Brigitte was unable to reveal her identity, making it impossible for her to enter the Warp Portal Administration, where identity verification was strict.
She had to continue her overnight journey back to the capital, relying on stolen horses and food.
'Just wait and see, Evienrose! Once we reach the Imperial City, I will definitely repay this disgrace and humiliation a hundredfold, a thousandfold!'
After ten days, Brigitte looked like a beggar.
The robe she had stolen was tattered, her unwashed body smelled, and her complexion was haggard and worn out, save for her eyes.
‘Damn, the wound on my left shoulder hasn’t even completely healed..."
The stolen herbs were all gone. The water was flowing and the stench was getting worse.
Given these circumstances, the crossing of the West was bound to become increasingly slower.
The only good thing was that Eve had lagged far behind Bridette, having been searching through the ravaged western regions one by one. Brigette, as always, was triumphant in spirit, saying that heaven had helped her cause.
Four days had passed since then. After two long weeks of hardship, Brigitte finally succeeded in arriving at the ecliptic Hadelun before Eve.
'Yes! It's done now!'
Returning to the imperial palace, she felt like her noble pride as a Princess, which had been diminished over time, was somewhat restored.
'I have to meet my uncle first.'
Brigitte's plan was this.
First, go to the Marquis of Lamekal's mansion and receive protection. Of course, she will be provided with a rich meal, a bath prepared with care by the servants, and a warm and cozy bed.
After that, with a clear mind, she can devise a plan to strike Eve together with Marquis Lamekal.
'Perfect. I can finally get rid of that Evienrose.'
So Brigitte, full of dreams, went to Lamekal's mansion.
But the moment I reached the crossroads, I felt something strange.
The streets were extremely dirty, unusual for an area with so many noble residences.
All sorts of trash were strewn about, and the walls of the mansion were even covered in foul language and filth.
Even in front of the main gate of the Marquis' residence, which was the destination, there were at least a hundred people gathered.
'What, what is it?'
Brigitte hurriedly hid in a narrow alley and checked the situation.
The people were threateningly wielding poker and wooden clubs. Some of them were even carrying torches in broad daylight.
The people shouted loudly.
“Bring out the Marquis of Lamekal!”
“Give me my money back!”
“Hotbed of corruption! Hang the lame knife!”
The people were protesting, denouncing the crimes of Marquis Lamekal.
'What the heck?! What the heck is going on?!'
Brigitte was so embarrassed that she stepped back. Then, among the trash that was falling at her feet, a newspaper rustled and she stepped on it. Brigitte picked them up and read them all.
"Ah!"
The content that was given special coverage was truly shocking.
[Shocking] A bigger scandal revealed through illegal gambling! The unprecedented summoner of Hellgate is none other than Marquis Lamekal!
Among the nobles who frequented the illegal gambling houses were collateral members of Lamekal, and the source of their gambling funds is believed to be donations received by the Lamekal Foundation.
The foundation run by Lamekal has been revealed to be a hotbed of bribery and money laundering, and all those involved are being questioned strictly... (omitted)... The people are furious, saying that there is no other devil in the guise of an angel, as they use good deeds as a signboard to satisfy their selfish desires.
[Exclusive] A truth game with twists and turns! A necklace made of 181 diamonds, ‘Tears of Alcione’
What is the story behind the fact that it was put up for auction?
Marquis Lamekal, who had been continuously denying the charges, bowed his head in silence after being cross-examined by Baron Livius... (omitted) ... The people are reacting with chills at the surprise twist that hit them in the back of the head, asking, “Is it Lamekal again?”
[Breaking News] The never-ending Lamekal Gate! Where will the corrupt officials from hell end?
It has been revealed that Marquis Lamekal has been exercising influence throughout the selection process for the royal-commissioned business.
In particular, there is a report that the Marquis of Lamekal had a strong influence on the appointment of Baron Ecum, who was in charge of issuing national bonds this time... (omitted)... The people are distrustful of the central political world, saying that there is no other corrupt official like him...
“What, what the heck is this...!”
Brigitte had a hard time coming to her senses as the corruption was dug up like potato roots. But it wasn't over yet. The last article had delivered the final blow.
[Shocking & Exclusive & Breaking News] Hell's greedy government official, turning the people into enemies at all costs!
It was discovered that Baron Ecum sold permanent subordinated bonds as if they were the national bonds of the Evil Dragon subjugation war. He created a permanent financial company and used the method of attracting the hard-earned money of the people and then going bankrupt. (Omitted) The mastermind who protected Baron Ecum was surprisingly revealed to be Marquis Lamekal.
This was absolutely unbearable. Brigitte felt her mind going blank.
Brigitte stood there dumbfounded, her expression blank. It was only after a long time that her anger began to surge.
“This crazy uncle! He told me to be careful with my work, and yet he did something like this?!”
Even if there was an accident, did it have to happen at this exact time? Lamekal is Brigitte's relative in name and reality. It's not enough to support her from behind, instead, it's like he's holding her back with the guilt-by-association system!
She wanted to scream and curse, but she held back because she didn't have the energy. Instead, she gritted her teeth and thought.
'Damn it! Since it's come to this, we have to fight head-on. Let's go to the palace first.'
Brigitte made a bold decision and then consoled herself.
Wasn't this an accusation of treason? Brigitte was on the side of justice and righteousness, while Eve was on the side of evil. It was certain that Desmond II would side with Brigitte as soon as he heard of the situation.
'It's only a matter of time before Eve is executed once she meets my Father!'
Brigitte headed to the palace, her thoughts depressed by hunger.
Meanwhile, Eve was looking after the survivors of the last village and finishing basic situation management.
She entered a nearby city with three hundred imperial knights, from where she planned to take a warp portal straight to the palace.
“Seventh Princess! The hero who caught the demon dragon!”
“Long live the 7th Princess!”
As soon as they entered, the people on the street welcomed Eve and the Imperial Knights. This happened in every town and city they passed through. Eve, who had become quite accustomed to it, smiled leisurely and even waved.
Michael, who was performing his duties next to her, spoke with a proud voice.
“Wherever you go, people praise you.”
“Michael has a great share in this honor.”
Eve responded by grabbing Michael's hand and lifting it up as if to show off. The cheers of the people grew louder.
The warp portal was located in the Great Library. In front of the magnificent treasure trove of knowledge, the lord of the region was waiting with his vassals. After receiving their hospitality, she entered the Great Library and there was already someone from the palace waiting to greet her.
“Your Highness! Welcome!”
“Ah, Alben! What, did we come this far? We’ll be heading to the capital soon.”
The two men closed the distance without saying who would go first. A moving reunion followed.
“Ah! Your Highness, I am glad to see that you are safe and sound without any injuries. Also, I don’t know if it’s just my mood, but you look very dignified. Seeing Your Highness as a national hero again brings tears to my eyes as a subject... Ahhhhhh!”
“Oh my, you really are a very soft-hearted person..."
The look on his face was genuine. The sadness in Eve's eyes as she looked at Alben was genuine.
Alben also shared a post-reunion with Michael.
“Sir Agnito, come too.”
“Please speak comfortably. Aren’t you my brother?”
“Oh, no. You will soon become the Emperor, so I should be respectful.”
“I like this ordering of the hierarchy.”
After sharing the emotional aftermath, it was time to report. Alben stood close to Eve and whispered.
“I have completed all the work you instructed. The Imperial City is in chaos.”
“Are the citizens okay?”
“Of course. His Majesty has identified and tied up all of Baron Ecum’s assets, including his slush funds. Thanks to this, the financial damage to the people is estimated to be minimal or non-existent. This fact will be announced tomorrow.”
“Yes, don’t waste too much time.”
“I have made arrangements so that the people can vent their anger by destroying things. I have authorized a purge rally in front of the Marquis’ residence. I have also ordered the guards to just stand by and watch.”
“As expected of you. You did very well.”
Alben puffed out his chest in pride at the compliment.
Then Eve asked with a serious face.
“How about Sir Millard?”
Sylvestian, who was badly injured, was first sent to the palace after urgent measures. He was currently recovering in Eve's quarters.
Alben answered as if he felt sorry.
“His body is recovering well, but he still haven’t regained consciousness.”
“Whew, he's definitely getting better, but he can’t open his eyes... Why is that?”
“Don’t worry too much. Lady Arpel is taking care of him. Besides, Her Highness the 8th Princess often comes to check on him.”
“Rosie?” Eve opened her eyes wide in surprise.
“Yes. They say she comes every day to watch over him for a few hours before leaving. Lady Granice said that she seemed very worried, so I thought that the 8th Princess had grown tired of harassing Lord Millard and abandoned him, but she said she saw him again... Huh! Forget what I just said!”
“Yeah, okay.”
Eve answered dryly, lost in thought. Hearing the news that Rosenite was taking care of Sylvestian brought new emotions in many ways.
]
'Our Rosie has changed.'
At that time, Alben opened his mouth to change the subject and suddenly remembered something.
“Now that I think about it, the Third Princess must have arrived in the Imperial City soon.”
“Yeah. She should be heading to the palace by now. If things go well, we might run into each other.”
“Wow, she's even thinking about going to the imperial palace? She must have the spirit of a fire den to keep dragging her feet.”
'Our Rosie has changed.'
At that time, Alben opened his mouth to change the subject and suddenly remembered something.
“Now that I think about it, the Third Princess must have arrived in the Imperial City soon.”
“Yeah. She should be heading to the palace by now. If things go well, we might run into each other.”
“Wow, she's even thinking about going to the imperial palace? She must have the spirit of a fire den to keep dragging her feet.”
Alben laughed wickedly in excitement. Eve, on the other hand, smiled kindly. However, the words that came out of her mouth were completely different.
“You're stupid. You need to realize that being locked up is the only way to get better.”
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