A tiny shred of hope

“………..regardless, for being complicit in Duke Svalier’s schemes, and bringing chaos to the Imperial household, Beatrice must be executed. As for Prince Rudolf……..ah, I suppose it should be simply Sir Rudolf? His status will be revoked and should be expelled from the Imperial palace.”

Queen Katarina who had seemed bored of everything until now, said all that with a beaming smile.

However, that was precisely the best response we could have asked for.

“Wait a minute Katarina. How exactly are we supposed to explain this all to the other nobles and the civilians? Surely you don’t expect us to outright tell the public that [um actually, the fourth prince was never the Emperor’s son, but was in fact Duke Svalier and the Emperor’s mistress’ child], right?”

Queen Alicia ostentatiously asked, with her mouth hidden behind her folding fan.

But, considering her eyes seemed to be smiling, she seemed to be going along with Queen Katarina’s cajolery on purpose.

“Well, that would certainly be problematic………if such news were to reach the public, it would shame the Imperial household forevermore. Not to mention, it would be smearing the good name of our great Emperor as well………”

Queen Katarina put her hand on her cheek and seemed to show a troubled expression.

Uwaah…..unlike Queen Alicia, Queen Katarina always seemed like a more calm, and aloof person to me but, turns out, she’s quite the wicked one herself.

“Your Majesty, what shall we do?”

“If nothing is done, the Imperials will lose face across the entire nation……”

“Gnuuuuugh……….”

Cornered rapidly, even the Emperor could do nothing but growl and grumble in displeasure.

Furthermore, the gazes of the two queens……..they were a level above even Liz’s absolute zero death stare as well.

That’s just how much these two had been piling up their anger and frustration towards the Emperor.

I don’t know how long he knew about my true lineage, and Beatrice’s relationship with Duke Svalier but, perhaps because he wanted to take revenge and make Beatrice taste true despair as well, he continued to maintain their lovers relationship.

Conversely, that in and of itself became the reason that drove the two queens to hold this much of a grudge against him.

In any case, the Emperor’s own jealousy twisted everything to be this way, allowing Duke Svalier to continue believing in his hopeless dreams, which was what had brought upon this current situation so I can confidently say that the Emperor was rightfully reaping what he himself had sown.

………..and thanks to all that, I was able to stay alive to this moment. How ironic.

“………I believe as a compromise, how about we allow Lizbeth’s engagement with Rudolf to remain as it was, and instead we will adopt him officially into our Fahlcrantz household. And on the other hand, you may annul his succession rights to the throne. Sounds reasonable, no?”

As if mediating between the queens and the Emperor, Marquis Fahlcrantz suggested so.

Certainly, in this manner, the explanation would make sense to the common public and the Emperor would be able to keep face as well.

“My, I suppose Lord Fahlcrantz’s suggestion is the best way to solve this problem I believe, no?”

“I agree as well.”

“…………………..then you lot can handle the rest.”

The Emperor stood up from his seat powerlessly, and left the audience chamber with those parting words.

I guess even he understood that this was the best solution now.

If the two queens had not taken my side this time around, I think the Emperor would have had me erased and then blamed it on a death by sickness or something I imagine.

In the end, the Emperor had made a mistake, and made an enemy of the two queens which was what brought about this result.

“Haaaaaah………”

After what seemed like walking on thin ice for hours, I exhaled deeply.

Honestly, this really was a gamble and a half………….

Of course both Marquis Fahlcrantz as well as Queen Alicia said that [We’ll protect you, Prince Rudolf, no matter what!] when we met before the meeting with the Emperor, but I was a bit worried that their positions might come into jeopardy because of me as well so I was still hesitant but………..ah.

“Lord Rudy……..thank god…….thank god…….!!”

Grabbing on to my arm, Liz began to slowly cry.

Ahh………I guess Liz was really anxious as well.

“Yeah………thanks to everyone here, I’ll be able to continue living by your side.”

I pulled Liz into my embrace, and gently caressed her glossy black hair.

Enjoying the warmth of my adorably kind fiancée, who would cry for someone like me.

“However, I certainly didn’t expect Her Highness Katarina to lend me their aid as well.”

“Ufufu, I was quite shocked when I heard the story from Lady Alicia as well but, in the end, this was simply a great chance to punish our dear Emperor after all. And also…….I see no harm in being on the good side of Sir Rudolf, who would one day inherit the Fahlcrantz household after all.”

Saying that, Queen Katarina chuckled and smiled.

Heeh…..well, this is interesting. I’m sure she already knows that me and Oscar aren’t exactly on good terms though.

“In any case, with this, the matter is settled for good. Before the Emperor changes his mind, it’d be better to leave the Imperial palace post haste.”

The Marquis gave a quick pat on my back as he spoke.

I see………finally, I am free from this palace………free from this prison that had me chained in its clutches…….

But.

“Before that…….I have one last place I want to visit.”

“A place to visit, you say……?”

“Yes.”

Liz questioned nervously as I replied with a nod.

And so.

“Hello mother…………”

“!!Rudolf….!!”

Having made my way to the dungeon of the Imperial palace, locked behind a set of iron bars, I confronted Beatrice once again.

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