Chapter 13

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 13

Chapter Title: Schemes Over Tea

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"I think Mother's right, Grandmother."

The Neuta Lady, sister to the current duke, sided with the dowager duchess during their tea time together.

"Has Agatha ever bowed to Grandmother, Mother, or me? Even after daring to step into this house, she always stared straight ahead and said, 'Mother, I cannot yield on that matter.'"

To them, Agatha Noblesse was a particularly troublesome daughter-in-law in the worst way.

She never easily granted their requests, never acted as they demanded, and sometimes even behaved as if they were tormenting her, stirring conflict between Theodore and themselves.

"Agatha would never cover for us no matter what rumors spread about our family. She let those divorce rumors run wild, didn't she? Who knows, this time she might even take to the public herself for her 'happy marriage.'"

How many rumors had swirled when Agatha Noblesse divorced her sixth husband.

Just when tales of their excessive demands and abuse had spread the widest, she had secluded herself without even attending spring social season.

The dowager duchess thumped her chest in frustration.

"Mother! Are you just going to sit back and take this?"

"……."

"Mother! You know how Theodore's been lately—why hesitate?"

At those words, the Neuta Dowager Duchess let out a sigh.

"……How did such a disgrace come from the noble Noblesse family?"

Lately, her dear grandson grew paler by the day.

The boy who had only ever indulged in harmless drinks was now coming home drunk some nights.

And on those nights, he would regret divorcing Agatha Noblesse and glare resentfully at her, his mother, and his sister.

—Couldn't you have cherished her just once, even a little?

Finishing her brief recollection, the Neuta Dowager Duchess clicked her tongue and made her decision.

"Very well. Giving that former daughter-in-law one final lesson isn't a bad idea."

The eyes of the Neuta Duchess Dowager and the Neuta Lady sparkled with renewed vigor.

But this was dealing with that Agatha Noblesse. Though she spoke boldly, the dowager remained cautious.

Direct confrontation might be impossible by her calculations, but with proper preparation in social circles, she could certainly humiliate her.

Their influence and status were roughly equal, after all.

"The autumn hunt will be perfect."

"I'll make the preparations."

"Yes, Grandmother!"

It was the signal for the Neuta trio's return to society.

Today was the day for luncheon with the emperor.

Agatha, who had risen early, picked out the dress from last night's selections that best matched her mood.

"That one will do."

A skirt with layers of sheer pink fabric, an upper bodice embroidered lavishly with silver thread, and frilled sleeves reaching mid-forearm—it was the most luxurious of the bunch.

"Isn't it a bit too flashy?"

"No. Considering what I have to do today, it needs to be at least this much."

It was luncheon in name only; she was heading off to spar wits with the emperor. Better to dazzle than to blend in and leave a faint impression.

"Then I'll do your makeup bold today."

"Please do."

Full-length mirrors lined three walls as her close maids bustled about, bringing jewelry and cosmetics.

The jewels were a set of earrings and necklace encrusted with diamonds the size of pinky nails.

Her hair was swept to one side, adorned with several transparent lily-shaped hairpins in the middle.

Vibrant eye makeup with pearlescent sheen.

Full lips with a subtle rosy tint stood out against her pale skin.

Though she bared her slender neckline and shoulders in dazzling finery, Agatha carried off even the excess with perfect grace.

"You look truly beautiful, Miss."

"Good. Now, let's pick the shoes."

As a satisfied Agatha selected her final pair, there was a knock, and a maid entered to report.

"Miss. Marquis Aratus has arrived."

"Has he?"

After a moment's thought, Agatha chose shoes with gradient dyeing.

White canvas at the top fading to deep violet near the heel, sprinkled with tiny diamonds.

"Let's go."

"Yes, Miss."

After a final check of her attire and grabbing the proposal for the emperor, Agatha descended to the first floor.

The palace chamberlain had the carriage ready.

At the entrance stood a familiar male figure chatting with his aide, John Whitney.

With a slightly trembling heart, Agatha uttered the name tacitly permitted since their last meeting.

"Enoch."

"There you are, Agatha."

He turned with casual grace, paused briefly, then approached her. Taking her hand and brushing a soft kiss to it seemed utterly natural.

"Did you sleep well last night?"

"Fine. Battle preparations are perfect."

"Is this your battle attire?"

"It's His Majesty. Can't go in looking defeated."

Her last words whispered low, Agatha placed her hand on his arm.

Enoch paused again before smoothly escorting her to the carriage.

"Huh? Not riding together?"

As he turned away, Agatha reached out urgently. He gazed at her white hand for a moment before his lips parted slowly.

"Shall we go together?"

"Yes."

Enoch handed his beloved steed, waiting ahead, to his aide John. After a decade favoring the horse, the carriage felt like ages ago.

"We're departing."

"Yes."

Enoch sat opposite Agatha, and with the imperial knight's cry of "Depart!", the carriage rolled toward the palace.

Agatha stole discreet glances at him. With the window open, his blue hair—lightly swept back—stirred gently in the breeze.

"Did you get home safely yesterday?"

His gaze, fixed out the window, finally turned to her. His expression was inscrutable.

"You're quieter than usual today."

"I've failed to entertain you, my lady."

As he closed the window, his steady gaze made Agatha unconsciously recall the garden two days prior.

He had approached with that same impassive face, kissing her cheek as if it were nothing.

Just a brush of lips on her cheek—not even a proper kiss—yet she had thrilled like a maiden on her first touch.

After a brief silence, Enoch spoke.

"We should set a wedding date soon. Any preference, Agatha?"

"Hm, His Majesty will decide that."

It would likely be the earliest feasible date.

Agatha planned to focus elsewhere.

Like the venue, dress, or jewelry.

She preferred a quiet ceremony outside the capital.

Political opposition and her partner's family's resistance had rarely allowed it before.

"There's a small, beautiful temple on the capital's outskirts. I'd love to hold it there—is that all right?"

"A venue reflecting my wife's taste would suit better than mine. Do as you wish, Agatha."

What an impassive face.

Yet his words dripped sweetness, toying mercilessly with her poor heart.

"Any honeymoon spot in mind?"

"Ah, anywhere with a beach. An island or coastal city would be lovely……."

"An island."

Enoch seemed thoughtful. Then the carriage slowed, followed by a knock from outside.

"Marquis Aratus. Lady Noblesse. We've arrived."

"After you."

Enoch exited first and helped Agatha down. The palace chamberlain, informed ahead, greeted them at the entrance.

"Lady Noblesse. Marquis Aratus. Welcome."

"His Majesty?"

"He said to escort you to the private dining hall upon arrival. This way."

High arched ceilings adorned with thousands of crystals below.

Sunlight filtering through marble columns bathed the corridor in gold, while murals and motifs on the opposite wall proclaimed the empire's grand history.

The grandeur and intimidation emanating from the halls shifted into refined opulence and restrained luxury the deeper one went.

This was the emperor's and imperial family's private domain.

"Here we are."

The chamberlain led them to the emperor's private dining room, a place Agatha had visited several times.

Smaller than the formal banquet hall, it brimmed with far more lavish and priceless furnishings.

Entering here with her fiancé spoke volumes of Agatha Noblesse's standing in court and society.

Agatha sat across from Enoch at the round table. The head seat was empty.

"His Majesty will arrive shortly. Please wait a moment."

"Thank you, chamberlain."

Moments later, the doors opened as guards and attendants poured in.

"The Sun of the Roxiba Empire, His Imperial Majesty Warmirai II arrives!"

The emperor they awaited had arrived.