Duchess Mecklen’s Elegant Revolt - Chapter 30 Part 1

When the words he had been hoping to hear finally came, Evan’s eyes widened.

In an instant, the hellish weight in his heart transformed into heavenly relief.

Overwhelmed with joy, Evan was further struck by Eleanor’s calm remark.

“However, you must still undergo probation.”

“That… I understand.”

“You tried to falsely accuse innocent Hartmann refugees out of personal emotion, so I hope you will reflect deeply on that.”

“I’m sorry…”

Evan’s voice trailed off.

But what was probation compared to escaping a death sentence?

Unable to hide his excitement, Evan instinctively glanced to his side.

Pedro still had one arm wrapped firmly around his shoulder.

“Brother.”

Hearing his younger sibling’s call, Pedro silently tousled Evan’s hair.

In the past, Evan would have recoiled and pushed him away in disgust.

But now, Evan couldn’t move so easily.

He had cursed Pedro for ruining the Balkan Trading Company’s plans and had insulted and ignored him in countless ways.

Yet Pedro neither blamed him nor scolded him for his actions.

All he did was offer quiet comfort.

“…I’m sorry.”

Evan apologized softly to Pedro.

As shame for his past behavior consumed him, a lump formed in his throat.

Duke Nestor, watching his son bow his head, spoke in a slightly hoarse voice, “From now until the day the Director ascends as Empress, I will assist with all my heart.”

Though confessing his sins had come at a great cost, following Pedro’s advice had proven wise.

What’s more, pledging support for Eleanor’s bid to become Empress in exchange for his son’s life wasn’t a bad deal from Duke Nestor’s perspective.

After all, Brianna’s chances of becoming Empress were now entirely out of the question.

If anything, thanking Eleanor for saving his son and offering him this opportunity seemed more fitting.

Resolving himself, Duke Nestor turned to Eleanor.

The sincerity in his serious expression was evident.

“Even after you ascend as Empress, the Nestor family will continue to show unwavering support and loyalty to you.”

***

“…So, Evan has been released from prison?”

Marquis Delph’s face darkened as he spoke in a low tone.

The attendant delivering the news gave a small nod. “Yes, he is currently meeting with the Director in the reception room.”

“With the Director?”

“It appears they have matters to discuss. The Director even dismissed the attendants from the reception room, saying they were unnecessary.”

Each reception room had assigned attendants.

They served tea to visitors, guided them around the palace, and recorded who came and went, among other duties.

Though the third reception room wasn’t the attendant’s direct responsibility, news traveled quickly within their circles, making it easy to overhear.

The attendant added, “Do you think His Majesty is planning to pardon the young lord?”

The Emperor had publicly declared his intention to execute the second son of the Nestor family.

Was he now reconsidering that decision?

Palace servants often speculated about the Emperor’s decisions.

As they didn’t own the palace, the Emperor’s actions dictated their environment, making such matters a sensitive topic.

After pondering for a moment, Marquis Delph finally spoke in a heavy tone, “Did you say Duke Nestor was present as well?”

“Yes, I heard so.”

Something felt off.

“Well done.”

Marquis Delph handed the attendant a gold ring as a token of appreciation.

The attendant, startled by the value of the ring, quickly accepted it.

“Thank you, my lord.”

“Continue to keep me informed. By the way, you haven’t mentioned our meeting to anyone, have you?”

“I’ve done this many times, my lord. You needn’t worry.”

Confidently reassuring him, the attendant pocketed the ring and quickly left after bowing.

Though Marquis Delph intended to return to his quarters, he hesitated.

‘It would be advantageous to sway the Emperor’s personal staff.’

He clicked his tongue in frustration.

The Zaire Palace was directly managed by individuals under the Emperor’s personal supervision, making it nearly impenetrable.

It was the only place in the palace where Marquis Delph’s influence didn’t reach.

‘Perhaps Duke Nestor handed over information about the Balkan Trading Company to save his son’s life.’

According to information obtained through torture of Evan’s planted spy, Duke Nestor had targeted the Balkan Trading Company from the start.

There were even rumors that he had plans to push Brianna Liege as the next Empress to counterbalance Marquis Delph.

Yet with Brianna and Vivia now far from the position of Empress, both Duke Nestor and Marquis Delph had failed in their attempts.

“It’s becoming quite troublesome.”

The Emperor’s intentions were increasingly difficult to predict.

Compared to the previous Emperor, who was gentle and trusting, the current one was far more complex and demanding.

Additionally, the pro-Emperor faction had shifted toward a hardline stance.

Changing this trajectory seemed impossible. Marquis Delph needed to act swiftly to solidify his position.

‘Could I deceive the Emperor?’

If information about the Balkan Trading Company had already reached the Emperor, ordinary methods wouldn’t suffice.

The illegal activities, involving everything banned by the empire, left little room for escape.

At best, he might receive a fine; at worst, Evan’s case suggested far harsher consequences.

Even the prestige of being a traditional noble family with the most Empresses in history would mean nothing in the face of such accusations.

The Emperor might use the Balkan Trading Company scandal as an opportunity to eliminate both Marquis Delph and Vivia in one stroke.

The current atmosphere suggested that half the court already leaned toward Eleanor.

‘Should I consider using Duke Mecklen?’

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully but quickly shook his head.

“No, it’s too soon.”

Though Duke Mecklen’s behavior was unusual, without understanding his motives, it was unwise to make assumptions.

And Ernst had sent him away without a word during their last meeting.

With no immediate solutions at hand, Marquis Delph let out a pained groan.

A possible way to escape his predicament crossed his mind, but it required sacrificing too much, leaving him hesitant.

30. The Charity Party

“It would be better to place that table over here.”

“What should we use for decorations?”

“How about camellias? They’d look beautiful arranged in white vases.”

“That’s a good idea. Oh, and leave plenty of space at the front. We’ll need room for dancing.”

After relaying the information she had received from Duke Nestor to Lennoch, Eleanor entrusted him with the next steps and hurriedly began preparing for the charity party.

The event was fast approaching.

While the labor-intensive tasks were left to her subordinates, the responsibility of inspecting the venue fell on Eleanor as the organizer.

Furthermore, prominent figures in noble society, including Lady Coyte, had confirmed their attendance, so it was critical that the event proceed smoothly.

“Oh, there’s a pre-interview with Fox tomorrow. Let’s meet in the office in the morning.”

“Yes, I’ll make a note of it.”

“Do we have enough wine?”

“Of course. I’ve already checked the stock in the cellar. There’s more than enough to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves and still have leftovers.”

Eleanor nodded in approval as she reviewed the wine list.

There didn’t appear to be any major issues so far.

To double-check the decorations on the walls and other displayed items, Eleanor instructed Brianna to conduct a thorough inspection.

“You’ve been working hard to prepare.”

“Baroness Berenice.”

As Eleanor was deeply engrossed in her work, Berenice approached from behind.

Taking in the brightly and elegantly adorned hall, Berenice let out a soft exclamation of admiration.

“I’m looking forward to the party tomorrow. I’m sure the attendees will be pleased.”

“Thank you. Did Her Majesty the Empress Dowager send you?”

“Yes. She’s very interested in this charity party. And I also came to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

Before responding, Berenice glanced around cautiously.

Brianna, preoccupied with supervising the servants, didn’t notice Berenice’s presence.

Sensing the gravity of the matter, Eleanor guided Berenice behind a pillar.

Lowering her voice, Berenice began to speak in earnest.

“What’s the situation with Lord Evan?”

Rumors about Evan’s brief release from prison had already spread widely.

Speculation abounded, ranging from suggestions that it was a final meeting with his father, Duke Nestor, before his execution, to claims that the Emperor had summoned him for further questioning, or that it was merely a procedural check before his release.

Berenice explained that even the Empress Dowager was curious about the matter.

“I intended to ask His Majesty directly, but he wasn’t available. I thought you might know something, so I decided to ask while I was inspecting the venue.”

“Lord Evan will be released soon,” Eleanor answered without hesitation. “His Majesty has issued an order to suspend the execution. Once released, he will remain under house confinement for two months.”

“So, it’s true.”

Among the circulating rumors, some suggested that Eleanor had influenced the decision regarding Evan’s release.

Listening to Eleanor’s explanation, Berenice speculated that her involvement might have played a significant role in swaying the Emperor’s mind.

“When will the official announcement be made?”

“That…”

Eleanor’s smooth reply faltered briefly.

The announcement required careful consideration.

There were related issues that would inevitably surface alongside Evan’s release—notably, the Balkan Trading Company.

“Since the charity party is tomorrow, His Majesty has decided to delay the announcement for a short while.”

If the scandal involving the illegal operations of high-ranking nobles erupted simultaneously with Evan’s release, it would undoubtedly shake the social circles.

To avoid overshadowing the positive intentions of the party, the Emperor had graciously allowed a two-day delay.

Understanding the situation, Berenice let out a faint sigh. “With so many people involved, it’s bound to cause a stir for some time.”

“Yes. If too much attention is drawn to Lord Evan’s situation, the charity party—meant to be a positive event—might lose its impact.”

Nodding in agreement, Berenice expressed her understanding. “I’ll relay this to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager.”

“Thank you. By the way, aren’t you attending tomorrow’s event?”

Eleanor, recalling the guest list, asked casually.

The Empress Dowager, Norah, and Countess Lorentz were all confirmed attendees from the western palace.

As one of the Empress Dowager’s closest confidantes, Berenice’s absence was unexpected.

Berenice responded with a cryptic expression, “I have other matters to attend to with Count Hilda.”

“With Count Hilda?”

“I’ll be assisting him with his research. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is well aware of the situation.”

‘It’s about the flower.’

Quickly catching on, Eleanor understood Berenice’s intent.

Count Hilda had been excitedly claiming to have found a lead about the purple flower and seemed to have discussed it in detail with Berenice.

If the Empress Dowager was already informed, the basic details had likely been shared.

Following Eleanor’s lead, Berenice smiled faintly. “Though I won’t be able to attend, I wish you great success for the party.”

***