ILTDAMH|CHAPTER 121

Chapter 121

Cookies and Sandwiches (1)

“Oh my? What’s going on today? You’re home this early? And what’s that in your hand?”

“I bought it for you.”

“My goodness, the sun must’ve risen in the west this morning. What did you do wrong this time to be bringing me flowers?”

Paulo, who had returned home earlier than usual, ignored his wife’s teasing and walked straight into the bedroom, barely responding.

Normally, he would have been out drinking with women until late at night. But tonight was important—he needed an excuse.

That was why he had deliberately stopped by a flower shop on his way home, making sure the neighbors saw him buy flowers and head home early.

After tonight, everything will return to normal.

The guards on duty last night were regulars at his favorite tavern. Knowing they had a weakness for gambling, Paulo had “accidentally” let slip that a high-stakes game would be held tonight.

And since there hadn’t been any fire incidents lately, he was certain they’d abandon their post for the dice table.

To make sure nothing went wrong, he had even handed the vagrants a special fire-accelerant potion he got from Dominic. Everything was perfectly arranged.

Satisfied, Paulo went to bed early, eagerly waiting for morning to come.

***

The next day, Paulo woke earlier than usual, suppressing his excitement. He intentionally left home thirty minutes later than normal to avoid suspicion, but his heart was pounding with anticipation as he neared his shop.

However, the closer he got, the more he felt something was wrong. A crowd had gathered in front of the shops across the street.

Are they… watching the building burn down?

Paulo pushed his way through the people, his heart racing—only to freeze.

In front of him stood Merican, smiling serenely beneath a brand-new sign that read

[Cookies and Sandwiches].

“What… what the hell?”

Paulo blinked and rubbed his eyes, certain he must be seeing things. But there was no sign of fire damage—none at all.

“I heard some vagrants tried to set a fire last night but got caught by the guards!”

“Right? They say the investigation’s underway to see if it’s the same culprits as before.”

What? Caught by the guards?

Impossible. They were supposed to be gambling all night!

Standing there pale-faced, Paulo met Merican’s amused eyes.

She smiled faintly, as if she could see straight through him.

***

A few days earlier, once the shop repairs were complete, Merican had gathered Elena and Cat.

“Elena, Cat, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“What is it?” Cat asked.

Merican glanced past them toward Paulo’s store.

“You both probably guessed it already. There’s… a bit of trouble with the other shop owners here.”

She explained what Ruan was currently investigating.

“What? They collect twenty percent extra tax? That means we’d be paying thirty percent total! That’s insane!” Elena exclaimed.

“Typical nobles,” Cat muttered, then flinched. “Ah—except for you, my lady.”

“It’s fine, Elena. I’m a noble too, but I agree with you.”

“Haha, you really are different from the others, Duchess. Oh, and please, speak comfortably to me. It feels strange being addressed so formally.”

“Alright then,” Merican said with a gentle smile. “Anyway—if I open a shop here, they can’t tax me, right?”

“That’s true,” Elena said slowly. “So…?”

“So they won’t be able to take from me, but the other merchants won’t just sit quietly. I’ll be a thorn in their side.”

“You mean… they might try to harm you?” Cat said, eyes flashing. “I’ll guard you myself.”

Merican chuckled softly. “That won’t be necessary. But I do need a favor.”

“Anything.”

“They won’t attack me directly. But this shop is another matter.”

“The shop? You think they’ll set it on fire?”

“Most likely.”

“No way!” Cat shouted, anger rising.

“Calm down,” Elena said, holding her arm. “So, what do you want us to do?”

“I thought about it. They’ll act the night before the opening.”

“The day before?”

“Yes. That’s the best time—since the place will be full of goods by then. If the shop burns the day before the grand opening… I’d never open here again.”

“Oh… that makes sense. You’re brilliant, ma’am,” Cat said, wide-eyed.

“What?”

“Hehe, then should we hide in the shop that night?”

“Yes. I’d appreciate that. You’re both former guild members—better than most knights. They’ll probably use vagrants. So can I trust you two?”

“Of course.”

Just as Merican had predicted, three vagrants had sneaked in the night before and were caught by Cat and Elena, who were waiting inside.

They were handed over to the guards Ruan had arranged in advance.

***

“Oh? Paulo. Did you come to congratulate me?”

Paulo forced a smile. “O-of course, Duchess. Congratulations. But I heard there was… a fire attempt last night?”

“Yes, thanks to the guards, we’re safe. Ruan’s interrogating the culprits now, so we’ll soon know who sent them.”

Her tone was casual, but her gaze sharp.

“Wait—you mean, someone ordered them?” Paulo asked, feigning confusion.

Merican widened her eyes dramatically. “Oh dear, that’s supposed to be a secret. Ruan told me not to tell anyone. Forget I said that, will you? Now go in and have something to eat. Everything’s free today.”

“Th-thank you, Duchess!”

Paulo stammered and fled.

***

“You idiot! You can’t even handle a simple task?!”

Dominic’s furious roar shook the room. Paulo, trembling, bowed low to the floor.

“M-my apologies, Marquis! I didn’t think the Duchess would suspect anything. But don’t worry, the vagrants don’t know who I am!”

Since James had been the one who actually met them, Paulo was confident he wouldn’t be discovered.

“Fool! If I get dragged into this, you’ll be lucky to make it out of your hometown alive!”

“Y-yes, sir! I swear it won’t happen again!”

Dominic hurled the papers on his desk at him.

“Because of your failure, I can’t collect any more tax. You’d better shut down that cursed Duchess’s shop—within a month! Or your life is forfeit.”

“Yes, Marquis! I’ll succeed this time!”

Paulo scrambled out of the room on all fours.

Dominic clenched his fists. That woman… she’s cleverer than I thought.

He remembered seeing Merican at Lucianne’s trial.

She looked plain, yes—but there was something commanding about her presence, far more than her sister’s.

“Liam.”

A tall man stepped out from the shadows and bowed.

“Yes, Marquis.”

“Silence those vagrants. Make sure they never reach the Duke.”

“Understood.”

When Liam left, Dominic slammed his fist onto the desk.

When Kaymon died Antwate took his own life, he’d thought Fiona’s path to becoming Empress was clear.

Even if she hadn’t wanted it, tradition demanded it—the mother of the Crown Prince would naturally ascend.

But the Emperor… that damned fool…

He’d left the Empress’s seat vacant and handed power to the Crown Princess instead.

Because of that, Dominic had remained a Marquis, his political standing weaker than ever—and now, one of his few sources of income was being ruined by that woman.

He needed another plan.

***

“A tea gathering?”

Patricia repeated, frowning slightly.

“Yes,” Fiona said warmly. “Every March, the Empire hosts a noble ladies’ tea gathering. The Empress used to preside over it, but since the position is vacant, it falls to the Crown Princess this year.”

Oh no… Patricia’s head throbbed already.

“But I’ve only just gotten used to the palace etiquette… will I be able to handle it?”

Fiona smiled and took her hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you. But…”

“But?”

“As you know, after last year’s turmoil, the noble factions have shifted. My family, the Rifaide Marquisate, leads the Emperor’s faction but has little influence now. And the Duchess of Canoluf, who supports Prince Harmon, isn’t very popular in society either. It’s a concern.”

“And in previous years?”

“Well, the late Count Kaymon’s faction was so powerful that everyone bowed to the Empress’s will. But this year…”

“I see. Since I’m a foreign princess and the Empress’s seat is empty, they’ll all try to teach me how things should be done.”

Fiona chuckled softly. “Quite possibly.”

Patricia sighed. She was confident with a sword in hand, but in social gatherings? Never. Even back in Alomand, she’d always found an excuse to leave early.

And the nobles here were far worse—more talkative, more arrogant.

Back then, they had all fawned over Empress Antwatte, ignoring her completely.

Now all those eyes would be on her. The very thought made her temples ache.

Still, she couldn’t refuse.

“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I’ll do my best.”

“Hahaha. That’s what I like about you. My son can be timid sometimes—it’s refreshing to see your spirit.”

“I know. He was so kind and affectionate before, but now he’s too busy even to see me. It’s been over a month! Either he’s overworking himself… or he’s already grown tired of me.”

Back at last year’s home party, Harmon had been endlessly gentle.

But now, it felt as if he were avoiding her entirely.

Fiona hesitated, then spoke carefully.

“Crown Princess… have you heard the rumors circulating in the palace?”

“Rumors?”

“They say… that your relationship with the Crown Prince is strained. That he hasn’t visited your quarters in a long time.”

Patricia gave a bitter smile. “That’s not a rumor, Your Majesty. That’s the truth.”