Chapter 234
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
Marquis Gepetto rubbed his chin with a troubled expression.
“Are you really sure this is alright?”
“I think it’s the safest option. Is there any better alternative?”
“…I’ll trust your judgment. Right now, it seems everyone would be swayed by money.”
“Indeed. Kartho should bring us good news soon.”
“With the royal power already at its lowest, there shouldn’t be any issues.”
Mikhail nodded, glancing at his watch.
Knock knock knock. Just then, there was a knock at the door.
“Your Grace, I have completed the task you assigned.”
“Come in.”
Kartho took a letter from his chest and placed it on the table.
“Here is the list.”
Mikhail skimmed through the list Kartho handed him.
“They need to be comfortable where they stay.”
“I’ve prepared so there won’t be any worries. However, moving around might be inconvenient.”
“We’re ready as well.”
Marquis Gepetto nodded. With everything set, soon Bartsch would be engulfed in flames.
“There’s less than two weeks left, so the priority is tomorrow’s parliament session.”
“It seems those attending the parliament have also resolved their thoughts.”
“This session will be interesting in many ways.”
Before that, Mikhail had to inform Emilia of the changed plans.
“By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask — those dogs over there… why are they here?”
Marquis Gepetto tilted his head, confused.
“Those are the guards.”
“…The guards?”
Marquis Gepetto looked puzzled.
“They’re Emilia’s one-of-a-kind guards.”
They were trained to obey her. Although fierce at times, they calm down naturally when they catch her scent.
Once they bite, they never let go. If anyone threatens Emilia, they would sacrifice their lives to protect her.
Mikhail stood up and headed toward Emilia, who must be waiting for him.
❖ ❖ ❖
Emilia couldn’t focus on what Mikhail was saying.
“Okay, I understand the plan has changed. But… what about those dogs back there?”
The dogs, appearing calm and obedient, all turned their heads toward Emilia’s voice.
Though sitting in perfect posture, they never took their eyes off her.
‘Scary.’
Emilia was afraid of dogs.
“Father!”
“Emilia, don’t run!”
She stopped suddenly at her father’s warning, but an excited dog bit her leg.
That terror remained vivid in her mind. The image of the dog biting and shaking its head would never be forgotten.
“They’ll protect you.”
“…Me? They won’t harm me?”
Emilia swallowed hard. It was a relief if they didn’t bite her, but the ferocity of dogs trained for fighting rarely faded.
How could those who tasted blood ever become like ordinary dogs?
“Are you afraid of dogs?”
“I was almost mauled to death once.”
“So even then… I was too reckless.”
Mikhail nodded at the attendant and let the dogs out.
“You won’t be inconvenienced in the royal prison. But it’s just as uneasy there, so the dogs will be placed out of sight.”
“Thank you. But will I really be safe in the royal prison?”
“The darkest place is under the lamp. No one will ever think you’re there. But entering prison requires some disguise and a cover story.”
Emilia sighed softly. If this was the safest way, she had to trust him.
“You’ll protect me and the baby, right?”
“No matter what happens, I will protect you.”
With no other choice, Emilia steadied herself and listened carefully to his words.
❖ ❖ ❖
Boestin unexpectedly found herself entrusted with an important role.
“I don’t like this plan.”
“Stop whining. If you have a better idea, say it.”
“…You’re really crazy.”
“I know.”
“Hmph!”
Boestin narrowed her eyes in irritation. Being told to be the bait—what audacity!
His smooth talk and charm suited the role perfectly, but she was still annoyed by it. Yet no one else seemed more suitable than her.
“How’s Dahlia doing?”
“She said she’ll follow quietly.”
“…You two really are something. Why didn’t you act like this from the start?”
Boestin’s criticism made Mikhail twitch his eyebrows.
“You think we look similar?”
“Not at all. There’s no one who can replace Emilia.”
“…Then isn’t that a problem?”
“Ahem. Lady Boestin, you look quite similar to the Madam, so don’t worry.”
Kartho spoke up, and Boestin narrowed her eyes further.
She wore clothes she often used and even a red wig. She had practiced matching footsteps and even the tone of her voice.
With her hat pulled down low, it was hard to tell her apart unless you looked closely.
Though Mikhail didn’t find it that way, that didn’t matter. Few people paid such close attention to Emilia.
“Alright, you go attend the assembly and make sure everything goes smoothly. I’ll handle shaking off any trouble. Emilia and Dahlia are ready, right?”
“They should be.”
“What? You didn’t check?”
Mikhail nodded. Both had insisted on staying hidden, so he hadn’t been able to confirm.
“I checked. They won’t be discovered, no matter what.”
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