TKMLTE 95

CHAPTER 95

Translator: Rae

***

Ally Turned Foe

Whitney wrote a letter to be sent to the informant before heading to the royal palace. 

[Hello, Gnosis. I'm W.

It’s been a while since my last request. On the way to Diorthos, there’s a village called Ninetree, where Linze’s winery is located. 

There was a noble from the capital who requested an investment, and I’d like you to look into this.

It seems to be related to VIP, so you have to move secretly and carefully. First, I'll give you two gold coins as advance payment, and I’ll give you more depending on the information you provide.]

"You can send the letter here."

"I will. Shall we get ready right away?"

"I guess so."

She had to probe Violet. The princess was likely thinking the same, but if handled well, Whitney might get the information she needed. And if she happened to run into Carl along the way, that would be even better.

‘I’m sure he has heard about Maurice, so he would have gone to see him  at least once.’

She surely wouldn’t go to her d*ath without a fight. If she was determined to survive by any means necessary, she would have called for Carl, hoping to earn his sympathy. They had been inseparable even in their past life.

There was no need to overthink it—going to the royal palace and assessing the situation firsthand would be the fastest approach.

Having finished the preparation, Whitney boarded the carriage bound for the royal palace, where Princess Violet was waiting for her.

"What do you think of, Sir? About those causing trouble for Linze’s Winery?”

“On my way back from finishing a mercenary  job the other day, I happened to speak with them. They said—well, more like threatened—that if the trade wasn’t continued, something would happen to the vineyard’ grapes.”

The fact that they were acting so recklessly and resorting to threats meant there were people backing them. Whitney brushed her lips with her finger, seemingly lost in thought.

‘They must have made quite a profit from Linze’s Winery. If it was supplied to the royal palace, that means they either have connections within the palace or some noble backing them…’

It seemed necessary to meet with Liona at least once. But for now, the priority was ensuring that nothing happened to Linze’s vineyard.

“Something will happen soon. Sir Zegmon, do you happen to know any skilful mercenaries? Their abilities need to rival that of the Royal Guards.”

"There is one place that comes to mind. However, it will cost a lot of money. Are you fine with it, Your Grace?”

“That doesn’t matter. Please get in touch and establish communication. If we take them in as knights of the duchy, that would make things easier. Receiving a stable salary and having a place to stay would be a better deal for them, wouldn’t it?”

It would be more convenient for them to work for the duchy instead of becoming mercenaries. Even more so if they were treated well.

“I’ll try to establish communication as soon as I get back.”

"Thank you.”

The rattle of the carriage became less frequent. A hot wind came through the gap of the open window. Whitney gazed at the path lush with verdant greenery.

Shortly after, they stopped in front of the golden gate of the kingdom. The large gate opened only after she showed the invitation. They headed to the Jasmine Palace where the royal guest was staying.

The coachman opened the door, and Whitney got out of the carriage with her parasol.

"It's still hot. Maybe it's because there’s no shade.”

Whitney opened her parasol, squinting at the scorching summer sun. no matter how many times she saw it, this place was always dazzlingly extravagant.

"It's because we’re currently in the middle of summer. Even so, it’s better than being wet from the rain, isn’t it?”

“You’re right, sir. We’d better go in before Her Highness the Princess has to wait any longer.”

Calling someone on such a hot day and making them wait—how frustrating that must be. Contrary to her words, Whitney strolled leisurely toward the place where Violet was waiting.

***

Violet watched as Whitney approached at a leisurely pace, her parasol open against the sun.

“You look like you have nothing to lose.”

"Shall I go and lead you the way?"

“No, you don’t have to. We’re not exactly in a desperate position either. If you answered my summons, you must want something.”

Violet set down her teacup and smiled subtly. Watching Whitney approach with graceful steps, her parasol in hand, left her with a strange feeling. With Prince Cheston now fully involved in the succession battle, her own position had become precarious—unless she supported Carl. 

However, the endless, fruitless struggle in this wretched place made her head throb. She felt as if she, too, was being cast aside, and any lingering attachment she had to the Kingdom of Luowen was slipping away.

Violet has summoned Whitney because she had learned that Carl had gone to see Maurice. She needed to know the reason.

Her grip tightened around the teacup. Her pale fingers trembled as they turned ghostly white.

'I need a duke, even if I don't want to admit it.' ‘I can’t just sit here like this. I need a plan. And for that… as much as I hate to admit it, I need the Duchess Regnant.’

She had considered reaching out to Phaetonthra, but even that was impossible under the queen’s watchful eye. Her letters were being monitored closely.

More than anything, it was the sheer betrayal that made her tremble.

Pregnant? Maurice was pregnant?! She couldn’t stand being in this place any longer.

She had come to the Kingdom of Luowen for the sake of the harmony between the two countries. And yet, this was how they treated her. Until now, she had endured everything. After all, royal affairs were the same in any country—having a mistress was nothing worth making a fuss over.

However, if it threatened her position, that was a different matter entirely.

"Greetings, Your Highness Princess Violet."

"Welcome. It seems the beauty of the royal palace has managed to hold the Duchess Regnant in place.”

“Well, considering Jasmine Palace is where Your Highness resides, the gardens seem all the more exquisite. Every turn captivates the eye, which is why I was a bit late.”

Whitney closed her parasol and took a seat. Her green eyes, reminiscent of summer, gleamed with striking clarity. That sharp, bright gaze—it remained the same as then.

"I read the newspaper. It seemed the honor of the Orléans Family has been restored.”

“I’m grateful for your interest. There are some disappointing aspects… but I suppose I should be content with this much.” 

Whitney took a sip of tea as she responded to Violet’s words. Watching her composed demeanor and unhurried actions, Violet soon posed a question.

"What do you mean by ‘disappointing aspects;?”

The princess dropped her eyes with a smile. She could tell that Whitney’s remark was bait, but she didn’t back down and took it willingly.

After all, that was the only way to uncover what each of them truly wanted.

“It seems everyone thinks differently from me, so perhaps it’s best for me to hold my tongue. It’s already settled, isn’t it? They will be punished. That should be good news for Your Highness as well, shouldn’t it?”

Indeed, after Maurice’s crime was exposed, public opinion had changed. The past scandal was now seen as something entirely orchestrated by Maurice—the woman who dreamed of rising above her status and seduced the prince by exploiting his kindness. Though the two had shared affection, the outcome was different.

With the royal family responding swiftly, Maurice alone bore all the blame. The more people talked about them, the ore humiliated Violet felt. But at the same time, sympathy for her grew stronger. There were even growing calls to send the foreign princess back to her homeland.

To avoid damaging the country’s relations with Phaetonthra, many argued that the princess shouldn’t be betrothed to Carl. trapped here, unable to return, Violet found herself welcoming this shift in fortune.

“I’m not sure if this is truly a good thing for me. It all seems to be working in your favor, Duchess Regnant. After all, I’m His Highness Prince Carl’s fiancée—the one who will eventually marry him. I can’t exactly rejoice.”

“Didn’t Your Highness you were not content about your engagement to His Highness Prince Carl?”

“Hmm. I did say so. But I also have a sense of duty to remain in the Kingdom of Luowen.”

For a brief moment, Whitney’s green eyes gleamed. As if she had caught on to something, she set down her teacup and glanced around.

“The royal palace is always breathtaking, no matter how many times I see it. But I imagine Your Highness’ homeland must be even more beautiful. What do you think, Your Highness? If you were to return to your homeland without severing ties with Luowen, would Your Highness consider it?”

Was she implying there was a way for her to return safely?

Violet had no intention of just going back. To be compensated for everything that had happened here—or to exact revenge of equal measure. Simply returning to her homeland as things stood would be a disgrace to her.

"Of course, if Your Highness were to leave just like that, it would tarnish your dignity. That’s something we must discuss. His Majesty the King is likely to take my side, but will Her Highness the Queen side with you, Your Highness?”

“…Ha!"

"Are you still dreaming of another hope?"

Her head lifted, and in her unwavering gaze lay certainty. There was a confidence now that Violet had never seen before, a change in demeanor she had no choice but to acknowledge.

There was no room to wedge herself between them. All that was left was for her to accept the situation. What remained within Princess Violet was nothing but wounds and anger.

"That hope would have ended the moment you realized it, Duchess Regnant. So, what is it that you truly want?”

"You already know, Your Highness. You know exactly what I want.”

Whitney retrieved a small box from within her coat and held it out toward Violet.

"This is just one of the cards I’m showing you, Your Highness.”

Violet slowly opened the box. Inside lay an opal—one of the finest, unmatched in its brilliance. Her gaze lingered on the gemstone for a moment before shifting back to Whitney.

"I don't want to be humiliated. You understand what I mean, don’t you?”

“I, on the other hand, want Your Highness to return to your homeland with dignity. I was taught that joining hands for mutual gain is nothing to be ashamed of.”

“...You’ve learned well.”

Violet reached out her hand. Whitney grasped it with a bright smile. The enemy from yesterday could become an ally today.

All it took was creating a common foe.

***

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