I Ended Up Saving the Duke Who Was Meant to Die - Chapter 6.9
The temple wouldn’t work with the imperial family to capture me. Michaelo would keep quiet about my power until the end. He had no intention of giving up everything he currently enjoyed.
After all, if my existence as the only one with healing power was revealed, not only would he be unable to take my power, but his position would also be threatened. It was natural for people to find it strange that I could do what the High Priest couldn’t.
“Eliza. Please don’t get hurt. I want the Blake household members to be safe. I hope you won’t be in danger while I’m gone.”
I was anxious about not being able to help in emergency situations. I could only hope everything would end well.
It seemed like everyone from the Blake household had come out. I felt like a general heading to battle alone. Everyone’s gazes were both wistful and filled with worry and concern.
“I’ll be going now.”
“Irene, how about changing your mind even now? There must be other ways without you having to go.”
“My mind won’t change. If we delay any longer, he might notice. Then there will be greater damage than now.”
Severus held my hand tightly and wouldn’t let go. I couldn’t easily take a step away from the warmth I felt in my hand. We understood each other perfectly without many words.
“The moment you launch the flare, the knights will enter immediately. Even if you can’t launch it, I will come looking for you after a certain time has passed.”
I looked at the flare in my hand.
“You’ll encounter the priests. They’ve been trained since childhood, so be careful. I won’t be able to save everyone.”
“We’ll try to minimize conflict.”
“Then, see you later.”
I lightly kissed his cheek and got into the carriage.
***
The Emperor felt uneasy due to Severus’s sudden arrival at the palace. Moreover, he was puzzled by the presence of other noble families who had come along.
“Duke! Are you planning treason? Where has the loyalty of House Blake gone, who swore allegiance to the imperial family?”
“I never expected the imperial family I swore to serve with my whole being would become this corrupt, to the point where nothing can be done.”
“Duke Blake!”
Bang! The Emperor shouted, striking the table. His voice filled with rage and his bulging eyes flashed threateningly.
“The imperial guards will arrive soon. The families who support me won’t stand idle. That witch is finally sending you to hell, Duke. Though this is what I wanted, are the others prepared to take responsibility for their choices?”
The Emperor’s eyes were filled with madness.
“First, this needs to be explained. Everyone is waiting for Your Majesty’s answer, so whether this becomes treason or follows proper legal procedures remains to be seen.”
“Duke Bastian, how could you side with Duke Blake? After all I’ve done for you. You dare betray me?”
“If there are problems with the imperial family, it is our duty to correct them properly.”
“How dare…!”
“Now then, please explain. The source of these funds that went into the imperial accounts and these documents. You’ll need to prove you haven’t colluded with the temple. Otherwise, when the imperial citizens learn of this, there will be unstoppable riots.”
Severus said while showing the documents to the Emperor.
“We have the Crown Prince in our custody. In case Your Majesty might have other thoughts.”
“How dare you…!”
At that moment, the door burst open.
“Father!”
The Imperial Princess rushed into the audience chamber. Her face turned pale, and when she discovered the nobles gathered in the chamber, she stepped back.
‘Something’s wrong.’
The way they looked at her was different from usual. She swallowed hard at their cold gazes. Her mouth went dry.
“…Sereny. What is this lack of manners? Return to your room at once!”
The Emperor’s voice overflowed with anger. Judging by their uniformly dark expressions, they must have heard the news.
“I’m sorry. It was urgent, but…!”
The Imperial Princess apologized for her behavior while bowing her head. Even in this situation, Severus, who was there with the others, didn’t spare her a glance.
“Sereny!”
The Emperor called her name again. Sereny’s body flinched. She bit her lip as she saw the gazes of those looking at her.
‘He knew. He knew this would happen!’
She ground her teeth. Could he have gone mad after falling for that witch? After showing such restraint until now, he wouldn’t bare his fangs without good reason.
“Take the Imperial Princess away immediately!”
At the Emperor’s thundering command, a knight hurriedly dragged Sereny away. Sereny wanted to believe all of this was a lie.
“It’s because of that devilish woman! All of this! That woman the Duke brought must be trying to destroy the empire!”
Sereny screamed while looking at Severus.
“Devil? I wonder who the real devil is. The imperial family who profits from buying and selling children, entrusting all sorts of dirty work to the temple while pretending to be pure and deceiving people or a woman with the power to save lives. Which one is the devil?”
“…What?”
“High Priest Michaelo secretly created an organization within the temple. Using children with exceptional abilities, they’ve been killing those who oppose or disturb the imperial family under the pretext of ‘missions.’ Think of the suddenly disappeared families, and you’ll have your answer.”
Severus revealed the truth behind the temple’s corruption and the imperial family’s decay. And in the process, he disclosed information about Irene, the most important figure.
“My wife, Irene von Blake. She has abilities that others don’t possess. High Priest Michaelo has been hiding her existence until now to monopolize her.”
“Are you saying that red-haired woman is some kind of saint? Nonsense!”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
Only then did the Imperial Princess realize from Severus’s confident expression. That there wasn’t a shred of lie in what he was saying. She finally understood why High Priest Michaelo had tried to protect Irene.
The imperial family had essentially been deceived by the temple.
