Duchess Mecklen’s Elegant Revolt - Chapter 22 Part 3

“I have one more request to add.”

“……?”

“I want you to sway Russell, the information broker.”

Jack Ruby’s eyes widened at Eleanor’s sudden statement.

“Sway… sway him?”

“That’s what I said. But to be precise, I want you to bring him before me.”

“……”

“Don’t you want to crush Russell?”

He did. Desperately so.

Jack Ruby was still considered the top information broker on Ferret 13, but he was gradually being pushed back by Russell’s growing influence. The urgency he felt was evident in his eyes, and Eleanor noticed it.

“Forget about other requests for now. Let’s deal with Russell first. This is the advance payment.”

Eleanor threw the pouch of gold she held towards Jack Ruby without hesitation. Jack Ruby caught it clumsily and looked up at her.

Eleanor’s eyes curved elegantly as she smiled.

“One hundred for the advance. Bring me Russell, and you’ll get two hundred more. If you succeed in the following task, I’ll double it to four hundred.”

“…Wow.”

Jack Ruby let out an involuntary gasp.

He had never had a client like this before. No matter how rich a noble was, none would place such large bets for each task. Perhaps the top three dukes of the empire could afford it, but this was astounding. And it wasn’t just the amount; she was even offering to deal with Russell, whom he loathed.

Jack Ruby pinched his own cheek.

‘Is this a dream?’

The pain was real, proving it was not a dream. A mix of joy and fear welled up inside him.

Who was this woman making such an absurd offer? The man standing beside her, with his impressive swordsmanship, was clearly not from an ordinary family. Could she be from one of the three great families of the empire?

‘Or perhaps she’s from the imperial family itself.’

Immense martial power akin to that of an imperial knight and an abundance of wealth. Jack Ruby realized he could neither escape from these people nor hope to survive if he crossed them.

There was only one path left.

“I will succeed, no matter what! Just give me the orders!”

Jack Ruby slammed his forehead onto the floor.

Each time his head hit the floor, it made a cracking sound, but he didn’t care. If enduring a little pain could pave a golden road ahead, it was a small price to pay.

Seeing Jack Ruby, now devoid of arrogance and full of loyalty, Eleanor smiled faintly.

***

After leaving Ferret Street No. 13, Eleanor and Lennoch didn’t immediately return to the palace but instead moved to another part of the city.

They found a dessert shop nearby and decided to enter. The shop’s interior was spacious, but there were no customers since it was still early in the afternoon. The two of them sat facing each other on the empty second floor.

“Um, Lennoch.”

Eleanor, holding her warm teacup, spoke first.

For some reason, she seemed dispirited. It was a stark contrast from her demeanor when dealing with Jack Ruby.

Lennoch, who still hadn’t removed his mask, looked up at her as Eleanor cautiously asked, “Are you… angry?”

Lennoch had been silent ever since they left Jack Ruby’s hideout. Eleanor could tell that he didn’t like Jack Ruby.

‘Of course, he wouldn’t.’

Jack Ruby had already broken their trust once. Although he had now submitted, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t betray them again.

Eleanor had placed a significant bet on Jack Ruby, which might have made Lennoch feel frustrated. At the time, she was too focused on using Jack Ruby to disrupt the information flow to Caroline and hadn’t fully considered Lennoch’s feelings.

A hint of regret lowered her gaze.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

“But…”

‘If Lennoch hadn’t come with me, I could’ve been in serious trouble.’

Initially, Eleanor had planned to bring only knights, but Lennoch had shaken his head. He had reminded her of the kidnapping incident in Hadum. Not knowing what dangers might arise, Lennoch insisted on accompanying her, and thanks to him, she was able to escape the recent crisis easily.

Eleanor looked at Lennoch’s sharp jawline and took a short breath.

‘I’m always relying on him.’

From the beginning until now.

The value of saving him when they were young felt so immense that sometimes it was hard to fully comprehend its weight. Even if she worked her entire life, it wouldn’t be enough to repay everything he had given her.

Unconsciously, Eleanor fiddled with the bracelet on her wrist. It was one of the many pieces of jewelry Lennoch had given her.

“Thank you for saving me. And…” Eleanor bowed her head slightly. “Did I… spend too much money?”

“Pffft.”

Lennoch, who had just taken a sip of tea, let out a strange sound. It was a noise born of him trying to suppress his laughter. Luckily, he managed to compose himself before Eleanor looked up again.

While Lennoch pressed his lips together, Eleanor continued in a serious tone, “Actually, I intended to use Jack Ruby.”

“……”

“If we use Jack Ruby to get Russell, we can find out what Caroline is up to. Russell is Caroline’s information broker.”

“I see.”

“And if we catch Russell, we can also spread false information to Caroline. If that works, we can pressure her from a much better position. We could also easily identify those involved with her.”

Listening to her, Lennoch set his teacup down.

“How did you know Russell was Caroline’s information broker?”

“Oh, well, that’s…,” Eleanor stuttered, momentarily flustered.

Oh no. She had been so concerned about Lennoch’s feelings that she had revealed too much.

What should she say? She couldn’t come up with an excuse. She certainly couldn’t tell him, “I learned it in my previous life when I took Caroline’s punishment.”

After a moment, Eleanor finally spoke, “It’s… complicated.”

Lennoch’s lips twitched as he watched Eleanor shuffle awkwardly. He tried to hold back his smile, but his lips twisted as if he were about to cry.

Seeing this, Eleanor, now pale, stammered, “I’m not refusing to answer because I dislike you, Lennoch. I just happened to find out somehow. Even if I explained, you probably wouldn’t believe me. I don’t even understand why…”

“Don’t worry. I have no intention of pressing you.”

Seeing that Eleanor looked like she was about to cry, Lennoch decided not to tease her any further.

His once stiff expression softened, and Eleanor stared at him, mesmerized.

“Do whatever you want. That’s what the money’s for.”

“Lennoch.”

“It’s fine to use information brokers if necessary, so there’s no need to worry about my opinion.”

In fact, Lennoch had intended to kill Jack Ruby and his gang behind Eleanor’s back. There was no need to keep them around and take unnecessary risks. However, when Jack Ruby mentioned Russell, Eleanor’s demeanor changed, and Lennoch reconsidered.

‘Maybe I’ll just watch for now.’

It was strange that Eleanor already knew about Russell, but Lennoch decided to let it go for the time being. Someday, she would tell him herself.

Seeing her flustered and apologetic now, his resolve softened. However, if Russell or Jack Ruby ever threatened Eleanor, the situation would be different.

Before Eleanor could misunderstand, Lennoch spoke gently, “If you feel that bad, why not grant me a wish?”

“A wish?”

Still tense, Eleanor blinked.

“Do you know about ice fishing?”

“A little.”

“It’s a popular pastime among the commoners during winter.”

“Ah.”

“Since it’s winter, the lake must be frozen solid. You make a hole in the ice and catch fish.”

Hearing his words, Eleanor’s tense shoulders gradually relaxed. It didn’t sound particularly difficult, and it was intriguing. She had never heard of nobles enjoying such fishing before.

“You seem curious about how I know about this.”

Seeing Lennoch smile, Eleanor nodded awkwardly.

“Yes. How did you find out?”

“Hmm. Well, that’s complicated.”

“……!”

“Tell me when you’re ready. Then I’ll share my story too.”

At that moment, Eleanor realized,

‘He’s being considerate of me.’

Lennoch was the one who believed in her more than anyone else. Not only did he support her with vast amounts of money, but he also backed all her endeavors and took care of her in every detail.

That’s why she couldn’t tell him things he didn’t know. Talking about secrets he wasn’t aware of felt like betraying the trust he had placed in her. She wanted to be honest and sincere with him. But just now…

Even though Lennoch said it was fine, she knew she wouldn’t be able to shake the guilt for some time. Even if there was no ill intent behind it.

Lennoch had been meticulous enough to realize this and deliberately put himself in the same situation as her to ease her burden. Suddenly, her heart pounded as if struck by a hammer.

‘…Thank you.’

Eleanor swallowed the words she couldn’t say aloud.

Though it was awkward, an inescapable sense of happiness overwhelmed her. She felt both embarrassed and grateful for Lennoch’s kindness, which was meant solely for her.

Quickly finishing her now-cold tea, Eleanor changed the topic.

“But, Your Ma… I mean, Lennoch. Is it really alright for you to be out here like this?”

It was an open secret that Lennoch had sneaked out of the imperial palace. No one would recognize him outside, but just in case, he had brought a mask.

Unable to look directly at Lennoch, Eleanor lowered her gaze. Thankfully, Lennoch didn’t find her actions strange.

“What about your duties?”

“I took care of everything in advance.”

“…You didn’t leave it all to Sir Eger, did you?”

“Oh dear. You’ve caught me.”

Lennoch, who had compensated Eger with chocolates, smiled slyly.

“This time, Eger volunteered first, so don’t worry.”

“That makes me even more suspicious.”

“Sir Pedro has been strutting around the palace again today. Eger locked the door, refusing to leave his office. I suspect he’s still there, refusing to budge in order to avoid Pedro.”

“……”

For someone who had volunteered for work, the reason seemed rather trivial.

Did he dislike Pedro that much? Eleanor couldn’t understand such aversion, especially since Pedro had always been pleasant during their shared meals. Moreover, thinking about Eger’s future, it would be better for him to actively strengthen their friendship.

However, Eleanor decided not to speak her thoughts this time.

Lennoch, who had stood up from his seat, spoke brightly, “Then let’s stop by the general store nearby. We need to buy tools for ice fishing.”

Eleanor glanced at his outstretched hand, then gently placed her own on top of it.