Chapter 98: Boom and Bust (1)
“Sigren, what would you do if someone asked you to place a bet in an illegal gambling den?”
“I would destroy it.”
“Yeah, that sounds like you.”
But would the crown prince react the same way? It seemed Sigren understood my concerns. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“So, you’re thinking of testing the crown prince?”
“Exactly. It’s like a real test. If he makes the right choice, he might avoid falling into this trap.”
Regardless of whether the crown prince attended the illegal arena or not, I intended to shut it down. I couldn’t allow those monsters to remain in the city.
“And if he falls into the trap?”
“If he does, the crown prince will be arrested as a criminal when we raid the illegal arena.”
Being a member of the imperial family, he would need to be caught red-handed to ensure justice. Otherwise, the consequences could be severe.
“One side has the younger brother raiding the arena to bring justice, while the other has the older brother indulging in its nightlife.”
Whose side would the public support? I chuckled softly. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Isn’t the outcome obvious?”
The stark contrast would be crucial. The crown prince’s reputation would plummet, while Sigren’s would rise.
“What do you think?”
Well, if Sigren doesn’t like it, we can’t go through with this plan.
“Fiona, do you want me to become emperor?”
It was an odd and sudden question.
“Isn’t that a good thing?”
Sigren was undoubtedly the most powerful person in this world, far superior to the crown prince. No, it wasn’t even a comparison. How could I compare them?
Sigren looked at me with a strange expression.
“Is there something wrong with my plan?”
“No, it’s fine. Let’s go ahead with it.”
Yet, there was an unpleasant aftertaste.
Just as I was about to ask why, a knock sounded. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“My lady, this is Celine.”
“Come in.”
Celine opened the door and greeted Sigren with the proper etiquette.
“It’s getting late now.”
I glanced at the clock. It was already eight o’clock. Time had flown by much faster than I had expected while we were talking.
Wait, eight o’clock? Wasn’t it strange to call that ‘late’?
Celine smiled softly, as if she had noticed my confusion.
“The Duke has decreed that any guest must leave the mansion by eight o’clock, even if it is the crown prince.”
A realization suddenly popped into my head.
Ding! The door closes at eight o’clock!
In other words, it was a dismissal.
Sigren looked displeased.
Ah, Abel… This was embarrassing. He tried to appear nonchalant, but this was really petty of him. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Si-Sigren?”
I looked at him. His face showed clear dissatisfaction, but he slowly rose from his seat.
So, he really was going home? Well, we had finished discussing the important matters.
However, instead of heading to the door, Sigren stood in front of me. I looked at him, wondering if he had something to say. He then bowed his head and kissed my forehead gently.
“See you tomorrow, Fiona.”
Celine, who had been watching, exclaimed, “Oh my.”
“Uh, hmm.”
Being like this in front of Celine was quite embarrassing. It seemed that Sigren really enjoyed physical affection. Perhaps it was normal for us as lovers, but it hadn’t been the case when we were just friends.
“You don’t need to see me off. I’m leaving now.”
Sigren walked past Celine and exited the room. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
In the room, only Celine and I, feeling quite embarrassed, remained.
“Celine… The Duke will be informed about my relationship with Sigren, won’t he?”
Celine nodded politely. “My Lady, I’m not so indiscreet. I only reported things in moderation.”
The kind old woman then winked, as if to say, “I’ll keep this a secret!”
“The Duke asked me to report exactly what you’ve said, My Lady.”
A silent scream echoed in my mind. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
AAABEELL!!
I felt so ashamed that I wanted to disappear. It was so childish. I would never call him “father”!
***
Check out my Patreon to read advanced chapters!
