ILTDAMH|CHAPTER 116

Chapter 116 

Reunion with Cat

Several days had passed since the execution of Antwatte and Lucianne.

Ruan reported to the Emperor that he and Marican had held their wedding at the villa, and soon after, it was officially announced that Marican had become the Duchess of Canoluf.

Newspapers across the Empire printed the news on their front pages, declaring that Marican’s health had recovered and that she was now the Duchess of Canoluf.

After the deaths of kaymon and Diamond —the Empire’s two most powerful figures—and finally Antwatte, a fierce struggle for power erupted between the Imperial and noble factions.

Much of the public’s attention turned toward the Marquisate of Lipaide, the family of Princess Fione.

It was widely expected that Prince Harmon would ascend to the throne, and rumors circulated that his mother, Fiona, would become the new Empress.

However, Emperor Viseluk, well aware of Fiona’s brother Dominic’s ambitions—which rivaled even Kymon’s—surprised everyone by leaving the Empress’s seat vacant and entrusting all imperial authority to Petricia.

As a result, Fiona found herself in an awkward position: neither Empress nor common noble, but merely a royal consort who could offer Petricia advice.

Although Marican was now the Duchess of Canoluf, her influence in high society remained limited, allowing Bianca, the head lady-in-waiting, to continue holding true power within the palace.

Dominic, who had believed that Antwatte’s death would make him the Empire’s strongest political force, could only seethe as the tides shifted against him.

Meanwhile, Ruan—neutral as always—became Prince Harmon’s steadfast ally, balancing power between the Imperial and noble factions.

Emperor Viseluk’s plan to strengthen the Imperial authority rather than any single noble house began taking shape more swiftly than he had ever anticipated, thanks to Ruan’s efforts.

***

Winter, which had seemed endless, finally melted away. Spring arrived in the Empire.

The cold wind softened into gentle warmth, and the bare trees in the Duke’s garden sprouted new leaves, painting the estate in shades of green once more.

Now officially the Duchess, Marican devoted herself to learning noble etiquette and preparing for her debut in society.

“Someone’s here to see you, my lady.”

Lounging in the soft afternoon sunlight, Marican looked up from the book she had been reading beneath the garden tree. Edward tilted his head slightly.

“She said you’d know her if I said Cat.”

Cat?

The name made Marican’s eyes widen in surprise. It had been so long since she’d heard it. She hurriedly climbed down from the tree.

“Ed, bring her to the garden—and prepare tea and refreshments, please.”

“Yes, my lady.”

After Edward left, Marican sat at the table, lost in thought.

Cat… I haven’t seen her since we parted ways in Phenomenon Village. The last time was when I stopped by to see Elena about the cookies.

But why is she here now, all of a sudden?

“This way, miss.”

When Edward returned, leading Cat into the garden, Marican stood up with a bright smile and rushed toward her.

“Cat! It’s been so long! How have you been?”

“Lady Rosaline—no, Your Grace.”

The cat bowed, looking slightly awkward. It was clear she was stunned by how much Marican had changed since their time in Phenomenon.

“Oh, don’t be so formal. Come, sit down.”

Led by Marican’s warm hand, Cat took a seat and glanced around the garden.

She remembered calling this woman boss back in that little sandwich shop. Now, seated across from her, was the Duchess herself—hair neatly styled, makeup elegant, gown dazzling in the sunlight.

“You look completely different from the woman I met in Phenomenon Village. I mean… Your Grace.”

“Well, back then I was just the owner of a tiny sandwich shop. Do I look strange now? I’ve gained a bit of weight too, haven’t I?”

After Lucianne was sent to forced labor in the Axtupia mines and Penelope was exiled, Marican had fallen seriously ill.

The Duke’s household—and even Olivia and Ruan—had made such a fuss that she was practically forced to stay in bed and eat endlessly, which inevitably added a little weight.

Cat smiled. “No, not at all. You look wonderful—healthier, even. And that dress looks stunning on you.”

Marican glanced down at the gown and chuckled. “Right? Definitely an improvement over the old sandwich shop uniform. But you’ve changed too, Cat. You’ve grown prettier—and more mature.”

Cat grinned proudly. “Of course! I’m twenty now, you know.”

“Already? You’re an adult then.”

Marican smiled softly. Though Cat had grown up, she still looked as bright and adorable as ever.

“Milady, I’ve brought the tea and sweets.”

“Thank you, Cléa.”

Marican set the tea and pastries before Cat.

“So, how have you been? It must’ve been… what, six months since Phenomenon Village? Time flies. Are you still working at the Information Guild?”

Cat shook her head as she picked up a cookie.

“No, I quit. Actually, I’m planning to open a cookie shop with Elena.”

Elena?

Marican immediately remembered the kind, quiet woman she’d met last year at the cookie shop.

“Oh, right—you mentioned that before. You two wanted to open a bakery together.”

Cat blinked, surprised that Marican still remembered.

“You remembered that? Well, my sister signed a one-year contract with a city bakery, but now that the contract’s almost over, we tried to open our own shop. The problem is, the bakery she used to supply cookies to is blocking us.”

“Blocking you? Why? Anyone in the Empire should be free to open a shop.”

Cat nervously rolled her teacup between her fingers.

“I’m not sure, but Elena said the bakery owner has connections to the Imperial family. When they signed the deal, it was an exclusive contract—her cookies could only be sold there.”

Marican nodded thoughtfully.

That’s right. Ruan personally witnessed that contract when it was renewed last time… but it was only for a year. By now, it should’ve expired.

“The cookies got so popular that the owner’s afraid to lose customers if Elena opens her own shop.”

Marican frowned slightly.

Ah yes, that bakery was connected to the Lipaide family—a branch of the Marquis’s line. They threw their title around even back then. Seems they haven’t changed.

Setting her cup down, Marican asked, “That may be their concern, but what does it have to do with you and Elena not being able to rent a store?”

Cat hesitated before answering softly, “Elena said the owner’s a relative of a very powerful noble in the Imperial circle. Because of that, other landlords in the city are too scared to rent us space.”

Of course. With the Crown Prince behind the Lipaides, few would dare interfere.

“So… what is it you’d like me to help with?”

Cat fidgeted, hesitating again.

“Cat,” Marican said gently, “you came all this way to talk to me. Just tell me. I’ll help however I can.”

Cat finally gathered her courage.

“Elena wants to move to the countryside, but… there’s no guarantee the shop would do well there. And she already has loyal customers in the capital. We thought maybe we could find a small space just outside the city.”

“Outside the city, huh?”

Marican thought of the Canoluf Trading Company’s properties. Perhaps one of their buildings might be available.

“I’ll see what I can do. I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try to find out if there’s an empty shop.”

“Really? Thank you so much, Your Grace! Just knowing you’ll check means a lot to me.”

Marican laughed softly. “I haven’t done anything yet. Don’t thank me so soon.”

“No, truly. I didn’t even know if you’d agree to meet me. You’ve already been so kind to me—listening, welcoming me back so warmly… thank you.”

Marican took Cat’s hand gently.

“Cat, like I said before—you’re always welcome here. Come by anytime, alright?”

“Yes! Of course, Your Grace.”

“By the way,” Marican added teasingly, “you lied to me once, didn’t you?”

Cat blinked in confusion. “Me? I never lied to you.”

“You said Elena’s cookies tasted just like mine. If I could bake like that, I’d have opened a bakery years ago! I can’t even match her crumbs.”

“What—you’ve tried her cookies?” Cat looked astonished.

Marican smiled. “Of course. I’m one of her regular customers.”

“Wow, really?” Cat’s eyes widened in delight—then softened with worry.

“But… you won’t get in trouble for helping us, will you? The people we’re dealing with are connected to the Imperial family.”

Marican chuckled. “Oh? Now you’re worried about me?”

“I mean it! If it could cause problems, please don’t trouble yourself—”

“Cat, relax. I told you—I’ll help however I can. Don’t worry.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. Elena always said nobles only help when it benefits them, but… I guess she was wrong.”

“Oh, right—didn’t you once say Elena hates being called Lily?”

Cat smiled faintly. “Yeah. She said that name brings back bad memories, so I just call her Elena now.”

“I see… By the way, how can I contact you if I need to?”

Cat reached into her pocket and placed a small flare on the table.

“If you ever need me, shoot this into the air. I’ll come find you.”

Marican accepted it with a nod. “Alright. Take care of yourself—and if anything happens, come to me immediately.”

“Yes, Your Grace. Thank you. I’ll take my leave now.”

After a polite bow, Cat turned and left the garden, her steps light beneath the spring sun.