Chapter 97
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97.
Everything changed in Scarlett Jamoti's Rose Palace once she became Fourth Concubine.
The charge was nothing less than the attempted poisoning of the Emperor himself.
Even the newspapers and magazines showed not a shred of sympathy for her.
One might have expected at least a few outlets to express pity that the highest-ranking woman in the Imperial Family had plummeted to the lowest rung of the Imperial Harem.
[The culprit in His Majesty's poisoning was a Countess Attendant of Fourth Concubine Jamoti.]
[Case analysis based on Imperial Palace official statements.]
[Thorough factual verification by Salice Advisor]
Despite all those people witnessing Scarlett's downfall, her attempt to construct herself as a villain had failed.
Compared to the articles I had planted every time I went out on tax investigations, these pieces stood out for their stark, fact-based analysis devoid of sensationalism.
But that was not all.
[Will trade with Basmakh Kingdom resume?]
[Basmach Concubine incident revisited—the injustice suffered by House Lopez]
Duke Lopez had even strategically leaked the Basmach Concubine's fall from grace to the press at precisely the right moment.
Since House Jamoti was implicated in that affair, favorable public opinion became all the more difficult to generate.
Sixteen years was, in one sense, a long time, but not for those who bore its wounds.
For those who had suffered various hardships after the Basmach Concubine's death made trade with the southern Empire difficult, it remained an ongoing crisis.
They sent their gratitude and support to Duke Lopez, who had not abandoned them and brought the matter to light even now.
"Father truly ought to be more grateful to Duke Lopez."
Of course, Wilhelmina Lopez expressed some displeasure at that as well.
In any case, the Emperor himself had permitted this course of action.
The severance of trade with Basmakh Kingdom was a painful loss by any measure, and it was true that House Jamoti's handling of the matter had been unsatisfactory.
'Things seemed to run somewhat better when the Late Duke Jamoti was still alive.'
Since his passing, everything had been in turmoil.
With the family's very standing now shaken, Fourth Concubine could only be driven further into isolation.
Her advisors and attendants were the first to express their intention to resign.
Those closest to her for over two decades knew her nature all too well.
They could hardly fail to understand both the truth of who orchestrated this poisoning and the inescapable fate that awaited the Count Family.
Once she had commanded more than ten Countess Attendants, yet now she could barely retain a single one of the lowest rank.
The attendants who resigned would all face consequences for the great and small corruptions their families had committed under House Jamoti's protection.
This was also the primary reason the Emperor had excluded the Winter Palace from the follow-up measures regarding the poisoning incident.
Even the Imperial Palace knights had rushed to submit requests for reassignment, only to be severely reprimanded by the Knight Commander.
Not a single advisor remained, yet when asked about this, His Majesty reportedly answered with complete indifference.
'Other concubines have also had periods without advisors. Even Trisha, who is now the sole Empress, had no advisor during her time as Second Concubine. And even the Winter Palace, which always had much work, managed well enough on its own, did it not?'
Due to the principle that Fourth Concubine had upheld—that without an advisor, one could not have administrative officials—she was not even granted a temporary administrator.
In short, she had to manage her own palace with only her sole Countess Attendant.
Of course, beyond these surface inconveniences, she was also suffering open insults from the other concubines.
'Where has the one who demanded such courtesy from me gone? I still remember being told that my status as a noble of the Grand Duchy would be respected only in my own country, but if she has forgotten all propriety, I shall teach her myself.'
In particular, First Concubine ruled over her without the slightest restraint, wielding her authority freely.
The younger palace staff whispered that it was rather excessive, but those with experience who understood the circumstances all held their tongues.
She had entered the palace through a political marriage not long after Fourth Concubine gave birth to First Prince Charlie, and she had endured terrible torment.
From being subjected to schemes that prevented her from becoming pregnant, to losing the child she finally bore before even five months had passed.
Cunningly made to seem as though it were her fault.
After enduring such sorrow and finally bearing Second Princess, just as she was beginning to feel secure, First Concubine learned of Basmach Concubine's riding accident.
She feigned losing her mind and recuperated outside the Imperial Palace, and through tremendous hardship, she was able to give birth to Second Princess.
For this reason, she could not help but harbor resentment toward Fourth Concubine.
'I remember clearly how you taught me propriety. Fourth Concubine seems to have forgotten it all, so as a superior, I shall teach her thoroughly.'
Fourth Concubine Scarlett Jamoti could not return to the Rose Palace until evening had fallen, a day not being enough.
With disheveled hair and trembling thighs, she was barely supported by her Countess Attendant as she went.
She was able to return at all only because her sole Countess Attendant, unable to bear it any longer, had rushed to appeal to the Emperor.
However, the Emperor simply.
'Is it not reasonable for First Concubine to teach as a superior? Such matters should first be brought to the Empress.'
Scarlett also replied indifferently, saying she had always governed the Imperial Harem in such a manner.
Instead, he did send an attendant to Empress Trisha.
'See that she does not make a fuss about this.'
The Emperor's words were equally cold and distant.
Had it been the old days, the Fourth Concubine would have wept and appealed to someone, but when Empress Trisha went to mediate, she merely maintained a rigid silence with steely eyes, or so I heard.
No commotion erupted afterward, though the Imperial Harem's concubines were always outwardly composed by nature.
And Wilhelmina, who was now receiving direct instruction from Duchess Lopez, could hardly be ignorant of such matters.
"But Roji, Grandmother said something to me."
She grasped my hand firmly, her eyes brimming with concern.
"Those who have fallen to the bottom have nothing left to fear, so you must be extremely careful."
"I will be."
"And...."
Wilhelmina hesitated before speaking in a careful, hushed voice.
"If there is something I should not know, please simply remain silent—I thought of something that I believe you would have done."
"What is it?"
"Why did you conceal it when you had clear evidence that the Fourth Concubine was the mastermind behind the poisoning incident?"
Her gray eyes were sharp and grave beyond measure.
My dear friend was far more intelligent and perceptive than the foolish Duke Lopez I had imagined her to be.
No one else had noticed—only His Majesty the Emperor and Cassian Artez.
I could have answered with silence, but after much deliberation, I wanted to show Wilhelmina, who had asked so much of me, at least some token of trust.
"Because I need her."
Not immediately, but in the very near future.
Her eyes widened at my answer, then curved into a bitter smile.
"I understand, but you must take care of yourself while you work, won't you?"
*
Thanks to Wilhelmina's warmth, my vacation had been wonderfully fulfilling—I'd managed to avoid thinking about work except for a brief moment on the final day.
During the break, she'd filled my wardrobe quite generously, so I decided to wear something new to work for a change.
'Though I must admit, there's something bittersweet about wearing new clothes to the office.'
Thoughtfully, the bulk of Wilhelmina's gifts consisted of everyday wear.
She'd noticed that I preferred simple dresses for comfort, and what moved me most was that she'd chosen designs that were elegant yet unobtrusive—a touch that showed genuine consideration.
The overall effect was quite appealing: like a wealthy young lady from a prominent business family visiting the Capital City.
"...Salice Advisor, did something go terribly wrong at the Summer Palace again?"
"Or perhaps there's a significant flaw in the Sun Palace documents?"
...Why does everyone look at me as though I'm gearing up for a confrontation?
Even Francis Ashwood.
"If it concerns the Summer Palace, that's not a matter for Salice Advisor to handle. Please leave it to me. I apologize for failing to notice and showing such inadequacy."
He'd even steeled himself with resolve.
When Cassian Artez returned after finishing his training and saw this, he spoke with a beautiful smile.
"Is it me?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"If you're blaming your fiancé's thoughtlessness for not sending the one you love until Wilhelmina Lopez writes a letter, then I should gladly kneel before you."
What utterly pointless nonsense.
*
After that, the people of the Winter Palace showered Cassian Artez with reproachful remarks.
"How could you forget something so important, First Prince! This won't do!"
"What will you do if Salice Advisor returns to her barony due to withdrawal symptoms!"
"From now on, I'll take responsibility for sending it during your vacation."
What, are they treating me like some sort of coffee addict?
I barely managed to stop Cassian Artez from actually kneeling in jest before pushing him into his office, and only then did the commotion finally settle.
"No matter what you hear, I absolutely won't open this door!"
"If the First Prince alone can soothe the Advisor's heart..."
People beyond the door were expressing excessive loyalty toward Cassian Artez, which only deepened my bewilderment.
"Everyone really does love Roselita far too much—this is becoming a problem."
Then, as if they'd prepared it in advance, a familiar iced Americano appeared on my desk.
"Your Highness, you're making me into a truly strange person."
How thoughtless.
How did he know I enjoyed coffee so much? Even when I first moved in, all the coffee equipment was already there, and Joan—
"...Your Highness?"
Reaching that point in my thoughts, I suddenly recalled even that letter with its voice-phishing feel from before, and asked Cassian Artez.
"How long have you been watching me?"
Cassian Artez drew a beautiful arc with his lips.
It was his habit when caught red-handed.
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
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