Chapter 151

Nesman Imperial Palace, Garnet Room.

Marquis Crewe was sitting face-to-face with Rebecca.

“Marquis Dunklin told me. He said you took ‘that’ from him, saying you needed it.”

“There’s actually something I wanted to ask you for as well, Grandfather.”

Rebecca handed what looked like an ordinary leather pouch to Marquis Crewe.

“…I hear you have someone in the palace under your control. I’d like you to help me get ‘this’ into Duchess Bayern’s mouth.”

Marquis Crewe’s brow furrowed like crumpled paper.

The side effects of Angel were fatal.

If it was the poor dying, that was no concern. Who, after all, would care about yet another dead body in the slums, where people died for every imaginable reason?

Small change, if collected from enough people, becomes a fortune.

Through the Delphinium Foundation, he had been raking in money across the empire like a scythe.

But targeting nobles was a different story.

“No, if you do that, the palace will become aware of this thing’s existence.”

Marquis Crewe refused flatly.

Marquis Killian.

He would love to see that detestable face, always looking down on him, twist in pain. However, touching the Chief Justice’s granddaughter would be courting real danger.

This was the imperial palace, of all places.

‘Heaven’ was already known to the palace and a ban had been issued.

If Their Majesties became aware of Angel’s existence, the business would be in danger.

If the palace started a full investigation and the Delphinium Foundation was exposed, it would be a disaster.

It’s not time yet.

Even if an investigation begins, it should only be when there’s nothing left to be done.

If Angel’s existence was discovered while it was still spreading across the empire, there was a high risk that ‘the plan’ would be ruined.

“Grandfather, please help me. Please?”

“If you’re going to use it, use it later. Now is not the right time.”

Rebecca bit her lip at her grandfather’s resolute refusal, when she had expected him to help her.

She wanted to get rid of that woman’s fetus as soon as possible.

Everyone in high society knew what Duchess Bayern had done.

It wasn’t the first time that woman had caused trouble at a social gathering.

“When someone so recklessly spread baseless rumors and tried to drive a wedge between us, I wasn’t able to be there for her when she was suffering.”

Yet if Duke Bayern was willing to go so far as to tell such lies to restore her reputation, there could be only one reason.

Pregnancy.

The way he’d tenderly caressed her lower belly in front of Rebecca.

Acts that mirrored those of expectant mothers.

If only the child disappeared, the two of them would drift apart again…

Then Nina Bayern’s life would reach its final stop of misery.

It would be too dull for her to simply fall down the stairs or be attacked by someone’s hired thugs.

The shame of all women.

She only wanted to restore the title that once described Duchess Bayern.

Feelings of defeat and jealousy never fade easily.

If she could rid herself of the jealousy that had tormented her for half her life, there was nothing she wouldn’t do.

“If you won’t help me, Grandfather, I’ll just have to do it myself.”

“Rebecca!”

Marquis Crewe slammed his palm down on his knee and shouted in a suppressed voice.

If his granddaughter took matters into her own hands, discovery would be inevitable.

“No matter how important the cause, this is going too far! This is not something to force. If it’s that Taylor girl, she can be taken care of later—”

“She’s pregnant.”

“What?”

“That wench is pregnant. If she actually gives birth to an heir, won’t the relationship between House Bayern and House Taylor become even stronger?”

“……”

Could he stand by and watch forever as the woman he’d trampled underfoot for two years finally lifted her head and fought back?

Rebecca’s patience had already reached its limit.

Marquis Crewe’s gaze grew grim.

If the Duke and Duchess of Bayern grew closer, the Chief Justice’s influence would only increase.

He had been building his power to drive out the Chief Justice and manipulate the empire’s economy and affairs from the shadows, but now… pregnancy?

“…Fine. But remember. This will be the last time.”

If she was pregnant, a small dose would be enough.

A small amount would also reduce the risk of being caught.

“Thank you, Grandfather.”

Rebecca twisted her lips into a bitter smile, already savoring the thought of Nina’s despair.

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