Chapter 92
“Thank you for coming all the way to the Imperial Palace. You must be very busy.”
“For anyone else, I might’ve refused, but if Ellie calls, I’d go anywhere. So, Ellie, what did you need me for?”
“I was hoping you’d grant my sister a favor, Isidor.”
“What kind of favor? Just say it.”
Leaning forward toward Elenia, Isidor replied heartily. But midway through, he paused and rubbed the back of his neck.
“Ah, right. I shouldn’t be so casual with you anymore, Lady Sylaria. You’re soon to become a prince’s consort, after all. My apologies, Your Ladyship.”
“No, Isidor. Please, treat me the same as before. We’re still friends.”
When Isidor tried to put up a wall between them, Sylaria hastily stopped him. She disliked formality. Even if they weren’t as close as he and Elenia were, they had still shared a friendship in their own way.
“Really? Alright, Sylaria. Then shall we get to the point? What’s this favor about?”
“As you know, I serve the First Prince. I want to see him made Crown Prince.”
Sylaria spoke in a calm, deliberate tone. At her words, Isidor’s expression grew serious.
“There has been some growing support for His Highness lately. But his political base is still weak.”
“That’s why I wanted your advice. Among the members of the Noble Council, is there anyone who might be willing to side with the First Prince? Since you run a newspaper, I thought you’d know who’s approachable.”
“Choosing the right people to approach is always wise.”
Isidor’s grin deepened at her question. Folding his arms, he sank into thought. Sylaria and Elenia waited quietly for his answer.
‘He’s more cooperative than I expected. That’s a relief.’
Watching Isidor’s thoughtful face, Sylaria smiled faintly. Unlike Elenia, she had never exchanged letters with him, yet he was considering her request as though it were his own affair.
This meeting was meant to be a small first step for what lay ahead, and also a test to see whether Isidor would truly help her. From the looks of it, he had passed with flying colors.
“As you both know, the Noble Council is split into two factions, the conservative faction and the progressive faction. The conservatives are firmly under the Empress’s control, so they’ll be difficult to sway. The progressives, on the other hand, are your better target.”
“The progressives…”
“Right. They’re generally younger than the conservatives, so they’re easier to talk to as well.”
“Then among them, who do you recommend?”
“If it were me, I’d go with Marquis Gerard Montfel. He’s the head of the progressive faction and very influential.”
“Are you acquainted with him?”
“We’ve talked business a few times. If you’d like, I can arrange a meeting.”
“Please do.”
“Consider it done. You can count on me.”
Isidor answered without hesitation, flashing an easy smile. Then he turned his gaze toward Elenia, who had been watching their exchange, and said warmly,
“If Sylaria succeeds, you’ll be happy too, right, Ellie? I just want to see you both happy. You’ve been through so much already.”
“Thank you, Isidor.”
Elenia smiled brightly, touched by his kindness. Sylaria, watching the gentle exchange between them, felt her heart soften with quiet satisfaction.
* * *
“Let’s meet again soon.”
Leaving the drawing room, Isidor tipped his chin lightly in farewell. Out of courtesy for him coming all the way to the palace, Sylaria accompanied him down the corridor to see him off. Elenia had already gone back to her quarters to rest.
“Keep in touch, Isidor. Travel safely.”
“Haha, I will.”
Isidor laughed heartily. As he and Sylaria exchanged goodbyes, he hesitated for a moment, then stepped closer. Cupping a hand near his mouth, he whispered,
“Ellie didn’t look well. Is she alright?”
“Ah, that… actually, a little while ago—”
Sylaria began to explain, but before she could finish speaking.
“Step away.”
A strong arm wrapped around her from behind. Euclid’s tall, broad frame enclosed her as he pulled her close, his sharp eyes fixed warily on Isidor.
“And who might you be?”
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