Queen of Revenge - Chapter 97

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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 97
I glanced at the box resting on the table. As I opened it, a golden locket pendant gleamed within.
“I wasn’t aware this was inside. It must have gotten mixed with Kairon’s belongings.”
“I see.”
Ulrich studied me with quiet intensity.
His gaze conveyed an unspoken question: Did the Ambassador of Elovis not even conduct a basic inspection before presenting a gift?
When I responded with a courteous smile, Ulrich spoke again.
“A diplomatic ambassador must understand that every word spoken, every gesture made, will be interpreted as intentional.”
“A fair point.”
“In that regard, I must ask: how would you have me interpret the intention behind this object?”
I knew exactly what that pendant was. I had asked Kairon to retrieve it and placed it in the gift box with my own hands—there was no excuse for ignorance. As Ulrich had seen through, it was entirely deliberate.
The locket in the box was a memento of the late Prince Emeric. It had been hanging around his neck when his body was found.
“If you must assign meaning to it, consider it my personal tribute.”
…
“The Third Prince passed away at the border. The Second Prince ordered all traces of him erased, but it seemed improper to me. So I asked Kairon separately—I wanted to deliver even a small memento to the Third Prince’s mother.”
“It seems you are unfamiliar with the atmosphere within the Royal Palace.”
“It is orderly and peaceful, I understand. But I am not of Kalande. I can offer my respects without concern for propriety.”
“The Concubine departed for her family home the day the state mourning ended.”
“Then please deliver it to someone dear to the Third Prince instead.”
Ulrich’s hand paused over the documents. The air grew unnaturally still.
“I’m afraid I don’t understand whom you’re referring to.”
“Well, if you don’t know, perhaps Prince Dietrich was mistaken?”
“I dislike leading questions, Your Highness.”
Ulrich’s tone and demeanor remained impeccable. Yet his breath caught for a fraction of a beat—so subtle that only someone observing with meticulous attention would notice.
I pressed forward carefully, choosing my words with deliberate precision.
“What happened at the border is deeply suspicious. Who killed whom, exactly? I expected the Capital to be curious about what I witnessed, but upon arriving, I found no one interested in the matter at all.”
“Choose your words carefully. These are not confirmed facts.”
“I am not of Kalande—would speaking such things put me in danger?”
…
“Then again, since you serve the First Prince, losing a rival might actually be fortunate for you.”
Ulrich was publicly known as the First Prince’s strategist, but privately he had supported the Third Prince. Whatever his exact relationship with both princes, he could not remain indifferent to the Third Prince’s death.
A silence descended—so complete that not even a needle could find purchase.
After a long moment, Ulrich set down the documents. His expression remained unchanged.
“The inspection is sufficient. You may take this back.”
“If you don’t need it, dispose of it. What would I do with it?”
I smoothed my dress and rose from my seat.
“Oh, and the Queen’s attitude was also different from what I expected. It seems she dislikes me, but it appears the First Prince and the Queen aren’t particularly afraid of what my Husband and the Second Prince hold.”
“I have not heard such words from the First Prince.”
“Then you should relay this message to him. There are few forces that can overcome military might. I’m curious how the First Prince intends to counter the Capital Defense Force and the Border Fortress Army.”
Ulrich did not rise.
Iolet didn’t expect him to see her off either, so she simply turned and left.
She departed from the Ceremonial Hall, leaving the man standing rigid as a doll.
As the door closed and the Princess’s footsteps faded into the distance, silence descended upon the chamber once more.
Ulrich remained motionless for some time before finally grasping the pendant the Princess had left behind.
It was a familiar object.
“…Your Majesty.”
“When I become king, the first thing I’ll do is change the laws, Ulrich. Concubinage? Nonsense. A man needs only one proper wife, doesn’t he?”
“How revolting. Please step back.”
“You see me only once a month and you act like this? Listen, darling. Do you know who I sent to the ‘farm’ the day before yesterday—?”
“You’ve established another farm without consulting me? I distinctly warned you that you must discuss such matters with me before taking action!”
“Don’t be so angry, it frightens me. This time there was genuinely a good reason for it, I promise?”
“…”
The locket could hold small objects, but the hinge was crusted with dried blood, making it difficult to open.
Ulrich forced the locket open.
Inside were several strands of black hair, bound together with thin string.
“…”
“If the farm must be operated, I will handle it myself.”
“Nonsense. My righteous and virtuous advisor has no need to set foot in such a dreadful place again.”
“Do you even recognize what you’re doing is terrible? One day, you will surely face the consequences.”
“I know my capable and conscientious strategist shouldn’t have to walk such paths. Don’t worry. That’s why I carry this charm with me.”
“What possible benefit could a few strands of hair possibly have?”
“It reminds me that my strategist is always concerned for my welfare. But Ulrich, bloodshed should be done by those who enjoy it. So you remain sheltered as you are now.”
“…”
The rigid, gaunt shoulders slowly began to bend.
Ulrich buried his face in his hands and remained motionless for a long while.
* * *
In the Commercial District of Hespelt, the Capital of Kalande, there were numerous Guilds.
The Blacksmith Guild, Mercenary Guild, Adventurer Guild, Merchant Guild, Black Market Guild, Artist Guild—each varied in type and scale.
There was one Guild that oversaw the management of most of these many organizations: the Information Guild.
The Information Guild in Hespelt was the headquarters that commanded all branch offices extending throughout Kalande.
It was common knowledge who owned this place. However, that owner had died at the Border several months ago.
With the Guild Master’s death, all Information Guilds throughout Kalande locked their doors in accordance with the established operational protocols.
“Welcome, Heintz.”
Heintz, the Northern Branch Master of the Information Guild, entered the chamber hesitantly.
The Vice Guild Master of the Hespelt headquarters, recognizing him, rose with a warm greeting.
“It’s been a while. You’ve worked hard in the Northern Region. Did you bring what was requested?”
Heintz was supposed to bring the intelligence collected from the Northern Branch. A request had come in asking him to investigate the events that had unfolded at the Northern Border over the past several months.
No new commissions had been accepted since the Guild Master’s death, but this client was one who had to be served even during the Guild closure.
Though he had never seen the person’s face, Prince Emeric himself had given direct orders to provide special treatment to this sole individual. Caution was necessary.
Heintz broke into a cold sweat, hesitating.
“I’m… sorry about that.”
“Pardon?”
The Vice Guild Master asked what I meant, but couldn’t finish his question.
A hand emerged from the darkness, clamping over the Vice Guild Master’s mouth and gagging him.
“Gack, gugh!”
The uninvited guest, dressed entirely in black, bound the Vice Guild Master’s hands and feet before hurling him into the corner.
Heintz hiccupped.
“Is… is it done? May I leave now…?”
“Kneel.”
“Y-yes, sir.”
Heintz scrambled over and knelt beside the Vice Guild Master.
Lucian, having subdued them with ease, lit a candle. The room, which had relied on the faint sunlight filtering through the curtain gaps, was now bathed in a soft amber glow.
Then came a brief commotion.
Muffled screams and groans trapped behind the gag, the sound of blows, and finally a threatening whisper.
Eyes the color of new spring leaves gleamed dangerously beneath the candlelight.

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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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