# 57
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Empire scandals.
Edith stopped at this word from Ariana and sank into thought.
'Is it a trap?'
The story that the Empire shamelessly disposed of this woman was well known. But before that, Ariana Aberdeen was notorious for accepting extravagant gifts from the prince.
Isn't it strange for a woman like her to talk about the “scandals of the empire”?
Ariana quickly whispered to Edith, who was counting the steps.
“Miss Clark, I don't have much time.”
If she continued to appease Kenneth properly, she would naturally get Pepe.
Departure time was approaching.
“If you don’t accept my offer, I will ask someone else.”
"Or maybe I won't talk at all. But that would be a loss for me, too."
If that happens, Ariana will feel very bitter.
The moment the Empress mocked her, used the child's dress to mock her, and Andrew's repeated violent behavior would all be buried in darkness forever.
A tense silence passed while Edith thought.
Edith wondered what she might discover if she stayed here and gently pulled information from the Duchess.
“Ma’am, if that happens, it would be a great honor...but, have you told your husband?”
"No. That's something I haven't told anyone."
“Wouldn't it have enough influence if you told the Duke?”
Ariana smiled mysteriously.
It wasn't that she didn't try to talk about her horrific courtship.
But that period was a wound in her soul, and when faced with Kenneth's eyes filled with disgust, her tongue froze.
And now…
'Although he heard my position on the opera incident through Roger Engels. He didn't say anything about it.'
Basically, he doesn't trust her. He doesn't care what you say.
All he wants is the pleasure you provide. She couldn't reveal this pain in such a relationship.
“You can make a comfortable guess as to why, Miss Clarke.”
Edith fell into thought again.
When she saw the Duke and his wife on the cruise ship, she thought the rumors of their cold relationship were false.
Because the Duke's expression looked like that of a man in love and eager. So, she didn't understand the reason for Ariana's liberal attitude, but that was no more important than the opportunity that came to her.
“Yes, ma'am. I'll understand what you're saying.”
“…! Thanks, Miss Clarke!”
“You're welcome. But, ma'am.”
Edith whispered softly.
Since it had already been revealed, there was no need to remain silent.
She and the Duchess were equal players. Among the players, such questions should have been asked.
“How did you find out about my fake job?”
* * *
'Oh my God...'
Ariana sighed as she looked at the sea out the window.
After some confusion, she realizes that Edith misunderstood her.
'It's a miracle she wasn't caught by Kenneth here.'
Normally, the Clifford family would have carefully checked the identity of strangers, but at this time, Edith had not yet published articles under her name in “Protector.”
She was just helping veteran journalists or collecting information for basic work.
After an awkward silence, Edith tried to correct her mistake.
[Then, ma'am, we will handle what you have to say exclusively]
[Okay. But, should I reveal everything now?]
It seemed that Kenneth's servants would be back soon.
Or if the conversation goes on too long, they may report something suspicious.
[If it is difficult for you to speak, you can tell me little by little. I'm here on a business trip to cover your clothes!]
Looking back, it was a funny start, but things seemed to be going well. If I could inflict even a small wound on the empire before it left, that would be satisfactory.
'In my previous life, they mocked me to the end.'
Did they want her to shoot Kenneth, or did they imagine they would both commit suicide?
In either case, the Duke's family wealth would have passed to the Empire, to be used as war funds.
'In the end, even my death alone was a profitable deal.'
While the Duke's family was busy with funeral issues, they would pay whatever they wanted.
'I will not be removed like this.'
No matter what happens in the future, she will take revenge, even if just a little.
Shortly after Ariana was determined, Emily returned from a mission.
“Ma’am, I’m back!”
Since arriving here, Emily has become aware of the news thanks to her duties at the post office and elsewhere.
Who keeps ten dogs in his house, what noble palace constantly changes his servants out of stinginess, etc.
But the news this morning wasn't so bright.
“Madam, have you heard of Miss Rebecca of the Sanders family?”
"Rebecca Sanders...? Oh."
She remembered the name from the charity event. The girl who was going to get married soon.
“True, I heard about it. But why?”
“Well, you're supposed to get married tomorrow at the groom's mansion, but the place where the fire broke out was right there.”
“What the hell...!”
“Ah, fortunately, no one was hurt! But the garden and decorations were completely burned.”
Emily clicked her tongue with a sigh, and Ariana bit her lip with equal sadness.
In Cremisa, weddings were usually held in the newlyweds' larger palace, or if this was not possible, in the cathedral for rituals and vows.
“Then they will go to the Cathedral of Saint Colette.”
“But, madam, the cathedral is not spacious, and the groom’s relatives seem to be very numerous. Like farm rabbits.”
“Won't they have to postpone the day?”
“But they have already sent out invitations, and all the relatives have arrived.”
“Oh, right.”
It was a real disaster for the newlyweds.
They can excuse themves from guests from far away, but it will be a lifelong regret.
In the Cremisa Empire, they believed in the superstition that changing the wedding day would bring a lifetime of bad luck.
If any small problem or accident happens to the newlyweds in the future, people will always say, “I knew it,” referring to the wedding day.
'What a pity.'
Ariana felt sympathy that was not something external, and it stuck in her mind.
If there was a way to help...
“…ah”
Ariana made a faint sound of surprise.
Wouldn't the problem be solved if a suitable place was found?
* * *
Ariana expected that her proposal would not be accepted easily.
'It's renting out the place before the official opening, so some will be against it.'
But she didn't expect to have to speak in front of Kenneth, Theodora, and the other business members.
Upon hearing her suggestion, everyone tried to hold back their sarcastic laughter and shook their heads.
“This is a workplace, not a charity event, ma'am.”
“In the midst of preparing for the ceremony...”
Theodora smiled relieved.
“Ma’am, during the last field visit, we asked for your opinion, but this is… an overly altruistic proposal.”
Kenneth was the only one who didn't speak, but Ariana had already given up with an expressionless face.
'Anyway, my opinion is always lower than Theodora Byrne's.'
“…Isn’t it a good idea?”
But at Kenneth's affirmative answer, the air in the room stopped for a moment, and then startled voices were heard.
"What?"
“The Cheslin family, the groom of the Sanders family, is a respected family here, so assistance from the Duke Family Company is essential.”
Theodora looked confused, but she regained her composure and stammered.
“But, Sir Duke, if we do that, others will ask to use the place as a wedding hall. We can’t open it for free every time!”
“This time it will be a trial run with special benefits, and if appropriate, charge an hourly fee next time.”
Kenneth was polite to Theodora, but he spoke to her as “agent of the Byrne family,” which made his words seem even colder.
“Anyway, the problem of empty rooms was mentioned earlier, so this seems like a good solution.”
Ariana blinked her eyes stupidly at this situation.
'Does Kenneth support my opinion now?'
That can't happen.