# 58
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The servants were not the only ones who wanted to witness the downfall of the Count Rwen family. Ironically, the ones who welcomed their ruin the most were the very people they had been closest to.
“Do you know what Flora said to me exactly around this time yesterday?”
“What did you say?”
“He told me not to call him by his name anymore. He said it would be difficult for us to be close.”
"Oh my, doesn't she have precognitive abilities? It's like she knew the family was going to go completely bankrupt."
“Exactly. We can’t be too casual with each other, it’s vulgar. Hmm?! There it is.”
As former Countess Lewen appeared among the people, the young ladies who had been spewing malicious mockery all craned their necks in unison.
The former Countess, who used to strut around with Richmond's treasure hanging around her neck, had become unrecognizable and haggard overnight. Dressed in a plain cotton dress and a thin coat, she was taking heavy steps, leaning on her son's hand.
Her skirt hem was already a mess from the autumn rain pouring all day today.
However, doubts clouded the faces of the young ladies, which had been gleaming with malicious interest. They hurriedly rolled their eyes searching for someone, but the being they were desperately looking for was nowhere to be found on the street.
“What happened?”
Malice is one of the strong motives humans possess. The young ladies who harbored a grudge against Flora acted as if they would only be satisfied if they watched her meet her miserable end.
After wandering for a moment, they headed toward the room where Flora had been staying. And when they opened the door without hesitation, what they were faced with was an unexpected sight.
“……?”
"uh?"
In the well-organized room stood a presence that should not have been there. Flora, who had been leaning against the window, turned toward the dazed young ladies and smiled coldly.
You should knock when entering someone else's room.
She clicked her tongue and shook her head.
Do I really have to point out even this?
"you-"
“Calling you ‘you’? Don’t you remember we agreed to use honorifics with each other?”
Young-ae, whose face turned red and then blue at Flora's cynicism, approached menacingly and screamed.
“Your father, mother, and older brother are all being driven out of the castle!! You have neither territory nor title, so you are just a commoner. It is right for me to treat you poorly, and you are the only one who treats me with respect, you fool, Argh!!”
match!!
Flora slapped the young lady's cheek without warning as she screamed.
“Watch your words. You don’t even know what you’re talking about; how do you expect to handle the consequences?”
“…….”
“You fool. Why do you think I haven't been kicked out yet? Why is this room so tidy? Do you think I cleaned it up?”
Flora nudged Young-ae's head with her index finger.
"Think about it, please."
She straightened her back as she watched the young ladies' faces turning into confusion. The miserable sight of her family and her father's final plea still pricked at her heart, but nevertheless, she was convinced that her choice was right.
"Come to think of it, you guys might be confused. I haven't introduced anyone."
Flora spoke in an overbearing voice, as if mimicking the Marquise.
“I am Flora Rinko. From now on, please call me Marquis Rinko.”
I feel a bit sorry for my father, but shouldn't those who are meant to live?
* * *
“Flora Rinco……. Tsk!”
The Marquise, as she pronounced Flora's name, furrowed her brow and clicked her tongue.
You seem audacious.
Still, it was a relief that Rinko's name did not come out of my father's mouth.
The Marquise skipped lunch and was lost in thought again.
Yesterday was the worst time of her life, so much so that she wanted to erase it. Events she didn't even want to list happened in succession, and anxiety, humiliation, and fear surged in like vomit, overwhelming her.
I could hear the damned laughter of Eliza Richmond even with my ears covered. I tried putting a large diamond on my finger to clear my bad feelings, but it only made me desperately long for Richmond's stolen treasure and the key to the Blue Room.
Just as I was about to tear off the diamond ring in frustration, my son arrived. Edward handed me a piece of paper with a calm expression.
"Please sign, Mother."
She was ready to do anything her son asked, but she simply could not bring herself to sign that document.
“Adopt Flora as my daughter? Why?!”
Edward explained that in exchange for adopting Flora, Count Lewen would bear all the blame. Upon hearing his explanation, a deep look of disgust spread across the Marquise's face.
So you intend to sell off your own parents. I thought you were just stupid, but you're even shameless.
Flora Lewen said she would go see the Count after visually verifying the adoption documents. Time is of the essence. Isn't it problematic for Count Lewen to mention our family name, Mother?
“Is there absolutely no other way? What does your father say?”
Father has given his permission. And there is another advantage to adopting Flora Rwen.
"advantage?"
Even if Rinko's name doesn't come out of Count Rwen's mouth, people will think this is related to his father. They will say that Rinko sold Rwen to survive.
“Considering how much we’ve done for the Count of Rwen, it’s only natural!!”
“The problem is that there will be discontent among the families loyal to Rinko. However, if we accept Flora Lewen, public opinion will be more favorable.”
Nevertheless, when his mother did not sign easily, Edward gripped her hand tightly and met her eyes. Then, speaking with desperation.
Listen carefully, Mother.
“…….”
The Duke of Richmond will never forgive our family.
Edward's words pierced the Marchioness's heart like a sharp thorn. Although she already knew the facts, hearing them from her son's mouth felt different. As a chilling haze drained of blood from her body and spread throughout her, her mouth went parched.
There is only one way left to survive.
What is that?
Cutting off the Duke's head.
The Marquise, her dry lips twitching, leaned toward her son and whispered.
“It’s not an easy task. Do you think your father and I have been sitting idly by all this time?”
It doesn't mean assassination; it means I intend to wage war.
Edward stared directly into his mother's eyes, which had widened to the size of lanterns.
“We must rally our forces and launch a scheme. That is why public opinion is extremely important right now, Mother.”
“…….”
“The Duke will not let us out of the castle. It is easier for him to keep an eye on us if we stay inside. Therefore, Mother, you must instead gather people and prove to them that the Marquisate is still intact.”
"how?"
“Show that Rinko can also give things as precious as Richmond’s treasures. And stand against the Godmother.”
An instinctive fear struck, but at the same time, a strange joy also came.
“Oppose the Grand Madam?”
The families that cannot be forgiven by the Duke are ultimately on our side. By Mother opposing the Grand Madam, they will place their last hope on Rinko.
“…….”
“'Maybe Rinko might win.'”
Goosebumps rose all over the Marquise's neck.
However, you must carefully control the level.
“Is there any chance of winning?”
Edward thought for a moment and then answered.
“It will take time for Richmond to stabilize. After all, both the Godmother and the Duke have returned after more than a decade. Since most of the key figures are from our side, they will be hectic for a while, dealing not only with immediate fundraising but also with organizing official documents.”
That must be the case.
Furthermore, I heard from my father that you have contacted Her Majesty the Empress. If we move quickly, we have a chance of winning.
The Marquise beamed and spoke quickly.
“By now, Her Majesty the Empress’s henchmen must have reached the vicinity of Richmond.”
“That’s even better. Please arrange a meeting so I can meet you in secret.”
“Alright. Oh, right, give me the documents. I’ll sign them.”
While the Marquise was pondering the matter with her son, a lady-in-waiting approached and spoke.
It is said that Count Lewen's entire family has left the castle.
“What became of the man named ‘Soe Bal’?”
“She was publicly displayed on her head over the moat. I hear that the soldier who killed the maid was also punished according to the criminal law.”
“What is Eliza Richmond up to? I suppose she’s smiling because she’s happy, no doubt.”
As the Marquise rubbed her forehead somewhat roughly, the lady-in-waiting, noticing her reaction, cautiously added.
Several ladies have come to ask to meet you.
“…….”
She was not the only one who could not sleep last night, staggering in a sea of anxiety. Perhaps that is why they rushed to find the Marquise this morning, as soon as Rwen finally fell. The Marquise closed her eyes and composed herself.
It doesn't mean assassination; it means I intend to wage war.
Repeating her son's words to herself, she opened her eyes, her lips curving into a grimace. Eliza Richmond must be intoxicated by a small victory. Therefore, especially at times like this, she must pull herself together and take action.
Dress her up. Call Flora, too.
"yes."