Duchess Mecklen’s Elegant Revolt - Chapter 6 Part 4

“I’ll find out Adler’s true intentions myself.”

The Empress Dowager concluded before leaving the palace to meet Adler. Eleanor, who had been instructed to handle the remaining tasks, stayed behind. However, as she went through the documents, she found herself pausing repeatedly. Though she had spoken firmly to the Empress Dowager, she couldn’t entirely banish thoughts of Adler from her mind.

Why had he come? And why did he request an audience?

She caught herself and shook her head. Whatever the reason, it no longer concerned her. Ever since the Empress Dowager had taken her in, she had resolved to become fully devoted to Baden. Yet, the lingering image of Adler’s face made it difficult to focus on her work.

“Lady Eleanor!”

At that moment, Norah returned from her external duties, providing a timely distraction. Eleanor, who had been reviewing a report for the Empress Dowager, greeted her warmly.

“Wow, there’s no end to these documents, is there?”

“Her Majesty reviews even more than this. Today is actually a lighter day.”

The Empress Dowager’s role in managing state affairs was significant, especially since she had been handling matters in place of the Empress. The reports couldn’t be postponed, even during the Harvest Festival, so they needed constant attention. Normally, Berenice would organize these and assist with the remaining tasks, but with Countess Lorentz absent, Eleanor had to take on additional responsibilities.

Norah sat beside Eleanor, her eyes widening at the towering stack of papers. “But seriously, what could be in all these documents?”

“Her Majesty oversees many things, including imperial projects. Every new matter, no matter how small, is reported up the chain.”

“You’re amazing, Lady Eleanor. Just looking at all this would make my eyes pop out.”

“It’s surprisingly manageable,” Eleanor replied with a smile.

Talking with the energetic Norah seemed to lift the gloom that had settled in her heart. Norah, cupping her chin in her hands, continued chatting away.

“Her Majesty must really trust you, Lady Eleanor, to entrust you with such tasks.”

“You’re overestimating me.”

“No way, it’s true! Lady Brianna isn’t even allowed to touch this kind of work, and I’m the same.”

Among the Empress Dowager’s ladies-in-waiting, only Countess Lorentz, Berenice, and recently Eleanor were entrusted with reviewing reports. Although Norah had been in service for about as long as Berenice, her lack of attention to detail kept her from being involved in such tasks.

‘Come to think of it, it’s odd.’ Eleanor thought to herself. The Empress Dowager seemed to cherish Brianna as well, yet the workload assigned to Eleanor was overwhelming. Brianna, who had only recently joined, was exempt due to her inexperience.

From the perspective of someone with a heavy workload, it was burdensome, but it also signified the Empress Dowager’s trust. It would be easier if the workload were reduced.

Norah, lost in thought, tilted her head. “Do you think Lady Brianna might have made a mistake without us knowing?”

“Who knows,” Eleanor replied, her eyes still on the documents.

Norah let out a thoughtful hum. “It just seems a bit strange.”

“What does?”

“Lady Brianna started around the same time as you did, so technically, she’s your peer, right?”

Although Eleanor didn’t have a particularly good relationship with Brianna, she nodded slightly.

“But it seems like… Oh, never mind. I don’t really know what Her Majesty is thinking.”

Norah, realizing she was speculating about the Empress Dowager’s intentions, quickly looked around. Fortunately, the office was empty. Relieved, she subtly changed the subject.

“Oh, Lady Eleanor, if you’re free today, would you like to leave the palace with me later? My mother is preparing a wonderful dinner tonight.”

“With me?”

“Hehe, I’m sorry, Duchess. I already told my mother I’d bring a close lady with me. I hope you don’t mind, but I thought this would be the only way to convince you to accept my invitation.”

Norah stuck out her tongue playfully as she revealed her true reason for coming. When her mother mentioned preparing a dinner, Eleanor was the first person who came to Norah’s mind.

‘She must be exhausted, not even able to go home.’

Norah thought Eleanor was staying at the palace instead of returning to Mecklen because of the Duke. The Duke of Mecklen was also a notorious workaholic who rarely returned home, maybe just a few times a month. Perhaps Eleanor stayed at the palace simply to be in the same space, even if she couldn’t be by his side. Norah genuinely believed this, though Eleanor would have been appalled by the assumption.

Norah also wanted to comfort her. Waiting for someone who doesn’t reciprocate is never easy, something Norah understood well.

“Come with me, please?” Norah pleaded in a cute voice, making it hard for Eleanor to refuse.

‘What should I do?’ Eleanor thought as she looked at Norah, who had linked her arm with hers so affectionately.

Visiting another family’s home was something she had never done before, whether in her past or present life. While she knew the proper etiquette, the unexpected invitation left her both pleased and somewhat bewildered.

Eleanor hesitated for a moment.

‘What if Her Majesty needs me this evening?’

She had a feeling that the Empress Dowager might want to speak with her after the day’s events were over.

‘Surely, it wasn’t just about considering my opinion.’

Eleanor doubted that the only reason the Empress Dowager mentioned meeting Adler was to ask for her thoughts. Adler had been central to the negotiations for the merger with Hartmann. It seemed too significant to be merely a family reunion.

Despite her many concerns, Eleanor eventually chose Norah. “Thank you for the invitation. I’ll come.”

“Really? Wonderful!” Norah jumped with joy, then leaned comfortably against the desk, clearly deciding to stay by Eleanor’s side.

She pouted slightly. “I wish time would go by faster. I can’t wait to leave the palace.”

“Me too.” Eleanor smiled gently and returned her focus to the documents.

From past experience, she knew Norah’s chatter would likely continue for about two more hours. Realizing she wouldn’t get any work done if she just listened, Eleanor’s hands moved busily over the papers.

Norah, taking this as a sign that Eleanor was listening, continued her story.

“Last year during the Harvest Festival, I only had to run a few simple errands. The other ladies handled most of the work, but now that I’m in their position, I see how tough it really is! I guess I’m not cut out for this job. Oh, don’t worry, I’m not fishing for sympathy. It’s just that I’ve learned what I’m good at and what I’m not. But I’m always optimistic, you know that! Oh, did you see Baroness Berenice this morning? She was adamant about wearing a purple dress yesterday, but ended up in black again. I guess she feels most comfortable in black. The Empress Dowager even joked about her dress, saying…”

Norah’s chatter was endless.

***

“Is His Majesty inside?”

“Yes, he’s currently meeting with Prince Lubrate. Shall I inform him that the Empress Dowager has arrived?”

“No, that won’t be necessary. I’ll wait.”

“My apologies.”

The Empress Dowager raised her hand to stop the chamberlain. Though she was in a hurry, she didn’t want to mention her business in front of a foreign prince. In politics, after all, power comes from a display of composure.

She moved to the waiting room reserved for distinguished guests preparing to meet the Emperor. The room was simple, with only a long table and some chairs. Instead of sitting, the Empress Dowager chose to admire a painting on the wall. It depicted the goddess of victory, Nike, holding a sword alongside the first Emperor.

As she observed the painting, Ernst entered the room and approached her.

“Your Majesty.”

“Hmm? What brings you here?”

“I’m here to get approval for something from His Majesty.”

Like the Empress Dowager, Ernst had many responsibilities. Though she didn’t particularly like him, she acknowledged his competence in his duties and nodded.

“I see.”

And with that, their conversation ended. They sat across from each other, but not even light small talk passed between them, creating a rather chilly atmosphere. Ernst’s aide, standing behind him, discreetly glanced around, sensing the tension.

The Empress Dowager, turning her gaze back to the painting, suddenly spoke up. “By the way, how is Caroline?”

“She’s well.”

“Good, that’s a relief. Nothing unusual?”

“…No.” Ernst’s expression shifted slightly as he responded.

“Tell her to visit the palace sometime. It would be nice to see her after so long.”

“I doubt she’ll be coming to the palace.”

It’s not like she’s cared about Caroline until now.

Despite Ernst’s curt reply, the Empress Dowager, as always, let it slide. She hadn’t expected a warm conversation with the Duke of Mecklen anyway. Instead, she closely watched for any changes in Ernst’s expression.

“Caroline must be busy these days?”

“Always the same.”

“With family matters?”

“Yes, but why do you ask?”

“Hoho, it’s nothing.”

Suspicion began to fill Ernst’s eyes. The Empress Dowager, as if to tease him, fell silent and turned her head away. Ernst’s eyebrows furrowed in irritation.

Caught in the strange tension between the Duke of Mecklen and the Empress Dowager, the innocent servants huddled their shoulders, fearing they might be caught in the crossfire.

***

After reporting her departure to Berenice, Eleanor left the palace with Norah. Norah’s family had already sent a carriage, and the coachman was waiting for them. Just then, Brianna, who was passing by, saw them about to board the carriage. As usual, Brianna was the first to speak in her curt manner.

“Are you leaving the palace after finishing your work?”

“We’re going to have dinner together. Would you like to join us, Lady Brianna?”

“No, thank you. I have another engagement tonight.”

“Another one tonight?” Norah’s voice was filled with surprise.

All the prominent nobles had flocked to the imperial palace to enjoy the Harvest Festival. While the attendants and event staff were exhausted, who could refuse a week of free parties? That’s why most socialites avoided hosting private gatherings during the festival.

Brianna added further explanation. “It’s a poetry reading my mother has been preparing for two months. Baron Gillion could only attend today, so we didn’t have a choice.”

“Oh my, Baron Gillion?” Norah exclaimed in amazement, and Brianna shrugged, as if it were nothing. “It’s not every day you get a chance to see Baron Gillion.”

The name sounded familiar. As Eleanor quietly listened, she recalled that this was the poet Childe had mentioned the night before. She briefly thought of how he had been taken aback when she admitted she wasn’t familiar with the poets of Baden.

Noticing the faint smile on Eleanor’s face, Brianna quickly turned her head away. “Anyway, have a good time. I should be leaving the palace too.”

“Take care.”

Seeing no reason to hold Brianna back, the two simply exchanged glances and left it at that.