# 20
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After a passing storm passed through the government building's backyard,
“Regarding the attack incident in Doberton...”
A cold wind blew, carrying flower petals, gently stirring Etheus' hair.
Caron continued his report.
“It seems that Count Fadelmon Elmore, the princess’s uncle, was the one who orchestrated the attack. He was trying to seize the Duke of Elmore’s inheritance.”
paternal uncle.
Etheos' fingers trembled slightly.
“In fact, not only Fadelmon Elmore, but many of her relatives and the nobles of the Emperor Pavilion were coveting Duke Elmore’s inheritance.”
Etheus knew very well how impudent these filthy hyenas were.
The orphan heir is nothing but easy prey for plunder.
“We will continue to monitor the movements of the key nobles in the Emperor Pavilion. Changes may occur soon. Even if Princess Elmore survives this time, no one knows what will happen next.”
“Do it.”
He left Karon at the entrance and Etheus began walking towards his office.
Catherine Elmore.
. …Is this the reason you took the captives to your palace?
Threat due to inheritance.
A very familiar situation.
Maybe the reason it bothers me even though she's an Elmore is because she's similar to my situation in the past.
Etheos shook the thoughts from his head.
* * *
〔The unfortunate Princess Catherine Elmore is attacked by bandits in Doberton Pass! 〕
〔She survived with her body, but she suffers from severe psychological trauma that prevents her from eating and drinking!〕
〔When the shock subsides, you are expected to file a complaint against whoever is behind the attackers!〕
I smiled contentedly as I read the carefully ected newspaper article.
They will come to Elmore Palace trembling after reading this news.
Especially since I had left them a clear message.
“Madam, what kind of tea do you prefer today?”
“Earl Gray tea.”
Of course, I did not experience any psychological trauma, and I was quietly enjoying my morning tea time.
Soon, the first visitor of the day arrived.
“Ma’am, Baron Graham, your second cousin, and your great-grandfather, have come to visit you.”
I stretched and got up from my seat.
“Well, they had to come.”
But the maid looked at me worriedly and asked.
“Are you going to go see them?”
When her eyes met mine, she put her hand over her mouth as if she had made a mistake.
Even the servants who served food to the prisoners knew who was behind the attack.
You may be wondering if it would be wise to meet them.
“Of course I will go, they are my expected guests.”
She smiled, while the maid was confused and tried to hide her confusion.
“Don't worry, bring the tea, Anais.”
Her eyes widened in surprise when I called her name.
“You knew my name?”
Then her face turned a little red and she bowed down.
“Was that difficult?”
'How easy it is to gain their loyalty so simply.'
I shrugged my shoulders as if it didn't matter, then headed to the reception hall where Hirose was receiving guests.
When I opened the door, I saw my second cousin and my great-grandfather standing pale to greet me.
“Kath... Katherine!”
'How fun to see their faces that haven't slept all night!'
I let out a small sigh and pretended to calm down as I sat down.
"Good morning."
“It's been a long time!”
I saw my white-haired great-grandfather casting expectant glances, how scary greed is!
Even though he only had a few days left to live, he sided with Vadelmon out of greed for wealth.
“In fact, I wanted to file a complaint against all of you without any chance.”
They shivered when I said that in a cold voice.
“But I decided to give you a chance to apologize and explain as relatives.”
I raised my eyebrows and pretended to be angry, but I saw them trembling like frightened dogs.
Of course, I have many witnesses proving their involvement in the attack.
“For you...but!”
Their justifications were not surprising.
“Fadlmon is the one who seduced us!”
“It's all his fault!”
“We would not have thought of that had it not been for his persuasion!”
‘How funny that they talk about loyalty when they are a bunch of traitors.’
The rest of the relatives will come one by one.
The conspiracy has failed, and I have much greater financial and legal power than them.
They also know that I have a strong armed force backing me up, so they won't even think about trying to destroy the evidence.
“You have to tell me the details of your plan to kill me.”
She smiled vengefully as they writhed in fear.
'I'm so eager to take everything away from them!'
* * *
⌈Etheus von Clyde⌋
Health Points (HP): ♥♥♥♥♥♡♡♡♡♡
Still five hearts, nothing has changed.
How can I increase hearts more?
While I was looking at my watch, Hirose entered carrying some papers.
“We have prepared affidavits confirming that Count Vadelmon was the mastermind, and also...”
My cowardly relatives will put all the blame on Vadelmon for saving themves, which will increase his punishment.
Hirose added admiringly.
“We have also obtained documents transferring the rights to the Pearl and Orange business.”
I smiled.
“Well done, Hirose.”
‘Risk and gain go hand in hand.’
Because of bringing a group of prospectors and collecting all the evidence and captives, I will get big gains.
When I kicked relatives out of the family, I didn't let them go with nothing.
I gave them a small title and a simple right to work so they wouldn't starve.
Work rights are privileges granted by the state to nobles only to carry out specific work.
Now, I will reclaim all the working rights that the Ellimore family had from these relatives.
If they refuse, I will threaten to sue them with Fadelmon and destroy them.
“You are truly amazing, ma'am.”
Hirose said respectfully.
“Perhaps the main family of Ellimore will become richer than it was during the reign of the late Duke.”
"maybe."
'But I don't collect these rights to enhance the family's wealth.'
After all, when the revolution begins, I will flee to Montilla.
So, how will I use these rights?
There are idiots who will buy it at a high price.
'A big deal must be made before leaving!'
And I will gladly use it to help Ethi, my sapphire, my emerald, my diamond... Or whatever is the most expensive gem in the world.
* * *
The wind blew, stirring Etheus's black hair.
Friction —
Black shadows emanated from his feet, wrapping around someone like a snake.
The moon disappeared behind the clouds, as if the world stopped for a moment between light and darkness.
The target fell to the ground, gasping, then stopped moving.
After completing the task, Etheus jumped lightly from the fall and landed on the ground.
Karon, who was dressed in black, pointed in the direction of escape.
They moved quickly like shadows.
When they reached a safe place, Karon stopped to check on Etheus' condition.
“Are you hurt?”
Etheus shook his head expressionlessly.
On a moonless night, they completed another task.
Kill the traitors who turned against the previous emperor and joined the current emperor.
Those who led the exploitation of the people and suppressed the supporters of the former emperor.
But frequent assassinations might increase surveillance, so they would kill from time to time.
But it was exhausting.
They spent nights observing to carefully plan each operation.
Considering that Etheus works in the government building during the day, he barely sleeps.
“Sir, next time...”
“No one is as suited to this task as I am.”
Caron could not deny this, so Etheus continued in silence.
It is best to get rid of as many traitors as possible before the revolution.
These were the ones who spread lies about the former emperor and tried to distort the legitimacy of Ethios.
but … . Will his health bear this burden?
Even if you solve the food problem, the physical exhaustion is great.
Especially since using his superpower is extremely draining of his energy.
While he was thinking anxiously, Etheus suddenly stopped.
Then he took down an advertisement taped to his door.
His lips moved slightly.
“Ha.”
His needs were grim.
“Catherine Elmore... you're irritating me so much.”
It seems that her evil has returned again.