Chapter 320
Above all, if she failed to attend the outdoor events because of the rumors spread by that side, the image she had worked so hard to build could collapse, and House Bayern’s honor could be damaged as well.
There would be no shortage of mouths among those who had heard the rumors about her and gathered in anticipation.
If that was the case, then even if it was dangerous, it would be better to break through this crisis head-on.
‘So much for recovering from the fatigue of the journey.’
There were only three days left until the charity event.
“…Then, I would like to ask for your help.”
Nina opened her mouth to persuade Catherine, whose lips were moving as she looked at her worriedly.
Catherine’s help was essential if they were to prepare for that day within such a short time.
* * *
Ash’s gaze turned in one direction.
It was toward the villa where his wife was sleeping peacefully.
Forcibly tearing his eyes away, he followed the attendant’s guidance and entered the audience chamber.
“Come in, Duke.”
Since ancient times, the number seven had signified royal authority.
And so, atop the seven steps built for that reason.
The Emperor sat in the seat of honor and laughed heartily.
Below him stood the Chief Justice.
Not only was it disorderly, it was also a time when everyone was busy preparing for the year’s end.
If the one who had requested an audience hadn’t been Duke Bayern, the two men, especially the Emperor, wouldn’t have been seated here.
The Emperor’s time was more precious than gold.
“To Your Majesty, the Light of Nesman, I, Duke Bayern, pay my respects.”
As Ash stepped forward to the foot of the stairs and knelt on one knee like a knight, the Emperor said,
“Enough with the old-fashioned formalities and come closer. I have quite a great deal to discuss with you.”
With the Emperor’s permission, Ash rose to his feet and bowed his head to Carlisle.
“It’s been a while, Grandfather-in-law.”
They were in the Emperor’s presence, he had no choice but to keep the greeting simple, even though he was his wife’s grandfather.
“It has been a while, Duke.”
Unlike before, there was a faint trace of goodwill in Carlisle’s blue eyes, which resembled Nina’s.
That was probably because of this…
“Thanks to the anonymous petition you sent earlier, we were able to weed out the sewer rats that had been draining the Imperial Palace’s budget. There were even some fairly large rats among them.”
That was likely the reason.
Of course, the larger part of it was probably the news that Nina was doing well at House Bayern.
At the Emperor’s praise, Ash spoke calmly.
“I was fortunate. If House Ulverni hadn’t touched my nephew, I likely would never even have thought to investigate.”
“Whatever the reason, you have rendered a service, so you ought to be rewarded. Tell me what it is that you want.”
At the Emperor’s words, thrown out as if to gauge the depth of his greed, Ash sank into thought.
It was a principle that the identity of the person who sent an anonymous petition be left unspoken.
Therefore, no matter how great his contribution, he couldn’t ask for a great reward.
His was the sort of merit that must not be brought to light.
For a brief moment, his gray eyes took on a deep, dark light like a well.
“Before the New Year Festival ends, if an unforeseen situation arises, please lend weight to my words. Just once will be enough.”
The Emperor stroked his chin as if troubled.
If it had been wealth or profit, that would be one thing.
But depending on how it was used, Ash’s request could become a weapon capable of toppling the political balance.
“Duke Bayern, you truly do put me in a difficult position.”
He knew that.
But as a safeguard to protect Nina, there was nothing more reliable than the Emperor’s protection.
A single word from the Emperor could silence the dogs barking noisily around them.
“If it is for my own advancement, or for something that goes against what is right, then even if Your Majesty does not grant me this grace, I will not resent it. It is solely to protect my wife.”
At the youthful Duke’s upright gaze, the Emperor let out a hearty laugh.
Whether to grant it or not.
He was saying it would be entirely up to the Emperor’s own choice, and yet was still asking him to permit it?
Even so, it wasn’t a matter on which he could easily decide to lend his weight.
In this nation, the Emperor’s words were revered like the will of heaven.
After pondering for a moment, the Emperor soon nodded.
“I shall grant it.”
If it was to protect his wife, who had been subjected in the Imperial Palace to a drug too dreadful to even speak of, how could he not grant it?
Especially when the culprit still hadn’t been caught.
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s gracious consideration.”
Having achieved his purpose, Ash smiled faintly in satisfaction, then continued.
“Then, may I now say a word regarding the reason I sought an audience with Your Majesty?”
“Did you not come because of the anonymous petition?”
“That is part of it, but I sought an audience because there is something I must report to Your Majesty without delay.”
Ash presented the Emperor with the confidential dossier that had been completed thanks to Count Conwell.
The Emperor’s complexion gradually hardened as he read it with grave eyes.
A moment later—
With his face flushed red from anger, the Emperor spoke in a suppressed voice.
“…Madness. Truly, the world has gone mad.”
The dossier he had been given was densely filled with the circumstances of corruption surrounding the Delphinium Foundation, along with a list of those involved.
Erica
How funny woyld it be if on the day of the charity event, she told all the commoners that came for money, that there was a mix up, and the address is actually this place to pick up the cash, and then she gave duchess nord’s address. lol