# 8
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The Marchioness of Rigalo, with a round figure and a fierce figure, raising her eyebrows, entered the Imperial Palace accompanied by her son.
“My mother, do you know what that woman said to me? She said I was ugly... Ha... She was the one who cheated on me first and is looking for a reason to break off the engagement, so she comes up with ridiculous excuses like this!”
The only reason I agreed to engage my spoiled son with that notorious daughter of the Elmore family, is because the Elmore is a family that everyone fears and respects.
If my son can please the daughter of that family and move forward in his life, it's not a bad thing.
Above all, she is the only daughter, and will inherit all their wealth.
Incidentally, the Duke and Duchess of Ellemore have passed away.
Although I showed sadness at the funeral, I felt secret happiness when I thought that Filius would get a part of their fortune.
But suddenly the decision to break off the engagement came?
They even dared to publish an article defaming my son.
He's a man, he can date whoever he wants, so what's the problem with that?
All the newspapers were bribed, they couldn't even publish an article criticizing that woman, and this made me very angry.
“We salute His Highness the Great Emperor.”
The Marchioness Rigalo and her son Filius Rigalo bowed in greeting to the Emperor.
The Emperor is the half-brother of the previous Emperor, who brutally usurped the throne for his nephew.
The Emperor could not kill Prince Ethios due to Parliament's protection, but he considers him a thorn in his eye.
“And I want to tell His Highness a secret.”
The Marchioness Regalo was confident that the Emperor would welcome the news she brought.
“...Does His Highness know about a noble loyal to the Emperor who is conspiring with Ethios?”
The Emperor's lips moved under his mustache.
"Yes! Of course! Your Highness!"
“Catherine Elmore, daughter of the deceased Duke and Duchess of Elmore, is conspiring with Prince Ethios! They must be having an affair!”
Marchioness Rigalo spoke angrily, and the Emperor's eyebrow moved.
The recently deceased Duke of Elmore was the Emperor's right-hand man.
But his daughter is conspiring with Etheus?
Marquis Rigalo's eyes were shining as she watched the Emperor's reaction.
With the death of the Duke of Elmore, several nobles are looking to fill his place.
If I support Elmore's arrogant daughter, there is a high probability that my son will take his place.
After the publication of the article that defamed their son, the Marquis orders his son to remain in seclusion, but his wife opposes this.
“What is the evidence?”
“At the dance tonight, Catherine Ellemore is said to be preparing something to give to Etheus!”
Not only did the Marchioness trust her son's words, she also sent someone to collect information from Ellemore's servants who were unusually busy.
I heard that Catherine was preparing something to put in Prince Ethios' carriage.
“Hmm...”
The Emperor's eyes sparkled sharply.
“If what you say is true, I will reward you with an unforgettable reward.”
A hopeful smile appeared on Velius Rigalo's face.
“But if it is a lie, Filius Rigalo, you have to bear responsibility, even on behalf of your mother.”
Filius felt threatened, as if his neck was being strangled, but he pulled himf together.
Every great leap is not achieved easily.
***
The appearance of Ellemore's Thorny Rose, Anna Catherine Ellemore, caused a stir in the ballroom.
My pink hair was braided on one side, showing a refined beauty, and my beautiful dress, designed after several rejections, was more glamorous and beautiful than any other outfit.
But my rude nature is so famous, no one dares to approach me easily.
“...Heck!”
That girl, Miss Evelyn, avoided me as soon as our eyes met.
She dared to be defiant at my birthday party, but I shot her down with a foot stomp until her nose bled.
The shoulder of that young woman, who was the daughter of the Duke of Childen, trembled.
She had grabbed my hand while drunk and slapped it three times.
As for the one who was looking at me angrily among the girls gathered. …
When I met her gaze directly, I heard the voice of a palace servant.
“His Highness the Great Emperor is coming!”
Tension prevailed, and everyone's attention turned to the upper balcony.
Then the servants pulled down the silk curtains, and a middle-aged man with sharp features came out, walking steadily.
Everyone showed their respect to the Emperor.
The Emperor slowly descended into the banquet hall.
He is the current Emperor, Deuce von Clyde, half-brother of the previous Emperor and uncle of Etheus.
Born from a second wife, he had no right to the throne, but he usurped the throne of Etheus when he was five years old after his father's death.
'Evil man.'
The Emperor stopped and looked around.
Today is the fifteenth anniversary of his accession to the throne.
This occasion is celebrated with a big party.
“Thank you for coming to celebrate my 15th year on the throne, oh, and my nephew too.”
He turned his gaze to where you had entered.
Etheus was standing there, dressed simply in comparison to the imposing Emperor.
Behind him were two fierce soldiers.
The only reason for inviting Etheos is to remind him that there is no place for him here, and that everyone is with him, so he does not think about anything else.
And to all those present, to confirm that the humble prince does not deserve the throne, and that he is the true emperor.
Etheus stood with a cold face, staring at the Emperor silently.
My fist was clenched.
That emperor man, no matter how elegant he is, is still a pig wearing a pearl necklace.
As for Etheos, he is hundreds of times more elegant and beautiful than him.
Don't give up, Ethios!
“Anyway, enjoy the food, drink and celebration!”
“Long live His Highness the Emperor!”
I raised my wine glass in the air, but drank with a frown.
Here they are all supporters of the Emperor.
They put Etheus like a straw sack, this vile scoundrel.
Maybe Etheus sees me the same way.
I handed the cup to the servant and tried to retreat to the corner to breathe.
But the Emperor's voice in my ears caught me.
“Daughter of the Duke of Elmore.”
I felt a shiver run through my body.
I met Etheos' gaze again.
Those clear blue eyes under his frowning face were piercing me.
What does Etheus think now?
I ignored my desire not to look, and forced myf to turn away.
The Emperor approached me, and I attracted everyone's attention.
I put my hand on my chest and bowed to him in greeting.
". … beautiful."
Oh, when this man says that, I get goosebumps all over my body.
I tried to appear calm and answered politely.
“Thank you, Your Highness the Emperor.”
“By the way, this is the first time I've seen you since your parents' funeral.”
“...yes...”
Don't talk to me.
“...but, listen.”
The Emperor's finger approached my hair, grabbed a strand of it and wrapped it around his finger.
What is this crazy person doing?
With his pressure, the hair suddenly broke off.
“Before your father’s accident, you told me that there were important documents that you must hand over to me.”
His eyes were focused on my cut lock of hair.
My heart beat fast.
“The documents… you mean that?”
“Yes, it is top-class classified information related to the empire’s security, I definitely heard that.”
Whispers rose among the audience.
First degree means serious secrets related to treason or war.
“Since you are here today, I wanted to ask you.”
I knew what the Duke of Elmore intended to give the Emperor.
After the funeral, she inherited the keys to his office where the information he had gathered was stored.
“Do you hold a secret of the first order, daughter of the Duke of Elmore?”
The Emperor's sharp gaze was searching me.