Chapter 30

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 13-2

Chapter Title: Whispers of Conspiracy

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***

Leona kept talking tirelessly to delight Odel's ears.

There were plenty of amusing anecdotes from the minor troubles and disturbances that had cropped up during the long journey.

She skipped any talk of battles or wars, or her own kidnapping, sticking mainly to stories about the weather and landscapes in other regions, the differences in temperament between units, and the unusual foods they'd eaten on the march.

Odel, who had spent so many years cooped up in the Imperial Palace, showed keen interest in tales from beyond its walls.

She was especially thrilled, as if it had happened to her, by Leona's account of galloping across the plains on horseback.

"I used to ride quite well in my younger days."

Odel murmured wistfully, lost in memories of long ago.

Leona jumped in surprise.

"Really? Lady Odel?"

In the few hours they'd spent together, their rapport had grown enough for Leona to address her more familiarly.

"Of course. I even had a horse of my own. My father ended up selling it when times got hard for the family... but my riding skills were a match for any man's."

"That's impressive. I struggled just to climb onto a horse. You can't imagine how much Captain Casey teased me for it."

"Ho ho... is that so."

As the two women blossomed into lively conversation, a sudden knock echoed through the room.

Odel gave permission to enter, and Bess—Odel's attendant maid—stepped inside.

"Lady Odel, Ember says she can't attend to your evening ablutions personally tonight because of the banquet. She's sent someone else in her place."

"I told her to skip it today, but that girl..."

Odel clicked her tongue lightly, then instructed Bess to let the girl in.

Bess opened the door, and a young maid entered to bow before Odel.

"Supreme Maid Chief, Lady Ember instructed this humble maid to attend to your evening bath."

"Ember's so stubborn—it's a handful. I told her to focus on serving His Majesty, but she keeps dividing her attention for this old woman."

"Would Ember let her mind wander? She's meticulous about her duties. She's just showing her utmost sincerity to you. Isn't it all because of her deep filial piety?"

At Bess's mention of "filial piety," Odel's expression softened a touch.

"Lady Odel, it's late. Time for you to rest."

"Already?"

Odel glanced out the window and turned to Leona.

"I've kept you here too long. You must be tired from traveling back today. I was thoughtless."

"Not at all, Lady Odel."

"Off to your room and get some rest. How many days off did you get, by the way? You're free starting tomorrow, right?"

Odel asked about her holiday, already scheming to summon Leona again the next day.

"No, ma'am. I start duties again tomorrow morning."

"What? Didn't Cindy give you time off?"

"She did. But His Highness didn't approve it."

"Why not...?"

Leona rose from her seat and replied politely.

"It's my own failing. On the way back, I didn't read His Highness's mood properly and earned his displeasure. Fortunately, he didn't punish me harshly—just revoked my holiday."

Odel stared at Leona for a moment, then nodded slowly.

"Good that it was no worse. Serve His Highness with all your heart from now on."

"I will, ma'am."

"You may go."

"I'll take my leave, then. Call for me again anytime, Lady Odel."

Leona bowed and left Odel's bedroom.

Stepping out of the Maid's Quarters building, she paused in the front courtyard.

"Ember, the Maid Chief..."

Leona gazed toward Anu Palace.

Ember was the head maid of the Servant Oversight Department and, alongside Gilabo, one of the Emperor's closest confidants.

She also shared a deep bond with Odel.

Odel cherished her so much that she had adopted her as a foster daughter long ago.

Though Odel was said to hold the highest power in the palace's inner court, in truth, Ember wielded the real influence.

Leona turned toward the direction of the rear palace residences.

Biota would soon move to seize control of the inner court.

To claim the inner court, the first person Biota had to topple was Odel.

"It won't be that easy this time."

Leona declared softly to herself.

Early the next morning, Leona headed to the Crown Prince's bedroom with Miranda.

The banquet had run late the night before, so the Crown Prince had no morning schedule.

Leona and Miranda relieved the close attendant maids who had pulled night duty and took up positions in the corridor outside the bedroom.

The Crown Prince had yet to cough—the signal to begin the day—so everyone in the hall kept silent vigil at their posts.

Moments later, Ellie hurried over.

Confirming the bedroom door was still shut, she stood beside Leona.

She reached out sideways and gripped Leona's hand tightly.

Leona smiled at her and dipped her head slightly.

"Lady Ellie."

"Welcome back. You look healthy—I'm relieved."

"You look well too, Lady Ellie."

Leona squeezed back firmly.

Perhaps because her tormenting chief maid supervisor was gone, Ellie had put on some color in her cheeks and even grown a bit taller in Leona's absence.

Seeing the lively spark in Ellie's face lifted Leona's spirits too.

"Lady Cindy treats you well?"

"Of course. She's a good person."

Their hushed whispers echoed lightly in the quiet corridor.

"His Highness is coughing late today. Did he stay long at the banquet last night?"

"No, he slipped out midway... but..."

Ellie leaned in closer, whispering directly into Leona's ear.

"Things blew up after he returned to the palace."

"Why?"

"At the banquet, His Majesty announced His Highness's Crown Princess Consort candidate without asking his opinion. It was all one-sided."

"Ah..."

"He could've at least mentioned it beforehand. His Highness must have been shocked. Soon as he got back from the banquet, he summoned Gerard. Gerard was running around all night on His Highness's orders... even Cindy got dragged out of bed... it was chaos."

"I see..."

Leona nodded slowly.

She knew from her past life that the Crown Prince had not welcomed this marriage.

"Do you know who the candidate is?"

Leona gave a wry smile and tilted her head.

"No idea."

"The Prime Minister's daughter. Surprised?"

"Oh."

Leona feigned wide-eyed shock to play along.

"I was too. His Majesty has long distrusted the Prime Minister's faction. Who'd think he'd bring his daughter into the imperial family? Our Attendant's Quarters didn't see it coming either. Gerard and Cindy were floored when it was announced. Last night, His Highness called them in and grilled them on why the Prime Minister's daughter was picked—they had no answers."

"That's..."

Leona knew the reason.

Suddenly, she wondered why His Highness hadn't sought her out.

He could've gotten the answer he wanted easily from her.

"Still no word on the reason?"

"Nope. The Attendant's Quarters is gathering intel, so we'll know soon. Anyway, I don't think His Majesty's decision is bad. His Highness should marry soon."

"Yes. Quite right."

Leona bowed her head and fiddled with her fingers.

For some reason, her fingertips felt cold.

Ellie was about to change the subject when the summons bell rang from the bedroom.

Leona and Ellie straightened up, ending their chat.

The close attendant servants entered first, followed shortly by Leona and Miranda.

The Crown Prince was washing his face with their assistance.

Leona prepared a glass of cool water and brought it to him.

As he finished washing and reached for the glass, he paused.

For a split second, their eyes met.

It felt like ages since Leona had faced the Crown Prince directly.

In truth, it was the first time their gazes had locked since leaving the border fortress.

Was His Highness's face always like this?

A strange unfamiliarity washed over Leona as she studied his features.

"Ahem."

Miranda cleared her throat softly.

Only then did Leona realize her blunder and quickly averted her eyes.

The Crown Prince drank silently and handed the glass back to her.

As he changed clothes, Ellie entered to report his daily schedule.

With national council meetings on hold until after the New Year's festival, his agenda was light.

But he had much to memorize in advance for the New Year's ceremony two days away.

As Crown Prince, he would stand in for the Emperor at many rituals, so he needed to master every procedure.

Listening to Ellie's report, Kamin let out a deep sigh.

"Enough. Just hearing it drains me. One rehearsal per rite is plenty—cut all the repeats."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Has Gerard finished what I assigned?"

"Well... not yet."

Kamin clicked his tongue, and Ellie shrank back, shoulders hunching.

"No morning training during the New Year's festival, so inform Captain Glenn. And bring the ledgers from the Crown Prince Palace vault and the list of war casualties to my office this afternoon."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Kamin waved her out, and Ellie bolted from the room.

He sat at the table.

A simple breakfast was soon brought in.

As Kamin was about to eat, he suddenly asked Leona,

"Did you feed Nacha?"

"Pardon?"

Leona glanced around, hesitating.

One of the close attendant servants answered instead.

"We've arranged someone specifically to tend Your Highness's horse. He'll see to Nacha properly."

Ignoring it, Kamin told Leona,

"Don't attend my mornings. Feed Nacha instead. Until I say otherwise, work only from noon to evening."

Leona snapped out of her daze and bowed hastily.

"Yes... thank you, Your Highness."

"Mm. Go."

"Today..."

"Tend to Nacha and return at noon."

Kamin commanded firmly.

Leona bit her lower lip briefly before speaking.

"Your Highness, before I go, may I say something?"

Kamin pondered a moment, then dismissed the others.

"What is it?"

He asked indifferently, tearing into a piece of bread.

Leona took a step closer.

"Your Highness, I heard your Crown Princess Consort candidate was announced last night."

Kamin paused, then tossed the bread onto his plate.

He laced his fingers and leaned back in his chair.

"And?"

Leona glanced at him cautiously.

His expression was icy.

"I heard you were wondering why the Prime Minister's daughter was chosen. I know the reason..."

"You would. You've lived it already."

Kamin shot back sarcastically.

"So you're here to explain it to me?"

"...Yes."

"No need."

"Pardon?"

"No need, I said."

Kamin fixed Leona with a somber gaze.

"I won't ask you about your past life anymore. That was your past life. Whatever happened then has nothing to do with me now. The 'Crown Prince' you knew isn't me. And likewise..."

Kamin rose and strode toward her.

"I don't know the you from your past life. All I know is the Leona standing before me right now. Just you."

"Your Highness..."

"I don't care what that past-life Crown Prince thought or did. Things will be different this time. Don't assume I'll be like him."

"What do you mean?"

"It means the choice he made—ignorant of you—won't be mine, with you by my side. Your past-life knowledge is useless to me. I'm not curious."

"I... don't understand your intentions."

As Leona looked perplexed, Kamin chuckled and patted her head.

"Didn't you say you'd protect me for your own sake? Focus on that. Do your job well. That Biota woman yesterday was no ordinary foe. I'm worried if you can shield me from her."

"Don't worry. I'm no pushover. She won't lay a finger on you."

"I'll hold you to that."

Kamin encouraged her with a gentle smile.

That evening, after dinner, Kamin stopped by his office.

Gerard, waiting inside, handed him a document.

As Kamin reviewed it, Gerard provided details.

"These are the main agenda items for the first national council after New Year's. Check the top one."

Kamin twisted his lips in a sneer.

"Raising the budget for the Imperial Tomb construction..."

"A proposal from the Prime Minister's side. His Majesty's tomb is under construction, but he's often voiced dissatisfaction with its scale. However, imperial law caps the funding, limiting its size."

Kamin flung the document onto the desk.

"The Prime Minister found bait to tempt Father."

"If it passes, His Majesty can expand it as he wishes. I'd wager this proposal helped push his daughter as your Crown Princess Consort candidate."

Finishing, Gerard gathered and sorted the scattered papers.

Kamin stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Gerard hesitated, then reported in a low voice.

"Unconfirmed rumor, but... His Majesty wants to place treasures from the Chamber of Sovereigns in your tomb."

"What?"

Kamin's eyes widened.

"Everything in there?"

"Unclear. But he has a strong attachment to the White Sword and hopes to bury it with you in your coffin. Word from Anu Palace."

"Hah, he's lost it. Senile?"

"Your Highness."

Gerard flinched and checked the windows and door.

Kamin was too stunned for words.

He paced the room in large strides.

Gerard stood aside, waiting for him to calm.

When Kamin stopped, Gerard offered his view.

"Even if true, it's unrealistic. The White Sword can't belong to His Majesty—it's a symbol of imperial legitimacy. An heirloom to pass with the throne. The Prime Minister and Six Departments would oppose it."

"Obviously. He'd expect that much. So probably..."

Kamin fell silent.

Pacing slowly to organize his thoughts, he praised Gerard and sent him out.

Then he opened the window and called for Jahankun.

Sharing the new intel, Jahankun grew grave.

"If so, the Emperor has no intention of handing over the Chamber of Sovereigns properly."

"Greedy old fool—wants to cherry-pick the best and leave me the scraps."

"Will he take Yora's Necklace to his tomb too?"

"Doubt it. Useless to anyone but a shaman. Of the guardians' legacies, only the White Sword matters to him. He won't care about ancient legends or secret imperial records. He'll strip the gold and jewels with the sword before handing it over."

Kamin scoffed.

Jahankun asked,

"So... what now? Marry the Prime Minister's daughter and inherit the chamber as is?"

Kamin shot him a look, then muttered self-mockingly.

"The old me... would've taken the easy path."

He raked a hand through his hair in irritation.

He could guess what his past-life self had chosen in Leona's similar scenario.

Probably married as the Emperor and Prime Minister wanted, claimed the chamber, snatched Yora's Necklace, and bolted from the palace.

Deposed and exiled? He'd have gone along willingly to escape.

Kamin sighed heavily.

If he could, he'd erase that past-life Crown Prince from Leona's mind.

For some reason, since hearing of the consort selection, that "Crown Prince" felt like his own flaw.

"I'm not marrying the Prime Minister's daughter."

He declared.

"Then what?"

"Don't worry. I keep promises. I'll get Yora's Necklace out some other way."

"The Chamber is sealed by sorcery. Without the Emperor's direct handover, you can't access it."

"I know. But do I really need the full handover?"

"Pardon?"

"Just slip in, grab Yora's Necklace, and leave."

Jahankun furrowed his brow in thought.

"...Feasible. But even a brief visit requires his permission."

"He doesn't know my true goal. Thinks I want the chamber itself. I'll bide my time, bargain for a 'look'—and pocket the necklace then."

"But the theft would be noticed immediately."

To Jahankun's objection, Kamin grinned slyly.

"You mentioned he wants the White Sword in his coffin. Think that's possible?"

Caught off-guard by the shift, Jahankun didn't reply.

Kamin continued.

"Officially, no. But that greedy bastard won't quit easily. He'll do it unofficially."

"Unofficially...?"

"Obvious. Swap for a fake."

Jahankun's jaw dropped.

Kamin chuckled lowly.

"Contact Edmond—have him scour the capital's forges. There'll be one quietly making a White Sword replica. One more thing."

He gripped Jahankun's shoulder.

"Scout a skilled artisan for a Yora's Necklace fake. You draw the specs from memory."

Grasping the plan, Jahankun nodded slowly.

After reporting to the Crown Prince, Gerard headed to the annex housing the Chief Servant Supervisor's office.

Walking slowly alone, he brooded.

As the Crown Prince's chief attendant, it was his failing not to foresee this crisis.

He should have monitored palace shifts closely while His Highness was at war.

He hadn't noticed the Prime Minister currying imperial favor, nor anticipated the consort announcement.

Above all, this drove home a bitter truth.

His Majesty felt no paternal affection for the current Crown Prince.

Deciding the consort without consultation, using the marriage for his own gain—it was clear.

The Crown Prince was the sole heir, but his long absence had left him without strong backing.

His war victories had boosted public support, but true power lay with the Emperor. Without it bestowed, the Crown Prince was powerless.

Gerard recalled His Majesty's recent vigor.

Since taking a new concubine, he'd seemed rejuvenated, brimming with energy.

From the situation, the Emperor had no intention of yielding power easily.

It might take years for the Crown Prince to claim the throne.

And those years would be a lonely, grueling battle.

As Chief Servant Supervisor of the Crown Prince Palace, Gerard wondered what he could do.

"Chief Servant Supervisor."

Someone called as he approached the annex.

Snapping from his thoughts, Gerard eyed the figure ahead curiously.

It was Leona.

He immediately realized she'd been waiting to see him.

"What is it?"

Leona glanced around before saying,

"Could you spare a moment?"

"...Follow me."

Gerard led her to the secluded rear garden of the annex.

"Speak."

He kept a stern face to brook no delay.

Most who sought him privately wanted favors.

"I have a request for you, Chief Servant Supervisor."

As expected.

Gerard tsked inwardly.

He'd thought well of Leona's character, so this disappointed him.

Normally he'd refuse outright, but given her merits following His Highness to war, he'd at least hear her out.

"What?"

"Please... keep a close eye on the Servant Oversight Department's Servant Chief."

"What? You mean Lord Gilabo?"

"Yes."

Gerard doubted his ears.

The request was unexpected, and voicing it so boldly was presumptuous.

"Hah... you want me to spy on Lord Gilabo? You..."

As he began to scold, Leona sighed loudly and abruptly changed tack.

"I heard there was a major announcement about His Highness at the banquet."

Gerard flinched.

"But our Attendant's Quarters had no inkling or backstory."

"That's... my failing..."

"It's not your ability, Chief Servant Supervisor. No one could know without shadowing His Majesty's every move."

Leona murmured worriedly.

"His Highness was deeply hurt. How could he not be? He returned victorious, expecting a stronger position here... only to realize yesterday his foothold is still precarious."

"Did His Highness... say that?"

"Yes."

Gerard's heart grew heavy; he bowed his head.

Leona drew closer.

"So I thought: to prevent repeats, our Attendant's Quarters should watch His Majesty's movements."

"But..."

"I know it's daunting. Impossible without being a top Servant Oversight figure. But monitoring Lord Gilabo? That's doable for you, isn't it, Chief Attendant Supervisor?"

"Well... yes."

"He's practically the Emperor's right hand. Watch him closely, and you'll glean His Majesty's intents. We can avert another yesterday."

Gerard saw the logic.

"I know it's a big ask. But for His Highness... please."

Leona pleaded earnestly.

Sensing her loyalty, Gerard softened.

"Your devotion to His Highness runs deep."

"Chief Servant Supervisor."

"Gerard is fine."

"...Yes. Gerard."

"I see your loyalty. I agree—it's not a bad idea. I'll make the effort, as you suggest."

"Thank you, Gerard."

After sending Leona off, Gerard immediately set about cultivating sources in the Servant Oversight Department.

With Gerard's assent, Leona was satisfied.

It was a small step, but it established surveillance on Gilabo.

Two weeks since Biota entered the palace, she'd be aggressively recruiting key figures now.

In her past life, Biota had focused hardest on the Servant Oversight Servant Chief, Gilabo.

As the Emperor's innermost confidant, it made sense.

Capturing Gilabo was tantamount to controlling Anu Palace.

In her past life, Gilabo had sided with Biota.

He likely would again.

Leona lacked the power or means to stop it.

She knew him too well.

A sycophantic schemer who loved wealth above all.

Greedy as he was, he'd take Biota's hand.

Sooner or later, Gilabo would fall to her.

All Leona wanted now was for Gerard to notice—and grow wary of Biota.

For a start, that was enough.