Come and Cry at My Funeral - Chapter 69 - Conspiracy

Conspiracy

Ever since Izar’s return from Deneb, he skillfully separated the paths of his stepmother and the shepherdess, maintaining a brief peace.

But the Ducal House had long been under Electra’s dominion. No matter how much the respected Duke commanded to “leave that woman be,” the allegiance to Electra did not wane.

Thus, despite Freesia’s covert movements and Izar’s strict orders, the fact that she entered the Duke’s bedroom eventually reached Electra’s ears.

“It can’t be… Izar really let that girl in?”

Considering the stories from Deneb, where the Marchioness, either out of stupidity or malice, had not provided them separate rooms, it was hard to imagine Izar, with his cold demeanor, feeling any lust for such an insignificant girl.

‘This is truly dangerous.’

If not careful, the next Arcturus heir could be born from that bastard. Electra’s deceased husband had been so obsessed with his first wife that he had not a speck of thought for having children with Electra.

that was humiliating in itself, it didn’t stain the family name too much, thanks to the brilliant mishap caused by Izar’s noble mother.

But to have the lineage be continued through a vile woman…

‘No. That cannot happen.’

Electra had to prepare her own measures in anticipation of Izar’s mistake.

“Merope, is the thing from Madam Antares ready?”

“Yes, my lady.”

Merope presented the item recently sent from the Antares household.

The letter accompanying it was quite imperious, as usual for families long stationed in the capital, thinking themselves the pinnacle of nobility.

But the ‘gift’ that came with it pleased Electra immensely.

A small box filled with tiny glass bottles of a potion emitting a faint mint scent.

There were about ten of them.

‘This mint scent comes from a flower called pennyroyal.’

Who would believe that a lovely violet wildflower could stifle the budding life of a little baby?

The note in the box was subtly chilling.

[I couldn’t repeat my old mistake with my daughter, so this time, I’ll lend you my strength.]

Electra’s pride must have been quietly wounded by the shepherdess’s mother, it seemed.

Fiddling with the glass bottles, Merope cautiously offered a suggestion.

“I plan to instruct the kitchen servant to add this to the girl’s meals. What do you think?”

“Hmm… That’s good, but…”

Electra was about to agree but then fell into thought.

While the potion had contraceptive effects, it was most effective when a woman was already with child.

A child.

Only by having a child could she truly make that girl weep blood. Her esteemed stepson had been outrageously dismissive of her.

‘After making a fool of me like that, I can’t just let her off easily.’

If the girl becomes pregnant, she must inevitably lose it. And even if she doesn’t conceive, she must be expelled in disgrace.

And Izar.

How resentful she felt towards her distinguished stepson.

‘I’ve devoted my life to raising him, only to be treated like this?’

That ungrateful brat.

Despite being significantly younger, he dared to treat her like this simply because he was born a man.

And yet, she couldn’t lay a finger on him. If Izar decided to act ruthlessly, he could expel her despite the vassals’ opposition.

But seeing that shepherdess called into his room, a small chance for revenge against Izar seemed to have emerged.

‘I should show both of them a lesson.’

After deciding, Electra turned to Merope.

“Don’t touch the food for a while. If Izar catches wind because we did it here, it’d be troublesome.”

“Ah… Yes, Elder Madam.”

“We’ll save the potion for a more efficient opportunity.”

Electra looked lovingly at the vial again and smiled.

Poor son. Just like his father, may you become foolish and lustful over a worthless woman.

Electra suddenly lifted her head and instructed Merope.

“Ah, and don’t forget to convey my thanks. Tell them they’ve done commendably.”

Despite Izar’s strict orders, someone had discreetly informed her about this matter.

“Yes, Elder Madam.”

“Fufu, I’ll have to ask for their continued good service.”

* * *

On the day Freesia’s lifespan changed to 265 days, Izar ordered the servants of the castle.

They were to prepare for ascending to the manor for the capital’s summer festival.

‘Yes, it’s about time.’

There were still about two months left until Riegel’s death.

Considering the travel time from the estate to the manor and the preparations needed in the capital, now was the time to leave.

However, Freesia encountered unexpected news on this departure.

“Elder Madam Electra won’t be joining the entourage?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Freesia’s eyebrows slightly furrowed at the servant’s words.

Since it was Izar’s servant, not Mrs. Merope, who came to tell her directly, it must have been a final decision made by him.

This was a markedly different approach from her first journey to the capital in her past life.

Back then, Izar took his stepmother along, and during his absence, Electra tormented Freesia under the guise of ‘education’.

So, Electra’s absence from this event was naturally a boon for Freesia.

Especially since she had been worrying about how to safely store the reading glasses she intended to present to the Imperial Grandson, this news relieved her of one worry.

‘But isn’t it suspicious…?’