Chapter 99

"Yes... I'm grateful for your quick understanding."

(As I thought... Duke Linié is after the throne...)

Ortencia managed to suppress the tension in her face and nodded calmly.

She mustn't show any signs of agitation here.

She needed to gather more decisive evidence.

"...There's one more thing. I've heard that His Grace is connected to 'those people.' This... is what worries me."

She lowered her head slightly and continued.

"I was once kidnapped by 'those people.' I know very well how dangerous they are. That's why... I'm worried. I fear they might turn on you, Your Grace..."

While pretending to be worried, Ortencia probed Duke Linié's reactions.

This was enemy territory. If he suspected anything, he could capture her at any moment.

Despite the cold sweat that wouldn't stop, Ortencia maintained her composure and spoke calmly.

Duke Linié stared at her intently.

...Perhaps he had seen through her plan.

Just as she began to think this, he smiled pleasantly.

"There's no need to worry. I have them completely under my control."

Ortencia couldn't help but catch her breath at Duke Linié's confident declaration.

Seeing her reaction, he grinned.

"...Our goals align. They want to overthrow the current teachings of the temple and have the worship of forbidden gods recognized. I want to break this system where the king is decided by a ridiculous number like the 'line of succession' without regard for ability. It sounds like a mutual cooperation, but the power dynamic is entirely in my favor, so rest assured."

Ortencia mulled over Duke Linié's words.

(What a dangerous thing this man is doing...!)

Duke Linié seemed to view the cult of forbidden gods as mere pawns.

But he didn't know the true terror of that group.

If the forbidden gods were to be resurrected, the world would be in chaos...

"...I'm sure a wise person like you will agree with my thoughts, Lady Verite. Rest assured, as long as you are by my side, I will never allow anyone to harm you. Moreover... I will offer you a position of supreme honor that no one else can give you."

With that, Duke Linié extended his hand to Ortencia.

Ortencia had already figured out his true intentions.

Even if she refused to take his hand, there was no guarantee she would return safely.

Besides...

(If he thinks of me as an ally, I can learn more about the situation...)

She needed to get closer to him to gather more detailed information.

Then, she would take down the rebels and the cult of forbidden gods in one fell swoop.

(If I don't, we have no future.)

Ortencia maintained her smile and clenched her fingers tightly.

She took Duke Linié's hand as if nothing was amiss.

"It is an honor, Your Grace."

It felt like walking a tightrope over a deep pit, knowing that the slightest mistake could cost her life.

But if she did nothing, not only her family, the Verite household, but the entire country and possibly the world could fall into chaos.

(Really, Lady, you've given me quite a challenge...)

Ortencia, a commoner who might not even have noble blood, had no choice but to act.

For her future... and for her beloved family.

"I'm relieved that you understand, Lady Verite. It is a great pleasure to welcome someone like you as an ally."

Duke Linié said this with high spirits in response to Ortencia's answer.

Just as she was about to ask for more information, he spoke again.

"By the way, there's someone I want you to meet."

"Me?"

"Yes, I'm sure you'll be surprised."

Ortencia tilted her head in confusion at his words.

(If I'm going to be surprised, it must be someone of considerable status...)

Just how many people had he involved in his schemes?

Despite her thoughts, Ortencia replied gracefully, "I look forward to it."

Duke Linié smiled pleasantly.

Soon, a gentle knock was heard at the door.

"It seems they have arrived."

Duke Linié stood up and opened the door, calling the person on the other side into the room.

Ortencia also stood, about to bow, when she froze, as if her entire body had turned to ice.

Because the person standing there was—

"Brother...?"

There was no mistaking the figure.

Standing next to Duke Linié was none other than Ortencia's stepbrother, Gérard.