Chapter 34

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 14-3

Chapter Title: Shadows of Doubt and Schemes

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Deep into the night, Leona slipped out of her quarters in secret.

She walked along the walls encircling the Crown Prince Palace, stopping at the most remote corner where no human foot had ever trod.

Her fingers slowly traced the base of the wall.

There was a spot on the wall's surface, about the size of a palm, that felt distinctly different in texture.

Its edges were etched with a thin groove.

Leona slipped her fingernail into the groove and gently pulled the section outward.

A cylindrical stone dislodged from the wall, creating a small hole in the barrier.

Inside the hole was a piece of paper folded in multiple layers.

Leona pulled out the paper and held it up to the moonlight.

The paper was folded in a complex sequence, requiring considerable skill to unfold.

This folding technique had been taught to her by Biota, and it was used by the spies she commanded.

However, the spies knew only how to fold the paper, not how to unfold it.

Unfolding it required a different skill altogether.

And only Biota and Leona knew this method.

If someone ignorant of the technique tried to open it, the paper would inevitably tear.

Thus, it was impossible for an outsider to tamper with or swap the contents.

Leona deftly unfolded the paper and read its contents by moonlight.

The paper listed the guests who had visited the Crown Prince that day, along with brief notes on their conversation topics.

After quickly scanning it with her eyes, Leona refolded the paper.

With precise skill, she swiftly restored it to its original state, placed it back in the hole, and sealed the wall as before.

This paper inside would likely be transported to Moran Palace by another spy tomorrow.

Leona brushed the dirt from her hands and left the spot.

As she returned to her room, she let out a heavy sigh.

The movements of Biota's spies were all under Leona's control, so there were no immediate major issues.

Her current worry was Odel, confined to her sickbed.

Even today, Ember had pleaded with Leona.

She wanted to step down from her position temporarily.

Ember wished to take leave and tend to Odel.

Of course, Leona had refused.

Ember needed to stay by the Emperor's side.

She had to relay to Leona whatever Biota whispered to the Emperor.

Lately, Biota had been subtly badmouthing the Crown Prince by the Emperor's ear.

Claiming his manners were crude like a commoner's, that he lacked imperial dignity, that he fell short of the Emperor's elegance.

She praised the Emperor while slyly emphasizing how the Crown Prince didn't take after him.

On top of that, she was spreading rumors in the shadows that the Crown Prince's bloodline was suspect.

The Emperor's gaze toward His Highness had already grown unkind with factions gathering around him...

If bloodline doubts surfaced now...

The Emperor might strike at His Highness preemptively.

To quell the palace rumors, Odel stepping forward would be most effective, but of all times, she had fallen ill now. Leona felt frustrated and heartbroken.

Entering her room quietly, Leona didn't lie down right away. Instead, she stood by the window, gazing at the moon.

One unresolved suspicion lingered in her mind.

What had caused Odel's illness?

Right after Bess was cleared of suspicion, Odel fell to an unknown ailment.

In her past life, Odel had never been sick.

Which meant this illness wasn't natural...

Could it be... poison?

Did Biota poison Odel?

Leona tilted her head.

This hypothesis didn't sit easily with her.

In her past life, Biota had used poison only once, to harm the baby in the Crown Princess Consort's womb.

Biota avoided the risks of handling and distributing poison.

It was unlikely she'd recklessly use it now, before fully seizing internal affairs.

"Hoo..."

Leona pressed her temples firmly.

She decided to set aside the puzzle that yielded no answers no matter how she pondered.

"Supreme Servant Chief 'Joaquin,' huh..."

As Odel's unconscious state dragged on, all her duties had shifted to Joaquin.

Fortunately, unlike her past life, Odel's people held key internal positions, making Biota's takeover of internal affairs still distant.

Moreover, Supreme Servant Chief Joaquin was thoroughly the Emperor's man.

He was the Emperor's loyal confidant, devoted solely to him.

Thus, unless the Emperor directly handed all internal authority to Biota, her influence wouldn't reach Joaquin.

But she couldn't relax just yet.

In her past life, Biota had conceived within half a year of entering the palace.

Though her entry timing had changed, making pregnancy unpredictable, Leona had to expel her before she bore a prince.

If Biota birthed a prince, His Highness's position as Crown Prince would be in jeopardy.

"Time to... set out the bait, perhaps."

Leona leaned her head against the window and began devising a concrete plan.

Kamin bolted upright in bed, eyes snapping open.

The window opened silently, and a black shadow slipped into the bedroom like the wind.

Kamin got out of bed and sat on the sofa.

"What's the matter? So suddenly."

The visitor sat in the chair opposite Kamin.

When Kamin lit the room's lamps, Jahankun's face came into clear view.

"The White Sword replica is complete."

Kamin reached for the half-empty glass from last night but paused.

He then grabbed it and asked,

"Where is it?"

"It was moved to the imperial mausoleum immediately upon completion. The replica is stored in the Emperor's tomb chamber, guarded airtight by the Royal Guard. I overheard soldiers saying it'll be transported to the Imperial Palace tomorrow night."

"They're planning to swap it then, I suppose. The old man's itching to put the White Sword in his coffin as soon as possible."

"From the situation, tomorrow night they'll bring the replica to the Emperor's chamber and move the real White Sword to the tomb."

Kamin downed the remaining liquor in one gulp and grinned.

"Perfect timing. In six days, it's my regular day off. I'll take my entire guard unit out for a hunt that day. Make it as noisy as possible, drawing far from the mausoleum. In the meantime, you steal the real White Sword from there."

"The real White Sword... you say?"

Kamin muttered with a malicious chuckle.

"I'm curious how the Emperor will react when his precious White Sword vanishes."

"Planning to bargain with the Emperor using the White Sword?"

"No. I won't deal with that untrustworthy man again."

"Then..."

Kamin countered, as if testing if Jahankun could guess his plan.

Jahankun blinked blankly and shook his head.

"In three weeks, it's the Emperor's birthday. A grand ceremony will be held in the Imperial Palace. One key ritual involves the White Sword. Nothing major—just the Emperor raising it before the empire's people to display his majesty. But suppose... on that day, I discover it's a fake?"

"Will you publicly announce the Emperor swapped it with a replica?"

"That would blow things up unnecessarily. No need to escalate. In the ceremony, I'll have the role of presenting the White Sword to the Emperor. So it'll pass briefly into my hands beforehand. That's when I'll subtly damage it, make a nick. Once he notices and I let on I've spotted the fake, the Emperor will sweat bullets. Then I can demand what I want from a position of strength."

Kamin poured himself another glass with glee and drank.

"Will he readily reveal the Emperor's chamber?"

"He'll have no choice—if he doesn't obey, his crime goes public."

"...The Yora necklace replica will take another week or two to finish."

"Timing's spot on. Once the fake necklace is done, you take custody of it."

Jahankun nodded in assent.

Kamin offered him a drink.

Jahankun refused and stood, then sat back down.

"By the way, your friend asked me to pass on some news."

"What is it?"

"It's about Leona."

Kamin set down his glass and gestured for him to continue.

"They found out the commission she placed with Sandcastle involves the Ceremony Department's head maid, 'Ember'."

"Ember?"

Jahankun explained Ember's crime.

After hearing it all, Kamin nodded slightly.

"I think I know what Leona's scheming. Never mind that—what else?"

"The background on Biota Helsian is still under investigation. Tracing her past is hitting walls; her identity's hard to pin down. Edmond urges you to be cautious around her."

"Anything else I asked about?"

Kamin asked, his tone turning grave.

Jahankun racked his brain for anything missed.

"Ah, the Katago tribesman you inquired about is already dead."

"Dead?"

Kamin scowled.

"Yes. He was the 13th Har's bodyguard warrior, mobilized in the recent war with the empire and killed in action."

"Dead, huh? Lucky bastard."

Kamin laughed hollowly and punched the sofa.

With a rip, the fabric tore, his fist sinking deep into the cushion.

Jahankun blinked in confusion, uncomprehending.

A few days later.

It was afternoon. The Crown Prince was receiving official reports in his office, while his attendants waited in the corridor outside.

Among the attendants were Barts, Miranda, and Leona.

At that moment, an attendant appeared in the corridor and informed Barts that a guest had arrived.

Barts immediately entered the Crown Prince's office.

As Barts disappeared, Miranda glanced sideways at Leona standing beside her.

Noticing the look, Leona met Miranda's eyes.

"What?"

Miranda shook her head, mindful of the others in the corridor.

Moments later, Barts emerged from the office.

Leona approached him right away.

"Mr. Barts, I'll just go see Cindy for a bit."

Barts glanced at the office door and nodded.

After Leona left, the close attendant servants in the corridor huddled and whispered.

"Doesn't it seem like she's avoiding him on purpose?"

"Yeah. Every time that guest visits, she makes an excuse and slips away."

"Just like the rumors say..."

Barts cleared his throat loudly.

The whispering servants broke apart and hastily put distance between themselves.

As Barts shot them a glare, the office door burst open.

All the attendants bowed deeply.

Kamin started down the corridor but paused and turned back.

Someone who should have been there was missing.

He asked Barts,

"Where's Leona?"

"She went to the Chief Maid Supervisor's office. Said she'd be back after handling some business."

Kamin frowned slightly, his expression uneasy.

This was the fourth time.

The repetition made it impossible to dismiss as coincidence.

Every time 'Rose Dorian' visited, Leona made herself scarce.

As if dreading an encounter, she vanished right on cue when Rose arrived, only returning to Kamin's side after she left the palace.

"Sh... shall I fetch her?"

Barts ventured cautiously.

"...No."

Kamin headed to the reception room where Rose waited, wrapped in unease.

Leona knocked on the Chief Maid Supervisor's office door.

"Come in."

Opening the door, she saw Cindy at the desk, with Ellie standing beside her.

Cindy gestured for Ellie to leave.

Ellie exchanged a quick glance with Leona and exited, closing the door.

Leona approached close to Cindy's side.

"Busy?"

"Yes. Preparing for His Highness's outing has me swamped."

"His Highness is holding a grand hunt to boost his guard unit's morale, right?"

"Mm. He told us to keep it simple, but that's easier said than done. Securing prizes, food, the hunting grounds... It requires moving tons of supplies and manpower. Mountains of work."

Cindy grumbled before snapping to and handing over a key.

"You get it yourself."

"Thank you."

Leona took the key and went to the storage box in the corner of the room.

It held important documents.

Unlocking it, Leona pulled out the topmost file and opened it.

It detailed every incident in the Imperial Palace over the past week.

Cindy and Gerard, valuing Leona's loyalty and ability, had shared incoming intelligence with her for the last two weeks.

Leona read meticulously, pausing at the personnel changes section.

A familiar name appeared on the list of those requesting retirement this month.

'Amy.'

Only after checking her profile did Leona recall her face.

In her past life, Amy had been Chloe's lackey.

Leona had first met her when she herself became the Empress's Chief Maid Supervisor.

One day, Chloe had introduced Amy to Leona and asked to place her in a good position.

At the time, Leona hadn't inquired about Amy's prior role and assigned her somewhere suitable.

"She was originally under Odel..."

"What?"

Cindy asked, catching Leona's mutter.

"Nothing."

Murmuring Amy's name under her breath, Leona pondered the file.

Supreme Maid Chief's direct maid. Amy. Ten years in palace. Age 26. Lifetime Oath withdrawal request. Oath withdrawal penalty fully paid. Request approved.

The 'Oath withdrawal penalty fully paid' line stuck out to Leona.

Three times the amount received for the Lifetime Oath—a fortune.

Moreover, in her past life, Amy hadn't withdrawn her oath.

What had changed to make Amy leave the palace now?

In that instant, Leona was certain.

This woman's the culprit!

"Cindy, there's someone withdrawing their Lifetime Oath this time."

Leona brought the file to Cindy and broached the topic of Amy.

"Ah, I saw. First oath withdrawal in ages."

"This Amy... she's the Supreme Maid Chief's direct maid. With Odel ill and things chaotic there, losing her suddenly won't look good."

Cindy agreed with a sigh.

"Yeah, apparently she's drawn her colleagues' ire for leaving at a time like this. Kept pleading upstairs to let her out ASAP, saying she had her reasons."

"...Has her departure date been set?"

"Probably."

"When? She hasn't left already, has she?"

Sensing Leona's unusual intensity, Cindy looked up from the document.

"What's wrong?"

Leona hesitated briefly.

Should she ask Cindy for help, or Ember?

Weighing them, she chose Cindy.

Ember got emotional around Odel matters, unfit for this.

"Cindy, we need to apprehend Amy immediately."

"What?"

"The Supreme Maid Chief's illness—I think this maid did it."

Cindy shot up from her seat.

"What are you saying? How could that girl cause an illness?"

"I don't know her exact method yet. But I'm certain she did something."

"What's your evidence?"

"This maid Amy... she's Moran Palace Lady's person."

"What?"

Cindy's face paled.

Leona lowered her voice.

"She applied to withdraw her oath right after the Supreme Maid Chief collapsed. The penalty's enormous. Where'd she get that money? Why rush to leave?"

Cindy's brow furrowed deeply at Leona's questions.

"Amy's the Supreme Maid Chief's direct maid. Perfect position to strike."

"Any proof she's Moran Palace's?"

Leona shook her head gravely.

"Sadly, no hard evidence. That's why I'm asking you. Before she leaves, we need a confession from her."

"How?"

"First, grab her and lock her in a warehouse. She'll have guilty fears; arrest will spike her anxiety. We'll use that to interrogate her."

"You'll do it yourself?"

"Yes. Entrust it to me. I'll get her to confess."

"...But interrogating another department's maid without Servant Oversight Department approval..."

"It's a rules violation. I know. But without physical evidence, they won't move, and if we miss the window, Amy leaves, and we lose the chance to catch who harmed the Supreme Maid Chief."

Leona gripped Cindy's hand tightly.

"Cindy..."

"...Fine."

As Cindy called out to someone outside, Leona stopped her.

"No. Moran Palace has spies in our Chief Maid Supervisor's office too. We handle this secretly, without their knowledge."

"Then..."

"I'll go. Give me some reliable people you trust."

Cindy pondered, then pulled out her maid plaque.

"Take this to the Attire Department. Ask for the 'Twins'."

"Ah, I think I know who. I've heard—two women so similar they're called twins."

"My close friends. Show them this, and they'll help. They're strong; handling one young maid will be easy. For confinement..."

"We'll use the disused storage in the detached palace."

"Got it. I'll clear the palace gate."

"Thank you."

Leona took the plaque and hurried out.

She left the Crown Prince Palace for West Lake Court, heading straight to the Attire Department office to meet the 'Twins'.

The so-called Twins were middle-aged women with heights and builds rivaling men's.

Leona showed Cindy's plaque and explained her errand.

Without a word, they followed her.

Leona left them in a quiet spot near the Maid's Quarters and went alone to find Amy.

Retiring maids were typically excused from duties.

So where would Amy be?

Leona guessed she'd hole up in her room, too guilty to wander before leaving.

As expected, Amy hadn't gone anywhere and was shut in her room.

"Who...?"

Amy eyed the stranger warily.

Leona feigned innocence and stammered,

"Um, someone asked me to fetch you..."

"Who?"

Leona tilted her head and described Chloe's appearance.

Amy urgently asked where that person was.

Leona gave the spot where the Twin maids waited.

Amy shoved past Leona and rushed out.

Leona brushed her bumped shoulder casually and followed at a leisurely pace.

By the time Leona arrived, the Twins had finished.

Amy lay bound with thick cloth around her arms, gagged, wriggling helplessly on the ground.

Leona's cold gaze made Amy tremble in terror.

"Let's take her now."

"Yeah."

The Twins hauled Amy up by her arms.

Leona led the way.

She chose the fastest, stealthiest route to the Crown Prince Palace, considering the hour.

As Leona's group was about to exit West Lake Court,

"Halt!"

A familiar voice struck Leona's back.

Leona bit her lip and turned.

Biota stood there, surrounded by maids.

Biota subtly signaled Chloe.

Chloe shouted loudly,

"The Lady of the Palace summons you."

Leona glanced at Amy and sighed inwardly.

Damn, they were watching Amy.

"What are you doing? All of you, come kneel before the Lady."

Leona exchanged looks with the Twins.

They looked flustered, silently seeking her intent.

Leona nodded slightly, then led them to Biota and prostrated.

After sending Leona off, Cindy requested a meeting with Gerard.

Hearing it was urgent, Gerard rushed to the Chief Supervisor's conference room upon the message.

Cindy immediately briefed him on 'Amy'.

Gerard listened gravely, then paled at Leona's plan.

"So Leona went to abduct her?"

"Yes."

"Even if urgent, that's too much..."

"Gerard, we have no other way right now."

Gerard groaned, rubbing his forehead.

Cindy urged impatiently,

"We need to clear the palace gate before Leona brings her. I've diverted the Crown Prince Palace sentries. Gerard, handle the Public Safety Department guards."

(*Public Safety Department (侍守部): Department guarding palace gates and managing entry/exit.)

"...Understood."

Gerard called in two aides.

He assigned one to the Public Safety attendants and sent him off first, then instructed the other.

"Go to West Lake Court now, find Leona. Tell her I sent you, and guide her here avoiding eyes."

"Yes."

Gerard's subordinate left.

From then, Cindy and Gerard paced anxiously in silence.

Miranda entered the reception room with tea.

She set it on the table and stood by Barts in the corner.

The reception room had been wrapped in heavy silence since earlier.

The Crown Prince and Rose sat across the table, unmoving.

The tea in the cups cooled gradually.

The Crown Prince had to lift his cup first for her to follow suit, but since he didn't, Rose remained statue-still.

At that moment, Kamin had utterly forgotten Rose, lost in his own thoughts.

Why? Why avoid me? Guilty conscience?

Or awkward? Why?

All his nerves were on Leona.

Usually, with Rose, he'd handle backlog paperwork to pass time.

But today, he hadn't even opened the files he'd brought.

Once sparked, the curiosity wouldn't fade, circling his mind.

Kamin mulled plausible explanations, but none eased his frustration.

As silence dragged, Barts finally approached the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness. The tea's getting cold."

Kamin snapped back at the hint.

"Shall I bring fresh tea?"

"No, it's fine."

Kamin lifted his cup and sipped.

As Rose tentatively reached for hers,

Kamin suddenly called Barts.

Rose froze in shock.

"Barts."

Barts, stepping back, hurried close again.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Leona still?"

"Ah... yes."

This won't do. Need to resolve this curiosity now.

Kamin ordered,

"Fetch Leona."

Barts glanced briefly at Rose, bowed, and replied,

"Understood, Your Highness."

As Barts left, Kamin turned to Rose.

Rose, bent forward gripping her cup, startled straight at his gaze.

"Miss Rose."

She bowed her head slightly.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Have your tea."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Rose slowly took her cup.

Kamin stared fixedly.

The longer his gaze, the more her shoulders hunched.

Kamin tapped the armrest and abruptly asked,

"Aren't you bored?"

"Pardon?"

Like a fish out of water, Rose jolted in her seat.

Realizing her blunder, she composed herself quickly.

With a pale face, she squeaked,

"S-sorry... Your Highness. What did you say...?"

"Aren't you bored."

"Ah... What do you mean...?"

"These meetings. Father insists, so I make time, but honestly, I see it as a waste."

Rose looked down at her hands.

"If Your Highness is busy, I can return another time."

Kamin leaned back, sighing deeply.

"Not that. Are you okay? Isn't this forced time sitting across from me torture?"

"I... I'm fine, Your Highness."

Rose looked up and forced a smile.

But her stiff lips made it awkward.

Kamin frowned at her.

Her head drooped again.

"Miss Rose."

"Yes... Your Highness."

"Do you want to marry me?"

Rose fidgeted with her fingers, speechless.

Kamin pressed,

"Be honest. All I have going is the Crown Prince title. Do you want to be Crown Princess? Hoping for Empress later?"

Rose shook her head, paused, and answered,

"I've never thought that way."

"Then why come every time?"

"...Father... sends me..."

"Marry me because your father wants it?"

"......"

"Miss Rose."

"Yes... Your Highness."

"No one else catches your eye?"

Silence.

Kamin leaned forward persistently.

"Or you have ideal partner traits in mind? Tell me. I'll find someone who fits perfectly."

Rose clasped her hands tightly and spoke.

"Your Highness..."

"Yes, answer."

"I... merely follow my father's will."

Kamin pulled back.

"...Is that what you want?"

"Yes."

"You have no will of your own?"

His voice sharpened.

Already hunched, Rose's back curled further under his intensity.

"Marriage concerns one's whole life. You'd just obey your father?"

"Defying one's father violates filial duty..."

"The Prime Minister has a fine daughter."

Kamin spat sarcastically.

His cold gaze pierced her.

"You... resemble my birth mother greatly."

At his words, Rose blinked in confusion.

Unknowing his intent, she stammered a courtesy.

"...You flatter me, Your Highness."

Kamin clicked his tongue briefly and had Miranda refresh the tea.

One of Gerard's aides, sent to find Leona, returned alone to the Chief Supervisor's conference room.

Gerard and Cindy blanched at his report.

"Ran into Moran Palace Lady?"

"Yes. Didn't seem coincidental."

Cindy interjected,

"What of Leona?"

"Don't know. I saw her summoned before the Lady and raced back here."

Cindy headed for the door.

Gerard grabbed her hastily.

"Where to?"

"Have to go."

"You'll complicate things."

"But... we can't ignore it. My friends are involved. Must stop the Lady harming them."

"I get it, but charging in without a plan—we can't stand against her."

"Then what?"

Gerard couldn't answer readily.

Cindy strode to the door again; Gerard blocked.

As they struggled at the door, a knock sounded.

They flinched and chorused,

"Who is it?"

"Barts."

Cindy and Gerard called a truce, stepping back to the table.

"Enter."

Barts poked his head in.

"Cindy, you're here."

"Barts. What is it?"

Barts scanned the room.

"Where's Leona?"

"Why seek Leona?"

Gerard asked tensely.

"His Highness wants her."

"His Highness?"

"Yes. Ordered her brought at once."

Cindy and Gerard exchanged meaningful looks.

Barts scratched his head.

"Where is she now?"