Duchess Mecklen’s Elegant Revolt - Chapter 28 Part 2

Taking Hartmann refugees to Kuhen?

The nobles, puzzled by what they had just heard, exchanged glances.

Then, as if realizing something, Marquis Mathia let out a soft exclamation. “If Hartmann refugees settle in Hadum, Kuhen’s population will increase significantly.”

“Yes. We plan to boost the labor force there and create necessary jobs through city development.”

“City development?”

Eger, who had been waiting nearby, began distributing documents to assist the nobles in understanding the proposal.

Eleanor continued calmly, “The city of Kuhen is divided into two main areas. The northern part is Hadum, and the southern part is Ubeda. There’s a saying that Kuhen’s finances start in Ubeda and end in Hadum. Ubeda shoulders a comparatively heavier tax burden and struggles to secure stable budgets, which forces Kuhen to rely on imperial support for its upkeep.”

The newly distributed documents detailed the development plan alongside maps of the region.

“However, Kuhen is located to the east of the capital and is closely connected to Sloquine Road. Following this road leads to the city of Rasburn. Kuhen (Hadum) and Rasburn are so close that it takes less than thirty minutes to travel between them.”

Rasburn was a small city that foreign merchants from the east had to pass through before entering the capital.

Despite the heavy influx of visitors, the city’s conditions were far from ideal.

Its long history meant most buildings were dilapidated, and issues like pollution and waste were constant due to the tens of thousands of daily visitors.

Travelers often couldn’t find accommodations and ended up sleeping on the streets.

These problems stemmed from the city’s population exceeding its capacity.

Marquis Radsay murmured quietly as he listened, “…Could it be?”

“The plan is to form a federation that includes Rasburn, Hadum, and the surrounding smaller towns. This federation will then develop into a central hub for trade.”

The nobles, stunned by Eleanor’s proposal, each let out low gasps.

Eleanor was suggesting a solution to Rasburn’s limitations through a federation with Kuhen (Hadum) and other towns.

Initially starting as a federation, the area would eventually grow into a single, large city over time.

This was also a city expansion plan.

“I propose prioritizing the Hartmann refugees and those from the slums as the labor force for building new structures, paving roads, and reorganizing transportation.”

“That doesn’t sound like a bad idea.”

“It would likely have a positive impact on their image in surrounding cities as well.”

“Addressing Hadum’s slums, settling Hartmann refugees, increasing Kuhen’s population, and utilizing their labor to spur growth in surrounding cities—a plan that accomplishes multiple objectives at once.”

It was akin to killing several birds with one stone.

Marquis Neto, who had been silent, found himself intrigued.

‘Not bad.’

His maternal uncle was a renowned landowner in Rasburn.

If this plan became reality, the value of his uncle’s land would skyrocket several times over.

A portion of that land even belonged to Marquis Neto.

Quickly raising his hand, Marquis Neto spoke up, “I fully support this.”

“……?”

“Isn’t this an opportunity for the city to grow? I suggest we immediately discuss supporting the relocation of Hartmann refugees to Kuhen.”

Marquis Mathia, surprised by Marquis Neto’s unexpected enthusiasm, chuckled softly.

Not long ago, Marquis Neto had vehemently opposed accepting Hartmann refugees.

Though it was clear his sudden change of heart stemmed from calculating personal gain, Marquis Mathia chose not to comment.

Another noble raised their hand.

“I’m in favor as well.”

“So am I. I’ll actively support the plan.”

As more voices expressed agreement, the room began leaning toward accepting Eleanor’s proposal.

The Emperor’s lips curled into a faint smile as he observed the scene.

Noticing this, Marquis Delph’s expression hardened.

‘Something feels off.’

Vivia had claimed Eleanor was seducing the Emperor, but the atmosphere suggested something entirely different.

‘It’s as if…’

The Emperor was deliberately boosting Eleanor’s prominence.

Deep in thought, Marquis Delph narrowed his eyes.

If this continued…

“I object.”

“……?”

“This plan is excessively reckless.”

Marquis Delph’s calm voice cut through the meeting room.

Though his face bore a smile, his peculiar demeanor silenced the room.

Eleanor, maintaining her composure, asked in a measured tone, “What makes you think so?”

“Does the city warrant such a significant investment? If the federation fails, who will bear responsibility? This development seems like a forced measure for the benefit of Hartmann refugees, which isn’t a favorable impression.”

“I share Marquis Delph’s opinion.”

“…Duke Mecklen.”

Ernst interjected, his gaze fixed not on Eleanor but on the Emperor.

It was as if he were staring directly at the root of all this.

Lennoch met Ernst’s hostile glare without flinching.

As the atmosphere grew tense, Marquis Neto abruptly shouted, “Why ruin a good discussion like this?”

Marquis Neto wasn’t about to let go of the potential benefits this project offered.

“Director Eleanor has made an excellent proposal, so why complicate things with unnecessary objections?”

“…Marquis Neto, this isn’t a matter to be taken lightly.”

Marquis Delph’s displeasure at Marquis Neto’s sudden change of stance was evident.

However, Marquis Neto showed no signs of backing down.

As tensions escalated between the two, Eleanor intervened to mediate.

“I understand your concerns.”

Her gentle tone helped diffuse the charged atmosphere.

“I won’t deny it. This plan indeed stems from efforts to assist Hartmann refugees.”

“Director Eleanor, why admit that? You should deny it outright.”

Marquis Neto’s frustrated outburst was met with Eleanor’s indifference.

“Then, Marquis Delph, what alternative solutions do you propose?”

“Well, not a full plan, but perhaps a thorough discussion on how to handle the Hartmann refugees before proceeding…”

“That sounds like an unproductive debate.”

“……”

Though Marquis Delph’s brow furrowed in irritation, Eleanor continued unfazed.

“It feels like opposition for the sake of opposition.”

“…What are you implying?”

“You’ve offered no concrete alternatives and seem more driven by personal dislike for me than genuine concern for the plan’s feasibility.”

“That’s…!”

“I think I understand now what attitude you usually bring to these meetings. Your baseless objections and lack of accountability have only prolonged issues, leading to incidents like the false poster debacle.”

Marquis Delph’s face turned bright red.

Though he wanted to refute her, he had no immediate counterarguments to offer.

‘If this continues, I’ll be cornered.’

Should he concede publicly, the Emperor’s reforms would gain unstoppable momentum.

Marquis Delph feared the Emperor and Eleanor might truly join forces to drive noble reforms.

Desperate, Marquis Delph raised his voice.

“You’re different from what I expected.”

“Different?”

“There’s a rumor that the princess abandoned her people to indulge in luxury and pleasure.”

Marquis Delph avoided addressing the ongoing discussion and instead brought up Eleanor’s personal matters.

“I heard the princess played a significant role in Hartmann’s downfall. I never realized she’d take such interest in Baden’s politics as well.”

This time, Lennoch’s expression shifted slightly as he watched.

The air around them grew colder.

Before Lennoch could intervene, Eleanor quickly spoke up.

“Indeed.”

“……?”

“It’s a relief that you’ve realized this now.”

His attempt to tarnish her reputation fell flat.

Eleanor’s response was unwavering, deflecting the attack with ease.

“The title of a ‘princess of luxury and pleasure’ has nothing to do with me. I’m genuinely curious where such false rumors originated.”

As if…

“Someone spread them intentionally.”

“……!”

Marquis Delph’s unease was palpable.

He hadn’t expected such a reply.

‘Does she know something?’

The thought alone made him feel his blood run cold.

‘Impossible.’

Marquis Delph mentally reviewed those he suspected of leaking information and dismissed the idea.

He prided himself on leaving no traces behind.

Perhaps she was testing him.

“…Surely no one would have done such a thing intentionally.”

Seeing Eleanor’s subtle smile made his suspicions grow.

Unwilling to be drawn further into the conversation, Marquis Delph found himself at a loss for words.

As he faltered, Eleanor naturally took the upper hand, surveying the room.

“Since the rumors have passed, I won’t bring them up further.”

She glanced briefly at Ernst, wondering if he’d voice opposition next, but he seemed reluctant to engage in debate with her.

The Duke of Mecklen’s fixation on glaring solely at the Emperor struck Eleanor as odd but not worth addressing.

“However, as I’ve decided not to trace the source of these baseless rumors, I hope no one spreads or repeats them further.”

“Of course.”

“Should anyone disseminate such groundless rumors, I’ll ensure they’re brought before me immediately.”

As if to prove their innocence, nobles chimed in, agreeing emphatically.

With the room leaning back toward consensus, Marquis Neto banged the table with enthusiasm.

“Now then, does anyone still oppose the development plan? Speak up if you do.”

“No objections.”

“Unanimously approved.”

The gathered nobles expressed their support.

The earlier interruption by Marquis Delph had given them a reason to avoid further fruitless arguments.

Satisfied with how quickly the atmosphere shifted, Eleanor discreetly glanced toward the Emperor’s seat.

Lennoch, arms crossed, had been watching Eleanor intently for some time.

Their eyes met in mid-air, exchanging a silent connection.

***

Caroline lay curled up on her bed, groaning continuously.

Her disheveled hair framed her face, contorted with pain, as she berated the maid.

“Can’t you do anything right?”

“M-my apologies, madam.”

The startled maid bowed her head repeatedly.

With her back completely immobilized, Caroline was confined to her estate, undergoing treatment.

She couldn’t engage in any outdoor activities or even receive guests, adding to her misery.

‘How dare she do this to me?’

Caroline clenched her teeth as Eleanor’s audacious face came to mind.

Count Turin’s servant had discovered her near the end of the party.

Everyone else had fled, leaving Caroline alone in the room.

If Count Turin hadn’t summoned a doctor, she might never have regained the use of her back.

Though she had returned to her family estate by dawn, carried by several people, the humiliation lingered.

She repeatedly punched her pillow.

“Why haven’t they sent any letters?”

By now, she should have received some response.

Lady Jutland, Lady Yavich, Lady Craister, and even Vivia—all of them.

Their silence felt like betrayal, fueling Caroline’s rage.

“Those ingrates who’ve clung to me for so long.”

At least one of them should have checked in on her.

The sound of grinding teeth escaped her clenched jaw.

“I’m stuck in place.”

Eleanor had been a constant obstacle in her path.

Not only had she been publicly humiliated, but she had also become a target of mockery among other nobles.

“It’s all her fault.”

Even her son, Ernst, was no longer the same.

Though she had narrowly avoided a business crisis with her quick wit, Ernst’s demeanor toward her had changed significantly.

It was almost… contemptuous.

Even without words, Caroline could feel his disdain, and it stung.

What did he see in that woman? Why would he side with her over his own mother?

Learning that Ernst had secretly confided in Eleanor about her only deepened the betrayal she felt.

‘Surely he won’t cast me aside completely.’

Her thoughts spiraled until her eyes burned with anger.

“Look at that woman. They say she’s from a provincial noble family, but poverty is hard to hide. She’s been wearing the same dress for days now.”

“I wonder how someone like her even managed to get into the academy.”

“Hoho, she’ll be lucky if she doesn’t get expelled before graduating. She can’t even afford a new dress—how is she going to handle the tuition fees?”

“I heard rumors she joined the academy just to snag a wealthy nobleman. It doesn’t seem far from the truth, does it?”

Echoes of past mockery from nobles rang in Caroline’s ears like hallucinations.

Biting her lip hard, Caroline muttered to herself, “I will never return to having nothing.”

Her grip tightened on the pillowcase.

‘Do you know what I endured to reach this point?’

She had clawed her way up, seizing fame, people, and wealth. One by one, she had crushed those who looked down on her, fighting her way to the top.

Becoming the Duchess of Mecklen had cost her tears and blood.

No one dared to belittle her anymore.

Yet Eleanor was tearing down everything she had built, piece by piece.

‘How dare she try to take what’s mine?’

Caroline’s emotions exploded.

“Fetch me some stationery.”

“Yes, madam.”

A waiting maid brought the requested items.

Caroline, still lying on her stomach, hastily wrote a letter.

[Come to the mansion immediately.]

It was addressed to Saruka.

Caroline had entrusted Saruka with managing the farm, but with winter approaching, there was little work to be done there.

She decided to use this time to summon him back.

Even before the ink dried, Caroline folded the letter.

As the dark ink bled into the paper, her eyes darkened with malice.

‘I’ll kill her.’

The idea of murder no longer fazed her.

Hadn’t she already dealt with Rachel of the House of Hippias?

She vividly recalled chasing Rachel, who had fled with her newborn, and strangling her with her own hands.

‘Yes, this is simplest.’

Ernst wouldn’t share anything with her anymore, and Eleanor would pay for the humiliation she had caused.

Caroline’s gaze drifted toward the ceiling.

Her smile, directed at nothing, was filled with murderous intent.

***