Chapter 70

"Unknown! Unknown, unknown! I don't know anything!"

Startled by the sudden angry voice, Lillith shuddered. Then, realizing she was in a dream, she let out a sigh of relief. It seemed she had wandered into another place again. Wondering who was angry about what, she looked around and was taken aback.

Lillith stood in a corner of a luxurious room, and the source of the angry voice—Baron Coat—was standing up from a single-seater sofa in the center of the room, glaring at the person in front of him. This was the reception room of Baron Coat's mansion. The other person was unfamiliar, but from his attire and the two knights standing slightly behind him, Lillith deduced he was an official envoy from the palace.

(So, he's the emperor's envoy. He must have been summoned regarding the factory's misconduct. Is the baron refusing to comply...?)

It was foolish to act so rudely towards an official envoy. Realizing this, the baron, who had been shouting loudly, eventually lowered his head in resignation.

"Even if it's a false accusation, I can't defy a summons from His Majesty..."

The envoy let out a sigh of relief. He probably didn't want to resort to forceful measures.

"However, as the lord of this land, I cannot immediately leave for the capital. I need to have a discussion with the estate manager and sort out various matters. No matter when I return, leaving like this could cause confusion. Therefore, could you wait three days before my departure?"

"Three days, you say?"

"Yes, I would prefer two days, but that would be too risky. I promise to be ready to leave by the morning of the fourth day."

"Understood. Although it's my personal decision, I will grant your request. Of course, I will inform His Majesty immediately. Also, don't even think about running away. It would be futile."

"Of course, that's expected. However, I must immediately get to work, so I will take my leave. You are welcome to stay in this mansion, of course. I will be away often, so I can't entertain you much..."

"Please don't worry about it. Then, I will take you up on your offer and stay here."

The envoy bowed deeply to the baron, who then rang a bell to call the butler and informed him of the envoy's stay and his own departure. The envoy likely intended to monitor the baron by staying in the mansion. As the baron left the room, Lillith, along with the envoy, saw him off. But when she realized it, the baron was in front of her again.

(Huh? The scene has changed? Where am I?)

The baron was talking to someone again, but the identity of the other person was unclear. The elderly man seemed to be of considerable status, wearing fine clothing, but Lillith couldn't identify him. She didn't even know when this dream was set. Determined to understand the situation, Lillith listened carefully to their conversation.

"It seems the evidence has been gathered. Whether I respond to this summons or not, I will definitely lose my title and land, and be thrown into prison! No, in the worst case, I might even be hanged... What should I do... What should I do..."

The baron, pacing back and forth with a pale face, was quite terrifying. Upon closer inspection, his attire was the same as when he met the envoy. Lillith realized that this dream was just a short time after the previous scene.

"Please, calm down, Baron. Sit down and have some tea; it might help you think of a good idea."

Unlike the baron, who was pacing around the room, the other man was sitting on the sofa, sipping tea calmly. The baron stopped and glared at him.

"How can I calm down! My life is at stake! I asked for a three-day delay to buy time, but I have no idea how to get out of this predicament! The prince's visit was clearly to investigate the misconduct. What was I thinking? Ah, what should I do..."

"Perhaps you should just run away?"

"Nonsense! What would running away accomplish!? My assets are already seized! Another envoy has already gone to the factory. They can't run either, and if they say anything extra... Besides, this was your idea! You suggested diverting the stoneware. How much profit do you think I've made for you—Fontae?"

Lillith gasped. The other man was from the Kingdom of Fontae. If he was so close to the baron's mansion...

(That's it! This person reminds me of someone. It's Mr. Fu! His face is completely different, but he has a scholarly aura... He seems more cunning than the gentle Mr. Fu. Could he be one of Mr. Fu's acquaintances?)

The room was very similar to one of the high-end inns where Lillith was staying. She had mentioned that a friend of Frederick's had come to Toisen, taking a roundabout route, but it might have been to meet the baron, who lived nearby.

(Still, I never expected someone from Fontae to be involved in this misconduct...)

Had Jesarld and the others already discovered this? Or were they planning to uncover it during the investigation? Lillith desperately wanted to tell Jesarld about this. She should have revealed her reality dreams. How could she convey this information? While she was agonizing, the conversation continued.

"Of course, our king does not take lightly to the baron's long-standing contributions. If you come to Fontae, we can promise you a certain level of treatment."

"Certain level? What does that mean? Will the King of Fontae grant me a title? I am losing my current position!"

"Unfortunately, that is not possible at the moment. You will be considered a serious criminal for defying the emperor's command. Granting you a title would only create more conflict."

"Then you must do something! You are the one who put me in this position! If I am investigated, it will also cause problems for Fontae! It will be a significant issue!"

"Fortunately, the Kingdom of Fontae is not officially involved in this matter. You merely conducted business with a merchant based in Fontae."

"But, you..."

The man remained calm despite the baron's angry outburst. The baron's double chin trembled, and veins bulged on his temples.

"Granting you a title would indeed create more conflict between our country and the empire. However, why not create a much larger conflict? In a great fire, a small flame is easily overlooked."

"Large conflict?"

"Baron, you are very fortunate."

"Nonsense! What fortune?"

The man looked up at the shouting baron with a sinister smile and continued.

"Isn't it fortunate? There is a very important and noble person within your reach, both for this country and for the Kingdom of Freud."

Lillith instinctively covered her mouth, her body trembling.

"Y-You mean... the Crown Princess?"

"Yes, that's right. You should kidnap the Crown Princess and bring her to Fontae. Of course, we will assist you in your escape. Even if you are caught by imperial soldiers, using the Princess as a shield will protect you. The King of Freud will not abandon the Princess, and it is said that even the Crown Prince has developed feelings for her recently."

"T-That's true... From what I've seen in Toisen, their relationship doesn't seem entirely bad... But the Princess has many guards! Kidnapping her is impossible. Moreover, such a serious crime would result in execution if caught!"

"Didn't you worry about execution from the beginning? Your chances of survival are higher if you kidnap the Princess. Besides, the method is simple. Just lure her out."

"Lure her out?"

"Yes. The emperor's envoy is currently staying at your mansion. Host a dinner to entertain them and invite the Princess. You can manage it in your own mansion, can't you?"

"I see. Yes... The Princess enjoyed her stay at my mansion recently, so there's a good chance she will accept the invitation..."

"Excellent! If you capture the Princess, you will not only have leverage over the empire but also over Freud. Our king will be very pleased."

Initially hesitant, the baron, swayed by the man's words, began to seriously consider the plan. Watching them, Lillith felt regret.

If she hadn't insisted on going to Toisen.

If she hadn't tried to improve the couple's relationship.

Her plan had backfired. If she hadn't meddled, the cruel Crown Prince might have ignored the Princess's life, and such a ridiculous plan would never have been conceived.

However, Lillith's regret was fleeting. Regret wouldn't solve anything; she had to act. With this resolve, Lillith woke up.