Chapter 99
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
“She proved to be quite useful. I should be hearing news by now.”
Adrian was curious about what the Duke might have done with that maid. Even if she had safely infiltrated, the Duke couldn’t have failed to notice, and killing her wasn’t straightforward since she was sent by the royal household.
Yet, if he had killed her, Adrian would need to prepare accordingly.
Adrian had no intention of killing the girl, which is why he hadn’t given any other instructions to his agents.
If the maid who visited the palace ended up dead, it was likely to be blamed on the royal family. It was something the Duke could exploit.
“Your Majesty. I have something to report regarding Duke Heinrich estate.”
“Come in.”
As expected, the advisor arrived early in the morning.
Adrian closed the notebook and looked at the advisor.
“It seems the maid sent to Duke Heinrich estate has been killed. Her name was Milina, sent by Lady Luther.”
“I see. Seems there’s a complication.”
“…This is a letter from the Duke’s estate.”
Adrian took the letter bearing the seal of the Heinrich family.
He was curious about its contents.
* * *
To the sole sun of the Kingdom of Bartsch, His Majesty the King,
The maid sent by Lady Luther was killed yesterday by an assassin. Regrettably, it was just after she had visited the royal court, which, if known publicly, could raise many suspicions.
At the Duke’s estate, we are deeply distressed by this event, and I am concerned about any harm it might cause to the royal family.
Perhaps it would be best if we mutually agreed to remain silent about the maid’s existence.
The maid’s family has already been dealt with by the Duke’s estate.
Duke Heinrich.
P.S.: I presume you understand what I am thinking. Should others be made aware of your shadow?
* * *
The letter was almost a notification. Mentioning the alliance suggested that this matter should be buried.
“I’ll have to gloss this over with my mother.”
“But there will be a lot of talk.”
“Not likely. The Duke wouldn’t have handled things so carelessly.”
Adrian opened the notebook again.
“If that’s their stance, there’s little we can do.”
After the advisor left, Adrian tapped the desk with his fingers.
“If you have something to say, say it quickly. Is there something to report?”
The Shadow Cannes appeared.
“Not exactly. There’s something odd. I’ve heard that the maid tried to kill the Duchess.”
“A maid suddenly turned assassin to kill the Duchess?”
Cannes nodded.
“That’s strange. It’s clear the Duke is hiding something. Is he trying to involve me to cover it up?”
The Duke’s probable reasoning would be something like this:
Suppose it’s said that the King’s Shadow, sent as a spy from the royal family to the Duke’s estate, infiltrated to silence the maid.
Bypassing the Duke’s strict security would require significant skills, and such a person could only be the King’s Shadow. Exposing this could also reduce the gossip about the Duke’s security.
And there’d be a plausible reason for the maid’s presence there—having been the Duchess’s maid before, she might have felt guilty and sought to confess everything, only to be eliminated by the Shadow in the process.
“This puts us in a difficult position.”
It seemed that they might have to go along with what he wanted this time.
Adrian’s mood soured. If only he’d been given something to be satisfied with and bow out, but no, they kept overreaching, which was incredibly annoying.
Adrian stroked his chin and stood up.
“Perhaps I should see for myself, given the shock they must’ve experienced.”
“That would be difficult.”
Just then, Lady Luther appeared with her entourage.
“Your place today is in the palace, my son.”
* * *
Adrian faced the woman sitting across from him with a knowing look.
‘She’s started things on her own.’
He had known, but he didn’t expect things to move this quickly.
“Your Majesty, I am Princess Blair von Verne from the Kingdom of Eponsen.”
“Princess Verne, you are here as a guest of my mother. I hope you enjoy the beauty of the Kingdom of Bartsch during your stay.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty. I’ve heard the royal gardens are beautiful.”
Princess Verne cautiously extended her hand.
Adrian took her hand and stood up.
His mother certainly had a knack for finding interesting women.
The princess had auburn hair similar to Emilia’s and eyes tinged with green.
She was undeniably beautiful, and unlike her, she smiled easily.
“The garden has a different atmosphere during the day. If you’re up for it, perhaps we could take a boat ride along the canal?”
“Oh, a boat ride… How romantic. It seems that the Kingdom of Bartsch, unlike the Kingdom of Eponsen, really cherishes its natural beauty.”
Princess Verne readily agreed. Adrian linked arms with her and they exited the palace to take the boat.
Poor mother, she knows one thing but not another about her son.
With a gentle smile, Adrian gracefully escorted the princess to the awaiting carriage.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.