About Becoming My Ex-Husband's Mistress - Chapter 177

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 177. Cutting Off the Retreat
“Your Majesty, I have completed the preparations for the party as you instructed. And this is the letter that Prince Eclite asked me to deliver to you.”
At Baron Ugly’s report, Zerox, who had been gazing at the horizon, skimmed through Eclite’s letter lightly.
There were two letters in total.
The first was a letter sent to Eclite from the Harbor Office of Eurasia in the Doorban Empire.
The Margrave of Eurasia was apparently absent.
However, the letter stated that there was a policy of taking preliminary measures according to circumstances and reporting afterward, and they would comply with Eclite’s instructions accordingly.
The other letter was written directly by Eclite to Zerox based on that response.

I received a reply from Eurasia. They said they would provide military support.
While we’re anchored at the harbor watching the fireworks, they plan to quietly enter the fleet, so open the gates under the pretense of resupply.
We’ve decided on the subsequent handling and cleanup, so just proceed smoothly up to that point.
For the past few days, Zerox had not met with Eclite.
It was because of the madness that had afflicted Eclite.
‘He called it a curse, didn’t he.’
Because he suffered seizures whenever he encountered people, Eclite had locked himself in his cabin.
From there, he was issuing orders to the people of the Doorban Empire through letters and conducting non-face-to-face communications with Zerox.
“Proceed as written, and convey that to him.”
“Understood.”
“By the way, how is the Princess faring these days?”
“That is….”
Baron Ugly glanced around before lowering his voice considerably.
“After the recent incident, she fled alone, heading toward the slums. The last report was that we’re secretly tracking her movements.”
“The slums? Isn’t that place quite dangerous?”
“The slums are….”
Baron Ugly furrowed his brow and fell silent for a moment.
“Or is it not?”
At Zerox’s counter-question, the Baron sighed.
“It is shameful even to speak of. I am deeply concerned that something unfortunate might befall the Princess.”
“My, what a worrisome matter indeed. I do hope nothing happens.”
Zerox suppressed a laugh.
If something did happen to cause concern, she would likely take her own life.
“Then I shall take my leave to report to Prince Eclite.”
Baron Ugly withdrew.
Zerox drew in the clear air. And gazing at the harbor where people were gathering, he recalled how those who had been obstacles were steadily falling into ruin.
Melissa, who had become most despicable to him recently, was being cornered.
Her mother, Matilda, had fallen into the trap her daughter had dug and passed from this world, and Melissa’s origins and various suspicions had become known to all.
Yet Melissa had the audacity to claim that everything would be resolved if she became Queen.
That it would be possible if Zerox lent his support.
But in Zerox’s judgment, it was impossible.
I had no intention of lending Melissa Bilsty any support whatsoever.
And Count Veloda Genoma, her closest aide, was wasting away.
Apparently, he couldn’t sleep due to terrible nightmares.
Moreover, Eclite, who once wielded me like a puppet, now displayed madness akin to a rabid beast.
Having become unable to meet anyone at all, there was no possibility of him becoming Emperor.
Zerox understood the truth behind all these circumstances.
It was because of Priscilla and Luderne Sellen.
Though I had witnessed the scene myself, I never spoke of it aloud.
Zerox hoped that no one would discover the source of Count Veloda Genoma’s nightmares and Eclite’s madness.
That way, the chances of recovery would diminish.
Furthermore, Luderne Sellen and his associates would find this place becoming their tomb today.
Especially that haughty Priscilla—I planned to confine her somewhere no one could ever see her again.
‘Once Eclite returns to the Doorban Empire….’
The Empire would inevitably fall into chaos.
I would seize that opportunity to strengthen the Arde Kingdom.
Zerox, lost in these imaginings, felt immensely satisfied with himself.
“The world becomes mine of its own accord.”
He gazed around the lavishly decorated deck prepared for the party, thought of Luderne Sellen, and broke into a broad smile.
“Where in this world could one find a younger brother who paves the way so beautifully?”
He recalled the general details of the ship party he had announced to the guests.
Beyond Luderne Sellen’s group, he had also invited the middle classes of the Bilsty Estate and nearby nobility to increase the number of attendees.
At a recent tea party, Luderne Sellen and his companions had drunk poisoned tea without so much as a flinch.
It was his way of preparing for their attempted sabotage.
It also meant that Luderne Sellen didn’t trust me.
Would he really come to the ship party under such circumstances? And if he arrived to find only me and my associates as guests?
Anyone would find it suspicious.
Luderne Sellen couldn’t possibly be unaware of the danger of becoming isolated once aboard the fleet.
In other words, even if he approached the fleet, he could find a way to escape.
That’s why I invited many people—specifically from the lower classes who would offer little resistance even if the worst occurred and they perished or suffered.
Once the party began, the fleet would set sail according to the schedule announced beforehand.
It was a way to cut off Luderne Sellen’s escape route, ensuring he couldn’t leave the fleet even midway.
The pretext was a magnificent fireworks display.
‘Fireworks,’ I would say, claiming the neighboring fiefdom had nothing comparable.
A course where guests would witness spectacular fireworks from the ship, then return to the Bilsty Estate.
I had even informed them that they could rest in their assigned cabins during the return journey.
Of course, those who continued enjoying the party late into the night would likely fall asleep on the deck thanks to the added sedatives.
* * *
Upon arriving at the Bilsty Territory Port via spatial transfer scroll, a cheerful and vigorous march greeted my ears first.
What appeared next was the blazing sunset over the Bilsty Estate.
“What a magnificent sky.”
I made no attempt to hide my natural exclamation of wonder, turning my gaze to survey the surroundings.
Zerox’s fleet came into view.
From the fleet, adorned beautifully with various flowers and colorful ribbons, celebratory cannons fired in succession, and with each burst, petals of every hue exploded into the air.
On both sides of the entrance leading from the harbor to Zerox’s fleet, knights in formal dress stood in formation.
They were playing instruments—small drums and trumpets among them.
Lavishly dressed party guests were boarding Zerox’s fleet, each accompanied by their partner.
Some were faces I had seen before.
A Judge, a Doctor, a teacher, a businessman, and others.
It appeared that those invited to this ship party were people of considerable means in the Bilsty Estate.
“Ah, my lord!”
At that moment, I heard a voice greeting me warmly.
Turning around, it was the Chief Administrator of the Government Office.
He, brimming with excitement, was accompanied by his staff.
“Wow, it truly is magnificent.”
After offering sincere praise and exchanging light pleasantries, he informed me that Zerox had invited quite a number of the territory’s residents to the ship party.
He also mentioned that cabins had been assigned to all the invited guests.
They were told to play through the night and rest whenever they wished.
During the party, the fleet would set sail into the sea. The fleet would navigate through the night toward a harbor on the far side of the sea.
‘The harbor on the far side would be Eurasia.’
After enjoying a spectacular fireworks display there, the fleet would turn about and return to Bilsty Harbor.
Then, after a brief rest, a brilliant morning sun would illuminate the world, or so he claimed.
Was it merely my imagination?
It seemed to me like an intention to secretly attack us in the dead of night, throw us into the sea to destroy evidence, and welcome a rather beautiful future of their own making.
I deduced it was all a mechanism to lower Luderne Sellen’s guard.
But it seemed manageable.
Whatever they had planned, Eurasia is my territory, so it would be difficult for things to go according to their wishes.
Though I hadn’t had time to give detailed instructions, I had already set a course of action for contingencies.
Just then, a group of neatly dressed people approached from behind the Chief Administrator.
“Chief Administrator, we have arrived.”
The Chief Administrator smiled broadly at me and winked.
“In any case, that is how it is. I shall go ahead then, so please call whenever you need.”
After sending off the Chief Administrator, more familiar faces approached us and bowed their heads.
“We have been waiting, Your Highness.”
“We shall assist you, Your Highness.”
The two men with swords at their waists were Brissel Mohr and Walter.
Luderne Sellen, receiving their greetings, took my hand.
“We are all here now. Let us go.”
I moved forward with Luderne Sellen’s escort.
Brissel Mohr and Walter walked ahead of us, while Sir Jester and Madame Laber followed behind.
As we entered the passage leading to the fleet, the eyes of the knights guarding the entrance fixed upon Brissel Mohr and Walter.
“I apologize, but weapons are not permitted at the party.”
“Even though we serve as the escort for Prince Wintem?”
One of the knights responded to Brissel Mohr’s question, standing rigidly upright.
“It is the command of His Majesty the King, the great sun of the Arde Kingdom. During the party, the Knight Order does not remain on the fleet. Accordingly, all attendees must disarm. Please comply.”
Brissel Mohr and Walter exchanged glances with Luderne Sellen, seeking his permission.
Luderne Sellen nodded with an air of ease.
“It matters not if we are all unarmed.”
“Then we shall proceed accordingly.”
Walter handed his sword to the knights. Seeing this, Brissel Mohr also surrendered his blade to them.
The knights opened a passage for us.
As we ascended to the deck, the march that had been echoing from the entrance ceased. In its place, an elegant waltz from the orchestra began, as if on cue.
Far more people had gathered at the ship party than I had anticipated.
I could see guests savoring delicacies at the tables, and some were already enjoying a waltz with their partners.
Zerox and his party were nowhere to be seen. They had not yet arrived.
“Now would be an opportune moment to dine.”
At Luderne Sellen’s suggestion, we took our seats at the party tables.
A sailor from the fleet brought our meal.
After finishing our meal, Luderne Sellen and I took to the dance floor for a waltz.
After dancing one piece with the handsome Luderne Sellen, the atmosphere around us stirred.
All eyes turned toward Baron Ugly, who appeared first in formal attire.
“Ahem, ahem!”
Baron Ugly cleared his throat with a deliberate cough and spoke in a loud voice.
“His Majesty the King, the great sun of the Arde Kingdom, has arrived. All distinguished guests, please show proper respect.”
Everyone bowed their heads in unison. Luderne Sellen and I offered a light bow as well.
“All may raise your heads.”
At Zerox’s permission, we lifted our heads.
Zerox, dressed in formal attire, stood with elegant grace and smiled toward the assembled guests.
“I am delighted by your attendance at this gathering.”
Beside him stood Melissa Bilsty, adorned resplendently in a flowing golden gown.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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