Chapter 5

I bowed deeply to Viscount Lucas Lebric, the ambassador of the Utean Empire, who stood with his mouth agape, and apologized for my rudeness.

Disguising my appearance and status, I had come to meet a key figure from a neighboring country without an appointment. In some cases, the moment I revealed my true identity, I might have been attacked, and I would have no right to complain.

Therefore, I had to take control of the conversation before his mind started working normally.

“It’s been a while, Lord Lucas. I am Elizaveta of the Raistone Dukedom.”

“Eh, ah, yes, it’s been a while, Miss Elizaveta.”

“I apologize again for the rudeness of coming to see you in disguise. Please forgive me.”

I made sure to apologize sincerely once more. In noble society, admitting fault is tantamount to showing a weakness. If this were a diplomatic setting, it’s uncertain what concessions the Empire might demand. So, I had to ask for his forgiveness while he was still confused. As a young noble raised as a prince, the words he would say to a lady who looked apologetic and dejected were predictable.

“Ah, yes, well... I can understand, to some extent, Miss Elizaveta’s complicated situation. Please don’t worry about it.”

“I am grateful for your magnanimous words, Lord Lucas.”

With that, he had ‘forgiven’ me, without any concessions. If he were a seasoned noble, he would have responded ambiguously, set aside my apology, and probed for the purpose of my visit. In that sense, Lord Lucas was still young and naive.

Once he had forgiven me, it would be unseemly for him to bring up ‘this matter’ again in noble society. If my bow could turn a negative into a zero, it was a cheap price to pay. From now on, I didn’t need the pride of representing a country.

“So, Miss Elizaveta. What brings you here at such a late hour? And weren’t you supposed to be under house arrest?”

Lord Lucas had regained some composure, but he hadn’t yet realized that he had wasted a card against me.

Hiding my true feelings, I smiled slightly and said,

“Yes, actually, I would like to seek asylum in the Empire.”

Lord Lucas froze. Of course, I was the daughter of a duke, not a common soldier or a low-ranking noble.

Moreover, I was deeply involved in the core of national politics. Although it wasn’t public knowledge, the Empire must have grasped that much.

“...Is... Is this serious?”

“Of course, it is.”

“Indeed, the Crown Prince’s behavior at that party was... to put it mildly, rather excessive. However, the King and your father, the Chancellor, will soon return. Won’t that resolve the issue?”

“Yes, when the King returns, the engagement between the Crown Prince and that young lady will be annulled, and my engagement to the Crown Prince will be restored. However, I cannot tolerate his irresponsibility. I’ve reached my limit. I’ve decided to leave the country and take revenge on it.”

“Revenge?!”

“Yes. Lord Lucas, are you aware of the rumors circulating in the city about me?”

“That... well...”

“Don’t you think it’s a bit too much to expect me to forgive and forget everything and continue working?”

“...”

“That’s why I’m taking revenge. Specifically... I will destroy this country.”

“What?!”

Lord Lucas let out another gasp of surprise.

“However, such actions will certainly have a significant impact on the people. You have worked hard for the people. Are you sure about this?”

“Yes. My direct resentment is towards the Crown Prince, the King, my father, the ministers, and perhaps Robert. Of course, it will have a significant impact on the people. It might even cause irreparable damage.”

“...”

“But... is that a problem?”

“?”

“Indeed, as a noble, I have an obligation to work for the people. However, I have been betrayed. And as someone who is no longer a noble, I have no unconditional obligation to protect the people. Of course, I don’t intend to actively harm them, but I don’t plan to protect them either.”

“I see...”

I asked Lord Lucas, who seemed a bit taken aback, once more.

“So, will you grant me asylum?”

“That’s...”

Lord Lucas placed his hand on his chin and pondered.

“I’m not asking to be welcomed as a dignitary of the Empire. It would be enough if you could hide me in your territory, the Lebric Viscounty.”

“...Why the Empire? The Empire and the Kingdom are ostensibly friendly, but they are actually rival nations. Wouldn’t it be easier to go to another vassal state or even a country on a different continent?”

“It’s true that I would find it difficult to move freely in the Empire. However, my goal is not to escape but to take revenge on the Kingdom.”

I paused to take a sip of tea before continuing.

“The Haldorian Kingdom is a powerful nation. The King may be a simpleton, but he is a genius in matters of war. The troops are well-trained, and the upper echelons, including the ministers, are all capable individuals. Even I would be powerless if I challenged them head-on.”

“...So, Miss Elizaveta, you are seeking the Empire’s military strength?”

Lord Lucas narrowed his eyes, and the magic aura around him became sharp like thorns.

“?”

I stopped Mireille, who was about to assume a combat stance, with a hand and smiled at Lord Lucas.

“Indeed, I do plan to use the Empire. However, it’s not to use the Empire as a mere tool. I will destroy the Kingdom. In the process, all the benefits and spoils of war will be offered to the Empire. In other words, a win-win relationship: I get my revenge, and the Empire gains glory. This is what I desire.”

“...That sounds like a very appealing proposal.”

“Yes, but it’s the truth. Moreover, I’m not asking the Empire to declare war on the Kingdom by mobilizing its troops. I want to build the strength to stand against the Kingdom. For that, the Empire, which has the national power to rival the Kingdom, is the best choice.”

“I see.”

“Moreover, I will bring you great benefits.”

I showed Lord Lucas a full smile. He retracted his magic aura and exhaled.

“Ah, I understand. I will assist Miss Elizaveta’s asylum. However, I cannot take you to the capital immediately. For now, you will come to my territory. Your movements will be restricted, and I will assign a monitor to you. Is that acceptable?”

“Yes, of course.”

It would be unrealistic for me, a key figure in the Kingdom, to move freely in the Empire. First, I need to gain Lord Lucas’s trust and build my strength.

“I look forward to working with you, Lord Lucas.”

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