TEWRIT 80

Chapter 80 

“Just because I endured mistreatment from my father doesn’t mean I’ll accept everything quietly,” Eliano said firmly.

Flint paused. Her words hit deep.

“Don’t forget you married the daughter of Rosana.”

Eliano was the flower of Rosana—one that not even the sun could wither. Flint Howard had to remember that. He couldn’t just protect the flower from pests—he needed to make sure she thrived.

Even if he risked his life to protect her, what good was that if the flower’s value was ignored? If her worth wasn’t respected, she’d still be stepped on.

Eliano had no intention of living a life where she was trampled on. She didn’t want to barely survive anymore. That’s why she married a strong and capable man.

Unlike her previous life, she didn’t wish for Flint Howard to become emperor. She had lived as an empress before—she’d had enough of wealth and glory. What she truly wanted was peaceful stability.

But if that peace came from staying quiet and enduring humiliation, then she didn’t want it.

She chose Flint to avoid that kind of life. But if he lived submissively, what would make her any different?

Flint was about to speak when a man with a mustache approached and knelt.

“I am Viscount Otti. I manage the magic gate here in Count Maurice’s territory,” he said respectfully.

But when no one responded to his greeting, he began to sweat nervously.

Flint was about to return the greeting, but Eliano nudged him. He quickly shut his mouth.

“You may rise,” Eliano said coldly—after a long pause.

Viscount Otti stood up, a little shaky, and looked at the famous couple before him.

Flint said casually, “My mother once stayed here to rest. This is Count Maurice’s land, isn’t it?”

“Y-Yes, Your Grace! It is a great honor to welcome her daughter. You’re so beautiful and gracious—”

“I didn’t call you here to hear your opinion.”

There was a sharp edge in Eliano’s voice.

“Has something happened in Count Maurice’s territory? A dangerous criminal? Why are things being managed so strictly?”

“N-No, not at all! Count Maurice rules this land with great care. There’s never been such a problem!” Otti stuttered. But Eliano’s expression remained cold.

“Then why was I dragged out of my carriage when I was resting due to poor health? Can you explain that?”

Finally understanding the source of her anger, Viscount Otti straightened up and spoke confidently:

“We received strict orders from above to verify the identities of all Empire citizens using the gate.”

“I see,” Eliano nodded slowly. Otti smiled, thinking the situation was easing.

“Was that order from His Majesty the Emperor?”

Eliano already knew Count Maurice was one of her father’s men. It was Rosana who helped get a magic gate built here.

“Since His Majesty personally opened this gate for us, it must be from him, right?”

Viscount Otti’s eyes darted. In truth, he had only received orders from Count Maurice to strictly check Duke and Duchess Howard before they used the gate.

He had no idea if it was actually the Emperor’s command. Unsure, he answered weakly:

“P-Perhaps…?”

“You understand the weight of that statement, don’t you? Are you claiming this is truly a royal order?”

Pressed by Eliano’s firm tone, Otti panicked and confessed:

“I—I only followed Count Maurice’s orders! I don’t know if it was the Emperor’s will…”

“Then we know whose orders come first. A mere count dared insult the lord of the north? Does he think House Howard is easy to mock?”

Eliano’s voice was sharp, and Otti’s face turned pale.

“Bring Count Maurice here immediately. I will question him myself.”

Otti froze in fear. To bring the Count himself? That could get him killed.

“Did you not hear me? Do you think you can ignore the Duchess’s orders because you ignored the Duke’s?”

“Y-Your Grace, please…”

“Go. Get Count Maurice. Now.”

Otti collapsed on both knees.

“I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to be rude! I just lacked judgment!”

“Rude? I’ve never been treated this poorly—not even when I was just Lady Eliano of Rosana. Imagine what my father would say if he knew.”

She shamelessly used her father’s name. Otti looked like he might faint.

Everyone knew Duke Rosana had been furious when Eliano was taken to the north, even going so far as to arrange her kidnapping. That showed how much he loved his daughter.

“P-Please, Duchess…”

Eliano smirked. Otti trembled even harder, misunderstanding her expression.

While Eliano scolded Otti, Flint looked deeply troubled. He didn’t want to create more trouble—not with the Emperor’s favor allowing them to use the gate early.

“Eliano, it’s okay. Let it go,” Flint said gently.

Otti looked relieved—until Eliano turned to Flint with icy eyes.

“I’m not okay.”

Otti now laid his forehead on the ground, begging for forgiveness.

Eliano looked down at him and sighed.

“Know that you were spared only because of my husband’s kindness.”

“T-Thank you, Your Grace!”

“Wrong person. You should be thanking properly. How dull can one man be?”

Even after being called dull to his face, Otti looked up and thanked Flint again.

Flint’s face twitched, but he said nothing.

“Oliver,” Eliano called.

Oliver, smiling, helped Otti up and kindly handed him a handkerchief.

“Don’t cry. Her Grace has been generous. There’s nothing to fear.”

Otti took the cloth and blew his nose. Still pale, he asked weakly:

“Should I send the gate fee to the Duke’s household?”

Oliver was about to call Gilbert to bring the payment—but Eliano raised her hand.

“This was a favor from His Majesty. Refusing it would be disrespectful.”

“…?”

Even clever Oliver looked confused. Eliano asked Gilbert for parchment and a pen.

Flint gave her a puzzled look as Gilbert rushed to bring the supplies.

Eliano leaned toward Flint, signaling she needed to whisper. He bent down—and she suddenly reached into his coat.

“…!”

Flint flinched as her hand brushed his chest. She pulled out his emergency signet necklace.

She had learned about it back in the cave.

“As a Howard, I can’t use Rosana’s seal. I’ll borrow this.”

Gilbert returned with the writing tools. Eliano sat at Otti’s desk and began to write.

The letter was filled with elegant words, thanking the Emperor for his kindness. Then she sealed it with Flint’s Howard signet.

“Deliver this to His Majesty,” she told Otti.

He accepted it, confused.

Why a letter to the Emperor? Was she serious?

“Then… shall I still bill the Duke’s household for the gate?”

Eliano waved her hand.

“Don’t be silly. His Majesty gave this as a gift. Would you embarrass him by asking us to pay?”

Otti’s jaw dropped.

She was making the Emperor pay?!

“Y-Your Grace, the Emperor only said to open the gate, not to cover the fee—”

“Is that so? But didn’t he order it personally for us?”

Eliano now wore a perfectly innocent expression.

“T-True, but that doesn’t mean His Majesty would personally…”

“Did he say we should pay?”

Otti’s mouth opened and closed. He didn’t know. He had only followed Count Maurice’s instructions.

Eliano smiled sweetly.

“The Emperor I know is a generous man. If we paid now, he might feel hurt. I couldn’t possibly offend him like that.”

Otti looked like he might faint again.

“If House Howard angers the sun of the Empire due to your mistake, can you take responsibility for that?”

Let me know if you’d like to continue with Chapter 81!