episode_0025

The mansions of the capital’s nobles or the townhouses of provincial nobles were mostly located in quiet and fresh suburbs away from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

Due to the collapse of the capital caused by Ma Jeong-seok’s rebellion and the subsequent changes, the city had become less desirable to live in, which was a natural consequence.

However, contrary to such movements, the Viscountess Valatier still firmly held her position in the heart of Lutès, the capital.

And here, various stories circulated.

Before catching the Emperor’s eye.

Back when Viscountess Valatier was still a mere Baroness Charte, there were talks about her deeds.

Running free distribution facilities for the hungry commoners, investing in orphanages for the orphans.

Unlike other nobles, she mingled closely with the commoners and carried out deeds, so it was said that a Baroness who sacrificed herself for such filthy places must be accustomed to them.

On the other hand, some said she was sacrificing for her son, Yulian.

Though considered a bastard, he was also the Emperor’s son.

Like the Princess and the Prince, he too had Galatea Imperial blood running through him.

So, sacrificing herself for her son Yulian’s interactions with the commoners, the foundation of his future, some whispered.

Although everyone spoke as such, in truth, they all knew the reality.

Simply put, not moving her mansion to the outskirts for easier access by the Emperor’s court.

In the gossip-filled capital, speaking the truth could lead to trouble.

Everyone just brushed it off casually.

#.

Central Lutès.

Amidst the stuffy air, grand mansions that did not see the sun due to tightly packed buildings stood out incongruously against the gray scenery.

To prevent intrusion, the mansions were surrounded by high lattice fences.

Tall shrubs were densely planted in front of these lattices to shield passersby’s gazes.

Thus, the Valatier Manor stood in the middle of the street like an uninvited guest among the buildings.

Soon, a shabby carriage, seemingly unrelated to the mansion, came to a halt at the entrance.

The elderly coachman who descended from the driver’s seat moved as slowly as his stooped back, creaking open the carriage’s rear door.

“We have arrived.”

Despite being in front of nobles, the coachman’s demeanor resembled dealing with bothersome children.

Ignoring the coachman’s attitude, the silver-haired man who stepped out of the shabby carriage casually flicked a shiny gold coin from his pocket towards the coachman.

“Wait here. It won’t take long.”

Ernst inside nodded without changing his expression.

Only after receiving the coin did the coachman’s attitude change.

Displaying his sparse, yellow teeth, the coachman bowed slightly towards Yulian and the trailing Christian.

“Hehehe, milord. Please take your time and inspect the work!”

Christian snorted at the coachman’s hoarse voice.

“Hah, who cares about a mere coachman.”

Eventually, as the two approached the mansion’s entrance, a man clad in a neatly tailored black uniform blocked their path.

“His Highness is in his study. No one is to disturb him.”

Clearly, this was the residence of Viscountess Valatier, Yulian’s home.

Yet an unknown man was blocking the way, despite having no apparent connection.

Nevertheless, Yulian remained silent, merely frowning slightly at the man who obstructed him.

“Then I will go to see my mother, so that when His Majesty permits, I can come to the lady’s room.”

Upon Yuriann’s words, the servant nodded his head. Then, as if trained somewhere, he moved gracefully, opening the way for the two.

Creak—

Behind the servant, a large front door slowly opened with an ominous sound.

Yuriann and Christian stepped into the veiled mansion of the Duke, where only the Emperor and the mansion’s servants were allowed entry.

Despite it being midday, the inside of the mansion was rather dark.

It wasn’t due to poor lighting. Through the large windows behind Yuriann and Christian, warm spring sunlight poured in like a gentle rain.

The darkness enveloping the mansion emanated from the figures moving around within.

Servants bustling about with tasks in hand.

Strangers wandering the mansion in attire similar to the previous servant.

Something dark and heavy exuded from their expressions and the atmosphere, clinging thickly to the plush and ornate carpet of the mansion.

However, such an atmosphere seemed quite familiar to Yuriann and Christian.

The two quietly ascended the long staircase from the grand entrance on the first floor.

Soon, silver hair cascading down to his shoulders over a white tailored jacket swayed gently.

Yuriann’s crimson eyes, pausing in place, turned towards his old friend Christian who followed behind.

“Christian, what will you do?”

“Hmm?”

Even though Christian vividly heard the words Yuriann had spoken to the servant moments ago, he pretended not to know.

Amused by his friend’s act, Yuriann chuckled lightly and asked his friend again.

“I’m going to see my mother, will you come along?”

Christian hesitated for a moment.

Then, with a friendly laugh, he replied to Yuriann.

“Sure? Well then, shall I go see Mother’s face after a long time as well?”

Accompanied by cheerful laughter flowing up the silent stairs, Christian’s right arm reached over his old friend’s shoulder.

Yuriann was usually averse to physical contact with people. And the same was true for his old friend.

Yet, with the innocent laughter they hadn’t shared in a while, Yuriann let out a small sigh and leaned his shoulder against his friend’s arm.

In this somewhat mismatched camaraderie, they headed towards the room at the far end of the second-floor corridor of the mansion, behind iron bars.

A thin gap reminiscent of a prison separated them from the closed wooden door guarded by a sternly dressed servant who, after verifying Yuriann’s face, opened the closed door.

Yuriann and Christian stood before the tightly shut wooden door behind the iron bars.

Yuriann glanced at himself for a moment, adjusting his appearance. Neatly arranging his already long hair, he raised his hand and gently knocked on the door.

Knock, knock, knock—

Soon, a faint sound of footsteps seeped through the crack of the door.

The firmly closed door creaked open ever so slightly.

And through that narrow opening, an expressionless maid slipped out and bowed her head before the two men.

“Where is Mother?”

Yuriann’s cold voice addressed the maid.

“She is inside. Today, the lady is in quite a good state, so she might understand His Excellency’s words.”

The response lacked any emotion.

Immediately, the heavy door blocking the two men slid open smoothly.

Inside the large room surrounded by elaborate wallpaper, every piece of furniture and ornament looked luxurious.

However, everything seemed like newly displayed items in a store; there was no sense of use or familiarity.

It felt like a grand exhibition hall, extravagantly decorated.

And in the center of that large and splendid room,

“Mother, have you been well all this time?”

A woman with silver hair cascading down past her waist was leaning back in a rocking chair, gazing blankly out the window covered by bars.

#.

Though not from a prestigious lineage, Countess Chartreux was no ordinary woman.

Near the capital city of Lutes.

She was a simple countess overseeing a large village with about a dozen small lakeside towns and several hamlets, as well as vast farmlands in the region.

The only peculiar thing was that the ruler of these lands was a lady, a young unmarried lady at that.

The previous Count Chartreux had passed away at a relatively young age. His wife, known for her skill in alchemy, followed him not long after. Their only child, Lady Louise de Chartreux, inherited her father’s title upon reaching adulthood.

For the astute residents of Chartreux territory, it was somewhat fortunate that their new ruler, Louise, was not only resourceful but also a kind-hearted woman.

She cared for her subjects diligently, guided the territory with her knowledge, and even enlightened the rural villagers who shunned the Philosopher’s Stone about its practical uses.

From managing the administrative affairs of small hamlets to establishing a unified system across the territory, she personally attended to every detail, fostering efficiency.

Though each effort may have seemed small, Louise’s cumulative endeavors led Chartreux to progress rapidly compared to neighboring territories.

The abnormal growth of her domain eventually caught the attention of the Emperor.

What she presented was not just exceptional abilities and character.

Beneath her dazzling silver hair, her crimson eyes exuded mystery to those who met her.

Her distinct features on porcelain skin immediately revealed her beauty to anyone who beheld her.

Naturally, the Emperor extended an invitation to the renowned Lady Chartreux to the Imperial Palace.

And during that encounter,

Her intelligence challenged the Emperor’s ambitions.

Her beauty unsettled the Emperor’s masculinity.

For merely capturing the Emperor’s interest, Louise lost her original territory and became a mere Duchess in Valatier, stripped of all her former glory.

For becoming part of the Emperor’s court.

She found herself imprisoned under the title of a duchess, isolated from the free world outside.

And now.

As the Emperor’s prized possession, she was slowly decaying within a grand cage.