CMI 08

Chapter 8

The Person Walter Has His Eye On

That incident.

The one everyone hesitated to even speak of, quietly referred to as “that incident” or “the Ertman Incident,” happened roughly fifteen years ago.

It had been such a huge scandal that even young Odette remembered the events clearly.

To summarize “that incident” in one line:

“The Emperor’s younger sister and Duke Ertman attempted to elope.”

The Ertman family had long been loyal to the imperial household.

Naturally, they wielded considerable power, and their ties with the royal family were solid.

That was, at least, until the current Duke of Ertman, Walter’s father, Luthus Ertman, tried to run away with Princess Laila Celestine, the Emperor’s younger sister.

Luthus even already had a family from an earlier political marriage, and his only son, Walter, consistently ranked top of his private academy and was a frequent topic in high society at every term’s end.

So it was likely that Luthus had been suppressing his feelings for Princess Laila, intending to live as the head of the Ertman family and as a responsible father—at least as long as the princess wasn’t about to marry into another country.

However, the Emperor had plans to marry his sister to a neighboring kingdom’s king, which inadvertently ignited the love between Luthus and Laila.

The tragedy was compounded by the fact that they had just acknowledged their feelings for each other at that very time.

In a way, this romantic and audacious scandal had set high society abuzz for a long time, and Odette and Elise, who lived in the palace, often found themselves discussing it naturally.

• “The chief steward says the late Duke Ertman was incredibly handsome. And he was only in his mid-thirties at the time, so it’s no wonder passions flared.”
• “I heard Princess Laila had secretly loved him for a long time as well?”
• “Given that, it makes sense they’d consider abandoning everything to run away together.”
• “Truly an extraordinary love.”

How extraordinary their love was, and how it ended, no one knew.

Afterward, Luthus Ertman and Princess Laila vanished without a trace.

One thing, however, was certain: the entire Ertman family bore the brunt of the Emperor’s wrath.

The Emperor, enraged at the betrayal of both the Ertman Duke and his sister, acted furiously:

• “Bring these wretched fools before me!”
• “Shut down the Ertman estate and interrogate anyone involved. If they refuse to speak, they may be executed!”

Treating a prestigious family like Ertman as if they were common criminals was unprecedented.

Setting such a precedent could mean the Emperor’s wrath might strike elsewhere.

Nervous nobles rushed to advise leniency toward the Ertmans.

If not for Luthus Ertman’s father, the previous Duke, Arnold Ertman, stepping in, the family might have been wiped out entirely.

• “I will remove the criminal Luthus from the Ertman registry, return the southern mines the Emperor desires, and demonstrate the family’s innocence by leading the Grand Poart War as its supreme commander.”

Arnold had spent his life on battlefields and was a celebrated military hero, earning the Emperor’s respect.

Furthermore, a competent leader for the war against the Poart Confederation was lacking, which softened the Emperor’s fury.

• “Very well. I accept your proposal, Arnold. But until the Poart War concludes, the Ertman family remains guilty. Remember, this is the last mercy I can extend.”

To remain guilty meant the Ertman family was dishonored, effectively barring them from high society.

Fortunately, the Poart War ended five years later, and the Ertmans restored their honor. Still, they refrained from public activities to avoid further displeasing the Emperor.

The Emperor had also deliberately sent the current Duke, Walter, repeatedly to the battlefield, further limiting his social presence.

Since Luthus’s wife had returned to her family after the incident, Walter was the only Ertman left to engage in social activities.

Thus, the Emperor mentioning “that incident” here was effectively a warning:

Even if forgiven, the Ertmans were not to cause scandal with a princess.

• “I am not entirely strict. If it happens out of genuine desire, what can I do? Sometimes one must turn a blind eye. But I will not tolerate anything that tarnishes the royal name.”

This was a warning not just for Walter but also for Regina and Odette.

‘Two princesses involved with one man…’

The Emperor had every reason to disapprove, especially if it involved an Ertman.

‘That’s why I wanted nothing to do with the Duke…’

Odette had initially rejected Walter because she believed he was aligned with Empress Katarina.

Even without that, she likely wouldn’t have chosen Walter.

Among all potential suitors, Ertman was off-limits due to “that incident.”

For Odette, needing a suitable marriage prospect, Walter was precisely someone to avoid.

‘Well, since His Majesty spoke so openly, the rumors should settle somewhat.’

With such a clear warning, Walter would not dare mention proposing to Odette.

• “…I understand Your Majesty’s intentions clearly.”

As expected, Walter nodded.

But his next words nearly made Odette spit out her tea:

• “So, if it happens out of genuine desire, Your Majesty would permit it. I have taken careful note.”

Odette choked slightly and set down her teacup unnaturally, but no one paid her any mind.

Walter’s words had caused the Emperor’s face to twitch slightly.

• “…It seems the Duke has misunderstood my intentions.”
• “On the contrary, I understood perfectly. Did you not say, if it arises from genuine desire, what can be done?”

The Emperor had said that one must occasionally turn a blind eye, but he never expected anyone to interpret it in such a bold manner.

• “I was cautious, fearing Your Majesty would dislike the Ertmans due to past events. But your words put my mind at ease. As you know, forbidden love often leads to unforeseen accidents.”
• “So… are you planning to cause an incident now?”
• “Of course not. Your Majesty graciously said you would permit it with immense generosity, so there’s no need. Or…”

Walter’s gaze briefly flicked toward Regina before returning.

• “Would Your Majesty deny a princess what she desires?”

The nobles murmured, and the Emperor’s bored expression stiffened.

A single misstep in words could make him seem inconsistent—or a scoundrel profiting from the Ertmans’ merits while refusing to forgive them properly.

Walter had keenly observed this nuance.

Ultimately, the Emperor chose to redirect the topic:

• “…By saying that, Duke, you must have some thought in mind. Based on your words so far, it sounds like you do have feelings for the princess. Is that correct?”

A sly, Emperor-like tactic.

All eyes turned to Walter. Everyone held their breath.

And then…

• “Tastes usually follow bloodlines, my grandfather once said.”

Walter spoke smoothly, like a snake uncoiling.

His voice was soft, almost hypnotic.

• “I didn’t believe it much, but now I have changed my mind.”
• “Hah? You’re saying Ertman blood makes one attracted to a princess?”
• “With someone so charming, wouldn’t it be strange otherwise?”
• “Duke, did you sharpen your tongue instead of your sword on the battlefield? You speak remarkably well.”

The Emperor laughed dryly, shaking his head, and finally stood. Continuing the conversation would only concern the marriage between Ertman and the princess—nothing beneficial for him.

• “I am not feeling well today. Even this conversation has drained me. That’s enough amusement for now. The rest of you may enjoy yourselves.”

As the Emperor left without looking back, the nobles immediately began whispering excitedly.

• “Could it really be…?”
• “Which of the two princesses does the Duke have his eye on?”
• “It must be the Third Princess, right? He was sitting next to her, and he looked at her before speaking!”
• “If it is the Third Princess, then the Fourth Princess looks quite foolish—used, in a way.”

No one dared ask Odette directly, so speculation ran rampant.

Most assumed he had feelings for Regina. Given the circumstances, it was a reasonable assumption.

‘Within a day, this will spread across all of high society.’

Amid the commotion, only Odette quietly sipped her tea.

It wasn’t surprising to her that Walter might be interested in Regina—no one would care for someone like Odette in the palace.

She knew that, yet…

‘…why does my mouth taste so bitter?’

Was it the tea, now cold and astringent? Probably.

Yes, that must be it.

Her blurred vision, she thought, was because the tea had gone cold. She blinked and set her cup down.

Or so she thought.

Clang!

The sharp noise made her eyes snap open.

She realized what she had done: half-asleep and with blurred vision, she had dropped her teacup on the floor.

‘Of all times…’

Feeling all eyes on her, her face flushed bright red. She scrambled to her feet.

• “I-I’m sorry. My hand slipped… I’ll take my leave now, Your Majesty.”

Before even hearing Katarina’s response, she tried to leave.

• “……!”

She stumbled, and her vision tilted.