.
A tall woman in a deep bonnet.
“Re… becca?”
…
“Take care, then.”
“Mom, make lots of money!”
Margaret smiled at Jack’s cheerful send-off from Gloria’s arms.
The room buzzed with orphanage children chattering like chicks.
Liberta Sanctuary housed many single parents.
Gloria cared for their kids nearly for free while they worked.
That’s why Margaret couldn’t leave, despite knowing it belonged to Count Devonshire.
