Duchess Mecklen’s Elegant Revolt - Chapter 3 Part 1

3. The Interview at the Palace

Engaging in smooth conversation in an unfamiliar setting with strangers isn’t easy. It requires a person to be quite sociable by nature. Unfortunately, neither Berenice nor Elenor could be described as such. The silence in the carriage, stemming from the lack of conversation, added weight to the atmosphere between the two women.

Elenor, feeling the pressure of the enclosed space, turned her gaze to the outside. Once she arrived at the palace, it would truly begin. Although she had been fortunate this time, there was no guarantee such an opportunity would arise again. Her fate would undoubtedly hinge on how she handled what came next. Despite her nerves, she reminded herself to stay cautious and not be swayed by her surroundings.

She carefully considered what she would say to the Empress Dowager, practicing the words in her mind.

“Madam.”

“……?”

Unexpectedly, Berenice was the first to break the silence. Although she typically didn’t enjoy initiating conversations, as she wasn’t particularly skilled with words, today was different.

Locking eyes with Elenor’s smooth, defined features, Berenice continued, “I hope you don’t mind me asking a question.”

There was a polite tone to her voice, but it carried Berenice’s characteristic firmness, more befitting a knight than a lady-in-waiting. Elenor nodded slightly, meeting her gaze.

“Please, go ahead.”

“Is there a particular reason that led you to apply for the position of Her Majesty’s lady-in-waiting?”

Although the motivation behind her application was clearly outlined in the letter she had sent to the palace, Elenor hesitated to respond, trying to gauge Berenice’s intent behind the question. Observing her silence, Berenice offered a hint.

“I can imagine how difficult and challenging it must be to adjust to life in a foreign land.”

Berenice had already gained a general understanding of Elenor’s situation. Upon receiving the Empress Dowager’s orders, she had immediately begun investigating her. Although she hadn’t yet uncovered everything, Berenice’s preparation of a report on Elenor led her to one conclusion: it must have been incredibly tough.

“I’ve heard that you have no connections within the Empire and that you haven’t debuted in society yet.”

Despite her words, there was no sympathy in Berenice’s tone. She was meticulous in separating emotion from duty. While she acknowledged the hardships Elenor must have faced, that was all. As a lady-in-waiting to the Empress Dowager, Berenice prioritized following orders above all else. The Empress Dowager sought information from Elenor, particularly regarding Caroline’s intentions behind recommending her. This conversation was part of that investigation, and Berenice’s calculating gaze remained fixed on Elenor’s face.

“If there’s anything you need, I’m here to assist you.”

“You’re very kind.”

After a brief pause, Elenor slowly began to speak. She wore a faint, ambiguous smile.

“It’s the first time I’ve heard such words.”

“……?”

“The offer to help. I’ve never heard anyone say that to me before.”

Today had been full of firsts for Elenor. Caroline had bid her a friendly farewell, and now Berenice, the Empress Dowager’s lady-in-waiting, was offering her assistance.

Was this kindness truly meant for her?

‘In the past, I would have been grateful.’

But not now.

“But I’m fine. Thank you for the offer.”

“……”

“Everything that happens is my responsibility to bear.”

Elenor spoke softly but with clarity and precision. In that fleeting moment, she noticed a slight shift in Berenice’s expression.

‘Everyone from the Verdik family must be approached with caution,’ Elenor reminded herself.

The person who had interrogated her when she was falsely accused of murdering Caroline in her past life was none other than Count Verdik. She didn’t know whose side he had been on at the time, but he had tried his best to frame Elenor as the culprit.

There was no way she could have withstood the torture devices he used against her. Count Verdik even knew secrets that Ernst, a duke, couldn’t have possibly known. These were secrets Caroline had hidden away, but Elenor was aware of them from serving Caroline so closely.

There was no way Caroline would have revealed those secrets while dying. Elenor had realized that Count Verdik was incredibly skilled at obtaining information about noble families.

However, that knowledge had been of no use to her. In the end, she was branded as the ruthless murderer of Caroline and was executed. And the sister of Count Verdik was Berenice.

“I’m feeling a bit tired. Would it be alright if I rested my eyes?”

“…Yes.”

Elenor closed her eyes, making it clear that she didn’t want to continue the conversation. Though her mind was racing, she remained outwardly calm.

Berenice watched her with a curious gaze, noting how the duchess tightly pressed her lips together beneath her swaying short hair.

***

“The imperial carriage was sent?”

The Emperor’s face lifted from the documents he was reviewing. Standing before him was Eger, wearing a characteristically stern expression. As he met the Emperor’s surprised gaze, Eger continued relaying the news.

“And it was Baroness Berenice herself who went to fetch the Duchess of Mecklen.”

The Emperor found this news rather shocking. He set down the quill he was holding, his gaze momentarily drifting to the ceiling of the study.

“Why would Mother… be interested in Eleanor?”

“Your Majesty, remember where we are. You must be careful with titles,” Eger reminded him.

“Oh, of course.”

At Eger’s prompt, the Emperor cleared his throat. Eger was right; in the palace, there were many ears listening. Even though they were alone in the study, it was better to be cautious. Accepting the advice, the Emperor refrained from speaking aloud and instead delved into deep thought.

‘What could Mother be thinking?’

The Empress Dowager’s actions were difficult to understand. She wasn’t someone who acted without reason. Initially, when she mentioned personally selecting a lady-in-waiting, he had decided to let her do as she wished. But now, he learned that the Duchess of Mecklen, Eleanor, had applied for the position. And the Empress Dowager’s most trusted lady-in-waiting, Berenice, had gone to personally escort her.

The Emperor was well aware that the high-ranking nobles weren’t particularly fond of the Hartmann princess. The Empress Dowager certainly wasn’t oblivious to that sentiment either.

Lost in thought, the Emperor lightly drummed his fingers on the table. By now, the documents he had been reviewing were long forgotten.

“Your Majesty, may I ask something?”

“Hmm?”

Eger, who had been organizing the scattered papers, suddenly spoke up.

“Did Your Majesty know the Duchess of Mecklen before?”

Eger couldn’t help but wonder if there was a previous connection between the Emperor and Eleanor. Just a month ago, the Emperor seemed completely indifferent toward the Hartmann princess. When he ordered the national marriage, he had been more concerned with what he should offer the Duke in exchange for marrying the princess. After the wedding, he hadn’t even mentioned them, as if he didn’t care how they were doing.

‘That day, he was particularly strange.’

Eger recalled the time when they had encountered the princess near the boutiques. The Emperor had seemed unusually pleased. Others might not have noticed the difference, but to the sensitive and meticulous Eger, it was apparent.

It was surprising enough to see the Emperor being friendly toward the princess, but the way he had recited her name as if calling out to a long-lost acquaintance was even more peculiar. This made it hard for Eger to dismiss the idea that they might have known each other previously. Yet, no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t find any connection between the Emperor and Eleanor.

“Eger.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Weren’t you the one who said there are many ears in the palace and that I should be cautious?”

Ah.

Realizing his mistake, Eger’s ears turned red. It was as if his own advice had come back to bite him. His stern expression crumbled instantly, and the Emperor chuckled softly at the sight.

So simple-minded.

“You seem to be quite curious about me.”

“Well, Your Majesty’s behavior has been rather suspicious, hasn’t it?”

Though Eger’s words could have been seen as impertinent, the Emperor didn’t seem to mind.

“Perhaps you have a crush on me?”

“…Are we back to the delusions of grandeur again, Your Majesty?”

“Delusions of grandeur? You’re certainly bold, speaking to your superior like that.”

The Emperor replied playfully, shrugging off the remark and turning away. If someone asked him what his relationship with Eleanor was, it would be difficult to give a straightforward answer. If word got out, it wouldn’t benefit either of them.

“Are you really not going to tell me anything?”

“Who knows?”

Faced with a vague response to his earnest question, Eger realized he wouldn’t get any useful information. If the Emperor was so reluctant, there wasn’t much he could do.

“In that case, I’ll take my leave now.”

Having finished organizing the desk, Eger left the study after reminding the Emperor to call if he needed anything. The sound of the door closing behind him was followed by the Emperor fixing his gaze out the window.

The playful smile that had been on his face moments ago was gone.

He stared out at the cloudless, clear sky. His eyes, reflecting the endless expanse, darkened with an indecipherable emotion.

***

In front of the Empress Dowager’s palace, noble carriages were lined up from early morning. It wasn’t a party, yet so many had gathered for one reason: the Empress Dowager was selecting a new lady-in-waiting. The open recruitment had intrigued even those noblewomen who had never shown interest before. Who knew? One of them might just be the lucky lady chosen.

Clap clap.

“Please gather over here.”

Countess Lorentz clapped her hands to draw everyone’s attention. The sheer number of applicants, several times more than when only personal recommendations were accepted, made it difficult to manage the crowd. After repeatedly asking them to gather, she finally got to the point.

“There will be a written test in the morning, followed by interviews in the afternoon.”

Although there were many applicants, it was decided to complete the selection process in one day rather than spreading it over several days. The main reason cited was to reduce wasteful spending. The person who strongly insisted on selecting the lady-in-waiting within a single day, citing such reasons, was none other than Countess Lorentz.

‘The outcome is already decided anyway.’

Though Empress Dowager expressed a desire to select the best candidate through open recruitment, Countess Lorentz had already made up her mind about one person.

‘Lady Brianna.’

Countess Lorentz scanned the group of noblewomen to find Brianna. With most women having black or light brown hair, the strikingly bright red hair was easy to spot. Brianna was the lady recommended by her close friend, Caroline. Moreover, the Marquis of Liege was a distant relative of Countess Lorentz.

“The time has come, so please move to the examination room.”

Countess Lorentz called out, instructing the servants to guide the applicants. Despite the crowded hallway, the applicants managed to enter the exam room without major issues. Among them was Eleanor, who had barely arrived on time.

***

“Thank you for your efforts.”

Lunch was provided at the Empress Dowager’s palace. Noblewomen who were acquainted with each other formed small groups and sat together at the tables.

“Look over there.” Someone pointed at Eleanor and chuckled.

“The princess of Hartmann.”

“To attend such an event, she must have quite the nerve.”

“I heard a rumor that she’s so uncultured and ignorant that even the King of Hartmann gave up on her.”

“I heard she’s fond of extravagance? But looking at the princess now, that doesn’t seem to be the case. What a rustic outfit.”

“Oh my, is that the latest trend in Hartmann?”

The rumors about the princess of Hartmann had been distorted as they spread. There was no one to correct the falsehoods, so they only grew worse. Eleanor could sense people pointing and whispering about her, but she paid no attention. She had endured worse before.

Eleanor focused on her meal in silence.

“Please stop.”

Someone intervened among the gossiping noblewomen. It was Brianna, the striking beauty with red hair. She wore a concerned expression as she reprimanded the women for their gossip.

“The Duchess doesn’t receive proper treatment even in her own home. The more you gossip, the more you will trouble her. Please, stop the slander.”

“Not receiving proper treatment?”

Unfortunately, Brianna’s intervention was not out of kindness. As the conversation shifted from positive to negative, the commotion in the dining hall grew louder. Brianna locked eyes with Eleanor, who was staring at her, but she ignored it and continued speaking.

“I heard the Duchess and His Grace the Duke sleep in separate rooms.”

“My goodness, separate rooms?”

“And it seems they still haven’t had their first night together.”

The noblewomen gasped at this revelation. No one pointed out Brianna’s rudeness in bringing up such a personal matter. After all, nothing made for hotter gossip than a duchess spurned on her wedding night.

The new rumor was bound to spread quickly through the social circles, growing as it did. Brianna smiled broadly, knowing this would be the case.

‘Let’s see how she handles this.’

From provincial nobles to the ladies of influential central families, the rumor would soon be exaggerated by the social circles. Before long, there would likely be whispers that the Duchess was a frigid woman. Indeed, someone had barely mentioned the word “frigid” when a loud burst of laughter erupted.

Eleanor slowly stopped chewing her food.

“So let’s all show a bit of consideration for the poor princess.”

“……”

Eleanor placed her sandwich back down on the table.