Duchess Mecklen’s Elegant Revolt - Chapter 10 Part 3

‘Does he not know about the rumors?’ Eleanor thought to herself. She was well aware that there were rumors circulating within the palace about the strained relationship between her and Ernst. It was a well-known story.

When Eleanor remained silent, Raul spoke again, “I apologize if I’ve upset you. Please forgive me.”

“No, it’s fine. I appreciate your suggestion.”

Eleanor decided to let it go with a light response. “What do you think would be a good gift?”

“Recently, His Grace has been breaking his quill pens quite frequently,” Raul said.

“……?”

“It seems he unconsciously exerts too much pressure on them while working, so it occasionally causes him some inconvenience.”

Raul had noticed many broken quill pens in Ernst’s office when he went in to deliver reports. The aide would just shake his head, saying they all belonged to the Duke.

“Perhaps you could gift him a new set of quill pens?”

It was a meaningful suggestion. For someone like Ernst, who was deeply immersed in his work, it would be a thoughtful gift. It was certainly more practical than a decorative dagger or a riding whip.

However, such a gesture was only appropriate for a couple who were on good terms.

“Thank you. That was very helpful.”

Raul seemed genuinely pleased to have been of assistance, which made Eleanor feel a twinge of guilt.

“Shall we get going?”

Eleanor decided to continue moving, fearing that if they stayed, the conversation might shift back to Ernst.

***

Eleanor continued navigating through the slums, consulting her map as she went. She spent the next hour speaking with various residents, taking notes as she listened to their stories. The slums seemed endless, a labyrinth of broken stone steps and winding alleys.

As she carefully descended a set of cracked stone stairs, Eleanor spotted a small family sitting together, basking in the sunlight.

“Are you alright?” she asked.

“Who…?”

It was a small family—a mother and two children. Eleanor, cradling one of the children, tried her best to offer a reassuring smile to the wary middle-aged woman before her. People often regarded her with suspicion because of her dress. To ease their tension, Eleanor knew she needed to be warm and approachable, making eye contact and greeting them kindly.

With Raul’s help, Eleanor offered the woman a water bottle she had brought.

“There’s not much soup left, but would you like some?”

“Soup?” The fragrant smell caught the children’s attention first. They eagerly grabbed the bottle, and Eleanor handed it to them, instructing them to eat slowly.

“I wish I had brought more…”

Unfortunately, since she had to walk, she couldn’t carry too much. It would have been better if the carriage could have come this far.

As the children began eating, the woman’s wariness softened. “Thank you. I don’t need any. Please give it all to the children.”

“Are you sure you don’t want any?”

“I received a ration at lunchtime. That will be enough for me,” the woman explained, saying that one meal a day was sufficient to keep going.

With the atmosphere between the woman and Eleanor becoming more relaxed, Raul also eased up and listened more intently to their conversation.

“You must not have been here long,” Eleanor noted.

“How could you tell?”

“Your clothes are relatively clean compared to others. Not that they’re dirty, but… after spending a few days here, you start to notice differences based on circumstances.”

Eleanor was careful with her words, not wanting to offend the woman.

“I’m from the palace,” she continued.

“The palace?”

“The Imperial Family considers improving the lives of Hadum’s residents a priority. After this investigation, we plan to identify the most urgent needs and continue working on improving conditions with sustained input.”

The woman’s expression darkened slightly as she listened. “I see.”

“Is there anything you need? If you share your thoughts, I’ll make sure they’re considered.”

“…Would you accept the opinions of those who aren’t originally from Hadum?”

“Of course,” Eleanor replied.

Hadum wasn’t only populated by its original residents. It was home to people from all over Baden—those who were poor, nomadic, or part of gypsy communities.

“We’re actually… from Hartmann,” the woman hesitated before revealing.

“……!”

Eleanor felt her breath catch in her throat. There were many reasons why people came to Hadum, but the main one was the food rations. For those who were hungry, free food was incredibly enticing. Word spread, drawing more people, and soon, other complex reasons contributed to the current state of Hadum.

“Right now, it’s extremely difficult to obtain food in Hartmann.”

Eleanor had encountered many people, but this was the first time she had met someone from Hartmann. However, instead of feeling joy at meeting a fellow countrywoman, she felt a deep sense of sorrow. She quietly listened as the woman continued.

“We tried to survive on roots and berries from the mountains, but it wasn’t enough.”

“……”

“We couldn’t even beg because everyone was poor. We could have forced ourselves to endure, but seeing the children cry from hunger made it unbearable. So, we walked here after hearing the rumors.”

The woman introduced herself as Rosana. The economy in Hartmann had collapsed long ago, and the wealthy nobles had turned their riches into jewels and fled. The remaining leaders abandoned their duties, assuming Baden would take care of everything. Although the regent tried various measures to stabilize the situation, the people saw little improvement. As the food shortage persisted, farmers ate the grain meant for the next year’s crops, worsening the situation for the future.

A heavy sigh escaped Eleanor’s lips.

“I wish we could get a small piece of land here to farm.”

“……”

“Is that too much to ask for?”

Rosana’s voice wavered as she looked at Eleanor, who could only nod silently in response. Her throat tightened, and she felt like she might cry. She stood up, trying to regain her composure.

“…I’ll make sure that happens.”

“Thank you.”

Rosana’s voice cracked slightly, but she managed to hold herself together. Eleanor, however, couldn’t stop the tears from welling up in her eyes as she walked away, leaving Rosana and her children behind. Raul, noticing her distress, walked beside her.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“…Yes.”

“Perhaps it’s time to rest for the day,” Raul suggested, observing Eleanor’s pale face.

She wanted to say she was fine, but the words wouldn’t come out. She forced herself to swallow.

“No, I’ll finish what I started.”

“The sun will set soon. Please don’t push yourself too hard.”

Raul pointed to the sky, which was indeed tinged with a faint red. Eleanor finally agreed, and Raul, relieved, took the lead as they headed back to the inn. The walk was silent, neither of them speaking.

‘What have I been doing all this time?’ Eleanor couldn’t shake the overwhelming sense of guilt that consumed her as she walked.

***

It was the day of the nobles’ meeting. This was not a regular session, so only high-ranking officials of certain titles could attend. The Emperor sat at the center, with three Dukes and five Marquises of the Baden Empire facing each other.

“A new agenda has been brought forward,” announced Marquis Radsay, who was presiding over the meeting. During these discussions, everyone, regardless of age or status, used formal language.

“Recently, there has been an increase in the number of refugees from Hartmann crossing into Baden,” he continued.

“What’s bringing them to Baden?” asked Marquis Mathia, his tone laced with curiosity.

Marquis Radsay scratched his head before answering. “They’re crossing the border due to food shortages.”

“Is the food shortage that severe?”

“It seems Hartmann’s currency has lost all value. They have to resort to bartering for food, but with winter approaching, those who have food aren’t willing to sell it, causing the markets to stagnate.”

“Such a pity,” Marquis Mathia clicked his tongue in disapproval.

‘We should have seen this coming when Hartmann’s king started tampering with gold coins,’ he thought. Hartmann’s decline began when they were caught mixing brass with gold coins and distributing them in large quantities.

“The old currency is being recalled and destroyed. It’s estimated that it will take five years for Baden’s currency to become the standard throughout Hartmann.”

“It’s a daunting task,” said Duke Ezester.

“For now, we need to focus on the most pressing issue, which is addressing the situation of the refugees,” added Marquis Mathia.

Duke Nestor, who was seated next to the Emperor, was the first to offer a suggestion. “Perhaps we could create a temporary settlement area for the refugees.”

“Not a bad idea.”

“After processing them, we could give them the choice of returning to Hartmann or settling permanently in Baden.”

Marquis Neto, who had been listening with a disapproving expression, voiced his concerns. “Do you really think the citizens of the Empire will accept these refugees?”

“We must find a solution that minimizes harm to both sides.”

“Where in the Empire would that be possible? Unless we open up new land, it’s impossible.”

Marquis Neto had been opposed to the annexation of Hartmann from the beginning, and his resentment was clear.

At that moment, Marquis Liege supported Marquis Neto’s argument. “I agree. No one likes strangers coming into their homes uninvited. The citizens will view the refugees with the same disdain.”

“Your words are too harsh. Strangers? They are now our fellow countrymen,” Marquis Radsay rebuked.

Marquis Neto scoffed in response. “Just because we call them fellow countrymen doesn’t make them so. If you’re so eager to help, why don’t you offer up your own land, Marquis Radsay?”

“What?”

“You own land in the north, don’t you? It’s a perfect spot for a refugee settlement.”

“That’s absurd. Are you suggesting I solve a national issue with my private property?”

“It’s all for the good of the country. You’re the one who called them our people. Why not take care of these poor citizens yourself?”

“Marquis Neto…!”

Bang, bang.

“Enough.”

As the argument between the two escalated, the Emperor intervened.

“This bickering is pointless.”

“Apologies, Your Majesty.”

At Lennoch’s words, both Marquis Radsay and Marquis Neto bowed their heads in unison. Ernst, who had been observing the nobles’ power struggle, wore a look of disdain.

Lennoch glanced around the room. “We’ll revisit this issue in two weeks. In the meantime, organize your thoughts and prepare concrete proposals for that day.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The refugee issue was a sensitive topic for all the nobles. Marquis Neto’s concerns were valid, but they couldn’t simply ignore the problem. The spread of refugees was faster than the Empire’s efforts to control inflation.

Lennoch foresaw that this crisis would not be easily resolved.

“What’s the next agenda item?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Next, we will discuss the renovation of the main palace before winter…”

The meeting continued late into the evening.

***