I Don’t Need the Grand Duke’s Regret - Chapter 165

It seemed clear to Valerio why no one had raised any concerns about the princess’s suspicious actions, even without explanation.

However, the princess’s beauty was merely an observation.

As a diplomatic envoy, he was here to greet her. What mattered was not her beauty.

Valerio politely bowed to the princess.

“Thank you for leading the delegation.”

“Thank you for your hospitality. I’m sure you’re deeply saddened.”

Her voice was gentle and calm, and Valerio smiled.

“Given that His Majesty had been ill for so long… I was prepared for it.”

“I have heard that His Majesty entrusted the audience to the Crown Prince. With such a reliable son, His Majesty must have passed peacefully.”

Valerio nodded quietly.

In truth, however, contrary to public knowledge, the Emperor had not passed peacefully. He had struggled in agony for six long hours, and at the end, he had pleaded for death. Only the doctor and Valerio knew this.

“I apologize for not greeting the Crown Prince sooner. I should have visited sooner.”

“Please, don’t say that. I’ve been too busy to meet the princess directly. Is the villa comfortable?”

“Yes, thanks to you.”

The princess responded gently and fiddled with her teacup. Valerio, noticing her reluctance to bring up the matter at hand, gripped his cup more tightly.

The purpose of this meeting with the princess was to discuss the peace agreement, which was still incomplete.

Yet, the princess kept only exchanging pleasantries.

‘Perhaps it’s because I haven’t ascended to the throne yet.’

Valerio knew well that simply handling the matters of the audience chamber didn’t grant him the right to discuss the agreement.

However, he couldn’t help feeling a sense of bitterness at the princess’s cautious attitude. Avoiding the word ‘agreement’ to the Crown Prince in the face of the Emperor’s death.

‘What unnecessary thoughts.’

Valerio forced a smile. Perhaps his recent struggles with Durante’s interference had made him feel insecure. He nodded toward the princess.

“Then, we shall meet again at the funeral.”

“I have something urgent to discuss with Your Highness.”

The princess held Valerio back, dismissing all the maids in the room.

Once they were alone, she looked at Valerio’s gaze. It looked like she had a firm decision. The now tense Valerio was taken aback when she spoke.

“It’s about His Majesty’s body.”

“What?”

The unexpected topic made Valerio’s voice rise. The princess looked at him steadily before continuing.

“As you know, upon our arrival at the palace, I went directly to the temple to pay my respects. Though I had only seen His Majesty in portraits before, I still felt as though he was alive. It seemed the undertakers had treated him with great care. However…”

“However?”

Valerio’s heart raced. The princess studied his face carefully. She looked him in the eye and asked.

“Didn’t you recognize it, Your Highness?”

“Yes? What do you mean….”

Valerio was taken aback by the vague question. He waited anxiously for the princess to continue.

* * *

In the silence, Mirabel let out a soft sigh. The Crown Prince seemed to have a cautious personality. Therefore, he wasn’t easily swayed by the vague story she had shared.

‘What should I do?’

Based on her understanding, the Empire was currently divided between the factions of Durante and the Crown Prince.

The two factions were keeping a close watch over each other, especially over who would succeed the Emperor.

‘It’s better not to get involved.’

Having settled on her thoughts, Mirabel smiled at Valerio.

“It’s nothing. I must have been mistaken. Once the coronation is over, please arrange a meeting for the agreement.”

“I must have missed something.”

As Mirabel stood up, he suddenly spoke again.

“If there’s something I’ve missed about His Majesty’s body, please do let me know.”

Valerio’s voice had a hint of urgency.

“I really need your help now.”

“What help would someone about to be crowned Emperor need? You’ll be the ruler of the Empire in just a few days.”

“No, the funeral preparations are slower than scheduled. It’s as if they’re dragging it out, as if something is being hidden from me…”

Valerio’s words trailed off. His hands clasped together, as he pondered deeply.

“….Actually, Count Durante Adalberto is trying to instigate a coup, using the Grand Duke’s name.”

Valerio’s pale face tightened as he finally spoke after a long silence. Mirabel’s eyes widened in surprise at the secret revelation.

“What…?”

Mirabel paused, struggling to find words.

“I didn’t hear anything.”

Mirabel spoke firmly drawing a line. As she moved to leave, Valerio grew anxious and reached out to stop her.

“Please, help me.”

“What the Crown Prince mentions concerns the Empire. I have neither the power nor the justification to get involved.”

“The mere fact that the Princess would stand by my side would be a great help. Your presence as the beloved princess of Segolinde, would be something the people of the empire admire.”

Mirabel looked at the Crown Prince with mixed feelings. Was the Crown Prince’s position really that unstable, that he was asking a foreign princess for help?

She quickly calculated in her mind.

By extending a hand to someone in crisis, one could gain much greater rewards later.

But that was only if it succeeded.

Mirabel slowly blinked and then spoke.

“If I help you, what can you offer in return?”

“In the peace agreement, I will exclude one of the livestock categories that Segolinde was supposed to contribute to the Empire. Whatever it is, you can have it, Princess.”

“That is the Emperor’s authority.”

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