FMLDM 59

Chapter 59

The Unwelcome Guest Who Came Searching for Her Husband

After Seira disappeared, a few days passed. Once the true culprit of the incident became clear, Mary regained her former composure, and Momont personally apologized to her for all the trouble she had endured. He didn’t forget to apologize to me as well.

“I doubted you for a moment, my lady. I am truly sorry.”

Momont bowed his head and withdrew, pledging to show the same loyalty to me as he would to Macaron. Aint treated me more gently than before and even looked at me with a slightly different expression—seemingly aware of the full story behind the black tea incident. Macaron had fully recovered, and both Momont and Aint demonstrated through their actions that they were truly on my side. They now sought my permission in every decision as the lady of the house, and their careful attention to my education and the household staff was clearly visible. Meanwhile, the rumor of Macaron’s death spread uncontrollably, just as expected.

“By now, Rainer Craide has probably received a report from Seira, too.”

It was highly likely that Seira had already left Craide territory. But the investigation could not be halted, so a wide-scale search continued, with more personnel deployed to the task. As the search area expanded, there was increased activity in Craide territory. Since rumors spread like wildfire, even among the nobility there were subtle movements behind the scenes. Rainer seemed intent on pushing forward with the crown prince selection, capitalizing on the momentum.

“Rainer Craide must be basking in a sense of victory, maybe even holding a celebration.”

Everything was unfolding according to Macaron’s plan.

The rumor of Macaron’s death reached the Riflair household without fail. Rael barely managed to suppress a grin upon hearing it. She still shuddered when recalling the prince who had been given to her as a “gift.” And that wasn’t all. Calypse had humiliated her in front of everyone. Rael clearly remembered the smirk that had curled on Calypse’s lips back then.

“That brat actually pulled off a stunt like this… in tandem?”

Returning after causing the incident, Rael was expelled from her position as Evelyn’s close attendant, and her standing within the Riflair household had shrunk significantly. The servants Rael had bossed around ignored her, overloading her with work, and no one spoke to her. In her mind, everything she had done was erased, and all wrongdoing was attributed to Calypse.

“Calypse, that woman, she always acted so high and mighty…”

After stifling a feeble laugh, Rael promptly reported the matter to Evelyn. If Evelyn learned that her first love, Macaron, had died before Rael could even claim him, she would surely lose control. But Rael had calculated that since this involved Calypse, the responsibility would fall to her, and she would benefit from the leftover spoils. Moreover, Evelyn would never let Calypse go easily. Yet, surprisingly, Evelyn remained calm instead of reacting explosively. She sought out Rael early in the morning.

But then she demanded the Imperial Priest to come to the Riflair mansion to perform a consecration? Rael thought Evelyn might truly be insane. After all, having a lord summon the Imperial Priest directly to perform a consecration would inevitably stir unease among the vassals. Typically, consecration was performed when a plague spread or a monster’s curse began. But Rael, wary of Evelyn’s strict tone and gaze, could not object. Despite the objections of the retainers, the consecration began at the Riflair mansion. It went on for hours, with Rael internally cursing as she pounded her tired legs while catering to the whims of a madwoman.

Finally, as they approached a secluded room, Evelyn, who had spent the day following the Imperial Priest with her eyes closed, opened her mouth.

“What is your view of the current situation, Imperial Priest?”

“…Are you referring to Prince Macaron?”

“You understood immediately.”

Rael finally realized why Evelyn had initiated the consecration prayers. With all attention focused on her as the head of the Riflair family, if she moved personally as a cleric, rumors about her actions would spread. But consecration prayers were different. By appearing concerned about the estate, Evelyn aimed to achieve her purpose. Inviting Dior, the most renowned Imperial Priest in the capital, lent credibility to her actions. Rael, her skin prickling, listened intently.

“Do not believe all the rumors circulating.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Prince Macaron is not someone who would die so easily.”

It was not uncommon for noble households to spread false rumors. But allowing rumors of death was rare. Evelyn’s eyes widened at the priest’s unexpected statement.

“Do you mean… Prince Macaron is still alive?”

“Most likely.”

“How can you be certain?”

“Such is his fate. And the star Krisus has not yet set.”

Krisus was the star that appeared when Macaron was born, prophesied by priests to accompany his destiny. Born under this extraordinary star, Macaron was expected to achieve great things—and he did. Dior, the Imperial Priest who had declared it the Emperor’s Star, possessed unparalleled foresight. The factions still pursuing Macaron had likely been influenced by his prophecy. As one of the empire’s most eminent priests, Dior’s words carried unquestionable credibility.

After organizing all the details, Evelyn gave Rael one last opportunity. That day, Dior, having received a substantial sum of money, arrived at Evelyn’s mansion.

The windows of the eastern annex rattled as raindrops pounded against them. Unlike typical Romantic Empire weather, the sky was gray and unyielding. Dark clouds heralded ominous events, casting a gloomy atmosphere.

Despite the storm, Lord Momont was diligently managing the mansion. The western annex remained lit as preparations for the crown prince selection continued. On such a day, a rest would have been welcome… but the busy work wasn’t limited to the annex. Lord Aint moved incessantly outside, determined to find the culprit behind the poisoning incident.

However, Seira’s disappearance hinted at a grim conclusion. While the lack of evidence was frustrating, knowing Macaron was safe was a relief. The terrifying thoughts Rael had while traveling from Lady Marie’s mansion, where she had heard of Macaron’s “death,” remained nightmarish. As she traced Macaron’s face at the window, her poorly drawn sketch made her smirk. At that moment, a luxurious umbrella appeared in her view, approaching the mansion.

“Who could it be?”

The umbrella, with a beautiful lace pattern fit for a noblewoman, exuded an antique elegance. Momentarily flustered by the unannounced visitor, Rael saw the umbrella slightly lifted.

“Evelyn?”

Though she was far away, the sight of her flowing purple hair made recognition instant. As Rael hurried downstairs via the floor, Eve reported Evelyn’s visit. Already aware, Rael calmly approached the main gate, though her heart raced. At the gate, she could hear Lord Momont arguing with Evelyn.

“Who gave such orders?”

Evelyn tried to force her way inside, while Momont blocked her.

“Regardless, you cannot enter now. Please understand and return—”

Beside Evelyn, holding her ornate umbrella, stood a middle-aged man. His graying hair was covered by a deep hat, and Rael recognized him from the recent birthday banquet.

“Imperial Priest Dior?”

Given the empire-wide demand for his presence, his arrival here seemed strange. Yet, unlike previous priests, he was known to prioritize money.

“He must have judged that accompanying Evelyn is more profitable.”

He was still a neutral noble, aligned with neither Macaron nor Rainer. But the real focus was Evelyn. Standing beside him, she carried herself as if entering her own home. Her audacious demeanor—like the day she claimed to have fallen for her husband—remained unchanged. Rael stepped forward, knowing that if she didn’t, Evelyn would continue to provoke Momont until Macaron arrived.

“I am the one who issued that order.”

In that instant, Dior, Evelyn, and Momont all turned their gazes toward Rael. Momont looked flustered, Dior appeared indifferent as if he were simply paid to work, and only Evelyn’s expression shifted clearly, a smirk spreading across her face.

“You’ve heard the title of Crown Princess a few times and think you’re something special? Considering you’re a mere viscountess by birth.”

Her voice, neither too loud nor too soft, rang sharply in Rael’s ears.

“How rude.”

The atmosphere immediately grew tense, and Lord Momont stepped forward. Though Rael signaled it was fine, Momont’s expression betrayed anger, as if it were his personal affront.

“You were the first to be rude. Since when does the Craide family welcome guests this way?”

With the crown prince selection imminent, caution was paramount. Rather than letting words leak, it was better to discern her intentions.

“Let’s go inside and discuss this.”

Momont and Eve strongly opposed,

“My lady, it’s best not to engage with someone like that.”

Of course, they were right; Rael could have sent Evelyn away. But now that Evelyn was the head of the Riflair family, ignoring her visit without inquiry would be improper. Moreover, since Evelyn had been Macaron’s childhood friend, Rael could not send her away without his consent. She also did not wish to appear evasive. Momont remained vigilant, and Eve watched beside her, ready for battle.

“Guide her to the southern annex reception room.”

Upon arriving, Evelyn sought Dior’s approval, which he readily granted, following Momont to the reception room. Eve looked ready to strike Evelyn until Rael signaled her, upon which she stomped away. Evelyn, seated on the sofa, surveyed the room as if it were her own, while a teacup was placed on the table. Had Eve’s fierce expression been noticed, Evelyn might not have dared to touch it. Gracefully, she lifted the teacup.

“Where is Macaron now?”

Not calling him Crown Prince but by name—was she trying to assert familiarity?