Chapter 48: Echoes of Intrigue
"Madam, saying things like that, anyone who hears you might think you’re planning to seize the throne," he cautioned, his tone serious and concerned, his eyes filled with worry.
"Oh, should they?" I replied with a sly smile, leaning back in my chair, the faint aroma of coffee lingering in the air.
"As I said, I’m not joking," he stated firmly, his voice laced with a sense of urgency.
"I’m not joking either, Duke. If my suspicions are correct, then the Emperor himself may be the main culprit," I declared, my tone growing serious once more, my fingers tracing patterns on the contract papers before me.
"You’re well aware of the Emperor’s vast authority. He can eliminate anyone without a trace. He can make someone vanish without a trace. So, think about it. I’m confident I can uncover the truth," I stated calmly, taking another sip of my coffee, its warmth contrasting with the chill in the room.
"I’m not so sure," he responded, looking away, a hint of doubt in his eyes.
"Duke, you have one day to decide and sign the contract afterward. Time is not on my side; I have only a year, and it will pass in the blink of an eye. Do you understand?" I asked, locking eyes with him, my determination unwavering.
"Yes, Madam," he replied and started to leave. However, he paused before he could exit the room.
"Oh, by the way," he began, "the Emperor wishes to meet you."
Is the culprit coming to me willingly? I couldn’t believe it. This was turning out to be more exciting than I had anticipated.
"Why, Duke?" I asked, feigning indifference, though curiosity gnawed at me.
"The marriage was approved by him, so he wishes to meet you, to understand the Duchess you are. I assure you, it’s nothing more than that," he explained, a hint of awkwardness in his demeanor.