The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 169
Nesman Imperial Palace, the Emperor’s Office.
“Chief Justice, as you requested, I have issued an audit order to the Ministry of Finance.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Carlisle bowed his head toward the Emperor, who was leisurely enjoying his tea on the sofa.
“No need for thanks. The fact that a palace maid tried to harm Duchess Bayern is a grave matter for me as well. If there is someone you suspect as the culprit, I cannot simply stand by and do nothing.”
At the very least, a warning must be given not to act rashly.
The Emperor smiled warmly as he savored his tea, but his blue eyes were both serious and cold.
“…However, I heard the suspect killed herself before anyone could question her.”
Duke Bayern had gone in person to take part in the interrogation, but before he could do anything, she took her own life right in front of him.
“……”
“I never imagined that such a vicious group of rebels was operating in the palace. I am at a loss from shame.”
“How could you say that, Your Majesty? Rather, it is my own lack of virtue for not noticing sooner. Please blame me instead.”
The Emperor, who had been silent with a bitter smile, spoke up.
“…For now, I have ordered the audit of Marquis Crewe since I suspect him as well. But remember this. Unless there is clear evidence, this is as far as I can go for you. I cannot act solely on suspicion.”
The Emperor was well aware of the ongoing power struggle between the Chief Justice and the Minister of Finance.
Throughout history, it was rare for the Chief Justice and the Minister of Finance to be on good terms.
“This, too, I am doing as a favor for Duchess Bayern.”
As Emperor, he needed to maintain balance.
If he favored either the Chief Justice or the Minister of Finance too much, the palace—already rife with intrigue—would descend into even greater chaos.
“I understand, Your Majesty.”
Carlisle bowed deeply, as if he was grateful even for this.
Marquis Crewe and Marquis Dunklin’s foundation.
Carlisle had long suspected the relationship between these two.
Every year, charitable events held by the Imperial Family, as well as welfare and charitable funds, all seemed to flow in that direction.
But to raise suspicions was difficult, since all the support had impeccable ‘justifications’.
Moreover, the Emperor’s trust in Marquis Dunklin was so great that it was impossible to voice suspicions recklessly.
‘Nina also said she found their relationship suspicious.’
Because of the Emperor’s favor, and without solid evidence or clear circumstances, he could only investigate in secret until now…
Apart from that, he had discovered signs of corruption within the foundation.
But if he touched the foundation now, he would lose his chance to bring down Marquis Crewe.
He still hadn’t found a clear connection between the two.
After all, there was nothing outwardly strange about Marquis Crewe directing the budget for national welfare projects to the empire’s most prominent foundation.
If he exposed this carelessly with only vague evidence, he might lose Marquis Crewe altogether.
‘But after they targeted my granddaughter, I cannot just sit by.’
Even as political adversaries, or with a poor relationship, he’d never thought of actually harming the other side.
That would go against the professional ethics of a Chief Justice, whose duty was the law.
But if the other side had tried to harm his granddaughter, then the story changed entirely.
Carlisle’s mindset in dealing with Marquis Crewe had shifted.
From simple political rivalry and anger, it had now become the hatred one feels toward an enemy to be torn apart.
He intended to use every means at his disposal to protect his granddaughter.
‘…But still, something feels off.’
Carlisle frowned with a grave expression.
Duke Bayern, that man. What on earth had happened between him and his granddaughter?
Their relationship was supposed to be beyond repair, so what had happened to make him say he didn’t want to part with her?
When Duke Bayern had looked him straight in the eye, there had not been a trace of falsehood.
But Duke Bayern was not someone to be underestimated.
In just three years since inheriting his ducal title, he had dispelled rumors—both of having poisoned his half-brother and coveting his nephew’s estate—and led his house safely through turbulent times.
Carlisle let out a frustrated sigh, unable to discern the man’s true feelings at all.
