I Married the Mad Duke Who Killed My Husband - Chapter 71
“Such classic methods.”
“It’s yawn-worthy.”
“I feel like crying.”
On the short road to the Imperial Court, we’re already experiencing our second ambush. While the knights outside quickly handle the situation, I click my tongue at the assassins who are now openly attacking.
“Still, it’s fortunate that most of this was within our expectations. We have plenty of time, and we’re almost at the palace road. We won’t be late.”
After headbutting Cassion’s chin – the same person who had crushed me against his chest while sleeping despite claiming he wouldn’t be able to sleep – we found our carriage wheel damaged when we finished preparations and came out.
But it was such a classic form of interference that we brought out another carriage we had secretly purchased and hidden elsewhere a few days ago.
“Lorang, relax and look outside. It’s been a while since you’ve seen the capital streets, hasn’t it? Look, you can even see the castle now.”
“What if an arrow comes flying when I stick my head out…! Be-besides, everyone is staring!”
“So what if they stare? It’s not like we’re transporting a criminal. Why are you hiding? You should be confident.”
The people on the streets momentarily flinched at the sight of the duke’s knights surrounding our carriage like clouds, but having heard rumors about the imperial trial, they cleared the way while stealing glances.
As the carriage entered the merchant street leading to the palace and slowly decreased its speed, we could hear people whispering outside.
‘How long has it been since the last imperial trial? The last trial was… when His Majesty was still the Crown Prince?’
‘It was about a high noble who attempted to poison the Crown Prince. What’s this one about?’
‘Haven’t you heard yet? It’s about…!’
The chattering people lowered their voices when it came to mentioning the Empress, as if hesitant to discuss it in the street.
But it was clear that news of this trial had spread even to the civilian population, despite the imperial family not making any official statements.
Though this too was actually my doing, having spread rumors through the duke’s servants.
“Greetings, Your Grace, Duchess. …And this is…”
Just as I was about to hum in satisfaction at this good start, the carriage stopped at the palace entrance. A guard came to check the carriage as a ceremonial inspection, pressing us subtly despite already knowing everything.
He probably wants us to confirm it ourselves. Well, we should oblige.
“This is Lorang. He will appear at the imperial trial.”
“…I see! He really looks… Ah, no. Please proceed.”
I couldn’t help but smile as I watched the guard hastily cover his mouth and wave us through.
Yes, he would look identical.
“I hope the information from His Highness the Second Prince was correct.”
“As long as they didn’t discover our person in the middle, it should be certain, Asil. They say he even prepares his clothes for the next day the night before.”
“How meticulous. What a helpful habit.”
“Thanks to that, people will get to see what the First Prince will look like in twenty years.”
I smiled back at Cassion as he joked with confidence. While we chuckled villainously, only Lorang, dressed in clothes nearly identical to what the First Prince would wear today, looked miserable.
It’s already obvious they’re father and son when placed side by side, so how flustered must he be with matching clothes and style? Though it’s certainly entertaining for us to watch.
“Wouldn’t it be better to style your hair in that annoying way too?”
“So you’ve always thought the First Prince was annoying.”
“I won’t deny it. He’s such an extreme aristocrat that he’d behead a maid if even a single hair fell out of place.”
“What?! The First Prince is that violent?”
When Lorang suddenly interrupted our conversation about the First Prince with a shrill voice, our eyes shot laser beams at him. The trial was right in front of us, yet he still wasn’t fully conditioned. And it wasn’t even a false story.
“Ah, no. I mean… my father…”
At least Lorang quickly caught the meaning of our glares and corrected himself. Though technically correct, it would be shocking for others to hear such a term.
“Rather than violent, he’s more of a cold-blooded person. Think of the Empress.”
Cassion relaxed his eyes and stepped out of the now-stopped carriage first. While watching for any possible last-minute assassination attempts, he extended his hand to me, but I shook my head.
It would be better to send Lorang out first.
“Go out first. Stand straight. It’s fine to show a bit of fear on your face, but you still need to appear confident.”
“Yes, yes, yes.”
Looking like his soul might leave his body, Lorang stepped out of the carriage with trembling legs. When he almost collapsed, Cassion caught him while conscious of others’ gazes, then handed him over to a knight before extending his hand to me again.
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
Cassion’s determination to be my escort, regardless of it being the trial day, was palpable. I suppressed a smile as I stepped out of the carriage.
I could feel gazes from all directions. But I’m not the type to be intimidated by such things. I’m made for the stage.
“See, that’s why I left his hair as it is.”
“Hmm?”
“He should resemble His Highness the First Prince, but without the intimidating or authoritative aura. We need to bring out his inherent pathos to evoke sympathy.”
As I whispered softly, Cassion looked around again.
The palace people’s gazes towards us, or more precisely towards Lorang, as we were guided to the Imperial Court by a servant, were filled with curiosity rather than tension.
At first glance, Lorang didn’t appear to be someone who would pose a threat to them. There’s no need to create unnecessary antipathy.
“Please enter this way. If you have any business before the trial starts at the exact time, you may call us or step outside.”
Finally, we’re at the Imperial Court. It didn’t feel real.
At the end of a vast room without windows, there was a high platform where the Emperor would sit. Right below it, seats were divided on both sides.
Behind were spaces for a few nobles who were permitted to speak.
It didn’t seem much different from the courtrooms in dramas from my past life. Except the verdict would be given by the Emperor, not a judge.
“It’s fine. But could you remove the drinks on the table?”
“Yes, Duchess.”
It seemed the First and Second Princes hadn’t arrived yet. When I frowned at the tea placed on our side, a waiting servant hurriedly cleared them away.
How could I drink tea that might be poisoned after several assassination attempts? I don’t want to experience that twice.
“Your Grace, Duchess. It’s been a while.”
Since our opponents were the First Prince and the Empress, it seemed the seats on the opposite side would only be filled just before the trial started.
As we were about to take our seats, a noble couple who had been sitting in the back space stood up and approached us.
It was the Baron Mayer couple.
“Indeed. The last time we met was at the jeweler’s.”
“Haha. You remember. We also enjoyed some delicious desserts together!”
Perhaps because we had agreed on opinions about jewels at the time, the Baron seemed more pleased to see me than Cassion. He spoke in a slightly louder voice, glancing back as if wanting to show off his relationship with us to other nobles.
“You’ve become even more beautiful since we last met… but your complexion seems a bit pale. Are you alright?”
“Thank you for your concern. I’m just nervous given the nature of the case…”
Nervous, my foot. It’s probably because of the makeup I applied to cover the faint bruise marks, making me look like I’ve lost my color. I’ve also lost some weight.
But it’s better to appear sorrowful like Lorang rather than too aggressive in making accusations.
I need to give the impression that ‘This situation is regrettable, but I had to step forward for justice. Despite my fears, it’s for His Majesty, the imperial authority, and ultimately, the empire.’
“Ah… Then this is…”
This time, the voice wasn’t too loud, but at that moment, everyone in the courtroom seemed to hold their breath.
As Cassion kicked Lorang’s heel discreetly, Lorang stepped forward reflexively and opened his mouth as instructed.
“I am Lorang.”
“Ah…!!”
It was just a name, but that was enough. Those invited to this trial would have been informed of the name of the person presumed to be ‘the First Prince’s father’.
Lorang’s trembling voice would sound to them like the voice of someone who had steeled his resolve.
“His Highness the First Prince and His Highness the Second Prince have arrived.”
And at that moment, the two princes entered the courtroom.
“…Oh my.”
Someone couldn’t suppress their exclamation and let out a small gasp. Cassion and I exchanged glances, inwardly smiling as we sensed success.
As expected, the First Prince appeared in attire similar to Lorang’s, and even their stiff expressions were strikingly alike.
“Please return to your seats.”
I whispered softly to the flustered Baron Mayer couple, and they bowed to the princes before hurriedly taking their seats.
Now that the war is beginning, the spectators just need to watch from there and spread the word far and wide.
