CHAPTER 105
Translator: Rae
***
Are You Expecting?
Upon entering the main palace, Whitney greeted the courtiers around her.
“I’m looking forward to the wine distributed by the Duchess Regnant of Orléans. I tried it at the last banquet, but unfortunately I didn’t win.”
"A good opportunity will come. The more you buy, the higher the chances. So why not open another bottle and look forward to the next one?"
"Oh, that's how it works."
They disappeared with laughter. Whitney maintained her business smile until the very end.
"I didn't know you had this side to you.."
"Your Highness Prince Cheston."
"What brings the Duchess Regnant here? Without speaking to me in proper? Though, I must say, I feel pleased to see you.”
Cheston casually wrapped an arm around her waist, showing his delight. Witney looked up at him and spoke without attempting to deny his touch.
"Her Highness Princess Violet called me. I also had a letter to deliver."
“The conversation seems to have ended well.”
Whitney flinched at his touch, tickling her face, but she nodded. The eyes of the courtiers remained fixed on them. There was no need to hide their relationship, especially after it had barely made its way into the newspapers. In fact, letting others see how close they were might even be beneficial.
She ran her fingers through his tousled hair, smoothing it bak with a smile.
“Yes, though I did run into an unwelcome guest afterward. Oh, and I have something to tell you!”
Whitney took his hand and pulled him closer. He obediently followed her lead, bowing his head slightly. To onlookers, the must have seemed like lovers exchanging intimate whispers.
Covering her mouth with her hand, she murmured softly.
"As Your Highness suspected, it seems the Marquis of Aroche really is Her Highness the Queen’s lover,”
"Oh?"
Whitney quickly glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping before lowering her face even further.
"How can you be sure?"
“I just ran into him, and I think he came from the direction of Her Highness the Queen’s palace.”
"That's not enough."
He didn't look surprised. Whitney narrowed her eyes at him and nudged him gently in the chest.
“…Your Highness were already convinced then, weren't you?"
"I've already told Father, so I think you'd better not word it that way.”
He had even informed the king in advance. Whitney felt a slight pang of disappointment that he hadn’t told her sooner, but she supposed he must have held back because he wasn’t completely certain.
She continued with a brief sigh.
“The winery is involved as well. Other than that, I also need to speak to His Majesty the King about something else.”
"If it's about Princess Violet, you should tread carefully.”
“Of course. However, I’ve already made a promise."
"Whatever promise it is, I’m sure you’ll handle it well. If you need help, just say the word."
“Help…”
Whitney thought of the situation in Yohareim.
“It would be best for Your Highness to come with me. It’s related to Her Highness the Queen.”
“Father may not be pleased."
“But we’re to be married, aren’t we? A husband and wife shouldn’t keep secrets from each other, right?”
“...A husband and wife,”
He just stood there blankly, turning her words over in his mind. Whitney took his hand without hesitation and led him into the audience hall.
***
The king listened to everything in silence before motioning to the scribe. The scribe, who had been meticulously recording the conversation, set down his pen and rose from his seat.
Now, with only the three of them remaining in the audience chamber, the king turned to Whitney and asked,
"Is it true that you saw the Marquis of Aroche?"
"Yes, I saw the marquis coming out of the Tulip Palace. I still need to confirm more details, but if Your Majesty comes forward, I believe we can resolve this matter swiftly. There is a high chance they are causing trouble related to the winery. Those so-called noble investors from before were likely the ones helping the queen amass secret funds."
“Even if the queen is involved what do I gain from it?”
The king’s eyes gleamed slightly, a sign that Whitney’s words had piqued his interest. She straightened her posture, knowing this was the moment to seize his favor. If she failed to sway him now, the queen might catch wind of their plans and shift her course.
“I will offer Your Majesty 10% of the wine import profits. I believe that is a fair deal—one that doesn’t put Your Majesty at a loss. The more funds House of Orléans amasses, the greater the benefit to the royal family as well.”
Wine profits were stable for now, and as long as there were no outside interferences, granting the king a share wouldn’t be a loss. It was a calculated offer—one she was certain he wouldn’t dismiss so easily.
“There is something that needs to be settled first. I want a definite answer regarding your marriage to Cheston.”
“Wasn’t it already decided when Your Majesty referred to me as your daughter-in-law before?”
“Hahaha! I must have been oblivious. Well, if the Duchess Regnant insists, then I have no reason to refuse your request.”
If she were to marry Cheston, whom the king was subtly supporting, her power would become directly tied to the royal family’s strength. More importantly, gathering supporters for Cheston would ensure there was no opposition when he was appointed crown prince.
“I also have something else to report to Your Majesty. People have been disappearing in Yohareim. Women in need of help are vanishing, and many children had gone missing as well.”
The king’s gaze changed noticeably. As the atmosphere grew sharper, Whitney seized the moment and continued.
“It’s clear that Her Highness the Queen has been funneling funds and colluding with the Kingdom of Cerulo.”
“Are you saying that human trafficking is taking place in Yohareim?”
“We need to verify it, but the possibility is high. The information comes from someone who escaped from there, so you can just trust it. Since this concerns national affairs, even if Your Majesty takes direct action, the queen will not be able to stop it.”
“That makes sense. However, if this matter becomes public, the queen will once again sever the trail. We must proceed discreetly.”
She nodded in agreement. Then, she collected her breath before speaking again.
“Moreover, please also break off the engagement between Princess Violet and His Highness Prince Carl. This will greatly benefit His Majesty the King.”
“Great benefit, you say? Let’s hear it. You do understand how many things are exchanged in political marriages between nations, don’t you?”
a marriage deal?
If she removed emotions from the equation, her marriage to Cheston wasn’t much different. Yet, hearing it phrased that way left a bitter taste.
It was already a fractured union. If things continued as they were, Violet and Carl would only spiral further into disaster.
“I plan to trade opal with the Kingdom of Phaetonthra. From the profits gained, I will pay a 5% tax.”
“And you believe that is better than what I would gain from having a direct deal with Phaetonthra?”
The king’s reaction was skeptical, clearly considering 5% to be too insignificant. Whitney shook her head and replied.
“Yes. If you don’t sever ties now, Your Majesty will find yourself in a disadvantageous position in negotiations with Phaetonthra.”
"Why?”
“Maurice is carrying His Highness Prince Carl’s child.”
“...What did you just say?”
“Her Highness the Queen is already aware. She attempted to get Maurice out, but when that proved difficult, she decided to take only the child. More importantly, Princess Violet is already aware about this.”
“…”
“Your Majesty, I do not wish for relations between the Kingdom of Phaetonthra and the Kingdom Luowen to fall apart. However, you must also know that this is not something that can be kept secret forever.”
What would be the better choice for Luowen? If they allowed Princess of Phaetonthra to leave as things stood, they would be forced into negotiations from a disadvantageous position.
“As Your Majesty said, if there is no gain in this marriage arrangement, would it not be better to call it off? That is why I suggest we take what can be taken for the sake of both countries before others learn the truth.”
"Has Phaetonthra agreed to this?"
"Of course.”
Whitney had already finalized negotiations with the King of Phaetonthra. As long as King Clifton agreed, the matter would be settled.
“Proceed as you wish. I will send word to Phaetonthra myself.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I understand that the engagement will be officially announced at the upcoming royal banquet. After the banquet, Her Highness Princess Violet will break off the engagement and return to her homeland. Following that, I believe it would be best for the truth about His Highness Prince Carl’s illegitimate child to come to light.”
“For the princess’ honor, then.”
“His Highness Prince Carl’s honor has already hit rock bottom, has it not? If things continue this way, more people will align themselves with Prince Cheston.”
The king suddenly burst into laughter. Seemingly pleased with the conversation, he nodded repeatedly before gesturing with his hand.
“It seems I’ve chosen a fine daughter-in-law. Cheston, you must make sure to hold onto this one. I have no idea why you’re just standing there like a statue if that’s all you’re going to do.”
“I can’t help but have a reasonable suspicion that I’ve been used as a hostage in negotiations with Father.”
Though the idea that there should be no secrets between them was true, it was a matter that could have been discussed later. However, having Cheston present was certain to sway the king’s heart even more—that was why she had brought him along.
If the king wanted his favored son to inherit the throne, then he needed Whitney. And for that to happen, they would both have to ensure each other’s desires were met. That was the foundation of a strong alliance.
“What do you plan to do about the child in Maurice’s womb?”
The b*st*rd child would bring trouble no matter how the situation unfolded. However, the unborn child had committed no crime.
"What are you going to do with the child in Morris's belly?"
Having an illegitimate child will go either way badly. However, the unborn is not at fault.
“How you can prove that the child is Carl’s? No one will believe the words of someone who infiltrated through deceit. More importantly, has it even been confirmed that she is truly pregnant?”
The king offered a gentle smile as he spoke. Whitney slowly nodded her head. As he said, there was a possibility that the child in Maurice’s womb wasn’t Carl. No, going even further, there was no guarantee that she was even pregnant in the first place.
***
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