Chapter 20
In the backyard of the government office, after the storm had swept through—
“It’s about the Dobelton assault incident.”
A cold breeze mixed with flower petals blew through, gently rustling Etias’s hair.
Caron continued his report.
“It appears Count Padelmon Elemoer, the uncle of Lady Elemoer, orchestrated it. Likely in an attempt to seize the Duke Elemoer’s inheritance.”
Uncle.
Etias’s fingertips twitched slightly.
“In fact, it’s not just Padelmon Elemoer. Many of her relatives and even some nobles of the Emperor’s faction are eyeing the inheritance of Duke Elemoer.”
Etias, more than anyone, understood how shameless those filthy hyenas could be.
An orphaned heir is nothing more than an easy target.
“I’ll monitor the movements of key Emperor-faction nobles more closely in relation to this. There might be a tectonic shift. Even though Lady Elemoer survived this time, who knows what’s next?”
“Do so.”
Leaving Caron at the entrance, Etias began walking toward his office.
Katrin Elemoer—was that why she took the prisoners to her estate?
A threat aimed at her inheritance. A situation all too familiar.
Despite her being an Elemoer, she continued to catch his attention—perhaps because her circumstances reminded him of his own past.
Etias shook off the thought.
✦✦✦
“Tragic Lady Katrin Elemoer Attacked by Rioters at Dobelton Outpost.
Physically unharmed, but deeply traumatized—refuses food or water.
Expected to testify about the perpetrators once she recovers.”
Reading the satisfying headline, I smiled.
After seeing this article, the trembling ones would soon come knocking at the ducal estate.
I had already left them a message.
“Young lady, which black tea would you like?”
“Earl Grey.”
Of course, I wasn’t traumatized in the slightest. I leisurely enjoyed my morning tea.
Soon, the first guest of the day arrived.
“Young lady, Baron Graham, your second cousin, has come to check on your health. And so has your great-uncle.”
At that, I stretched and stood up.
“As they should.”
But the maid hesitantly opened her mouth, a little anxious.
“A-Are you going to meet them?”
As soon as I looked at her, she clamped her hands over her mouth like she realized her mistake.
Even the staff feeding the prisoners must have figured out the truth behind the incident.
She probably wanted to ask if I was really going to face the people who tried to kill me.
“Of course. I’ve been expecting them.”
At my smile, her eyes trembled in confusion.
“Don’t worry. Go bring tea, Anès.”
Her eyes shook as if surprised.
“You… knew my name?”
She immediately blushed and lowered her head.
“What’s so hard about that?”
Why was she so touched?
I shrugged it off and headed toward the drawing room where Heros was attending the guests.
As I opened the door, my pale-faced cousin and great-uncle stood to greet me.
“K-Katrin!”
Seeing their sleep-deprived faces made this even more delightful.
Feigning calm, I let out a soft sigh and sat down.
“Good morning.”
“It’s been a while!”
My white-haired great-uncle looked at me nervously. The power of greed really is terrifying.
He doesn’t have much time left to live—what luxury is he still chasing by siding with Padelmon?
“I was tempted to report you all without giving you a chance.”
My cold words made them flinch.
“But as family, I decided to offer you the chance to apologize sincerely and explain yourselves—that’s why I sent the letter.”
I lifted my eyebrows in mock anger. They squirmed like guilty puppies.
Given that I had plenty of witnesses ready to testify that they were involved in the attack, it was only natural.
“W-Well…”
Their excuses were as expected.
They hadn’t really thought it through. Padelmon had roped them in.
It was all Padelmon’s doing—they had no real intent.
‘Like hell people who band together for evil have any loyalty.’
This was just the beginning. Other relatives involved in the attack would line up to visit me next.
Their plot had already failed. I had greater wealth than them and legal evidence to ruin them.
Knowing I had powerful forces backing me now, they wouldn’t dare try to raid the ducal estate to destroy evidence.
“You’ll have to give a full confession of the plot to kill me.”
Watching them squirm at my calm but biting words, I smiled with satisfaction.
Just imagining how I’d strip them bare already had me salivating.
HP: ♥♥♥♥♥♡♡♡♡♡
Five hearts. Still unchanged.
How do I raise more?
While I was checking my smartwatch, Heros entered with some documents.
“I’ve compiled the testimony stating Count Padelmon orchestrated the entire scheme. Also…”
My cowardly relatives, shaking with fear of being charged, would throw Padelmon under the bus completely, which would only worsen his sentence.
With a tone of admiration, Heros added:
“We’ve also secured the documents transferring the pearl and orange business rights.”
I gave a pleased smile.
“Well done, Heros.”
Risk and reward go hand in hand.
Thanks to involving the Scavengers, we’d perfectly gathered prisoners and evidence that day—leading to great profit for me.
For instance, when collateral branches split from House Elemoer, they weren’t sent away empty-handed.
To ensure they didn’t shame the Elemoer name, they were each granted a title and small business right.
A business right is a government-granted monopoly that only nobles can legally manage.
And now, I intended to collect all those rights from my treacherous relatives—originally owned by the main house.
I’d use threats of prosecution to make them hand everything over or go down with Padelmon.
“You’re incredible, my lady.”
Heros respectfully added:
“At this rate, House Elemoer might become wealthier than during the Duke’s lifetime.”
“We’ll see.”
I curled my lips.
I wasn’t collecting these rights to enrich the family.
Once the revolution began, I’d flee to Montella anyway.
So what would I do with the rights?
Sell them—at a premium—to eager fools.
I’d cash in one last time before leaving… and I’d gladly use that money to help Etias—my sapphire, emerald, diamond, my priceless gem.
A gust of wind blew, ruffling Etias’s black hair.
Shhhh—
A shadowy darkness burst from his feet, coiling like a snake around a figure.
The moon was hidden by clouds, and the world blinked between light and dark.
The target let out a harsh gasp and collapsed.
Etias, having finished the job, leapt down from the rooftop with ease.
Caron, dressed in black, gestured to indicate their escape route.
Their figures swiftly moved through the shadows.
Once they reached a secure area, Caron checked on Etias.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
Without a change in expression, Etias nodded.
A moonless night—another mission complete.
The targets: traitors who abandoned the late emperor to support the current one.
Their mission was to eliminate prominent collaborators who exploited the people while crushing those loyal to the previous ruler.
Though rare, these assassinations were physically taxing. Preparing the perfect plan and waiting for days meant little sleep.
Especially considering Etias also worked by day in the palace.
“Your Highness, next time let me—”
“No one is better suited for this than I.”
Faced with undeniable truth, Caron lowered his head and followed.
Before the revolution began, it was best to eliminate as many traitors as possible.
They were spreading lies about the late emperor, undermining Etias’s legitimacy.
But at this rate… could his lord endure?
Though the food shortage was resolved, Etias’s body still suffered. Awakening his powers consumed even more strength.
While Caron brooded over this, Etias suddenly stopped.
He tore down a flyer posted on his door.
After a moment, his lips parted.
“…Ha.”
His eyebrows furrowed deeply.
“Katrin Elemoer… She never fails to provoke me.”
Her wickedness had begun again.