Chapter 176

“First off, it’s clear that Ernst went to see Isabella late at night. A meeting at that hour definitely wasn’t for casual mother-son chit-chat. It was way too late for that.”

“Definitely.”

“Even if they wanted to discuss something secretive, they had plenty of time after dinner for a private talk. The fact that he went to the main palace around midnight…”

“It’s not that unusual for Ernst to have private meetings with Isabella, but most of them were around evening time. So yesterday’s event must have been either an urgent matter or… an impulsive move on his part.”

“Impulsive? That doesn’t seem like a word that fits Ernst.”

“I haven’t spoken to him much, but he always seemed as cold as steel. Though, surprisingly, once someone like him loses patience, they might act recklessly… But was there really a reason for that?”

“Normally, yes… But he cared deeply for Matthias. If he found out that Matthias’s death was orchestrated by his own mother, who knows? As far as I know, the only things that could make him act impulsively are matters related to Leonor or Matthias.”

“True, he did seem particularly gloomy during the court meeting.”

“…This is just my speculation, though.”

Leopold trailed off, not entirely confident in his own theory.

“If Ernst went to confront the Empress about his brother’s death… it’s highly likely there was some kind of conflict between them.”

“Indeed. Looking at the outcome, it wasn’t just a simple disagreement—it escalated into bloodshed.”

“Bloodshed? Did they actually fight?”

“Really, would Ernst have drawn his sword against his own mother just because his brother died?”

Leopold must have known that the only one who would benefit from such a rift between them was himself. Even if Ernst had intentions to oppose Isabella, it would have been more rational to act after ascending the throne.

…I don’t know. Maybe he had figured out something about Isabella’s true identity or her goals.

If he had realized that her goal wasn’t just to put Ernst on the throne, but to manipulate him as emperor and lead the empire to ruin… then pointing a sword at her would make sense.

“Well, we can’t know what they discussed… There might have been another reason. But it’s certain that it didn’t end with just a conversation. Otherwise, there’d be no reason to kill seven people. I can’t think of any.”

“That’s true.”

“The question is, who won? If Ernst didn’t know Isabella’s true nature, I would have been confident in his victory, but…”

He probably lost.

She’s not an opponent you can beat without knowing her weaknesses.

Even setting aside her subordinates and her own combat abilities, it’s impossible to break through each of her five powers with just a sword.

‘Infernal Summoning,’ ‘Clinging Nightmare,’ ‘Writhing Nest,’ ‘Black Repose,’ and… ‘Metamorphosis.’

I couldn’t tell Leopold about that.

If he asked how I knew, I wouldn’t have an answer.

If the seven deaths were due to ‘Infernal Summoning’… then that would mean he killed her seven times.

That alone would be an impressive feat. Even master-level knights would struggle to kill her more than five times.

I guess Ernst was strong from the start. Even without Isabella’s enhancements.

“If Ernst had won, Isabella would likely be imprisoned. If she had died, no matter how much Ernst claimed it was the work of assassins, he’d have a hard time shaking off suspicions that he either killed her or at least allowed it to happen.”

Anyone would see it that way.

If they died after Ernst visited Isabella, it would be a bizarre situation for her to be assassinated while Ernst was present.

“On the other hand, if Isabella is still alive, he could force her to make excuses. In that case, this charade would be a stalling tactic to explain his suspicious actions and prevent the collapse of her faction. He might even try to pin the blame for the attack on me.”

It sounds plausible, but it’s ultimately a wild guess.

There’s no way Ernst could have won.

The fact that the main palace wasn’t destroyed proves he couldn’t break through ‘Black Repose.’

“What if Isabella won? Even if Ernst is strong, it’s hard to imagine him defeating a witch who controls multiple master-level monsters.”

Even as I said it, I had a rough idea.

By now, he’s probably being brainwashed.

She’d still need him to play the role of the prince, so… she probably hasn’t turned him into a puppet yet.

“In that case, this charade would be a stalling tactic to persuade Ernst in her own way. I don’t know the method, but… when he emerges from seclusion, Ernst will no longer be the person I knew. He’ll be nothing more than Isabella’s puppet.”

“What a tragic ending.”

“I agree. Either way, this effectively reduces my enemies by one.”

He’s not wrong.

Whether that’s a gain or a loss…

I don’t know about the tidal wave, but…

From now on, if only one of them survives, it’s actually a benefit since we only need to watch out for Isabella’s schemes…

If the conflict between Isabella and Ernst was holding each other back, now that the shackles are gone, things are about to get even more dangerous.

“What are your plans moving forward?”

“Nothing has been decided yet. If it’s Ernst’s doing, I just need to make sure my supporters aren’t swayed by rumors. Once I have Duke Bien’s support, the tide has already turned. On the other hand, if it’s Isabella’s doing… Ah, right! I forgot about that!”

Leopold’s eyes lit up.

“Leonor! If Ernst intended to negotiate with Isabella, he would have given Leonor some hint beforehand. We need to secure her first!”

Ah, right. Leonor was there…!

I was so focused on Isabella and Ernst that I forgot about her.

I didn’t like the word “secure,” but I agreed that we needed to bring Leonor to our side.

With Ernst down, there’s no one left to protect her from Isabella.

The problem is whether Leonor will accept this willingly… Forcing her to come could cause a lot of issues.

“What if Leonor doesn’t agree? You’re not thinking of forcibly detaining her, are you? Considering the rumors surrounding you now… that would be a pretty dangerous move.”

At this point, if Leopold were to forcibly detain Leonor and it got out, it would be a fatal scandal for him.

To the people, it would become evidence.

Evidence that Leopold had finally started openly harming Isabella and her children.

The rumor that he killed Matthias would no longer be just a baseless rumor but treated as half-true.

He might even be accused of trying to assassinate Isabella.

“Hmm… It is indeed risky. I have no choice. I’ll have to leave this matter entirely to the princess.”

“Wait, me?”

“Aren’t you somewhat close to Leonor? She might doubt my words, but it could be different with you.”

Are we really that close…?

Objectively speaking, we’ve only met twice and sparred once.

After that, I was busy with various things, and as a Leopold supporter, I avoided meeting her to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings.

If we met, I’d either be suspected of being a traitor, or she would be. Maybe both.

Seeing my hesitation, Leopold continued with his near-commanding request.

“After contacting Leonor, persuade her to leave. If Ernst was indeed taken down by Isabella, it shouldn’t be too hard. Then, instead of bringing her here, have her hide somewhere out of Isabella’s sight for a while.”

You want me to hide Leonor?

I can’t have her stay at the 1st Prince’s Palace, but strictly speaking, I’m just renting a room at the academy…

…Thinking about it, there are a few places where she could hide.

Ophelia’s hideout is outside the capital, so that’s out of the question. Maybe I could ask Asha’s factory?

They have an entire building, so there should be space to avoid prying eyes.

“Hiding her might be possible, but for how long? Weren’t you planning to have her testify about the Empress’s evil deeds?”

Leopold shook his head.

“As I said before, without evidence, doing that would only get me accused of kidnapping and coercion. We’ll need her testimony eventually, but it’s too early now.”

So, we need to find evidence first…

The situation is already complicated, and I’m not sure if the Holy Kingdom spies Lacey sent will be able to handle it.

—

In exchange for accepting Leopold’s request, I set one condition.

That after all this is over, Leonor’s safety is guaranteed.

Whether she testifies about the Empress’s evil deeds or not, no matter how things end, her safety must be ensured.

Leopold hesitated for a while, but seeing that I wouldn’t budge, he finally swore on Elpinel’s name.

I don’t know how much weight his oath holds, though, since he’s not a priest.