CH 107

Upon seeing the emperor’s unusual expression, Riett sensed that something was wrong.

“Why…? What did Count Terrator do?”

The emperor frowned and furrowed his brow.

“He’s been quiet since you went into exile, but one day he suddenly started inciting the members of the assembly.”

“What are you talking about?”

“We can’t just let this continue. We need to prepare for a trial as soon as you return to the capital.”

It seems that since impeachment is unlikely, they want to proceed directly to the trial. Riett chuckled.

“And what are the charges?”

“Revealing the location of the Spirit Stone. Treasonous leaking of classified information.”

“While the location of the Spirit Stone did end up in the hands of the Haren Empire, the expedition team returned empty-handed. Moreover, rumors are circulating about a true spy named Perante, so it would be difficult to incite the nobles with just that.”

The emperor opened his mouth with a grimace.

“It’s probably Terrator’s final desperate act. He started causing a commotion upon hearing the news of your return to the capital.”

Riett thought she knew why the emperor looked so haggard.

Not only that, but he must have endured Count Terrator’s wickedness alone all this time.

Riett recalled the reason she came here while staring at the emperor’s prominent cheekbones.

“Your Majesty, did you receive a letter from the emperor of the Haren Empire?”

Although it was not explicitly mentioned, the emperor was pressuring the Haren Empire through Riett’s request.

It demanded an admission of the fact that the Haren’s expedition team had conspired with Perante and revealed the location of the Spirit Stone.

If they were willing to admit it, the matter would not escalate to a national issue. However, if they refused to admit it, trust would be shattered, and they would consider going to war to reveal the truth.

“It’s right here.”

Riett quickly opened the letter handed to her by the emperor. It was a response from the Haren Empire.

The response acknowledged that the Haren Empire had indeed conspired with Perante and sent an expedition team after learning about the location of the Spirit Stone.

‘Good.’

Riett had purposely asked the Haren Empire not to speak, to reveal the letter at a crucial moment.

“Now that we have this letter, it’s only a matter of time before you completely clear your name of being a spy.”

The emperor’s expression momentarily calmed, but he soon asked in a worried voice, 

“What about Count Terrator? It won’t be easy to dismiss him based solely on spreading a rumor that you’re a spy…”

“Yes, it’s highly unlikely with just that.”

Riett took out a piece of paper and placed it on the desk.

“Your Majesty, I will open a trial against Count Terrator.”

The emperor’s gaze shifted to the paper on the desk. It was a trial application.

“What charges…”

“Please read below.”

Following Riett’s request, the emperor’s eyes reached the bottom of the paper. As he read, his eyes widened.

“Contracted assassination…?”

The emperor raised his head and looked at Riett.

“Is that true?”

“Yes, Count Terrator sent five assassins to Parman to kill me.”

Even with Riett’s nonchalant explanation, the emperor’s eyes widened as if he could shoot laser beams at any moment.

“Five of them? But how did you survive?”

Riett wondered how to explain this convoluted story. Firstly, there was Lucas’ involvement, which the emperor didn’t know about, and above all, the victory was largely influenced by the spirits.

As Riett hadn’t decided how to handle the matter of the spirits, she was hesitant to answer. However, she quickly came up with a good excuse.

“Thanks to Duke Kreut’s knights, I was able to escape unharmed.”

“I see… That’s a relief.”

The emperor seemed to have no suspicion. In fact, the knights only arrived after everything was over and asked if she was okay…

“But do you have evidence? In the trial, you’ll need to prove that Count Terrator ordered the assassination.”

Riett recalled the assassins she had kept hidden in Evan’s mansion’s underground cellar for several days, brought from Parman. They were valuable witnesses who could prove Count Terrator’s attempted assassination, just as the emperor had said.

However, the emperor, unaware of these facts, had a dark look in his eyes.

“Are you sure, Duchess Marren?”

A faint smile formed on Riett’s lips.

“Of course.”

* * *

News spread that Duchess Marren had returned from exile and immediately announced the trial against Count Terrator, causing a stir in the palace.

People were curious. Not impeachment, but a trial? What could be the charge?

However, Riett kept her lips sealed, fueling people’s curiosity and interest.

Riett was enjoying a leisurely afternoon, savoring a cup of tea with a relaxed smile when she heard a clanging sound from the corridor.

There was a commotion outside. She could hear Bern’s voice saying, ‘No, it’s not acceptable for you to come here without an appointment…!’. And soon after, the door swung open.

Count Terrator, resembling an enraged boar, appeared. Bern hurriedly tried to restrain him.

“If you don’t leave immediately, I’ll call the guards…!”

“Move aside!”

Count Terrator roughly pushed Bern away. Concerned, Riett raised her hand.

“Bern, let him be.”

“But…”

“Well, I always thought he would come sooner or later.”

Riett’s words, coupled with Bern’s resentful gaze at Count Terrator, prompted him to leave the office.

Now alone, Count Terrator strode directly towards Riett’s desk.

“Duchess Marren.”

As he got closer, his face became even redder. It looked like he could boil tea with his boiling-hot face.

‘No doubt about it.’

By now, the inspector would have arrived at Count Terrator’s residence.

“You’ve requested a trial against me?”

“The inspector flew to your estate, so you must know.”

Count Terrator clenched his fists with a menacing glare.

“What charges?”

“If you’ve seen the inspector, then you already know.”

“What a ridiculous claim! You’re seriously accusing me of plotting an assassination?”

Riett stared at the audacious and incredulous count with an expressionless face.

“Isn’t it true that you hired assassins to kill me?”

At Riett’s straightforward words, the count anxiously looked around, even though he knew no one else was present. He seemed greatly flustered.

Then, when his eyes met Riett’s, the count let out a forced cough.

“Hufgh.”

The count quickly composed himself, straightening his jaw as if nothing had happened.

“What nonsense! Who would believe such an absurd story? I’m afraid someone might hear this outrageous talk!”

Riett calmly recited the count’s misdeeds as she took a sip of tea.

“You sent not only assassins but also a mage. Regardless of the outcome of the impeachment, you intended to kill me.”

The count clenched his fists tightly.

“Duchess Marren, it seems the cold weather in Parman has affected your sanity.”

“Though it was unjust to be falsely accused and shiver in the cold, I haven’t lost my mind. Should I express my regret?”

When Riett’s crimson eyes met the count’s, he smirked as if he found it amusing.

“False accusation, you say? The Haren Empire has not yet issued an official statement. That means there is no evidence anywhere to prove Duchess Marren’s innocence.”

“Well… I suppose we’ll find out the truth soon enough.”

Riett remembered that there was no need to argue with the count at this moment. She furrowed her brows as she faced him.

“More importantly, what brings you all the way here?”

It didn’t seem like he came to plead for the trial to be canceled.

The count opened his mouth, maintaining an arrogant expression.

“I came to warn Duchess Marren.”

“Why? Are you planning to spread more false rumors?”

The count’s expression twisted at Riett’s sarcasm. Then, leaning closer, he whispered to Riett.

“You should be careful with your words, Riett Marren. It seems you believe the situation has turned in your favor, but nothing has been decided yet.”

Riett felt uncomfortable with the imposing face so close to her. She stepped back slightly as she spoke.

“Thank you for your concern, Count.”

The count straightened his posture arrogantly.

“Let’s see how long you can keep up this momentum.”

While she could understand his warning out of anger, she found it extremely irritating that he referred to her as “Riett Marren” or “you” instead of using proper titles. 

Riett was sensitive to such forms of address. However, responding in the same blunt manner made her feel like she was stooping to his level, which she didn’t like.

“Now that you’re done speaking, I suggest you leave. I have a lot of work piled up due to my absence.”

The count glared at Riett before swiftly turning away.

Riett watched the count’s retreating figure.

‘Hmm…’

It would be a shame to let him go just like that. She had no intention of using the power of the spirits for personal gain, but it wouldn’t hurt to give a little push to such a malicious and shameless individual.

Contemplating her options, Riett lightly waved her hand under the desk. She imagined a strong gust of wind blowing inside the office.

Soon enough, just as Riett had imagined, a breeze swept through the room.

The count appeared greatly bewildered by the sudden gust of wind indoors.

“W-What is this…?”

“It seems the wind is coming in refreshingly from the window.”

Riett casually lied and imagined the wind concentrating specifically on the count’s crown.

The wind moved as she had envisioned, causing a black tuft of hair above the count’s head to flutter and fall to the ground.

Though he may have thought that he appeared unruffled, no one was unaware of the fact that he wore a wig.

“Damn it.”

The count desperately smoothed out his disheveled crown, his eyes searching for the fallen wig.

Riett made a gesture to dismiss the wind and pointed under the sofa.

“It’s over there.”

The count quickly glanced at the spot Riett indicated and hurriedly retrieved the wig with an embarrassed expression on his face.

Greatly embarrassed by what had just happened, the count hastily placed the wig on his head and hastily left the office as if fleeing.

Seeing his reaction, Riett smiled.

“Spirit magic is quite convenient in many ways.”