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Chapter 14
That day was particularly unlucky.
It started with something rare: just before she was about to leave for the party, a hurried-looking messenger arrived.
Ellen took the item the servant handed her and opened it. Something long was written in the bold, confident handwriting of her favorite Spaniel, Cheshire.
<“Ellen, I’m sorry.
Only your father will attend today’s party, for business reasons. I’ve received word that there’s a fire in the territory, and the wind is strong, so it’s hard to contain the flames.
Brother and I will leave immediately after finishing this letter. The damage seems significant, so preparing relief measures has become urgent, not to mention the firefighting efforts.
But Ellen, I worry that you might worry unnecessarily.
You’ve always managed well on your own, but ever since Krembel got involved, it seems you’ve been shrinking back as if you need someone’s permission for every little thing.
I know this is because you don’t want to cause Krembel Duke any trouble.
But what I mean is, don’t carry things to the point they fester inside you.
Remember, there are always those who speak without knowing the whole story. Planning words that can’t affect them will be quite enjoyable.
If possible, it would be nice to hear your tales when I return.
So please, be confident today as well.
—Sincerely, Sweeney.”>
“…Alright. Let’s go.”
With a long sigh, she tucked the letter from her friend safely into her bosom.
In fact, since rising to the capital, there hadn’t been many lucky days for her.
Especially on days with palace parties, where both allies and enemies attended—these occasions were always more taxing.
To be alone there… Ellen really didn’t want to go.
Yet, unless there was a special reason, attendance at palace parties was mandatory.
Because of this unwritten rule, Ellen reluctantly moved her feet forward.
It was laughable, really: a woman with a husband, disliking parties because she didn’t want to be left alone.
Normally, she would have tried to push such thoughts out of her mind, but today she stacked them up with a self-deprecating expression.
Her husband, Gillian, had practically withdrawn from the social scene.
He would accompany her once to greet the central nobles, then leave the rest of the social affairs to her, saying it was her responsibility now.
His involvement was limited to attending a few essential events and speaking with select individuals before returning.
Knowing this well, Ellen didn’t expect him to be there that day.
Even so, she still disliked such gatherings.
“…Oh my, alone again today.”
“I told you. Something must be seriously wrong between the couple, right?”
“Indeed. The difference in attitude from the first time is so obvious. Could it be he took a mistress at such a young age…?”
A mistress? If anyone were to be suspected, it would hardly be me—it would be the Duke they all so admire.
The words almost escaped her lips, but she held them in.
Eventually, she found the right moment and quietly slipped out of the party.
As she sighed helplessly, a familiar voice called out from behind.
“Ah, Mrs. Krembel. There you are.”
“Your Highness?”
She had tried hard to leave unnoticed, yet the Crown Prince had somehow found her.
“How did Your Highness know I was here…?”
“Well, this is the palace.”
Kaiden shrugged and approached.
“Bored with the party, I see.”
“…Ah, not at all. I just came out because the night breeze was refreshing.”
“It’s still quite chilly.”
He smiled gently, chuckled softly, and continued.
“Ah, not that you should be alone… Speaking of which, I remember you enjoy paintings. If you like, would you like to see my gallery?”
A kind invitation.
Anyone even slightly aware of the social scene would know why she was outside alone.
So he came out knowing everything, for her sake.
It had been so long—perhaps, if not for today, she would have forgotten such kindness entirely.
“…Yes. Thank you.”
“Ha! I’m excited already, thinking of showing you everything.”
He chatted cheerfully as they walked along the long corridor.
Throughout their walk, an awkward distance lingered between them.
Yet Kaiden jokingly recounted stories from his childhood with Gillian, and Ellen laughed at the amusing tales of her husband she hadn’t known.
The Crown Prince’s gallery contained many things.
Most notably, there were paintings created by his late mother.
The young prince sitting proudly in a chair, holding a small wooden sword with Gillian, who was a head taller than him, and both of them sitting at a desk together as they grew.
Ellen couldn’t take her eyes off these images of her husband as a child. Kaiden approached and spoke.
“You must have loved him dearly. I apologize and, at the same time, am grateful.”
“…Why would Your Highness do that?”
“Though Gillian is a cousin, he is like a brother to me. And family. Of course, you are the same.”
“….”
“If you like these paintings, please visit whenever you wish. My mother would be pleased to know someone stops by often.”
“…May I?”
“Of course.”
Seeing Ellen’s cautious demeanor, he smiled faintly and retrieved a small box from a drawer.
“Please accept this, Madam.”
“This… belonged to the late Empress?”
“Yes. It’s a family heirloom, a gift passed down to bless the heir’s well-being. It’s a precious royal treasure.”
“Why give it to me…?”
“Actually, it’s just a red ruby ring. I can’t wear it myself.”
He shrugged casually.
“Though you’re not royal, we are family. On dull, boring days like today, it can be a little respite.”
“….”
“Neither you nor other families seem to truly realize this.”
He smiled, but there was a cold edge in his expression.
In retrospect, it was probably his true feelings slipping through, a streak of his unrestrained nature.
“I recommend wearing it on your hand, but if it’s uncomfortable, you can wear it around your neck.”
“…Thank you.”
Ellen was deeply grateful for his kindness.
A warning to those who would speak ill of her in front of her, something her husband should have done, he had done for her instead.
“I’ll return it properly later… with a token of gratitude. My father taught me never to forget favors.”
“Hmm, returning it later through your child is sufficient.”
“…Ah, I see. Then the messenger will be my child.”
“Ha! That’s perfect. They’ll become good friends.”
That red ruby ring from the royal family.
And with that ring, she had ignored Gillian poking at Kaiden.
Memories from the past suddenly flooded in, stiffening Ellen’s expression. Kaiden also tensed.
“My mother wore this herself. No one would dare act against the wearer—not even the late Emperor.”
“…I understand.”
“Do I? Then may I take that as acceptance?”
“….”
Ellen hesitated.
There was no need for unnecessary risks.
But the memories the ring stirred made her realize her heart had already been swayed.
‘I’d like to agree if I can… but what should I do…?’
‘But Gillian doesn’t know yet. Things like this are most effective when acted on while he’s unaware.’
She weighed the risks and benefits.
‘The Crown Prince seems the type to take some risk for results… It won’t work if I just stay silent. Better to observe and move with him. It might even help build trust.’
After a moment, she spoke.
“Very well. I’ll tell you.”
“Of course. I knew you’d know more.”
Kaiden smiled with satisfaction.
“However, this will be the first and last adventurous task. Understood?”
“If the information is that crucial, there’s no need for further antics.”
Kaiden replied eagerly, as if urging her to reveal the information.
Finding him slightly annoying, Ellen rolled her eyes and gave the location she thought was best.
“Let’s go to the Tempt Dockyard.”
“Tempt? That’s closer than I expected. But Krembel…”
Kaiden paused mid-sentence, seemingly startled at having spoken words doubting Krembel.
Ellen continued for him.
“The Tempt Canal is the main freight route.”
“…Indeed.”
“You didn’t expect the Tempt Canal, bordering the Istazan capital, to come up?”
“It wouldn’t be honest to say no.”
Kaiden didn’t hide his discomfort.
‘Darkness under the lamp’—exactly so. Even the gambling house had been built in the capital…
“Money naturally flows to the capital. And the Tempt Canal is both the border of Istazan and Krembel territory.”
Then, Lord Morris of Koenheim, who had been listening silently, asked.
“If it’s the dockyard… we’ll need to secure the cargo. If mistimed, everything may have already been transported. Do you have information on that?”
“Since the ship arrives today, I thought it worth mentioning. By now, the cargo is likely being moved to the warehouse. Transport may begin as early as tonight.”
“The timing…”
“Yes. Tight, but that ensures a proper raid, doesn’t it?”
Ellen, having made up her mind, hesitated no longer.
Once decided, she would do it properly.
At that moment, Cheshire Terrier, Sir Terry, looked concerned.
“Ellen. We should move immediately and assess the situation. I’m sorry I can’t take you myself, but I can drop you at a nearby carriage…”
“No.”
Ellen shook her head.
“I’ll go with you there myself.”
