THHAAWMF

Chapter 100

The Empress pondered. The succession ceremony alone is a big deal, and with the engagement ceremony on top of it, it's a situation that anyone who doesn't want to cut ties with Essit, no matter how slippery the slope, will have to go.

'Besides, if I give a nudge...'

Certainly, it was better than having the lesser nobles host a tea party that they weren't supposed to.

The Empress forgot about trying to get Count Essit out of the way and began to think seriously, and Count Essit inwardly marveled at Gerald's ability to read between the lines.

'Certainly, he has a good head for a son of Isabella.'

It was said that a betrothal ceremony at the Ruby Palace would elevate Essit's status, but he dismissed the idea as nonsense, especially since he had fallen out with the Empress.

"The Empress is currently very angry with Little Marquis Lavirins."

"Let's dig in."

"Her Highness will surely lend you the Ruby Palace."

Indeed, he was right. The plan to embarrass the empress and Essit had been concocted by Gerald in collaboration with Ciella, but unfortunately, Count Essit didn't realize it.

"If Her Highness is troubled, you can tell her about me."

"Her Highness will raise her hand in your favor if only to bring shame to the Lavirins."

Recalling Gerald's advice, Count Essit baited his bait again.

"I will tell you one more thing. My favorite child's name is Gerald, whom Your Highness has heard of, and who was in the fight for the heir to Lavirins."

"My goodness!"

The Emperor exclaimed, genuinely satisfied.

To have the betrothal ceremony of a child who had been banished from Lavirins, and to have it held at the Ruby Palace, where the Little Marquis had been celebrating, was to be a great embarrassment to Lavirins...

It was truly tempting.

The empress smiled broadly.

"Very well. I will personally lend you the use of the Ruby Palace, and I will provide you with whatever budget you need, so go ahead and make it happen. A banquet many times more lavish than Luminous', I trust?"

"Would it be or not?"

He was going to, even if she didn't say it.

Count Essit, who had gotten what he wanted, and more, and was as satisfied as the Empress, bowed his head deeply.

***

Leila, daughter of Count Essit and sister of Duval, was so ridiculous.

"Hmph, hmph, hmph......."

The tailor had arrived in the parlor to take the measurements for the engagement dress.

The floor was covered with dress fabrics, and the boutique's staff were standing around, but Leila, the main character, was sobbing until her eyes were red, saying she didn't want to get engaged.

"This... Why should I be engaged to a commoner who isn't even a noble-!"

Leila, who had been ranting for a while, shook her head in disbelief.

She shrieked at Gerald, who was taking measurements next to her, looking calm unlike her.

"You! What did you do! You must have drugged him or something, otherwise, he wouldn't have asked me to marry you!"