RCHR 32

Chapter 32

Julian, feigning ignorance of the emperor’s sharp tone, spoke calmly.
“I only know that it is the most precious treasure Your Majesty holds.”

“Julian! Don’t think I’ll indulge your insolence forever.”

Seeing Julian grin playfully, Zahidra barked out.
He seemed to think Julian intended to use the Montblanc Club’s secret as leverage to balance himself between the temple and the throne.

Julian quickly waved his hand.
“I think there’s been a misunderstanding. As I said earlier, I’ve come to stand on Your Majesty’s side. I could never repay kindness with betrayal.”

“You truly consider my grace as kindness?”

“Of course. That’s why I’ve come bearing such a fine card.”

“A fine card?”

“How long do you intend to remain hidden in the shadows? It’s time to reveal yourself.”

At Julian’s confident tone, Zahidra’s deeply furrowed brow eased little by little.
He gestured for Julian to continue.

“The painter I mentioned earlier—Varinica—is the very man the Earl of Devonshire will be commissioning.”

“What?”

“The commissioned painting will be published under complete anonymity. He will paint a piece that denounces the temple.”

“Are you out of your mind? That man built his fame on sacred images of the goddess Depria. He receives the temple’s patronage! Even the grand ceiling mural they boast about is his work!”

“I heard the High Pontiff has taken a fifth wife recently. A girl young enough to be his daughter—over thirty years his junior.”

“I’ve seen so many of his vile acts that I’m numb to them now. Nothing surprises me anymore.”

“That young woman was originally Varinica’s fiancée.”

Zahidra froze as he lifted a glass of chilled lemonade. The ice clinked loudly in his hand, his eyes widening.

Julian smirked slyly.
“She came to visit Varinica, and the High Pontiff apparently fell for her at first sight. Since her father was a fervent devotee of the goddess, he thought it a glorious honor. I heard they didn’t even hold a proper wedding.”

Zahidra pressed his forehead and let out a hollow laugh.
“He’s an even bigger lunatic than I thought. Good grief. And that man is the High Pontiff?”

“It isn’t technically against the doctrine of the Deprian faith, so there’s no issue. Since no formal marriage was held, it’s not considered stealing another man’s wife. And as for the daughter’s will, her father could simply override it. Even if she claimed it was forced, the High Pontiff would’ve made sure the case was dismissed. So imagine Varinica, robbed of his fiancée before his very eyes. Wouldn’t he gladly seize such an opportunity? He’ll be dreaming of revenge. If you wish, perhaps he can even win her back.”

“Very well. And what exactly do you intend to achieve with this painting?”

“I’ll sow seeds.”

“Seeds?”

“Yes, seeds of doubt. In Varinica’s painting, the High Pontiff’s and the priests’ sins will be depicted raw and vividly. Of course, once released under temple authority, it will be destroyed immediately. But this is Varinica we’re talking about—the greatest artist of the empire. His works alone are valuable enough to collect. Copies will spread across the land.”

“Hm…”

“From dukes to poor tenant farmers, Varinica’s art will be secretly cherished. The paintings will be so beautiful that everyone will long to own them. And without realizing, people will carry in their minds the temple’s true face through his art. What do you think? Isn’t it a splendid prologue?”

Zahidra stroked his chin in silence.
Julian clearly saw a satisfied smile tugging at his lips.

Feigning detachment, Zahidra asked,
“But why the Earl of Devonshire? If you handled it yourself, it would be far more reliable.”

At the mention of Zeppelin’s name, Julian stirred his tea with a teaspoon, as though even the thought irritated him.

He replied indifferently.
“Well, it’s well known the earl has a refined taste in art. And…”

“And?”

Julian stopped stirring. The swirling tea slowed.
He lifted his glass, tossed an ice cube into his mouth—crunch. The ice shattered helplessly.

“We’ll know exactly where his allegiance lies. Only Your Majesty, I, and the Earl will know the details. If the plan collapses…”

“Then one of the three has betrayed us.”

Zahidra’s eyes narrowed. For some reason, Julian was scratching every itch he had today.

The Devonshire family had been loyal since Zahidra’s crown prince days.
Especially Zakim Devonshire—he had been one of the chief contributors to Zahidra’s rise to the throne.

But Zeppelin… was different.

Zeppelin Devonshire might appear to walk in his father’s footsteps, but Zahidra did not trust him completely.
He was cunning, and Zahidra clearly remembered times when Zeppelin had slyly evaded imperial commands.
It wouldn’t be strange if he turned against him someday.

Did Julian somehow see through even that worry of mine?

No—Zahidra had a nagging sense that Julian’s proposal carried more than one intent.
Julian had always dismissed favors and advantages with indifference. Yet suddenly, he showed interest in imperial power. There had to be another reason.

It almost felt as though targeting the Earl of Devonshire was one of Julian’s goals all along.

Rebecca, was it…

Zahidra thought of Rebecca Devonshire.
Indeed, she was a woman whose beauty could captivate any man.
Though overly delicate, her character was beyond reproach.

The year she came of age, even a prince from across the sea had come to court her.
That season had been one of the most turbulent in memory, all because of Rebecca’s presence.
Zahidra still remembered the fierce competition among her suitors.

But why now?
Surely this wasn’t the first time Julian and Rebecca had crossed paths.
And if Julian had been interested from the start, with his bold nature, something would have already happened.

It must be tied to the victory banquet… Something definitely occurred between them then.

Zahidra had not risen from the status of a mere third prince, born of a concubine, to the throne by luck alone.
He excelled at knowing which cards to play and which to discard, at reading desires precisely, at waiting patiently, and at discarding the useless with cold ruthlessness.
Though always wearing a benevolent smile, beneath his mask gleamed sharp, piercing eyes.

And those eyes were now dissecting Julian completely.

Julian welcomed the emperor’s scrutiny with ease.
Yes, imagine whatever you wish. And deliver into my hands exactly what I desire.

The emperor and Julian shared the same destination—the downfall of the temple.
Even if their hearts differed, so long as their paths aligned, they could be excellent companions.

And in the future, the emperor would be the one to secure Rebecca’s position when she became a duchess.

Julian smiled gently.
“Surely nothing like that will happen. It’s only a hypothetical. The Earl of Devonshire is loyal to the bone. You’ve already arranged Varinica’s secret workshop—so all that remains is for the Earl to keep watch.”

“I’ve already summoned him to the palace today. I’ve given him a rough outline.”

“Excellent. Once the painting is complete, we’ll revisit the matter. For now, I have a gift for Your Majesty.”

“Oh? A gift from you? What is it?”

“Kroah.”

Julian called loudly toward the door.
Kroah entered, holding a thick black-bound book.

Julian received it and presented it to Zahidra.
“A record of the temple’s vices. I’ve been compiling it since I was very young. Please, enjoy.”

Zahidra’s face lit up with delight.
At that moment, the balance of his scales tipped heavily to one side.

“Now there’s no turning back. Are you certain about this?”

In the carriage on the way back, Kroah asked carefully.

Julian, still gazing out the window, answered without a flicker.
“It was inevitable. The only question is why I delayed so long.”

Kroah, seeing his icy expression, did not press further.
Silence filled the spacious carriage.

After a while, Julian spotted the city gates.
“So this is Irencia?”

“Yes, sir. Beyond those gates is the Devonshire domain.”

“A place far too beautiful for that man to rule.”

Julian gazed at the colorful streets lined with exquisite buildings.
The crowd slowed the carriage to a crawl.
Between the alleys, a bustling market came into view.

Suddenly, Julian felt curious.
“Let’s head to the market. I’m a bit hungry.”

Kroah’s mind filled with question marks.
Julian had devoured half a cake and a tray of tea sandwiches back at the palace.
And now he was hungry?

Has he entered a second adolescence…?

Though puzzled, Kroah relayed the order to the coachman.
Julian nodded, looking out the window.

The market must have foods Rebecca grew up with. I’ll try them and have the cooks prepare them later.

Just imagining Rebecca’s delight put him in good spirits.
He smiled in satisfaction, soaking in the lively market of Irencia.

Then, amid the crowd, his eyes caught on a familiar figure.
A tall woman, bonnet pulled low.

“Re…becca?”

“Well then, I’ll be counting on you.”

“Mom, make lots of money!”

Margaret smiled as Jack, nestled in Gloria’s arms, sent her off cheerfully.

The room was already filled with the orphans, chattering like baby chicks.

The orphanage housed many single parents.
While they worked outside, Gloria cared for the children nearly free of charge.

Even knowing that the Liberta orphanage belonged to the Earl of Devonshire, Margaret could not bring herself to leave this place.