I’m the Only One Who Can Guide the Tyrant to Sleep - Chapter 21
Meriette stared at me blankly, as if trying to convey that she was willing to do anything to gain recognition from Duke Spiegel.
Seeing her expression, I knew I was right.
‘Just like the naughty cat Chocho. What matters most to both of you is your connections, isn’t it?’
In the fairy tale, the squirrel Moomoo used that knowledge to set a trap for the cat Chocho.
“Don’t you want to be recognized by Duke Spiegel? I can tell you the way.”
“A way? What is it?”
“Duke Spiegel likes strong creatures like himself. Show him your strength, just like Chocho did.”
Chocho had managed to impress the tiger by taking responsibility for all the bad things he had done before.
But a true master knows how to operate in the shadows. The tiger pretended to cherish animals on the surface while scheming in secret. To expose all the bad deeds I had committed in front of the tiger, it was a risky move.
The point where I found my inspiration was right here.
Just like Moomoo told Chocho, I smiled slyly and smoothly delivered the words I had prepared.
“If you want to appeal to Duke Spiegel, what do you need? You’ll need evidence of everything you’ve done so far.”
“Evidence?”
“Yes, just present that, and Duke Spiegel will believe in you.”
Meriette’s evidence would replace Moomoo’s confession at the tiger’s feast. If that was revealed, the Empress would cut ties with Meriette.
“But I’ve been careful not to leave any evidence behind all this time, so I don’t know what to present…”
Meriette muttered in confusion. It was as I had expected. She wouldn’t have done anything foolish enough to leave evidence behind.
Meriette looked desperate and shouted,
“How could this be? You’ve done so much for nothing. But if you have no evidence, even Her Majesty won’t be able to help you…”
“How can there be no way?”
“Hmm…”
“Please, just hear me out! I can do anything! Anything!”
Frustrated, Meriette exclaimed. I pretended to ponder the situation and then spoke the words I had prepared.
“If that’s the case… Well, there might be one last option.”
“What is it, what is it?”
I hesitated, as if there was no other choice.
“Perhaps… you could create some evidence.”
“Evidence?”
“Yes, deliberately create a list of all the things you’ve taken from the Crown Prince’s residence, like snacks or fabrics. Then explain how you used them for the Empress.”
While I said this, I couldn’t help but shiver. Meriette had likely stolen many things from Caesar. I wanted to put a stop to his actions right away, but for the greater good, I had to endure for now.
“Even snacks and fabrics? Why would I create evidence like that?”
“Because from now on, you’ll intentionally make evidence. You’ll create a list of everything you’ve taken and how you’ve used them for the Empress.”
I felt a chill down my spine as I said this. Meriette might have taken so much from Caesar. I wanted to put a stop to his actions right away, but for the greater good, I had to endure for now.
“Will that work? Will the Duke accept me if I do that?”
“It might be a bit awkward, considering that these pieces of evidence come after I promised to introduce you. Whether the Duke believes it or not will depend on luck.”
I raised my head with a reluctant expression, not giving Meriette any time to doubt.
“Right now, right now is the time! If you do this, will it work?”
“Well… If I explain it well, it’s not impossible.”
“Please! Seriously, look at all the things I’ve done so far! The Crown Prince can’t do anything without me!”
I nodded with a sympathetic expression while fighting back the disgust in my eyes.
“Yes, because even the Empress knows of your loyalty, Meriette. I’ll explain it well.”
“Really?”
“But please prepare as quickly as possible. The Empress doesn’t like to wait.”
“Of course, thank you so much!”
***
With light footsteps, I headed towards the market near the palace. It was for Floria.
‘I should buy a few snacks for her from the market.’
Floria could only eat healthy snacks strictly managed within the palace. But what’s good for the body might not be so for the taste buds.
Floria, who had tasted the snacks sold in the market by chance, had been begging me to buy them for her ever since.
‘I usually refuse, but today’s a good day.’
Thanks to Floria, I had the chance to read the fairy tale book, and that’s how I got the hint to deal with Meriette!
As I remembered Meriette, who had clung to my hand to express her gratitude, a song almost escaped my lips.
‘She’s so foolish.’
After our conversation, any trace of sympathy I had for her had vanished. She was truly malicious. She had no guilt for tormenting Caesar.
‘Now, there’s only one thing left for Meriette.’
She would willingly offer me the evidence of her own downfall. All I had to do was make it public.
