Duchess Mecklen’s Elegant Revolt - Chapter 25 Part 5

Henrik, who had been taciturn as usual, turned markedly cold at Milo’s question.

He didn’t know Saruka. But he had heard Eleanor describe what kind of person Caroline was.

‘The main culprit behind the ruin of our family.’

Because of that person’s schemes—someone whose face he’d never seen—his aunt Rachel and even House Hippias had been torn apart.

The grief he had endured without understanding why since childhood had transformed into resentment and hatred.

Henrik clenched his jaw. “I don’t want to see that woman succeed in business and prosper. Not like this.”

“……”

“I’ll stop her, no matter what, just as my sister intends.”

He wouldn’t let Caroline take even a single bronze coin.

Henrik vowed to do whatever it took to bring her to justice.

Seeing Henrik staring intently at the letter, as if his enemy was right before him, Milo comforted him.

“I’ll help too.”

The two had grown much closer since their trip to Ceylon.

Milo, who shared a unique understanding of Henrik’s pain, spoke in a somber tone, “I have a grudge against Saruka.”

“Saruka?”

“Yes. He destroyed and discarded the people I cherished most. If Saruka is connected to the Duchess Dowager of House Mecklen, then she’s my enemy as well. I will stand with you, Young Master.”

Eleanor’s letter had said that Caroline was putting everything on the line for this Ceylon tea venture.

If their venture failed, it would deal her a significant blow.

Milo roughly estimated the timeline. “It might be tight, but we could probably schedule the opening for about two weeks from now.”

“Is that possible?”

Henrik, determined to win, asked with concern.

Milo nodded. “We’ll make it happen.”

They needed to move swiftly and decisively, before Caroline caught on.

The packing for the planned quantities would be completed even if the entire staff had to work through the night.

The only concern was the sales locations, but Eleanor’s letter had already provided a solution.

She mentioned a friend who could help with both product promotion and selecting store locations. The name Pedro of the Nestor Ducal family was mentioned, but neither Henrik nor Milo knew who he was.

“We should plan the schedule in detail in advance. Everything has to move precisely according to the timeline if we want to meet the deadline.”

“We don’t have time to lose. Let’s start right away.”

Henrik, filled with enthusiasm, gathered paper and ink.

Without even taking time to rest and recover from their journey, they launched into the next meeting without pause.

***

Eleanor was at a loss for words for a moment.

The things Eger had said earlier in the day kept circling in her mind.

“I’m really worried about this sudden development. Whenever something involves Lady Eleanor, His Majesty loses his judgment. Please, Lady Eleanor, from now on, try to speak up firmly for me in such situations.”

Could Eger have foreseen this and said those things?

The Emperor’s proclamation of a slaughter felt far too sincere to dismiss as a mere joke.

Eleanor turned her body toward Lennoch, who was holding her from behind.

“Your Majesty, about what you said…”

“I want you to stand confidently by my side, without any worries.”

There was a certain determination in Lennoch’s gaze.

He held Eleanor’s hand and continued in a low voice, “I already regretted it once.”

Back then, it had been the best he could do, but in the end, everyone was unhappy.

For the sake of the nation’s stability, he had reluctantly gone through with a political marriage.

He had even made an irreversible mistake under the guise of protecting her, and although he regretted it, it was too late to undo the past.

So this time, he intended to follow his heart.

“I don’t care if I’m branded a murderer. I won’t helplessly lose the person I love again.”

“……”

“If anyone opposes me, I’ll behead them if that’s what it takes. Previous Emperors couldn’t do that. But sometimes, to build a powerful imperial authority, ruthless suppression is necessary.”

“So you’ll kill every noble who opposes our relationship?”

“Yes.”

Seeing him willing to commit cruel atrocities solely for her sake, Eleanor felt her heart ache.

With a dazed expression, she muttered softly, “Your Majesty, why would you do this for someone like me?”

“Because it’s you.”

Lennoch tightened his grip on her hand.

“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have returned to Baden a second time as a child. You’re the one who saved me, and everything I’ve achieved, including becoming Emperor, began with you. …Of course, I’m not saying you owe me anything. I’ve grown well enough; it’s about time I repay that kindness, don’t you think?”

Lennoch’s jest at the end of his statement made Eleanor smile faintly despite the seriousness of the situation.

“It has to be you for me.”

“……”

“Stay by my side forever. I’ll do anything for that.”

His earnest confession made her heart race, momentarily overshadowing her earlier concerns.

Eleanor raised her head. Meeting his unwavering gaze, she felt both happiness and fear well up within her.

It was enough for her just that he cherished her. She didn’t want Lennoch’s path to be covered in blood.

“Your Majesty, I truly love this place.”

Eleanor spoke calmly, choosing her words carefully.

“Now that my homeland of Hartmann is fully united with Baden, this is practically my country too.”

More importantly…

“Because you’re here in Baden… it has become even more special to me.”

Continuing to speak, Eleanor blushed.

Her words were almost like a confession of love.

Embarrassed, she feared the atmosphere might become awkward if she stopped, so she boldly continued.

“I hope Your Majesty won’t hate Baden, the country I love, too much.”

“Eli.”

“If the people dislike me, I’ll make them accept me. I’m already working on that.”

Indeed, her position in the palace was improving day by day.

The growing influence of Eleanor would eventually help strengthen the Emperor’s authority.

Explaining this, Eleanor spoke confidently, “I’ll show you that I can stand by Your Majesty’s side proudly, without needing to kill anyone.”

“……”

“So, Your Majesty.”

Unconsciously, Eleanor pulled Lennoch’s hand closer.

Without much force, she brought his hand to her lips and kissed it playfully, making a slight smacking sound.

“……!”

“You aren’t really planning to ruin Baden, are you? Please be a good Emperor, not a tyrant.”

“……”

“Your Majesty?”

“Where did you learn to do such a thing?”

Lennoch’s expression, which had been serious up until now, subtly changed.

Startled, Eleanor flinched.

‘Was it not good?’

She had meant it as a gesture to soothe him.

Feeling a bit awkward, Eleanor asked cautiously, “Did you not like it?”

“No, that’s not it.”

Lennoch quickly shook his head, but Eleanor’s worry didn’t easily fade.

His lukewarm reaction made it seem like he hadn’t entirely abandoned the idea of becoming a tyrant.

She asked seriously, “Then should I kiss somewhere other than your hand?”

“……”

For a moment, Lennoch almost lost control.

Facing Eleanor’s innocent gaze, Lennoch barely managed to steady his voice.

“Then, stop me in the future.”

He didn’t explicitly say he wouldn’t do it.

But if Eleanor insisted, he would comply for now.

After all, he still had that much composure left.

Lennoch freed his hand from hers and brought it up to her face.

“I’ll do anything to protect you.”

Holding Eleanor’s cheek, Lennoch leaned in.

His lips traced her face, sliding down until they met her parted lips.

Eleanor was surprised but didn’t pull away.

Responding to him, Eleanor wrapped her arms around Lennoch’s shoulders.

Soon, the two were deeply entwined, lost in their embrace.

***

For the past two weeks, Caroline had been busier than ever.

The hardest part had been the initial contracts, but once those were settled, everything fell into place smoothly.

Today was the day of the tea party that Caroline was hosting to promote her tea before the official launch.

Carriages coming and going from the Mecklen estate after such a long time seemed to predict the immense wealth that was soon to come.

From the second-floor party room, Caroline looked out the window at the scene below.

The ground was bustling with wealthy nobles flaunting their colorful attire.

‘How much is all of that worth?’

Among those interacting with House Mecklen, many were business partners.

The more people bought the expensive Ceylon tea, the sooner she would be sitting atop her wealth.

Imagining her rosy future, Caroline’s smile widened.

Thinking about money always made her happy.

Servants guided the arriving nobles to the spacious hall.

“Welcome.”

Caroline, who was hosting the tea party, greeted them from the head of the table.

It was somewhat rude, as etiquette dictated that the host should personally come to the entrance to greet guests. However, none of the gathered guests pointed out Caroline’s behavior.

They had been her supporters from the beginning, only refraining from showing it publicly.

One of the noblewomen approached Caroline, embracing her warmly in greeting.

“Madam Caroline! It’s been so long.”

“Oh, indeed. How have you been?”

“Of course, well. I heard rumors that you’ve recently imported some precious tea. Is it true?”

“Oh dear, has word already spread? I was trying to keep it as discreet as possible, but I guess it’s impossible to hide.”

Caroline, who had already orchestrated things through Count Verdik, feigned innocence as she laughed.

“Is this the famous tea?”

More than ten ladies gathered around the table.

At the right moment, maids poured the perfectly brewed tea into cups.

“Please, everyone, have a taste. I hope it suits your palate.”

Caroline’s voice was sweet as she encouraged the noblewomen, a stark contrast to her demeanor toward her servants.

The women lifted their teacups, enjoying the aroma before taking a sip.

One of them exclaimed. “The flavor is exquisite. Rich, dense, with a touch of sweetness lingering—it really lifts my spirits.”

“This could make Lady Roné cry with envy.”

“What is the name of this tea?”

With questions pouring in, Caroline smiled in satisfaction.

Of course, the reactions were good.

Umar had personally brought this tea to her, insisting it would be a guaranteed success and begging her to join forces.

Thanks to him, she now had exclusive rights to this gem, and she answered confidently.

“Princess Sylvia.”

“Princess?”

“It implies a tea so precious that only princesses could enjoy it. This aroma and flavor aren’t common—it was once served only in the royal court, or so the legend goes.”

Caroline had chosen the name to enhance the image of a luxury import.

The idea was to make those who drank it feel like they were receiving a special privilege.

Hearing the explanation, the noblewomen’s faces lit up.

“What a delightful meaning.”

“Does that mean drinking this tea makes me a princess?”

One of the noblewomen made an arrogant remark in jest, and no one seemed to mind.

In fact, someone else laughed, saying she would like to be an empress instead.

As one after another expressed their desire to become part of the royal family, Caroline looked on, pleased.

Suddenly, a butler hurried over to her.

“Madam, I’m sorry, but there’s an urgent matter that requires your attention…”

“Madam Caroline!”

Before the butler could finish, Count Verdik burst in, breathless.

He didn’t seem to care about the stares from the gathered noblewomen as he shouted, “This is serious. You need to go to Bluewood immediately.”

“What’s going on?”

Count Verdik’s intrusion shattered the lively mood.

Caroline frowned, and though Count Verdik flinched, he didn’t back down.

“Someone has opened a store with tea exactly like ours.”

“…What?”

“I just came from there. The taste, the aroma—everything is the same as ours. And it’s causing a huge commotion; even merchants with some wealth, and commoners too, are scrambling to buy it. The price is absurdly low—just 2 silver per gram.”

It was unbelievable.

The gathered noblewomen began murmuring.

“The same tea? What’s going on?”

“Commoners drinking tea? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

“How vulgar.”

As the whispers grew louder, Caroline raised one hand.

At that gesture, everyone fell silent, as if on cue.

Caroline bit her lip and asked, “What is the name of the tea?”

“It’s called Happiness Sylvia…”

“……”

Caroline’s face turned ashen.

***