This Three-Year-Old Is A Villainess - Chapter 158
Daymond glared at Valdrich and spoke in a cold voice.
“Still swayed by others’ words? Even after losing half your territory because of your son’s lie?”
Valdrich, his face red, protested.
“Brother! I mentioned it out of concern, to check if it’s a curse…!”
As the argument seemed about to escalate, Deianira’s mother, Vasilia, intervened.
“What’s all this commotion on such a happy occasion? Stop it, in the presence of our father.”
Valdrich glanced surreptitiously at the Duke.
‘Eek!’
Despite the celebratory event of his eldest son becoming an ambassador, the Duke’s gaze was colder than ever.
Conrad, standing by Duke Astra, exchanged glances with Erylotte.
‘As expected. He noticed.’
It was natural for Duke Astra to be in a foul mood.
The position he had been eyeing was the central tower.
But the Emperor had merely given his eldest son the position of Foreign Ambassador.
‘The Emperor is trying to keep Astra’s power in check.’
It was no wonder Duke Astra was furious.
And despite the Emperor’s blatant attempt to check Astra’s influence…
The children were holding a congratulatory party without noticing it.
Seeing his seemingly thoughtless children made him even more frustrated.
Most of the second generation relied on Astra without planning to achieve anything on their own.
The only thing they were interested in was the Duke’s position.
‘There isn’t a single one who meets my expectations.’
Erylotte could see Duke Astra’s internal frustration clearly.
At that moment, the communication stone in her pocket glowed.
Recognizing the faint light seeping through the fabric, Erylotte carefully got up.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
She excused herself and left the banquet hall.
***
I found a secluded place and connected the communication.
It was Michelan who had contacted me.
[Miss.]
“What’s the matter?”
[I’ve found out who recently had a private meeting with the Emperor.]
‘As expected of Michelan!’
He’s so competent.
I asked, impressed.
“Who is it?”
[It’s Count Talos.]
“What’s going on with Count Talos these days?”
[He’s been very cheerful.]
“It’s clear enough.”
It was obvious.
Count Talos was likely to join the central tower.
[Yes.]
“Dig deeper into Count Talos’s background. There must be something.”
[How far should I go?]
“All the way.”
[Understood. And a gift has arrived from the palace.]
“A gift?”
[The Empress Dowager has sent you a card for the Imperial Tea Salon in the palace.]
‘What?’
I almost screamed.
‘The Imperial Tea Salon is personally hosted by the Empress Dowager.’
It’s held in winter, and only the ladies who have made the most outstanding contributions that year are invited.
Only the social elites attend, which means it’s a networking haven!
This was the gift the Empress Dowager was giving in exchange for the painting.
‘But I can’t show my excitement to Michelan.’
Michelan loved the late Empress, and the Empress Dowager was her rival.
The Empress Dowager even refused to have the late Empress’s coffin placed in the Imperial Mausoleum.
“Keep up the good work.”
[Yes.]
After ending the communication, I thought to myself.
‘Count Talos…’
Why him?
If it were a family that rivaled Astra, it might make sense, but Count Talos wasn’t that powerful.
Until recently, he was practically unknown.
No matter how I thought about it, it was strange.
It’s hard to believe the Emperor would treat Astra this way, knowing how Grandfather would react.
‘Would he dare to disregard Astra knowing what Grandfather would think?’
It would take incredible nerve to attempt such a thing.
Grandfather would undoubtedly pressure the Emperor.
‘Moreover…’
After hearing about Uncle Grimier’s appointment, I immediately asked Lady Gonalon about the atmosphere in the palace.
She said the palace was in complete chaos.
‘That means it wasn’t a unanimous decision.’
Even in the palace, not everyone supports the Emperor’s decisions.
Various factions support different agendas and receive benefits accordingly.
So.
‘I’ll figure it out once I dig deeper.’
I need to find out why the Emperor had no choice but to give the central tower position to Count Talos.
‘I need to find out and reclaim that position.’
Will I give that position to Uncle Grimier?
‘No. I’ll take it and give it to my father.’
Both the Foreign Affairs position and the central tower position will be ours.
I covered my mouth with both hands and giggled.
