CMI 06

Chapter 06

Weeds of the Imperial Palace

Odette’s mother had once worked as a maid for Katarina and, by sheer chance, caught the Emperor’s attention.

But that was all.

“Even though you could never become his consort, why are you chasing after someone else’s man? Don’t you learn from how your mother died? They say daughters resemble their mothers—but it seems you inherited her stupidity too.”

Odette’s mother had failed even at becoming the Emperor’s mistress and gave birth to Odette alone.

It wasn’t uncommon for palace maids to occasionally bear illegitimate children with nobles, but the fact that the child happened to resemble the Emperor caused quite a stir within the palace—a fact Odette knew all too well.

The nurse who raised her often said, using this story, that she should live as though she were already dead.

• “Princess, you are not welcomed in this royal family. Whatever you hear, just accept it as your fate. Being a princess is already a privilege.”

Come to think of it, the nurse usually said this after Odette had been insulted as an illegitimate child—like after quarrels with Regina or Blake.

Whenever Odette returned from such humiliations, puffing up in frustration, her nurse would always tell her to endure.

• “Without any backing, standing out too much will only get you cut down. You must endure, Princess.”
• “But I was right!”
• “Think of the history books you like, Princess. Was Count Turen, who tried to stop the tyranny of Arcur III, executed for saying the wrong thing?”
• “…!”
• “Right or wrong doesn’t matter. Only strength matters.”

Her nurse’s advice was cold, but wise. And once Odette’s mind matured, she had followed it closely.

She confined herself to the palace, avoiding all social activity, living as if she were barely there.

Even when Regina struck her for no reason, or when Blake tried to provoke her with sharp words, Odette smiled and politely called them “Sister” and “Brother.”

Just like now.

‘Getting angry in a situation like this won’t help.’

She knew it in her head. That losing her temper now would make all the years of bowing her head and living in silence meaningless.

That it would push her further from the future she dreamed of—living quietly outside the palace.

‘Besides, Ellie still has the letter for Count Clovis.’

If she caused a scene now, it would make it difficult for Ellie to deliver the letter.

Regina tapped Odette’s temples with the fan she held, mocking her.

“Even as an illegitimate child, you should be grateful to be called a princess. It’s shameful to share the same surname as someone as shameless as you. Got it? Stay away from Duke Ertman and act your place.”

Behind her, Ellie clenched her teeth, muttering, “How can someone be like that…!”

Anyone would have lost their temper, but Odette had to endure. She was a weed in the Imperial Palace, with no backing.

“…Yes, I understand. I will not become involved with Duke Ertman again.”

So Odette smiled, as always. At least smiling meant she wouldn’t get slapped.

‘Endure. Just until we get a reply from Count Clovis.’

Though Walter’s sudden appearance had complicated things, the situation was not hopeless. Most importantly, thanks to Regina’s outburst, it was confirmed that Walter’s interference wasn’t orchestrated by Katarina or Regina.

‘I don’t know how Duke Ertman learned about my plan… but at least it hasn’t leaked to the Empress’ side.’

Once Regina’s tantrum ended and Ellie left to deliver the letter, Odette stared at a blank sheet of paper, calming the flutter in her chest.

‘There’s still plenty of time.’

She just had to get a reply from Count Clovis. Once she met him, everything would be resolved.

…Or so she thought.

Odette’s misfortune was far from over.

“Count Clovis… is ill and not seeing visitors?”

“Yes. He suddenly fell ill after returning from the victory celebration, and isn’t in a condition to meet anyone…”

Ellie had only left the letter with the steward. Odette’s face twisted in confusion.

“But he was fine when I saw him that day.”

“It didn’t seem like a lie. There was no one at his residence, so we had to go down to the townhouse.”

A noble’s townhouse was a private space, rarely used for receiving visitors—a place for long-term rest. That Louis had gone to the townhouse suggested he was truly unwell.

“Also, both the main residence and the townhouse were completely deserted. Everything was quiet.”

The evidence strongly suggested that Louis really was ill. The timing was just unfortunate.

‘He seemed fine when I gave him the note, but as soon as the feast ended, he fell ill?’

It was an awkward coincidence. It felt as though everything was conspiring to make her life difficult. Ellie seemed to sense it too, her expression anxious.

“Perhaps Your Highness should go yourself? They’d at least admit you if you’re the princess.”

“I’d love to, but… you know I just don’t have time for that right now.”

Since rumors had spread after Walter’s visit, Odette had only been approached by Regina and Katarina, the Empress herself.

Katarina, with her calm but sharp blue-eyed gaze, examined Odette as if to determine whether she posed a threat. Then she got to the point:

• “You know what’s happening now, so I won’t spell it out. You’ve received quite a few invitations. This has also put me and Rizi in a difficult position.”

Katarina’s words always followed this pattern: explain the situation, then hint at the request indirectly. Odette quickly understood what she was supposed to say.

• “I apologize for troubling you, Your Majesty. I’ll attend the events you deem suitable. That should calm the rumors a bit, so please don’t worry.”

In short, Katarina wanted Odette to go through the social circuit and deny the rumors.

Since Walter’s acknowledgment had some credibility, the gossip would not vanish entirely, but at least it would protect Regina’s pride.

Odette spent several days visiting social gatherings to explain herself. The sudden increase in events was manageable, but the reactions of those she explained to were what truly wore her down.

• “It seems Duke Ertman misunderstood something. I thought it was impossible from the start—balancing between the Third and Fourth Princesses…”

Those who dismissed her outright were easier to bear than those who subtly provoked her.

• “Perhaps you were hoping a bit when the rumor circulated, Your Highness? One never knows.”
• “Oh my, what are you saying to someone who might marry soon?”
• “Marvo’s son is a year older than you? Since you’re close in age, you could get along well.”

People tested her reactions, trying to see if she would lose her temper or become upset—like throwing stones at a caged animal for amusement.

‘This is the worst.’

Even though Odette avoided social events, the palace itself was effectively a massive social hall. She understood courtly behavior well, but such blatant mockery was hard to endure.

In just a few days, her face had grown pale and thin. She had to apply heavier makeup to conceal shadows under her eyes—a relief, at least, that Ellie was skilled with cosmetics.

“Still, Your Highness, you look beautiful.”

“I’m not fond of flattery, Ellie.”

“Ha! Have I ever flattered you? I’m always sincere.”

Ellie smiled and handed her a mirror. Odette’s reflection was indeed beautiful.

Her long lashes and round eyes gave her a pure, delicate appearance. Her thin frame highlighted the elegance of her neck and shoulders. Her deeper eyes and quiet presence gave off a melancholic air, triggering a strange instinct to protect her.

“Ellie, your makeup skills seem even better.”

“No, Your Highness—you’ve become more beautiful!”

Ellie smiled and added a thin veil over the shoulder of Odette’s dress. The dress was far more elaborate than what she usually wore, because she was attending a tea party with the Emperor.

Although royal family members were required to attend, Odette had often skipped these events under the pretense of illness. She could not avoid them now.

‘At least only royal family members sit at the main table… so I won’t be openly attacked.’

Still, she had to face Katarina, Regina, and Blake in one place. Odette sighed and rose.

“I should go now. Ellie, go see Count Clovis one more time. You need to get his answer, even if you have to push a little.”

“Yes, I will. Be careful, Your Highness—you haven’t slept well since yesterday.”

Odette yawned lightly and smiled, stepping out of the palace. But as Ellie said, she hadn’t slept well—she had been worrying about the marriage for days.

‘There’s really no time left.’

She had avoided it so far, but meeting the Emperor today meant she could no longer avoid discussions about the Marquis.

‘And once that topic comes up, marriage to the Marquis will become a certainty.’

That thought made Odette even more uneasy. She had to stop it, one way or another…

‘If necessary, I may have to play my strongest card.’

With a troubled mind, Odette headed to the tea party.

Until she reached the palace’s tea room, converted from a greenhouse, her mind was full of thoughts about Louis.

But once she arrived, she was utterly unable to think. She had no idea what awaited her there.